Palm Sunday Palm Sunday recalls the joyful parade of Jesus, seated on a donkey, into Jerusalem. This was a way of celebrating great warriors, heroes, leaders and when people shouted out Hosanna or hurray to the Son of David, Jesus, they were doing just that. It was also part of the celebration to wave branches of palm trees, flowers, perhaps even throw down clothing as a sign of regard for the one being welcomed. What a contrast this scene is to the Jesus who will do a servant’s work of washing feet at table, to the battered remnant of a man pushed along the road to be crucified. For a moment it seems Jesus is welcomed and loved by the people. So today we received palm branches that are blessed and hold them up as the gospel is read.
Margaret Liggett March 1939 – February 2026 Margaret Liggett died in February 2026. She was born on March 18, 1939, in Colorado and was recognized as gifted from an early age. After high school, Margaret entered the Community of St. Mary, the oldest Episcopal order of sisters. Following university, she taught at the women’s preparatory school run by the order and later served as School Head, as well as both a local and regional superior. After leaving religious life, Margaret’s administrative and technical talents led her to work at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and later in information technology at Digital Wizards in San Diego. For many years, Margaret was a devoted member of the community at St. Barnabas. She served as senior warden and office administrator, and much of parish life passed through her hands. She edited the Carillon, managed stewardship campaigns, maintained membership and email lists, organized continuing education, and helped keep parish life running smoothly. Margaret was present at potlucks, parish meetings, celebrations, and the quiet, ongoing work that holds a church together. At her memorial, those who spoke made clear just how deeply her life was woven into St. Barnabas. It was said that she loved worship, loved Sunday services, and that it was fitting to remember her there, in the church that had become so much a part of her life. She was also honored for the many ways she served God and the church over the years. Among those present was the Reverend Canon Gwen Lynch, Canon to the Ordinary in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, who shared Bishop Susan’s prayers of thanksgiving for Margaret’s life and faithful service. Clergy and parish leaders including the Rev. Dave Madsen (Rector), the Rev. Michael Plekon, Louise Jee, and Jan Naragon were part of the service, along with multiple friends and family members who joined by Zoom. Margaret lived for a number of years with her companion, Mary Pickering, in Mission Bay and was active in litigation with the City of San Diego over eminent domain actions affecting their mobile home park. Later she moved to Borrego Springs intending a quieter life of reading, contemplation, and prayer. Instead, she quickly became deeply involved in parish life and soon became closely identified with the St. Barnabas community. Those who knew Margaret remember not only her intellect and faith, but also her wit and humor. At her service, one speaker described her as “a giant figure in a frail body,” while another recalled her as a person with “an incredible sense of lightness about everything, including God.” She was remembered as stoic on the outside, but with a deeply humorous heart. Others shared memories that widened the picture of her life. One recalled Margaret’s childhood on a farm outside Rifle, Colorado, where she and her sister rode horses into the hills after finishing their chores. Another remembered hearing, before ever arriving in Borrego Springs, that Margaret was the finest tutor someone at St. Mark’s had ever known. Speakers also noted her scientific accomplishments, including published work and dedicated service with the Paleo Society, where she was praised for her vigor, intelligence, loyalty, and care for others. One story shared at the service captured Margaret especially well. In a local comedy performance, she made her way across the stage with perfect comic timing, declaring herself “as swift as a gazelle,” then adding, “an old one,” “with arthritis,” and “run over by a Land Rover/” "A week ago" It was a moment people still remembered, and it reflected the good sport and sharp humor that stayed with her through difficult years. In the last couple of years, her health declined, and she moved to a care facility in San Marcos. Even as her body grew weaker, those around her continued to speak of her strength, loyalty, intelligence, and faithful presence. Margaret’s life was marked by faithful service, friendship, intelligence, and humor. She was a true servant of Jesus and a steadfast friend to many. She is survived by many family members, friends, and parishioners whose lives she touched.
