The services held over Easter weekend highlighted both the sacrifice of Christ on Good Friday and the victory of His resurrection on Easter Sunday. Beginning on April 3, the Good Friday service opened with an orchestral prelude including “Lamb of Glory.” Congregational singing continued the theme with “Nothing but the Blood,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” and “Lead Me to Calvary.”

Selections from the cantata “The Day He Wore My Crown” were presented, with narration by Ed Habre. The music and narration described how Jesus was willing to suffer and go to the Cross. Jeremy Barrett and Deborah Brenner sang “Calvary” followed by “Behold the Lamb,” both reflecting on those hours of sacrifice. The final song, “The Day He Wore My Crown,” featured soloist Julia Moberg and reminded listeners that Jesus paid the price for the sins of every person.

To close the evening, Ryan Erdmann preached from John 19:28-30, which describes Jesus’ death on the Cross. The term “Good Friday” can seem like a misnomer, given the painful events of that day. Brother Ryan explained that it is a great day becasue victory over sin and death came through Jesus' sacrifice, providing humanity with a way to have a direct connection to God.

The joyful Easter morning service began with a prelude by the orchestra and organ, featuring “Beautiful Savior” and “Resurrection Praise.” The choir and orchestra members had dressed in dark clothing on Friday evening, but for Sunday their attire included bright patterns and florals, filling the platform with color. The congregation sang hymns celebrating the Resurrection, including “Christ Arose,” “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today,” and “He Lives.”

The choir, with accompaniment orchestra, then presented musical selections with narration by Butch Carey and Yvonne Wilson. The first songs, “Let Heaven Ring” and “Praise to the King,” recalled the Jewish people worshipping Jesus on Palm Sunday at the beginning of Holy Week. “And God Cried” begins with the sorrow of Good Friday and then moves to the joyful declaration, “Jesus is alive!” The choir’s final song was “Crown Him,” anticipating a time when mankind will worship the Lord for all eternity in Heaven.

Tim DeBusk, who was visiting from Chehalis, Washington, delivered the message from John 1:6-12. He noted that as Easter occurs in spring, all of creation seems to celebrate the risen Lord. He said there is hope for new life to those who simply believe, and emphasized that one's hope and belief must be based in the power of Jesus’ resurrection. He reminded listeners that God knows every person intimately--including their disappointments and struggles--and loves them regardless. Brother Tim closed by encouraging anyone who was not yet saved to take a step of faith by surrending to Jesus.