From the first Alleluia to the last Amen, Easter at JOY is a celebration.  The sanctuary is filled with music from the choirs and people- the expression of our praises.  The chancel ares is surrounded with the beauty of spring flowers, especially lilies- an expression of new life which we see in the resurrection of Jesus.  The sanctuary is filled with people- members who come every Sunday, friends and family, and guests looking for a place to find the meaning of Easter.  We hope everyone is lifted spiritually here at JOY.

Joy at Easter is a special celebration by Christians around the world.  Many churches begin their celebration with a sunrise service, followed by a morning of joy-filled Easter services in various traditions.  The uniting factor is that all are celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.  Jesus rose from the grave after conquering sing and death forever.  For US!!!  He opened the way for our resurrection to eternal life in heaven.  Physical death will still happen, but death no longer has the last word.  We will live eternally with Jesus.  This is the greatest joy at Easter and every day.  And we can shout with all believers, “Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed!!  Alleluia!”

Read the Easter story in John 21 and John 14:6, and remember the true joy at Easter is because God loves YOU unconditionally!

Helen