A PALM SUNDAY TO REMEMBER

On Palm Sunday, April 13th, a real donkey came to church. That's right. Having a donkey lead the Palm Sunday processional has been common in Europe for years. Now, it has come to Lansing, Iowa. Here is the article about it in the WAUKON STANDARD.

Below are pictures that tell the story. Thank you to freelance writer/photographer Kelli Boylen for providing the pictures of the processional.

A week before the big day, Pastor Laura and Stanley and Sheryl Karns visited the Soldiers Grove farm of Jim and Lila Sime, who had agreed to let the church borrow a donkey for worship. Stanley practiced walking the animals around so they could choose the most cooperative one to lead the processional.

This is the donkey they chose. His name is JD, which stands for "Just Donkey." Now that he's led the Palm Sunday processional, he might be called Jesus' Donkey!

The kids prepared the posters to get ready for the celebration.

We began worship in the fellowship hall with the Palm Sunday posters prominently placed.

Yes, the donkey came inside for the beginning of worship! Here is proof.

The Sime's granddaughter, Taylor, led the donkey down the street as the congregation processed along behind.

It took a little persuading, but she got the donkey to climb the front steps of the church.

As the congregation processed, they stopped for a moment to wave their palms in front of the church.

Then, we got a separate photograph with the kids. They loved the donkey!

Then, we headed into the sanctuary to continue worship.  JD stayed outside. He looks glad to be through, doesn't he?

The other very important part of the day is that Leona Noel Hammell, daughter of Nicholas and Melissa Hammell, was baptized. Pictured here are Pastor Laura Gentry; her aunt and sponsor, Amanda Taylor; her uncle and sponsor Justin Taylor; her mom holding Leona; her sister, Izzy; her dad; and her other aunt and uncle and sponsors, Megan and Levi Hammell. We welcome Leona into the Family of God!

Izzy, happy at the end of the service

Holy Week services will be held on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday at 6:30 p.m. Easter service will be at 9:00 a.m. followed by Easter breakfast served by the Women of the ELCA. Please help us spread the word.