Local Churches Prepare for Easter Services

Monsignor George Thompson spent part of Thursday afternoon fixing a display of graceful white Easter lilies at the altar in preparation for a weekend of holiday services at in Bedford.

The full panoply would grow to include an array of blue and pink hydrangeas. "I'm not the best flower arranger," he said. No matter—most parishioners will be coming to hear his Easter sermon, which this year will focus on participating in the Easter holiday, rather than remembering the historical event of Jesus' resurrection.

"We can take part because it involves God, so it doesn't involve time. The pain Jesus suffered is something modern parishioners can relate to because of the pain and suffering in their own lives," he said. "Then we are gifted with life and his resurrection."

Thompson said even the youngest congregants—who may be focused on the secular aspects of the holiday like candy and the Easter Bunny—can appreciate the thrust of this year's Easter message.

"We can bring our children along and tell them Jesus died for us so we can be happy forever," he said.

Many local churches will experience larger than normal crowds this weekend, as local Christians are preparing to celebrate Good Friday today and Easter on Sunday, which honors the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and is celebrated to mark the third day after his crucifixion and death. Easter caps off the 40-day period of Lent, a period of fasting, penance, and prayers for the Christian community.

Rev. Melissa Boyer of the said she tells people if they only come to church on Easter, they've picked the best Sunday to come.

She said her sermon will explore the question, "how does the world look different the day after Easter?"  

"I'll be talking about what it's like to look at the world through the lenses of Easter rather than through the lenses of despair, "shoulds," instant gratification, fear and selfishness," she said. 

To help teach about Easter to young children, she uses a set of Resurrection Eggs, which have symbols inside representing the story of Jesus' death and rising. "They can be a tactile teaching tool for kids," she said.

The is finalizing preparations for its Easter Fun Day, to be held on Saturday afternoon— for details.

Click here for a listing of local churches and contact information to check service times.

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