Worship in the Crossroads 2020

March 28, 2020
Worship
Crossroads
in
the


2 — WORSHIP IN THE CROSSROADS, Saturday, March 28, 2020
VictoriaAdvocate.com
Welcome
to our 2020 Worship In The Crossroads. In this years edition you will find places to worship, special events, fun for the family and gifts for the home. Enjoy and HAPPY EASTER!
For all your religion advertising contact Annie Andrade at 361-574-1241 or email [email protected]
Grace Lutheran
REGULAR SCHEDULE
Coffee & Sharing - 8:30 am Sunday Worship - 9:10 am Sunday School & Bible Classes - 10:30 am
Join Us for Easter Worship
Maundy Thursday: April 9th Good Friday: April 10th Easter Sunrise: 7 AM
Rev. Keith Aschenbeck
(LCMS)
Come Grow With Us
9806 NE Zac Lentz Pkwy 361-573-2232 www.gracelutheran-tx.org
GRACE LUTHERAN
In John 16:33, Jesus told his disciples that “in this world (they) would have trouble.” Those same words are also spoken to us. And over the past several months we have certainly witnessed much trouble. The coronavirus has affected countless lives and likely will affect countless more. The difficulties don’t only affect people’s health, but it has also had financial and recreational impacts. Psalm 23 reminds us that each day we walk on this earth, we walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
Jesus didn’t say these things to cause his disciples to fear and worry. In fact, it is quite the opposite. He said, “I have told you these things so that you may have peace in me ... I have overcome the world.” While there are many joys and pleasures, we might enjoy in this world, that is not where our true hope and life are found. Jesus also said, “This world will pass away, but my word will never pass away!” (Matthew 24:35).
As the Apostle John tells us, Jesus is the light and life of the world. (cf. John 1).
The celebration of Easter reminds us that Jesus died and rose from the dead to give us eternal life in Him and with Him. And while that eternal life begins with the Holy Spirit granting faith, the fullness of what it is and will be is not known until our bodies also are raised from the dead and into the eternal glory prepared for us! Join us at Grace Lutheran, where every Sunday we celebrate the Easter Joy as we follow the Shepherd, Jesus Christ, through the valley of the shadow of death where even in the presence of our enemies, Jesus prepares a meal for us that we may indeed have peace!


VictoriaAdvocate.com WORSHIP IN THE CROSSROADS, Saturday, March 28, 2020 — 3 Finding faith during Easter celebrations
Courtesy of Metro
For many Christians, modern Easter celebrations would not be complete without bonnets,
bunnies and colored eggs. As fun as those components can be, Christianity is at the heart of Easter, which is the most important date on the Christian religious calendar. Easter Sunday marks the culmination of events that shaped the beliefs and teachings of an entire faith.
Easter marks the Resurrection
of Jesus Christ, which Christians believe occurred within days of his crucifixion and burial. The New Testament indicates that the Resurrection of Jesus is one of the chief tenets of the Christian faith and established Jesus as the Son of God. Easter is an example that God will righteously judge the world by sacrificing His son for the sins of others. And any per- son who chooses to follow Jesus receives everlasting life thanks to Christ’s Resurrection.
Easter is linked to the Jewish celebration of Passover due to its proximity on the calendar and the fact that Jesus was Jewish. The Bi- ble states that Jesus participated in the Passover meal during The Last Supper. At The Last Supper, Jesus identified the matzo (bread) and wine as his body and blood, soon to
be sacrificed and shed. Christians believe The Last Supper marked the first transubstantiation, or the turning of bread and wine into the actual substance of Christ’s body and blood. This also was the first celebration of the Eucharist and Holy Mass that would become another core component of the Christian faith.
Easter is a time of great cele- bration that is preceded by Lent,
a weeklong period of reflection, prayer and repentance. The days immediately prior to Easter are commonly referred to as Holy Week. This encompasses Palm Sunday and lasts through Holy Thursday (the day of The Last Supper), Good Friday (when Jesus was crucified and placed in the tomb), and Holy Saturday (the 40-hour-long vigil that the followers of Jesus Christ held after his death and burial).
On Easter Sunday, four women, including Mary Magdalene, went
to Christ’s tomb to anoint his body with spices and oils. They found the tomb was empty and were met with an angel who told them that Jesus had been raised from the dead. A biblical account in John 20:14-16 indicates that Mary Magda- lene was the first to speak with the risen Jesus. She mistakes Jesus for a gardener and says to him, “Sir,
if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him, “Rabboni!” In regard to his apostle,s Simon Peter was the first to see the risen Christ.
