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Psalm 118:1-2,19-29

For a change, why not use the psalm as the Old Testament reading? It is a victory song, intended to be used in a procession. You could alternate verses, or better still half verses, between two people or groups of people. This could be done in procession, with a suitable route through your building or worship space. For example, verses 1-2 would be appropriate at, or just outside, the entrance/door. Then, verses 19-20 could be read walking into the building. If the distance to a lectern is reasonably short, the procession could continue with verses 21-24 read on the way. Read verses 25 from the lectern or close by; verse 26 on the way to the Communion table; verse 27 at the table. Then invite everyone to read together verses 28-29. If a procession would take too long, or is impractical for other reasons, you could have a different person/group at each of the places to read the appropriate verses in order.

Mark 11:1-11

Mime the action as the passage is read.

You will need: Jesus and about five or six disciples.

They all enter as the reading begins, walking together until someone points to the hills into the distance (v.1). Jesus beckons to two of the disciples, points in a different direction; the two leave in that direction, others sit or stand, waiting for their return (vv.2-3). The two return with a third/new person who is miming concern (v.4) but eventually calms down and leaves (v.6). For the donkey itself, you could have someone dressed up (just a pair of ears may be sufficient), or use an existing prop/model, or make one (e.g. from cardboard). The two disciples bring the donkey to Jesus (v.7). Jesus and the donkey lead a procession slowly around the available space (vv.7-10), with the disciples following. Everyone present, or if that is not practical, individuals primed in advance, wave branches (or palm crosses) and/or throw lengths of cloth (e.g. towels or scarves) in front of the procession, and shout ‘Hosanna’ (v.9-10). Jesus leaves and everyone returns to their places (v.11).