Christians celebrate Easter in variety of ways
Christians from all over Ashtabula County celebrated Easter morning with music, scripture, sermons and food.
An early morning interdenominational 'sonrise' service took place on Andover Square, with more that 60 people in attendance.
Justin Dye provided the message, going back in history to the 1960s when musicians Bill and Gloria Gaither were starting a musical ministry, which provided songs that connected with their love of Jesus Christ.
He said the Gaithers wrote in response to a unique time in American history, where young people were breaking away from societal norms, drug use was on the rise and political discord was rampant.
'We can all have hope into the future because of Jesus Christ,' Dye said of the difference the resurrection made more than 2000 years ago, providing freedom from sin and death.
In Jefferson, Rev. Jeremy Roseberry, pastor of Jefferson United Methodist Church, played his saxophone and drew people into the Easter message while standing in front of the church for the sunrise service.
'We gather in the early morning of your resurrection,' Roseberry said in a responsive reading with his parishioners. 'Today we realize that joy comes from our grieving,' he said of the time spent reflecting on the Good Friday crucifixion, followed by the Easter morning experience.
At First Covenant Church in Saybrook Township, Ed Pickard led a breakfast discussion on the varying Gospel accounts of the resurrection. He presented a series of points that help explain seeming inconsistencies in the four Gospels' recounting of the event.
Hundreds of people heard the last local message by Father John Keehner, who will soon take over as bishop for the Sioux City, Iowa diocese.
'It was kind of teary at the end of Mass,' Keehner said of his reaction to his final time leading worship in Ashtabula. He said he felt sadness as well as excitement regarding his new calling.
He said Father Connor Hetzel will be leading the parish, with Rev. Francis Muriithi coming to serve as well.
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