March 24, 2026
HOLY WEEK BEGINS
Readings for Sunday March 29, 2026
• Psalm 31: 9 – 16
• Philippians 2:5-11
• Matthew 26:14—27:66
Praise to Passion and back again.
This Sunday is Palm/Passion Sunday, the start of Holy Week. We meet outside and sing Hosanna with palms in hand. As we walk into the sanctuary we sing “All Glory Laud and
Honor.”
Jesus riding on a donkey seems humble. When Connie and I visited Israel 37 years ago, there were still donkeys being used as personal pickups in parts of Jerusalem. The Palestinians would
not want you taking pictures of what they saw as their poverty. Much like some people with worn shoes would not appreciate you noticing their deprivation.
Zechariah 9:9 holds up a different image. A king will enter Jerusalem triumphant and victorious on a humble donkey. The crowd shouts the Hebrew word for victory: Hosanna. Like a soccer
announcer shouting Goal. The people hope for Zechariah’s king, who will defeat foreign nations and restore Israel.
Last week we read from the prophet Ezekiel about the dry bones of Israel coming back to life. He did not live to see the day, but Israel did return from Babylon and enjoy religious freedom.
The people would rebuild from ruins. They focused on rebuilding the temple; when it was finished, some wept because it lacked the magnificent of Solomon’s temple, still it was a place
of worship.
When Alexander the Great and Greek rulers who followed him, conquered the area and began to impose Greek thought and religion on the people. They even tried to make changes to the temple.
The people rose up years later and Maccabean forces defeated the Greeks. The rule of the Maccabees brought a cleansing and rededication of the temple which Hanukkah remembers.
Soon enough however, the Hasmonean rule of the Maccabee family turned on itself. Some of the Jewish victors wanted to keep going and conquer more land. Others wanted peace.
Assassinations and foreign alliances followed.
In 63 BC, the Romans became the new conquerors. They decided to install Herod the Great as king, which he was at the time of Jesus’ birth.
Herod’s sons ruled pieces of the kingdom, but one by one they lost their control. In 70 AD, around the time the Gospel were written, the Temple was again destroyed and the Jewish people scattered.
The Middle East has known some periods of peace but currently Israel, with the US as a partner is bombing Iran. Additionally, Israel is bombing Lebanon and continues to the occupation of Gaza. How and when the bombings and occupation will end is unknown.
We like the Jews of Jesus time would appreciate a king who could sort it all out. Is there anyone who could enter the picture, perhaps on a donkey, to bring justice to all the people? Jesus, the humble king on the donkey rides into Jerusalem, not to chase out the Romans but in the words of Paul to: humble himself and become obedient to the point of death (Philippians 2:8). On the cross
Jesus reveals the depth of God’s Love, redeem us from our sins and brings victory over death. The king will give up his life for the sake of the people. The response of the crowd was to turn on Jesus and ask that he be crucified.
Who do you want for a King? One who will lead you into battle or one who will lead you to the cross? Amazingly through the centuries, it has been the cross that has drawn people. Paul names Jesus as the one exalted by God whose “name is above every other name.” it is to his name that “every knee should bend . . . and every tongue confess. . . to the Glory of the God” (Philippians 4:10-11).
One third of the world confesses Jesus as their king. During Sunday’s service and on Good Friday we will focus on the passion of Christ, which is the focal point of Gospels and the letter
of Paul. We will hear, even the Centurian declare Jesus as the Son of God. Come and embrace this hopeful message as we journey with Jesus in the Holy Week.
Hello April, calligraphy letters motivational quote, isolated on white background, vector illustration. Handwritten letters, Japanese sakura branch, little cute flowers falling. Prayer: Lord, as we enter Holy Week, remind us of the blessing of the Cross. How it reveals the depth of your love, how it ransoms us from sin, offers forgiveness and brings victory over
death. May we bear this cross into the world around us. May your birthplace, the whole of Middle East and your world know peace.
Grace and Peace, Pastor John Bunge
Reminders and Holy Week Services
March 25 – the last Wednesday of the Lenten Souper Bible Studies @ 5:00 pm. The Resurrection of Jesus is the focus.
March 29 – Palm Sunday we meet outside and enter with palms in hand. Readers for that day are asked to meet before the service for a quick run through at 9:30 am.
April 3 – Good Friday service at 7:00 p.m. The Seven Last Words of Jesus
April 5 – Easter Sunday words of Hope, musicians, flowers will greet you. Remember to bring flowers for the outdoor cross and you can give to toward the special musicians’ fund. Just use
your offering envelope.
Pastor Bunge is in the office Mondays and Tuesdays and Wednesday night this week. Next week in office on Monday and Friday. Call to make appointment if you’d like to see him.
Offerings Thanks for all your continued support.
Thanks:
Kyle finished much of the work on the walls of the sacristy. We are looking at organizing the work area a bit better.
Lou repaired the wood cross in front of the church. You guys are Great.
Connie will be doing the touch-up painting in our updated kitchen.
PANTRY – Next pantry is March 28.
QUILTING – Over 250 prayer quilts were made and blessed on Feb 15. 6 larger quilts so far this year for Lutheran World Relief. 7 for our San Bernardino Wellness Center. Thanks to Holly
for fabric donation from Family Assistance.
PICTURES FOR THE DIRECTORY WILL BE TAKEN THIS SUNDAY – Debi will be set up in the Fireside after Service. For anyone wanting to update their picture.
