Palm Sunday and Holy Week
Hello Gloria Dei,
As we move through Holy Week as a congregation, we are privileged once again to share in the events of the most important week in human history.
This weekend is Palm Sunday. During worship we will wave palms and sing Hosanna to our King and Messiah, Jesus. Jesus enters Jerusalem to the waving of palms and expectations of a military and conquering king. Jesus is a king, but he rules in a different way than expected. He gives his life for the world. He is a servant king and a conqueror, but what he conquers is not Rome or any earthly kingdom. Rather he conquers the powers of sin and death.
On Thursday we share in Jesus’ last supper, as he models for us what it means to be true servants.
On Friday we experience Jesus on the cross and the sharing of his seven last words.
And then on Saturday and Sunday we celebrate the best news ever: “He is Risen. He is Risen Indeed.”
- Palm Sunday: Saturday 5 p.m. Sunday, 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.
- Maundy Thursday with Holy Communion: 6:00 and 7:30 p.m.
- Good Friday: 6:00 p.m.
- Easter: Saturday 5 p.m. with Holy Communion. Sunday 7:30, 8:30, 9:40 (livestream) and 10:50 a.m.
What I’d like you to do this week, in addition to Bible Reading and Worship, is to pray. Pray for the many people who will enter Gloria Dei’s doors this week. Pray that the Holy Spirit will grab hold of them and create or strengthen their faith and trust in Jesus.
God promises that as we come together to hear God’s word, to sing God’s praises, and to share in fellowship, that the word will not come back empty. Pray that the events of Holy Week and the Good News of Easter will not only inspire you to acts of love and service, but also inspire all who come to worship.
Please be reminded that on this Sunday, the High School Youth Group will be preparing a Palm Sunday brunch for you to enjoy. It will be a free will offering, and the proceeds will help fund their summer trips. Brunch is served from 8:30 to 12:30.
I wish you and your family a very blessed Holy Week and Easter, as we witness the great love God has for us in Jesus Christ, who was willing to give his life in order that we may live, not only here and now, but forever.
As we continue reading through the gospel of Mark, please read chapter 11:1-11.
See you in worship.
Pastor Tim
