Palm Sunday tradition at Bethany Lutheran

One of the traditions at Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson is a walking parade on Palm Sunday. Traditionally, the congregation gathers with palms in hand and parades down Main Street in Thompson and back to the church as the bell tolls. With the social distancing recommendations in place, that tradition had to be altered.

Last Saturday, congregational members took palms to residents of Thompson and left them on their porch, front door, or a chair with instructions on a new tradition.

The congregation normally gathers at 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning, so promptly at 9:30, the bell tolled and a two-block long parade of cars started honking their horns and waving their palm branches as they paraded through the street of Thompson. Those not driving stood on their front step or front window and waved their palm branches. The largest group were from the school apartments, as they safely gathered outside the entrance to the apartment complex.

The parade lasted about a half hour, with children and adults both honoring the purpose behind Palm Sunday and the celebration of Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem to the shouts of “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest  heaven.” The tradition continues.