Tag Archive | "easter"

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CLERGY CORNER: Until we meet again

Posted on 18 April 2019 by LeslieM

It seems strange to begin an article about Easter talking about Christmas. However, I do begin most of my Christmas sermons talking about Easter. Usually, I start my Christmas sermon by saying something like “Today, we celebrate the second most important Christian holiday.” You should see the looks of confusion I get. Then, I say “Without Easter, today would just be another birthday.”

It is true. Without the Crucifixion and Resurrection; without Good Friday and Easter Sunday, we would be left with words and miracles from the greatest man who ever lived. But because of Easter, we celebrate his words, his miracles, his death and resurrection, and the promise that awaits us in God’s glorious kingdom.

In our culture, my statement is still quite jarring. We like Christmas, regardless of who we are, believer and non-believer alike loves presents, Santa, Christmas trees, cookies. Christmas has become so secularized that you can listen to hours of Christmas music and never hear of the birth of Jesus. Some people even avoid the word “Christmas” altogether.

You really can’t do that with Easter. Sure, there is a bunny and chocolate eggs and a couple of Peter Cottontail songs. But Easter doesn’t get the same attention as Christmas. I think this is good. Without the Resurrection, Easter would be all chocolate and jelly beans. Easter gives meaning to Easter.

I think about the years that I have served as a pastor, 25 years this coming September. I think about the privilege and joy that I have had meeting wonderful, wise, generous, lively and loving people. I think about how much better my life is because of the people I served, knew and loved. Many have died and their legacy lives in my heart.

Easter is the promise that I will see them again. Easter is the joyful reminder that they are with the Lord. This blessed assurance gives me the consolation that helps me go from day to day. Easter reminds me that the friends who I know and love now will be my friends forever.

Dear people of Deerfield Beach (and beyond), this will be my last Easter at Zion Lutheran Church. I am returning to my home with my family. Zion has been a wonderful congregation to serve and I have made lifelong friends not only at Zion, but in this community that I love so dearly. It is going to be an emotional Easter for me, but, because of Easter, I know that I never really have to say goodbye. Because of Easter, I can simply say “Until we meet again.”

So, Deerfield Beach and surrounding communities, I say on behalf of Zion and myself “Blessed Easter.” And, Because of Easter, I can say “Until we meet again.”

Pastor Gross is a pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, located at 959 SE 6 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. For more information, call 954-421-3146 or visit www.zion-lutheran.org.

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EASTER HAPPENINGS

Posted on 29 March 2018 by LeslieM

City Easter Egg Hunts

Deerfield Beach

Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt

Thursday, March 29, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Constitution Park

2841 Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Pre-event starts at 6:30 p.m. Ages 7 – 12 at 8 p.m. Ages 13 – 17 at 8:15 p.m. Ages 18 & up at 8:30 p.m. Wristband required. Deerfield Residents: Free; non-residents: $2.

Easter Egg-Stravaganza

Friday, March 30, 6 to 8 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Easter Egg Run & Parade

Saturday, March 31, 10 a.m.

Deerfield Beach Athletic Complex

501 SE 6 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

For more information, call 954-480-4494.

Lighthouse Point

Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 1, 1 p.m.

Frank McDonough Park

3500 NE 27 Ave.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

For ages 10 and under.

Photos with the Easter Bunny

Saturday, March 31, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Join in on the fun with themed arts and crafts, complimentary face painting and a DJ dance party. Don’t forget your camera so you can snap a free photo with the Easter Bunny! Admission to the Family Fun Day event is free. Carousel will be open during the event and rides will cost $1 per person. For more information, call 954-943-4683.

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EASTER HAPPENINGS

Posted on 22 March 2018 by LeslieM

Deerfield Beach

Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt

Thursday, March 29, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Constitution Park

2841 Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Pre-event starts at 6:30 p.m. Ages 7 – 12 at 8 p.m. Ages 13 – 17 at 8:15 p.m. Ages 18 & up at 8:30 p.m. Wristband required. Deerfield Residents: Free; non-residents: $2.

Easter Egg-Stravaganza

Friday, March 30, 6 to 8 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Easter Egg Run & Parade

Saturday, March 31, 10 a.m.

Deerfield Beach Athletic Complex

501 SE 6 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

For more information, call 954-480-4494.

