Easter on the horizon in Lodi
With March coming to a close, churches in Lodi are preparing for Easter Sunday, beginning with Good Friday.
On Friday evening, Father Brandon Ware led a bilingual Stations of the Cross service at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, representing the 14 steps of the crucifixion of Jesus, whom Ware quoted as he addressed the congregation.
“These 14 steps you are about to walk, you do not walk alone, for I am with you. We are as one. My way of the cross 2,000 years ago, and your way now, are also one. But just as my 14 steps are not complete until I am crowned by me death, so, too will your 14 steps not be complete until you are crowned by your life,” Ware said.
Ware then walked around the wall of the church, stopping at each of the 14 mosaics representing the 14 stations. He was joined by Silvia Valdez, a lector, and the two took turns reading a passage and leading a prayer at each station: Ware speaking English for one, and Valdez reading in Spanish for the next.
More and more members of the congregation joined Ware and Valdez at each station, following them around the church. After Ware concluded the service with a last reading, some of the congregation left while others stayed to pray.
“Accept each moment that comes to you with faith and trust that my mark is on it. Seek me out not in far off places, for I am close at hand. Go now, take up your cross and through your life, complete your way. Amen,” Ware said.
On Easter Sunday, hundreds are expected at the Sunrise Easter Service at Lodi Lake, according to Pastor Dallas Hamm, who oversees the high school ministry at First Baptist Church of Lodi. Hamm has led the service for the past six years, although he says that the church has held the service for even longer.
“They’ve been doing that long before I even got here, about 20 years now. It’s a time of worship. Someone comes up and gives their testimony, talking about how Jesus changed their life. Then, there’s usually a small sermon by one of the pastors. We also have bonfires, there’s coffee and doughnuts,” Hamm said.
First Baptist typically doesn’t advertise the service too heavily, Hamm said, as many people in Lodi already know to come. In years past, he added, the service has drawn anywhere from 150 people up to 300, when other churches help lead the service.
“Mostly, this year is just First Baptist. There have been years in the past where Faith Community and Vinewood have done it with us, but this year we’re taking the lead,” Hamm said.
Although the service begins at 6 a.m., Hamm advises people to arrive early and bring their chairs to avoid large crowds struggling to find parking at Lodi Lake, 1101 W. Turner Road, Lodi.
“A lot of people who live closer walk. There’s some parking, but not a lot,” Hamm said.
At 6 p.m. Saturday, Christian musician Shawn McDonald will perform at First Baptist Church, 267 N. Mills Ave., Lodi. Tickets are $10, and can be purchased at www.connectedconcerts.com.