5 Powerful Ways Palm Sunday Reminds Us that Jesus is the King of Kings
- The Palm Branch as Victory God’s Word tells us the people cut palm branches and waved them in the air, laid them out on the ground before Jesus as He rode into the city. The palm branch represented goodness and victory and was symbolic of the final victory He would soon fulfill over death.
“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Cor. 15:55
- The Donkey as Peace
Jesus chose to ride in on a donkey, which directly fulfilled Old Testament prophecy of Zech. 9:9. In Biblical times, it was common for kings or important people to arrive by a procession riding on a donkey. The donkey symbolized peace, so those who chose to ride them showed that they came with peaceful intentions. Jesus even then reminded us that He is the Prince of Peace.
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zech. 9:9 - Christ the King and Saviour
When the people shouted “Hosanna”! they were hailing Christ as King. That word actually means “save now,” and though in their own minds they waited for an earthly king, God had a different way in mind of bringing true salvation to all who would trust in Him.
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!” Ps. 118:26
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and Believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Rom. 10:9
- The Sacrifice for Salvation
The Bible says that Jesus wept for Jerusalem. In the midst of the praise of the moment, He knew in His heart that it wouldn’t be long that these same people would turn their backs on Him, betray Him, and crucify Him.
His heart broke with the reality of how much they needed a Saviour.
“As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace-but now it is hidden from your eyes.” Luke 19:41-42 - Christ the Conquering King
Palm Sunday reminds us that the reign of Christ is far greater than any the mind of man could ever conceive or plan. Man looked for someone to fight their battles in the present-day world. Yet God had the ultimate plan of sending His Son to fight the final battle over death. This is the greatness of why we celebrate this week.
Because of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, we can be set free of death.
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; who believes in Me will live even if he dies.”
John 11:25
Worship Calendar
Mar. 29 When the King Arrived Matthew 21:1-11 Rev. Eric Lee
Apr. 3 Watching the Tomb Gospel of Matthew Rev. Eric Lee
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Common Scents
Please be advised that our church has a scent-free protocol. It seems that some of our dear parishioners feel
unwell due to heavy floral smells. Please be considerate of those in our congregation who are affected by
strong smells and odors and refrain from perfumes or colognes when coming to worship on Sunday mornings.
Thank you one and all.
The “Fill the Pew” Challenge
This from Nancy Green: “I think this picture of a full pew would be a great lead to invite the congregation to come and fill a pew and invite other/friends and family to come and fill the spaces.
I love this full pew. Could be a great challenge.” Let’s do it, Graceview! Let us fill the pews with friends, family and yes even visitors to our church!!
Flower Cross – 2026 Version
A grapevine wreath and a small wooden cross which will be hanging in the middle of the wreath has been purchased to replace the heavy flower cross that we have used in years past. The cross is already covered in bright flowers. Artificial flowers have been glued in place on the wreath leaving room for the real flowers that parishioners will bring to church on Easter Sunday. (Congregants are welcome to use the artificial flowers that will be on hand). It is much lighter than our previous flower cross and will not need the waterlogged oasis which made the former flower cross very heavy. So, remember to bring some flowers on Easter Sunday and perhaps say a prayer as you place your flower on the wreath.
Soup By Dave Luncheon
Outreach is pleased to announce that we will be hosting the 5th “Soup by Dave” Luncheon on Tuesday, April 14th at 11:30 AM in the downstairs hall. Chef Dave Taylor will be preparing beef and barley soup. Given Dave’s track record, the demonstration will be entertaining, and the soup will be delicious. Every guest will receive a copy of his recipe. We are glad that Chef Dave will once again generously share his culinary expertise with us in an engaging presentation. There will be a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the front foyer. Please plan to attend and invite your friends to join you. Free-will offerings will be gratefully received.
A Message from St. James Food Basket
Thank you for so diligently collecting egg cartons. We have once again reached storage capacity. We will let you know when we will need of more egg cartons.
Loonies for Lent
This year the Outreach Committee is asking you to set aside loonies and toonies or other monetary donations in order that we may send a large donation to the St James Food Basket. The money that we send will be used to purchase such basics as tuna, canned tomatoes and pasta which will be distributed to their client families. Each year the number of people relying on food banks continues to grow and the current uncertain times are adding to this need. Outreach is asking our church family to send their monetary donations (loonies/toonies in containers, cash, cheques or e-transfers) to the church to support this initiative. Please mark your envelopes for “Loonies for Lent, Outreach” and include your name and envelope number. We would appreciate receiving your contribution by April 5th.
Good Friday Hot Cross Bun Breakfast
Outreach will be hosting a Hot Cross Bun Breakfast on Good Friday, April 3rd at 9:30 am. There is a sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board in the foyer. Please let us know if you will be attending so that we will have lots of food available. We hope to see many of you on Good Friday morning.
A Spring Devotional Update (March 22)
A new edition of These Days (April/May/June), as well as the current edition of Our Daily Bread (March/April/May) are available on the table in the church vestibule and in the devotional box on the church porch.
