It’s hard to believe that Holy Week is upon us! I suppose, for me, being gone that one week with the students from ETSU makes it seem so quick, but still, the time of remembrances of Christ’s passion is here!

I am a traditionalist. That’s an understatement to be sure! This coming Sunday has the opportunity to be Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion Sunday. For me, I find it very important to take time to recall Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, then focus later in the week upon the passionate story of His final hours on this earth. Our folks at OSLC are very good about coming to the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday worships, so, I’m okay with just letting Sunday be “Palm Sunday.”

We will have a great celebration. It will be one service, which includes music from our Heartsong experience of worship as well as our ELW worship. Our Sunday School children will sing a wonderful piece about Jesus’ arrival in the big city-one many of you know and will enjoy! Our chancel choir and heartsong band will do their usual wonderful parts in making this a very festive day!

Also, four children will receive their first communion at this service. Bailey Patrick, Cameron Wilcox, Natalie King, and Ella Estep will come to the altar rail for the first time and not just receive a children’s blessing but receive the blessing of bread and wine-a remembrance and a true participation in Christ’s presence in our lives! I am so thankful!

So-with palm branches waving and congregation singing, this is a special time in the life of our congregation! As we sing praises about Jesus this Sunday, I can’t help but sing praise to Jesus about you and the work that you do every day on behalf of our gracious Lord. My heart is full. I am glad to be alive and a part of His kingdom, and His Church!

It’s my hope that you feel the same! The palms are ready. The passion has been there all along. Holy Week awaits, and so does our Lord Christ-waiting patiently for our arrival – welcoming us with open arms. To God be the glory!

Pastor Jim