Newton Highlands Congregational Church (NHCC) Easter events on Sunday, March 31, 2024, included a sunrise service, an egg hunt, and a music-filled worship service.
About a dozen hardy early birds met at Levingston Cove on Crystal Lake for a 6:15 a.m. sunrise service led by the Reverend Ken Baily. Deacon Yumiko Matsuoko gave flowers to each attendee after the service.
At 9:30 a.m., an enthusiastic crowd of children and parents/guardians gathered at 54 Lincoln Street for a fast-paced hunt for the 800 colorful eggs that had been prepared by Director of Christian Education Wendy Donnell and hidden by NHCC youth. After several days of rain and cloud, the sun shone.
The weekly worship service followed at 10:00 a.m. The service included communion and Psalm 95 (Felix Mendelssohn) sung by Music Director Jan Zimmerman and soprano soloist Amanda Ketchpaw Palés.
The Reverend Ken Baily spoke about the Easter story as described in the gospel of Mark, wherein those closest to Jesus (“insiders”) failed him, and those who were powerless (“outsiders”) took over. He wondered whether the women who went to the tomb, who are typically described as having run away in fear when they learned that Jesus was gone, were actually running toward something–inspired, hopeful, and ready to face any challenge.
The service closed with a rousing piano-organ version of “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” played by Ms. Zimmerman and organist Yevgenia Semeina.
The Mission Committee hosted fellowship hour with a bountiful spread that included an Easter cake and a table dedicated to gluten-free options.