SPECIAL NEEDS – Dave & Bonnie Strack need a reliable house cleaner. Also, Ceasar’s brother, Marco, has need of a couch and bed and frame.
Please contact them directly.
Thanks to all who continue to give shoes for Soles 4 Souls. The box was full and so was taken for its good use. The box is still in the Narthex for continued donations.
Thanks to David Strack for coordinating. Thanks to Holly from Family Assistance Center in Yucaipa for making donations as well
PRAISE
Maria Baker passed her biology exam as she continues her nursing studies. She does appreciate your prayers for relief from her back pain due to a car accident.
PLEASE PRAY FOR
• Bonnie Strack had surgery to relieve back pain and is home recovering. Dave and her daughter Laura have been wonderful blessings; along with all your prayers and Birthday
cards. Continue to pray for her full recovery and for her son Brendan Simms, who has suffered years from a series of strokes.
• Tom Ziech is hoping to move forward with his hip surgery soon.
• Scott Hemre would appreciate prayers for his brother, Jim, who fell.
• Heather Lewis’s mother Rosalind Lara’s recovery has been slow. She is still at Arrowhead Springs Healthcare but has a smile on her face.
• Barbara Kuerzinger’s son, Ian, who was fortunate to have his colon cancer discovered early but is facing radiation and chemotherapy and is on medical leave.
• Lauren Shaffer’s surgery has not happened yet. They are still working on the swelling in her right leg.
• Jeanne Koening’s surgery was also postponed.
• Michael Shea has continuing health issues and would also appreciate prayers for his and Ann’s son, Andrew and for son, Steve.
• Eloise still has some double vision, but it is getting better after surgery.
• Bonnie Hallberg’s clot in her hip was determined to be stable so they can move forward with her shoulder surgery but are awaiting appointments for now.
• Nelson Hall continues to have health concerns. They are checking on his heart function with a new monitor. He was looking well when I saw him last week.
• Kim Guevara appreciates your prayers for granddaughter, Kayla, who is now living with her father, their son, Kyle. Nice to have her cousin Brian visiting on Sunday.
• Continued prayers for Jacque Kottmeier who, due to her eyesight, is no longer able to drive. Nice to have her neighbor Elaine Risso back with us in worship.
• Continued prayers for Bob Jensen for answers to his kidney issue.
OUTREACH
PRAYER BLANKETS/SHAWLS – to blanket and surround people in love, comfort and prayers were blessed on Sunday, March 22. These will be delivered to those who have encountered limited mobility or received a challenging diagnosis. Thanks to Karen for the idea.
Thanks to Steve & Sharon Cady for helping with an Action Team to purchase some with bible verses on them.
Thanks to Carol, Karen, Paula and Pr. John for delivering them.
Thanks to Karen, Irm and Chris Ladd’s Mom for crocheting some beautiful ones.
They each have a label from Faith indicating that they are surrounded by this prayer community.
SMALL PRAYER QUILTS – Thank you to Pastor John for blessing the prayer quilts. Thanks to Barbara for the idea, and the quilting group: Emily, Dana & Dona; also, Linda D. & Connie B.
for helping to make them.
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NOTE on MAILING THE PRAYER QUILTS – THEY REQUIRE $1.27 if you put only a card and quilt in a regular sized envelope. YOU CAN PURCHASE A $1.27 STAMP AT THE POST OFFICE AND MARK THE ENVELOPE HAND CANCEL TO AVOID DELAY.
HANDMADE CARDS – We still mail about 37 BIRTHDAY CARDS AND ANNIVERSARY CARDS AND CARDS TO THOSE ON THE PRAYER LIST monthly. And we will provide CARDS IN THE
NARTHEX for members to mail. There are Monthly Seasonal cards and generic Thinking of You & Get-Well cards. There are Easter cards now as well.
Thank you to our watercolor color class that meets on the 1st Sunday – Holly, Kim, Alec, Sharon, Barbara, Pat T., Heather, Izzie, Jenny, Maria & Connie for their fabulous creations. Thanks to Linda D. for her marvelous fabric creations.
WATERCOLOR CLASSES usually on the first Sunday of the month. We will skip Easter Sunday, April 5, and resume May 3.
PRAYER/FRIENDSHIP ROCKS –
There are Easter themed rocks available for you.
Karen, Sharon C., Carol Hamre & Connie B., continue to paint prayer/friendship rocks for you to keep, give to someone, surprise someone, or put them in your garden, etc.
Rocks are available in the Narthex, Chapel and Fireside Room for members, friends and the AA, NA, Al-anon, pantry etc. groups.
DRIVE BY PRAYER – Paula and Nancy are working on this project.
SUNDAY MORNING FELLOWSHIP HOUR
22 POTLUCK – Thanks for a wonderful Salad Spring Celebration!
Sharon C., Paula, Maria, Karen, Robyn, Alec, Connie 29 PALM SUNDAY – WAFFLES – Thank you to Richard & Jenny!
And to Lou for providing his homemade jelly!
4 EASTER Sunday – bring flowers for the outdoor cross
Treats will be in the Narthex
12 Thank you to Maria for Shepherd’s Pie and Heather for Salad
NEEDS LIST & THANK YOUs
o Any monetary donations can be given through the offering, marked Fellowship
o Stamps can be left at the office marked card ministry.
o Always any Bingo Prizes are welcome
o Thanks to Pat T. and Sharon C. for the Bingo prizes!
