BCM/D Family News: Easter 2023
“But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. (Matthew 5:6-7 ESV)
Resurrection Day/Easter is just a few days away! BCM/D churches are having a variety of events — egg hunts, all unique, special worship services, cross walks, Easter sunrise services, special music, and more. Below is just a very small sample of what churches are up to this weekend. Let us know how your church celebrated this weekend and how God blessed you. Feel free to share your news and photos for consideration at [email protected].
Kids AND Adults Enjoy Easter Egg and Scavenger Hunt
They played, hunted for eggs, looked for scavenger hunt treasures, ate popcorn and snow cones, played games, and heard the story of Jesus — both kids and adults!
Kids enjoy hunting for eggs and adults look for scavenger hunt clues. Adron Dozat (in red hat) explains the significance of a resurrection egg clue. (Photo by Katie Matthews)
Bethany Church, Columbia, hosted a unique event on Saturday, with kids scouring the grounds of a local school for candy-filled plastic eggs and youth and adults doing a scavenger hunt to find resurrection egg items.
Over 300 people attended the event. Katie Matthews, the wife of Pastor CJ Matthews, said they were thankful for the many partnerships that helped make the event a success. Mid-Maryland Baptist Association provided their block party trailer, a moon bounce, snow cones, a popcorn machine, and outdoor games. Students with disabilities from a local high stuffed the candy in the eggs. Bethany rented the grounds of Jeffers Hill Elementary School.
On the morning of the event, Sunday, March 31, church members, led by BCM/D Prayer Coordinator Adron Dozat, also a member of Bethany, prayer-walked the school in lieu of the first worship service.
Following the second service, members headed over for the big event.
Adults had an opportunity to search for resurrection egg symbols. Each person had a list of twelve items to identify — such as a miniature crown of thorns, a donkey (symbolizing the triumphal entry), or rock (symbolizing the stone at the tomb). Volunteers stood at various stations representing the items. Each person visited the different stations and heard about the item and what it symbolized. Once completed, they were entered into a drawing for Amazon gift cards.
Children took home gift bags. Everyone was invited back for Easter. The church will have an Easter party for kids on Sunday.
Connecting Church
Connecting Church in Abingdon will have a special Easter service at 10:30 am at Abingdon Elementary School. Breakfast will be available before the service. There will be biblical teaching on the resurrection of Jesus, a presentation by Connection Kids, Easter giveaways, and a photo background opportunity.
Secret Church
Redeeming Grace Church, Callaway, will participate in a Secret Church event from 6:30 pm -1 am on Good Friday. While viewing the Secret Church simulcast, the church will pray, worship and study together, and walk through the book of Jonah, learning about the urgent spiritual and physical needs in Iran and praying for the persecuted church around the world. All are invited to join them. Pizza, snacks, and coffee will be provided for sustenance through the night. Visit https://bit.ly/3Kebtby for more information.
David Platt, a former. International Mission Board president started Secret Church in 2006 as a result of spending time with Asian Christians in underground churches, worshipping and studying even as their lives were in danger. In an effort to duplicate such a meeting and stand with the persecuted church, Platt and others at The Church at Brook Hills, where he formerly pastored, began gathering once a year for “Secret Church.” Since that time, churches throughout the country have participated through a simulcast – linking believers in prayer for their brothers and sisters suffering for Christ around the world.
Compass Church, Pocomoke, is getting to know its community. They partnered with a nearby apartment complex to host an Easter egg hunt and were able to meet 42 children and their families. (Facebook photo used with permission)
Sunrise Service on the Beach
Kick-off resurrection day praising God as the sun rises, and there’s nothing more glorious than watching the sun rise over the ocean. Ocean City Baptist Church will meet on the boardwalk at North Division Street at 6 am for this special sunrise annual service. If you’re at the beach for the week or weekend, stop in and join them for the early service or to one of the later services at 9 and 10:30 am at the church.
Church members will also participate in an ecumenical cross walk through the city on Friday.
Easter Dinner and Egg Hunt
Members of Stoney Run Baptist Church in Westernport will gather for a dinner following worship service on Easter. After dinner, they’ll have an Easter egg hunt.
Special Music for Easter
Zion Community Church in Wellersburg, Pennsylvania, will have special music on Good Friday and on Easter Sunday. The group “Servant’s Heart,” featuring Pastor Chan Hubbard, Marley Hubbard, and Greg Johnson, will share in music and testimony.
Easter Outreach
Compass Church, Pocomoke, a plant of Compass Church, Salisbury, partnered with Pocomoke Landing Apartments to host an Easter Egg Hunt and cookout for their residents. They met 43 children and their families. The church is seeking to build relationships with the community, to let them know they are there and that they care for them. They look forward to future partnerships.
The church exists to reach, disciple, and serve as they point people to Jesus.
Feature photo: The Church at Severn Run welcomed over 2000 people at their Easter Egg Hunt! (Facebook photo used with permission)
