We FINALLY got our seed and wildflower order in! By now we've usually had seedlings started but... my new gig at church, Di's health, playing a TON of music AND the fact that you can't plant anything here until after Memorial Day slowed everything down. For about seven years we've been learning what the land wants us to know about how to help it: how to add nourishment and water, what grows better where, and what doesn't work at all. We've given up on tomatoes except those we can grow up on the deck. Too little sun for too little time even in our wide open and fenced in plot. This year, in addition to my 15th attempt at raising more than one puny pumpkin, we're going with LOTS of wildflowers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cukes, peas, spinach and a variety of peppers. I am so ready for Mother Nature to lure spring back into these parts.
The past two weeks have been full to overflowing with music: band practices, open mics at Methuselah, private house party, two St. Patrick's Day gigs and our preparation for the Sideline Saloon next Tuesday. Each and every event was fun and more often than not pretty damn rockin' too. Dave and I are into a bit of Tom Petty and Gov't Mule right now as well as dusting off our earlier Beatles song as well. And then there's the joy and challenge of getting ready for Holy Week 2024.
+ This Sunday is Palm Sunday: in addition to the blessing of the palms at the start of worship, we'll be welcoming in a new class of members from every walk of life. It will be a celebration of grace trumping karma for sure. Worship closes with an extended reading of the Passion Narrative - this year from St. Mark's gospel - with precious little commentary. As those wiser than I have noted: this story speaks to us in different ways; it holds a multiplicity of insights that are best embraced personally while in community. So, like Christmas Eve, why try to do better that a reading that's time-tested and mostly free of dross?
+ Next comes Maundy Thursday on March 28: This liturgy, conceived in a Roman Catholic monastery in the 9th century CE, is beloved in much of the Protestant West. It, too, requires little oral commentary leaving each pilgrim to her/him self with Scripture, candle light, songs, and silence.
+ Good Friday on the 29th: the Sanctuary will be open for silent prayer between 12 noon and 3 pm: the hours traditionally observed for the crucifixion of Jesus. A collection of Scripture and prayers are available to guide each person's journey into the darkness.
+ Easter Sunday: March 31st: the Palmer congregation hosts a lay led Sunrise Service this year followed by a pancake breakfast. At 10 am the whole community gathers for Holy Communion, hymns of joy, and an informal reflection for children using music to retell the Easter story.
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