Holy Communion
A warm welcome to the parish church of All Saints with Holy Trinity.
Today marks the beginning of Holy Week when through the liturgy of the church we enter in to the last week of the life of Jesus. In the drama of today’s service we join with the crowds crying Hosanna and Crucify.
The services that follow on Mandy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Eve lead us to the joyous celebration of the resurrection on Easter Sunday. Full details are on the weekly pew sheet.
Children are always welcome in church and we understand that they do not always find it easy to be quiet! There is a parent led crèche in the Trinity Room at the front of church where the service can be heard through a loud speaker if they get really restless particularly through the long Passion Reading in today’s service.
For families attending Children's Church in Fearon Hall, this will begin after the Palm Gospel story. We shall be recalling Jesus washing the disciples feet before coming across to the church building in time to receive communion.
All those who have been baptised in any church tradition are welcome to receive communion here. Currently the bread is dipped into the wine by the minister and then placed in your hand. If you need a gluten free wafer please speak to one of the stewards before the service.
We are still asking members of the congregation to wear a face mask (unless exempt) when entering and moving around the building and to consider leaving it on throughout the service. If you wish to remove it please sit in the outer aisles and towards the back of church. This is to support members of our congregation who would otherwise feel unable to attend worship, so thank you for your help .
If you wish to make a financial gift today towards the work of All Saints and the upkeep of our historic building, you can do so after the service using either cash or the card machine. If All Saints is your regular place of worship please consider making a regular donation through the Parish Giving Scheme, details of which are available from our stewards.
Our service begins on the Parish Green. Palm crosses are distributed and informal words of welcome are given. Once the service begins please join in with the words in bold type.
Commemoration of the Lord’s Entry into Jerusalem
Gathering Songs
Come all you people
Come and praise your maker
Come all you people
Come and praise your maker
Come all you people
Come and praise you maker
Come now and worship the Lord
Uyai mose, tinamate mwari
Uyai mose, tinamate mwari
Uyai mose, tinamate mwari
Uyai mose zvino
A Shona song
Sanna, sannanina,
Sanna, sanna, sanna.
Sanna, sannanina,
Sanna, sanna, sanna.
Sanna, sanna, sanna, sannanina,
Sanna, sanna, sanna.
Sanna, sanna, sanna, sannanina,
Sanna, sanna, sanna.
A song from South Africa
Grace, mercy and peace
from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ
be with you.
and also with you.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, during Lent we have been preparing by works of love and self-sacrifice for the celebration of our Lord’s death and resurrection. Today we come together to begin this solemn celebration in union with the Church throughout the world. Christ enters his own city to complete his work as our Saviour, to suffer, to die, and to rise again. Let us go with him in faith and love, so that, united with him in his sufferings, we may share his risen life.
The people hold up palms or branches while this prayer is said
God our Saviour,
whose Son Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem as Messiah to suffer and to die;
let these palms be for us signs of his victory
and grant that we who bear them in his name
may ever hail him as our King,
and follow him in the way that leads to eternal life;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Ride on Jesus, ride, Ride on Jesus ride,
Ride on Jesus, conquering King,
Ride on Jesus, ride. (Repeat)
King Jesus rides on a milk white horse,
Ride on Jesus, ride.
The river Jordan he did cross,
Ride on Jesus, ride.
Ride on Jesus, conquering King,
Ride on Jesus, ride.
My Jesus lifted his throne above,
Ride on Jesus, ride.
See his mercy and his love,
Ride on Jesus, ride.
Ride on Jesus, conquering King,
Ride on Jesus, ride.
Hosanna to the Blessed One,
Ride on Jesus, ride.
Hosanna to the King of Peace,
Ride on Jesus, ride.
Ride on Jesus, conquering King,
Ride on Jesus, ride.
Ride on Jesus, conquering King,
Ride on Jesus, ride.
The Palm Gospel Story is told by members of Children’s Church
The Palm Procession
We process across the Parish Green to the west door of the church singing as we go. The servers will lead the way followed by the choir. Those attending Children's Church process in to Fearon Hall, they will rejoin us in the church building in time for Communion.
Sanna, sannanina,
Sanna, sanna, sanna.
Sanna, sannanina,
Sanna, sanna, sanna.
Sanna, sanna, sanna, sannanina,
Sanna, sanna, sanna.
Sanna, sanna, sanna, sannanina,
Sanna, sanna, sanna.
We gather by the west door.
