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We have journeyed through the pandemic together asking God to Renew Our Hearts. Our journey with Jesus is getting closer to the cross as we approach Holy Week. Palm Sunday begins this holy journey as we reflect upon Jesus’ last days on earth teaching his disciples how to love, sharing Holy Communion and teaching them to serve, after which he was betrayed, arrested, tried, beaten and crucified.  

We will solemnly observe these moments in worship on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. These are holy days which call for reflection, prayer, and connection with God and God’s word. I invite you to continue with our Psalm Devotional through Holy Week into Easter as God continually renews our hearts for love of God and love of neighbor. 

It is especially meaningful for our community that we gather back together for Palm Sunday worship as it is almost exactly one year since we suspended worship. Last year we were forced to do a recorded Palm Sunday service. The palms from last year that were used were folded into palm crosses. They are available outside the worship spaces at both campuses to pick up along with your Easter communion kits if you are worshipping at home. 

Whether you worship at church or at home, online, inside, or outside, the Lord is with you and with us. We have journeyed together through this pandemic in many amazing ways with new connections through many different online offerings. I give thanks for all these moments even in the midst of such terrible trial. I know that all of our hearts have grown in many new ways. Take a deep breath, open your heart and your mind, and prepare to be renewed through Holy Week. God is with you. Be sure to take a listen to Chris Tomlin’s Holy is the Lord.

In prayer, Pastor Andrea 

Please Note: When we gather in-person whether indoors or outdoors, all established social distancing protocols and masking will be required at Desert Cross. This is an action of loving our neighbor and a promise we make for each other and our community.