Here's a journey for you...
It's a journey of 106 miles, through 22 cities from Riverside, California to Beverly Hills. It took 11 days to make the trip, but the idea for it goes all the way back to 1968. All along the way, people turned out to cheer and to take pictures, to stand in awe and to whisper to their kids "Boy, you'll never have a chance to see this again!" And the object of this pilgrimage and devotion?
A rock. That's right, a rock. Albeit, it's a rather large rock, a 340 ton granite boulder which will become an art piece at the Los Angles County Museum of Art. It is called "Levitated Mass" and is the work of artist Michael Heizer. I am sure it is quite incredible and when it is mounted over its 465 foot trench, it will appear to be floating for viewers who walk in the trench. Time Magazine says "Until now, Michael Heizer's Levitated Mass has been more about the journey than the destination."
But it's just a rock.
The Gospel writers say Jesus "set his face for Jerusalem". The journey is nearing its destination. Come Sunday we will celebrate the arrival of Jesus at the city gates, the parade of welcome, the waving of the Palms. It's been quite a journey and now we will make our way through the final days until we find ourselves at the foot of a cross. I hope you will be present to join in the Palm Sunday parade. At the 8:15 and 11:00 traditional services, I will be preaching the Palm Sunday sermon. At the 9:30 traditional service and 11:00 Shine, our combined children's choirs will present a special musical presentation in place of the sermon. Of course in all services, there will be palm branches and the singing of "The Palms". Then we begin the journey into the darkness of the week--Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, awaiting the joy of Easter morning.
Mark your calendars for Holy Week worship, Monday-Wednesday when three of my friends and effective pastors in the conference will be our guests. Monday, Rev. Tom Snyder from Dexter. Tuesday, Rev. Marsha Woolley from Newburg UMC in Lovinia and Wednesday, Rev. Rick Dake from Clarkston. Then invite someone to join you for festival worship on Easter Morning.
It's quite a journey, and it is nearing its destination.
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