Easter is a Christian holiday celebrated by many people throughout the world. It is a time of commemorating and remembering the life, sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“Easter is a significant event and a very special season,” Merv Brown, Rexburg area public affairs director for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said. “It’s a time where we celebrate and reverence the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
Four different religious leaders throughout Eastern Idaho shared what services will be happening this weekend, and why Easter is significant to people of their faith.
Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Idaho Falls, Ruth Marsh said they will have an Easter Sunrise Service on Sunday, April 21 at 6:15 a.m. at Snake River Landing. She said they will also dedicate part of their church building that has been under renovation.
“Easter is the time that we get to be reminded that our God is way stronger then sin and brokenness and death in the world,” said Marsh. “It is God’s grace and love that bring all of us to life.”
Parishioner and former senior warden, Steve Allen of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Blackfoot, said they have a service known as “stripping the alter,” symbolizing Christ’s death. On Easter morning the alter is redecorated with ornaments as a symbolism of the Resurrection.
“We have a Savior that has reestablished our connection with God and we can celebrate that every Easter,” Allen said. “Christianity hinges on the Resurrection.”
Brown explained that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, throughout the area, will honor Easter through special messages and musical numbers on Easter Sunday. “We will be joining hand in hand with all other faiths here in Eastern Idaho and around the world as we remember this sacred and important occasion.”
The Church of Jesus Christ has other special events such as a concert called, “He is Risen,” by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square on Sunday, April 21 at 6 p.m.
Four services will be offered on Sunday, April 21 by the Grace Lutheran Church in Pocatello. It starts with a sunrise service.
“We try and kind of give the reenacted feel of the women going to the tomb early that Sunday morning,” Pastor Jonathan Dinger said. The sunrise service will be followed by three services of music in celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“Easter is a little bit incomplete without the darkness of Good Friday to see the light of Easter Sunday. So together it forms a pretty spectacular model and declaration of Christ’s love and victory,” Dinger said. “Because he lives, we live!”
Each religious leader emphasized that Easter is about Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection and that we can show our gratitude for the Savior by turning our hearts and thoughts to Him this weekend.