Kinlochleven Church - the next service is on Easter Sunday 5 April at 10.00 am led by the Rev. Malcolm Kinnear.
Duror Church - the next service is on Easter Sunday 5 April at 8.30 am at Cuil Bay led by the Rev. Malcolm Kinnear followed by bacon rolls in the church hall.
Nether Lochaber Church - the next service is Easter Sunday 5 April at 11.30 am led by the Rev. Malcolm Kinnear.
South Lochaber Parish :
Bible Study - on 31 March at 10.45 in Jeremy's home. "Heros of tghe Bible" - Noah.
Bible Study - Kinlochleven on Friday 17 April at 11.00 am.
Sunday 29 March 2026 Palm Sunday of the Passion of Our Lord - available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/BzEgE12NWlQ
Opening Verse ‘Rejoice! Your king comes to you, victorious triumphant, riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of an ass’ (Zechariah 9:9)
Chorus
King of kings and Lord of lords
glory, hallelujah! (repeat)
Jesus, Prince of peace,
Glory, hallelujah! (repeat)
Prayer Gracious Father, as the crowds held palm branches to welcome Christ as king, I am glad to welcome Jesus into my heart. Amen.
Bible Reading John 12:12-16 The great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!’ Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.
Message When a king or queen visits, there is often a well organised royal welcome, and people line the streets. In 1909 Edward VII came to Mamore Lodge and Kinlochmore Lodge while shooting on the estate. Pupils from the village school lined the street as he walked by. He came as guest of Captain Frank Bibby. Jesus entered Jerusalem and was welcomed as king. But he did not bear weapons. He purposefully chose a donkey, a colt, the foal of an ass. He came in love, bringing a kingdom of peace and service to others. This is in such contrast to the approach of some world leaders who are happy to start and continue a war. Jesus wants to rule over the hearts of men and women. The sick and those with disabilities came around him. He was a different sort of king to what many people expected. Some were looking for a king who would settle old scores and overcome rival nations. But Jesus had come to do battle against sin, Satan, and death.
Their shouting ‘hosanna’ was both an expression of praise, and a cry for deliverance. The palm branches were symbols of victory. On Palm Sunday we take up this symbolism, reminding ourselves that there is a victory won through Christ’s cross and resurrection. We share in his victory as we trust in his power and follow him on the road to Calvary. This means identifying with him as a follower and adopting his ways, his ways of humble obedience, of loving service to God and to one another, and in acts of mercy.
Jesus entered Jerusalem knowing that it would lead to his suffering and crucifixion. He willing offered himself for others to God as his act of love. In some mysterious way this was the price that was needing to be paid. As we take up our cross and follow him, we are learning his values of love and commitment.
In Britain the monarchy continues to enjoy public support. Many people prefer it to a presidency with political overtones. Our present king has interests, the outdoors, walking, growing plants. We can identify with his humanity. Jesus set out to show his kingship, doing battle against sin and against his opponents, triumphing in his resurrection. But he had feelings, fears, and relied on family and friends. The taking up of an office of state should never replace a sense of humanity, or consideration of how others are affected.
The king is Defender of the Faith and supreme Governor of the Church of England. He is not head of the Church of Scotland but has taken vows to uphold its form of church. The Prince of Wales has indicated that he values the place of the Church in society, which is good to know as he is heir to the throne.
Jesus offers himself to us as king that he might rule in love, compassion and mercy. As we think of Jesus on the path to Calvary, we can picture him acting with authority, taking decisions confidently. He responds to our cries. As God’s anointed king he has a claim over us. He comes in humility but as victorious king he will triumph. He will preserve his church and ensure its continuance.
Prayer Lord, help me follow Christ’s humility of loving service; I pray in his name. Amen.