Word of the Week:
The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,
‘Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!’
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, ‘Who is this?’ Matthew 21:6-10

Who is this…who enters Jerusalem riding a donkey?
Who is this…who people flock to see?
Who is this…who causes such a stir?
Who is this…who people rush to honor with their cloaks and tree branches laid on the ground like a carpet?
Who is this…called the Son of David?

Who is this one who is welcomed as a king, but lacks any wealth, or appointed title, or recognition by the powers of the empire?

His name is Jesus. He is the Son of God. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! Let us worship him this Palm Sunday. (See details below about online worship for April 5.)

In the name of God who prepares Tables,
Pastor Bonnie Wilcox

P.S. Resurrection Rolls Recipe –
Crescent dough wraps around butter- and sugar-dipped marshmallows. They become hollow as they bake, representing Jesus’ tomb on Easter morning — when you break them open they are empty inside! A great Easter recipe to share with the kids!
Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter worship services. Two on-line options:
1 – On Facebook, find First Lutheran Church of Columbia Heights. The services will begin at the time posted below.
2 – On YouTube, we have a channel with all of our videos. Here is the general link. Each service will go “live” at the time listed below: FLC on YouTube

April 5, Palm Sunday, 10 AM
[Note: There will be no Holden Evening Prayer on Wednesday.]
April 9, Maundy Thursday, 7 PM
April 10, Good Friday, 7 PM
[Note: Because of Covid-19, there will be no noon Good Friday community service in Columbia Heights.]
April 12, Easter, 10 AM

Printed services will be sent to the homes of members who do not have internet access. (If you know someone who has not received this information, and would appreciate it, please email info@flcch.org.)
First Lutheran COVID-19 Updates:
The building remains closed except for essential purposes. We ask that no more than ten people be in the building at any time. Staff continue to work at home, unless they are in the office for recording or work that cannot be done at home.

We are going to organize the congregation into Connected Community Group (CCGs). Each CCG will have a leader who will reach out on a regular basis to check in during the Covid-19 crisis. If you are interested in being a leader to 15-20 other households, please contact one of the pastors.

The City Manager, Police and Fire Chiefs had a Zoom meeting with Heights clergy last week. Be aware that package thefts are up in the metro area. Phone and email scams are also on the rise. Do not answer calls from numbers you do not recognize. Report suspicious emails or phone calls to the FBI: ic3@gov.

Walking the Passion – Outdoor Exercise & Reflection
Pastor Emmy Kegler from Grace Lutheran NE has created several opportunities to walk and read the story of Jesus’ arrest, trial and crucifixion as a “Walking the Passion” event. She’s created one for Dakota County, and one for NE Minneapolis.

Rachel James has taken her concept and created one for our community in a park with a bit less foot traffic than Silverwood.
Grab your Bible (or your Bible app), head to Kordiak Park, and spend some time in reflection. Columbia Heights Walking the Passion Map

Don’t have a Bible app? I recommend Bible Gateway (many different translations). I suggest the NRSV or The Message.

Community Meal UPDATE
Curbside Pickup 11 AM – 12 PM
April 5 Menu – Chicken Dinner
April 12 Menu – Ham & Scalloped Potatoes

Your free will donation helps support our important food ministries. And if you would like to drop off your offering, we will gladly receive it.