Easter "Sonrise" service

We had a wonderful Easter Sunday. The first thing we did was have a "Sonrise" service in honor of God's Son, Jesus Christ who died for our sins and rose again! Twenty-three of us met a couple blocks away from the church at a small park in the middle of some businesses and homes. 

It was a bit chilly and sunny at eight-thirty in the morning. We sang a couple hymns and read Scripture together. Q shared a few words then prayed. Then we walked back to the church and ate a potluck breakfast.

There were lots of delicious things to eat...fruit salad, breakfast casseroles, and some sweet treats!

Pastor Kemper taught a great Sunday School lesson. Q told me about it later because I was downstairs teaching my lesson. After the lesson, I was able to share the resurrection eggs with Crystal, my one regular student. We had a regular service full of music and a message celebrating Christ's resurrection. We were short-handed in the nursery so after I sang my solo, I watched Kiala (yes, it's the same "Kyla" I watch sometimes in my home...I just learned the real spelling of her name!)

After giving her a snack, I told her the Easter story using the resurrection eggs in simple words she could understand. We did them a few times and by the time church was done, she said, "blood went down his neck" (after talking about the crown of thorns). Even though she is so young, I pray that the Lord will begin working in her heart through Bible stories she hears now.

After church, Q and I went out to lunch at Olive Garden. We also stopped at a book store and just looked around. We decided to attend another church for the evening service (since we weren't going to have one), so we left early to attend their 5 o'clock service. When we arrived, it didn't look like anyone was there. They must have done what we did! So, we got back on the road and Q said that we'd go to our former church in Fort Collins. We were so excited to see everyone. We thoroughly enjoyed the service and the fellowship afterward. 

At the end of his message, Pastor Redlin read a poem by John Newton. I immediately recognized the words and whispered to Q, "Those are the words to my song." Most of the words to the poem were set to music. The song I sang yesterday morning is called, "He Died for Me" (arranged by James Koerts). 

Here are the words for you to be encouraged by as well...

I saw One hanging on a tree in agony and blood. 

He fixed his languid eyes on me as near his cross I stood.

Sure, never till my latest breath can I forget that look.

It seemed to charge me with his death, though not a word he spoke.

My conscience felt and owned the guilt, and plunged me in despair;

I saw my sins his blood had spilt and helped to nail him there.

Alas! I knew not what I did; but now my tears are vain.

Where shall my trembling soul be hid? For I the Lord have slain.

A second look he gave which said, 

"I freely all forgive.

This blood is for your your ransom paid,

I die that you may live."

Chorus: How can it be that on a tree the Savior died for me?

My soul is thrilled, my heart is filled to think he died for me.

After spending a good time chatting with our friends, we went out to eat with the new youth pastor and his wife. This was their first Sunday. It was great getting to know them. Q encouraged them in the ministry. I thought that was a neat opportunity, and one that the Lord definitely orchestrated.

Our hearts were blessed on this wonderful day! 

How was your Easter? I would love to hear what you did with your family and friends.:)