Named for the branches the people laid on the road before Jesus as he entered Jerusalem for the culmination of his earthly ministry, this first day of Holy Week takes us on a liturgical journey from the hope of Jesus’ triumphant entry to the despair of his death five days later.
The 10:15 service begins in the courtyard. After children from the church and Saint James’ Episcopal School sing a prelude, the congregation waving palm leaves as the procession makes its way forward, asking God to “Let these branches 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.” The children’s choir leads us in singing “All Glory, Laud and Honor” as we process into the church.
At the end of the service, we hear the poignant story of Jesus’ arrest and execution. As the story ends with Jesus’ body laid in a tomb, we pray “that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection.”
Nursery is available for young children during the 10:15 service, and all kids through fifth grade are invited to Children’s Church during the service.
