Planning for Easter
In our day, many churches use some form of the “simple Church” format.
In this format the music tends to be all congregational, the announcements kept to a minimum and then the preaching/teaching. We tend not to have special music such as solos, duets, choirs.
I would encourage you to consider for special days to consider bring some of that back. A great song can prepare people to hear the Word of God in fresh ways. This also allows people in our congregation with musical gifts to use them to glorify God.
Big days can be a great time to add:
- An orchestra/band (Violins, Cellos, trumpets, sax, flute, etc.)
- A Gospel Choir either for a special or to back up a solo
- A solo, duet or trio
All of these encourage people with musical talents to share them.
It also gives these people a chance to invite non-Christian friends to come and hear them.
There are some great production numbers that can be used for Easter.
One example is “End of the Beginning” by David Phelps
Read the words to the song.
I was takin a trip on a plane the other day
just wishing that I could get out.
When the man next to me saw the book in my hand
and asked me what it was about.
So I settled back in my seat-
“A best seller,” I said.
“A history, a mystery in one.”
And then I opened up the book and began to read
from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
He was born of a virgin one holy night
in the little town of Bethlehem.
Angels gathered round him underneath the stars
singing praises to the great I Am.
He walked on the water, healed the lame and made the blind to see again.
And for the first time here on earth we learned that God could be a friend.
And though he never ever did a single thing wrong
the angry crowd chose him. And then he walked down the road
and died on the cross and that was the end of the beginning.
“Thats not a new book thats a bible, ” he said, “and I’ve heard it all before.
I’ve tried religion- its shame and guilt and I don’t need it anymore.
It’s superstition, made up tales and just to help the weak to survive.”
“Let me read it again, “I said, “listen closely, cuz this is gonna change your life.
He was born of a virgin one holy night
in the little town of Bethlehem.
Angels gathered round him underneath the stars
singing praises to the great I Am.
He walked on the water, healed the lame and made the blind to see again.
And for the first time here on earth we learned that God could be a friend.
And though he never ever did a single thing wrong
the angry crowd chose him. And then he walked down the road
and died on the cross and that was the end of the beginning.
“The end of the beginning, ” he said with a smile.
“What more could there be? He’s dead.
You said they hung him, put nails in His hands
and a crown of thorns on His head.”
I said, “I’ll read it again but this time there’s more,
and I believe that this is true.
His death wasn’t the end, the beginning of life
that’s completed in you.
Don’t you see he did all this for you!”
He was born of a virgin one holy night
in the little town of Bethlehem
All the angles singing praises to the great I AM
He walked on the water, healed the lame,
and made the blind to see
(and for the first time here on earth)
Did you know that God could be a friend.
Tho He never ever did a single thing wrong,
He was the one the crowd chose.
then he walked and he died but
three days later HE ROSE!
Three days later he rose!
You see he came, he lived, and he died.
But that was the end of the beginning.
Can you see how a great song like this could prepare people’s heart to hear the message of Easter?
As you prepare for Easter, at least consider adding some special music.