I am so looking forward to Easter this year. And we need Easter now more than ever. We need its message of hope found in Christ’s triumph over the grave. Easter, Christ’s resurrection, was God’s way of saying,
“darkness, disappointment and death do not get to have the final word!” I think of the words of the Gaither gospel hymn, “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow!”
Easter in 2021 will be almost back to normal… but it will be a new normal. It will be an Easter of Unending Joy for us – because we are Easter People! Last Easter was one where in the midst of pandemic, we found
courage and hope from our faith in Christ in a time of discouragement, fear and uncertainty. This Easter, we not only believe in the Resurrection… we are “COUNTING ON IT!”
This Easter season, it may be time to take the “whole journey” and to experience the “whole story” of what makes Easter the Greatest Celebration of All!
This year, we will be offering BOTH LIVE and ONLINE SERVICES which will welcome ALL PERSONS – old and new, familiar faces and fresh faces a place and way to celebrate the Season of Easter and Holy Week.
Pastor will be in the Palm Sunday and Easter Services… all together – both “in-person” and “online.” (In-person Services will continue offering “procedures” to lovingly care for one another and our neighbor as we mask for
safety). If you’re not comfortable returning to in-person worship quite yet, we understand. You can join any service during Easter and Holy Week by using our regular Zoom Access Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2724573655So, let’s run down the Services for this Season of Easter and the Holy Week leading up to it!
PALM SUNDAY (March 28th) – It begins with the Waving of Palms and shouts of Hosanna… the tradition continues. We will be sharing our Calling and the reflection of Jesus in our Daily Encounters as
Disciples of Jesus. Palms will be furnished and available before Sunday for those joining online.
MAUNDY THURSDAY (April 1st – 7:00 PM ONLINE ONLY for both Mingo UMC and Farrar UMC) – Our service will be one of “virtually” returning to the Upper Room with Jesus around the Communion Table. Listening to the testimony of each of the 12 disciples as they share their brief story about following Jesus and asking if they would be the betrayer of Jesus in these final hours. “Is it I?” Communion will let us ask that question and renew our commitment to follow Jesus through it all.
GOOD FRIDAY (April 2nd – 7:00 PM ONLINE ONLY for both Mingo UMC and Farrar UMC) – A service of darkness and ends in Hope! The “tenebrae” service of extinguishing candles one by one, the sounds of hammers and nails brings the crucifixion into reality. This service shares the darkness of the crucifixion hours… but will end in Hope. It is Friday but Easter is coming!
EASTER SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP – (April 4th – BOTH “IN-PERSON” AND “ONLINE”) – Easter in all its Splendor and Hope! Music, Lilies, “Christ the Lord is Risen Today!” Sharing the Story! Chimes and Bells! Hear the Bells Ringing… Really ringing! A Faith-filled Memory Maker! Christ is Alive and as He has Risen so shall We!
Who can You Share Easter With? It’s all about THE GOOD NEWS! GREAT EVENTS for the entire family! So SHARE IT! Spread the WORD as much as the disciples shared it that first Easter! Invite your friends and family so they don’t miss this Easter Story but experience it to the fullest! Share the ZOOM LINKS and join us ONLINE! Share it on Social Media: Facebook, emails of invitation, phone calls – wherever you go! We are ALIVE thanks to Jesus!