Mark 11:1-11 Jesus liked to tell parables It seemed to him a good way to get a message across. People relate to something that is recognizable in their context, relevant to the marketplace; relevant to the work places they are familiar with; the culture and time in which they live. Parables are a good way to share a message. Everybody loves a good story, and everybody loves to hear a good story from a good storyteller. So, after Jesus tells them a story, a parable to the crowd, he goes on ahead to Jerusalem, and we are told that when he comes near Bethpage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sends two of his disciples ahead of him saying, “Go into the village and you find tied there a donkey colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here, and if anyone asks you why and for what reason you are doing this, simply say this: “The Lord needs it!” So, as they follow the errand Jesus sent them on, they are questioned, and asked: “Why are you untying this colt”? They reply with these words: “The Lord needs it”! You know, don’t you wish that everything was that easy in ministry; when the Lord tells you to do something, and you go and do it and someone says: “Why are you doing this father Dave? Or why are you doing this Father Michael? Or why are you using this song in the worship service Music Naomi? Wouldn’t be wonderful if all we had to say was Jesus told me to, and besides that, the Lord needs it. “The Lord needs it”! That really should be enough for everybody right? You know it doesn’t always work out that way, does it? It seemed to work out really good for Jesus in this story, but then again you and I are not the Messiah that is going to ride into Jerusalem on a back of a colt that has never been ridden. One thing that we miss in this passage, unless you understand colts and mules, you just don’t hop on a colt that has never been ridden. I really don’t know anything about training donkey colts for riding. I was doing some reading about mule and donkey trainers and training one for riding can be complicated, different than a horse, and maybe easier than a horse because of temperament, but will take considerable time and talent to train properly. Was Jesus an experienced rider? Trainers say that you cannot attend a three or four-day clinic and then start riding your colt the very next day. So, this is just as impressive as the way the colt that had never been ridden is acquired for Jesus. They bring the colt to Jesus, and after putting Jesus on the colt, He rides into Jerusalem as people throw their cloaks or what we would refer to now probably as jackets, sweaters or hoodies on the ground in front of Him. The multitude begins to praise God joyfully with a loud voice, saying: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven, glory in the highest”! “Jesus is coming into the city!” Our Lord is making His way into the heart of the city; into the heart of the kingdom of God established here on earth; into the heart of the church that is yet to be into the hearts of the lives of all of us.” Jesus is coming into the city! It is a time to wave the palms. Our Lord, our King, our Messiah, who is coming into the city is a time to rejoice. Let us rejoice and be glad of the coming of our Lord and Savior. In the tragic days that followed Palm Sunday, the soul-searching days, the triumphant days and the exuberant days of praise for Easter that is coming…New life! Fr. Dave+
by Susan Brown Snook Beloved in Christ, Like many of you, I awoke this morning to the news that the United States and Israel had launched military strikes against Iran. Amidst deep concern about the possibility of a wider conflict in the Middle East, I ask for prayers for all those affected by the current conflict: innocent civilians in several countries who are at risk of harm; members of the military who have been deployed to the area to support the strikes (including the crew of the San Diego-based aircraft carrier the USS Abraham Lincoln); and also a group of pilgrims to the Holy Land from the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut who are reportedly sheltering at St. George’s College in Jerusalem while missile alarms go off around them. Archbishop Hosam Naoum, the Primate of the Anglican Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East, asked for “urgent, unceasing prayer” in a pastoral letter today, and called for Christians to “let our message be the unchanging promise of Christ’s peace: to build each other up (1 Cor. 8:1),” and for Christians to be bridge builders and reconcilers in this conflict. Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe wrote today to ask the church for prayers especially for the people of the Diocese of Iran and for all of the Iranian people, saying, “In recent weeks, we have mourned as the regime in Iran has killed peaceful protesters, and watched with alarm at both its increasing repression of the Iranian people and the escalating response of the US government.” I ask all our congregations and people to pray for a quick end to this conflict and for protection of all innocent people who are in harm’s way. I join you in prayer that the conflict may not widen to encompass other countries and peoples. ------- I offer this prayer, which was sent out this morning by the Rev. David Madsen and the Rev. Michael Plekon, the priests at St. Barnabas, Borrego Springs: Heavenly Father, You call us to be people of peace—steadfast, courageous, and grounded in your love. Even as we seek to walk the way of peace, our hearts are heavy for all who live in danger today. We pray for the people of Iran and the people of Israel. We pray for the service women and men of the United States. And we pray for every person, in every land, who finds themselves in harm’s way, whether by conflict, fear, or circumstance beyond their control. Hold them in your light. Guard their lives. Guide the leaders of nations toward wisdom, restraint, and compassion. And make us instruments of your peace—steadfast in hope, generous in mercy, and committed to the flourishing of all your children. Amen. May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. In Christ, The Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook
The Most Revd Sean Rowe, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, has shared a letter about the military strikes on Iran. February 28, 2026 Dear people of God in The Episcopal Church, Here in the United States, we awoke this morning with alarm to the news that the United States and Israel have launched a large military strike on Iran. This violent attack comes despite weeks of negotiations that many of us had hoped would prevent armed conflict in this fragile region, which is home to so many religious traditions and faithful people. Bishop Jeffrey Mello of Connecticut and a group of pilgrims from that diocese are in the Holy Land now, and when we spoke this morning, he let me know that they are safe at St. George’s College in Jerusalem. I ask you to pray fervently for them and their safe return. Pray, too, for all the people of the Holy Land, and especially for the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East and its leader, Archbishop Hosam Naoum. I had planned to be with Hosam today and tomorrow when he made a long-planned visit to our church. Many Episcopalians who had hoped to see him and assure him of our support will feel his absence keenly in the coming days. I commend to you the letter that he has sent to the people of his diocese this morning. As news reports tell us of fear and panic in Iran, I ask you to pray especially for the people of the Diocese of Iran and for all of the Iranian people. In recent weeks, we have mourned as the regime in Iran has killed peaceful protesters, and watched with alarm at both its increasing repression of the Iranian people and the escalating response of the U.S. government. As Christians who follow a Prince of Peace, we mourn that today’s attacks will surely mean further hardship for the most vulnerable Iranians and, as retaliation inevitably follows, suffering that will spread across the entire region. Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen. The Most Rev. Sean Rowe Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church See the pastoral letter from the Most Revd Hosam Naoum, Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem and Primate of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East, regarding the escalation of conflict in the Middle East.
