CONFESSION AND PARDON
L: My Sisters and brothers, Christ shows us his love by becoming a humble servant. Let us draw near to God and confess our sin the in the truth of God’s Spirit.
P: Most merciful God, we your church confess that our own spirits have not been a reflection of the Christ within. So many times we have failed to love one another as Christ loves us. We have failed to let the light and love of the Christ shine in and through us. We have faltered in the pledge of loyalty we made to the Christ with our lips, because we did not acknowledge him to others as a very real and significant part of our lives. Reserving him for our Sunday lives is akin to ignoring him, or worse denying him. Forgive us, O Lord, we pray; and by your Spirit make us faithful everyday and in every time of trial through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
L: Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ. But Jesus has brought us this evening to the Passover table to give thanks and praise to Almighty God who has given us life and breath, love and everlasting covenant. God has never abandoned humanity, but has remained steadfast even when we turned away. Tonight the beloved ONE of God invites us to the remember and celebrate the Passover while embracing a new covenant. At this table of remembrance Jesus offers the bread of life and the cup of redemption. Time after time we have not understood what God has done for us and time after time the holy one has interceded for us. Jesus dines tonight in the company of those who betrayed, deserted and denied him and still he offers grace. In the name of Christ you are forgiven!
P: In the name of the Christ, you are forgiven! Glory be to God. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
The question was asked at the time of his birth “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? That child grew to manhood and on the day of his baptism heard the voice from heaven saying: “This is my Son, the beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” The devil knew him as the Son of God, yet this king, this beloved, this son, aspired to no grand and glorious throne; rather he sought to gather us in, to change us and make us light for the world with his urgent message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near!” Would you laugh, cheer or cry if you saw the king of kings coming to you, humble and mounted on a donkey? Our response to that sight would be a telling moment as well as a moment of decision.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Merciful God, this evening we remember how Jesus, knowing that his end was near kept faith with you and with his disciples celebrating the Passover with all of them. Bless the gifts we offer this evening. We do not make this offering as atonement for sins. We are not trying to purchase your goodwill or favor. These are a pledge of commitment, as we embrace our covenant with you. We offer them gratefully, trusting that you will guide their purpose, in the name of the Christ. Amen.
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