Dear Church Family,
               As I will say in the opening words of my sermon this week  “the church has  never quite known how best to observe Palm Sunday.”  The welcome Jesus received when he entered Jerusalem was full of excitement and joy.  The crowds waved palm branches and lay down their coats to make a processional road.   But at the same time there is always the hint of impending doom, betrayal, and crucifixion.  Which is it? Joy or sorrow?
Of course, at the end of this passion drenched holy week, there is resurrection and new life. In many ways this week not only tells an historic story, it is also a microcosm of the rhythm of the Christian life.  In real life, we always seem to be moving from Palm Sunday to Good Friday to Easter.   The rhythm of the Christian life involves the movement from sin to salvation, despair to hope,  sadness to joy, crucifixion to resurrection.  Life rarely moves from celebration to celebration.  Woundedness, darkness, discouragement keep breaking in.  But the rhythm of God’s journey –and ours--ultimately moves toward Easter and new life.
               “Dealing with the Dark Side” is the message.  We’ll read both the Palm Sunday narrative (Luke 19:29-44) and a good portion of the passion narrative (Luke 22:39-62).  Come  ready to wave those palms as we sing “All Glory, Laud and Honor.” . 
               See you in church.
Peace and Joy,
Rich