A local church has announced several events leading up to Easter.
The Rev. Terry Lippstreu, pastor of the Houston United Methodist Church, said community members are invited to attend the ‘holy week’ events. Among them are several services and an Easter egg hunt.
The church said it will host these events:
•The chancel choir will present the Easter cantata, “God’s Holy Lamb,” at 10 a.m. Sunday. Following the service, the church’s youth group is sponsoring an egg hunt for children.
•Maundy Thursday at 7 p.m. April 2 will be celebrated with a Passover Seder, which mimics “The Last Supper.” Various foods are served in a certain order tracing the progress of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to freedom. The meal is accompanied by readings. Reservations are required by March 26 and can be made by calling the church office at 417-967-2373.
•There will be a Tenebrae Service at 7 p.m. April 3 for Good Friday. The event is an ancient service during which candles are gradually extinguished to symbolize the events of the Holy Week beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with the darkness of Jesus’ death and the hopelessness of a world without God.
•On Easter Sunday, there will be a sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. following by a potluck breakfast in the fellowship hall. For directions to the service, contact the church office. The morning worship service will begin at 10 a.m.
“The congregation looks forward to welcoming others in the community to any or all of these special services,” Lippstreu said.
Does your church have Easter services planned? Send them to: news@houstonherald.com