The Holy Eucharist
Palm Sunday (Year B)
March 24, 2024 at 9:30 AM
Presider & Preacher: The Rev. Guillermo A. Arboleda, Rector
Deacon: The Rev. Ella Roundtree-Davis, Deacon
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The Great Litany & The Holy Eucharist:
Enriching Our Worship
Note: In Lent, St. Matthew's will continue to use prayers from Enriching Our Worship 1 (1997). Enriching Our Worship is a series of supplemental worship resources for The Episcopal Church. One of its objectives is to honor the experience of women by providing gender-neutral language for God in its prayers, expanding the Church's vocabulary of prayer from other parts of Scripture and Christian Tradition. There are changes, small and great, throughout the service, so pay attention and ask questions during our Christian Education Hour.
The Liturgy of the Palms
Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.
Let us pray:
Assist us mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Reading from the Gospel According to St. Mark (11:1-11)
When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.
Thanks be to God.
The Blessing of the Palms
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is right to praise you, Almighty God, for the acts of love by which you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. On this day he entered the holy city of Jerusalem in triumph, and was proclaimed as King of kings by those who spread their garments and branches of palm along his way. 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; who lives and reigns in glory with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
Presider: Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord.
People: Hosanna in the highest.
Deacon: Let us go forth in peace.
People: In the name of Christ. Amen.
The People process around the church (outdoors, weather permitting), singing Hymn #154.
Hymn #154: All Glory, Laud, and Honor
Refrain:
All glory, laud, and honor
to thee, Redeemer, King!
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.
1. Thou art the King of Israel,
thou David's royal Son,
who in the Lord's Name comest,
the King and Blessed One. [Refrain]
2. The company of angels
is praising thee on high;
and we with all creation
in chorus make reply. [Refrain]
3. The people of the Hebrews
with palms before thee went;
our praise and prayer and anthems
before thee we present. [Refrain]
4. To thee before thy passion
they sang their hymns of praise;
to thee, now high exalted,
our melody we raise. [Refrain]
5. Thou didst accept their praises;
accept the prayers we bring,
who in all good delightest,
thou good and gracious King. [Refrain]
[Words: Theodulph of Orleans; tr. John Mason Neale, alt. Music: Valet will ich dir geben, melody Melchior Teschner, alt.; harm. William Henry Monk. Used with permission by ONE LICENSE #83962.]
The Opening Acclamation
[EOW1, p. 50]
Blessed be the God of our salvation:
Who bears our burdens and forgives our sins. Amen.
The Great Litany
[EOW1, p. 46]
The people kneel or stand, as they are able.
I.
Holy God, Creator of heaven and earth, Have mercy on us.
Holy and Mighty, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
Holy Immortal One, Sanctifier of the faithful, Have mercy on us.
Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.
II.
From all evil and mischief; from pride, vanity and hypocrisy; from envy, hatred and malice; and from all evil intent, Savior deliver us.
From sloth, worldliness and love of money; from hardness of heart and contempt for your word and your laws, Savior deliver us.
From sins of body and mind; from deceits of the world, flesh and the devil, Savior deliver us.
From famine and disaster; from violence, murder, and dying unprepared, Savior deliver us.
In all times of sorrow; in all times of joy; in the hour of our death and at the day of judgment, Savior deliver us.
By the mystery of your holy incarnation; by your birth, childhood and obedience; by your baptism, fasting and temptation, Savior deliver us.
By your ministry in word and work; by your mighty acts of power; by the preaching of your reign, Savior deliver us.
By your agony and trial; by your cross and passion; by your precious death and burial, Savior deliver us.
By your mighty resurrection; by your glorious ascension; and by your sending of the Holy Spirit, Savior deliver us.
III.
Hear our prayers, O Christ our God. Hear us, O Christ.
Govern and direct your holy Church; fill it with love and truth; and grant it that unity which is your will. Hear us, O Christ.
Give us boldness to preach the gospel in all the world, and to make disciples of all the nations. Hear us, O Christ.
Enlighten your bishops, priests and deacons, especially Frank, Guillermo, and Ella, with knowledge and understanding, that by their teaching and their lives they may proclaim your word. Hear us, O Christ.
Give your people grace to witness to your word and bring forth the fruit of your Spirit. Hear us, O Christ.
Bring into the way of truth all who have erred and are deceived. Hear us, O Christ.
Strengthen those who stand; comfort and help the fainthearted; raise up the fallen; and finally beat down Satan under our feet. Hear us, O Christ.
