Set up:  group seated kids at 5 points in the front: 2 disciples with Jesus next to lectern, 2-3 as group in the town on the far left, 5 crowd members up by altar, 2 Pharisees far right, 2-3 city people in the front pews

Costumes: Jesus, disciples, and Pharisees have headscarves.  Everyone else carries palm branches.

Teach Song: teach song “Pave the Way with Branches” All Creation Sings #928 by Bret Hesla

Give Instructions:  Let folks know there are several points during the story to join the parade, and they are invited to do so

Tell Story: 

(The narrator begins:)

Today, we are going to experience one of God’s stories together.

God’s story is big:  (everyone stretches arms out wide)

it begins before the beginning of time, (everyone stretches to the right)

it continues today in our lives, (everyone returns to the center)

and it extends beyond the end of everything. (everyone stretches to the left)

God’s story is about people: 

old people, (old people raise hands)

young people, (young people raise hands)

and folks somewhere in the middle, (everyone else raises hands)

women and girls, (women and girls raise hands)

men and boys, (men and girls raise hands)

rich and poor, people from cultures we do not understand

and our neighbors right next door. (shake hands with someone nearby)

God’s story is about love: 

God’s love for us, (everyone points to themselves)

love for everything God has ever created, (everyone gestures outward)

love for the whole cosmos, (everyone gestures upward)

and God’s story is about us (everyone points to themselves)

learning to love God (everyone points up)

and one another, too (everyone points at all the other people)

God’s story is a very important story, perhaps the most important story, and today we are going to be a part of one part of it.

(Jesus and the disciples stand)

One day, Jesus knew that it was time for him to go to Jerusalem, the holy city, and finish the work that God had for him to do.  Jesus and his disciples began to head that direction.

(Jesus and disciples slowly move to the center, in front of the seated crowd)

On the way, Jesus told two of his disciples to go into town and find a donkey that had never been ridden, and to bring it to him.  The disciples were confused.  Was he asking them to take something that didn’t belong to them?  “Don’t worry,” Jesus said, “if anyone asks you why you need it, say, ‘The Lord needs it’ and they will understand.  So, the disciples went to do what Jesus asked. 

Have you ever done what Jesus asked?  Join us in our parade!

(The disciples lead a parade around the front section of pews, ending at the “town”)

(a song leader leads “Pave the Way with Branches”, perhaps using text appropriate to the part of the story)

(The narrator continues)

The disciples went to the town, and right away they found a donkey, just like Jesus said.  They untied it and started leading it away, and some people nearby said, “Why are you taking that donkey?”  The disciples said, “Our Lord, Jesus, needs it.”  “Okay,” the people said, “Can we come, too?”  “Come and see,” said the disciples, and the whole group headed back to Jesus. 

Have you ever wondered what was going to happen next?  Join us in our parade!

(The disciples lead a parade around the front section of pews, ending at the center “crowd”)

(a song leader leads “Pave the Way with Branches”, perhaps using text appropriate to the part of the story)

(The narrator continues)

When the disciples and the group from the town arrived, a large crowd had gathered.  Jesus got on the donkey, and, even though it had never been ridden, he had no trouble riding it at all!  People threw their coats on the road and cut leafy branches from the trees.  The people sang and shouted “Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!  Hosanna in the highest!”  It was a joyful parade!

Have you ever been happy to follow Jesus?  Join us in our parade!

(The disciples lead a parade around the front section of pews, ending at the “Pharisees.”)

(a song leader leads “Pave the Way with Branches”, perhaps using text appropriate to the part of the story)

(The narrator continues)

As the parade made its way into Jerusalem, the holy city, some Pharisees, who were the teachers and keepers of the law we afraid.  Jesus and his followers were making a lot of noise and shouting about turning the world upside down!  They said to Jesus, “This is too dangerous!  Make them stop!”  Jesus said, “Even if this entire crowd was completely silent, the stones on the ground would shout about who I am and what I came to do.”  The Pharisees said to each other, “We tried to stop them, but the whole world has gone crazy following after Jesus!”  The parade just kept on going! 

Have you ever kept going, even if you had doubts?  Join us in our parade!

(The disciples lead a parade around the front section of pews, ending at the “city folk” in the front pews)

(a song leader leads “Pave the Way with Branches”, perhaps using text appropriate to the part of the story)

(The narrator continues)

Jesus, the donkey, the disciples, the group from the town, the crowd, and the Pharisees finally made their way into Jerusalem.  The people in the city asked, “Who is this?  What’s going on?” The crowds following Jesus answered “He is the prophet, the one chosen by God to deliver God’s message to us, Jesus of Nazareth in Galilee.”  More people joined the parade, and it continued, all the way to the temple! 

Do you ever have questions about God?  This is your last chance to join us in our parade!

(The disciples lead a parade around the entire sanctuary, gathering folks as they pass by)

(a song leader leads “Pave the Way with Branches”, perhaps using text appropriate to the part of the story, until everyone who wants to has joined the parade)