palm ~ passion sunday . . . and you're invited!

palm ~ passion sunday is tomorrow, march 29th, 2015 . . . and you are invited to attend.

james has made it possible for us to have some long, billowy palms ... who knew!  we actually have a palm tree on our property!

and so the setting is ready; we'll experience the triumphal entry of jesus into jerusalem, and we will sing familiar and maybe a not-so-familiar piece of music; we'll hear the steel drums play and experience an anthem from the music team ... followed by the story of how our hearts were moved with the selfless love of another.

come and let yourself be moved, and allow your spiritual journey to deepen.  and be revived to act in ways of justice and peace in the week ahead.  check out our website www.umcsantacruz.org

or join us at 10:45 am at the United Methodist Church of Santa Cruz  250 California St.  95060

i close with this jewish tale from sunday's message, which i've been asked to share ~ ~ ~

an angel of heaven was looking down upon the earth one day, having compassion for all the people.

the people of the earth seemed to suffer so much.

the angel summoned up the courage, and with hands trembling, asked God for control of the earth for one year.

god granted the angel's request.

the angel erases sin and suffering, decay and death.

but the bread the people eat tasted like clay in their mouths, and turned to dust in their hands.

the angel knew failure and collapsed at god's feet at the end of the year.

then god said, 'behold, a truth which has been known to me from the beginning of time; a truth too deep and dreadful for your delicate, generous hands, my sweet apprentice.

it is this:  that the earth must be nourished with decay and covered with shadows, so that its seeds may bring forth the harvest.

so it is this truth; that souls must be made fertile with flood and sorrow, that through them a great work may be born....'

may you know sorrow enough to grow strong in the grace that is the gift of life . . . .