Jesus didn't come out of the tomb simply to change your day - Jesus conquered death in order to change your life. That was the mantra of sorts for our Easter celebration here at the Gaylord Evangelical Free Church (GEFC) and what a great weekend it was.
It all started Friday night with the community Living Lord's Supper in which many of our community churches came together for a Good Friday night of worship, communion and reflection. I especially enjoyed the worship that evening which was led by a band made up of singers and musicians from several different churches. It really was special and meaningful to meet together as the Body of Christ from many different churches and denominations, but who all worship Jesus as the only way to heaven.
Saturday morning was a long morning of rehearsing for the GEFC Easter service. But this was not simply a rehearsal - it really was a morning of worship. Getting this all done on Saturday allowed all of the morning's participants to come together on Easter Sunday and spend a good 30 minutes in worship and prayer before the service began. I honestly will say that for me this was the best part of the Easter weekend. Many of the service participants shared their excitement and enthusiasm for what God was doing in their lives and what we anticipated Him doing in the service. It really was an awesome time of prayer, worship and fellowship. Worship before the worship - what a great concept!
Then came the Easter service itself. The place was literally packed with a standing room only crowd. Their was a whole lot of excitement in the air. I was thrilled with every aspect of the morning. The music was inspirational. The drama and other visual components were creative. The testimonies and videos were absolutely powerful. The Spirit of God was definitely in the service and when the invitation was given we saw many people come forward and trust Jesus to be their Lord and Savior. I loved talking to many of the counselors afterwards and hearing their stories and seeing their joy in being able to lead these precious folks into a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
After the service, one very sweet lady said to me, "God is doing something here in Gaylord!" She's right. He really is and I am absolutely thrilled that God has directed my life to bring me to Gaylord, Michigan and GEFC to be a part of it.
It all started Friday night with the community Living Lord's Supper in which many of our community churches came together for a Good Friday night of worship, communion and reflection. I especially enjoyed the worship that evening which was led by a band made up of singers and musicians from several different churches. It really was special and meaningful to meet together as the Body of Christ from many different churches and denominations, but who all worship Jesus as the only way to heaven.
Saturday morning was a long morning of rehearsing for the GEFC Easter service. But this was not simply a rehearsal - it really was a morning of worship. Getting this all done on Saturday allowed all of the morning's participants to come together on Easter Sunday and spend a good 30 minutes in worship and prayer before the service began. I honestly will say that for me this was the best part of the Easter weekend. Many of the service participants shared their excitement and enthusiasm for what God was doing in their lives and what we anticipated Him doing in the service. It really was an awesome time of prayer, worship and fellowship. Worship before the worship - what a great concept!
Then came the Easter service itself. The place was literally packed with a standing room only crowd. Their was a whole lot of excitement in the air. I was thrilled with every aspect of the morning. The music was inspirational. The drama and other visual components were creative. The testimonies and videos were absolutely powerful. The Spirit of God was definitely in the service and when the invitation was given we saw many people come forward and trust Jesus to be their Lord and Savior. I loved talking to many of the counselors afterwards and hearing their stories and seeing their joy in being able to lead these precious folks into a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
After the service, one very sweet lady said to me, "God is doing something here in Gaylord!" She's right. He really is and I am absolutely thrilled that God has directed my life to bring me to Gaylord, Michigan and GEFC to be a part of it.
4 comments:
Ya, we're feeling might blessed too! We know God does have an awesome plan here at GEFC, because He brought you & Laura here to lead us... Thank you!
Thanks, Glen. Praise the Lord for all He is doing and will continue to do in this place!
I have not spent so much time in church since I was a kid! :-) I loved it. Sensing God's Spirit moving among His people at Friday night's Living Lord's Supper. Spending Saturday morning with like minded Believers preparing, praying and worshiping. Then seeing it all come together Sunday morning. The testimonies were especially moving and encouraging. God does have a plan for EVERYONE'S life. We are thankful He sent you, pastor Scott, to be part of ours!
Amen, Eddie! What a great weekend it was! Praise the Lord!
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