Ritchville Rundown – Beautiful, memorable Easter weekend
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Beautiful, memorable Easter weekend
What a glorious and beautiful Easter Sunday! The day started with sunrise service in the cemetery on the hill behind the church. The sun came up and made the three crosses glow. Several years ago I had the privilege to visit the Holy Land, and each Easter I remember visiting the sites connected with the crucifixion and the resurrection. It was such an inspirational feeling that I can’t really describe as I walked there.
Then to Mama’s to start lunch before going to early morning worship service. Afterward back to finish lunch for the family. Providence had a crowd for the 11 a.m. worship service. Miss Everleigh Taylor made her first church visit along with her parents, grandparents and great-grandparents! Many families were represented there as everyone was so thankful to be able to attend Easter worship services this year. Pastor George Gardin had the honor of baptizing his two children, Ayden and Alyssa. What a wonderful time for him and his family.
Reading on Facebook, many families were gathering for Easter this year. My family gathered at my mom’s for lunch, with most of them being able to be there. There were some that live out of state and were unable to make it, and we missed them. Afterward, we had a fun time hiding and hunting eggs. The youngest there was 14, but Mama says you’re never too old to hunt eggs! So, we hunted eggs! Later, most of us were off to Jason Thornton’s for the Ward Easter egg hunt. There, family, extended family and friends show up to hunt the 700 or so eggs that are hid. There is a section for the little ones, and the older ones have their section. This year, there were about 20 or so that hunted the eggs with more watching from the porch!
Remember that most churches in our area are now holding inside worship services. Providence will have two services again this Sunday, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. If you are unable to attend inside, the 9 a.m. service is transmitted over the radio in the parking lot.
Remember, tax season does not end next week on the fifteenth, but is extended until May 17. Volunteer Connections will continue to accept tax returns in Rockford on Wednesdays from 9 to 2 until May 12. They are located in the E-911 building. Please park in the rear and enter by that door.
With this being the week following Easter, my Bible verse is I Peter 1:3, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” What wonderful words, especially during this time. While the pandemic may not be gone, there are encouraging signs. Less people are contracting it, and the hospitals are reporting fewer and fewer cases. Whether it has run its course or because of people getting vaccinated, it is inspiring to see and hear. This time of year, the earth is starting to awake from the winter with a colorful rush of color. It’s a wonderful time to be alive. Praise and thank God for bringing us out of the dark and into the light. Enjoy life! It’s short, and we aren’t promised tomorrow.
Please continue to be in prayer for the sick in our community and to those that have lost loved ones. God knows their names and needs. Until next week, take care and be joyful!