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KINGSTON — Joyce Crawford has never been reluctant to try new things.

A lifelong member of the Dorranceton United Methodist church, the 85-year-old has been quick to pray for the sick, help the needy or encourage those struggling with addiction.

Sunday morning found Crawford again participating in something new when Dorrranceton Methodist Church joined with Grace Episcopal church to celebrate Palm Sunday.

Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter, commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a donkey during which his supporters shook palm branches as a show of support for him as he made his way past them, according to Christian belief.

Dressed in a period-appropriate purple cloak and head covering, Crawford joined about 100 participants in following a riderless donkey several blocks from Grace Episcopal to Dorrranceton Methodist in commemoration of Biblical tradition.

Rev. John Hartman, of Grace Episcopal Church, proclaimed loudly during the procession, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

With participants responding, “Hosannah.”

In spite of the serious tone of the holy day, Hartman was quick to joke about unexpected snow that covered the streets.

“Everything that you need is in your booklet, even the songs” he told participants. “I suggest that you sing loud because maybe it will make the snow stop.”

Rev. Bruce Gowe, of Dorranceton United Methodist Church, who gave the sermon, told attendees that Jesus’ arrival on a donkey signified the importance of humility.

“He didn’t simply come for the underdog,” Gowe said. “He was the underdog.”

Jill Gross, of Harding, said members of both churches couldn’t be happier about the effort by their pastors to build a positive relationship between the churches and their membership.

“They are different denominations,” she said, “but it’s nice to come together.”​

As David and Bonnie Brakefield made their way from one church to the other, snowflakes continued to fall.

“I think we’re just being baptized in the snow,” said Bonnie. “After all, snow is just water.”

A candle burns during a joint Palm Sunday service with the congragations of Grace Episcopal Church worshipping at Dorranceton United Methodist Church in Kingston on Sunday morning.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_TTL032618PalmSunday_7.jpg.optimal.jpgA candle burns during a joint Palm Sunday service with the congragations of Grace Episcopal Church worshipping at Dorranceton United Methodist Church in Kingston on Sunday morning. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

The choirs of Grace Episcopal Church and Dorranceton United Methodist Church sing together during a joint Palm Sunday service at Dorranceton in Kingston on Sunday morning.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_TTL032618PalmSunday_6.jpg.optimal.jpgThe choirs of Grace Episcopal Church and Dorranceton United Methodist Church sing together during a joint Palm Sunday service at Dorranceton in Kingston on Sunday morning. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

The Rev. John Hartman, rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Kingston, left, reads the Gospel as Dorranceton United Methodist Church Pastor Rev. Bruce Gowe listens during a joint Palm Sunday service at Dorranceton on Sunday morning.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_TTL032618PalmSunday_5.jpg.optimal.jpgThe Rev. John Hartman, rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Kingston, left, reads the Gospel as Dorranceton United Methodist Church Pastor Rev. Bruce Gowe listens during a joint Palm Sunday service at Dorranceton on Sunday morning. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Ruby and Juan, donkeys from Young’s Funny Farm in Berwick, are escorted by owners Barbara and Neil Young as they lead a Palm Sunday procession along Wyoming Avenue in Kingston to Dorranceton United Methodist Church.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_TTL032618PalmSunday_4.jpg.optimal.jpgRuby and Juan, donkeys from Young’s Funny Farm in Berwick, are escorted by owners Barbara and Neil Young as they lead a Palm Sunday procession along Wyoming Avenue in Kingston to Dorranceton United Methodist Church. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Ruby the donkey and Young’s Funny Farm owner Neil Young leave Grace Episcopal Church and lead a procession along Butler Street in Kingston to Dorranceton United Methodist Church on Wyoming Avenue on Palm Sunday morning.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_TTL032618PalmSunday_3.jpg.optimal.jpgRuby the donkey and Young’s Funny Farm owner Neil Young leave Grace Episcopal Church and lead a procession along Butler Street in Kingston to Dorranceton United Methodist Church on Wyoming Avenue on Palm Sunday morning. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Joyce Crawford, 85, of Kingston, center, takes blessed palms outside Grace Episcopal Church on Palm Sunday morning.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_TTL032618PalmSunday_2.jpg.optimal.jpgJoyce Crawford, 85, of Kingston, center, takes blessed palms outside Grace Episcopal Church on Palm Sunday morning. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

The Rev. John Hartman blesses palms during a surprise snow shower on the steps of Grace Episcopal Church before a donkey procession to Dorranceton United Methodist Church on Palm Sunday morning.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_TTL032618PalmSunday_1.jpg.optimal.jpgThe Rev. John Hartman blesses palms during a surprise snow shower on the steps of Grace Episcopal Church before a donkey procession to Dorranceton United Methodist Church on Palm Sunday morning. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

A candle burns during a joint Palm Sunday service with the congragations of Grace Episcopal Church worshipping at Dorranceton United Methodist Church in Kingston on Sunday morning.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_TTL032618PalmSunday_7CMYK.jpg.optimal.jpgA candle burns during a joint Palm Sunday service with the congragations of Grace Episcopal Church worshipping at Dorranceton United Methodist Church in Kingston on Sunday morning. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

The Rev. John Hartman blesses palms during a surprise snow shower on the steps of Grace Episcopal Church before a donkey procession to Dorranceton United Methodist Church on Palm Sunday morning.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_TTL032618PalmSunday_1CMYK.jpg.optimal.jpgThe Rev. John Hartman blesses palms during a surprise snow shower on the steps of Grace Episcopal Church before a donkey procession to Dorranceton United Methodist Church on Palm Sunday morning. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

By Geri Gibbons

For Times Leader

Reach the Times Leader newsroom at 570-829-7242 on Twitter @TLnews.