Easter Sunday is the most attended church service every year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to invite your neighbors to visit your church. It’s not too early to begin planning for 2027.
During the weeks leading up to Easter, consider hosting an event or two for your neighborhood. During the event(s), provide an invitation for your Easter Sunday service.
Here are some ideas for activities and design templates to provide support for your Easter service.
We are citizens of God’s kingdom, so our very lives announce that the kingdom has been established in Jesus. Each year, we commemorate God’s saving action through Jesus. We rehearse his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and Resurrection.
Our congregations celebrated through meaningful practices, worship, and playful activities that included their communities. Enjoy these pictures from around the globe.
Resurrection Sunday for Grace Communion Richardson meant inspiring worship followed by a picnic in the park and our fourth annual neighborhood Easter egg hunt. The egg hunt was held at the city park across the road from where we meet. It included booths for games, egg painting, sharing of Love Your Neighbor engagers, and streaming the Light of the World movie. We reminded the crowd that the event is a sharing of our joy and hope in the Risen Lord who loves children.
More than 700 neighbors attended the event. Members engaged in meaningful conversations with many. Inviting neighbors to join us in the egg hunt creates spaces for relationship-building and pointing to Jesus as we share the love of God with our community.
Over 5000 eggs with inspirational words, trinkets, and candy were scooped up in moments by enthusiastic children. About 250 people filled out a connection card, representing 981 planned attendees. About one-third came from our local area, and the rest from elsewhere in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. One-third requested information about our upcoming Neighborhood Skills Camp.
Many attendees expressed their appreciation for the event and the opportunity for fun and memory-making with their families. Several jumped in to help with set-up and take down.
We are grateful to the triune God for the beautiful weather, the joyful atmosphere, the spirit of serving and sharing, and the opportunity to join the risen Lord in his life of neighboring!
Gabriel Ojih, Pastor
Richardson, Texas, US
In the 1960s, the pop duo Simon and Garfunkel released the song, “The Sound of Silence.” One line in this song is: “Hello darkness, my old friend, I have come to talk to you again.” This is a vivid and apt description of what many people are experiencing and feeling today. They live in constant darkness, blind to the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.
However, Jesus wants us to trust that he is the light in our lives. He came to earth and freed mankind from oppressive darkness.
God is light, and in him there is no darkness. 1 John 1:5
Everyone lives through dark times. Sometimes we do not even want to get up in the morning. We really do not want to deal with problems of this world and our own all the time. We want to be left alone by everyone.
First, we experience disappointment, then sorrow, doubt, and depression. Surely, we are all familiar with these feelings. However, when we walk in the light of God’s love, Jesus, the living Word, shines His light into our dark days, making them bright and bearable. Light can shine brightest on the darkest night.
Whatever adversity, sorrow, or joy is present in our lives right now, pales in comparison to the light of the Incarnation of Jesus. When we recognize this and believe what Jesus says and align our lives with this reality, then we are in close contact with the true center of power of the universe, the triune God.
Let us celebrate the light that has come into the world!
Prayer
Jesus, we are grateful that you are the Word who became human and dwelt among us. Thank you for representing God before us and us before God. In your name, Amen.
Santiago Lange, Pastor [1959–2025]
Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
This devotional was adapted with permission. Read the full article here.
Citizens of God’s kingdom rehearse the death of the old self through the sacrament of baptism. We also celebrate being raised to new life in Christ when we come up out of the water. Hallelujah!
Learn more about baptism below. Read the full article here.
How does baptism picture the central truths of the gospel?
Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. (Romans 6:3-5)
Baptism pictures our union with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection. These are the primary points of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Our salvation depends on his life, death, and resurrection. Our forgiveness — being cleansed of sin — depends on him; our Christian life and future depend on him.
Baptism symbolizes the death of the old self. The old person was crucified with Christ — died with Christ — buried with Christ in baptism (Romans 6:8; Galatians 2:20; 6:14; Colossians 2:12, 20). It pictures that we are identified with Jesus Christ—he united himself with humanity. We accept that he died “for us,” and “for our sins,” and that he was raised for us as well. We acknowledge that we have sinned, that we have a tendency to sin, that we are sinners who needed a Savior. We acknowledge our need to be cleansed, and that this cleansing came through Jesus Christ.
Baptism is one of the ways that we confess Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We are saved by what he did, not by the way we respond. Therefore, the emphasis in baptism should be on what Jesus did, not on our faith or acceptance. Baptism is not a memorial of our faith — it is a memorial of Jesus’ faithfulness toward us. The only reason that we can show our response of faith is because he has already made a commitment to us. Our faith may falter, but his faithfulness toward us will not.
On a Sunday morning in August 2025, Yussel was out walking and meditating. He was asking for guidance from a higher power on how to deal with a family situation. He walked by GC Lemon Grove and felt led to come inside. He ended up staying for the worship gathering. English is his second language, so one of our leaders helped translate any words or concepts he did not understand.
After Yussel had attended for a few weeks, Reyna Stutz (one of our leaders who is bilingual), gave him a Bible and led him in a surrender prayer to Jesus. Over the following weeks, we spent time with him discussing God’s nature, forgiveness, prayer, relationship with God, and baptism. And we answered other questions Yussel had.
One day our cajon player was not there and Yussel jumped up for the last song and started playing. He has good rhythm and has been our cajon player every week for the past few months.
After more prayer and discussion, Yussel decided to publicly proclaim that he is aligning his life with Jesus through baptism. With the entire congregation surrounding him, he was baptized on Easter! We gave him an English/Spanish parallel Bible and put a customized name plate with his baptism date on the front.
