COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho— Living Grace Christian Fellowship, the Coeur d’Alene congregation, was host for a dynamic Easter service honoring the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Sixty-five people attended the service, including many of the members from Spirit of Grace Fellowship, the WCG congregation in Spokane. Several visitors attended, and many people recommitted their lives to walking in a greater way in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ.

Living Grace has been blessed with a worship leader now attending with them. David Hern had been the sound technician and part-time worship leader for New Life Community Church, the mega-church in this area. After about a year being unemployed and not worship-leading with the church, Mr. Hern came to the Coeur d’Alene congregation to help install a sound system. After attending the service that week, he felt the leading of the Holy Spirit to come do the worship leading for the congregation. Glen Weber.

COEUR D’ALENE—Members and visitors
at Easter service. [Photo by Gary Roberto]

GRANDVILLE, Michigan—The Grandville congregation, which meets on Sunday afternoons in the Grandville-Jenison Congregational Church, was asked by the host church to participate in the 48th year of annual midweek community Lenten services with the theme, "A Lenten Journey with Jesus."

The Grandville church provided speakers and musical talent for the third service, conducted March 5. Michelle Munger spoke, covering the theme of the "The Purple Cloth and the Crown of Thorns." Barb Urbanski and Glamorice Sheppard read scriptures; Marie Little played piano to accompany worship songs; and Kim DeBlecourt provided special music.

Dena Curnow, pastor’s wife of the Grandville-Jenison Congregational Church, gave our group a positive introduction and made available a pamphlet about the history and changes in the WCG to the 100 plus people in attendance. More pamphlets had to be printed for the next service. Denise Butler.

OCALA, Florida—The Ocala church celebrated Palm Sunday, March 24. Every member was given a green palm frond and invited to wave it as they sang "Hosanna" and "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna."

The 53 members were in high spirits as this special day in the Christian calendar reminded all of the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem before his passion. Dan Rogers, superintendent of ministers, gave the sermon. Mr. Rogers said this was his first opportunity to experience a Palm Sunday service with palm fronds and that he thoroughly enjoyed it.

After the service, members enjoyed a gourmet buffet. Ken Smylie.

CINCINNATI, Ohio—The youth ministry of Christ Community Church in Cincinnati presented a dramatic portrayal of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection at the worship service on Easter Sunday, March 31.

The service included scripture readings and monologues, as well as worship music led by the worship team. The children sang a joyful song of Christ’s resurrection. The service closed with communion, which focused on our participation in Jesus’ resurrection and how he now dwells in us. Kim Hickman and Erin Hart.

KALISPELL, Montana—Bread of Life, the WCG congregation in Kalispell, began Holy Week with a Palm Sunday service.

The theme of the message was "A King’s Welcome" from John 12:12-19. Worship and the communion service focused on following our Lord and Savior as disciples.

On Thursday evening the congregation shared a candlelight communion service. They came to worship and remember not only the life of our Lord and Savior, but also his suffering and death for each of us on the cross.

On Friday, the Kalispell Ministerial Association conducted Good Friday services around a theme of "God on a Cross" (Philippians 2:5-11). About 20 churches shared two services with more than 800 worshippers. Lloyd Barrie, WCG pastor, spoke at both services. The evening service included communion as the greater Body of Christ in Kalispell remembered the sufferings of Christ and looked forward to the great exaltation of Jesus’ resurrection.

On Sunday the Kalispell congregation had an Easter service to celebrate the Risen Savior, his life in us, in our congregation and in our community. Members were challenged to look to the empty tomb. They were challenged to receive his new life for themselves, to fill them and flow out to the community. Afterward, members and guests shared Easter dinner. Joanne Barrie.

KALISPELL—Candlelight communion
service [Photo by Lloyd Barrie]

LOUDON, New Hampshire—The Loudon congregation shared a Maundy Thursday service with the Congregational Church.

"How do you get two denominations to join in worship when they see some things so differently?" asked Pastor Ron Stoddart. "Well, it helps if the two pastoral families become personal friends. Then by seeing that we are all sinners saved by grace all the differences become petty!"

