Hi, Friends!
Happy Palm Sunday! We had planned for our kid and adult choirs to sing together and lead us in worship this Sunday. So, there is an extra sadness in being apart this morning. But there is also an unexpected blessing that four weeks into quarantine, I am certain we have all been thinking of each other more and connecting as a church in new ways. So this morning, this Palm Sunday, we will rejoice and enter into Holy Week together even if we are six feet (or more) apart. I hope you will join us for each step of the way to Easter!
Pastor Mary and I have a new video in honor of Palm Sunday, and we pray it blesses all who watch! Brody shows up as usual, and we explain all sorts of props that kids can choose to bring to worship this morning in their own homes.
Click here to watch the new video!
After you watch the video, you and your family members can use the following discussion prompts and activities to apply the lesson—woot!
Talk It Out
Recap: What happened on Palm Sunday?
Check In With Yourself: Are you feeling ready to celebrate and cheer for Jesus today? If not, what are you feeling today? Tell God about it!
Wonder: What are you wondering right now as you think about that first Palm Sunday when Jesus came riding into town on a donkey?
Apply It
Ways you can celebrate your own Palm Sunday:
Gather some leaves of any kind! If you can't find any leaves outside, you can make your own using paper, scissors, and glue/tape. You can trace your hand to make leaves if you want, or make any shape you like. You could also make a palm branch using anything else you have around the house—be creative!
Find a favorite coat, sweatshirt, robe, or blanket. We show Jesus honor by laying down things that are special to us.
Make a parade route through your house using your "cloak" and branches. You can walk the parade route shouting "Hosanna!" and anything else that you want to say to praise Jesus. You could also play this song as you go!
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Jesus' path to the cross. Think about a time when you had to make a hard journey—maybe it's right now as you make this journey of social distancing and being home all the time. Ask God to help you get through this time. Draw a picture of a "road through quarantine" and draw pictures of blessings you have along the way.
Remember, you can talk to God about anything anytime! You can tell God how you feel, what you need, and anything else that is on your mind. And don't forget that thanking God can help us feel more calm and happy inside.
We are praying for you! Please remember to email/call/text with any prayer requests you have.
Much love,
Pastors Lindsay and Mary