The community of Idaho Springs and wider Clear Creek County gathered for Palm Sunday worship at the United Center in Idaho Springs.  The United Center is the former, historic United Methodist church building which has been converted into a community center of sorts.  Nearly 100 people were there--Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists, Lutherans--we hope and pray another step toward a Neighborhood church in Clear Creek County!
We lingered for awhile on the poignant scene of Jesus weeping over the city of Jerusalem while around him the crowds were cheering, "Hosanna".  And his words of lament,  "...If you had only known...this day what would bring you peace..." (Luke 19:42 NIV)
Peace here is connected to the Hebrew word 'shalom'.  This word is a much richer, fuller, deeper word than our usual understanding of the word peace as simply, 'absence of conflict.'  It speaks of freedom from care, inner rest, a sphere of living that lifts us up above our circumstances.
I don't know about you, but I aspire to live more consistently in that inner place of calm even if the world and circumstances around me are in chaos.  Sometimes I have that.  Sometimes I don't.  It is part of the fruit of the spirit.  We hold up empty and needy hands each day and ask for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit.
Hear this day the wonderful words of blessing God gave to Moses to give to the people of Israel:
"The Lord bless you
and keep you;
The Lord make his face shine upon
you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you 
and give you PEACE.  (Numbers 6:24-27)