About 60 people shared the bread and wine of the service. A few people did the footwashing. Some had juice, some had wine. All praised Jesus.

The Congregational Church provided the choir and organists and the church sanctuary. Deacons of both churches prayed over and served the elements.

Mr. Stoddart gave a sermon about the spirit of submission we have if we are crucified with Christ. Pastor Dave Randlett of the Congregational Church raised some memories by saying that this service used to be so solemn and funereal when he was a child. He exhorted members to rejoice because of the full meaning of Jesus’ sacrifice.

"How wonderful to dwell in the unity Christ provides," Mr. Stoddart said.

LOUDON—Congregational Church. [Photo by Gary O’Brien]

ANNISTON, Alabama—The Anniston church had a special service for Easter. The ensemble began with a candle-lighting ceremony. They then went on stage and sang "Jesus, Lamb of God" and "Amazing Grace." Roger Ledbetter, a visiting Gospel singer, sang two numbers. The children’s group sang "Jesus Loves Me," then Pastor Don Johnson gave a talk titled "The Empty Tomb."

A potluck meal was served afterward in the fellowship hall. Several visitors attended. Don Johnson.
   Don Johnson

PIKEVILLE, Kentucky—The Pikeville church conducted its fourth annual sunrise service in the city park sponsored by the area ministerial association. Despite rain, 40 people attended the service.

Christine Stewart, worship leader, led the crowd in contemporary worship songs and organized a drama depicting the resurrection.

Donnie Justice, Pikeville pastor, talked about how our lives can be changed only through the power of the resurrection.

The comments were positive, and many thanked us for putting so much effort into the service. One visitor said she was in the process of moving back to our area and expressed an interest in attending our church. She commented on how well she liked the contemporary music and Mr. Justice’s preaching style. The children passed out cross key chains and necklaces with a scripture verse attached. Our total focus was on Jesus and the power of his resurrection. Debby Bailey.

PIKEVILLE—Donnie Justice gives sermon.
[Photo by Eddie Bailey]

BATAVIA, New York—The Batavia Christian Fellowship celebrated the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, March 30.

The worship service included the Lord’s Supper and footwashing. After the service, the congregation, along with invited guests, enjoyed a dinner at a restaurant, where they also celebrated the March 17 marriage of deacon Tony Kota to Millie Mistretta. Judi Piscitello.

BATAVIA—Matthew and Leah Langerman at footwashing service.

BELLEVILLE, Illinois—To commemorate this life-changing event, the Belleville church again took an old rugged cross and covered it with garlands and fresh flowers. This has become a tradition with the Belleville church as young and old file past the cross to add their contribution of spring flowers.

"The transformation of the cross, from ugly to beautiful, reminds us how Christ continues to transform our lives," said Pastor Jim Stokes.

WINDSOR, Colorado—Members of Grace Christian Fellowship (Northern Colorado WCG) joined with members of other churches for a Stations of the Cross Worship Service on Good Friday.

The event, sponsored by the Windsor, Colorado, Ministerial Association, provided Christians throughout the area with an opportunity to celebrate the passion of Jesus at several downtown churches.

The stations of the cross are events in the final hours of Christ’s life. The first is: Jesus is condemned to death; the second: Jesus carries his cross; the third: Jesus falls for the first time. The last three are: station 12: Jesus dies on the cross; 13: Jesus is taken down from the cross; and last: Jesus is laid in the tomb.

Everyone met at Bethel Lutheran Church for the first four stations. After a short worship service, two teenagers carried the cross out the door followed by the pastor. Participants then followed them down the street in a processional to St. Albans Episcopal Church, where they celebrated the next three stations. Two other teens then carried the cross as the processional walked to First United Methodist Church. The service concluded at Windsor Assembly of God.

This is an annual event that gathers Christians from many area churches to worship our Lord, providing unison and singleness of worship. Bill Bixby, pastor of Grace Christian Fellowship (WCG), is a member of the ministerial association. Gerald Schnarrenberger.

