Palm Sunday across NT-NL Synod, ELCA was a splendid affair. A return to many of the festive traditions we have missed the last two years. It has been a joy to see the posts of our communities celebrating, processing, singing, and remembering Christ’s entry into Jerusalem that lead of course to the wonder of the Triduum.
This morning my son participated with others from his congregation in bread baking. He will receive his first communion this Thursday on Maundy Thursday. Grateful for his pastor telling him the story and inviting him to participate in this process.
In the afternoon I journeyed to LaJunta, TX for the grand celebration of Jay’s Place. This has been a vision of SAWL Dan Lund, the leader of The Church Of Damascus Road Prison Ministry for many years. A place for men who have been incarcerated to continue to work the steps of sobriety, get jobs, and be supported in that process. What a joy to dedicate this ministry, see the support of the community across our synod for it and celebrate the ways this ministry represents congregations, synod, and churchwide #InMissionTogether. Our NT-NL DEM the Rev. Irma Banales joined me in giving remarks and then celebrating eucharist at the table in English y en Espanol.
We enter a busy and sacred time now. Holy Week will require the work of lay and rostered leaders alike. I give thanks for all who labor this week to tell again the story of God’s love poured out on the cross. God be with you all and may you again be moved by the wonder of the passion of our Christ. #NTNL #EnMisionJuntos