Lighthouse Point

Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 1, 1 p.m.

Frank McDonough Park

3500 NE 27 Ave.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

For ages 10 and under.

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CLERGY CORNER: Following Jesus’ example

Posted on 27 April 2017 by LeslieM

The recent celebration of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ provided an opportunity to reflect upon His enduring impact and influence on millions of faithful believers the world over. The consideration of these events underscores the effectiveness of His mission, which was to redeem and provide eternal life. But His obedience to the will of His Father in fulfilling His mission is also instructive for those who would obey and honor God in their lives. In all that Jesus did, He showed His followers how to relate to God and their fellow man. He provided for us a pattern, a model and a fitting example of what a surrendered life looks like.

Mark 10:45 records Jesus as saying, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” This summation of His mission points to three areas in which believers are challenged to follow His example. He came to serve, to suffer and to sacrifice His life for the benefit of others. In a similar manner, we are called to serve, must be prepared to suffer and be willing to sacrifice for the glory of God.

That Jesus came to serve is undeniable. Philippians 2:7 remarks that “He made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.” A bondservant was one who willingly offered himself in slavery to another. Jesus’ followers are enlisted to serve, and expected to do it willingly. We certainly serve God through our obedience and worship, but we are also expected to serve each other as well. On the night before He was betrayed, Jesus surprised His disciples by washing their feet. He then remarked, “If I then your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14). True service includes doing humbling and menial things to help others.

Jesus’ suffering was predicted in messianic statements in the Old Testament. Isaiah 50:6 says, “I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide my face from shame and spitting.” And part of Isaiah 53:10 states, “Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief.” The Father purposed and allowed the suffering of His Son. The Son willingly endured the suffering, looking ahead to the joy that lay before (see Hebrews 12:2). Believers’ suffering is also promised and we are to expect and endure it. Indeed, suffering is part of the human experience (due to Adam’s disobedience, not God’s meanness). Believers can face suffering in this life with hope however. In Romans 8:18, Paul confidently asserts, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Jesus was victorious through His suffering, and so shall we be, if we are faithful to endure.

The sacrifice that Jesus made was the ultimate one: He gave His life as a ransom. His death secured our redemption and provides for our fellowship with the Father. We may not be called to give our lives as martyrs but we are called to lives of sacrifice. Our brokenness over our sins, obedience to God’s will, and praise to Him are all acceptable sacrifices that the Bible notes. Jesus was clear in Matt 16:24-25, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” There’s no denying that He did just that in His earthly existence. May the Lord’s exemplary life inspire us to truly honor Him by following His pattern of service, suffering, and sacrifice.

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. 954-427-0302.

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EASTER HAPPENINGS

Posted on 13 April 2017 by LeslieM

City of Deerfield Beach Easter Events

The Egg Hunts have thousands of prize and candy filled eggs for participants to discover. Find the “special eggs” and receive an exciting prize or Easter basket. Enjoy refreshments, outdoor activities with friends, and a visit from the Easter Bunny.

Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt

Thursday, Apr. 13, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Constitution Park

2841 Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Free event, items available for purchase. Must register for event (hunt wristband required.) Call 954-480-4494.

Egg-Stravaganza

Friday, April 14, 6 to 8 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Free event. Call 954-480-4451.

Easter Egg Run

Saturday, Apr. 15, Fun zone activities 8 a.m. to noon

Egg Hunts, 10 a.m. sharp

Deerfield Beach Athletic Complex

501 SE 6 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Free event. Call 954-480-4426.

Free Photos with the Easter Bunny

Saturday, Apr. 15, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre

1955 N Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Take your own free photos with the Easter Bunny, arts-n-crafts, face painting and scavenger hunt. For more information, visit www.pompanociticentre.com.

Easter Services

Zion Lutheran Church

959 SE 6 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Thursday, Apr. 13, 7 p.m. Maundy Thursday Service

Friday, Apr. 14, 7 p.m. Good Friday Service

Saturday, Apr. 15, 8 p.m. Easter Vigil Evening Service

Sunday, Apr. 16, 6:30 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service

Sunday, Apr. 16, 10 a.m. Easter Worship Service

Also, Children’s Easter Egg Hunt 8:30-9:30 a.m. (Bring your basket.) For more information, visit www.zion-lutheran.org.