Easter is a time of joy and cele- bration, and a great opportunity for Christians to immerse themselves in their faith.
ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS
Risen!
HE IS RISEN INDEED!
ALLELUIA!
Join us every Sunday with traditional worship at 10am. Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday.
Sunday School/Adult Bible Study at 8:30am
Rev. Jonathan Meyer
Zion Lutheran ChurCh of Mission VaLLey, LCMs
12183 FM 236 - Victoria, Tx 77905 | 361-578-5447 www.zionlutheranmv.org | www.facebook.com/ZionMissionValley
I ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH
n the midst of these uncertain days, it is tempting to think everything is out of control, that nothing can be relied upon. As Christians, we know and believe
this truth: Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Because that Easter message remains true today, nothing – not even a worldwide pandemic – can separate us from the love of God in Christ. Whether we gather together in person or via Facebook livestream in our homes, join us at Zion Mission Valley to celebrate with Easter joy!
The Rev. Jonathan Meyer
Holy Week Worship Schedule:
Services will be streamed live at
www.facebook.com/zionmissionvalley
and in public, if possible.
April 5, 10am - Palm Sunday
April 9, 7pm - Maundy Thursday
April 10, 7pm - Good Friday
April 12, 8:45am - Easter egg hunt & breakfast, followed by worship at 10am.
Please call for current information.


4 — WORSHIP IN THE CROSSROADS, Saturday, March 28, 2020 VictoriaAdvocate.com Create a Sweet Easter Treat
(Family Feature) This Easter, satisfy guests of all ages with festive cupcakes modeled after the Easter bunny. For more Easter recipes, visit Culinary.net.
Bunny Butt Cupcakes
Recipe courtesy of Amanda Rettke of “I am baker” Prep time: 45 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 24
Ingredients
1 2-layer size white cake mix
1 tablespoon, plus 2 teaspoons, McCormick Pure Lemon Extract, divided
1 tablespoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
2 ticks butter, softened
Directions:
1. Prepare cake mix as directed on package, adding 1 tablespoon lemon extract and vanilla. Spoon 3 tablespoons batter into 24 paper-lined muffin cups. Bake as directed on package for cupcakes. Cool cupcakes on wire rack.
2. To make bunny feet: In medium, microwave-safe bowl, microwave white chocolate chips on high 30 seconds. Stir until completely melt- ed and smooth. Spoon into pastry bag or re-sealable plastic bag. Snip small corner from bag. Pipe 24 pairs of bunny feet onto parchment or wax paper-lined cookie sheet. Use toothpick to smooth out bumps or rough edges, and gently tap cookie sheet on counter to help settle. Allow to harden 2 minutes in freezer or 15 minutes in refrigerator.
3. To make frosting: In large bowl, beat butter and remaining lemon extract until light and fluffy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, beating well after each addition and scraping sides and bottom of
bowl frequently. Add milk; beat until light and fluffy. Remove half the frosting and place in medium bowl. Add green food color; mix until evenly blended. Spoon into pastry bag fitted with grass decorating tip. Set aside. Remove half the remaining frosting into small bowl. Add red food color; mix until light pink. Spoon into another pastry bag.
4. Using pink frosting, pipe three toes and padding on each bunny foot. Once frosting has set (about 1 hour) gently press down on pink frosting to create smoother look.
5. To assemble cupcakes: Pipe green frosting onto each cupcake in series of short motions to create individual grass spots. Cover top of each cupcake completely.
6. To make bunny butts: Place cut sides of marshmallow halves onto each frosted cupcake, leaving room for bunny feet. Shape remaining
16 ounces confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons milk
10 drops McCormick Green Food Color 1-2 drops McCormick Red Food Color
12 large marshmallows, halved crosswise 3 tablespoons white nonpareil sprinkles
white frosting into dime-sized balls then roll with white sprinkles to cover. Pipe small drop of remaining pink or white frosting onto top of each marshmallow. Press bunny tail on top.
7. Place both bunny feet against base of marshmallow with toes facing down


VictoriaAdvocate.com
CHRIST THE VICTOR LUTHERAN CHURCH
hrist the Victor Lutheran Church, 102 Stanly St., is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. We confess the Triune God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We proclaim
Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In preaching and teaching, we trust the Gospel as the power of God for the salvation of all who believe. We prepare disciples to witness in word and action to God’s rich mercy in Jesus Christ. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection and life everlasting.
