The Palm Sunday reading of the Passion story of Jesus' Last Supper, betrayal, arrest and crucifixion as presented by the parishioners of Emmanuel.

The Reverend John Crist enlightens us on the terrible waste of food in the world today. Fully one-third of the world's food production goes to waste, enough to feed two billion people! As Christians, and as stewards of God's bounty, there are many ways we can reduce this waste in our daily lives, so that those who are hungry may have food to eat.

The Gospel reference is John 12:1-8.

When viewed through the eyes of Jesus' first century audience, we see just how many societal taboos were broken in the familiar parable of the Prodigal Son. The father's actions in the parable, with both the returned prodigal and the son who remained at home, were completely contrary to those that would be most expected. Just like that father, God has done the unthinkable on our behalf by taking on the shame and humiliation of the cross, lifting us up and making us worthy.

The Gospel reference is Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32.

When we are are troubled, oppressed, and in pain, God knows and shares in our suffering. God calls on human beings to effect the liberating change that will alleviate the injustices and suffering of this world. We must remember always that it is God who is with us, working through us. The question is not "who are we?" but "who is our God?", and it is He who can do all things.

The Old Testament reference is Exodus 3:1-15; the Gospel reference is Luke 13:1-9.

Like a loving mother, Jesus was willing to say to those listening in Jerusalem the hard truths that would make them better people, with stronger faith. He knew that it is necessary for us to hear those things that, while they may be uncomfortable to acknowledge, are so important for us as we grow in our love of God and for each other. The best place to start this conversation is with ourselves.

The Gospel reading is Luke 13:31-35.

We learn from Jesus' temptation in the wilderness that we are faced with Sin not when we are at our best, but most often when we are weary, compromised, and distracted. Decent people often fall into Sin when consumed with a shortsighted desire to have a human need satisfied, but without considering how it affects those we care most about. We all need to be honestly aware of our weaknesses, always remembering that God's forgiveness is greater than any of our failings.

The Gospel reference is Luke 4:1-13.

Jesus calls us to live a life true to ourselves before God, focusing on those things that truly matter. Through the vision that Jesus gives, we see the world through the lens of eternity.

The Gospel reference is Matthew 6:1-6,16-21.

At the Transfiguration, some of the disciples witness Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah and receive Jesus' true identity as the Son of God. From that day onward, God is not remote from us on a mountaintop but with us always. We also become transfigured when we obey the mountaintop command and listen to Jesus, and hear the voice of God.

The Gospel reference is Luke 9:28-36.

At the combined service before the parish Annual Meeting, Pastor Andria shares with us a look back at what Emmanuel has accomplished in the past year and what we can look forward to in the year to come.

Sarah Parker-Scanlon, Interim Executive Director of Shelter Care Ministries, shares how faith and trust in each day transforms not only the lives of the clients, but of the staff and volunteers also.

The Gospel reference is Luke 4:14-21.