Easter Exultation
My heart is overflowing today. What an inspiring Easter weekend God gave us at Grace Church. It was a three-day celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ beginning on Good Friday evening and extending through Sunday morning. And truly, our gracious God is worthy and deserving of all the praise and glory!
Approximately 170 guests attended the two nights of our Easter Song Drama. We counted 66 guests on Friday evening and another 104 on Saturday evening. There were also a total of 35 people in the cast and crew. It was a powerfully moving re-enactment of the Easter story complete with an Altar Call each night with many people coming forward to dedicate and rededicate their lives to Jesus. God only knows the full impact we have had for all eternity on countless lives. Great job, drama team! Your hard work and countless hours of rehearsing were well worth it. What fun to present this drama together. Grace Church is proud of you!
After a special Holy Saturday Men’s Breakfast with 16 guys in attendance, the celebration continued Sunday morning with a delicious Easter Breakfast hosted by Colleen Rowenhorst and Nancy Carrier. We estimate 75 people were served, including many families with children. Everyone got plenty to eat and enjoyed table conversation. Then, it was on to our Easter Egg Hunt for children. Twelve children along with their moms or dads participated this year. We thank Kelly, Kristi, Cheryl, and helpers for coordinating the event. And we congratulate Isabella and Hadlee in finding the Super Eggs and receiving additional prizes!
The momentum of praise and worship continued into our morning Easter Celebration Service with 102 persons attending, including approximately 40 visitors. We sang our favorite Easter hymns with gusto while our “Spirit of Grace” praise band turned up the volume and led us in some great Easter songs. My message, “An Excruciating Victory,” was just what some present who were grieving needed to hear. Children enjoyed Children’s Church. People sung praises. Visitors were welcomed. And, a spirit of joy permeated our gathering, which included several who were in worship with us for the very first time. What a great morning!
It’s my prayer that the joy of the risen Jesus will also rise in your heart this week and for weeks to come. The season of Easter continues. We’re just getting started. Special thanks to all who participated in making this past weekend so memorable. May the risen Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord be praised. He is risen ... !