God's New Creation

But on the first day of the week,

at early dawn, they went to the tomb,

taking the spices that they had prepared.

They found the stone rolled away from the tomb,

but when they went in they did not find the body.

Easter Sunrise services were a varied experience for me.

My first experience was an ecumenical group gathered in the town park on a chilly morning. 

Other experiences included worship in fog and drizzle on a hilltop outside a city; a small group gathered around a campfire reading scripture, prayers, and singing; on a hilltop standing in the snow with flurries drifting.

Often a light breakfast followed at a nearby church both for fellowship and thawing out.

A few hours later these people were in an Easter service at the own church filled with the excitement of Easter Lilies, enthusiastic disciples, and Easter hymns.

Easter Sunday creates a sense of God's New Creation.

Although each Sunrise service has it’s unique meaning, the group of us gathered around a campfire on a cold, somewhat dismal morning had a special meaning.

This Sunrise service represents the beginning of God’s New Creation in Jesus’ resurrection.

After worship and breakfast, we knew our mission was going forth and proclaiming the gospel to bring people hope.

When we live as Christ’s New Creation in a world seemingly headed for destruction by violence, abuse, death, and destruction, we are a sign of hope beyond the present.

The mission of Christ's new community is praying for and seeking the renewal of the world.

Easter is an annual event, but every Sunday is a “little Easter,” a weekly celebration of the day of resurrection  and a reminder that God's New Creation is a living certainty.

Every Sunday the Church claims the resurrection promise that God is making all things new.