Lack can be a good thing.
Enough in itself
when we focus on the plentiful,
the gifts still amongst us.
Do we not remember
how the fullness of bread
forms itself from yeast
and warmth
and the soft kneading hands
of love’s attentiveness.
Might we,
in our lack
measure what we have,
count the things remaining
here at our disposal.
The stuff at hand
to give yet
in ways we hadn’t imagined
or considered in our plenty.
Yes, our palms might sweep across
an emptying shelf
find an egg, flour, rice
basics to make nourishment
and then our hands
might find feet
to lace in shoes
in which to walk
with sole intent
to our neighbour’s door.
Yes, did we ever think
the gifts we are given
were to keep.
Perhaps this is the rainy day
for which we have been hoarding our treasures.
What indeed happens to the
things we don’t forfeit.
I know there is much I’ve thrown out
from too much excess
and a spare shelf
might instead
clear a path for miracles.
________________________________
Ana Lisa de Jong
Living Tree Poetry
March 2020
by Christine Sine
With great embarrassment I realized this weekend that in my zeal to get The Gift of Wonder Online Retreat launched before Holy Week, and my even greater zeal to update our resource lists for Holy Week, and add all the wonderful suggestions for navigating Holy Week at home that I have been sent, I almost forgot to work out what I would do for my own Holy Week observances. Unfortunately I suspect that this is the case for many church leaders whose focus is on providing resources for their congregations rather than themselves.
So on Saturday I sat down and mapped out my Holy week trying to integrate my love of the traditional practices with my concerns for all we share the planet with during this COVID-19 pandemic.
First I realized that there awe inspiring practices I want to make sure continue to be at the forefront of my mind each day
Gratitude
A centering prayer
A time of quiet contemplation
An awe and wonder walk
These are the mainstay of my spiritual life, but I also realize that for this special week I need special practices that help ground me in my faith for another year. After all this is the week around which all Christian faith revolves. We need to take it seriously for ourselves, our committees and our churches, no matter where we might be celebrating it. So here is what I am thinking:
Palm Sunday
Yesterday I planned to initiate 2 practices for this week and I still might get to them, but then on Saturday I was sent the Palm Sunday colouring template above by Sujatha Pichamuthu Balasundaram, in India. She has written a great post on The Privilege of gratitude and will send you the template to colour if you are still interested. I don’t usually like colouring but this experience was different. It helped to focus my contemplation for the morning. As I coloured it my heart ached for all the vulnerable people in world and for all those who are struggling with fears, anxieties and the horrors of this pandemic.
And that, not surprisingly reminded me of my post from several years ago The Subversive Walk of Holy Week.
I am hoping that celebrating Palm Sunday and Easter in a COVID-19 reality has helped all of us rethink why we follow Jesus and what we hope to get out of it. We might have started with a cheer and a shout, but now we are scared. We don’t understand what is happening yet in the midst of our anxieties and laments we know this is the only way to go.
AsI think about that N.T. Wright’s words in a recent Tim article come to mind:
It is no part of the Christian vocation, then, to be able to explain what’s happening and why. In fact, it is part of the Christian vocation not to be able to explain—and to lament instead. As the Spirit laments within us, so we become, even in our self-isolation, small shrines where the presence and healing love of God can dwell. And out of that there can emerge new possibilities, new acts of kindness, new scientific understanding, new hope.
I wonder if this is the real and subversive message of Palm Sunday and Easter for us this year. We don’t understand what is happening or why. In some ways we too feel betrayed maybe even abandoned. Yet we know we serve a God of love.
We must be willing to sit in that tension. We are lamenting what we have already lost but are starting to see glimmers of new possibilities, new acts of kindness and new hope for the future.
Lacey Brown’s recent questions on the COTA Facebook page are so pertinent at the moment:
- What does loving our neighbor mean in this time of pandemic?
- What does it cost us to love and serve?
- How do we “go out” while staying put?
And we are seeing so many good responses of neighbourliness, compassion, generosity and caring are already emerging. Like what Morgan Schmidt is doing in Bend Oregon where she created the first Pandemic Partners group with the motto: It’s simple – if you need help, ask. If you can help, respond out of the goodness of your heart. It has given birth to a wave of similar groups across the country.