IV.
Guide the leaders of the nations into the ways of peace and justice. Hear us, O Christ.
Give your wisdom and strength to Joseph, the President of the United States; Brian, the Governor of Georgia, and Van, the Mayor of Savannah, that in all things they may do your will, for your glory and the common good. Hear us, O Christ.
Give to the Congress of the United States, the members of the President’s Cabinet, those who serve in our state legislature, and all others in authority the grace to walk always in the ways of truth. Hear us, O Christ.
Bless the justices of the Supreme Court and all those who administer the law, that they may act with integrity and do justice for all your people. Hear us, O Christ.
Give us the will to use the resources of the earth to your glory and for the good of all. Hear us, O Christ.
Bless and keep all your people, especially those celebrating birthdays: Whitney Robinson (03/24), Michael Canada (03/25), Jordyn Jones (03/29); and to those celebrating anniversaries, Hear us, O Christ.
V.
Comfort and liberate the lonely, the bereaved and the oppressed. Hear us, O Christ.
Keep in safety those who travel and all who are in peril. Hear us, O Christ.
Heal the sick in body, mind or spirit especially the people of our Parish Prayer List: Lazola Cope, Charles Gordon, Marva Harris, David Jones, Donald Jones, Sheila Jones, Beverly Kemp, Whitney Kennedy, Leonard Law Jr., Jessica Mathis, Sada Maxwell, John “Butch” Mitchell, Sandra Mitchell, Russell Nails, Jabbar Newton, Jeannette Outing, Lee Grant Pearson, Frieda McDew Shorter, Edward Vaughn, and Jewel Wheeler; and provide for the homeless, the hungry and the destitute. Hear us, O Christ.
Guard and protect all children who are in danger. Hear us, O Christ.
Shower your compassion on prisoners, hostages and refugees, and all who are in trouble. Hear us, O Christ.
Forgive our enemies, persecutors and slanderers, and turn their hearts. Hear us, O Christ.
Hear us as we remember those who have died, especially ... , and grant us with them a share in your eternal glory. Hear us, O Christ.
VI.
Give us true repentance; forgive us our sins of negligence and ignorance and our deliberate sins; and grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit to amend our lives according to your word.
Hymn S-102: Holy God (Trisagion)
Holy God,
Holy and Mighty,
Holy Immortal One,
Have mercy upon us
The Collect of the Day
[BCP, p. 357, 234]
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray:
Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
A Reading from the Book of 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?
Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 31:9-16
Read responsively by half-verse (at the asterisk).
9 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; *
my eye is consumed with sorrow, and also my throat and my belly.
10 For my life is wasted with grief, and my years with sighing; *
my strength fails me because of affliction, and my bones are consumed.
11 I have become a reproach to all my enemies
and even to my neighbors, a dismay to those of my acquaintance; *
when they see me in the street they avoid me.
12 I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; *
I am as useless as a broken pot.
13 For I have heard the whispering of the crowd;
fear is all around; *
they put their heads together against me;
they plot to take my life.
14 But as for me, I have trusted in you, O Lord. *
I have said, "You are my God.
15 My times are in your hand; *
rescue me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
16 Make your face to shine upon your servant, *
and in your loving-kindness save me."
A Reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians (2:5-11)
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death--even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.
Thanks be to God.
Hymn #168: O Sacred Head, Sore Wounded
1. O sacred head, sore wounded,
defiled and put to scorn;
O kingly head, surrounded
with mocking crown of thorn:
what sorrow mars thy grandeur?
Can death thy bloom deflower?
O countenance whose splendor
the hosts of heaven adore!
2. Thy beauty, long-desired,
hath vanished from our sight;
thy power is all expired,
and quenched the light of light.
Ah me! for whom thou diest,
hide not so far thy grace:
show me, O Love most highest,
the brightness of thy face.
3. In thy most bitter passion
my heart to share doth cry,
with thee for my salvation
upon the cross to die.
Ah, keep my heart thus moved
to stand thy cross beneath,
to mourn thee, well-beloved,
yet thank thee for thy death.
4. What language shall I borrow
to thank thee, dearest friend,
for this thy dying sorrow,
thy pity without end?
Oh, make me thine for ever!
and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never,
outlive my love for thee.
5. My days are few, O fail not,
with thine immortal power,
to hold me that I quail not
in death's most fearful hour;
that I may fight befriended,
and see in my last strife
to me thine arms extended
upon the cross of life.
