Hosanna, Palms and Interchurch Families

Melanie Carroll • March 23, 2024

Hosanna, Palms & Interchurch Families

An Interchurch Families thought as we begin the procession through Holy Week...

The symbolism of "Hosanna" and palm branches at the beginning of Holy Week can be interpreted metaphorically within the context of interchurch families, providing insights into the challenges they face and the potential for unity and mutual support.

Hosanna: "Save, we pray":

In the context of interchurch families, "Hosanna" can represent a collective cry for salvation and guidance amidst the complexities of navigating differences in faith traditions. Interchurch families often encounter unique challenges, including reconciling differing theological beliefs, navigating diverse worship practices, and managing familial and church community expectations. The cry of "Hosanna" reflects the shared desire for divine assistance in overcoming these challenges and fostering harmony within the family unit.

Palm Branches: Symbols of Victory and Peace:

Palm branches symbolize victory, joy, and peace. In the context of interchurch families, they can represent the potential for unity and reconciliation despite theological diversity. Just as the crowds waved palm branches to honour Jesus as the triumphant Messiah, interchurch families can use this imagery to celebrate the richness and diversity of their faith backgrounds. Rather than viewing their differences as sources of division, they can embrace them as opportunities for mutual enrichment and growth.

Unity Amidst Diversity:

The waving of palm branches by a diverse crowd on Palm Sunday signifies a collective recognition of Jesus' kingship, transcending individual differences. Similarly, interchurch families can strive to cultivate a sense of unity amidst their diversity, recognizing that their shared faith in Christ transcends denominational boundaries. By embracing the metaphorical significance of palm branches, interchurch families can affirm their commitment to mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation in navigating the complexities of their religious identities and the hope of bringing this to the wider church community in its fullness.

In essence, the metaphorical interpretation of "Hosanna" and palm branches for interchurch families underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance, celebrating unity amidst diversity, and fostering mutual respect and cooperation. By embracing these symbolic themes, interchurch families can navigate their unique journey with faith, resilience, and a sense of shared purpose.

It's not unfair to say that Interchurch families stand at the intersection of diverse Christian traditions, embodying both the challenges and the possibilities of unity amidst diversity. As they navigate their shared journey of faith, they serve as living reminders of the rich tapestry of God's kingdom, where differences are not obstacles but opportunities for mutual learning and growth.

For interchurch families themselves, embracing the metaphor of "Hosanna" and palm branches and the Journey through Holy Week requires a commitment to humility, openness, and mutual respect. Just as the crowds laid down their palm branches before Jesus, interchurch families can humbly acknowledge the authority of Christ over their lives and relationships, recognizing that true unity is found in Him alone. They can cultivate a spirit of openness, eagerly seeking to learn from each other's faith traditions and perspectives, and approaching differences with curiosity rather than fear.

Moreover, interchurch families can serve as bridges between denominational divides, embodying the unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17:21: "that all of them may be one."

By actively participating in the life of both spouses' respective churches, they can model a commitment to Christian unity and cooperation, demonstrating that what unites us in Christ is far greater than what divides us. They can advocate for greater recognition and support within their churches for the unique needs and challenges faced by interchurch families, fostering a culture of inclusivity and hospitality for all members, regardless of denominational background.

For the churches themselves, incorporating the metaphor of "Hosanna" and palm branches can invoke a willingness to embrace the diversity within their congregations and to actively support interchurch families in their journey of faith. This may include offering resources and support networks specifically tailored to the needs of interchurch families, providing opportunities for interdenominational dialogue and cooperation, and ensuring that liturgical practices and pastoral care are inclusive and respectful of diverse traditions.

Moreover, churches can learn from interchurch families' example of humility, openness, and mutual respect, applying these principles more broadly in their relationships with other Christian denominations. Rather than viewing differences as barriers to unity, they can celebrate them as expressions of the rich diversity within the body of Christ, striving to build bridges of understanding and cooperation across denominational lines.

In essence, the metaphor of Hosanna, palm branches, and the journey of Holy Week challenges both interchurch families and the churches they belong to to embrace unity amidst diversity, to humbly acknowledge Christ's authority over all, and to actively work towards greater Christian unity and cooperation for the sake of God's kingdom.

So as we lay down our palm branches before the King of Kings this Palm Sunday, may we also lay down our divisions, so that all may be one in Him.

