I'm one of those "Resurrection Day - not Easter" pastors. And I have not participated in a Sunrise Service for....30 years. +/-
Well....today, I got a phone call from a community a few miles from home. It's a mining town and they have no....(hear that? NO) churches in their communiy. The woman who called said they always have an Easter Sunrise Service and that one of the locals handles it. This year, he's heading off to see grandchildren. So, she wanted me to do the service.
You should have seen my see-saw thoughts as I chatted with her and tried to get this together. The area is really only active in the winter time -- 300 or so folks coming into search for precious minerals in the hills. They usually have a good turn out for the service and didn't want to disappoint them.
The service will be...a few songs, a little preaching...communion...and end in prayer.
Pro: I'll meet and minister to people who may or may not be Christians and the opportunity would be a good time to let them know we have a church just down the road.
Con: I'm breaking my "no Easter Sunrise servces" tradition. Will it really matter to these folks on Monday morning following.
Somebody pray for me and please give me suggestions. I have to drive out there to talk with the folks heading it up on Saturday.
Con: I'm breaking my "no Easter Sunrise servces" tradition. Will it really matter to these folks on Monday morning following.
My opinion (since you asked): How important is "your" tradition to you? Is it more important than someone asking you to come and minister to them? Whether or not they remember it Monday morning is not yours (or any of ours) to worry about. Our job is only to love and to minister, and to share the Gospel. It is up to the individual as to what they do with it. (And up to the Holy Spirit to convict and draw lost souls.)
I'm not sure why you are so against sunrise services - I suppose lots of pastors are. But when I do them, I just think of the women who rose up "before dawn" to find the empty tomb. If they can get up extra early for the One they thought was dead, then I can get up early and celebrate the One who was resurrected FROM the dead.
I know a lot of churches are against "Easter". But for me personally, I would be honored that they asked me, and would jump at the chance to share with new people about the resurrection. Why not make it a sunrise Resurrection service?
Just my thoughts - but praying that you will hear from the Lord and follow HIS will for you in this.
Let us know what you decide!
Sister Robin
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Rejoicing in HOPE, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer (Romans 12:12)
I am one of the Resurrection Sunday people too but I grew up Methodist and did the sunrise services. I have found that Easter is a time when more non-believers are open to coming to church (even more than Christmas). It's a great opportunity to reach out and make an impact. When I was a little girl, I was dropped off for church but at Easter/Christmas my parents would visit too. I wouldn't worry myself over breaking tradition. Is it a God thing? Or a you thing?
I would use it as an opportunity to reach out. Me personally, 2as1
One: What is the major difference for you between an Easter Service and a Resurrection Day service for you? DELL: I've taught that Easter is a non-Christian word, and that as Christians we honor Jesus and celebrate his resurrection. Easter is associated with bunnies and eggs. Resurrection Day is associated with crosses, thorn crowns and Jesus' resurrection.
Two: Will doing this service glorify God or cause you and others to stumble? Dell: It will glorify God! And some people who have never heard my way of speaking (Pentecostal) may, at least, pay attention--but more than that, they may grasp the reason Christ died and rose again as they never have in the past.
Three: Is breaking a "traditon" more importiant that God's ability to use you to bring others to Christ?? Dell: Though it's hard to break tradition, this time it's too important to let go. Thank you for giving me so much to question and ponder. I drove out to the site where the sunrise service will be held. It is beautiful -- large fire pit in a little valley and on the East side the desert mountains rise in clear blue skies.
After everyone coming into the fire circle carrying a lighted candle, the fire pit will be lit. I'll lead two old hymns, give a message about Jesus' resurrection and serve communion. It's very simple, but I believe it will have impact on many.
Thank you for your comments.
You said, "God gives oppertunites to those who are open and obedient to His voice." I believe it. Thank you.
