We are living through a period of authoritarian power in our country that is rapidly consolidating and strengthening. The dominating politics of hate, fear, greed, and division are violating our shared values and tearing our country and democracy apart. We exist in a constant state of emergency, and we must decide that now is our time to act in a new way. The Standing With Our Neighbors project is an all-encompassing movement based in our values shaped by our beliefs and life experience. We care for our neighbors and we are using our voices to stand with them and against those who would harm them – and our democracy.

The Palm Sunday Public Witness is part of the Standing With Our Neighbors project. Shaped by the call in Matthew 25 to care for our neighbors, it is an action specific to Christian communities to leverage the power and privilege of Christians in our society and to take advantage of the Palm Sunday message around public witness. The Palm Sunday Public Witness will include a march, a gathering with elements of worship, and a sending forth with a Call to Action.

Palm Sunday Public Witness
Sunday, March 29
Des moines, iowa

2:30 PM | March from Capitol Hill Lutheran Church (511 Des Moines Street, Des Moines) to the statehouse.
3:00 PM | Grounded in Matthew 25, the public witness continues at the statehouse with music, the Word, and a Call to Action to Stand With Our Neighbors.

The event will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube.

FAQs
Where am I going?

• If you plan to march, join us by 2:20 PM at Capitol Hill Lutheran Church, 511 Des Moines Street.
• If you aren’t marching but want to attend the gathering, join us before 3:00 PM on the west side of the Iowa Capitol along Finkbine Drive.

Where should I park?
‍Note: Finkbine Drive on the West Terrace of the Iowa Capitol will be closed to keep everyone safe during the public witness at the statehouse.

• Street parking between the Iowa Capitol and Capitol Hill Lutheran Church
• Parking garage across from the church
• Parking ramp at the corner of East Grand and Pennsylvania
• We suggest friends carpool, leaving one vehicle by the statehouse in order to transport folks back to the church

Will seating be provided?

• Short answer: No. The program at the statehouse will be less than one hour. Those able to stand are encouraged to do so.
• You may bring your own chair, if desired. Feel free to drop off your chairs at the statehouse prior to the march.
• A limited number of chairs will be provided for those who cannot stand for long periods of time.

Will there be palms to wave?

• We strongly encourage you to bring palms from your congregation’s Sunday morning service. If you are able, bring extras to share with others.

Can I bring a sign?

• Yes! Please bring signs!
• We suggest messaging based on the imperative in Matthew 25 to love our neighbors.

Can I share this event with my faith community?

• Absolutely! We hope to have a large crowd marching and at the gathering at the Capitol.
• Please click here for the hi-res Palm Sunday Public Witness logo to use in promotional materials.
• Click here for the Call to Action that will be used during the gathering.