St. Peter’s Anglican Church

1416 SE 2 Terr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Thursday, Apr. 13, 7 p.m. Maundy Thursday

Friday, Apr. 14, 7 p.m. Good Friday

Saturday, Apr. 15, 7 p.m. Holy Saturday

Sunday, Apr. 16, 10 a.m. Easter Sunday

For information, call 954-695-0336.

Sunrise Service on Deerfield Beach

Sunday, Apr. 16, 6:30 to 7:30 a.m.

Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier

The Deerfield Beach Ministerial Association is hosting annual sunrise service.

Community Presbyterian Church

Sunday, April 16, 10 a.m.

1920 SE 4 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The community is invited to attend Easter Service Reverend Dr. Randall Gill will preside; Sabrina George leads the Chancel Choir. All are welcome. For information, call 954-427-0222.

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CLERGY CORNER: The most influential person in human history

Posted on 26 March 2015 by LeslieM

Palm Sunday observances in churches around the world mark the beginning of Holy Week, the days leading up to and including Christ’s passion and death on a cross.

During this time of year, thousands of believers travel to Jerusalem to trace the footsteps of Jesus during the days leading to His crucifixion.

Those unable to make the journey overseas will celebrate in their churches with palm fronds, Good Friday observances, cantatas, plays and Resurrection Sunday services. This is the time of year where, despite doctrinal differences of faith traditions, Christians everywhere are unified in their recognition of the significance of this period.

I was thinking about this when I reflected upon Jesus’ influence some 2000 years after His crucifixion and resurrection. In fact, believers and unbelievers alike are being impacted by His life and teachings to this day.

A quick Google search revealed that Jesus consistently ranks at the top of surveys and determinations of the world’s most influential people. A few sites put others ahead of Him, Aristotle in one case and Mohammed in another, but the teacher from Galilee is consistently in the top rankings.

As a religious leader, Jesus was and is certainly influential, but evidence abounds that He has impacted other areas of society as well.

Nearly a third of the world’s population, 2 billion out of 7 billion people, identify themselves as followers of Jesus’ teachings. The Bible, which gives details of Jesus’ life and ministry, is consistently the most read book in the world, and a bestseller as well.

The teachings of Jesus have influenced our modern valuations of human life and dignity. In the ancient world, children were abandoned or sold into slavery. Early Christians were known to rescue newborn babies who had been left in Rome’s trash dumps. Jesus’ interaction with children, women, the sick and the poor revealed His estimation of their value. The first hospitals, orphanages and feeding programs came into being through Christians’ efforts to obey His instructions.

In the area of education, His influence is evident as well. Only the elite of the ancient world had access to education. The libraries of the monks inspired the first universities of the 12th and 13th centuries. Cambridge, Oxford and Harvard were formed originally as Christian institutions.

In America, the Puritans were the first to pass laws mandating the education of the masses, and biblical literacy was the emphasis of children’s reading texts for two hundred years. Science and Christianity seem to have a combustible relationship in the thought and discourse of many today.

It can be argued, however, that the Christian view of a rational God who is the source of rational truth inspired the possibility of scientific laws. Many of the founders of modern science were influenced by Christianity, including Isaac Newton, Louis Pasteur and Blaise Pascal.

Time and space would not permit me to detail the influence of Jesus and Christianity upon our concepts of liberty, justice and equality, or upon art, literature, music, words, symbols, holidays, our calendar and a host of other areas of life that we may take for granted.

Whether or not one agrees that Jesus was the most influential figure in human history, it cannot be denied that He has had a remarkable impact on the world. His 3 1/2 years of ministry and teaching have touched countless lives on every continent and His influence is an ongoing reality throughout the world today.

May the power of His life and teachings inspire you this season and for all time.

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. 954-427-0302.

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CLERGY CORNER: Don’t quit

Posted on 11 April 2012 by LeslieM

By Pastor Tony Guadagnino

Have you ever quit and now justify it in your mind as to why you quit? Have you ever heard someone give excuses as to why they quit?

