Jesus is alive, and in ten days we’ll celebrate the resurrection with a huge party. Here are ten things you can do between now and then to get ready for the big celebration:
1. Mark your calendar: Easter is on Sunday, April 20—and Saturday night
All of our churches will meet in their normal locations, except for Mars Hill Bellevue (Meydenbauer Center). Many churches will host a Saturday night service as well. All of the details are at marshill.com/easter.
2. Remember Good Friday on April 18
Before Jesus rose on a Sunday, he died on a Friday. At Mars Hill Church, Easter weekend always includes an opportunity to reflect on God’s death in our place for our sins. Good Friday is a somber evening that leads to a deeper appreciation of Sunday’s good news. Good Friday services will take place on the evening of April 18 at every Mars Hill location.
3. Spend time as a Community Group and/or family praying for the people God is calling you to invite
Easter is one of the few times each year when many people might actually be interested in going to church—if they’re invited. This is a huge evangelistic opportunity, and we all have people in our lives that need to meet Jesus.
4. Extend the invitation
Grab some postcards, jump on social media, pick up the phone, or mention it in conversation. However you do it, take a chance and see what the Holy Spirit does next.
5. Pray some more
6. Sign up to get baptized
Baptisms are a regular part of our Easter services. If you’re a new Christian or a Christian who has never been baptized, you can sign up now and make it an especially memorable celebration.
7. Get excited
Spontaneous baptisms. Sunday night dance parties. Outdoor music. Raucous worship. Confetti explosions. There’s always something unexpected on Easter. Whatever happens, the energy will be high, the Bible will be opened, and Jesus will be made much of.
8. Find out how you can help
The only thing better than going to church on Easter is being part of the action. Even if you’re new around Mars Hill, there’s a role for everyone and lots of help needed. Contact your local church to volunteer.
9. Share online
Last year we streamed all of our Easter festivities online with great success. This is not meant to replace anyone’s church, but it provides an opportunity for us to connect with our extended family all over the world. Also, there are always folks unable to attend church for whatever reason, and our online stream gives them a chance to enjoy an Easter service.
10. Praise God for what he has done
Jesus lived perfectly, died sacrificially, and rose triumphantly, conquering Satan, sin, and death. “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law,” the Bible says. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:56–57).
