He is Risen! An Invitation to Reflect and Rejoice this Weekend

Easter, Good Friday, Uncategorized | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

This weekend we celebrate Good Friday (4/14 @ 6:30pm & 8:30pm) and Easter (4/16 @ 8am, 10am & 12pm). That makes this weekend all about reflecting and rejoicing. Will you join us as we celebrate the most important week of the most important person who ever lived? It is easy for the significance of this time of year to be lost amidst a sea of pastels, egg hunts, honey-cured hams and chocolate bunnies, but it doesn’t have to be. We need to take time to reflect and rejoice. This is particularly true amidst a culture that celebrates what is fleeting and transient while neglecting what is most profound and real – like a mighty savior who is also our sinless substitute.

So, I invite you to join us this weekend as we reflect on Good Friday and rejoice on Easter. There are a few things to keep in mind as we approach this weekend:

First, Good Friday and Easter go together.

I encourage you to consider participating in both Good Friday and Easter. Immerse yourself in the (true) story this weekend, starting on Friday and culminating on Sunday. Cancel your other obligations. Say “no” to Netflix for one Friday night. Keep your kids up. It is worth it.

Second, our Good Friday gathering is unique.

If you’ve never been part of our Good Friday gathering, don’t think of it as a normal Sunday gathering on a Friday. It is a completely different gathering. Over the the last six years we have prayerfully labored to create a fresh experience of the ancient Good Friday story. It is unique, moving, and powerful. You really don’t want to miss it.

Third, arrive early.

We recommend that you arrive early on Friday and Sunday. On Good Friday, arriving early will give you time to pray, reflect, and read the scriptures. The auditorium will be open 20 minutes prior to our start time. On Easter, we are expecting a full house at each gathering, so arriving early will ensure you are able to secure seats for your whole party. We will be adding chairs, tightening the rows, and creating an overflow space, but we anticipate that it will still be full.

Fourth, parking is provided.

As always, we will validate parking for everyone at the Art Institute parking garage on Friday and Sunday. The lots adjacent to our building will be also available for first time visitors, families with children, and individuals with special needs on Friday and Sunday.

Fifth, your kids are covered.

If you’re a parent with a child from one to eight years old, our Cornerstone Kids team has generously offered to serve families on Good Friday (*6:30pm only) and Easter. This is an act of sacrificial service and love on their part, so please be sure to thank them!

Sixth, let’s be praying for Jesus to move.

Most importantly, let’s be praying for Jesus to save, awaken, and reinvigorate souls to the breathtaking reality of his grace and redemption this weekend. Invite your friends, families, neighbors, and co-workers. Let’s ask Him to do what only He can in our lives, and in the lives of those who do not yet know him. He is able!

Because the cross is full…and the tomb is empty,

Pastor Adam