Beloveds I am watching the snow fall gently to the ground and cover the grass with white fluff, but it is unable to cover the ground! The green and the tiny purple wildflowers are peeking through the snow reminding me of the cycle of life, and of the liturgical season we are in. This Sunday, March 24th,  we celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem with people celebrating, singing and waving palm branches as we relive that celebration with Palms!

As we approach Easter, the celebration of life over death,  and good over evil, I share with you the message of our UM Bishops who have come together to demand for “an immediate and permanent cease-fire in the conflict between Hamas and Israel in Gaza and pledge our prayers and commitment to work for a durable peace for Israelis, Palestinians…”

As you know primary election day is fast approaching for us in Illinois. The first question on the ballot under referenda is to “Amend the Real Estate Transfer Tax.” In spite of the opposition, this week, the First District Appellate Court affirmed the validity of the question on the ballot.