I covered Palm Sunday services at Santa Maria of Guadelupe Lutheran Church in Irving, Texas, for "The Lutheran" magazine (http://www.thelutheran.org/template/index.cfm). They hired me to provide photos for a story on how the church has grown 75% due to the Hispanic population, typically Lutheran congergations are shrinking. The story will appear in the June issue of "The Lutheran."

Pastor Pedro Portillo during Palm Sunday services at Santa Maria of Guadelupe Lutheran Church in Irving, Texas, Sunday, April 17, 2011. Special/Brandon Wade

A worshiper receives a communion wafer during Palm Sunday services at Santa Maria of Guadelupe Lutheran Church in Irving, Texas, Sunday, April 17, 2011. Special/Brandon WadeA worshiper makes a cross out of palm leaves during Palm Sunday services at Santa Maria of Guadelupe Lutheran Church in Irving, Texas, Sunday, April 17, 2011. Special/Brandon WadeWorshippers hold a palm leaf crosses during Palm Sunday services at Santa Maria of Guadelupe Lutheran Church in Irving, Texas, Sunday, April 17, 2011. Special/Brandon Wade

Moiser Duran carries the cross and palm leaves during Palm Sunday services at Santa Maria of Guadelupe Lutheran Church in Irving, Texas, Sunday, April 17, 2011. Special/Brandon Wade Worshipers gather outside of Santa Maria of Guadelupe Lutheran Church for Palm Sunday services in Irving, Texas, Sunday, April 17, 2011. Special/Brandon WadePastor Pedro Portillo blesses palm leaves during Palm Sunday services at Santa Maria of Guadelupe Lutheran Church in Irving, Texas, Sunday, April 17, 2011. Special/Brandon WadePastor Pedro Portillo blesses worshipers during Palm Sunday services at Santa Maria of Guadelupe Lutheran Church in Irving, Texas, Sunday, April 17, 2011. Special/Brandon Wade Abel and Anatolia Garcia pose for a portrait with their children Natalie, left, Emmanuel, center, and Jennifer, right, at Santa Maria of Guadelupe Lutheran Church in Irving, Texas, Sunday, April 17, 2011. Special/Brandon Wade