THE HOPE OF EASTER

For more than three decades, Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna has revealed the hope of Easter.

About 80 volunteers from young children to teenagers and adults come together on Good Friday to provide a visual and powerful way to share the story of Jesus Christ, his suffering on the cross and the hope of Easter morning when Jesus arose from the dead.

At one time the service was held outside, but Kris Oppegard, a deacon at Trinity, is more comfortable with the idea of being in a more controlled environment indoors. “It’s an added bonus to be inside,” she says.

While the story line is essentially the same from year to year, Oppegard said a couple scenes are updated and added each year. This year’s different scenes included the woman at the well and Zacchaeus in the sycamore tree.

Chunks of bread, palm branches and nails are offered to those in attendance to give them a taste of what Jesus has done for his people.

Besides being important in teaching children about Jesus’ ministry, death and resurrection, Oppegard said Trinity’s long-standing tradition is valuable in another way.  “It’s enduring to see family systems come together. Grandparents come with their grandkids,” she said, noting many of them used to bring their own children.

Andrea Van Gelder, who assists with the music portion of the service, said she likes how the kids get to tell the story. She noted children from first grade to seniors are involved with the performance.

Both Van Gelder and Oppegard said they have no problems finding kids to be actors and musicians in the Good Friday service.

“It shows them the larger community and what we can do together,” they said.

Added Oppegard, “It’s just part of our rhythm (at Trinity).”