March 18, 2026
Lenten Greetings,
Last night I was joined by Christina, LA, and Liz on a road trip to Reformation Lutheran Church in Philadelphia. We experienced the third night of United Lutheran Seminary's annual event titled, "Preaching With Power." The preacher for the evening was our Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry.
His message was centered on the texts that we will hear on Palm Sunday. His message was engaging, endearing and powerful. Throughout his sermon he waved a palm branch and repeated the phrase, “The crowd moved from waving palms to raising their palms." His words were an invitation for us to consider how we continue to be a part of the "Jesus Movement,” one where we bow down to the one who lifts us up to new life.
Our Lenten journey is closer to the end than the beginning. We set our eyes to the gathering on Palm Sunday. An image that is diametrically opposed to what popular culture deems as power. Jesus rode into Jerusalem, humbled, and the crowd celebrated. How will we welcome Jesus? How will we follow afterwards?
At 2:00 pm on Palm Sunday, Christians from around the area will gather at St. Bart's. At 3:00 pm. we will leave the church to parade through Trenton. Along the way we will pause to remember people who had been removed from the community. The is a march of solidarity and hope. Events like this are being planned all around the country.
I hope that you'll consider joining in waving palm branches in an act of community loving our neighbors.
However you journey, walk with Christ,
Pastor JJ
Last night I was joined by Christina, LA, and Liz on a road trip to Reformation Lutheran Church in Philadelphia. We experienced the third night of United Lutheran Seminary's annual event titled, "Preaching With Power." The preacher for the evening was our Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry.
His message was centered on the texts that we will hear on Palm Sunday. His message was engaging, endearing and powerful. Throughout his sermon he waved a palm branch and repeated the phrase, “The crowd moved from waving palms to raising their palms." His words were an invitation for us to consider how we continue to be a part of the "Jesus Movement,” one where we bow down to the one who lifts us up to new life.
Our Lenten journey is closer to the end than the beginning. We set our eyes to the gathering on Palm Sunday. An image that is diametrically opposed to what popular culture deems as power. Jesus rode into Jerusalem, humbled, and the crowd celebrated. How will we welcome Jesus? How will we follow afterwards?
At 2:00 pm on Palm Sunday, Christians from around the area will gather at St. Bart's. At 3:00 pm. we will leave the church to parade through Trenton. Along the way we will pause to remember people who had been removed from the community. The is a march of solidarity and hope. Events like this are being planned all around the country.
I hope that you'll consider joining in waving palm branches in an act of community loving our neighbors.
However you journey, walk with Christ,
Pastor JJ
