Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. As I work in two different churches, and am currently president of a third congregation you can imagine the week that I have had. Yet, it takes me back to a simpler time. As children, we looked forward to the Easter bunny as he would bring us a basket of treats. Jelly beans, speckled malted milk robin eggs, hollow chocolate rabbit, and some smaller chocolates, nestled among the green Easter Grass. We would get up extra early as we knew that the bunny had hidden around the house the boiled eggs that we had dyed the day before. It was always a rush among siblings to see who would find the most eggs. When all were found we could have breakfast but that didn't stop us from going back to our baskets for a treat or two to sustain us on the hunt.
We didn't forget the true meaning of Easter, having parents that made sure we went to church. Holy week was a time of celebration. Maundy Thursday worship you would hear the story of the last supper and Jesus betrayal. The story continued on Good Friday. The whole town shut down between noon and three to commemorate the time frame Jesus was crucified and to allow workers to go to church. Our family went to Grace Lutheran Church in Tomahawk. A highlight of the service was a solo sung by one of my classmates' mother. The song remains a favorite today. "Were you there when they crucified my Lord?"
After breakfast Easter Sunday we of course went to church to hear the good news. Worship opened with "Jesus Christ is Risen today, Alleluia". Special music would include a trumpet fanfare to celebrate. I was honored to be a part of the worship service in Jr. and Sr. high. We then invariably would travel 90 miles to Grandma's house where she would have a roast ham and all the trimmings waiting for us.
