Coming Up Sunday, April 1

On Sunday, we begin Holy Week, which we will mark with several worship services over the coming days to remember and reflect on Christ's final journey to Jerusalem, his arrest, trial, crucifixion, burial, and, ultimately, resurrection.  For nearly 2000 years, Christians have marked this time each year in certain ways, developing an extensive tradition, parts of which we will share in this year.

First is Palm Sunday, when we mark Christ's entry into Jerusalem amid shouts of "Hosanna" from a large, cheering crowd.  Our children will celebrate this with a parade of palms at the beginning of our worship, followed by the great Palm Sunday hymn, "All Glory, Laud, and Honor."  As the service progresses, though, we will turn our attention, in part, to the rest of the journey Jesus will make this holiest of weeks, leading to Calvary.

Building on our Lenten theme, this week we will consider the "Curses and Blessings" which stand in stark contrast in Christ's passion.  On Palm Sunday, we focus on "Via Dolorosa: The Cursed Journey of God's Anointed," as Jesus, described by a voice from heaven as "my beloved one," walks along a road that will lead inexorably to suffering and death.