Heavenly Father, You call us to be people of peace—steadfast, courageous, and grounded in your love. Even as we seek to walk the way of peace, our hearts are heavy for all who live in danger today. We pray for the people of Iran and the people of Israel. We pray for the service women and men of the United States. And we pray for every person, in every land, who finds themselves in harm’s way, whether by conflict, fear, or circumstance beyond their control. Hold them in your light. Guard their lives. Guide the leaders of nations toward wisdom, restraint, and compassion. And make us instruments of your peace—steadfast in hope, generous in mercy, and committed to the flourishing of all your children. Amen. Father Dave Madsen and Father Michael Plekon Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church Borrego Springs, CA
By Fr. Michael Plekon We have passed Ash Wednesday and are on our way through the season of Lent, heading toward holy week and Easter. Lent is many things, a time for doing good things, thinking the good thoughts God thinks, of forgiveness, sharing, love. It is also a school and this year we will be learning from a series of encounters Jesus has with individuals, all recorded in the gospel of John. Each of these is an intense meeting and exchange from which we have much to learn. We will look at three of these here and the rest in another article. First, Jesus confronts the Evil One, Satan, the devil. Well, of course, we would think that Jesus has to take on the public enemy number one! What is important to note is that the Evil One comes looking for Jesus, not the other way round. Isn’t that the case for us too? When we least expect it, there is the pull toward lashing out, wanting to hurt another, wanting to take care only of ourselves, perhaps even hoping to destroy someone we detest. Jesus is confronted with three temptations—turn stones into bread, throw yourself off the temple roof and hope the angels will save you, and finally, bow down to the Evil One and admit evil is stronger than good. Jesus says no to all of these. He’s not a magician, hoping to attract followers with his miracles. So stones are not turned into bread nor is there an effort to fly off the temple. And Jesus knows evil is no match for what is good, kindness trumps hate, we care for the stranger and those in need. We don’t just love our own little world of family and friends. Doing what is good, what God does, is a miracle, and we give others a new hope and life in this. By the way, the account of Jesus’ encounter with the Evil One is from Matthew’s gospel, from which we will hear all the rest of this year, later on.
Wendy Warren Quinn 1946–2026 Wendy Warren Quinn of Borrego Springs, California, passed away on January 12, 2026, at the age of 79. She had recently been diagnosed with stage IV cancer and shortly thereafter contracted COVID and pneumonia. Wendy was born in Saginaw, Michigan. She graduated from Glendale High School in California and attended Pomona College. Her first marriage was to Michael McFarland. In 1980, Wendy married James “Jim” Quinn, and they shared many years together until his passing in 2016. Her professional life reflected decades of dedication, precision, and service. Wendy spent much of her career as a legal and executive secretary, including long-term service with General Dynamics, Space Systems Division in San Diego, where she supported senior leadership and legal departments. Earlier in her career, she worked in municipal and corporate law offices throughout Southern California and served in roles requiring exceptional organizational skill and discretion. After Wendy’s retirement, she and Jim moved from San Diego to Borrego Springs, a place they came to love deeply. Wendy was an active and generous member of the community. She volunteered at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center, supported American Legion Post 853, and faithfully took minutes for Borrego Water District meetings. She valued civic engagement and believed in quietly contributing where help was needed. Outside of her volunteer work, Wendy enjoyed traveling, camping, and spending time with friends. She especially loved her dog, Yoti, who was a constant companion. Wendy is survived by her sister, Betty Iversen, and her niece, Tracy Hasenkamp, along with extended family and many friends who will miss her steady presence and thoughtful kindness. A service to honor Wendy’s life is being planned, and more information will be shared soon. Wendy will be interred at St. Barnabas Church in Borrego Springs. Donations in her memory may be made to Animal Action League (Non-profit Spay & Neuter Clinic) ( animalactionleague.net ) and American Legion Post 853 ( ca853.org ).
