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This Week at New Spirit – March 24, 2026

This Week at New Spirit Lutheran Church | March 24, 2026

This coming Saturday, people across the country will gather to raise their voices—and I know some from New Spirit will be among them as part of our commitment to public witness. The timing, on the eve of Palm/Passion Sunday, is hard to ignore. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowd didn’t agree on what they were seeing—some shouted “Hosanna,” while others saw a threat that needed to be stopped.

This week’s theme is “Tell me something good…the news is…inspiring us to act.” And that’s the kind of good news Jesus brings—not something we just believe quietly, but something that moves us, shapes us, and calls us into the world. Following Jesus has never been only private or always comfortable.

As we prepare to walk from palms to the cross, the question isn’t whether we will respond to that good news—it’s how. How will we bear witness to the living Christ in the world around us? And will we have the courage to act with the same love, humility, and conviction we see in him?

From Sunday’s Message

In John 8:2-11, a woman is brought before Jesus for judgment. The crowd is ready with stones. Jesus responds, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” One by one, the stones fall. The good news is this: we all carry stones, but Jesus calls us to put them down and live with mercy.

To read this week’s Sermon Reflection Blog, click here.

This Sunday at New Spirit

We begin with palms and end at the cross. Come experience the story that doesn’t turn away from real life. Whether you’ve been at New Spirit for years or are thinking about visiting for the first time, you are welcome here.

Life at New Spirit

When I was first asked to write a piece for women’s history month, I was a little skeptical. Especially being, to my knowledge, our congregation’s only trans woman. I was nervous. In some social circles, I would be demonized for even thinking about accepting this opportunity. However, this type of thinking is what made me decide to write it. We all think it from time to time. Why should my voice be heard over someone else’s? It’s better to listen than to be heard. Right?

Wrong. If more women didn’t speak up just imagine how different our lives would be. What if Rosa Parks never refused to give up her seat on that bus? What if Susan B. Anthony never fought for women’s suffrage? What if Madonna never blew cigar smoke in Letterman’s face and said the P word 1000 times on The Tonight Show after he called her out for being too loud of a woman? History would not be the same if women didn’t use their voices, and the future could look a lot worse if we don’t use our voices now.

Society tends to disapprove of outspoken women, but if God didn’t want us to speak then why were we given a voice? We should use it every day. We should sing in the shower. We should talk to our neighbors. We should protect one another and build each other up. We should question our political leaders. If we stop using our voice, especially in this political climate, we just might lose it. Let’s all set the precedence for future generations and never stop using our voice. Happy women’s history month!

Upcoming Opportunities

  • Holy Week Schedule –Holy Week is March 29 – April 5.
  • March 29 – Palm/Passion Sunday, Worship service at 10:00 am.
  • April 2 – Maundy Thursday, 6:00pm worship service.
  • April 3 – Good Friday, our evening service at 6:00pm, Tenebrae worship service
  • April 5 – Easter Sunday, Worship service at 10:00 am.

Prayer Requests (Partially from ELCA Prayer Ventures)

Global Church

God, we give thanks for your people around the world—one body, one Spirit. Teach us to share what we have, raise up leaders, and work together so your love is known everywhere. We lift up our siblings in Central America—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and Belize.

Honest Prayer

God, from the deep places we cry out to you. Nothing we carry is too small or too messy for you. We bring you our worries, fears, and questions—trusting you are already listening.

Growing in Faith

Thank you for the ways you continue forming us. Use those who teach and lead to help us know your story more deeply—and live it in everyday life.

Renewal & Calling

Holy Spirit, renew us. Strengthen our faith when it feels tired and our hope when it feels thin. Remind us we are called to love boldly and serve our neighbors with compassion.

Youth & Families

We pray for those who walk alongside young people Give them energy and encouragement. Help our youth discover their gifts and how you are calling them.

Palm/Passion Sunday

Jesus, you enter with humility and love that does not turn away. As we walk from palms to the cross, teach us to follow you with courage in a complicated world.

Who We Are

God, you call us your children and love us as we are. We give thanks for your steady, faithful presence in our lives.

Children & Early Learning

Thank you for places where children are safe, known, and loved. Bless those who teach and care for them, and help these spaces be filled with joy and grace.

(To be part of the email Prayer Chain contact Nancy in the Office or Brenda Feller. The email Prayer Chain is where specific individual prayer requests are distributed.)

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