Easter Reflections

WOW – what a great weekend! Maundy Thursday we got to dine in the Cornerstone with traditional Greek food and the 12 Disciples. They went around visiting with the people at various tables, telling their name and story of being with Jesus. Then they told us how upset they were when Jesus said one of them would betray him. “Is it I?” they all asked. In the end, Judas Iscariot was identified and left quickly. It was a heavy moment, thinking about the coming betrayal of Jesus and about Judas himself. I wish a special blessing upon the man who was willing to take on that volunteer role for the night.

 

Good Friday darkened the mood as the lights dimmed in the Worship Center, Scriptures were read, and the candles on the altar were slowly extinguished. We left in silence to contemplate Jesus’ death and the darkness felt in that hopelessness without him.

 

Holy Saturday had the beginning of Easter worship as the sun set, reminding us of the ending of the Jewish Sabbath all those years ago and the coming events of Easter morning. Scriptures were read. We reflected on how we might have felt - especially Peter feeling devastated after denying Jesus and the rest of the disciples guilty as well for deserting him initially when he was arrested. There is an expression we commonly hear: “It is always darkest before the dawn.” That was certainly true then. Luckily, we know the rest of the story!

 

The beginning of Easter joy came during Saturday’s service when 5 people were baptized: 2 children, 1 Confirmation youth, and a couple. Stella gave them each a prayer shawl or lap blanket, explaining they had been made by church members and prayed over while being made and afterwards. What a blessing to be able to witness this sacred event. The twin girls were delighted to receive colorful shawls.

 

Easter Sunday celebration began in the Prayer Garden at 7am. The grey sky barely had any light when we began. 67 people came for a special time of living in the dawning light of the new day and the reality of the Resurrection! He IS Risen! We mentioned those who have gone to their heavenly reward before us, including those in the Columbarium. Thanks be to God! Birds flew overhead, adding their voices to the singing (I could swear I even heard a goose fly over and honk!).

 

The campus began to stir with people coming for the Easter Brunch and 9 am worship. Many gathered with children for the egg hunt, which our staff did a great job planning and designating times and places for each age group. Some of us inside the Fellowship Hall who had finished eating stood at the windows enjoying the smallest of the children in their Easter clothing pick up not only eggs but - because it was so much fun - sticks and leaves too! It was adorable. The Brunch was delicious, as always. Thanks to our kitchen staff as well as all of their volunteers who helped serve the food. Thank you all!

 

The orchestra, choir, and bell ringers added to the piano and organ music for wonderful singing and praising during the 9am service. God bless those who came for the first time or maybe only come now and then. The larger crowd made the singing that much more powerful! God bless them all, and God bless the Bethany volunteers who handed out butterflies before the service! Thank you!

 

The Easter Bunny roamed around the Fellowship Hall and outside where the children and families were gathered, and a few of us passed out butterflies before the 11am Contemporary service. Hundreds were given out by the end of the morning, so they added to the colors of joy around. Many thanks to those who have made those butterflies over the years, both now gone and still present. More will be needed for next Easter, so if anyone wants to take over heading that project let me know: . Paul and I loved the joyous sounds of our Praise Team leading Easter worship, spilling out to the Gathering Area during the 11am service.

 

MUCH thanks to all who planned, prepared, and served for an incredibly Spirit-filled event. The Easter offering this year went to Hill Country Community Ministries (HCCM), Malawi, and Samaritan Health Services, and all of that is on top of our spring mission focus on Feeding God’s People. I am so proud of Bethany with our emphasis on missions and offering. Encouraging people of all ages to contribute in various ways unites us all in the love of God for us and others. Happy Easter, and God Bless You!

 

Shalom!

Gayle