SCOTTSBLUFF, Nebraska—The Scottsbluff church conducted its Easter morning service followed by a brunch cooked by the men of the congregation.

The service, organized by Pastor John Kehn, was a joyous celebration of the resurrection, helping all members worship the risen Lord. Evelyn Weinmeister led worship, and Gerald Schnarrenberger, Rocky Mountain district superintendent, gave the sermon.

Afterward the men cooked pancakes, scrambled eggs, fried potatoes and several other items. It was an opportunity for the men to thank the women for their constant service throughout the year. The men also washed the dishes. The Easter brunch was organized by deacon Duane Ray. Gerald Schnarrenberger.

The St. Paul and Minneapolis North congregations combined for an Easter Sunday morning service March 31.

The service began with congregational worship led by Steve Deuel. Next, Jeff, Sarah, Shanna and Jared Skrove performed a skit titled "The Three Witnesses." These three characters witnessed Christ’s life, death and resurrection and then found forgiveness, healing and redemption.

The children’s choir performed "When Children Give Him Praise" (with a solo by Shanna Skrove) and "I Can Do All Things." Carolyn Lane directs the children’s choir.

The combined choir sang "Arise! Shine!" directed by Denise Gamble.

Pastor Doug Johannsen’s message "Blessed Gift of Belief" focused on John 20:1-29, where Mary Magdalene, the disciples and Thomas moved from confusion and unbelief to belief as Jesus blessed them with the gift of belief. In order for us to believe, Jesus will also give us that gift of belief.

The service concluded with communion led by Doug and Betty Johannsen. A gift of a necklace made with a bent nail spotted with red paint and hanging on a purple ribbon was given to everyone present. The nail, symbolizing the pain and holding power of sin, was bent to signify that sin no longer has power to immobilize us because of the blood of Jesus (symbolized by the red paint). The purple ribbon signifies the royalty of the King of kings. Doug Johannsen.

MINNESOTA—Carolyn Lane directs (from left) Shanna
Skrove, Ellie Seltzer, Evan Gjesvold and Jonah and Jared
Skrove. [Photo by Doug Johannsen]

WACO, Texas—Several members of the Waco church performed a skit as a dramatic introduction to church services on Easter weekend.

"Too Good to Be True," written by Pastor Lee Berger, highlights the joy of the women returning from the empty tomb to inform the skeptical disciples of Jesus’ miraculous resurrection.

Because the weekly church service is the only practical time all members can get together, this service wove together congregational singing, the sermon, communion and footwashing.

In addition, Jeannie Garretson, Nelda Ramsey and Joan Schmidt performed a capella special music. Lee R. Berger.

WACO SKIT—From left: Marilyn Baker, Mildred Ward,
Nelda Ramsey, Tom Ramsey, James Smetak and Terry
McCarty. [Photo by Sue Berger]

SAN ANTONIO, Texas—San Antonio members experienced a new beginning through the resurrection of Jesus Christ as they celebrated Maundy Thursday with the Lord’s Supper service.

The week before, Pastor Sonny Parsons related how we don’t have to come to a physical cross to have our sins forgiven, but he gave the congregation an opportunity to come to a literal cross during the service and nail to it a piece of paper containing the name of a sin they may be dealing with. The cross had the word forgiven written across the top.

During the Easter service the teens presented a drama titled "Who Is This?," which depicted the last week of Christ’s life, including the crucifixion and resurrection. Sonny Parsons.

SAN ANTONIO—From left: Clayton Conrad,
Catrina Conrad, Larissa Villarreal and
Ivey Lopez. [Photo by Larry Scott]

DALLAS, Texas—Lynn Hebert, Dallas Central pastor, spoke of the importance of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem as the congregation celebrated Palm Sunday, March 24.

On Easter Sunday, March 31, the Dallas Central choir, directed by Margaret Smith, sang "Were You There in Gethsemane?" including a solo by Lori Simms. During the song, a pantomime play unfolded onstage. Joel Gehman scripted and directed the play.