[Words: Paul Gerhardt; sts. 1-3 and 5, tr. Robert Seymour Bridges; st. 4, tr. James Waddell Alexander, alt. Music: Herzlich tut mich verlangen [Passion Chorale], Hans Leo Hassler; adapt. and harm. Johann Sebastian Bach. Reprinted with permission from ONE LICENSE #97250.]
The congregation remaining seated, the Passion Gospel is read in parts, led by a lay or ordained narrator.
The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ According to Mark (14:1-15:47)
NARRATOR: The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark: It was two days before the Passover and the festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him; for they said,
CHIEF PRIESTS: "Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people."
NARRATOR: While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. But some were there who said to one another in anger,
DISCIPLES: "Why was the ointment wasted in this way? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor."
NARRATOR: And they scolded her. But Jesus said,
JESUS: "Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her."
NARRATOR: Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. When they heard it, they were greatly pleased, and promised to give him money. So he began to look for an opportunity to betray him.
On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, his disciples said to him,
DISCIPLES: "Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?"
NARRATOR: So he sent two of his disciples, saying to them,
JESUS: "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, `The Teacher asks, Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there."
NARRATOR: So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, he came with the twelve. And when they had taken their places and were eating, Jesus said,
JESUS: "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me."
NARRATOR: They began to be distressed and to say to him one after another,
DISCIPLES: "Surely, not I?"
NARRATOR: He said to them,
JESUS: "It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the bowl with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born."
NARRATOR: While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said,
JESUS: "Take; this is my body."
NARRATOR: Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them,
JESUS: "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."
NARRATOR: When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. And Jesus said to them,
JESUS: "You will all become deserters; for it is written, `I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.' But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee."
NARRATOR: Peter said to him,
PETER: "Even though all become deserters, I will not."
NARRATOR: Jesus said to him,
JESUS: "Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times."
NARRATOR: But he said vehemently,
PETER: "Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you."
NARRATOR: And all of them said the same. They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples,
JESUS: "Sit here while I pray."
NARRATOR: He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And said to them,
JESUS: "I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake."
NARRATOR: 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,
JESUS: "Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want."
NARRATOR: He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter,
JESUS: "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."
NARRATOR: 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,
JESUS: "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."
NARRATOR: 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,
JUDAS: "The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard."
NARRATOR: So when he came, he went up to him at once and said,
JUDAS: "Rabbi!"
NARRATOR: 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,
JESUS: "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."
NARRATOR: 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. They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying,
ACCUSERS: "We heard him say, `I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.'"
NARRATOR: But even on this point their testimony did not agree. Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus,
HIGH PRIEST: "Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?"
NARRATOR: But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him,
HIGH PRIEST: "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?"
NARRATOR: Jesus said,
JESUS: "I am; and `you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power,' and `coming with the clouds of heaven.'"
NARRATOR: Then the high priest tore his clothes and said,
HIGH PRIEST: "Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?"
NARRATOR: All of them condemned him as deserving death. Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him,
ACCUSERS: "Prophesy!"
NARRATOR: The guards also took him over and beat him. While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said,
SERVANT GIRL: "You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth."
NARRATOR: But he denied it, saying,
PETER: "I do not know or understand what you are talking about."
NARRATOR: And he went out into the forecourt. Then the cock crowed. And the servant-girl, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders,
SERVANT GIRL: "This man is one of them."
NARRATOR: But again he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter,
ALL: "Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean."
NARRATOR: But he began to curse, and he swore an oath,
PETER: "I do not know this man you are talking about."
NARRATOR: At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him,
JESUS: "Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times."
NARRATOR: And he broke down and wept. As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate asked him,
PILATE: "Are you the King of the Jews?"
NARRATOR: He answered him,
JESUS: "You say so."
NARRATOR: Then the chief priests accused him of many things. Pilate asked him again,
PILATE: "Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you."
NARRATOR: But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed. Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. Then he answered them,
PILATE: "Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?"
NARRATOR: For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. Pilate spoke to them again,
PILATE: "Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?"
NARRATOR: They shouted back,
ALL: "Crucify him!"
NARRATOR: Pilate asked them,
PILATE: "Why, what evil has he done?"
NARRATOR: But they shouted all the more,
ALL: "Crucify him!"
NARRATOR: So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified. Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor's headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him,
SOLDIERS: "Hail, King of the Jews!"
NARRATOR: They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.
(At the mention of Golgotha, all stand as they are able.)
They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take. It was nine o'clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, "The King of the Jews." And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying,
ALL: "Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!"
