Churches mark Palm Sunday
April rain showers didn’t dampen the spirits of those that gathered for processionals down the streets of Dawson and Connellsville on Sunday as they marked the start of the Christian holy week leading up to Good Friday and Easter.
“I see strength out here in numbers,” said the Rev. Robert Strader, assistant pastor of the World Christian Outreach Ministries in Connellsville as he spoke to a crowd from the gazebo at the Lions Square where an afternoon service was held. A procession of marchers from both communities waved palm fronds while chanting “hosanna” as they celebrated Jesus’ return to Jerusalem 2,000 years ago on a donkey as followers spread palm branches in his path.
In Dawson, Tim McBeth, member of the Dawson Baptist Church led the congregation as he rode a horse down Galley Street to the Cochran United Methodist Church where separate services were conducted.
The Reverend Chip Norton, Cochran United pastor, delivered a message about the passion, death and resurrection of Christ and the events leading up to his death. “He came the first time and he will come a second time as the mighty king,” said Norton.
Neighboring pastor David Bell of Dawson Baptist focused on Christ’s crucifixion and how he suffered at the hands of men.
Strader stressed the importance of community representation and fellowship needed from parishioners during spiritual observances.
“Unity for our city starts in our churches,” said Strader.
According to the Rev. Matt Goldsberry of Calvary Assembly of God Church in Connellsville, unity is a sign that people are a body. “As we head into Holy Week we must be unified,” said Goldsberry.
As Christ’s ambassadors, Pastor Tim Irwin of the Connellsville Church of God said it is imperative to be the salt and light of the community as in the body of Christ.
“You need to be anchored in Christ, don’t get in over your head and affirm your mission,” said Irwin.
Pastors Don Smith of the World Christian Outreach and Mark Juengel of Connellsville Presbyterian Church reminded the crowd they are not saved from something, but for something.
“We need to remember this week the king is risen,” said the Rev. Brian Higbee, pastor of the City Church of Connellsville.