4.12.26
Dear All,
We are now into the 50 days of Easter. The Paschal Candle we light each Sunday reminds us of Christ’s presence throughout this period. When does the 50-day period end? Pentecost! The only other times we light the Christ candle are for funerals and baptisms.
I do want to reflect on the Palm Sunday Path many of you participated in during the afternoon of March 29th. Over 1000 folks processed from Pilgrim Congregational Church UCC up Michigan Avenue to the Capitol. What a sight it was! The procession was to proclaim to the world that we stand with Jesus Christ in his love for all. When others forget, we will remember the way of Christ. We will feed the hungry, heal the sick, and welcome the stranger. We will practice loving all our neighbors, including our enemies. And we will organize for a country that reflects these values.
On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem with nothing but truth, humility, and an unshakeable love for the world. That spirit brought us together to walk to the Capitol, and it calls us forward into what comes next.
The Palm Sunday Promise is an invitation to carry that spirit beyond a single day. It is for those who will be with us in Lansing and for those who will be praying along with us from across the state. For those in the pews and those outside them. For anyone who believes that the values of compassion, justice, and welcome are too important to set down. The Promise asks three things of each of us: Pray. Learn. Act.
This is my Palm Sunday Promise:
I will pray for healing and justice in my community, in America and the world.
I will learn about how today’s issues affect the county where I live.
I will act to serve God and my neighbor and to strengthen democracy.
Will you join me in the Palm Sunday Promise? To add your name to the Palm Sunday Promise list, visit mypalmsundaypath.org/promise.
Let us remember to pray for those who are preparing for confirmation or reception into the Episcopal Church. These folks are: Mike, Katie, Ian and Rachel, Patrick and Dani. Let us pray for those who reside in war-torn areas such as Ukraine and the Middle East. Let us pray for our governments that they make just and wise decisions particularly in employing our service people.
And … let us pray for each other.
Blessings to you and yours,
Karen+