Dear Church Family, 
We have returned home after a wonderful visit to Florida, tanned by the sun, energized by time with the grandchildren, amazed by the family’s busy schedule.  Highlights included plenty of games and stories, good meals, time in the pool and at “dog” beach, and attending worship at their new church ( where Christie will play the harp on Easter and where Liza, assisted by Josh, are working to establish a Sunday School).  God does bless us with family. 
We celebrate Palm Sunday this week.  There will be palms to wave as we sing the traditional “All Glory, Laud, and Honor.”  The mood, though, is also one of ambivalence on the day also known as Passion Sunday.  The celebrative parade was tempered by Jesus’ awareness that he was entering Jerusalem not as conquering hero, but to fulfill his mission of sacrifice on the cross. 
The sermon “The Great Passion Paradox” will explore that duality.  The texts are Isaiah 52:7-10 and Luke 19: 29-42, 47. 
You will not want to miss the special service of “Lenten Lessons and Carols” held Palm Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. at the Norfolk Congregational Church. Our choir will join choirs from 4 other congregational churches in leading this program. 
A full list of Holy Week opportunities will be sent out with the Good Word early next week, but be sure to include  the Maundy Thursday service at 7:30 p.m.in your planning. 
See you in church. 
Rich