Outdoor Easter celebrations in Arden and Verona

Apr 28, 2011

Photo: Easter Passion play in Arden

In an effort to give church and community members a deeper insight into the passion of Jesus Christ, the congregation of the Arden Pastoral Charge acted out the Easter Passion play in an outdoor service on Good Friday at the Arden United Church. The play has been put on before at the church and resumed this year after a five-year hiatus.

Reverend Barbara Mahood led the service, which included songs of worship performed by Chase and Derek Matson. Rev. Mahood decided to hold the outdoor service because Easter fell so late in the season this year. ”We also wanted to put a face to the story and I think it’s important, for the youngsters especially, to see visually what took place. Really, though, it is for all of us to experience Easter in a more impactful and memorable way. It also helps bring people out who might otherwise not come to a regular church service.”

The play of the last days of Jesus' life included roughly 20 participants, a real pony and a very dramatic final crucifixion scene. Following the event participants and members of the community gathered to share refreshments at the church. Glen Matson said events like these are “a great way for the community and the church community to bond together.”

A member of the congregation, Betty Matson, directed the play and was pleased with how it turned out, especially since there were no prior rehearsals. Jeff Matson, who has been playing the part of Jesus in the Easter plays at the church for the last 20 years, said it’s nice to be able to participate in community events like this one.

Photo: Jesus Reyes of Columbia, who is visiting Canada, took a turn carrying the cross on Sunday.

In Verona, Pastor Cory Bursey of the Lakeview Gospel Assembly led a special service on Easter Sunday that included a “Walk for Jesus” parade through downtown Verona. The parade of close to 25 participants, which included members from various churches in the area made its way from the church to the south end of town, where Pastor Cory held a short service and erected a large wooden cross across from Revell’s used car lot beside Mrs. Pero’s home. Pastor Cory, who hails from Alberta, has been at the church for nine months and wanted to have a Walk for Jesus to celebrate Easter. “We wanted to dedicate the community of Verona to the Lord through this Walk for Jesus and also wanted to show others that we are not ashamed of what Easter is really all about. Many times Easter can get a bit mixed up with bunnies and chocolate so we wanted to show the community the real significance of Easter.” The cross will stay at its location for about a week or two and will be moved to a different location, which has yet to be determined.