For the Reporter
On a cool, sunny Sunday morning, the children gather expectantly on the front lawn, waiting for a special visitor.
Soon, Pablo the Donkey arrives and, after greeting and petting him, the kids line up with palm fronds waving and lead Pablo on a parade through the front doors and down the aisle of the sanctuary. They are surrounded by the waving palms from the congregation who, accompanied by the church’s large pipe organ, are singing, “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna!”
Yes, at Kent United Methodist Church on the East Hill, you will find a donkey in the sanctuary on Palm Sunday.
The celebration and recreation of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem has been a tradition at KUMC since 2004. Gary Stratton, chairman of the church’s Inviting Team, has helped to coordinate the donkey’s appearance.
“After Palm Sunday one year, we discussed how wonderful it would be if we had a real donkey greet the children and walk down the aisle in celebration of Palm Sunday,” Stratton said. “We were all in agreement, and I found a donkey for the next year.”
The original donkey, Angel, was a member of a collection of animals at the Brander Farm in Black Diamond, and was accustomed to making local petting-zoo type appearances. After Angel retired, he was replaced with Pablo, a local rescue donkey.
The children of the church look forward to Pablo’s appearance each spring. After the parade, they all have the opportunity to pet and feed Pablo, and have photos taken.
Palm Sunday service is 10 a.m. Sunday, March 25. All children are invited to participate, and should arrive by 9:55 a.m. to line up for the parade.
Kent United Methodist Church is at 11010 SE 248th St.
The church will also hold Easter Services on April 1 at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m., with Easter egg hunts following each service.
An Easter sunrise service will be held at the historic Saar Cemetery in Kent at 6:30 a.m.
Additional information is available on the church’s website at kentmethodist.com.
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