4/1/07 PARKLAND PRESS NEWS WRITTEN BY MATTHEW REICHL

Greenawalds United Church of Christ celebrated Palm Sunday this year with a pair of donkeys. In the past, the fellowship has taken neighborhood walks on the last Sunday of Lent but for this April 1, the congregation revived the tradition.

 Two Sicilian donkeys, Cecely and JoJo, were brought to the church from The Gress Mountain Ranch, 3264 Highland Road , Orefield. The ranch is owned and operated by Kathy and Ben Gress. They were contacted by Colleen Horlacher, whose daughter Molly volunteers at the animal sanctuary. The ranch has 28 rescued animals including Cecely and JoJo.

The congregation traveled north on Orchard Avenue, south on Prima Avenue, south on Lawfer Avenue, west on Plum Street and north again on Orchard Avenue . While on their trek, the group stopped at intersections to sing songs, read Bible verses and pray.

The congregation, led by Pastor Jeff Brinks, thanked God for the donkeys. "They remind us that you don't have to be big to be strong."

The Gress Mountain Ranch animal sanctuary is always in need of volunteers and donations. For more information, call 610-398-2122. Log on to the Web site at GressMountainRanch.com.