We are going to start our Easter celebration with fun and games for the children at 1 p.m. April 4. Children of all ages are welcome to join us for our Easter outreach egg hunt. Bring your Easter basket! Then the children will enjoy some games and hear the Easter story told by one of the Sunday School teachers.
For adults, we offer the following worship opportunities during Lent and Easter: Palm Sunday Service at 10:30 a.m. April 5. We celebrate the Three Days during Holy Week. The Three Days celebration include: Maundy Thursday with Absolution of Sin, Foot-washing, Holy Communion, and Stripping of the Altar at 7 p.m. April 9; Good Friday at 7 p.m. April 10; and Easter Vigil with fire and storytelling at 7 p.m. April 11. The Three Days celebration is a gift that we give ourselves as it refocuses us toward the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection.
We will celebrate Our Risen Lord and Savior Easter Sunday April 12 in our Traditional Worship Service beginning at 8:45 a.m. At our Gathering Worship Service, we will celebrate with a service for families beginning at 11:15 a.m. Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services. Since we practice Ecumenical Hospitality, all baptized believers are welcome at His table.
An Easter Brunch will be served between the services. All are Welcome!
We meet at 8:45 a.m. every Sunday for our Traditional Service and at 11:15 a.m. for our Gathering Service. Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services. During our worship services, we provide an opportunity for each person to give if they desire. Our giving supports VCAM, Christ’s Kitchen, United Campus Ministry – VC/UHV, Mid-Coast Family Services, Angel Tree and Perpetual Help Home.
Our Healing Grace Chapter of the International Order of St. Luke conducts a service of Healing Prayer at 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.
Everyone is invited to participate in our Easter Celebration. We are blessed by His Presence and pray His Presence blesses you.
WORSHIP IN THE CROSSROADS, Saturday, March 28, 2020
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6 — WORSHIP IN THE CROSSROADS, Saturday, March 28, 2020
VictoriaAdvocate.com
PCONFIDENCE, COURAGE, & THE CORONAVIRUS
andemics pay no attention Triune God,” “Allah” – we must not
to the liturgical calendar, of fail to turn to God for confidence and course, and pathogens make courage. We must embrace our faith to
no distinctions among their victims.
It is senseless to ask why the dreaded coronavirus attacks Christians, Jews, Muslims, and all humanity during what for many of us is a sacred time of the year: Lent/Easter (Feb. 26 - April 12); Passover (April 8-16); and Rama- dan (April 22 - May 24).
Regardless of these holy seasons, however, many houses of worship
are doing the rational, sensible things that experts recommend – minimizing human contact; modifying religious rituals; and in some cases, even sus- pending worship services. God’s gifts of common sense and medical exper- tise must be embraced during these dangerous times, and we must take care of ourselves, our loved ones and our neighbors.
At the same time, because we are in the midst of holy days for so many of us, this is an especially appropriate time to remind ourselves that we must also tend to our hearts, our minds, and our souls. By whatever name God is known to us – the great “I AM,” “our
conquer the scourges of anxiety, panic and selfish hoarding.
The Psalmist wrote, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (46:1). Martin Luther wrote the inspiring hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” and Isaac Watts penned, “Our God, Our Help in Ages Past.” In times such as these, we are reminded that even though we are frail and vulnerable against so many dark forces in the world, God’s power is sufficient to sustain us.
Now and always: Let us pray for those who have succumbed to death and for their grieving families. Let
us pray for the talents, skill, and experience of our doctors and health care providers to alleviate pain and suffering. Let us pray for the wisdom, selflessness, and good judgment of those who lead us. And let us not fail to pray to our God, by whatever name, to deliver us from evil (Matthew 6:13).
The Rev. James DeMent
Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Victoria
Why Good Friday is “good”
Courtesy of Metro
Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday,
which is the Friday before Easter Sunday. Christians believe that Je- sus Christ was flogged and abused in other ways en route to his cruci- fixion, which ultimately ended with his death. So why would such a day ever be commemorated with the word “good”?
There are different theories as to how the word “good” came to be used in connection with the day that commemorates the crucifixion of Christ. In a 2014 article for the BBC, a senior editor with the Oxford En- glish Dictionary, Fiona MacPherson, noted that the adjective “good” has traditionally been used to designate day or season in which religious ob-
Christ the King Lutheran Church
563 FM 237, Mission Valley, TX 77905 www.christthekingmv.com [email protected] 361-433-5009
Facebook: Christ The King - LCMS
servance is held. So in that context, “good” is not used in the way many people use it today.
