GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - During Holy Week, local Christians expressed their faith in His resurrection in a variety of ways. On Palm Sunday, a week before Easter, members of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church joined Father Dan Englund in a “Liturgy of the Palms” procession through their beautiful garden. They waved palm leaves, a reminder of Jesus's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, The Holy City.

The Kids Choir at Gridley Christian Church presented a lively performance of “Good Kings Come in Small Packages,” the retelling of King Josiah, who became king as a young boy, and ruled the people in righteousness. Church members worked together to create royal sets and costumes, with Bonnie Schnepel and Mark Johnson working with the children.

 Children of the Gridley Christian Church Kids Choir perform a musical play about the Biblical King Josiah, a young boy king who reigned in righteousness. L-R: Isaac Boykin, Laurel Taylor, Celeste Watson, Daphne Taylor, and Keelia Hildebrand. Photo by Cindy Scott

The Stations of the Cross processional reflecting the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ was presented noonday Good Friday by Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Father Roland Ramirez began the procession, facing the first of 14 crosses on the interior walls of the church, then proceeding to the others. At each cross, Father Ramirez knelt, said a prayer, and related the event reflected in the image of that cross. Church members sang and recited in unison.

The Last Supper play, presented over the weekend and Easter morning by Calvary Chapel of Gridley, depicted Jesus and each of His 12 disciples at the Last Supper. After He told them that one of them would betray him, each disciple shared his background, his connection to other disciples, his personality, his relationship to Christ, and then asked, “Is it I?” Over the years, Hope Gallagher, play director, looked for similar presentations in the area so she could attend. Having never found one, she brought her fellow church members together to create it here.

 Calvary Chapel of Gridley presented “The Last Supper.” L-R: Tony Moore, Jim Eakins, Christian Dalton, Bill Gallagher, Chris Petty, Garrett Holiday, Daniel Spring, Sam Stocks, Jim Boyd, Steve Cahoon, Jack Dunn, Anthony Pacheco, and Benny Howell. Photo by Hope Gallagher

Early Easter morning, the First Baptist Church held their traditional sunrise service. The early risers were rewarded with a beautiful (dry) sunrise, worship music, a sermon shared by Pastor David Henry, and a delicious breakfast.

After their Easter service, Christian Life Assembly gathered for an Easter egg hunt and BBQ in their beautiful rural setting. They enjoyed the sunny weather that dawned Easter Sunday.

 Christian Life Assembly provided an egg hunt and BBQ after their Easter morning service. L-R: Josie Alvarez, John Whitney, and Mila Halterman. Photo by Jenelle Alvarez

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Easter morning service featured several speakers. Will Tolman, a sixth grader and the youngest in his family, shared the experience of all his family worshiping together in the Feather River Temple and his love for Jesus Christ. Benson Tolman reflected on the events of Holy Week, and Angela Tolman shared thoughts on finding healing, peace, and love through Jesus Christ.

Easter is a time for Christian interfaith rejoicing and friendship. The commemorations may vary, but the faith of the believers in Jesus Christ’s resurrection is inspiring and strengthening.

 The music worship team of First Baptist Church of Gridley leads those attending the Easter morning sunrise service in songs of praise to Jesus. L-R: Fred Ruggiero, Stan Yost, Rhonda Yost, and Andi Wilcox. Photo by Cindy Scott