Greenock Lutheran Parish Welcomes You

OPENING P: In the name of the Father and of the Son  and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen.

FATHER WELCOMES ALL HIS CHILDREN

Father Welcomes Father welcomes all his children to his family through his Son, Father giving his salvation, life for ever has been won.

Little children, come to me, For my kingdom is of these. Life and love I have to give, Mercy for your sin: Father welcomes all his children to his family through his Son, Father giving his salvation, life for ever has been won.

In the water, in the Word, In his promise, be assured: Those who are baptized and believe Shall be born again: Father welcomes all his children to his family through his Son, Father giving his salvation, life for ever has been won.

Let us daily die to sin; Let us daily rise with him – Walk in the love of Christ our Lord, Live in the peace of God: Father welcomes all his children to his family through his Son, Father giving his salvation, life for ever has been won. Word & Music: Robin Mann

We Hear From God’s Word

FIRST READING Exodus 12:1-4 [5-10] After the reading: R: This is the word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God.

SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 The Institution of the Lord’s Supper After the reading: R: This is the word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL John 13:1-17, 31b-35 Jesus washes his disciples’ feet After the gospel: P: This is the gospel of the Lord. C: Praise to you, O Christ.

APOSTLE’S CREED: I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God, the Father almighty, from thence he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

SERMON

THE SERVANT KING

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. 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.

Came see his hand and his feet The scars that speak of sacrifice, Hands that flung stars into space To cruel nails surrendered. 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.

So let us learn how to serve And in our lives enthrone him; Each other’s need to prefer, For it is Christ we’re serving. 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. Words & Music: Graham Kendrick

CONFESSION OF SINS Let us pray. C. Lord God, our Heavenly Father, I am a sinner and I have sinned against you, not only in my words and actions, but also in my secret thoughts and desires which I cannot fully know or understand, but which you know completely. I am sorry that I have displeased you, and repent of the evil I have done. For the sake of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, have mercy on me, forgive my sins, and graciously help me in my weakness. Amen

P. I ask each of you in the presence of God who searches the heart: Do you confess that you have sinned and do you repent of your sins? C. I do.

P. Do you believe that Jesus Christ has redeemed you from all your sins, and do you desire forgiveness in his name? C. I do.

P. Do you intend with the help of the Holy Spirit to live as in God’s presence, and to strive daily to lead a holy life, even as Christ has made you holy? C. I do.

FORGIVENESS OF SIN I announce God’s grace to all of you and declare that in Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven.

PEACE: P: The peace of the Lord be with you. C: Amen

PRAYER OF THE DAY: Let us pray [silence])

Lord our God, pour out your rich blessing on us as we remember the suffering and death of your Son. Grant us pardon and comfort, so that we may be assured of our eternal salvation. We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C:Amen.

Silent Reflection Let’s be still, as our hearts are prepared for Holy Communion

HOLY COMMUNION P:The Lord be with you. C:And also with you. P:Lift up your hearts. C:We lift them up to the Lord. P:Let us give thanks to the Lord. C:It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is indeed right and good, Lord God, holy Father, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. On the tree of the cross he gave salvation to all, so that, where death began, there life might be restored, and that the enemy, who by a tree once overcame, might by a tree be overcome. And so, with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we adore and praise your glorious name:

C:Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

LORD'S PRAYER 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 forever. Amen.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

C:Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us your peace. Amen

DISTRIBUTION P: Every time we eat this bread and drink from this cup we proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Come, everything is ready.

The Distribution If this is what you believe, then you are welcome to partake in Holy Communion, whether you are a member of this congregation or not. Holy Communion is for believers in Jesus who desire to receive God’s forgiveness and believe that Christ is present in this celebration as they eat the bread and drink the wine.

Prayer after Holy Communion P. Jesus Christ our Saviour, thank you for giving your followers your holy supper to commemorate your suffering and death. Through your body and blood, revive our faith in you and increase our love to others. For you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C:Amen.

Brother let me be your servant

Let me be as Christ to you. Pray that I might have the grace to Let you be my servant too. We are pilgrims on a journey We are travellers on the road, We are here to help each other Walk the mile and share the load.

I will hold the Christ-light for you In the night time of your fear. I will hold my hand out to you Speak the peace you long to hear. I will weep when you are weeping When you laugh I’ll laugh with you I will share your joy and sorrow Till we’ve seen this journey through.

When we sing to God in heaven We shall find such harmony Born of all we’ve known together Of Christ’s love and agony. Brother, sister, let me serve you Let me be as Christ to you Pray that I might have the grace to Let you be my servant too. © Richard Gillard Used with Permission CCLI License #225140

BLESSING P: The God of love and peace † be with you. C: Amen.

PSALM 22:1-21 is sung as the altar is stripped and the lights are progressively dimmed. We prepare for our celebration of Good Friday, the Altar is stripped to symbolise how Jesus was stripped of his dignity, and his life in our place. After the Altar is stripped you may leave the Church in silence...