God's Loving Presence in a Hurting World

Musings from the Pastor's Desk for Palm Sunday

April 13, 2025

About Face

The term “about face” evokes the image of a military march, where soldiers are commanded to make an abrupt turn and proceed in the direction from which they came. As we journey through the Lenten season, I envision Christ’s pilgrimage to Jerusalem. I can picture his feet kicking up dust as he walks, his loyal supporters marching beside him while the crowds greet him with joyous, celebratory splendor, reminiscent of the St. Patrick’s Day parades that fill most weekends in March.

Of course, we know that soon the supporters will do an “about face” and abruptly turn as Jesus moves straight toward the cross of his crucifixion. This Sunday is the most paradoxical worship day in our Lenten journey. The discipline of Lent consistently reminds us to focus on self-reflection and repentance. Repentance is a call to turn toward God, an abrupt “about face.” Yet, on Palm Sunday, our worship liturgy uncomfortably highlights the human tendency to make a 180-degree turn away from God, rather than toward the Lord.

Our “about face” is evident in the dual-titled observance: Palm Sunday/Passion of Our Lord. We start by celebrating the triumphant entrance of Jesus into the Holy City of Jerusalem, only to tragically have our liturgy make an abrupt “about face” to the passion story of betrayal, abandonment, denial, and the ultimate death of our Lord on Good Friday.

This Holy Week, join me in contemplating this trek, reflecting not only on the “about face” of his journey but also on our own. This week, we may turn toward our Lord instead of away from Him.

In the depths and darkness of this journey, we remember that Christ was resurrected. What I often take from this is the lesson that throughout the darkest times in our lives, when our friends and loved ones have made an about-face and turned away from us, when luck, love, and circumstances do not align with our most hopeful thoughts, we will emerge from our suffering into salvation.

Please join us for worship on Sunday, April 13, at 10:30 AM as we witness Jesus’ triumphant march into Jerusalem and the “about-face” his supporters made as Jesus went to the cross.   

We have a place for you at Hope Lutheran Church, 6201 Coventry Way, Clinton, MD, at 10:30 AM, or you can join us on Facebook Live at Hopeclinton. May the experience of Christ’s passion inspire you to turn towards God.  

All are welcome!

Pastor Eric ++

A message from Miss Stormy

Well Spring is here and this warm weather is bringing more people out. I gained a new volunteer the other day, he took the bags that all you loving people help make and we are getting them out to the homeless in DC at McArthur Park. Your love is being spread to many and we are not done by any means.  

Tents have been sent out with sleeping bags, sleeping bags were a great need and help to many who are living outside so thank you again for those. The donated grocery store gift cards and all the supplies that people are providing mean the world to me. I forsee more people out on the streets or in needing help with food, etc with all that's going on with the government right now, I will be there for them

This morning I was in the kitchen, making chili for the homeless and the elderly in area.

We need to especially check on the elderly in our neighborhoods, so many don't have the energy to cook and they eat the bare minimum. When you make dinner, why not share you meal and bring a plate to someone and let them know you care. A meal goes a long way for people and the smile on their faces is the most gratification you may ever feel.

Well, back to working on stuff, I will continue to cook for those who are hungry; I also need to work on the rescue animals that are in need of homes. It never ends for Miss Stormy, but im blessed that I am able to do it and thank you, dear Hope Lutheran Church family for all that you, it helps so much.

Stormy

Easter Brunch

Hope’s Easter Brunch is a potluck. We will gather together on Easter morning at 9:30am BEFORE the service. Please bring a dish to share. 

All are welcome.

(with and without a dish)

Easter Flowers

This year, we will once again decorate the sanctuary with festive flowers, Easter Lilies and white Geraniums. Please support this ministry, the cost is $25 per plant. Just put the money in the offering plate, or mail a check or click the link at the bottom of this newsletter and make a donation online.