Remembering With Much Love

 I can't say for certain, but I"m guessing that for most of the 100+ years, the women of Independent Presbyterian Church have gathered on the Friday before Palm Sunday and lovingly made palm crosses that would be pinned on each member as they entered the Sanctuary on Palm Sunday. I"ve been privileged to photograph this lovely gathering many times. There is much laughter and love as the older, more experienced members shared their techniques with the newer ones. I will admit that I mainly come for Betty Schriber's fabulous pimento sandwiches. This year, our church along with others across this country will celebrate in a different way. No palm crosses for us this year, but we still have these memories.

Preparations

On the Friday before Palm Sunday, the ladies at Independent Presbyterian Church gather to lovingly make hundreds of palm crosses to be pinned on Palm Sunday. There is much friendly talk and laughter as they share this beautiful tradition.

Sunday Church Series - Palm Sunday

Christians around the world celebrate Palm Sunday today. On Friday, I photographed the ladies of Independent Presbyterian as they gathered to make by hand the palm crosses we will all wear today. It's a very special gathering of all ages, enjoying coming together to visit while they work. It doesn't hurt that Miss Betty brings her fabulous pimento cheese sandwiches!

Sunday Church Series - Palm Crosses

Today Christians celebrate Palm Sunday.  At Independent Presbyterian Church, the ladies of the church lovingly make each and every palm cross that will be pinned on each person attending services today.  It's a art and a tradition that is past down from one generation to another.

Sunday Church Series - Palm Sunday

Palm Cross

Independent Presbyterian Church

Sunday Church Series - Preparations

The smaller crosses will be worn by the children

Paula shares the art of palm folding for Melissa

Friday I watched the ladies of Independent Presbyterian Church prepare the palm crosses that we will all wear this day.  There is a core of highly skilled ladies and they are happy to share their talents with newcomers.  It's a well oiled "machine" and fueled by coffee, brownies and Betty's fabulous homemade pimento cheese sandwiches. Oh, and did I mention how much laughing and talking goes on in the process?  I took my photos then served as a trusty "cross counter" In a little over an hour, 1,000 palm crosses had been lovingly made, sealed in bags with a wet paper towel and refrigerated for Sunday services.  The tradition continues.

Palm Crosses

Today Christians around the world will be celebrating Palm Sunday. The ladies of my church, Independent Presbyterian Church, spent Friday morning making these lovely crosses for all of us to wear today in rememberance. It's a technique that I admire but have not learned. I guess I'm just pleased to just watch them and be able to photograph the beautiful results.

Hosanna!

For Christians around the world, today is Palm Sunday.  I love chronicling events at my church, Independent Presbyterian Church, and this season is no exception.  These palm crosses were made by ladies in our church and will be worn today by everyone attending services.  The top photo was taken in a small room off the sanctuary where the afternoon sun was streaming through a stained glass window.  The colors and effect were a pleasant surprise.