Hosanna to the Son of David, the King of Israel
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest
Processional Hymn
During the hymn we process into the main body of the church to our seats and remain standing
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
Hark! All the tribes hosanna cry.
O Saviour meek, pursue thy road,
with palms and scattered garments strowed.
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die.
O Christ, thy triumphs now begin
o'er captive death and conquered sin.
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
The winged squadrons of the sky
look down with sad and wondering eyes
to see the approaching sacrifice.
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
The last and fiercest strife is nigh.
The Father on his sapphire throne
awaits his own anointed Son.
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die.
Bow thy meek head to mortal pain,
then take, O God, thy pow'r and reign.
The Collect
Let us pray for a closer union with Christ in his suffering and in his glory.
Silence is kept
Almighty and everlasting God,
who in your tender love towards the human race
sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to take upon him our flesh
and to suffer death upon the cross:
grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility,
and also be made partakers of his resurrection;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
The Liturgy of the Word
Reading from Isaiah 50.4-9a
The Lord God has given me
the tongue of a teacher,
that I may know how to sustain
the weary with a word.
Morning by morning he wakens—
wakens my ear
to listen as those who are taught.
The Lord God has opened my ear,
and I was not rebellious,
I did not turn backward.
I gave my back to those who struck me,
and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;
I did not hide my face
from insult and spitting.
The Lord God helps me;
therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame;
he who vindicates me is near.
Who will contend with me?
Let us stand up together.
Who are my adversaries?
Let them confront me.
It is the Lord God who helps me;
who will declare me guilty?
All of them will wear out like a garment;
the moth will eat them up.
Here ends the reading
Thanks be to God.
An instrumental version of the Gospel Acclamation that we have been using drawing Lent is played as the Passion readers take their place. Please remain seated.
The Passion Reading
Mark 14.32-52
They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’ He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, ‘I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.’ And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, ‘Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.’ He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’ And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. He came a third time and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.’
Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.’ So when he came, he went up to him at once and said, ‘Rabbi!’ and kissed him. Then they laid hands on him and arrested him. But one of those who stood near drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.’ All of them deserted him and fled.
A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked.
Silence is kept before the choir sings Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Prayers of Intercession
For forgiveness for the many times we have denied Jesus,
let us pray to the Lord,
Lord have mercy.
For the grace to seek out those habits of sin which mean spiritual death,
and by prayer and self-discipline to overcome them,
let us pray to the Lord,
Lord have mercy.
For Christian people,
that through the suffering of disunity
there may grow a rich union in Christ,
let us pray to the Lord,
Lord have mercy.
For those who make laws, interpret them, and administer them,
that our common life may be ordered in justice and mercy,
let us pray to the Lord,
Lord have mercy.
For those who still make Jerusalem a battleground,
let us pray to the Lord,
Lord have mercy.
For those who have the courage and honesty to work openly for
justice and peace,
let us pray to the Lord,
Lord have mercy.
For those in the darkness and agony of isolation,
that they may find support and encouragement,
let us pray to the Lord,
Lord have mercy.
For those who, weighed down with hardship, failure, or sorrow,
feel that God is far from them,
let us pray to the Lord,
Lord have mercy.
For those who are tempted to give up the way of the cross,
let us pray to the Lord,
Lord have mercy.
That we, with those who have died in faith,
may find mercy in the day of Christ
let us pray to the Lord,
Lord have mercy.
Holy God,
holy and strong,
holy and immortal,
have mercy upon us
Amen.
The Liturgy of the Sacrament
The Peace
Once we were far off, but now in union with Christ Jesus we have been brought near through the shedding of Christ’s blood, for he is our peace.
The peace of the Lord be always with you
and also with you.
Let us offer one another a sign of peace.
We offer a sign of peace to one another from our seats.
Offertory Hymn
During this hymn bread and wine are brought forward and the altar-table is prepared. A symbol of gifts of the people are presented and the president gives thanks for the money that is offered.
From heaven you came, helpless babe,
entered our world, your glory veiled;
not to be served, but to serve,
and give your life that we might live.
This is our God, the Servant King,
he calls us now to follow him,
to bring our lives as a daily offering
of worship to the Servant King.
There in the garden of tears,
my heavy load he chose to bear;
his heart with sorrow was torn,
‘Yet not my will but yours,’ he said.
Come, see his hands and his feet,
the scars that speak of sacrifice,
hands that flung stars into space
to cruel nails surrendered.
