SAINT MICHAEL
and All Angels Episcopal Church
Palm Sunday March 29, 2026
9 AM TRADITIONAL CHURCH
FROM THE RECTOR
The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata
We’re so glad you’ve joined us at Saint Michael today. We’d love to get to know you better, so please take a moment to fill out the welcome card, either physically or digitally, that can be found on this page or in the pew back in front of you. Our Welcome Team members are in the hallways today to help you with anything you need.
Today is Palm Sunday, the day that begins the holiest week of the year. Holy Week is a sacred time at Saint Michael, and I encourage you to commit to the incredible experience that happens across four evenings: Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil. Beginning this Wednesday, April 1, these four services connect to form a single, deeply moving experience. I hope you’ll join us for all of them.
Please pick up a Sunday News handout if you haven’t already and join us for our special programming whenever you can, including our spring Alpha Course that begins this Tuesday, March 31, and is a wonderful opportunity for anyone seeking to learn more about God and our faith together.
As we prepare to worship together, I invite you to take a moment and center yourself on God’s presence. Worshiping, learning, and giving together help us grow closer to who God created us to be, and you’re part of that work. May God bless you today and every day, and I hope to see you again very soon!
CONNECT WITH US
Scan the QR Code to fill out the welcome card, sign up for emails, and register for Saint Michael 101. saintmichael.org/welcome
Palm Sunday
Holy Eucharist: Rite II
The service begins on page 270 of The Book of Common Prayer. Hymns may be found in the blue hymnal in the pew rack.
The Word of God
Prelude
Valet will ich dir geben, BWV 736 Johann Sebastian Bach
Welcome
Introit (sung by the Saint Michael Cherub Choir & Choristers)
L ittle Grey Donkey Natalie Sleeth
Little grey donkey, little grey donkey, little grey donkey, ho!
Do you know just who it is you carry on your back?
‘Tis no ordinary load, no mean or common pack. You are blessed of all beasts to carry into town Christ the Lord of Galilee; he wears no earthly crown.
Little grey donkey, little grey donkey, little grey donkey, ho!
Once you were a simple beast of poor and lowly state.
Christ himself hath chosen you and honored is your fate.
Though your path with palms is spread, make haste along the way; You were destined there to ride on this triumphal day.
Little grey donkey, little grey donkey, little grey donkey, ho!
Yonder is a grassy hill, it’s known as Calvary.
Up against the cloudless sky a barren cross you see.
Little grey donkey, little grey mare, don’t hide your head in shame, For you bear the Lamb of God, and Jesus is his name.
Salutation & Collect for Palm Sunday (standing)
Celebrant Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord. People Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.
Celebrant Let us pray.
The music today is sponsored by the Campbell Music Fund at the All Angels Foundation.
Johann Sebastian Bach was likely deeply moved by the hymn on which this chorale is based.
“Valet will ich dir geben” was inspired by tragic events: its lyricist, Valerius Herberger, served as a clergyman in Fraustadt during a plague outbreak in 1613. Despite the high death toll, Herberger remained with his congregation. Bach’s setting reflects this unwavering faith, filled with conviction and spiritual strength.
Natalie Sleeth was a Dallas composer and member of Highland Park United Methodist Church who wrote over 180 works for church and school use. Her composition “Little Grey Donkey” is a sweet retelling of the Palm Sunday procession from the perspective of the animals that carried Jesus. The Cherub Choir and the Choristers are eager to collaborate in this special musical offering.
Children ages three through eight are invited to meet a member of our ministry staff by the pulpit to be escorted to children’s chapel; they will return to the congregation following the Peace.
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.
The Blessing of the Palms (standing)
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give him thanks and praise.
The palms are lifted up.
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 g arments 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 g lory with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
Celebrant Blessed is he 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.
Palm Procession Metroplex United Piper
Highland Cathedral Ulrich Roever and Michael Korb
Processional Hymn (standing, sung by all) Hymn 154, v. 1-3
“All glory, laud, and honor” arranged by Sterling Procter
The Collect of the Day (standing)
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Lesson (seated)
Zechariah 9:9-12
Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the warhorse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall command peace to the nations; his dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double.
Lector The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
The Psalm (seated)
Psalm 118:19-24, 26-29
Open for me the gates of righteousness; * I will enter them; I will offer thanks to the LORD.
“ This is the gate of the LORD; * he who is righteous may enter.”
I will give thanks to you, for you answered me * and have become my salvation. The same stone which the builders rejected * has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the LORD’s doing, * and it is marvelous in our eyes.
