Some years ago I (Julie) was at a conference in New Orleans and was still in the city on Palm Sunday. What a gift that experience has come to be for my faith walk. I decided to skip the morning activities at the conference (it wasn’t a Christian Conference, but a work related one) and attend church. So quickly checking with the hotel I found one not too far away that I could take a quick cab to and from the downtown area.
When I arrived at the church I was curious to see many folks, young and old, standing near the building. There was a man with a guitar, another with a donkey on a lead, several pastoral staff in raiments and children running too and fro. At the start of the service — outside — the church bells trilled several times. A person standing next to the pastor climbed a palm tree and pulled leaves down onto us standing around the tree. The pastor blessed the fronds and this small army of faithful, led by a man on the donkey, accompanied by the guitarist, began moving out into the neighborhood waving the fronds and singing “All Glory Laud and Honor”.
I was amazed to see folks from the neighborhood come out of their homes and begin singing and marching with us. Several came from a diner with napkins tucked into their collars. All returned with us to the interior of the church where the service continued after our walk and we shared communion together.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could have every neighborhood recall Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem? Wouldn’t it be nice if we all could sing: “All Glory Laud and Honor” understanding the glory is due our Lord and Savior for what He took unto Himself for us? Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all break bread together, know that we are bound by His sacrifice and His resurrection? Imagine all that coming to be true!
Today I was grateful to have a parade of children and the young at heart at Grace UMC this morning at the beginning of the service. Of course I participated remembering all the while the walk in New Orleans. I am hoping today all the while that wherever you are in your walk that you are able to celebrate this Palm Sunday. It is the entry to the most holy of weeks for the Christian Church and for our hearts a time of rich celebration, praise, contemplation and sorrow winding its way to joy.
Mission to GCCP
One of jobs Mike and I had this morning was to confirm those going to God’s Country Cooperative Parish with our team. I am sooooo excited. We found that this morning Ross, Eric, Katalyn, Katelyn, Kevin, Sarah, Mike, Carol, Dan and I have committed to this trip. I know that others are contemplating it and we are so looking forward to their “Yes” so we can join together to make a difference in the lives of others. Before we know it we will be climbing into our cars and leaving for our work week!
Prayer
For our nation and those who recently attended a conference calling for the end of faith based initiatives. Pray that God will speak to each one in a huge way and help them understand that a) He is real, b) He loves them and c) He is the answer.
For a friend’s sister who has a cyst on her liver
For Brenda, for recovery from surgery for a brain tumor
For a friend to come and know the Lord
For mission teams from WI-VIM & Royal Oak, UMC and for Trinity UMC who is considering coming on mission in August
For our mission team to GCCP; for our fund raising.