In our Christian worship today and throughout Holy Week and Easter we remember things that happened long ago. But we also reenact those events
in a way that draws us into taking part — here and now — in the work of God in Christ that transcends our usual notions of time. Theologians use the word anamnesis to describe this way of remembering-that-also-takes-part-in-what-isbeing-remembered.
We begin this annual anamnesis by way of today’s Liturgy of the Palms, in which we share in the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The gospel
story shared here tells of a throng greeting Jesus with joy, believing he might be a liberating new king for Israel. We join them, waving palm fronds . This year, we will spend most of our liturgy reflecting on the Triumphal entry before turning our attention to the Passion of Christ – his betrayal, mock trial, torture and death by crucifixion.
A small cross made from the palms used in the opening part of the Palm Sunday liturgy can become a meaningful devotional object throughout the
coming year and can be returned to the church next year during Sundays before Lent, to be burned and used to make the ashes for next year’s Ash Wednesday liturgies.
Palm Sunday Coffee Hour
Please join us in Millett Hall following the 10am Palm Sunday service for a special Middle Eastern coffee hour. Try the foods that the first Palm Sunday celebrants would have eaten on this very special day.
