On Sunday, March 25, Passion/Palm Sunday, St. James will have a special procession. Instead of just involving the children, as is our usual practice, during the opening hymn, the entire congregation will be invited to take part. Worship will begin in the narthex. We will pass out palms to young and old. We will hear the story of Jesus' triumphant parade into Jerusalem. After a blessing of the palms, we will all process into our regular worship space to the hymn of All Glory, Laud, and Honor. This interactive liturgy in motion will be a memorable experience for all involved.
To add to the excitement, the Gastony family will be bringing a donkey! Last year, Polly the Donkey delighted us all as we gathered for worship. This year, the plan is to involve the donkey in the opening procession (at least as we make the first lap on the tiled floor in the narthex.)
Our Passion/Palm Sunday worship will start a week of interactive worships. On Maundy Thursday, we will be worshiping around tables set up in the sanctuary at noon and 7:30 p.m. On Good Friday, children's worship will bring the story of Jesus' passion alive for the kids (10 a.m.). At noon, on Good Friday, adults will have an opportunity to hammer a nail into a large cross. In the evening, Tenebrae worship will use light and darkness to engage us in a re-telling of the crucifixion. Holy Week worship is worship designed to involve our motion and devotion.
I hope that you will be able to take part in these worship opportunities as we conclude our Lenten journey.
in Christ,
Pastor Walt