According to Christianity.com, the word “good” might be the result of an older name once used to com- memorate Good Friday, which Chris- tians believe is one of the holiest days of the year. Christianity.com notes that Good Friday was once referred to as “God’s Friday.” That name, the theory suggests, gradually evolved into “Good Friday.”
Many practicing Christians do not question the name Good Friday, feeling that the day, while one of solemn commemoration, also marks the beginning of the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, a celebration that culminates two days later on Easter Sunday.
Holy Week Worship Schedule
Palm Sunday Maundy Thursday Good Friday Easter Sunday
Join Us for Worship
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10:00 AM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM


VictoriaAdvocate.com WORSHIP IN THE CROSSROADS, Saturday, March 28, 2020 — 7 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN CUERO
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4
We joyfully invite you to come worship with us at First Presbyterian Church
in Cuero.
Weekly Sunday services: 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary; 9:30 a.m. adult Bible class. Staffed nursery – up to 6 years. Holy Communion – first Sunday each month.
We are blessed and excited about the addi- tion of our Chapel Without Walls. The Chapel is on the west side of our main building. The Chapel is an open-air beautiful building at which we frequently share community ser- vices with our Methodist, Episcopal and other church neighbors.
Other special events at First Presbyterian Church include Christmas and Easter Cantatas, a Christmas caroling hayride, and participation in the Christmas Nativity at city park.
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” – Galatians 6:10
Community events are a special part of church life at FPC. Individuals bring their animals of all shapes and sizes (dogs, ponies, lambs, etc.) to our “Blessing of the Animals” that we have every fall.
We pass out lemonade at the end of the Turkey Fest Parade to tired and thirsty participants.
In additional to the Pumpkin Patch, we host with our neighboring churches, we pass out can- dy and treats to children at the annual Trunk or Treat around the DeWitt County Courthouse.
Senior Sunbeams (community senior citizens) enjoy dominos, bingo and a delicious lunch twice a month in our fellowship hall.
Family Movie Night is scheduled for May
1. The movie is shown outside on the church lawn. We invite all families in our community to come and enjoy this event.
We are excited to announce our community breakfast schedule: 8 to 10 a.m. Saturdays on May 23, Aug. 29, Nov. 14, Feb. 13, 2021, at First Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall. Serving
all you can eat pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs and more! Benefits CAMAL House Food Pantry. Hosted by Mount Bethany Baptist, Jerusalem Baptist and First Presbyterian Churches.
We have two Presbyterian Women Circles. Cir- cle 1 meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. Circle 2 meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
Presbyterian Women are involved in a Back Pack Ministry that helps students have nutri- tious meals available to them on the weekends.
PW is also active in supplying personal hy- giene items for students at Cuero ISD.
Everyone is invited and welcome to join us in our Easter worship services as well as our weekly worship services, Bible studies and church activities.
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, en- courage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” – 2Thessalonians 2:16
First Presbyterian Church
Cuero, Texas
Invites you to join us as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Holy Week Worship Services Schedule
Palm Sunday – April 5 - Community Service – 6 pm First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary
Maundy Thursday – April 9 – 6 pm – Church Sanctuary Good Friday – April 10 – Community Service - 6 pm First United Methodist Church Sanctuary Easter – April 12 – Sunrise Service – 7 am
(followed by breakfast)
Traditional Service – 10:30 am (egg hunt following service)
Chapel Without Walls • First Presbyterian Church, Cuero, Texas
First Presbyterian Church
302 North McLeod 361-275-2662 www.fpccuero.com
Rev. Bill Cotman, Pastor Laura Messer, Pastoral Resident
Weekly Sunday Services:
10:30 am - in the Sanctuary
9:30 am – Adult Bible Study
Staffed Nursery – children up to 6 years Holy Communion –First Sunday each month
Holy Week Worship Services as well as Weekly Sunday Services may be changed or cancelled due to Coronavirus Pandemic.