Then there are the people buying groceries for elderly neighbours, sewing masks for hospital workers and making lunches to be distributed to the children who rely on school lunches for their main meal of the day. Even those who stand outside their homes each evening “making a joyous noise” to honor health care workers and first responders are in some ways being subversive. So many possible ways for us to reach out when everything within us is telling us to stay hidden and think only of our own safety.
“What does loving your neighbor look like for you in this time of pandemic?”
Just asking the question has a certain subversiveness to it and I pray that as we begin this walk through holy week together that you will willingly respond with the same subversive spirit that Jesus has always asked of his followers. These are days of anguish just like Jesus lived in and Jesus’s great example to us in times of anguish is humility, service and love.
The beauty is that Jesus, in his humanity, sees and knows all of us. . . the flawed humanity that surrounds him. . . the flawed humanity of each of us. . . and he sees it and he forgives it, and loves us, and gives his blessing to all of us as he clops along the dusty road toward his confrontation with power, his time of trial, his abandonment, his death and finally his resurrection.
So I hope that this Palm Sunday you are not just waving palms on the sideline but are actively following Jesus down that dusty road towards Jerusalem.
So if you are still in need of ideas for the rest of Holy Week:
Palm Sunday was a busy day for me – and on top of that I preached for COTA. but I am so glad that I have been forced to rethink Holy Week this year and consider how I will walk with Jesus over the next few days.
Holy Week
So my Palm Sunday practice has now become Holy Week practices.
I want to create a quarantine rainbow window to hang in our front window and I hope to add some more as the week goes by. This was not just fun to do but also a powerful meditative prayer practice – We might be stuck inside, but we can still share love and light from our windows in the form of rainbows! 
. And we can pray for all those at the front lines as we do so. Alternatively you might like to create yard art in places that neighbours can see and be blessed by it.
Lilly Lewin suggested planning a parade around your house or yard for Palm Sunday. I read her post just after reading about the #makeajoyfulnoise movement that started in Italy but has swept around the world. People stand outside their houses or on their balconies and “make a joyful noise” in solidarity with health care workers, first responders and other vulnerable people in their community. What a great practice I thought… and it can begin with my around the house Palm Sunday parade. Here in Seattle it is meant to be at 8pm but I was wondering if an earlier time so that kids can be involved would be better.
Maundy Thursday
I was particularly drawn to this “at home”version of stripping the altar – Stripping the Table instead and am looking forward to doing it on Thursday
Good Friday
Make hot crossed buns. In Britain, Australia and New Zealand hot crossed buns are an important symbol of Easter. They are particularly pertinent to Good Friday so my plan is to make some on Good Friday morning for us to enjoy over the weekend. And to lighten the mood of this very somber day you might like to start by listening to this nursery rhyme.
My second Good Friday practice is Stations of the Cross. This year I have downloaded Scott Erickson’s templates and plan to spread them around the house. Or I might gather all the crosses we have around the house and plan a meditation around them.
Also hot off the press that might upend all my plans is this virtual Stations of the Cross REIMAGINED adapted from Lilly Lewin’s great resource in the Godspace resource list, by Ed Goode a pastor in Cincinnati, OH. It just went online last night. Lilly says: He made them digital! With beautiful videos, actions and responses and ways to pray the traditional stations of the cross in community on line.
Easter Sunday
I feel a little nervous about sharing anything of what I plan to do for Easter Sunday, seeing how easily my Palm Sunday observances were upended. At this point I am thinking of doing some garden planting in the hope and anticipation of the resurrection. I suspect that other practices will come together as the week progresses so keep your eyes and ears open
And have a blessed Holy Week.
I know that many, like me, have been appreciating these Taizé Contemplative services from St Andrews Episcopal church in Seattle. You can download the service bulletin here. I have been waiting with bated breath each week for the links to these and other Saint Andrews services to arrive in my inbox.
Enjoy and have a blessed Palm Sunday
by Christine Sine
The resources for us to celebrate Holy Week at home are multiplying and like me you are probably having trouble trying to decide what to do – on your own, with your family and as part of your church community, so I thought that I would make a list of the ones I am most attracted to for you to consider. If you have other suggestions that should be on this list let me know.
Palm Sunday
At the top of the list is Lilly Lewin’s Palm Sunday At Home suggestions.
Sujatha Pichamuthu Balasundaram has written a great post on The Privilege of gratitude with a Palm Sunday coloring sheet that I highly recommend.
