So we have now arrived at the threshold of Holy Week. In ancient Celtic mythology, it was believed that the “in-between” times and “in-between” places were the most powerful. So there are reports of things being done “neither at day nor at night” and “neither on land nor on sea”. That’s very much what Palm Sunday is like! We start out almost feeling like we’ve left the somberness of Lent behind. But it’s not long until we come to the reading of the great Passion Gospel. Heaviness descends. Wait. What is happening?

This is the last Sunday before we enter into the solemnities of Holy Week. The Gospel gives us a hint of things to come. Expanding on that hint, I’m attaching a “Field Guide to Holy Week”, which lists the services and gives some ideas of what to expect. Please take a look at put as many of these services on your calendar as possible. Easter is ever so much more meaningful when we accompany Jesus through the last days of his life, rather than hop-scotching from Palm Sunday to Easter.

Welcome to the Fourth Sunday of Lent—traditionally called Laetare Sunday after the ancient Latin opening hymn that began Laetare Ierusalem, “Rejoice, O Jerusalem”. This Sunday is also called Refreshment Sunday, when some of the fasting and solemnity of Lent are relaxed a bit. We have a somewhat unusual something for you on Sunday, and hope you’ll be joining us at the service, with a smile 🙂