Please call church office for more information. 361-275-2662


8 — WORSHIP IN THE CROSSROADS, Saturday, March 28, 2020
VictoriaAdvocate.com
Cracking the tradition of hiding
Easter eggs
Courtesy of Metro
Come Easter Sunday, ea- ger children wake up to see if the Easter Bunny
has visited their homes. For many families, Easter would not be the same without an annual egg hunt. From chocolate confections to money-filled plastic shells to col- orful, hand-decorated hard-boiled eggs, the Easter Bunny (and his parental helpers) hide eggs all around.
As with many traditions, peo-
ple may engage in the festivities without really understanding the origins behind the fun. It can be in- teresting to unearth just how such egg hunts were hatched.
As with many religious traditions, Easter egg coloring and hunts trace their origins to pre-Christian societ- ies. These societies developed rituals surrounding nature, the seasons and more. Some traditions were adapted to link them to the Christian faith. Eggs held associations with new life and spring. However, early Chris- tians turned the egg into a symbol of the Resurrection and the empty shell became a representation of Christ’s tomb. Eggs also were important components of the Easter holiday,
as they were prohibited (like meat) during Lent. But on Easter, fasting ended and eggs were a part of Easter celebrations, particularly for the poor who couldn’t afford meat.
There are two widely known accounts of the origins of Easter egg hunts. The religious version has Protestant reformer Martin Luther organizing hunts for his congregation. The men would hide
the eggs for women and children to find, which mirrors Resurrec- tion accounts in the Bible in which women discovered Christ’s empty tomb. Another account traces the tradition to the Dutch tale of the “Oschter Haws” (“Osterhase” in German), which was a hare that laid eggs in the grass. Children would build and decorate nests
for the eggs and wait to see if they would be populated, according to Discovery.com. This tradition be- came popular in America with the arrival of Dutch and German set- tlers in Pennsylvania in the 1700s.
By the 20th century, decorated Easter nests were replaced with baskets, and Osterhase was more affectionately known as the Easter Bunny, who chose to leave eggs as well as treats and candy. Easter celebrations continued to marry both the religious and secular to form many of the customs that are known widely today.
Easter egg hunts are enjoyed by the young and old on Easter. They’re a key part of celebrations. Just re- member to find all those hard-boiled eggs in a timely fashion.
Christ in the Country
March 29th Polka Service 10:00 am at St. Luke’s in Schroeder
April 9th Maundy Thursday 7:00pm at St. Luke’s in Schroeder
April 10th Good Friday 7:00 pm
at St. Peter’s in Ander
3:00 pm at Martin Luther Lutheran Church Coletoville
April 12th Easter Sunrise Service 7:00 am
at Martin Luther Lutheran Church-Coletoville Church Breakfast at 8:30 am following with Easter Egg Hunt & Flowering of the Cross
Easter Worship Services Followed 9:00 am Service at Zion in Arneckeville 10:00 am Martin Luther Lutheran
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[email protected] • martinlutherlc.webs.com Check these Website and FB for Cancelled Events
ALLELUIA! HE IS RISEN!
JOIN US FOR EASTER SUNDAY WORSHIP ON APRIL 12TH AT
OUR SAVIOUR'S LUTHERAN CHURCH 4102 N. BEN JORDAN
8:00 AM & 10:30 AM WORSHIP EASTER BREAKFAST SERVED WITH HOLY COMMUNION 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM


VictoriaAdvocate.com WORSHIP IN THE CROSSROADS, Saturday, March 28, 2020 — 9 Meanings behind the Easter lily
Courtesy of Metro
Easter symbols and tra- ditions help make the holiday familiar and
special. Eggs, hot cross buns and frilly church dresses help paint the picture, and so does a delicate and beautiful white flower.
The Easter lily plant is native to both Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. The plant’s flowering season begins in April and ends in June. The plant produces pure white flowers on top of long stems. Easter lilies often adorn homes and church altars during this time of year.
Tradition states that the Easter lily originated in the Garden of Eden from the teardrops of Eve that spread when she and Adam were cast out of the garden. These were believed to be tears of repentance.
Historians and biblical scholars say that the lily has always been highly regarded in the Christian Church. Jesus even references the flower in Luke 12:27, stating “Con- sider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I
say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Legend has it that, after Jesus’ death and resurrection, lilies were found growing in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus is said to have prayed before his crucifix- ion. They were believed to have sprung up from a drop of sweat
from his brow when his head was bent in prayer.
In Easter celebrations, the lily represents Christ’s Resurrection, and thusly new birth and new life. The delicate, white blooms can be viewed as pure, innocent and un- tainted by the world.