By Anne Stapleton, Pastor
Lemon Grove, California, US
Kingdom citizens believe we participate in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism pictures and proclaims this good news. Our old selves have been crucified and renounced in Christ, and we have been freed from the shackles of the past and given new being through his resurrection.
We share in the joy of these newly baptized GCI members. Read also the full story of one man’s baptism here.
Two people were baptized
Two people were baptized.
At a church mission to Kisii, 26 people were baptized.
Six people were baptized.
Three people were baptized.
We’re in the Easter season, the fifty days between Easter Sunday and Pentecost. It’s a time in the worship calendar that gives us an opportunity to reflect on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and what it means for us.
25 Jesus said to [Mary], “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” John 11: 25–27 NRSVUE
Our loving Creator God is surely alive, and he speaks to us today. He has our best interests at heart and seeks to guide and transform us to be more like him as we choose to follow him daily. We worship and pledge our allegiance to the triune God because he deserves our total worship and allegiance.
Though often associated with religion, worship is not just “something religious people do” — it’s something everyone does. Worship is woven into the fabric of our spiritual DNA, for human beings were made for worship.
We know that we are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5). Loving God is a spiritual practice, which means it needs to be a conscious, active, daily choice.
Loving and worshiping God looks like depending on him, trusting him, and surrendering our lives in utter devotion, loyalty, adoration, and commitment.
Prayer
Dear Lord, have your way with me. Father, thank you for sending your Son. Jesus, thank you for uniting humanity to yourself. Spirit, thank you for making the resurrection life real in us. Trinity, we love you. Empower us to worship you with our whole hearts. Amen.
By Jillian Morrison, Pastor
Glendora, California, US
Adapted from an Equipper article.
Citizens of God’s kingdom live embedded in Kingdom Culture. One aspect of Kingdom Culture is whole-life discipleship. Citizens equip children to follow Jesus from the very beginning of their lives. We value and prioritize youth and children as disciples — not future disciples, not partial or lesser disciples.
Read below to learn how two Australian regions are bringing together youth and families for a weekend of fun and discipleship.
In January, forty-six enthusiastic participants gathered at Tallebudgera, Queensland for a weekend of connection and growth. The event kicked off on Thursday afternoon with meaningful discussions about the weekend’s themes and ways to support one another. Icebreaker activities and board games after dinner set a joyful tone of fun, faith, and fellowship.
Breakfast devotionals were held on both Friday and Saturday focused on Jesus’ baptism and what baptisms mean for us today. Campers were deeply moved by heartfelt testimonies shared about personal journeys of faith.
Friday brought adventure on the canoes as groups worked together to explore the beautiful Tallebudgera Creek. A thoughtful session on responsible social media use followed, along with a beach swim, dance practice, basketball, jump rope, and more games to end the day.
Saturday challenged campers at The Cliffs with abseiling and a thrilling height drop. The afternoon was spent preparing for Sunday’s worship service, followed by swimming, soccer, and dinner. That evening featured a Sacred Imagination dinner and an energetic dance session.
Sunday’s Worship Service was a highlight. Youth led every aspect, even the sermon, showcasing their gifts through music, art, readings, testimonies, and a Fijian dance. The service was deeply inspiring and reflected the servant-heartedness of these amazing young people.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all church members for your prayers and support that made this camp possible. We cannot wait to see what God has in store in 2027!
By Lara Olsen, GCI-Australia Admin and Registrar
Camira, Queensland, Australia
In January, the first Victorian Youth and Family weekend was held on Port Phillip Bay near Melbourne. Thirty people attended. Each morning after breakfast we had a time of devotion focusing on God’s delight is us, his love, and willingness to carry all our burdens. The Amazing Race activity, a race around the camp with various puzzles to solve, was enjoyed equally as much as a casual beach stroll exploring the nearby rocky foreshore and cliffs.
At our Sunday worship service, the Congolese Bolikoko family led us in songs. We also heard from two recently baptised young adults about their journey thus far. They shared moments when they felt God’s presence during difficult times, describing baptism not as a single profound moment but as a growing awareness of a lifelong journey with God. They spoke of learning to trust God’s guidance, even as letting go of control remains an ongoing process.
Along with conversations and laughter, the three days were also filled with outdoor sports like the giant swing, volleyball, gaga ball, and the most favourite of all – 9 Square in the Air. When we needed relief from the heat and wind, we enjoyed indoor activities like trivia, karaoke, and tie-dyeing t-shirts. The t-shirts were a big hit. At the end of camp, we had ‘the reveal’ as each person’s shirt, after being washed and dried, was unfolded to smashing applause and cheers.
It was an enjoyable and meaningful time, and we are very grateful for the staff that attended. We look forward to returning in 2027.
By Matthew Gudze, Pastor
Mooroolbark, Victoria, AU
Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:28–30 NIV
Jesus did everything the Father asked of him. In the midst of intense human suffering, he gave up his spirit in union with the Father — an act of faith and implicit trust. He did not hesitate. Instead, he surrendered himself into God’s care and courageously entered death for our sake.
We participate in Christ’s death. This participation invites us to reflect continually on what may need to die in us. There are seasons when we have completed what God has asked of us, and the time comes to move on.
At times, this means allowing relationships, jobs, or responsibilities to end so that new ones may begin. We may not know what lies ahead or how it will all unfold. But in Christ, we are invited to step forward into the new life God is opening before us.
How might Christ’s love, poured into you by the Spirit, be closing a door in your life? How might the Spirit be inviting you to enter a world of new possibilities and new relationships?
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for loving us all the way to the grave. Father, thank you for never abandoning your Son. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for raising Jesus, and us in him, to new life. Amen.
Adapted from the following resource: April 7, 2023 – Good Friday – GCI Equipper
