The Forsyth Park Caller
April 2025
Pastor’s Corner
Holy Week, Passion Week
In just a few weeks we once again celebrate the holiest week of the Christian calendar—Holy Week, also called Passion Week, as Christ died because He loved us so. The week began over 2000 years ago with Jesus riding into Jerusalem that Palm Sunday, with palm fronds and coats laid before the donkey He rode. Shouts of Hosannas rang out—originally meaning “save us, we pray,” but later evolving into a shout of joy and hope at the coming of the Messiah. The people thought the Messiah would get rid of the occupying army of the Romans who had long persecuted the people. They didn’t realize His coming would be in two stages. The first advent was to save us from our sins and provide the gift of salvation from God.
But by the end of the week, the people realized as Jesus stood before them that things were much different than they had realized. Jesus stood before them, having been before the Jewish Sanhedrin; gone before Pilate and Herod; whipped by the cat of nine tails in a scourging that nearly killed Him; and now standing before the crowds as they shouted “crucify Him!” And they did.
But that’s not the end of the story! For Jesus rose again! He appeared to Mary. He appeared to the two on the Road to Emmaus. He appeared before His followers, one time numbering over 500 at once! Satan had thought he had finally won—but he was in for a rude awakening. He’s alive! He’s alive! And one day, Christians will meet Him face to face! What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see! Happy Easter!
“Hosanna”
by Christina Rossetti
Hosanna! The people shout, waving palms and spreading coats.
Rejoice, rejoice, let us sing out, Our Savior, whom our hearts devote.
In humble grace, the Lord arrives, on a donkey, gentle and meek.
His love and mercy forever thrives, as palms lay strewn across the street.
Hosanna! We cry, with voices raised, acknowledging Jesus, the chosen One.
Our faith and devotion forever praised, on this blessed day, God’s only Son.
A Donkey’s Tale
A humble donkey trotted by, carrying a King without a sigh.
Palm branches and cloaks line this way, the crowd cheers on this holy day.
The donkey knows his task with pride, he carries the Man who will save mankind.
Beneath his hooves a carpet of green, the King of kings riding serene.
A Crowded Street
A crowded street filled with grace, people gather to see His face.
Hosannas and palm fronds abound, a King is riding into town!
The streets are filled with joy and peace, for the One who will grant them eternal release.
Gathered here on this Palm Sunday, we sing and shout in a solemn way.
If We Had Walked with Jesus Long Ago
If we had walked with Jesus long ago that way of suff’ring, agony and loss,
Would we have found ourselves still stood below the place where He would die upon the cross?
Would we have grasped what nailed Him to the beam?
That pride, and lies, and cruel hypocrisy,
Humanity’s dark catalogues of sin were all that kept Him firmly on the tree?
Would we have stood and watched His final strife,
And heard Him sigh and cry with every breath?
Would we have seen Him giving up His life, and handing over victory to death?
Would we have seen our Lord as weak or strong in taking up the place where WE belong?
Easter Sounds and Signs
by Carolyn Orr
Hear the church bells ringing loud, listen as they say,
“Jesus Christ is risen this glorious Easter day!”
Trees are budding everywhere, flowers also bloom;
Reminders of that early dawn when Christ rose from the tomb.
Death was only yesterday, it brought much pain and grief;
Now joy in resurrected life has banished unbelief.
Victory is ours today, let’s lift our voice and sing,
The empty cross and sepulcher have swallowed up death’s sting.
Let’s raise our hands and praise the Lord, let the organ swell,
Proclaim in pulpits everywhere “God doeth all things well.”
Easter bunnies, colored eggs, as well as brand new clothes;
On Easter day can ne’er replace the message “Christ Arose!”
I know that my Redeemer lives, come join me, friend, today;
Accept the resurrected Christ—The Life, the Truth, the Way.
A Chuckle for You
A mother mouse and a baby mouse are walking along when a cat attacks them. The mother mouse shouted “BARK!”, and the cat ran away.
“See,” the mother mouse said, “why it’s important to learn a foreign language?”