Holy Week
Holy Week At Home: Praying With A Centerpiece by Lilly Lewin
Paul Neeley has some great “At home Holy Week” resources listed on his site.
Missio Alliance has also put together a great selection of ideas for Holy Week At Home
And from Christine V. Hides Seven Ideas for Holy Week At Home
Or you might like to try this Holy Week In Handprints
Or this: Holy Week Art Project – I have thought of combining this with sidewalk chalk art that honors those on the front lines.
Maundy Thursday
Another great post from Christine V Hides: Maundy Thursday At Home: Stripping the Table
Here is a “simple”Christian Seder meal – a great one to combine with the liturgy from our free Maundy Thursday download.
Good Friday
Make some hot crossed buns. This has long been a tradition in Australia and many other British influenced countries. I love it.
This tin foil craft is a great meditative practice for adults or just fun for kids.
Stations of the Cross by Lilly Lewin (another free download)
A Stations of the Cross booklet is available as a free download from the Grotto Network.
Easter Sunday
Plant a resurrection garden
If your kids are LEGO enthusiasts you might like to try this LEGO Resurrection garden
Join the Sing Resurrection movement
Read The Garden Walk of Holy Week and get out and do some gardening.
Today’s version of The Lord’s Prayer is by one of my favourite authors. Parker Palmer has inspired me through so much of his writing and this I find inspirational too.
Heavenly Father, heavenly Mother,
Holy and blessed is your true name.
We pray for your reign of peace to come,
We pray that your good will be done,
Let heaven and earth become one.
Give us this day the bread we need, Give it to those who have none.
Let forgiveness flow like a river between us,
From each one to each one.
Lead us to holy innocence
Beyond the evil of our days —
Come swiftly Mother, Father, come.
For yours is the power and the glory and the mercy:
Forever your name is All in One.
Since we are at home this year for Palm Sunday, here is a way you might celebrate the day on your own, or with your family or housemates. And if you are looking for a way to participate in Holy Week at Home, check out Praying Holy Week with your coffee/tea cup and Praying Holy Week with a centerpiece. There is a PDF of each experience at the end of each post. Feel free to print out and/or share with your friends. And remember, we are home for awhile, so don’t feel like you have to do everything at once. You might choose another day other than the actual day to celebrate Palm Sunday. You can even do the Holy Week prayer practices after Easter to retell and reengage the story. We are Easter people. We carry the spirit of resurrection with us daily because of Jesus! We can celebrate and learn any day and worship anywhere! And if you are exhausted by all the stress of reimagining worship, or just living in the midst of uncertainty and anxiety, you just might need to do nothing on Palm Sunday this year and just take a day of real rest! #restisholy
May you find grace and new creativity and God’s peace outside the building in this crazy season. 
Triumphal Entry
Plan a parade. March around your home, your yard, your balcony, your neighborhood if it’s safe to do so. Make signs of celebration to carry around with you or if you have some balloons blow them up and carry them along. Shout Hosanna!
Cut out/create Palm Branches or find some green branches you can use to make a pathway down your driveway, down a hallway or in your living room. Lay out some coats too! and walk down the path shouting HOSANNA! 
Choose a gospel passage to read or read all of them. You can even listen to them on BibleGateway.com I like to read the passage in two versions like the NIV and The Message Bible.
Picture the scene. Imagine the crowds. What do you see, smell, notice about the things happening around Jesus. How are you feeling? Are you Cheering? Or Jeering? Take some time to consider this and talk to Jesus about how you are feeling. You might journal about this.
Before entering Jerusalem….
Jesus knew his mission, his purpose,
He knew and would follow God’s plan.
Jesus was going to Jerusalem.
Jesus knew he would face opposition, hatred, unbelief.
Jesus knew that beatings, and torture and the cross lay ahead.
Jesus knew he was going to die.
Yet Jesus chose to ride into Jerusalem.
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, as a King!
Not a conquering King on a large white horse,
But a peaceful king, full of love and compassion, reaching out to his people.
Take some time and picture the scene… What are you expectations of Jesus right now? You might journal about this.
The crowd was Large.
Many disciples walking to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover Feast.
Many were following Jesus and telling of all the wonders and miracles that he had done.
Many were telling about Lazarus being raised from the dead!
They were excited!!