So let us learn how to serve,
and in our lives enthrone him;
each other’s needs to prefer,
for it is Christ we’re serving.
Taking of the Bread and Wine
Jesus, true vine and bread of life,
ever giving yourself that the world might live,
let us share your death and passion:
make us perfect in your love.
Amen.
The priest washes their hands symbolising our desire to come together at the Lord’s table with pure hearts and minds.
The Eucharistic Prayer
The Lord be with you
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give thanks and praise.
The priest praises God for His mighty acts and all respond
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he, O blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest,
Hosanna in the highest.
The priest recalls the Last Supper and then this acclamation is used
Jesus Christ is Lord:
Lord, by your cross and resurrection you have set us free.
You are the Saviour of the world.
The prayer continues leading into the final words of praise
. . . for ever and ever. Amen.
We kneel or sit and observe a period of silence
The Lord’s Prayer
As our Saviour taught us so we pray
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
Breaking of the Bread
Every time we eat this bread and drink this cup,
we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
The communion assistants come to the front as we sing together
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
grant us peace.
Giving of Communion
The priest gives an invitation to communion.
Jesus is the Lamb of God
who takes away the sin of the world.
Blessed are those who are called to his supper.
Lord, I am not worthy to receive you,
but only say the word, and I shall be healed.
Please come forward when directed and fold your arms across your chest if you wish to receive a prayer instead of the bread & wine. As we share communion music may be played and then we all join in singing the communion hymns as follows.
Here is love, vast as the ocean,
loving kindness as the flood,
when the Prince of Life, our Ransom,
shed for us His precious blood.
Who His love will not remember?
Who can cease to sing His praise?
He can never be forgotten
throughout heaven's eternal days.
On the mount of crucifixion
fountains opened deep and wide;
through the floodgates of God's mercy
flowed a vast and gracious tide.
Grace and love, like mighty rivers,
poured incessant from above,
and heaven's peace and perfect justice
kissed a guilty world in love.
*
How deep the Father's love for us?
How vast beyond all measure?
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss?
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many souls to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there,
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life —
I know that ‘it is finished.’
I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart,
His wounds have paid my ransom.
Prayer after Communion
A brief silence is kept.
Lord Jesus Christ,
you humbled yourself in taking the form of a servant,
and in obedience died on the cross for our salvation:
give us the mind to follow you
and to proclaim you as Lord and King,
to the glory of God the Father.
Amen.
Faithful God,
may we who share this banquet
glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
our salvation, life and hope,
who reigns as Lord now and for ever. Amen.
The Dismissal
Notices
The Blessing
May the Father, who so loved the world that he gave his only Son, bring you by faith to his eternal life.
Amen.
May Christ who accepted the cup of sacrifice in obedience to the Father’s will, keep you steadfast as you walk with him the way of his cross.
Amen.
May the Spirit, who strengthens us to suffer with Christ that we may share his glory, set your minds on life and peace.
Amen.
And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.
Recessional Hymn
As we sing our final hymn the servers and ministers process to the west door for the final part of the service. Children are welcome to join in if they wish. Please turn to face them as the procession passes by.
My song is love unknown,
my Saviour's love to me,
love to the loveless shown,
that they might lovely be.
O who am I,
that for my sake
my Lord should take
frail flesh, and die?
He came from his blest throne,
salvation to bestow;
but men made strange, and none
the longed-for Christ would know.
But O, my Friend,
my Friend indeed,
who at my need
his life did spend!
Sometimes they strew his way,
and his sweet praises sing;
resounding all the day
hosannas to their King.
Then ‘Crucify!’
is all their breath,
and for his death
they thirst and cry.
They rise, and needs will have
my dear Lord made away;
a murderer they save,
the Prince of Life they slay.
Yet cheerful he
to suffering goes,
that he his foes
from thence might free.
Here might I stay and sing:
no story so divine;
never was love, dear King,
never was grief like thine!
This is my Friend,
in whose sweet praise
I all my days
could gladly spend.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
In the name of Christ. Amen.
Please join us for refreshments after the service which are served at the front of church for those who feel able to stay. Please do not gather in the doorways to allow those who need to leave to do so easily. The ministers will be outside for a little while after the service to greet those who are leaving before re-joining others for refreshments.
Full details of the daily Holy Week Services are on your pew sheet.
Please take this service sheet home with you and recycle it.