The flower itself is used in various ways to tell the resurrection story. The bulb is buried in the ground as a representation of Christ’s tomb. The trumpet-shaped fragrant flow- ers also announce life after death, since bulbed flowers often regrow year after year, according to the religious resource All About Jesus. And the trumpet shape signifies the angel Gabriel’s trumpet call.
It’s common for Easter lilies to dec- orate homes, churches, gardens, and more throughout the Easter season.
EIS R I S E N
WORSHIP OUR SAVIOR
April 5: Palm Sunday • Easter Cantata by John Wesley Chancel Choir April 9: Maundy Thursday Service • 6:00pm
April 10: Good Friday Service • 6:pm
April 12: Easter Sunday • Sunrise Breakfast • 8:30am; Sunday School: 9:30am • Worship Service at 10:30am
John Wesley United Methodist Church 8300 NE Zac Lentz Parkway
361-573-2722 www.jwumcvictoriatx.org Victoria,TX.77904
HE
EJOHN WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Christmas service, which his wife attended,
in order to sit quietly in his home. He didn’t need to go to church in order to ... (you fill in the blank). While he was reading, he looked out over the snow-covered country yard and noticed a flock of geese wandering aimless-
ly around the yard. He knew the freezing temperatures would soon claim the lives of the geese, so he bundled up and went to try
to “herd” them into the barn where it was warm. Every time he approached the geese they would scatter. After an hour or so of this attempted rescue, the man was exhausted and frustrated. In his frustration he muttered to himself: “If only I could become a goose for a short time, I could show them the way in out of the cold.” With a flash of insight, in that moment, he recognized what it was that Jesus had done for him. Jesus had become like him in every way except without sin in order to show him the way in. This is what GOD has done for any and every person who will rec- ognize and accept Jesus as Savior. This is the true mystery of the Easter season.
Once a year we observe the Easter season when, in fact, the celebration should be an every-year, yearlong remembrance of what happened 2,000 years ago in a small country on the other side of the world, on a dark and lone- ly hill call Golgotha. Every Sunday throughout the year is a time to celebrate the new life the “Easter event” offers to all people. John Wesley United Methodist is a congregation where ev- eryone matters and the mystery of the “Easter event” is celebrated every Sunday.
aster: a time to show off new clothes, a time when we celebrate the presence of that always-smil-
ing, fluffy flop-eared creature that somehow drops eggs like a chicken, an occasion for families to gather around the kitchen table to select just the right eggs for dying and hiding and a time to scatter plastic eggs out over
the lawn so children can gather them in and receive great surprises.
There are many customs that have devel- oped over the years centered on the Easter season. I wonder, though whether we truly understand the mystery that surrounds what we call Easter. I wonder if, while buying those new clothes and dying or hiding eggs,
it ever crosses our mind that Easter is really about the Creator of all that is seeking out the people of His creation, taking their sin and sins (every last one of them) upon Himself so we wouldn’t have the pay the eternal price of disobedience to GOD. I wonder if we consider the fact that GOD, the Creator, in the person of Jesus Christ did the only thing that could be done to ensure humanity’s approach to the One Who created each person and breathed life into them.
I wonder if we are in touch with the under- standing that the GOD of creation became one of us in order to make it possible to spend an eternity in His Holy Presence. I’m reminded of a story that illustrates just what it was that GOD did.
A man passed up the opportunity to attend
Everyone Welcome!


10 — WORSHIP IN THE CROSSROADS, Saturday, March 28, 2020 VictoriaAdvocate.com
Sweet chocolate a hallmark of Easter celebrations
Courtesy of Metro
For many Christians, modern Easter celebrations would not be complete without bonnets, bunnies and colored eggs. As fun as those components can be, Christianity
is at the heart of Easter, which is the most important date on the Christian religious calendar. Easter Sunday marks the culmination of events that shaped the beliefs and teachings of an entire faith.
Easter marks the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which Christians believe occurred within days of his crucifix-
ion and burial. The New Testa-
ment indicates that the Resur- rection of Jesus is one of the chief
tenets of the Christian faith and established Jesus as the Son of God.
Easter is an example that God will
righteously judge the world by sacri- ficing His son for the sins of others.
And any person who chooses to follow
Jesus receives everlasting life thanks to Christ’s Resurrection.