They were expectant!!
They were hopeful!
Could this be the Messiah that they had waited for for so many years!?
They made a carpet of their coats for him to ride over.
They cut down palm branches and waved them in the air!
They shouted “hosanna” “ Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
They fulfilled prophecy without even knowing it!
Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey–even on a donkey’s colt.
Many celebrated,
while the religious leaders scoffed.
They got nervous.
They got scared.
They were jealous of Jesus and his power, his popularity, his authority.
“We’ve lost! See the whole world has gone after him”
The Crowd cheered:
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
The Pharisees said,
“Teacher rebuke your followers from saying such things”
Jesus replied,
“ If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would cry out!”
In this crazy time, what are you feeling?
Is is hard to praise Jesus in the middle of all that is happening around you?
Where have you seen glimmers of hope?
What things have helped you experience joy and celebration?
What things have made you nervous or fearful like the pharisees? Talk to Jesus about this.
ACTION: Take a walk out side and imagine Jesus arriving in your city or neighborhood. Imagine the streets lined with people cheering. Imagine the city leaders or the leaders of churches getting upset.
Find a stone along your walk to use as a daily reminder to praise Jesus.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Listen to one or more of these songs…
- “Hosanna” Michael W. Smith (oldie)
- “A Glory Laud and Honor”
- “Ride on Ride on in Majesty”
- “Hosanna” Hillsong
- Michael Card “Ride on to Die”
Watch this video..it has various Hollywood portrayals of the Triumphal Entry. Is this how you picture the scene? Why or Why not?
Another way to imagine and look at the Triumphal Entry
Rolling Out the Red Carpet:
Think about how excited you get when your favorite team wins.
Think about your favorite star, actor, musician, sports hero etc.
What if you’d heard that he/she was coming to your town and you could be there to greet him/her/them?
How would you feel?
How would you act?
Would you get to the front of the line?”
Would you push, shove, scream or yell?
Would you try to touch them?
Try to get an autograph or take a photo or try for a selfie?
Imagine the scene in your mind…
The red carpet!
The photographers!
The fans screaming!
Here comes the entourage!
Here comes the limo!
This is how it felt when Jesus rode toward Jerusalem
He was a celebrity!
He had healed people!
He had raised Lazarus from the dead!
They wanted a deliverer!
They wanted to see him!
To touch him!
They hoped he would free them from the Romans
They cheered!
They sang!
They laid their coats down to pave the road!
They cut down palm branches to wave in honor!
Now the Pharisees… the rulers of the temple didn’t like the Competition!
They were jealous.
They were afraid.
They felt they were losing control and losing power.
Where are you in the crowd…
What are you feeling?
What do you want to say to Jesus?
ACTION:
Write what you feel for Jesus on a Palm Branch
Tell Jesus about your love for him.
Or
Tell Jesus about your fears, about your worries.
Tell Jesus about where you are.
Be honest Be real! He wants to hear you and he is listening!
He is not afraid of your doubts or fears. He loves you just as you are!
Give your palm prayers to Jesus to hold for you. Allow Jesus to carry your fears, doubts and burdens today and in the days ahead. Palm Branch to print out.
©lillylewin and freerangeworship.com
IN
We are all in.
God has called us home,
from the fields, the hunting grounds.
Each fishing boat moored,
each gatherer returned
with baskets stored.
We are all in.
Now there is no-one
but ourselves,
no-one but our own souls,
in which to dwell in deepest
communion.
Even in our homes,
with the sounds
of children stirring,
and another’s arms enfolding,
we have not been more aware
of our inner cells –
our cloistered beings –
the place in which we hear
but an echo of the other,
and the memory of what was
fades out,
the residue of dreams.
Only the now existing,
the very air,
with currents strange, alive,
in this time of imagining.
and the drawing down
of heaven.
Yes, we are all in.
But not only to rest,
and discover new ways of being.
But to hold the world sorrows,
as the elements
of all our possibilities.
Each of us apart,
cloistered in our quarters,
but with equal measures gifted,
and concoctions each
intrinsic
to the healing of the nations,
integral to a world restored in Christ.
Ana Lisa de Jong
Living Tree Poetry
March 2020
“How great is the joy and prophecy proclaimed to the world by the silence of the cloister!”
— POPE FRANCIS, “VULTUM DEI QUAERERE”
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