Dear family and friends,
The disciples expected to find death when they went to the tomb that Easter morn. The women expected to find a body, a dead one when they went to the tomb that Easter morn. What do you expect when you come to worship this Easter? Better yet, what do you expect when you step out into your life? We often have such dismal expectations and dreary hope. Do you have hope for your relationships? Do you have hope in the face of sickness and disease? Do you have hope in the face of an unbelieving friend or neighbor? Do you have hope in the face of sorrow and sadness? What do you expect in those situations? Are you more like Eyerore than you would like to admit? See, we’re not so different from the women or the disciples.
Today is Holy Saturday. It’s the middle of the three days that Jesus spent in the tomb. But he was already being exalted. He was already being raised up. God made sure of it. He wasn’t laid on the heap of bodies together with all of the other criminals. No, just as the prophet indicated years before, Jesus was assigned a grave with the rich. He lay in his tomb and, in so doing, sanctified the graves of all those who die in the faith.
And then, on the third day, God rolled the stone away. His Son came out of that grave and so assures us: Our sins are forgiven! Death is defeated! Our own resurrection is coming! This gives us an Easter vision for every day of our lives. It gives us hope for our relationships. It gives us hope in the face of guilt and shame. It gives us hope in our sorrow. It gives us hope for our entire lives. Our God rolls stones away!
Tomorrow is going to be an awesome day (the schedule is below!). There will be two different and awesome worship services with Christ glorified throughout. We have an opportunity to gather with family and friends over food and fun. We have a simple breakfast (in our school gymnasium) planned that allows us to safely gather together over a breakfast sandwich, a donut, and a cup of coffee. We have a scavenger hunt planned from 8:30 - 9:15 am in our school. We’ll have a photo booth set up in the community room for some fun, candid photos to celebrate the joy of the resurrection.
We would love to have you with us. And bring a friend! We have plans in place to allow us to gather safely. We kindly ask for your cooperation with the safety measures in place.
I hope to see you tomorrow when we will shout: He has risen! He is risen, indeed!
In His Grip and safe there, Pastor Nate
Easter 2021
CELEBRATE EASTER AT MOUNT LEBANON!
Are you looking for hope that stands firm in the face of pandemic, unrest, insecurity, or worry? Join us this Easter in-person or online to learn how the resurrection of Jesus from the dead gives certain hope for uncertain times. It is proof that God keeps his promises to forgive our sin and fix this broken world. Please be our guest to find community, uplifting worship, and a message of certain hope no matter how uncertain your times may be.
EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE: 7 AM (live streamed)
Join us in the dark and then watch the Light(s) come on! Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Our celebration starts in the dark and ends with the Light!
EASTER BREAKFAST AND FAMILY FUN: 8 AM - 9:15 AM.
Between our two Easter services, we will serve a light breakfast and provide an opportunity for food, fellowship, and family fun. We even have a family scavenger hunt arranged with gifts for the whole family! We also know that everyone dresses up for Easter! So come early or stay late to get your picture taken in your Easter best. All of this will be provided with safety precautions in place to provide a safe environment for our celebration of Easter together.
EASTER FESTIVAL SERVICE: 9:30 AM (Live Streamed)
The darkness is gone; the Light is risen! Death is defeated; Life has come! Now, we shout with all the joy in our hearts: Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Our singing will not be muted. Our praise will not be silenced for Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed!