Dear All,
Today is our last regular Sunday of Lent. Next Sunday we begin Holy Week with Palm Sunday. Our Palm Sunday service is radically changed and I’ll share about that with you in next week’s note. Today I wish to talk about a few things including children in the church.
Last week we had our first children’s chapel. Our young ones learned that when we are in God’s special space we walk more slowly and talk more softly because someone might be talking with God and we don’t want to disturb them. We also talked about how we quiet ourselves – that in fact, we know how to quiet ourselves and we have no need for someone to tell us to be quiet.
The children worked hard on these things in chapel, but new habits take time to take hold. So, we must be patient and remind our young ones on how to behave in God’s special space. It will be most helpful if we adults also practiced the same habits in God’s special space. To walk more slowly and talk more softly because someone might be talking to God and we don’t want to disturb them.
One of the phrases the children learned in sign language is “Be still and know that God is here.” When they see this signed, they are to quiet themselves. I ask all of us to be patient with this change of the children sitting in the front on cushions. It is new for all of us and will take several Sundays before we are all acclimated to it.
We also worked on sharing in Jesus’ feast. We shared the bread and wine, talking about how this is Jesus’ body and blood. If that is a difficult topic to wrap your head around it. Some folks think children should not receive communion because they don’t understand what they are doing. I wonder how many of us adults understand what we are doing when we receive communion. I wonder how many of us know how many sacraments there are and what they mean.
In pondering this, I’m wondering if a couple of classes on what are the sacraments (all 7 of them) and what do they mean might be helpful for us. Please let me know soon if this is something of interest to you. In addition, several folks have wondered if I am willing to run another session of Sacred Ground. This is an eleven-session course that presents the history of our practices dealing with different ethnicities, etc. throughout our American history. It is an eye-opening, life-changing course. If you wish to know more about it, talk to some of the folks who have been through Sacred Ground. Bob Merriman, Kelly Hackett, Sally Boron, Mark Rudd, Martha McKee, etc.
Last topic! Palm Sunday Path 2026. On Palm Sunday at 3:00pm in the afternoon, folks from all over the state will be gathering to process (just as Jesus did) from Pilgrim Congregational Church to the Capitol in support of Christians living out the values as Jesus proclaimed in Matthew – feed the hungry, clothe the naked, care for the orphans, etc. This is in direct opposition to what Christian Nationalism is about and our opportunity to say what we believe Jesus was and is all about. After the march, a program with singing, speakers, etc. will be held at the Capitol at approximately 4:00pm. Following that, the Episcopalians will gather at St. Paul’s for a chance to process what they have seen and heard and to share in Evening Prayer.
You are welcome to participate at any level. I will not be doing the walk, but I will be at St. Paul’s at 3:00pm. Our building will be used for any medical emergencies that may occur during the gathering at the Capitol. I’ll need a few folks to help with hospitality during this time and when folks are here for Evening Prayer. If you can help, please let me know. If you are marching, they encourage you to carry your palms.
May you all have a peaceful week. May your prayer life be strengthened knowing how necessary your prayers are. May we pray for patience as change continues around us including within our own parish. Pray for those in the Middle East and our service folks everywhere. And, pray for your families and yourselves.
Blessings to you and yours,
Karen+