Local churches are preparing for their first in-person Easter service in over a year this Sunday. According to the Pew Research Center, U.S. churches have seen a nine percent increase in people who normally attend religious services go back within the last month. Seventy-six percent of regular churchgoers believe they can attend services without catching or spreading COVID-19, which is up from 64 percent last July. Friends Community Church Pastor Nancy Bontempo hopes people can connect the events of the last year with the Easter promise.
Father Dan Schuster of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Luxemburg and Holy Trinity Parish in Casco wants people to be lifted up by the words of God and the gift he has for everyone.
Immanuel Lutheran Church Pastor Matthew Sprunger hopes people can share in the joy of the Easter message.
A year after having to close their doors for Easter, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Pastor Joel McKenney has learned a lot about his congregation.
Services will be taking place throughout the weekend at area churches, including special commemorations at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion. 96.7 WBDK will air Easter services at 9 a.m. (St Paul's Lutheran Church) and 10 a.m. (Friends Community Church) and on 104.1 WRLU at 8 a.m. St. Francis and St. Mary Parish Brussels)
FATHER JOHN BROUSSARD, THE RECTOR OF THE SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF GOOD HELP, REFLECTS ON LENT
