For some, Easter is about quality time with the family and enjoying the long weekend.
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But for Christians all around the world, Good Friday and East Sunday is a time to reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope that message brings to everyone.
Bathurst Presbyterian Church will celebrate Good Friday at 9am, with Sunday services at 9am, 10.30am and 6pm running as usual.
Pastor Tristan Merkel said Easter is something worth celebrating.
“For us, it’s something exciting because it’s all about Jesus,” he said.
“This is a big event for something that happened to a man crucified on the other side of the world in ancient Palestine almost 2000 years ago.
“We’re keen for people to come along and find out what this is all about and who Jesus is.
“There’s more to Easter than the public holiday. What Jesus has done is good news and Jesus gives us a chance to be saved and forgiven.”
The Cathedral Parish of St Michael and St John will host the Way of the Cross at 10am on Good Friday, followed by the Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion, both at the Cathedral.
This will be followed by the Easter Virgil at 7.30pm on Saturday, before mass on Sunday at 10am.
Dean of the Cathedral Father Paul Devitt said Easter is about new life emerging from death.
“It is about the possibility of fresh starts, new beginnings and the realisation of our potential,” he said.
“It reminds us that whatever happens to us, we are never quite defeated or finished.
“The risen Christ is the source of hope. We live and die in the sure and certain hope that, if we die with him, we shall rise to life with him.
“Easter is the Christian season of hope and promise of eternal life with Christ.”
Bathurst Baptist Church pastor John Armstrong said Easter is a time to remember the significance of Jesus and his place in the lives of veryone.
“It gives us a chance to reflect on how far God has gone to show his love and care for us,” he said.
“Also, it’s a chance to gather corporately to remember Jesus’ saving activities for us.”
The Good Friday service for the baptist church will be at 9am, with a 6am sunrise service near the river by the Eglinton Bridge on Sunday morning.
This will be followed by an Easter celebration service at 9.30am.
C3 Church Bathurst will not have a Good Friday service but will have two services on Sunday, at 9am and 10.30am.
Attendance during Easter is usually slightly higher for the church, however attendances are good throughout the year.