It might seem strange to some of you, but it is (at least for me) usually a relief once Easter is over. It is an occupational hazard of being in church work. It's almost the same for Christmas. I am so busy with Christmas Eve services and seasonal youth activities that it can be overwhelming. I must say that this Easter I was really looking forward to the services, even though it was a very busy season!
I was looking forward to the Sunrise Service (is that a paradox?) because Sarai was taking care of it and it seemed to be under control. I was looking forward to The Refuge services because I was prepared, and the services were simple in nature, and I had a message I was excited about preaching!
The message was that we can be FREE because of the resurrection of Jesus! The lectionary texts for Easter (listed and linked in the last post) said to me that:
Psalm 118 I can be free from fear of rejection by God.
1 Corinthians 15 I can be free from the fear of death.
Acts 10 I can be free from my sins and judgment.
Lukek 24 I am free to take a leap of faith.
We ended the service with communion to the very upbeat "I Am Free" by the Newsboys.
The Sunrise Service included the falling stone. Instead of just being rolled away from the tomb, the stone fell over into the tomb (on to the altar) first. This was pretty exciting since it knocked the communion cup (and juice) off the altar and there was a lit candle on the altar. But all turned out OK. Here is a photo of this year's Easter banner before its launch. That is always a source of excitement: will the banner fly and HOW FAR will it fly?
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