Lenten Candle Liturgy Readers
Mar. 29 – Harry & Pat
Apr. 3 – Susan & Evelyn
Coffee Sign-Up
It is that time of year again when we are looking for volunteers to serve coffee and tea after worship. The sign up sheet is on the bulletin board in the Adamson Lounge.
Mar. 29 – Chuka & Koko
April – Outreach Team
Thank you to all of you who have given so willingly of your time and efforts. We appreciate you!!
UPCOMING EVENTS
* Tuesdays @ 11:00 AM – Walking Group – All are welcome
* Thursdays @ 2:00 PM – Worship service at Centennial Park Place
* Thursday, Apr. 2 @ 2:00 – 4::00 PM – Stations of the Cross in the sanctuary
* Friday, Apr. 3 @ 9:30 AM – Hot Cross Buns served before Good Friday service
* Monday, Apr. 20 @ 6:30 PM – Mission Team meeting
* Sunday, Apr. 26 @ 10:30 AM – Mission Awareness Sunday
*Tuesday, May 19 @ 6:30 PM – Session
*Friday, Sept. 11 @ 2:00 PM – Music & Worship meeting
A Lesson in Waiting with Hope
Ashley Kappel
Learn to embrace each moment while you wait on God.
What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. — James 4:14 (NIV)
Most of my life has been spent waiting. Whether I’m on the phone with the phone company (oh, the irony!), pondering whether my boyfriend would ever propose (He did and we married in 2009!), or just sitting at a red light, wait I must.
This year has been a trial in waiting. I waited to learn if my job would evaporate. I waited to hear from God if now was the time to expand our family. I waited three weeks for a piece of mail that finally arrived with no apparent reason for its delay.
Each time I’m forced to wait, I remind myself of a quote that I read online: “In Spanish, the verbs ‘to wait’ and ‘to hope’ are the same: esperar. Waiting is negative; hoping is positive. So try to wait with hope. This will help you remember that you’re on your way to something worth waiting for.”
How often do I wait with my arms crossed, foot tapping, an eye-roll cued up and ready to go? How many hours have I wasted with my eyes narrowed on the clock? A life of frustration is not what God wants for me. God calls me to share love, to seek others, and to rejoice in creation.
Our moments here are not promised, but they are precious—and I plan to embrace each one.
Lord, I praise You in Your great wisdom. Even across languages, Your Word speaks volumes and brings light unto my path, teaching me to wait hopefully. Digging Deeper: Job 5:16, 11:18; Psalm 25:21
Prayer/Reader/Announcements for 2026
Prayer Roster Lay Readers Welcome and Announcements
Mar. 29 Chuka Ikele Al Bishop Kathy Twynan
Apr. 3 (Good Friday) Chris Parr & Nancy McPherson
Apr. 5 Pastor Eric Vi Lobodowsky Nancy McPherson
Apr. 12 Bob Twynam Nancy Green Susan Chopp
Apr. 19 Nancy Green Anna Cherniak Bob Twynam
Apr. 26 Mission Team Mission Team Mission Team
May 3 Susan Chopp Harry Learoyd Kathy Twynam
May 10 Maureen Screen Chris Parr Susan Chopp
WEEKLY SMILE
Clever Use of Words
Dad, are we pyromaniacs? Yes, we arson.
She was only a moonshiner’s daughter, but I miss her still.
What do you call a pig with laryngitis? Disgruntled.
Why do bees stay in their hives during winter? Swarm.
Just so everything is clear, I’m going to put my glasses on.
I lost my job as a stage designer. I left without making a scene.
I once worked at a cheap pizza shop to get by. I kneaded the dough.
I lost my girlfriend’s audio book, and now I’ll never hear the end of it. (True dat!)
Why is ‘dark’ spelled with a k and not c? Because you can’t “c” in the dark.
When I told my contractor that I didn’t want carpeted steps, he gave me a blank stare.
Bono and The Edge, walk into a Dublin bar and the bartender said, “Oh no, not U2 again.
I’m trying to organize a hide and seek tournament, but good players are really hard to find.
What do you say to comfort a friend who’s struggling with grammar? There, their, they’re.
I went to the toy store and asked the assistant where the Schwarzenegger dolls are and he replied,
“Aisle B, back.”
What did the surgeon say to the patient who insisted on closing up their own incision? Suture self.
The Computer Swallowed Grandma
The computer swallowed grandma
Yes, honestly its true
She pressed ‘control’ and ‘enter’
And disappeared from view.
It devoured her completely
The thought just makes me squirm
She must have caught a ‘virus’
Or been eaten by a ‘worm.’
I’ve searched through the ‘recycle bin’
And files of every kind
I’ve even used the ‘Internet’
But nothing did I find.
In desperation, I asked Jeeves
My searches to refine
The reply from him was negative
Not a thing was found ‘online.’
So if inside your ‘Inbox’
My Grandma you should see
Please ‘Copy,’ ‘Scan’ and ‘Paste’ her
And send her back to me!
– Author Unknown –