It was Palm Sunday and because of a sore throat, 5-year-old Johnny stayed home from church with a sitter. When the family returned home, they were carrying several palm fronds. Johnny asked them what they were for.

"People held them over Jesus' head as he walked by," his father told him.

"Wouldn't you know it," Johnny fumed, "the one Sunday I don't go and he shows up."

Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. The gospels record the arrival of Jesus riding into the city on a donkey, while the crowds spread their cloaks and palm branches on the street shouting "Hosanna to the Son of David" and "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord”. With excitement they honour him as their long-awaited Messiah and King.

On Sunday you too, will have the opportunity to wave palm branches…it will be an exciting morning!

Did you know that Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week? Holy Week is that special week in the church year that leads up to Easter.

During this week:

We celebrate Maundy Thursday, the day that Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper. This year at Amberlea it will gather for a Maundy Thursday Messy Church. I can’t begin to explain how awesome this is going to be. You’ll have to be there to fully experience it! (Be sure to send Nancy a quick email to let her know you are coming atfamilyministries@amberleachurch.ca)
We also remember Good Friday, the day Jesus died on the cross for our sins. We invite you to join us at 11 a.m. for a powerful, reflective service.
And then, on Sunday we celebrate Resurrection Sunday or Easter Sunday. We will begin with a wonderful Easter breakfast (be sure to get your tickets this Sunday!) and then 11a.m. we will celebrate that He is Risen! (He is Risen indeed!)

Simply put, the most important thing Jesus ever did to rescue our world happened this week - that’s what makes this week “Holy”.

Join us as we reflect and prepare our hearts for the agony of His Passion and the joy of His Resurrection.