March 28 Bulletin

Palm Sunday Claremont United Church of Christ Sunday, March 28, 2021 10:00 am We are an Open and Affirming congregation, welcoming into our full life and ministry persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, races, socioeconomic status, faith experiences, countries of origin, and abilities. Jesus welcomes everyone and so do we!

A CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP CLAREMONT UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST PRELUDE Lift High the Cross arr. Bock Susan Achuff, piano Carey Robertson, organ INTROIT Just a Closer Walk With Thee WELCOME CALL TO WORSHIP One: Jesus rode before the people on a donkey, revealing the kind of king he is: All: A humble, kind leader who meets us where we are and invites us into living grace-filled lives. One: As we worship together this day, may we be willing to follow Christ in this parade of humility and generosity. All: Let us proclaim that true power and strength come when we set ourselves free. OPENING HYMN All Glory, Laud, and Honor ST. THEODULPH All glory, laud, and honor to you, O Christ, we sing, to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring! The people of the Hebrews with palms adorned your way; our praise and prayer and anthems we offer you this day. As you received their praises, receive our prayers today, whose justice and whose mercy and sovereignty hold sway. All glory, laud, and honor to you, O Christ, we sing, to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring! PRAYER OF CONFESSION Forgiving God, We have opened ourselves to healing, yet sometimes it is easier to pray nice prayers than to do the hard work of putting those prayers into action. Help us remember the sacredness of the holy fragments that make us who we are, fragile and susceptible to further shattering but also resilient and capable of transformation. Help us to see ourselves as you see us. Help us to believe in our ability to change and heal as you believe in us. Help us, Healer. Show us our strength. Amen.

Sung: Vessels, holy and whole Broken, needing the One Open, body and soul Healer, come. WORDS OF ASSURANCE One: …You are part of this Body of Christ, a community seeking healing. We are healing together. Amen. Sung: Vessels, holy and whole Broken, needing the One Open, body and soul Healer, come. PASSING OF THE PEACE One: May the peace of Christ be with you. All: And also with you. SERMON ON THE STEPS MUSIC Hosanna Ashlyn Belcourt OFFERING/MUSIC Little Light Amos Lee Sarah Garcia, vocals & guitar DEDICATION NEW MEMBER WELCOME A CONTEMPORARY WORD SCRIPTURE Matthew 8:1-4 1 When Jesus had come down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; 2 and there was a leper who came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” 3 He stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I do choose. Be made clean!” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 Then Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” SERMON Holy Fragments: A Lenten Season of Recovery Rev. Dr. Jen Strickland

ANTHEM Palm Sunday Grundahl PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER One: …We pray… All: Great Giver, in whom heaven is found, holy is Your name. May your commonwealth of peace and freedom flourish on earth. Give us this day bread for our journey, and make us hungry to see the whole world nourished. Forgive us and help us forgive one another. Strengthen us for the challenges that lie ahead. Let us hear your prophets, and deliver us from our privilege. For your love is the only power, the only home, the only honor we need, in this world and in the world to come. Amen. GUEST ARTIST All Glory, Laud, and Honor Choral Bells RITUAL ACTION & BENEDICTION THRESHOLD INTO THE WORLD Vessels, Holy and Whole Vessels, holy and whole Broken, needing the One Open, body and soul Healer, come. POSTLUDE Toccata on ‘All Glory, Laud and Honor’ Burkhardt

WAYS TO DONATE TO THE CHURCH: 1. Mail in your donation (233 W. Harrison Ave., Claremont, CA 91711) 2. Contribute on our website: claremontucc.org 3. Text an amount to (909) 343-5901 4. Set up automatic giving through your bank Reflection Questions About Today's Worship * What was the most meaningful moment of worship for you today? * What is one new question or idea today's worship service inspired for you?

PLEASE BE IN TOUCH Claremont United Church of Christ 233 W. Harrison Ave., Claremont, CA 91711 (909) 626-1201 | claremontucc.org @uccclaremont Claremont United Church of Christ Senior Pastors Junior High Youth Director Rev. Dr. Jacob Buchholz Ms. Zoe Estrada [email protected], x230 [email protected] Rev. Dr. Jen Strickland [email protected], x 228 Director of Music & Fine Arts Dr. Jonathan Campbell Finance & Payroll Administrator [email protected], x242 Ms. Jocelyn Bocking [email protected], x225 Principal Organist Dr. Carey Robertson Office Manager [email protected] Ms. Jasmine Tomita [email protected], Moderator (Council President) x222 Mr. Tad Creasey [email protected] Minister of Children, Youth, & Families Director of the Early Childhood Rev. DJ Severin Center [email protected], x227 Ms. Kristy Knight [email protected], x226 Children, Youth, & Families Assistant Ms. Elizabeth Zehm [email protected]