Jesus (Ryan Coutts) knelt in prayer while Judas (Mike Read) pointed out Jesus to a Roman soldier (Octaviano Nino).The soldier then led Jesus offstage.
Lynn Hebert

Later, from offstage came the sound of nails being driven into wood. Finally, from offstage, Jesus cried: "My God, my God. Why have you forsaken me?"

The choir then sang a triumphal song about Jesus’ resurrection accompanied by Clif Newkirk on trumpet, Brian Holsenbeck on a baritone (a euphonium) and Sherry Hebert on piano.

Mr. Hebert said: "The resurrection is the pivotal point in human history. Because of the resurrection, we have a living Savior who is constantly defending and interceding for us. The gospel gives hope and meaning to a world that is otherwise in darkness. The resurrection is something we celebrate every day of our lives." Frank Lewandowski.

JACKSONVILLE, Florida—More than 120 members and guests attended an Easter service, March 31.

The service featured a drama of Jesus’ resurrection, organized by member Doris Dooyes.
Marty Davey

A set with a rock tomb that could be entered and a rugged cross off to the side were built near the stage. Music was provided by the children’s choir, the adult choir and a soloist. Pastor Marty Davey then gave a sermon on Jesus’ resurrection.

In the past, we had celebrated Jesus’ resurrection on Saturday, or in services on both Saturday and Sunday. But this year we decided to do as we’ve done with our annual Pentecost service—which was to cancel the weekly Saturday service and have the special service on Sunday so that everyone would attend at the same time.

It also helped to make the celebration service more authentic in regards to when Jesus was resurrected and returned to his disciples. Having the service on Easter Sunday seemed to make it easier for members to bring guests, as about 20 guests attended. Marty Davey.

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina —Young adults in the Mid-Atlantic district will sponsor a retreat for single and married young adults June 7 to 9 at the Rockfish retreat center south of Fayetteville.

The district has sponsored a summer retreat for young adults, late teens, 20s and early 30s, the past three years to give to them an opportunity for fun and fellowship, as well as to strengthen them in their walk with Christ.

The theme of this year’s retreat is "Dancing With the Holy Spirit." It will offer worship, Bible studies and messages centered on growing in one’s relationship with God, spiritual disciplines and developing a deeper relationship with God the Holy Spirit.

Outdoor activities will include a challenge course and canoeing or swimming, in addition to a swing dance led by a professional dance instructor.

The cost of the retreat will be $77 per person for the weekend or $52 if you stay just one night. Couples can request private rooms for an additional $20 per couple per night. The cost for the retreat with no housing is $30.

All of these rates include food for three days, participation in worship services and seminars, the Saturday evening swing dance, canoeing, kayaking or paddleboating.

For an additional $4 you can also take part in Rockfish’s challenge course, swimming pool or archery range.

For more information, call Micah Royal at 1-910-630-7503 or send e-mail to him at micah_royal@ yahoo.com To request information or reserve space by mail, write to Dancing With the Spirit Retreat, c/o Micah Royal, P.O. Box 12588, Fayetteville, North Carolina, 28311.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas—Each Sunday in February a portion of the service was devoted to Black History month. Biographies, writings and readings related to black history were presented each week. Many black members wore clothing from their African heritage. The congregation enjoyed a meal of ethnic foods in a "Taste of Soul" atmosphere.

INDEPENDENCE, Kansas—After Charles Rice was invited to preach at the Evangelical Friends Church in Independence on Easter Sunday, the congregation asked him to become their interim pastor while they search for a new full-time pastor.

Mr. Rice will continue to carry most of the preaching load for the WCG congregation, Fellowship of Faith. The Friends congregation numbers in the low 30s for weekly attendance.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa— James Henderson, regional director for Africa, and his wife, Shirley, visited some of the WCG members in Malawi, March 15 to 18.

The trip began with a flight from Johannesburg to Lilongwe, and then an internal flight on a 12-seater plane to Mzuzu, a church plant in the north.

Upon arrival Friday, March 15, Mr. Henderson conducted a leadership meeting in the late afternoon. The next day a worship service took place on the farm of the elder there, Julius Kachali.