NARRATOR: In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying,
CHIEF PRIESTS: "He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe."
NARRATOR: Those who were crucified with him also taunted him. When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o'clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice,
JESUS: "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?"
NARRATOR: which means,
JESUS: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
NARRATOR: When some of the bystanders heard it, they said,
ALL: "Listen, he is calling for Elijah."
NARRATOR: And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying,
ALL: "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down."
NARRATOR: Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said,
CENTURION: "Truly this man was God's Son!"
NARRATOR: There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem. When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time. When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid.
The Sermon
“The Palms and the Cross” by the Rev. Guillermo A. Arboleda, Rector
Palm Sunday is weird. It’s one of the strangest days in the modern church calendar because we are trying to do two things at once. We are trying to remember the story of Jesus entering Jerusalem triumphantly with the crowds waving palm branches and shouting “Hosanna!” And, we remember Jesus’ Passion, his arrest, suffering, and death on a cross, with the longest assigned Gospel reading of the year: two whole chapters from the Gospel of Mark.
The tones of these two stories are so different that they might give you whiplash. The two parts of today’s service are so different that the Book of Common Prayer gives us two names for this holiday: “Palm Sunday” and “The Sunday of the Passion.” The Palms story is joyful and fun; the Passion story is miserable and depressing. We process outside together singing songs of praise, and then we act out our Lord’s torture and death, shouting “Crucify him!” with our own lips. In the life of Jesus, these incidents were separated by about a week, which is not a long time, but is longer than the 15 minutes we waited between the two readings!
So why do we connect these two stories? There are some practical reasons that we read both stories today — to make sure that most worshippers hear the story of the Cross before hearing about the Resurrection on Easter Day next week (if they don’t make it here on Good Friday). But there must be a deeper, more spiritual reason than that. What do the palms have to do with the cross?
This question led me down a rabbit hole this week as I read up on the significance of palm trees and palm branches. In the ancient Mediterranean world, palm trees were symbols for at least two things: Victory and Refreshment.
Palms were symbols of victory. Palm branches were given to people who won athletic competitions. There is pre-Christian Greek art in which the goddess Nike gave palms to winners of Olympic-style races as a prize. But it wasn’t just about sports victories. People also waved palm branches when welcoming a conquering hero after winning a war. They used palms to welcome or celebrate royals. Palms were for winners.
Palms were also important symbols of refreshment. Throughout the Mediterranean and ancient Near East, palm trees grow in oases in the desert. If you are traveling in the desert, you can see the palm leaves on the horizon before you see the water. But seeing the palm branches signals that your journey is almost over and that you are going to get the refreshment and nourishment that you need. Plus, most palm trees in that part of the world are date palms, and dates are delicious and nutritious, packed with sugar and fiber to give you energy in hot, arid climates.
So, palms symbolized victory and they symbolized refreshment throughout the Greco-Roman world. But then Christians came along and they started to use palms to symbolize something else: martyrdom — the act of sacrificing yourself, dying for the sake of Christ and the Good News.
Revelation 7:9 says that the saints and martyrs gather before the throne of God wearing “white robes and [holding] palm branches in their hands;” A few verses later, an elder explains, “They have washed their robes and made them white in the Lamb’s blood. This is the reason they are before God’s throne” (7:14-15, CEB). Christian art often depicts martyred saints holding palm branches (e.g., St. Stephen [at left], St. Agatha, or St. Lucy). If a friend or companion was martyred during a persecution, the Christians would mark their graves with palms and/or bring palm branches to the tombs instead of ordinary flowers.
Why did the symbol for victory and refreshment become a symbol for martyrdom (sacrificial death)? For Christians, martyrdom is a kind of spiritual victory, dying for the sake of God, for the sake of love, peace, and justice. They believed that God rewarded them with palms as trophies for being faithful to the very end. Martyrdom also leads to refreshment. In that passage from Revelation, we learn that Jesus the Lamb of God “will lead [the martyrs] to the springs of life-giving water” (Revelation 7:17). In death, “life is changed, not ended” (BCP, p. 382), and God will wipe away all our tears (7:17). Martyrdom is an act of sacrificial, agape love for God and the world. Martyrdom is a path to eternal victory and refreshment. And what is Jesus’ Crucifixion, if not the ultimate martyrdom, the ultimate sacrifice, the ultimate act of self-giving love?
