A small Circle Church writer’s group formed within the general body of this larger Arts Module with plans to critique one another’s work, hold conferences, and provide projects through which talents could be developed. A smaller number studied dance to determine how this can be meaningfully incorporated into worship. Others with interest in the graphic arts were available to provide material for the projected media, as well as any illustrative visuals needed.
This Module recently planned the entire Easter service for the church. They began by encouraging home observances of Passover on Thursday or Good Friday. Research was done into the historical nature and symbolism of this ancient event. Written explanations were given the congregation in the Saturday evening Catch-All. Foods to be served as well as their meanings were suggested. The members were encouraged to open their homes to one another. And, they were asked to observe Communion at the end of the evening, as Christ had at the Last Supper. The attitude of mind they wanted us to achieve was one of sorrow, as if we were aware of Christ’s impending passion, but not of His triumphant resurrection.
The response was overwhelming; well over one hundred people participated. Personally, my heart was moved by the time-honored questions that our children asked, “Why do we observe Passover? What is the meaning of bitter herbs mixed with sweet fruit? Why do we eat flat bread?”
The evening ended with Communion. Borrowing an idea from another home group, we lit the individual candles from a larger one—symbolizing our lives deriving their light from Christ, the Light of the world. After observing the Lord’s Supper, we extinguished our flames and left without saying a word. Our silent actions depicted Christ’s coming death and our deep sorrow.
On Easter Sunday we came to church in a spirit of mourning. Mimeographed sheets were distributed at the door that discouraged talking during the pre-session and explained to visitors what had previously occurred. The first part of the service dealt, in heaviness of heart, with our reaction to His death. Members of the Arts Module had prepared a ten-minute multi-media presentation depicting the realization of Christ’s resurrection. Girls from the church were photographed getting ready in the morning, walking to a modern-day cemetery, finding the empty tomb, and then running, leaping, exulting with joy at the unbelievable implications of their experience.
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Sunday’s coming. Do you have your sermon ready? Is it relevant? Will it effectively motivate your congregation to walk more in step with the Master? What about that Sermon Series you’ve been thinking about?
Or, if you’re someone who plans well ahead, have you asked yourself what you will preach for your Easter Sermon, your Advent Sermon, your Christmas Sermon?
David Mains and Mainstay Ministries can help. We offer a wide variety of Sermon Starters and Full Sermons that will give you Sermon Ideas to help you prepare for regular Saturday or Sunday sermons, Mid-week Bible Sermons, and Sermons for special occasions.
We also offer assistance as you create Topical Sermons, Sermons Series, and sermons for special times of the year. We have resources available to help you with Advent Celebrations, Advent Sermons, Christmas Sermons, Easter Sunday Sermons, Patriotic Sermons, and more.
For more information on how to create better Bible Sermons and how to turn Sermon Ideas into Sermon Outlines, and then into effective, meaningful Sunday Sermons, please click here to visit David Mains’ website.
You will also find a variety of resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Just click here.
