“HOSANNA!” “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” (Luke 19:38).

     My hometown has a yearly parade on July 4^th that is a great festive occasion. The parade participants include community organizations, schools, bands, cheerleaders, the “pom-pom girls,” horses and riders, clowns, sports teams, antique cars, floats, veterans and other military groups, church groups, politicians, and those who throw treats to those lining the streets. The parade is part of the “jamboree” (rodeo) week that concludes that evening at the fairgrounds. Hometown parades celebrate community pride and historical moments. The “big” parades, such as the Rose Bowl Parade and Macy’s Parade take intense planning years in advance so that the next parade seems even more grand than the last one.

     When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds waved their palms and shouted their “HOSANNAS” loudly to Jesus “for all the deeds of power that they had seen” Him do (vs. 37). Theologian Lee Ramdeen wrote “The waving of palms was significant in those days in Jerusalem because the Romans used to give palms to those who were victorious in their games, example chariot races, gladiatorial games, military conquests and the crowning of Caesars.” Such a fickle crowd: on Sunday there are shouts of joy “HOSANNA! HOSANNA! Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord” and by Friday there are shouts to “Crucify Him!”

     Palm Sunday begins Holy Week—Passion Week—the time of Jesus’ life coming to an end through much suffering. However, this is not the end of the story. The HOSANNAS and crucifixion lead to the joyful proclamation of “Christ is Risen! Christ is risen indeed.”  Our faith as Christians is grounded in the resurrection story and resurrection is our story. We are resurrected people over and over again, forgiven over and over again, lifted up out of tragedy to new life over and over again, filled with hope and love over and over again. It is freely given by God and we have graced-filled lives now and forever. The impossible becomes the possible and we can shout our “HOSANNAS” as we “give thanks to God, for God is good; God’s steadfast love endures forever!!!” (Psalm 118:1). ALLELUIA!!! HOSANNA!!! Thanks be to God. BLESSINGS ALWAYS.

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 “I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord;

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Church Remittance Form - please use this form when sending donations to/through the Association office.

The Stewardship and Generosity Team continues to work hard at finding ways to give you and your church resources for enhancing the giving of your congregations. We encourage you to explore the following links:

We, today, have families fleeing with their children to escape violence in their home countries. Many are seeking asylum as refugees in the United States. One faith community that helps thousands of legal refugees every year is the Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen, Texas. It is run by our brothers and sisters in Catholic Charities. To support the families who go through the center they have an Amazon wish list where you may make purchases that are delivered directly to the Center. (a very efficient way of giving). Here is the link to Catholic Charities and the Amazon Link: https://www.catholiccharitiesrgv.org/Donations.aspx

The direct link to the Amazon wish list is: https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/JJVAJFS3VIIQ/

The coronavirus pandemic has revealed and exacerbated places of pain and injustice throughout our institutions and communities, and clergy have borne the weight of this. The Pastoral Relations working group has listened to the pain that exists in our local clergy and have been trying to pay close attention to mental health and family concerns. Included here are links to resources for clergy and churches to be aware of.  Read more

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April 7th, from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

April 9^th, from 9a.m. - 2 p.m.

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🌷JOIN US!🌷

The University of Toledo Chamber Singers will perform contemporary and classical songs

For more information please call 415-309-2525

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·        April 21, 11 a.m. Eastern

·        May 12, 1 p.m. Eastern

Info Session registration and additional information are available at www.mtso.edu/infosession.

Methodist Theological School in Ohio provides theological education and leadership in pursuit of a just, sustainable and generative world. In addition to the Master of Divinity degree, the school offers master’s degrees in counseling, practical theology, social justice and theological studies, along with a Doctor of Ministry degree. Learn more at www.mtso.edu.