Palm Sunday

March 29th - 8:00 and 10:00am

March 29  – Sundays at Grace --  Mass with Fr. Walter Hillebrand  8:00 & 10:00 am- distribution of Palms. 10:00 service begins in Parish Hall and processes to the Church, Christian Ed. students in procession - Communion, Readings, Choir, Live Music, Prayers, and Preaching;  Coffee, Snacks and Conversation after each service in the Grace Coffee House. 
10:00 am - live-streamed links - https://vimeo.com/event/286891   or
YouTube -  https://www.youtube.com/@GraceChurch-m3i     

Palm Sunday

Just days before the Passover, Jesus rode into Jerusalem and was greeted with shouts of praise and messianic hope by the people, who hailed him as their king and gave him the most meaningful expressions of welcome. Significantly, the crowds laid their cloaks on the road and waved palm branches, shouting, “Hosanna in the highest!” Jesus’s entrance into Jerusalem caused a tremendous commotion. Matthew describes the event: “When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” (Matthew 21:10). In fact, scholars note that the word translated as “stirred” in verse 10 is far too mild and would be better rendered as “shaken,” evoking the force of an earthquake.

It was intentional and purposeful that the people waved palm branches, since carrying palms and other branches represented victory and success. This connection recalls the line of the psalm, “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree” (Psalm 92:12–15). The act of spreading out one’s garment was a gesture of recognition, loyalty, and a promise of support, echoing the scene in 2 Kings 9:13 when garments were spread before Jehu as he declares his kingship over Israel.

As the garments are spread on the road into Jerusalem, the message is clear: Jesus is the king Israel has been awaiting. 

(Bible Study: Palm Sunday – The Episcopal Church web site)