We all have our reasons why we do the things we do in life. Let’s take a look at what Jesus went through for us:

• They plotted to kill Him

• One of his leaders betrayed Him

• Jesus knew one of the 12 would betray Him

• He asked God if there was any other way

• His best friends could not even pray for an hour

• He was arrested on false, made-up charge, then taken away and put to death

• Peter denied Jesus three times

• They spit on Jesus and struck him with the palms of their hands, when he was with the high priest

• They mocked and beat Him, made fun and laughed at Him

• They lied about Him

• He was found ‘not guilty;’ they had no evidence to convict Jesus of a crime

• The people wanted a rebellious murderer over the King of the Jews

• Pilate gave in to the people – I don’t think he did that very often at all

• They whipped Him with a cat o’ nine tails

• They mocked Him by placing a purple robe on Him

• They put a crown of thorns on His head

• They began to salute Him and spit on Him

• They struck Him on the head with a reed

• They bowed a knee and mock worshipped Him

• And then after all that, they nailed Him to the cross and He asked God to forgive them

• They laughed at Him and mocked Him, telling Him, “Save yourself if you are really the Christ”

• His own mother and his disciples had to watch his cruxifiction on a cross

• One of the men hanging next to him even mocked Him

• He cried out “it is finished” and died

• They divided His clothes, cast lots for them

JOHN 19:30

30 When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and released his spirit. NLT

Jesus finished what He started. He never quit and he never gave up. He suffered the sins of the world, then He rose from the dead. He empowered the disciples with a new message, the good news that He had defeated the power of sin and death. Jesus taught us to refuse to quit, and to fight with everything that is inside of us. Do not just remember what Jesus did, remember why He did it.

Pastor Tony Guadagnino

Christian Love Fellowship Church

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Easter Happenings

Posted on 06 April 2012 by LeslieM

Maundy – Thursday

Thursday, April 5, 7 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church, Sanctuary

1950 SE 5 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

“The Service of Darkness;” Rev. Dr. Dennis Andrews will lead a short meditative worship service. Easter weekend: Regular Saturday at Six worship service is April 7 at 6 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 8, will offer a casual 8:30 a.m. service,  traditional service at 11 a.m. (hand bell choir performs). Look for the Easter Bunny. Egg hunt at 9:45 a.m. 954-427-0222.

 

Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt

Thursday, April 5, 8 p.m.

Constitution Park

2841 Hillsboro Blvd.,Deerfield Beach, FL  33442

This hunt is for kids 7-14 years old. Bring your flashlights. Search the park for 7500 prize-filled eggs. Special eggs get prizes. Refreshments after. 954-480-4494. www.Deerfield-Beach.com

 

Public Procession of the Cross

Friday, April 6, 3 p.m.

At 2:30 p.m., gather at Dunkin Donuts (NW corner of Federal Hwy & NE 33 St.). Public Procession of a 6 ft. cross will stop periodically for the Stations of the Cross, a 1-mile trek from Federal Hwy., along Sample Rd., to St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, 1111 NE 36 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33064.

Followed by Good Friday service and adoration of the cross or enter hall for refreshments. 954-942-5887.

 

Egg-Stravaganza

Friday, April 6, 6 p.m.

Westside Park

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Ages 10 and under, ages divided. Over 5,000 candy-filled eggs. Prizes given for “special eggs.” 954-480-4481.

 

Children’s Easter Pageant

Saturday, April 7, 5 p.m.

St. Martin’s Episcopal Church

140 SE 28 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Egg hunt, butterfly release and service for the young and young at heart. Followed by reception. 954-941-4843. www.stmartinchurch.org.

 

Annual Easter Egg Run

Saturday, April 7, 10 a.m.

Deerfield Middle School Athletics Complex

501 SE 6 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Over 8,000 eggs. For ages 10 and under, ages divided. Prizes for special eggs. 954-480-4429.

 

Pompano Easter on the beach

Sunday, April 8, 6:45 a.m.

Pompano Pier Parking Lot

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Sponsored by Kiwanis Club. Seating provided. Guest speaker: Pastor Brad Jones of City Church Pompano. Music by Bob Terch, First Baptist Church, Pompano Beach. 954-942-8108.

 

Easter brunch

Sunday, April 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Deerfield Country Club’s Bella Vista

50 Fairway Dr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

New ownership of restaurant. Omelet station, carving station, seafood station, salads, dessert station and more. Adults: $22, Children 12 & under: $12.95. Plus tax & gratuity.
Reservations recommended. 954-427-4400.

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