Springing Clocks, Leprechauns, Lent and Palm Branches

The month of March brings several familiar markers: the springing forward of our clocks, St. Patrick’s Day, and the continuation of the Lenten season that began on Ash Wednesday and concludes with Palm Sunday. With so many meaningful themes, I couldn’t choose just one—so I’ve reflected briefly on each.

  As we approach Daylight Saving Time, remember to set your clocks ahead before going to bed on March 7. If you forget, you may find yourself arriving for Sunday School just in time for the Worship Service, or showing up for Worship just in time for fellowship. This “springing forward” nudges us toward new beginnings and reminds us of the importance of showing up—together—in worship and community.

 St. Patrick’s Day arrives on March 17. While many celebrate with shamrocks and leprechauns, the day was originally set aside to honor St. Patrick for bringing Christianity to Ireland. Over time, it has grown into a broader celebration of Irish culture. Returning to its roots can remind us of our own call to share our faith. Whether through our monthly breakfast, collecting food for the Carroll County Food Pantry, supporting organizations that serve others, participating in the Great Banquet or the Awakening, or simply helping those around us, we continue the work of reaching out.

 The forty days of Lent draw to a close with the week beginning on Palm Sunday. These forty days—excluding Sundays, which are always celebrations of Easter—invite reflection, sacrifice, and intentionality. Some choose to give something up; others choose to add something meaningful. Even something as simple as trading a few minutes of scrolling on Facebook for time with a devotional can shift our focus in a powerful way.

 Palm Sunday, the final Sunday of March, brings us together to wave palm branches in remembrance of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. We echo the ancient cries of “Hosanna!” and “Hosanna to the King of Kings!” Yet only days later—this year, in early April—the same crowds shouted “Crucify Him!” Their quick change of heart was fueled by fear and by leaders who felt threatened. What they could not see was that the crucifixion was not the end of the story, but the beginning of another essential chapter.

Your sister in Christ,

Teresa Cooksey.