There was a morning chill in the air, but the sun broke through the clouds We still had to wear masks, but we could fist bump and see people in person whom we hadn’t seen in a year. A gust of wind blew the pastor’s notes away…. but the sermon became shorter!
Easter is about the little resurrections that happen throughout our lives. Day by Day God’s grace breaks through in little ways.
On this Easter Sunday we didn’t have the usual two big services. We didn’t sing the Hallelujah chorus, or Christ the Lord is Risen Today, or anything… singing during Covid is not a good thing to do. Instead we stood while the Live Praise Team sang for us. But we were together.
On this Easter morning, we gathered in our parking lot to worship and to praise God for the Resurrection. A “not so portable” sound system was set up, Easter lilies were arranged around a makeshift altar, and lawn chairs and car seats became pews. But about 30 of us gathered together and sensed the presence of God in a way that can only happen on Easter morning.
In his sermon Pastor Jim reminded us that Easter isn’t a one and done thing that happened many years ago. It’s not even a once a year event that comes when the lilies and hyacynths come into bloom. God is with us throughout the year, and His constant presence brings us “resurrections” all the time. We just have to be open to seeing them:
- Hope. We don’t just “wish” or “hope” that the resurrection is real; we KNOW it’s real because we see it in our lives. Christians are a people of hope, regardless of what we’re facing.
- Resurrection brings Certainty. If God could raise Jesus from the dead, we can be sure of His plan to raise us to eternal life.
- Resurrection allows us to move forward. We don’t have to be stuck in the things that drag us down because God has promised that He’ll walk with us.
The music team performed the Josh Grobin song, “You Raise Me Up.” This song reminds us that even in the face of difficulties (such as a pandemic!), our God offers the hope and power needed to “stand on mountains.” God keeps lifting us up so that we can grow closer to Him, to love Him more deeply, and to serve Him more fully.
As usual, our Easter Service included the song “Because He Lives.” Because He lives_____
- I can face tomorrow
- All Fear is gone
- Life is worth the living!
Here’s a glimpse of our Outdoor Service…
To learn more about this service, click the following “Drop Down box to read the article that announced this service:
Announcement Post
In 2020, the Pandemic hit and we didn’t gather for Palm Sunday or for Easter. Instead, our worship and tech teams began producing the “new normal” of “Live Stream Only” services. To thwart the spread of the pandemic, no congregation was allowed. The first “Covid era, no congregation services” began on Sunday March 15, which meant that there was no congregation for Palm Sunday (April 5) or on Easter (April 12).
In 2021, with the stabilization of case numbers and the rise of vaccinations, we opened to a limited congregation on Palm Sunday. But on Easter, we’re adding a new twist…
Easter Morning Drive-In Service!
This year’s Easter will begin a bit differently at PUMC. We’ll be able to gather in the church parking lot to welcome Resurrection Day with a safe “socially distanced” worship service. Pastor Jim and the Praise Team will stand outside of the building to lead us in the celebration. Bring your lawn chair, or just stay in your car, and worship our risen Lord in the great outdoors!
We will still hold our Indoor service at the usual 10:15 AM time (the usual attendance restrictions and reservations will apply).
Outdoor Easter Service
DATE: Sunday April 4, 2021
TIME: 8:15 AM
WHERE: Pitman United Methodist Church parking lot (directions)
WHO: Anyone!
RESERVATIONS? Yes, we need to follow the usual limitations. Call the office or use the below form…
WHAT IF IT RAINS???? The service is “weather permitting.” It will be cancelled if it rains or if it’s too cold.
LIVE STREAM? No. Because of equipment limitations, this outdoor service will not be broadcast on our Live Stream. “Tune in” at 10:15 to watch our indoor service.
Come early and stake out your spot on the parking lot!
Covid Safety…
The pandemic isn’t confined to the Sanctuary. Even when outdoors, we still need to follow the standard safety guidelines:
- We still need to affirm our health and to waive any liability. This form must be completed: Liability Waiver Form
- If you remain in your vehicle, allow an empty spot between you and the next vehicle (on both sides).
- If you choose to leave your vehicle to use a lawn chair, leave an empty parking spot between you and anyone who is not a member of your family.
- Whenever you’re outside of your vehicle, please wear a mask.
- In order to assure safe social distancing, you need to reserve in advance (see the Covid Safety for Worship page for details, or complete the following online form):
Outdoor Easter Service Registration
If you plan on attending the Outdoor Easter Service, please let us know by calling the church office or by completing the following form. This form is only for the Outdoor Easter Service which will be held in our parking lot on Easter morning. For all other services, use the “regular” Registration Page.
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Christ the Lord is Risen Today!
Even today, during the pandemic, Christ our Lord is still Risen and with us. We may need to wear masks, but the Easter Lilies still trumpet out the good news. This has been a long and difficult year, and some of us have lost loved ones. But even in grief, our Lord weeps with us and promises eternal life for those who are in 
Him. Our God of hope has gifted doctors and scientists with the ability to fight this disease. He has gifted us with the patience and love to act responsibly to guard against the spread of the virus.
As we look back to Easter 2020 and celebrate Easter 2021, we can look forward to the time when we can celebrate Easter 2022 without the threat and restrictions of this pandemic. Christ is risen. The Lord will never leave us or forsake us.
Even when forced outdoors or forced behind a mask, we can still celebrate and worship our Risen Lord!
Happy Easter!!!
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To learn more about the worship opportunities at PUMC, click this button: Worship