The Palms waving for Jesus on Sunday point to suffering and death he will experience on Friday. But precisely because they are palms, that death is part of a larger victory. That death points toward resurrection. Here’s the kicker. I learned this week that one of the Greek words for palm trees (used in John 12:13 and Revelation 7:9) is phoenix. That’s right. Palm trees share a name with the mythical bird known for dying and rising again to new life (a myth that is even older than Greek culture). Jesus was welcomed triumphantly into Jerusalem with palm leaves, knowing that he was going toward the suffering of the Cross, knowing that he would be killed. But those palm branches showed him and showed us that death does not have the final word. He would rise again. “Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again” (BCP, p. 363).
On Palm and Passion Sunday, we have a beautiful tragedy, a blend of triumph and defeat, celebration and sorrow. The heights of riding in on a colt meet the lows of being laid into a tomb. One crowd shouted, “Hosanna in the highest!” and one crowd shouted, “Crucify him!” But the throughline that continues to give us hope is the symbol of the palm. Despite the seeming failure of death, Jesus achieved victory over our sin and all the spiritual forces of wickedness. Despite drinking bitter vinegar on the Cross, Jesus leads us to refreshing, living waters. Despite the tragedy of martyrdom, Jesus gives us hope in love, liberation, and the promise of new, resurrected life. Amen.
Bibliography
Christian Iconography. “Palm Branch and Crown: Symbols of Martyrdom.” Accessed 21 March 2024. https://www.christianiconography.info/palmCrown.html.
King’s Meadow Study Center. “Why Palm Fronds?” Accessed 21 March 2024. https://www.kingsmeadow.com/wp/why-palm-fronds/.
The Nicene Creed
[EOW1, p. 53]
All standing as they are able, the People pray:
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The Confession of Sin
The Deacon (or Celebrant) says
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:8-9).
Let us confess our sins to God.
Silence may be kept. All pray together, kneeling, as they are able,
God of all mercy, we confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your will in our lives. We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and in the world you have created. We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf. Forgive, restore, and strengthen us through our Savior Jesus Christ,that we may abide in your love and serve only your will. Amen.
The Bishop, when present, or the Priest, stands and says:
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
Welcoming New People to a Congregation
When welcoming new people to the congregation publicly, they are introduced in the following manner immediately before the Peace.
Dear Friends in Christ, in companionship with each other as we journey in faith, we welcome new members into this community of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. We welcome them to join us as we seek to love the Lord our God with heart and soul, mind and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We welcome and cherish their unique gifts and experiences as together we follow the Holy Spirit in transforming this community for the work and mission of Jesus Christ.
The new members of the community are presented. A member of the vestry or other leader makes the presentation.
Presenter
I present Darelle Jordan, Richard Jordan, and Gwendolyn Waring to be welcomed as members of this parish.
Presider
Do you desire to continue your journey into Christ as a member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church?
New Members
I do.
Presider
Will you commit yourself to seek and serve Christ in this community of faith and pledge to work, pray, and give to build up our common life?
New Members
I will, with God’s help.
Presider
Will you who witness these promises, do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ?
People
We will.
Presider
Let us pray.
Presider and People
Loving God, we give thanks that you have brought Darelle, Richard, and Gwendolyn to join us in ministry. Knit us together, one to another, so that in unity we may know you and serve you in Jesus’ name. Amen.
The Peace
[EOW1, p. 56]
The peace of the Christ be always with you.
And also with you.