Chanted by the Choir
On this day the LORD has acted; * we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; * we bless you from the house of the LORD.
God is the LORD; he has shined upon us; * form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar.
“ You are my God, and I will thank you; * you are my God, and I will exalt you.”
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; * his mercy endures for ever.
Sequence Hymn (standing, sung by all)
“Your right hand held me fast and led” after Tenuisti manu dexteram (Gradual for Palm Sunday) Your right hand held me fast and led, Your holy will became my light; Though envy turned my steps aside, Your truth restored my failing sight.
The Gospel (standing) John 12:12-16
Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
The g reat crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord— the King of Israel!”
Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it is written: “Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion. Look, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!” His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written of him and had been done to him.
Deacon The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon (seated) The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata
The Nicene Creed (standing)
All 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: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man.
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 and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
Parish Prayers of the People as of March 18, 2026
James Albergo
John Aldridge
Roland Anderson
Larry Andros
Rami Angir
Nancy Armour
Linda & Greg Austin
Don Baty
Larry Been
Barbara Hart Bell
Shirley Blackman
Len Bourland
Elise Broer
Helen Bustamante
Darrell Calvin
Cosette “Coco” Cathey
Carolyn Cochran
Jean Coleman
Elise Connolly
Bill Douglass
LaWanda Duggan
Kristen Ewing
Jean Fuller
Brooke Garcia
Curtis Green
Jane Greene
Jody Guenther
Roberto Hernandez
Josh Hight
Barbara Hornback
Lynne Kent
Julie Kenrick
John Khoury
Danny Landeros
John Levens
Rusty Lawley
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The
Prayers of the People: Form V (standing)
Celebrant Let us pray for the Church and for the world.
Lector In peace, let us pray to the Lord, saying, “Lord, have mercy.”
Lector
For the holy Church of God, that it may be filled with truth and love, and be found without fault at the day of your coming, we pray to you, O Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector For Sarah, Archbishop of Canterbury, for Sean, our Presiding Bishop, for Rob, our Bishop; for all bishops and other ministers, [for ___,] and for all the holy people of God, we pray to you, O Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector For all who fear God and believe in you, Lord Christ, that our divisions may cease, and that all may be one as you and the Father are one, we pray to you, O Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector
For the mission of the Church, that in faithful witness it may preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth, we pray to you, O Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector
For the peace of the world, that a spirit of respect and forbearance may grow among nations and peoples, we pray to you, O Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector For those in positions of public trust, [especially Donald, our President; Greg, our Governor; and Eric, our Mayor,] that they may serve justice, and promote
the dignity and freedom of every person, we pray to you, O Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector For the poor, the persecuted, the sick, and all who suffer; for refugees, prisoners, and all who are in dang er; that they may be relieved and protected, we pray to you, O Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector For this congregation, for those who are present, and for those who are absent, that we may be delivered from hardness of heart, and show forth your glory in all that we do, we pray to you, O Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector For all who have commended themselves to our prayers; for our families, friends, and neighbors; that being freed from anxiety, they may live in joy, peace, and health, we pray toyou, O Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector For all those on the Saint Michael prayer list, and for _____, we pray to you, O Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector For all who have died in the communion of your Church, [especially___,] and those whose faith is known to you alone, that, with all the saints, they may have rest in that place where there is no pain or grief, but life eternal, we pray to you, O Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector Rejoicing in the fellowship of blessed Michael and all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life to Christ our God.
People To you, O Lord our God.
Tom Luce
Leigh Ann McCartin
Lyn McKinney
Sarah Margaret Mannes
Dimitri Margetis
Thomas Martin
Michael Matamoras
Tink Moir
John Morelock
Heather Nemec
John Oncken
Sue Patton
Mikel Reynolds
Jim Riggert
Celso Rocha
Nancy Saustad
Arden Showalter
Hank Showalter
Brad Smith
Chad Smith
Chandler Wade Smith
Dianne Smith
Fadey Suleiman
Byrd Teague
Renee Torres
Dan Vasquez
Travion Waites
Keller Webster
John Wieden
Mary Wolf
Celebrant Heavenly Father, you have promised to hear what we ask in the Name of your Son: Accept and fulfill our petitions, we pray, not as we ask in our ignorance, nor as we deserve in our sinfulness, but as you know and love us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Confession of Sin and Absolution (kneeling)
Celebrant Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
All Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
Celebrant Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
The Peace (standing)
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.
