We gather for a Worship Service in-person at the Chapel (2700 W 14th Street) at 11:00 A.M. on Sunday, March 24th, 2024 – continuing the Journey on the 6th Sunday in Lent on this PALM SUNDAY, the entry to HOLY WEEK/PASSION WEEK. Our worship service includes the distribution and blessing of the palms and a retelling – through Mark’s gospel – of the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem – an event which sets the events of the week to come in motion.

This week, we commemorate and remember the final week of Jesus’ earthly life and ministry, before his death and resurrection, both events being cornerstones of the Christian faith. The Passion (from Latin patior, “to suffer, bear, endure”) is the short final period before the death of Jesus, described in the four canonical gospels. It is commemorated in Christianity every year during Holy Week – often called Passion Week, and the events leading up to his death are often called the Passion of the Christ (just like the movie!).

To join us at the Chapel, buzz Zion Church (Bob Bucklew) from the Directory at the front of the 2700 Building on the campus of San Sofia apartments or enter from the accessible ramp from the rear parking lot. When you arrive, call Bob at 216-375-5323 to open the parking lot gate.

The Sunday Bulletin is attached in PDF format. You may use it as a devotional during the week.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter Sunday

Friday, March 29th, 7:30pm – The Good Friday Tenebrae Service (Service of Shadows) “Tenebrae” is the Latin word meaning “darkness.” For Protestants, this single service is typically held at night on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday. Our service on Good Friday evening (March 29th, 2024) has three main parts:

• A Service of Light – based on the traditional Vespers service in which we recognize Christ our Light
• A Lenten Candle Liturgy – a meditation (which is not printed in the bulletin) from Lenten Candle Liturgy contributed by Jeanyne Slettom, 2015. processandfaith.org; a candle is extinguished, followed by a unison prayer; singing one verse of the hymn – “Just As I Am”
• A Service of Shadows – Tenebrae–in which we meditate on the Passion of Christ and experience in dramatic form the extinguishing of the Light. After each reading, one of the candles will be extinguished. Members of the congregation may extinguish their own candles (lit during the service of light) at any time during the readings. At the conclusion of the reading telling of Christ’s death on the cross, the Christ candle is extinguished. A loud noise is made to signify Christ’s death. After a pause, the Christ candle is relit to stand as a symbolic promise of the resurrection. At the end of the readings, the chapel should be completely dark, except for one remaining Christ candle. Worshipers leave in silence to ponder the impact of Christ’s death and await the celebration of the coming Resurrection

Sunday, March 31st, 11am – EASTER  A festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and our new life in the reign of God

Sunday, March 31st following worship – Easter Brunch  You may bring a dish to share (optional) – but join us for a meal of celebration and community!

The Focus Scripture Reading is Mark 11:1-11

Mark’s account of Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem in these verses in Mark 11, portrays Jesus as having entered Jerusalem for the first time. He arrived at Bethpage and Bethany, outside of Jerusalem, for the city was crowded for Passover. Jesus sent the disciples ahead of him to find a colt, and they found one exactly as he said they would, to borrow for a short time. The disciples threw their cloaks on the colt, and Jesus rode on it into Jerusalem. People spread their cloaks on the road like a red carpet rolled out, and cut leafy branches to wave, and shouted “Hosanna!” which means “Save us!” They called out blessings to the one who came in the name of their God, referring to Psalm 118, and the kingdom in the name of their ancestor David. There is some thought among scholars that Jesus entered Jerusalem the same time that Pilate did, and that Jesus’ act is an act of protest against Rome. Jesus went to the temple, looked around at everything—for he had not seen it before—and then returned with the disciples to Bethany to stay for the night.

Sermon/Reflection: “More a Protest Than a Parade” by the Rev. Scott Rosenstein, based on the reading of Mark 11:1-11.

Please join us on this Palm Sunday of Holy Week to give thanks to God and to seek the companionship of Christ in-person at Zion Chapel.

May the Lord Jesus fill all your heart with peace, hold you in his love, and bless you with his grace. May the blessings of the Lord shine upon you this Holy Week and always!

In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Scott Rosenstein
216-273-7561 – church
216-577-1514 – mobile

Bulletin Cover Image:
Jesus Enters Jerusalem Banner
Artwork by the Benedictine Sisters of Turvey Abbey
(village of Turvey, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom)
“Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of our God!’ Mark 11:9
From the series of images, ‘Jesus, Our Way’ depicting the Lent and Easter story.
https://www.mccrimmons.com/shop/banners/jesus-enters-jerusalem–banner/#834