Parish Announcements
Easter Memorial & Thanksgiving Donations Due Mar. 24: This Easter, parishioners are offered an opportunity to give thanks for blessings and to remember loved ones by donating flowers, donating towards the purchase of altar decorations, or make a donation to the Church’s building capital fund (stained-glass windows). If you intend to make a donation, please complete the following information and place a form in the collection plate, at the Parish office, or give to an Altar Guild member. Those who wish to keep their flowers home must take them home after the Easter Day service. All forms are due March 24 (Palm Sunday). Suggested donation amounts are as follows:
Easter Lilies: $15.00
Green Pulpit/Lectern Hanging: $325
Purple Pulpit/Lectern Hanging: $325
Contribution to the Stained Glass Windows Restoration Project: Any donation to the Capital Building Campaign
JUST Lead Organizer Applications Due Mar. 29: JUST is searching for a new Lead Community Organizer! JUST’s previous Lead Organizer, Ms. Allie Matthys, resigned from her position in February and Rev. Claire Marich is serving as an Interim Lead Organizer until May. We hope our new Organizer will help to lead JUST’s efforts on Affordable Housing and Literacy and help us discern the next community problem we wish to address. The application is now available and the priority deadline is March 29, 2024: https://thedartcenter.applytojob.com/apply/CH20cTTFr5/Lead-Community-Organizer
Holy Week & Easter Schedule: Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, March 24, 2024, and ends with Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024. See below for the complete worship schedule:
March 24, Palm Sunday:
9:30 AM Liturgy of the Palms & Passion Sunday Holy Communion
March 25-27, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in Holy Week
5:00 PM Evening Prayer (Zoom and Facebook only)
March 28, Maundy Thursday
5:00 PM Evening Prayer (Zoom and Facebook only)
6:00 PM Maundy Thursday Worship: Holy Communion with Foot Washing, Agapé Meal, and Stripping of the Altar
March 29, Good Friday:
12:00 PM Stations of the Cross
5:00 PM Evening Prayer (Zoom and Facebook only)
6:00 PM Good Friday Worship with Communion from the Reserved Sacrament
April 8, Holy Saturday:
9:30 AM Holy Saturday Worship
Decorating the Church for Easter to follow
April 9, Easter Day:
6:00 AM Ecumenical Easter Sunrise at First Congregational Church, 621 Habersham St, Savannah, GA 31401; Continental Breakfast to Follow; the Rev. Saundra Stiles Thomas presiding, the Rev. Guillermo A. Arboleda preaching
9:30 AM Holy Communion with Children's Easter Speeches
Goodbye Party for Fr. Arboleda on April 14: Fr. Arboleda has accepted a call as Program Manager for New Church Starts at the ELCA’s Lutheran Denominational Center, beginning April 15. April 14 is his final Sunday with St. Matthew’s, and at 3:00 that afternoon, you and others in the Savannah community are invited to attend a Farewell Party in Toomer-Walker Hall.
Save the Date - Dr. Bertice Berry to be Ordained on Apr. 13: Last weekend, the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia formally approved Dr. Bertice Berry for ordination to the diaconate. Bishop Frank Logue will ordain her to the Sacred Order of Deacons at Christ Church Episcopal, Savannah, on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 11:00 AM.
JUST Nehemiah Action on April 15: JUST (Justice Unites Savannah Together) will hold its Annual Nehemiah Action on Monday, April 15, 2024 at St. Paul CME Church, 214 W 33rd Street, Savannah, GA 31401. All church members are invited to support JUST's efforts to add Affordable Housing to Savannah and Chatham County and improve Literacy rates in the Savannah-Chatham Public School System. Members can see Fr. Arboleda or Mrs. Della Jones for more information.
Mrs. Dandy to Retire on April 28: Mrs. Beryl C. Dandy, who has served St. Matthew’s as Music Director for nearly ten years in two separate stints, will retire from her position at the end of April. Her final Sunday with us will be April 28, 2024. Fr. Arboleda writes, “While we are sad to see her go, we are so happy that Mrs. Dandy will be able to enjoy time with family and friends in retirement after so many years of dedicated service. The Church, Vestry, and I offer her our most sincere congratulations!”
T/W/Th Evening Prayer on Zoom/Facebook: On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, St. Matthew's invites you to pray Evening Prayer with us over Zoom at 5:00 PM. If you want to be in the Zoom call, please join by 4:55 PM using the link in the e-Newsletter.
The Offertory
[BCP, p. 376]
Giving to St. Matthew's:
Mail us a check or money order at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 1401 Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd, Savannah, GA 31415; OR
Make a secure online gift to St. Matthew’s and/or automate future gifts at: https://onrealm.org/StMattSav/-/give/now; OR
Text “stmattsav” to 73256 to make a secure online donation through your phone.
NOTE: Donations made online (#2 or #3) through Realm incur a processing fee of about 2.5%. Please consider adding an additional 2.5% to your online gift to cover these costs.
If you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your sister or brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your sister or brother, and then come and offer your gift. [Matthew 5:23-24]
Give online at: https://onrealm.org/StMattSav/-/give/now
LEV #97: Ride On, King Jesus
Refrain:
Ride on, King Jesus,
No man can-a hinder me.
Ride on King Jesus ride on
no man can-a hinder me
1 King Jesus rides a milk-white horse,
No man works like Him,
De river Jord’n He did cross
no man works like Him. Oh [Refrain]
2 I know that my redeemer lives,
No man works like Him,
And of His blessing freely gives,
no man works like Him. Oh [Refrain]
[Words: Traditional. Music: negro Spiritual; arr. Hezekiah Brinson, Jr. Arr. Copyright © 1990 Hezekiah Brinson, jr. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission from ONE LICENSE #87262.]
Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow
Praise God, Praise God, Praise God!
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Circling through earth so all may grow
Vanquishing fear so all may give
Widening grace so all may live
Amen.
[Words: Eric H. F. Law, Copyright © 2015 Eric H. F. Law. Music: Old 100th, attributed to Louis Bourgeois, Public Domain. Reprinted with permission from Kaleidoscope Institute. All rights reserved.]
Eucharistic Prayer 1
[EOW1, p. 57]
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 our thanks and praise.
It is truly right, and good and joyful, to give you thanks, all-holy God, source of life and fountain of mercy ... [The Presider inserts a proper preface] ... Therefore, joining with Angels and Archangels and with the faithful of every generation, we lift our voices with all creation as we sing:
Hymn S-130:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might
Heaven and earth are full, full of your glory
Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna in the highest!
[Music: Franz Peter Schubert from Deutsche Messe; arr. Richard Proulx, Copyright © 1985, 1989 G.I.A. Publications, Inc. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #00210. All rights reserved.]
The people stand or kneel.
Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of the universe and giver of life. You formed us in your own image and called us to dwell in your infinite love. You gave the world into our care that we might be your faithful stewards and show forth your bountiful grace.
But we failed to honor your image in one another and in ourselves; we would not see your goodness in the world around us; and so we violated your creation, abused one another, and rejected your love. Yet you never ceased to care for us, and prepared the way of salvation for all people.
Through Abraham and Sarah, you called us into covenant with you. You delivered us from slavery, sustained us in the wilderness, and raised up prophets to renew your promise of salvation. Then, in the fullness of time, you sent your eternal Word, made mortal flesh in Jesus. Born into the human family, and dwelling among us, he revealed your glory. Giving himself freely to death on the cross, he triumphed over evil, opening the way of freedom and life.
On the night before he died for us, Our Savior Jesus Christ took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his friends, and said: “Take, eat: This is my Body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
As supper was ending, Jesus took the cup of wine, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said: “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Therefore, we proclaim the mystery of faith:
LEV #258:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
[Music: Hezekiah Brinson, Jr., Copyright © 1990 Hezekiah Brinson, Jr. All Rights Reserved.]
Remembering his death and resurrection, we now present to you from your creation this bread and this wine. By your Holy Spirit, may they be for us the Body and Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ. Grant that we who share these gifts may be filled with the Holy Spirit and live as Christ’s Body in the world. Bring us into the everlasting heritage of your daughters and sons, that with Blessed Mary the Mother of God, Blessed Matthew our Patron, and all your saints, past, present, and yet to come, we may praise your Name for ever.
Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to you be honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever. AMEN.
LEV #264: The Lord’s Prayer
[Compare BCP, p. 364]
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to sing,
Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name,
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
[Music: Albert Hay Malotte; arr. Fred Bock, Copyright © 1934 (renewed) G. Schirmer, Inc. All Rights Reserved.]
The Breaking of the Bread
Silence may be kept.
The Fraction Anthems
[EOW1, p. 69]
We break this bread to share in the Body of Christ.
We who are many are one body, for we all share in the one bread.
Hymn S-164:
Jesus, Lamb of God: have mercy on us
Jesus, Bearer of our Sins: have mercy on us
Jesus, Redeemer, Redeemer of the World:
Give us your peace, give us your peace!
[Words: Traditional. Music: Franz Peter Schubert from Deutsche Messe; arr. Richard Proulx, Copyright © 1985, 1989 G.I.A. Publications, Inc. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #00614. All rights reserved.]
Look! Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The Gifts of God for the people of God.
The Distribution of Holy Communion
All baptized Christians of any denomination are invited to come forward to participate fully in Communion. Baptized children may receive at the discretion of their parents.
You may receive Communion kneeling or standing. Please extend your hands forward to receive the Body of Christ (bread). If you would like to receive the Blood of Christ (wine), the minister will take the bread from your hand and dip (intinct) it in the wine for you, then place it in your mouth. If you would only like to receive the bread, you may consume it and return to your seat.
If you need gluten-free bread for Communion, please raise your hand when you are at the altar rail.
If you would not like to receive Communion for any reason, please cross your arms over your chest, and the Priest will say a blessing over you.
