Every year the Pastoral team at the school have two very special services, one for Easter and one for Christmas highlighting two of the most important stories in all of scripture. The stories are the birth of Jesus and his death and resurrection. We have just finished our Easter Chapel. This year our Easter service centered on an adaptation of the book: The Legend of the Three Trees written by Catherine McCafferty. There were all sorts of students and staff involved both in the play and production but also with the worship band. Those that helped in any way thank you. 

Rather than giving you a detailed account of everything that happened during the Chapel, I instead wanted to share my prayer at the end of the service. It was a prayer for the students and staff but may it be a prayer for you too. 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you so much for this story today, highlighting the greatest event in all history. You were before and will be after everything. The beginning and end. Alpha and Omega.

We’re so grateful Jesus died for us. A perfect man who really did walk, talk, teach, and went to the cross to free us from sin and death. He died on a tree! 

Thank you for sending him for us. Amazingly, his death wasn’t the end of the story. Three days later, He rose from the grave. Defeating sin.Thank you that we can have rescue, forgiveness, and new life if we just respond to you with our voices – “Jesus is Lord,” and if we believe he rose from the dead, you promise us salvation. 

Thank you for taking my story of brokenness and instead giving me a better ending. I love that we get to be part of your story. Your Son being the central character. It’s almost inconceivable that you redeemed me, but I’ve felt it, your overwhelming peace. I know you.

Father, for the person out there today who is disappointed, lost, and in despair, may you speak to them and may they discover their divine purpose. What you put them on this earth to do. May they fall on their knees in submission that you are the King of Kings – Lord of Lords. Redeem them. Forgive them. Take their burdens. Take their regrets. May their dreams be transformed by your vision. I believe you’re still in the business of reshaping lives from ordinary to extraordinary.

Today, Jesus, we trust you! May your love saturate us. 

Amen

Let me encourage you to go to Church this Easter because Jesus’ resurrection changes everything! One option is going to either of the services offered by Glasshouse Country Baptist Church: Good Friday @ 8 am & Easter Sunday @ 9 am. If you live further from the school, find a local Church near you. Belonging to a local Church can change everything. 

Sydney Moore, College Pastor