Dear Friends, 

We are approaching the final week of our Lenten journey. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday (March 29), leading us along the way with Jesus into the depths of endless love, shared suffering, and solidarity in death. 

Palm Sunday always brings an invitation for us to confront the powers that rely on fear and domination. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem offered a different vision for God’s reign—one marked by humility, solidarity, and a love that refuses coercion. As followers of Jesus, we are called to bear public witness to that vision in our own time. 

This year, several opportunities invite us to embody our faith and values “forward” throughout the weekend: 

• No Kings – Saturday, March 28 Multiple small gatherings will take place across the city—from the downtown waterfront to NE Multnomah, SE Hawthorne, and SW Capitol Highway. These decentralized events offer space for peaceful presence and public witness.  If you will participate, choose whichever location feels right for you and connect with others in taking a stand. 
• Palm Sunday 11:00 Service Our 11:00 service will begin in the courtyard with a Palm Procession, joining together with our neighbors from Rose City Park Presbyterian Church. We will circle the block with palms and your faith-/values- forward signs.  Afterward, our service continues in the Nave while RCPP returns to Sandy Blvd. to continue in public witness. 
• Palm Sunday Action – Sunday, March 29, 3–5 pm TogetherLab invites Christians across the city to gather at Terry Schrunk Plaza to stand against authoritarianism and white Christian nationalism, affirming a politics shaped by compassion, justice, and the dignity of every child of God. As Jesus entered Jerusalem in humility, we gather to lift up leadership rooted in care for the vulnerable. 

Many in our community will participate in different ways, according to our own sense of personal call and physical ability. Sharing your faith through letters, social media, or heartfelt conversations is also meaningful and needed.  As is advocating and supporting churches and organizations that support our faithful commitments. 

As we enter Holy Week, may we remember that the kingdoms of this world are always challenged by the way of love that Jesus proclaims. Let us move into this sacred time with courage, clarity, and hope—trusting that God’s love and life prevail over fear and death. 

With you, 

Scott+ 

The Rev. R. Scott Painter, Rector