At McFarland UCC we aren’t afraid to do church differently. When you join us for one of these upcoming activities,
you’ll have a chance to experience the story of Easter – and the events leading up to it - in fresh ways.
you’ll have a chance to experience the story of Easter – and the events leading up to it - in fresh ways.
Messy Easter | March 13, 4:30-6:15 pm
Engage your inner child with storytelling, arts and crafts as we retell the Easter story in simple ways. Remind yourself – and teach your dear ones – that the story of Easter has so much more to offer than mere brunch and bunnies. Sunday March 13. Arrive between 4:30 and 4:45 pm. Dinner is included. We wrap up around 6:15 pm. Questions about Messy Church? Watch our video.
Easter Egg Hunt | March 19, 10 am |
Bring the whole family and join in the fun at McFarland UCC's 2016 Easter Egg Hunt! Children 10 years and under will have the opportunity to search for eggs filled with goodies. Adults, this is a great time to meet new neighbors and enjoy the day with the family.
Palm Sunday Festival | March 20, 9:45 am & following
Peep Diorama Contest
Use Marshmallow Peeps to make a scene from a Bible story. Your diorama should be no larger than an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper or a shoebox. Bring it to church between 9:30-9:45 to set it up on our display tables. Crowd favorite will win a prize!
Henna Art
Have your hand painted with beautiful leafy (temporary) designs.
Remembering the Story with Palms, Drum and Song
Voices from the crowd will help us share the excitement of the Palm Parade into Jerusalem, using our imaginations and the voices of people who might have been there. Bring your drum or other homemade rhythm instrument (or borrow one of ours) to join in the festivities. A nontraditional worship experience.
Drum Circle & Free Movement Dance
Stick around after Palm Sunday worship as the festivities continue! Drum Circle and Free Movement Dance taking place right after the service ends. Check it out for a few minutes or come for the entire time. All are welcome to dance, play drums or both. NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Just a smile and enthusiasm. Open to all ages.
Dinner Church | Thursday, March 24, 5:45 pm
Join us for good food, spiritual conversation and a chance to build relationships with your neighbors. Among the oldest forms of Christian worship is this: gather the people, break the bread, and tell the stories. We’ll spend some time together talking about what makes this type of sharing so meaningful. Arrive between 5:45 and 6:15 pm if you are able to help with meal prep and setup. Dinner and worship will begin at 6:15, and we should be done (including cleanup) by around 8 pm. As with all McFarland UCC activities, this is cross+generational – all ages are welcome at the table.
The Gospel as A Story | Friday, March 25 (Good Friday), 12 pm and 6:30 pm
Have you ever heard a whole Gospel? The Gospel of Mark was composed to be told aloud and heard all at one time – not chopped up into little bits and read in the Official Bible Reading Voice.™ Encountering the Bible this way can lead to new perspectives. Twice on Friday, March 25, we’ll present the Gospel of Mark, read straight through as a story. We’ll begin one reading at 12 pm (noon), and the other at 6:30 pm. Plan on about two hours either time.
Easter Sunday Breakfast & Worship | Sunday, March 27
Join us for a free Easter Breakfast, served 8:30-9:30 am, followed by service at 10 am, with both new and traditional music throughout the service. Communion is open to all. Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