Easter is linked to the Jewish celebra- tion of Passover due to its proximity on
the calendar and the fact that Jesus was Jewish. The
Bible states that Jesus participated in the Passover meal during
The Last Supper. At The Last Supper, Jesus identified the matzo (bread) and wine as his body and blood, soon to be sacrificed and shed. Christians believe The Last Supper marked the first transubstantiation, or the turning of bread and wine into the actual substance of Christ’s body and blood. This also was the first celebra- tion of the Eucharist and Holy Mass that would become another core component of the Christian faith.
Easter is a time of great celebration that is preceded by Lent, a weeklong period of reflection, prayer and repentance. The days immediately prior to Easter are commonly referred to as Holy Week. This encompasses Palm Sunday and lasts through Holy Thursday (the day of The Last Supper), Good Friday (when Jesus was cru- cified and placed in the tomb), and Holy Saturday (the 40-hour-long vigil that the followers of Jesus Christ held after his death and burial).
On Easter Sunday, four women, including Mary Mag- dalene, went to Christ’s tomb to anoint his body with spices and oils. They found the tomb was empty and were met with an angel who told them that Jesus had been raised from the dead. A biblical account in John 20:14-16 indicates that Mary Magdalene was the first
to speak with the risen Jesus. She mistakes Jesus for a gardener and says to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him, “Rabboni!” In regard to his apostle,s Simon Peter was the first to see the risen Christ.
Easter is a time of joy and celebration, and a great opportunity for Christians to immerse themselves in their faith.
Christ is risen indeed!!!
Come and celebrate with us the power of the resurrected Christ, April 12, 2020. Worship starts at 9:45 am. Special music, a presentation by our youth and children’s ministries, and a powerful message of the word of God. Special treats for children! An event for the whole family.
& Jerusalem Family Praise Center
208 N. Ben Wilson St. | Victoria, TX. 77901 361-575-8789 | [email protected]
Pastor John
Rachel Carmona
Heavenly ChristianGifts
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www.searching-for-jesus.com
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361-648-5832 • 303 E. Airline, Suite 1 • Victoria, Tx.
Elie’s


VictoriaAdvocate.com WORSHIP IN THE CROSSROADS, Saturday, March 28, 2020 — 11
As a young kid in the Catholic church, I always knew there
was something extremely special about the Easter season. My little mind caught onto the fact that it wasn’t all about the candy-filled basket I would wake up to or Mom’s famous meal after Sunday Mass. Watching my parents, I knew there was a deeper meaning – though I wasn’t totally sure what that was at the time.
See, Easter season was always a big one in my house. Leading up to Easter Sunday, my family observed two other holidays – Lent and Good Friday. Looking back now, I see how they were both used to teach me important lessons. Lent showed me what a life with God required me to
give up, and Good Friday taught me about the beautiful life He wanted me to gain!
For Lent, I usually gave up pota- to chips and candy (still my two favorite food groups). I didn’t really understand it then, but as I ma- tured, I discovered that it wasn’t just about giving up good food. It was also about giving up toxic influ- ences that could truly take a toll on my life. Things like relationships I shouldn’t have been in, unhealthy attitudes I had, or perspectives that were ungodly.
Still to this day, I approach the 40 days of the Lenten season with a rev- erence for the future God has for me. I take time to ask Him what He has in mind for the days ahead, and what I need to let go of in order to get there.
Then, there was Good Friday. The day we attended a special Mass to honor the most precious gift we have ever been given: Salvation through Jesus’ death on the cross. I loved this tradition so much that now, every Good Friday, we have a special service at Faith Family that depicts Jesus’ final hours. We rev- erence what He did for us through His death and reflect on what that means to our lives today.
Finally, of course, comes Easter Sunday! The day that we come together with our church families to celebrate the power of our Risen Savior! On Easter, we are reminded that He is just as much alive today as He was then, and that He has all the power we need to live a trium- phant life on the earth.
This year, I’m not sure how you’ll celebrate Easter – whether you’ll celebrate it like I did growing up, or whether you’ll attend a Faith Family service or another church service in our area. But my prayer this year is that you would cele- brate it for what it is, recognizing its significance in your life today and every day.
Of course, if you’re looking for
a place to celebrate, we invite you to join us at Faith Family! Our heart is to help all who enter our doors to experience a holiday filled with more than just Sunday’s best, chocolate bunnies and Easter eggs. Because it’s only the true under- standing of the holiday that equips us to experience God’s best!
Easter: Why does it matter?


12 — WORSHIP IN THE CROSSROADS, Saturday, March 28, 2020 VictoriaAdvocate.com