Resurrection Sunday - April 4, 2010

He is risen! This greeting of the early church was repeated many times at Tri-City Baptist Church this Easter season. Easter is one of the most important times of the year for Christians. Christ's resurrection is central to our faith. Music always plays an important role in Tri-City's Easter services, and this year Music Pastor Dave Stertzbach chose to do a cantata which tells a story through music. Who Is This King? by Lloyd Larson and Joseph Martin was a logical choice because it was already familiar, having been performed four years ago. The choir and orchestra rehearsed for several weeks leading up to Easter weekend.

The Easter story begins on Good Friday, the day that Jesus was crucified. During Tri-City's Good Friday service the choir and orchestra recounted the story of Christ's betrayal, trial, and crucifixion with the Lord's Table (communion) included. The service ended focusing on the crucifixion, and those attending filed out silently, contemplating the gravity of the cross.

Over 850 people attended Tri-City's first Easter Sunday in Chandler. The morning began with a short "Sonrise" service at 8:00 a.m. Pastor Mike gave a brief message and then dismissed the congregation for a continental breakfast in the gym. The church family enjoyed a time to fellowship while the choir warmed up for the cantata. At 9:30 a.m., everyone returned to the crowded sanctuary for the second service. Two teens were baptized. The choir finished Who Is This King?, culminating in a reminder that Christ is risen and everyone must choose to acknowledge him as Savior.

The sermon that followed the cantata complemented its message. Pastor Mike showed how the Resurrection changed the lives of people in the New Testament and it continues changing lives today. He concluded with a gospel presentation and five people raised their hands indicating they received Christ as Savior. What a wonderful way to celebrate our Lord's defeat of death!

Click here to view photos.