We believe you don’t have to be. Easter is just around the corner. For those of us that claim to be followers of Jesus it’s kind of a big deal. For starters, if Jesus isn’t risen and alive….then who are we following? And if He is risen and alive than what does that mean for me nearly 2000 years later? Is it relevant? Is it applicable? Does it really matter in any tangible way? This year we are excited to look back through some of the Scriptural narratives of Jesus’ life and explore together if they should matter to us today or not. We are excited because we belive that the tomb is empty so our lives don’t have to be. We are excited because we believe an encounter with the risen Lord Jesus is an encounter with life, love, and hope.
Some of you reading this post may have received a flyer about our Good Friday and Easter Gatherings (along with a spectacular coupon for Lazy Daze). We realize that if you’ve not joined us for a gathering before it might be kind of intimidating. So please allow me to take this opportunity to try and put your mind at ease. If you choose to visit with us, we promise not to single you out and make a spectacle of you. We promise not to pressure you to sign anything or give us your phone number, address, email, SSN, or bank account numbers. We promise not to point and whisper about ‘who is that, I”ve never seen them before?”. We promise not to care how you’re dressed or what color your hair is (neon or gray…).
We do promise to be kind, gracious, and welcoming. We promise to provide some great food and coffee for free on Easter morning (as we do every Sunday). We promise to do our very best to create an atmosphere where you will feel welcome and comfortable. We promise to share some great music led by an amazing band. We promise to share some great truths from Scripture as led by an amazing God.
For the practical stuff….Our Good Friday gathering is a rather quiet and reflective time together with some acoustic music and a focus on the Scriptural narratives of the arrest, trial, crucifixion, and death of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and ends with partaking in communion together. We encourage children to participate with their families. This gathering is open ended as we encourage you to take your time and leave whenever you’re ready. The music and teaching portion usually lasts about 30-40 minutes.
On Easter Sunday we will celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior together. Children are always welcome to stay with their families. For those interested we provide a staffed nursery, toddler, and preschool classes. After the musical portion of our worship gathering we dismiss our elementary students for their own class as well. Our Easter gathering will likely last about 75 minutes.
Parking is available behind the shops on the South side of Washington Street. Streetside parking along Johnson Avenue, and the parking lot at IPS school 57 (just walk across Ritter past the Irving and you’re here!).
We hope to see you soon as we explore these encounters with life, love, and hope together.