Good Friday Community Gathering brings all faiths together

Anytime a church congregation comes together to celebrate the glory of Easter in prayer, Scripture and song, there is an undeniable feeling of unity that ties it all together.

But when a community comes together as one to celebrate Easter in that same fashion, in a setting devoid of the various minor differences in belief between denominations, something powerful and unifying happens, and it becomes more than just an event; it becomes a shared experience of joy, hope and meaning.

On Friday, April 3 at 7 p.m. at the Perry Reese Jr. Community Center at Hiland High School, the public is invited to rejoice in the Good Friday Community Gathering, which in the past has been a celebration of community coming together to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the glory of unity that is achieved when people unite with one purpose.

In creating an event that is guided by leaders from many area churches, Pastor Larry Kaufman of Grace Church said it welcomes everyone, whether churched or not, and doesn’t focus on any single church.

“We don’t want this to be connected to any single church,” Kaufman said. “This is designed to be a community thing, and from the beginning, there has been a heart to include many area pastors and make it nondenominational with a focus solely on Jesus and God’s presence and blessing in our community. We want it to feel a little bit like what heaven might feel like.”

He said dismissing any segregations and barriers that can stand in the way of connecting with other churches makes this worship event one everyone can enjoy.

“In Ephesians, Paul says there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all,” Kaufman said. “This event is with that in mind.”

One reason the event has become so cherished is because the praise and worship music has a way of breaking down barriers. Featuring a worship band comprised of talented musicians throughout the area, people may come from different backgrounds, but they suddenly find themselves connected in a way that breaks down the smallest of barriers and focuses on faith.

Kaufman said singing together creates a sense of belonging, where voices blend, harmonies rise and hearts align around a common message of renewal and resurrection, which is the sole purpose of the event.

There’s also the emotional inspiration music brings to the Easter story. Songs that reflect themes of sacrifice, redemption and victory don’t just tell the story; they help people experience it.

The gathering creates a triumphant chorus, whether through songs, prayer or Scripture, mirroring the journey of Christ from sorrow to joy.

“This is an event that strengthens our community,” Kaufman said. “Whether people are singing or hearing the words of the Easter story being told, there’s an energy that can spark conversations, encourage connections and remind people they’re part of something bigger than themselves.”

In the end music turns an Easter gathering into something deeply memorable — a moment where faith, emotion and community all come together in one voice.

There will be much more than just the praise and worship music. Several area pastors will be involved with the evening, with two of them offering mini-sermons focusing on Jesus’ final words on the cross.

“This year we are focusing on the words ‘It is finished’ and in the garden prior to his crucifixion where Jesus says, ‘Can this cup be taken from me; not my will but yours be done,’” Kaufman said.

Those presentations will be offered by Pastor John Risner of Mennonite Christian Assembly and by Pastor Keith Byler of Fairlawn Church.

In addition, other pastors will be involved with the communion portion of the evening.

Kaufman said it is a very free-flowing time with every intention focused squarely on Jesus. In the final activity of the evening, there is a prayer time of dedication with all area pastors and their spouses convening on stage to express unity.

“We may have some differences within our respective churches, but we all believe that as a whole we are all working together toward the same ultimate goal of bringing people to Christ,” Kaufman said. “We’re all being kingdom minded. It’s beautiful, and that in turn becomes a witness.”

This evening of praise and worship continues to bring the community closer together in faith, and it continues to be an enormous drawing card that has nearly filled the Reese Center to capacity.