Announcements (please be seated)
The Holy Communion
Offertory Anthem (sung by the Saint Michael Choir)
Ride on, King Jesus Moses Hogan
Ride on, King Jesus, Ride on, the conquerin’ king.
Oh, Ride on, King Jesus, ride on. No man can a-hinder thee.
I was but young when I begun. No man can a-hinder thee.
But now my race is almost done. No man can a-hinder thee.
Ride on, King Jesus, Ride on, the conquerin’ king.
Oh, Ride on, King Jesus, ride on. No man can a-hinder thee.
King Jesus rides a milk white horse. No man can a-hinder thee.
The ribber of Jordan he did cross. No man can a-hinder thee.
Ride on, King Jesus, Ride on, the conquerin’ king.
Oh, Ride on, King Jesus, ride on. No man can a-hinder thee.
He’s the King and the Lord of all. No man can a-hinder thee.
Jesus is the first and he’s the last.
Jesus is the Lord of Lords. Jesus is the Prince of peace. No man can a-hinder thee.
Ride on, King Jesus, Ride on, just ride on, Jesus!
- Traditional Spiritual
To make a gift scan this QR code.
Moses Hogan was an American composer and arranger who remains one of the most well-known names in African-American spirituals. Over his lifetime, he published 88 arrangements for voice. This exciting arrangement of the traditional spiritual was commissioned by Spelman College, a historically Black liberal arts college for women in Atlanta, Georgia, and was premiered by the Spelman Glee Club under the direction of Dr. Norma Raybon.
All baptized persons of any age regardless of their denomination and tradition are welcome to share in the banquet of the Lord’s Supper.
Presentation Hymn (standing, sung by all)
“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow” Old 100th
The Great Thanksgiving: Eucharistic Prayer A (standing)
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant L ift up your hearts.
People We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Here a Proper Preface is sung or said on all Sundays, and on other occasions as appointed.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to g ive thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Sanctus (standing, sung by all) Hymn S 130
“Holy, holy, holy”
Please kneel as you are able.
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to e vil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.
He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper he 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 shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
All Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.
Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it, or lay a hand upon it; and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing wine to be consecrated.
The Celebrant breaks the bread in silence.
All are invited to come forward to the Communion rail at the direction of our ushers. Stand or kneel at the rail as you are able, and receive the wafer in the palm of your outstretched hands. If you desire a gluten-free wafer, clasp your hands in front of you with your palms down. Receive the wine by drinking from the chalice as it is offered to you, or by retaining the wafer, to dip lightly into the chalice for yourself. If you are not receiving, you may cross your arms over your chest and receive a blessing. If you are unable to physically come to the rail, please indicate to an usher that you would like to receive Communion at your seat.
All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and g lory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
All Our Father, who 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread (kneeling, sung by all) Hymn S 164
“Jesus, Lamb of God”
Celebrant The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
Communion Hymn (sung by all)
“ When I survey the wondrous cross” Rockingham
Communion Anthem (sung by the Saint Michael Choir)
Pange, lingua
Pange lingua gloriosi
Corporis mysterium, Sanguinisque pretiosi, Quem in mundi pretium
Fructus ventris generosi Rex effudit gentium.
Hymn 474
Anton Bruckner
Tantum ergo sacramentum
Veneremur cernui:
Et antiquum documentum
Novo cedat ritui:
Praestet fides supplementum
Sensuum defectui.
Genitori Genitoque
Laus et jubilatio, Salus, honor, virtus quoque
Sit et benedictio:
Procedenti ab utroque
Compar sit laudatio.
Amen.
Sing, my tongue, the mystery of the glorious Body, and of the precious Blood which, as the ransom for the world, the fruit of a noble womb the King of the nations poured out.
Therefore so great a sacrament let us venerate, bowed low; and let the ancient covenant give way to the new rite. Let faith supply what is lacking where the senses fail.
To the Father and to the Son be praise and joyful exultation, salvation, honour, power also, and blessing.
To the One who proceeds from both be equal praise.
Amen.
- St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) for the Feast of Corpus Christi
Anton Bruckner composed his Pange lingua in 1868, creating a reverent setting of the ancient Eucharistic hymn traditionally attributed to Thomas Aquinas. Written for unaccompanied choir, the motet reflects Bruckner’s deep Catholic faith and his gift for luminous harmonic color within a restrained, chant-like texture. The music unfolds with simplicity and dignity, shaped by warm Romantic harmonies that gently heighten the text’s devotional moments. Though modest in scale, the piece reveals Bruckner’s characteristic blend of humility and grandeur, offering a contemplative expression of awe before the mystery of the sacrament.
