Preparing for a New Earth
Monday, 18 May, 2026 Hello friends, It was a joyful Palm Sunday service in March at the Mount of Hope Moravian Church in San José Province, here in Costa Rica. The pews were decorated with real palm fronds, including the bits of frond that we were given as we entered the sanctuary, which we waved high as we sang. At Mount of Hope, most songs are from the Reformed tradition–hymns with tunes that resonate with Sunday services from growing up, even as the Spanish lyrics center me in Costa Rica. Palm Sunday is one of the special days of the year when we sing a version of “Hosanna” in a call and response between men and women. The sermons here do not always meet me where I am at, but the vibrations of songs like that reach deep and lift me up. Yesterday at Mount of Hope, May 17th, we celebrated Ascension Day. The pastor’s take was interesting, perhaps common? Her focus was on Christ’s return–in particular on whether we were preparing ourselves correctly. The pastor’s main criteria, tha...