Ride on, ride on

‘What kind of animal might Jesus ride into Jerusalem? An awesome one? A sparkly pink unicorn? A big elephant decorated with spangly things? A war horse?’ asked Roger during the children’s talk.
The children pondered.
’None of those! He chose a donkey, a simple everyday animal, which said something about the sort of king he wants to be’

’Dave’ the Priory’s lifesize wicker donkey looked on, approvingly, as he stood by the pulpit , surrounded by palm leaves carried by the children and churchwardens in procession, and laid in front of him.

The Holy Week candles were lit. Seven flames dancing. One to be extinguished at each service in Holy Week until none remained alight on Good Friday. The darkness and confusion of crucifixion overturned by the resurrection and lighting of the Paschal Candle on Easter Day.

But that was all yet to come. Palm Sunday is all about challenges - to the understanding of what a king really looks like - by Jesus to the Roman occupiers - to us all as Jesus’ disciples of the Twenty-First century. How can we be God’s Kingdom People today?

A Priory lunch at the Foley Arms was followed by a suitably Messy and joyful Palm Sunday-themed Messy Church.