Streamed with permission under ONE LICENSE # M - 402151.
The Post-Communion Prayer (kneeling, spoken by all)
Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Blessing (kneeling)
The Dismissal (standing)
Deacon Let us bless the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
Departing Procession (standing, sung by all) Hymn 458, v. 1-3, 7
“My song is love unknown” arrangement by David Goode (b. 1971)
Postlude Metroplex United Piper
Scotland the Brave, Rowantree, Wings Traditional
7:30 AM
Traditional
Saint Michael Chapel
9 AM Traditional Church
Joy! A Children’s Service
Saint Michael Chapel
10 AM
Education for All Ages
11 AM
Contemporary Church
Traditional
Saint Michael Chapel
5:30 PM
Traditional
Saint Michael Chapel
sunday at Saint Michael
EDUCATION CLASSES
Sundays | 10 a.m. | 2nd floor of the Education Wing
Please enter and exit the Education Wing from the south entrance on Colgate Ave.
Adults
Bible Series | The Lost Letters of Pergamum Room 203 | Led by the Rev. Robin Hinkle
Explore “The Lost Letters of Pergamum,” by Bruce Longenecker, imagined correspondence between Saint Luke and a Roman elite, illuminating early Christianity under persecution.
Faith & Practice | The Life of Prayer Room 201 | Led by the Rev. David Faulkner
This Lent, deepen prayer through daily devotions, Scripture-based prayer, and faith amid life’s challenges
Class for Parents | Embracing Your Limitations as a Parent Room 212 | Led by Travis Gilmore Author Oliver Burkeman promotes “imperfectionism,” helping overwhelmed parents embrace limits and make wiser daily decisions.
Saint Michael 101 | Spotlight: Education Room 200 | Led by Dr. Tim Smith, Sam Moore, and Meghan Houk Those who are new to our church or interested in membership will learn about Saint Michael’s mission and purpose.
Youth
Middle School: 6th and 7th Grade | Youth Room A
Confirmation: 8th Grade | Youth Center
High School: 9th – 12th Grade | Youth Room B
Children
Godly Play: PreK – 1st Grade (Ages 3 – 7)
PreK (Room 213) | Kindergarten (Room 211) | 1st Grade (Room 208)
One Family of Faith: 2nd – 3rd Grade | Room 209
Launch 45: 4th – 5th Grade | Room 207
Nursery available in rooms 19 & 20 in school hallway. Enter through the Sunday Education Wing entrance. See map for details.
HOLY WEEK SERVICE SCHEDULE
MARCH 30
MONDAY IN HOLY WEEK
Morning Prayer
7 a.m. | Chapel
MARCH 31
TUESDAY IN HOLY WEEK
Morning Prayer
7 a.m. | Chapel
APRIL 1
WEDNESDAY IN HOLY WEEK
Morning Prayer
7 a.m. | Chapel
Tenebrae
7 p.m. | Church
APRIL 2
MAUNDY THURSDAY
Morning Prayer
7 a.m. | Chapel
Maundy Thursday & Stripping of the Altar
7 p.m. | Church
Vigil in the Garden of Repose
9 p.m. – 6 a.m. | Chapel
APRIL 3
GOOD FRIDAY
Good Friday
7 a.m. | Chapel
Good Friday & Holy Communion
12 p.m. | Church
Family Stations of the Cross
12 p.m. | Chapel
Traditional Stations of the Cross
1:15 p.m. | Church
Contemporary Stations of the Cross
5:30 p.m. | Church
Contemporary Good Friday & Holy Communion
7 p.m. | Church
APRIL 4
HOLY SATURDAY
Holy Saturday
8:30 a.m. | Chapel
Great Vigil of Easter
7 p.m. | Church
SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT
SAINTMICHAEL.ORG/HOLYWEEK FOR MORE INFORMATION.
APRIL 5, 2026
6:30 AM Sunrise Service Outdoor Patio on Colgate 9 AM
Holy Eucharist Rite II Church
Joy! A Children’s Service Chapel 5:30 PM
Holy Eucharist Rite II Church
7:30 AM
Holy Eucharist Rite I Chapel 11 AM Contemporary Service Church
Holy Eucharist Rite I Chapel
saintmichael.org/eastersunday