If you are worshipping online, you may pray to receive spiritual communion using the following prayer:
In union, O Lord, with your faithful people at every altar of your Church, where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, I desire to offer to you praise and thanksgiving. I remember your death, Lord Christ; I proclaim your resurrection; I await your coming in glory. Since I cannot receive you today in the Sacrament of your Body and Blood, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. Cleanse and strengthen me with your grace, Lord Jesus, and let me never be separated from you. May I live in you, and you in me, in this life and in the life to come. Amen.
Hymn #167: There is a Green Hill Far Away
1. There is a green hill far away,
outside a city wall,
where our dear Lord was crucified
who died to save us all.
2. We may not know, we cannot tell,
what pains he had to bear,
but we believe it was for us
he hung and suffered there.
3. He died that we might be forgiven,
he died to make us good,
that we might go at last to heaven,
saved by his precious blood.
4. There was no other good enough
to pay the price of sin,
he only could unlock the gate
of heaven and let us in.
5. O dearly, dearly has he loved!
And we must love him too,
and trust in his redeeming blood,
and try his works to do.
[Words: Cecil Frances. Music: Horsley, William Horsley. Reprinted with permission from ONE LICENSE #229345.]
LEV #29: Near the Cross
1 Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There’s a precious fountain;
Free to all, a healing stream
Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain.
Refrain:
In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever;
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.
2 Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
Sheds its beams around me. [Refrain]
3 Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day
With its shadows o’er me. [Refrain]
4 Near the cross, I’ll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I reach the golden strand
Just beyond the river.
[Words: Fanny J. Crosby. Music: William H. Doane. Reprinted with permission from ONE LICENSE #126115.]
The Post-Communion Prayer
[EOW1, p. 69; Enriching our Worship 2 (2000), pp. 56-57]
Let us pray.
For In-Person Worshippers:
Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image and nourishing us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood. Now send us forth a people, forgiven, healed, renewed; that we may proclaim your love to the world and continue in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen.
For Online Worshippers and Those Receiving Spiritual Communion:
Faithful God, in the wonder of your wisdom and love you fed your people in the wilderness with the bread of angels, and you sent Jesus to be the bread of life. Though we cannot consume now these gifts of bread and wine, we thank you that we have received the sacrament of Christ’s presence, the forgiveness of sins, and all other benefits of Christ’s passion. By the power of the Holy Spirit, may we embody your desire and be renewed for your service through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Lenten Solemn Prayer over the People
[BOS22, pp. 12-14]
Deacon:
Let us bow down before the Lord.
Presider (From Palm Sunday through Maundy Thursday):
Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen..
Hymn #171: Go to Dark Gethsemane
1. Go to dark Gethsemane,
ye that feel the tempter's power;
your Redeemer's conflict see,
watch with him one bitter hour;
turn not from his griefs away,
learn of Jesus Christ to pray.
2. Follow to the judgment hall;
view the Lord of life arraigned;
O the wormwood and gall!
O the pangs his souls sustained!
Shun not suffering, shame, or loss;
learn of him to bear the cross.
3. Calvary's mournful mountain climb;
there, adoring at his feet,
mark the miracle of time,
God's own sacrifice complete;
"It is finished!" hear him cry;
learn of Jesus Christ to die.
[Words: James Montgomery. Music: Petra, Richard Redhead. Reprinted with Permission under ONE LICENSE #97924.]
The Dismissal
[BCP, p. 366]
Let us bless the Lord!
Thanks be to God!
The Parish Prayer List
PRAYER LIST: Lazola Cope, Charles Gordon, Marva Harris, David Jones, Donald Jones, Sheila Jones, Beverly Kemp, Whitney Kennedy, Leonard Law Jr., Jessica Mathis, Sada Maxwell, John “Butch” Mitchell, Russell Nails, Jabbar Newton, Jeannette Outing, Lee Grant Pearson, Frieda McDew Shorter, Edward Vaughn, and Jewel Wheeler
BIRTHDAYS: Whitney Robinson (03/24), Michael Canada (03/25), Jordyn Jones (03/29)
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES: N/A
RECENT DEATHS: N/A
May the souls of all the departed rest in peace; and may light perpetual shine upon them. Amen.
Permissions and Credits: This service is reproduced from Enriching Our Worship 1 (EOW1), The Book of Common Prayer 1979 (BCP), The Hymnal 1982 (Hymn), Lift Every Voice and Sing II: An African American Hymnal (LEV), and other sources cited. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture readings are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible. Images: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:St._Stephen_the_Martyr_%28Omaha%29,_chapel_window_4,_St_Lawrence,_detail.jpg