As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying,
“Blessed is the king
who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven,
and glory in the highest heaven!” – Luke 19:37-38
First and foremost, I am a writer. I love to feel the words pour out of my heart and mind in just the right way to communicate a poignant truth. There are moments when the right phrase – the write phrase – lands on my page and I’ve been known to punch the air, issuing a guttural “yes!” like Tiger Woods dropping a 50-ft putt, or Messi netting a spectacular goal!
But this morning I have to admit that the photographs have it. My writing today stands a distant second behind these exciting images of Palm Sunday at WFPC.
Of course, the pictures don’t convey the rich beauty of the music, or capture the buzz of energy that filled the CLC before, during, and after both services of worship. But I do hope that you are encouraged when you look at these images, and that the dynamic truth of the story that is being told (being lived) by this congregation is communicated in such a way that you feel not only inspired, but invited to become part of this story too.
PART ONE: So we met in the CLC for two inspirational worship services of scripture, story, and song. We waved our palm branches, we felt the excitement of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and we followed the story of the passion, all the way to the cross.
I especially appreciate the way the “Chancel Choir” (from 11:15 traditional worship) and the “Praise Team” (our 9:00 band and singers) work together in unity. Their styles blend so well, and the collaboration reminds me of how we can be so completely different in our expressions of worship yet so united as followers of the Living Way.
PART TWO: It is the Palm Sunday tradition of Wake Forest Presbyterian Church to plant rose bushes in the garden in memory of those who have passed away during the previous year.
It’s a beautiful service, during which family members literally dig the hole and plant the bush themselves (with help from our green team).
Rebekah said that, in a sense, the garden is that place where we’re all struggling to return; where we walk once again with God, a reconciliation made possible by the mercy and grace of Jesus. Our church garden is both a testimony to and an expression of the deep theological truth that God walked with us in the garden, and – because of Jesus – walks with us still today.
So please enjoy the slide show below. Share in our joy as an energetic, growing, Christ-centered congregation. And be encouraged in your own walk as a follower of Jesus.
“Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, order your disciples to stop [making so much noise!].’ He answered, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.’”
– DEREK
Derek Maul: Words, Photographs, and Food for the Journey 