Our AIF Lent Course 2024 PDF is still available to download here

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Happy New Year! January —The Courage to Begin Again

By Melanie Carroll • January 1, 2026

JANUARY — The Courage to Begin Again January is a month often framed by fresh starts, renewed hopes, and the desire to step into the year with intention. For many interchurch families, however, the idea of “beginning again” is not simply about turning the page on a calendar; it is a rhythm woven into their very way of life. Interchurch families live at the intersection of traditions, expectations, and identities. As a result, the courage to begin again is not seasonal — it is habitual. Yet January gives us an opportunity to name that courage, honour it, and recognise the spiritual depth it carries. Beginning again may be as practical as shifting Sunday worship patterns because a child’s schedule has changed, or as emotional as revisiting conversations about belonging that have long been sources of tension. It may involve addressing unresolved experiences from last year — a moment when a priest or minister misunderstood your family dynamic, or when extended family expressed opinions about your choices to raise your children in both traditions. For some, beginning again may be choosing to return to church life after a season of being stretched thin or feeling spiritually exhausted. The idea of “courage” can sound dramatic, but for interchurch families it is often quiet, steady, and almost unnoticed. It is the courage of showing up in a church that is yours but not fully yours. It is the courage of continuing to pray for unity when you feel the strain of disunity most sharply. It is the courage of teaching children that they are not divided but doubly enriched, even when the world struggles to understand that reality. January invites us to reflect on the difference between courage as a moment and courage as a practice. A single moment of bravery can be powerful, but interchurch life asks for something more: a patient, ongoing willingness to step forward, again and again, even when the way is uncertain. Beginning again in this context is not naïve optimism; it is a spiritual discipline rooted in hope. For many interchurch families, hope is what sustains the courage to begin again. Hope that the churches we love will continue to grow closer. Hope that our children will be able to live out their faith identities freely and fully. Hope that our own callings — lay or ordained, formal or informal — will be recognised and supported in both of our traditions. January reminds us that these hopes need tending, and tending requires courage. Scripturally, we often turn to passages that speak of new beginnings — “Behold, I am doing a new thing” or “His mercies are new every morning.” But for interchurch families, it may be equally valuable to reflect on the stories where God’s people must take small, faithful steps into uncertain territory. Abraham setting out “not knowing where he was going.” Peter stepping onto the water with trembling confidence. The disciples returning again to the upper room to pray and wait when they did not know what God would do next. These moments resonate deeply with interchurch experience. Beginning again is not about control; it is about trust. It is about trusting God with your family’s decisions, your children’s spirituality, and your own dual belonging. It is about trusting that unity is not only a prayer but a promise — one that will unfold over time, even if we do not yet see the full picture. January also encourages us to reflect on the internal dimension of beginning again. Many interchurch families carry memories of past experiences — some beautiful, some painful. The courage to begin again includes the courage to forgive, to heal, to remain open. Unity in the home requires unity of heart, and unity of heart requires the bravery to keep loving generously across difference. Perhaps you find yourself this January feeling hopeful, or perhaps tired. Perhaps you are longing for clarity about church commitments, or simply grateful for the stability your family has found. Whatever this year begins with for you, hear this blessing: Your courage is seen. Your hope is holy. Your faithfulness is part of the very story of Christian unity that the whole Church longs for. As we enter 2026, may you find the gentle strength to begin again — not because January demands it, but because God is already ahead of you on the path, welcoming you into the year with grace. Melanie Carroll - Executive Officer

A Christmas & New Year Prayer

By Melanie Carroll • January 1, 2026

Eternal God, at Christmas we give you thanks for the gift of your Son, born among us to bring light into the world and to draw all people into your reconciling love. As the Association of Interchurch Families, we come before you as those who live daily across Christian traditions, seeking to hold together faith, family, and unity in Christ. We give thanks for the churches and friends who walk alongside us, support us, and share in this calling. At this turning of the year, we pray that the light of Christ, first seen in the manger, may continue to shape our shared life. Grant to your Church and all people a generosity of spirit, patience in difference, and a deepened commitment to the unity we share through birth and baptism. As one year ends and another begins, renew our common resolve to listen well, to learn from lived experience, and to bear faithful witness together to the truth that unity in Christ does not require uniformity, but is grounded in Love. May the joy and hope of Christmas remain with us in the year ahead, strengthening our partnerships, guiding our discernment, and drawing us ever more deeply into your peace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, the Word made flesh, the light of the world, now and for ever. Amen.