We're certainly in a strange time. That's an understatement I realize, but in some ways I have to keep reminding myself of that fact. Things just aren't normal and what was familiar and taken for granted previously, just aren't there right now. In some cases, we're not sure if they will return, but in every case we have no idea when any might.

During these uncertain times, we still have a certain HOPE in our Lord Jesus Christ. We're about to enter Holy Week, starting with Palm Sunday and culminating with the celebration of Easter on April 12th. Well, we'll try to celebrate this year, but it sure won't be what we're used to.

None-the-less, Jesus is our constant HOPE in this season. On Sunday, April 5th, we'll wave palms branches, or maybe this year simply hang them on our front door or put them in a window for our neighbors to see. On Thursday, we'll remember that night that Jesus was betrayed, but we'll also remember is deep love for his friends as he washed their feet. On Friday, we see even more profoundly how much he loves all of us as he willingly goes to his death on a cross. This is referred to as his passion.

Jesus is passionate about YOU! It was his love for you that took him from the palm waving cheering of the crowds, through their cries for his death, and all the way to his crucifixion. It is that powerful love that also raised him from the grave, but we'll get to that next week. For now, I invite you to bring your palms and your passions to Jesus and make the journey with him through this next week.

May God Bless You!

Pastor Mark