"The farm is in the rolling hills just outside the town center, and the setting looks idyllic," Mr. Henderson said. "When we arrived about 40 people greeted us with songs and the usual warm Malawi welcome." The choir performed a praise dance drama during the worship service.

Sylvester Nkosi, pastor for the Lilongwe area, was also in Mzuzu with some members from his district. Mr. Nkosi was concerned with famine conditions in the central region and explained that around 35 WCG families are directly affected.

"We are moving to help them by supplying bags of mealie meal to each of the families," Mr. Henderson said. "The situation is so bad that many of the people are eating banana tree roots and under-ripe cassava." Mr. Henderson expected things to improve in late April when the new crops were due.

Supplying the immediate food needs was made possible through generous donations from North American churches, Mr. Henderson said.

From Mzuzu, the Hendersons went on to Blantyre for a leadership meeting that evening and church services Sunday morning. They were met there by by Kalengule Kaoma, regional pastor for Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and Eric Bonell, a visiting Australian member who has done much to help Mr. Kaoma’s ministry.

(Editor’s note: Sadly, Mr. Bonell died of malaria in Lusaka, Zambia, March 23. He was loved and respected by the African congregations in Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, and will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathies and concern go out to his wife and family in Australia.)

After the worship service the Hendersons went to the mission church in Minimini, located in a tea-growing area on the slopes of Mt. Mulanje. About 120 people were present (including the local chief) and the hall was not large enough to contain everyone.

Some of the ladies received literacy certificates, and a few Bibles were distributed.

"Bibles are like gold dust in areas such as these," Mr. Henderson said. A Bible was presented to a little boy, Luca, who attends church every week by himself.

"It is always moving to meet people who are experiencing the gospel for the first time and to see the simplicity of Christ begin to change their lives," Mr. Henderson said.

"Wherever we went in Malawi, members were interested in the fellow members in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and elsewhere," Mr. Henderson said. "They feel very much a part of our fellowship, and treasure sharing their salvation with all of you around the world."

BIBLES ARE LIKE GOLD DUST—
Luca receives Bible at church service.
[Photos by James Henderson]

LITERACY CERTIFICATES—Women in Minimini
who received literacy certificates.

Pikeville, Kentucky, church
to conduct P.R.A.Y. retreat

PIKEVILLE, Kentucky—The Pikeville church will combine with seven other churches to conduct a P.R.A.Y. (Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield) retreat June 7 and 8.

The retreat will start Friday, June 7, at 7 p.m. at Pikeville College. A Full Gospel pastor will give a message on Praise, followed by a message on Repentance given by a Missionary Alliance pastor. The retreat will continue Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. with a Disciples of Christ pastor speaking on Asking, followed by a Church of God pastor talking about how to Yield. The afternoon will conclude with communion jointly shared by another Missionary Alliance pastor and a Southern Baptist pastor.

The Pikeville congregation is putting together the praise band and doing the overall organizing of the event. For more information, please call Mike Stewart at 1-606-639-6102 or send e-mail to him at mstewart@kymtnnet.org Debby Bailey.

Georgia teens witness passion play

ATLANTA, Georgia—On March 16, more than 25 teens and youth workers from the Kennesaw and Buford, Georgia, congregations attended a Southern tradition: the Atlanta Passion Play.

The Passion Play has been presented for many years at the Atlanta Civic Center and is sponsored and performed by members of the First Baptist Church of Atlanta. The play depicts the ministry of Jesus Christ and culminates with his death, resurrection and ascension into heaven. The teens were most compelled by scenes of Jesus walking on the water and the powerful and emotional scenes of Jesus on the cross. Anthony Mullins.

Clarksburg, West Virginia
to conduct Y.O.U. reunion

CLARKSBURG, West Virginia—The Clarksburg congregation will conduct a reunion and picnic for members of the church’s former youth group, Youth Opportunities United (YOU), Saturday, June 29, at the Osborn picnic shelter in VA park.

For more information, contact Pastor Warren D. Wilson at 1-304-622-9725 or send e-mail to him at fsa00181@mail.wvnet.edu

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2002