From shadows to Son rise!

At a Tenebrae service, candles are gradually extinguished until congregants are in total darkness. (Photo supplied)

LANDMARK, Man.—Our special Tenebrae service on the eve of Good Friday was planned and performed by a team of believers in Jesus working together to create an atmosphere of worship and remembrance. They took us step by anguished step through the last week of Jesus’ life during Holy Week.

We started the solemn evening by taking communion together, to commemorate the Passover and Jesus’ fulfillment as our Passover Lamb. Weaving through Old and New Testament scriptures, hearing sweet melodic songs, accompanied by flute, acoustic guitar, and piano all prepared our spirits to receive the lyrical mediations of Christ’s anointed calling. The meditational readings and times of silent reflection helped our minds imagine Jesus’ journey toward the cross, and as each candle was extinguished along the way, we felt the weighty burden of our sin and guilt that Jesus bore for our salvation.

Then came Easter Sunday, the most glorious day of remembrance on the Christian calendar, the epitome of God’s accomplishments for our salvation: the resurrection of Jesus!

We celebrated Easter Sunday with a morning of feasting and fellowship. A full house filled with chatter, laughter, and great anticipation. We came to witness seven young people who chose to identify with Christ in his death and resurrection; their symbolic act of following Jesus from cross, to the grave, to new life. Pastor Travis Plett read from Romans 6 connecting Easter and baptism.

Craig Sawatzky, Rachelle Sawatzky and Pastor Travis Plett stand with baptismal candidates Anaya Hildebrandt, Maia Brown, Jessica Plett, Jeremy Warkentine, Sam Toews, Kirstin Warkentine and Scott Toews. (Photo supplied)

We heard each person give their testimony about what God has done and is doing in their lives. Special mentors, people who were important in their lives, prayed over each candidate. After Travis baptized the believers, in keeping with our own traditions they were given a blanket symbolizing our commitment as a church to surround them with the support of a loving community. Travis also continued the tradition of giving a special personal blessing over each person taking this important step in their walk with Jesus.

Thank you all who participated in making this Easter season a rich experience.