Palm Sunday … Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 10am
Come as you are! Everyone welcome … In-person or on Zoom.
R E A D I N G S
Luke 19:28-40 , Psalm 118:1-2, 19-23, Psalm 118:24-29
S E R M O N
“A New Kind of King” by The Reverend Dr. Max Lynn
M U S I C
PRELUDE … “Fantasia super ‘Valet will ich dir geben’ J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
INTROIT … “Hosanna to the Son of David” Bartholomeus Gesius (1562-1613)
HYMN … “All Glory, Laud, and Honor”
ANTHEM … “Come, Faithful People, Come Away” Richard Peek (1927-2005)
HYMN … “O Sacred Head Now Wounded ”
OFFERTORY … “Herzliebster Jesu” (O Sacred Head Now Wounded) Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
HYMN … “Ride On! Ride On in Majesty!”
POSTLUDE … “O mensch, bewein dein Sünde gross” J.S. Bach
Join us for Coffee Hour immediately after the service.
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A N N O U N C E M E N T S – – – – – – –
Palm / Passion Sunday
April 13, 10am … Commemorating the popular support and triumphant celebration of the powerful, peaceful vision of Jesus.
• One Great Hour of Sharing:
Be part of One Great Hour of Sharing to advance the causes of justice, resilience and sustainability. Typically received during the season of Lent, each gift supports the Presbyterian Hunger Program, the Presbyterian Committee on Self-Development of People, and the Presbyterian Disaster Program. Giving envelopes are included in Palm Sunday’s bulletin for One Great Hour of Sharing. We will collect all fish boxes and envelopes during today’s offering.
• Mini-Pageant:
We are delighted celebrate the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem with the children’s mini-pageant. Let us all joyfully wave our palms, and do our part to loudly, randomly repeating the words in the bulletin for our children’s pageant, remembering that He is our King and Savior. All children (newcomers always welcome) are invited to participate in the Palm Sunday worship. – Manju Noone
• Sunday Forum:
Anti-Democratic Attacks on the Rule of Law (with Brad Perkins)
Among the foundations of American democracy are an independent judiciary and protections for the rights of those in the minority. Since taking office, the current administration has sought to undermine these foundational principles by attacking judges, lawyers, and law firms through various executive orders, actions, and statements. Today’s adult forum will discuss the different forms these attacks have taken, the responses from those under attack, and reactions from other lawyers, law firms and interest groups. In addition, we will invite a discussion on the impact of these attacks and the effectiveness of any response. Please join us after worship today for what promises to be an interesting and lively discussion.
Brad Perkins works for Seyfarth Law Firm and practices in the areas of employee benefits, fiduciary advice, ERISA litigation, and litigation involving fraudulent and abusive health care providers. He is also currently Chair of the Board of Pensions for the Presbyterian Church (USA), and of course, a St. John’s member, husband with Anne, and dad of Eddie and Augie.
Maundy Thursday
April 17, 6:30pm
In the Campbell Room, meeting with determination and love to affirm the beloved community, through soup, bread and communion, in the face of impending oppression.
Good Friday
April 18, 7:45am
Interfaith Witness & Worship @ Lawrence Livermore Lab: worship and mourn the Prince of Peace against the forces of violence & death.
• Good Friday Interfaith Witness @ Lawrence Livermore Lab
The Ecumenical Peace Institute (EPI) has hosted the Good Friday Interfaith Witness at the Livermore Nuclear Weapons Laboratoryevery year since 1983. The Livermore Lab was founded to develop the hydrogen bomb. New weapons of mass destruction are still designed there. For more than 35 years, people of faith and others concerned about the ongoing proliferation of nuclear weapons have gathered on Good Friday outside the Livermore Laboratory.
This year’s witness entitled Where do we go from here: Complacency or Action? will be on Friday, April 18 at 7:45am. It will be held on site at Livermore Lab and also on Zoom. The event features notables like Francisco Herrera, the Rev. Sally Juarez, Jim Haber, Pat St. Onge, Vivian Zelaya, Farha Andrabi Navaid, Mark Coplan, Daniel Ziegler, with the Responsive Reading by the Rev. Max Lynn, Wilson Riles Jr, and the Rev. Deborah Lee. St. John’s is a co-sponsor of this event.
The EPI invites your participation and your financial support. Donations can be made by check, or online in the EPI website. For more information, please go to the EPI website. Proceeds will be split between EPI and Tri-Valley CARES.
Easter Sunday
April 20, 10am
The joyous celebration of resurrection and new life despite our sin and the sin of the world.
• Easter “not just an Egg” Hunt: Spring is here, and Easter is just around the corner!! Join us at church for a fun-filled Easter “not just an Egg” Hunt as we celebrate the joy of the season. Children, bring your special basket, or use a basket from church, and grab as much as you can!! You are not going to hunt just eggs – you will find surprises too!! Bring your friends for even more fun. We will also have an extended coffee hour on the lawn for everyone. Bring a food item to share if you are able. – Manju Noone