The Alignment of Hope This Sunday
As we were planning for our Free to Grow campaign last fall, a good question was raised among the staff about the timing of overlaying a capital campaign on top of Lent and Easter. Our consultant, former UMC pastor Don Smith, said it was actually the best time. I’ve pondered that response and found meaningful parallels between these two journeys toward Jerusalem:
Both begin with the proclamation of good news that a new age is coming.
Both are future-oriented, yet bring hope and excitement now.
Both start with a few believers and grow in numbers as the word of hope spreads.
Both have doubters and dissenters around the whole proposition.
Both unfold in the midst of great uncertainty.
Both persist faithfully in the face of that uncertainty.
Both succeed in the end in ways that amaze and inspire.
This Sunday, our children will process and wave palms as we commemorate Jesus and his small band’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem—an entry that anticipates his glory through the cross and the tomb. At the same time, we will celebrate what a small group of Jesus’ followers have already faithfully committed toward a future hope that will be realized over the next three years and free our church to grow.
Onlookers of this faithful parade will be surprised, inspired, and want to join the movement, and that is worth celebrating—right alongside a donkey carrying Jesus into Jerusalem. It’s an alignment of hope.
So make every effort to be here this Palm Sunday! There will be specialty morning foods and coffee personally served, followed by hot dogs and sliders for everyone—a picnic on the grounds. Bounce houses and games will be available for the kids, and fun for the whole church family.
It begins our Holy Week journey to Easter; it begins the home stretch toward our hope-filled future as First United Methodist Church Plano.
See you there,
Matt Gaston
Lead Pastor, FUMC Plano
