This special feature highlights some of the religious services being held over the Easter weekend.

Sharing the Christian spirit for Easter

“At the Church of St Andrew, during Holy Week and Easter, we remember that Christ died for us, and reflect on the pain of the crucifixion and the hope that lies beyond Christ’s death through the resurrection,” says session clerk Suzanne Hogan.

“The message emphasises the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and the new life He offers, encouraging believers to find hope, purpose, forgiveness and healing in His resurrection.”

In their Easter services, Suzanne says St Andrew’s uses the Gospel of Luke, “a careful, historical account where we receive the facts of our Saviour’s arrest, execution and most importantly resurrection.”

“Our vision at St Andrew’s is sharing Jesus Christ by worship, teaching, friendship and care.

“In keeping with our vision, we welcome the opportunity to share the Easter message with the broader community and warmly invite you to join us at one of our services.”

With services held across Canberra from Thursday, April 17, to Sunday, April 20, Suzanne recommends visitors bring friends and family to reflect and celebrate together with their church communities.

The Church of St Andrew, in State Circle, Forrest; the St Andrew’s Scullin Church (corner of Ross Smith Crescent and Gatty Street) and the Weston Creek Presbyterian Church (Mahony Court near the Cooleman Court Shopping Centre) will be participating in the Easter celebrations and reflections.

Presbyterian Church of Saint Andrew. 1 State Circuit, Forrest. Call 6295 3457 or visit standrewscanberra.com

Reconnecting with Jesus and God

Divergent Church pastor Kade Klemke says the Easter holiday is a great opportunity to remember and think of the importance and significance of the symbol of the cross.

“It’s not just history,” says Kade.

“We believe the Bible and the testimonials are still important to this day.”

More than 2000 years old, the weight of Jesus’ sacrifice on Easter and His resurrection is an important story that highlights the significance of connection and relationships with God, says Kade.

Open to the general public, the Divergent Church will host two services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

“The Easter weekend is a great time to learn about Jesus and God, and understand how He has become a significant part of our life and culture,” says Kade.

“The symbolism of the cross represents forgiveness and peace, and how Jesus lay down His life to allow us to live.”

Kade says Divergent Church believes Church isn’t just an event you attend, but a community of people living out the life of Christ.

“We live for His cause and act as catalysts to bless a world that does not know Jesus.”

“Jesus reconnected us with God and the Easter weekend is an important time to reflect on all that He has done for us.”

Divergent Church. 148/2 Akuna Street, Canberra. Call 0468 383 575 or visit divergentchurch.com

An inclusive Easter weekend journey

A “place for everyone”, the Holy Covenant Anglican Church will be honouring the Easter weekend with its Holy Week celebrations from Sunday, April 13 to Easter Sunday.

Valuing all that Jesus did, the church says it prioritises inclusion, diversity, compassion, justice and freedom.

“We are a community of friends who can help you to become all that God made you to be,” the church says.

“We seek to help people become all they were created to be. When we can be our true selves, we are then able to help the world become a better place for everybody.”

Open to all, the Holy Covenant Church’s Holy Week started with Palm Sunday before moving to Maundy Thursday, Good Friday services, Holy Saturday services and Easter Sunday.

Stations of the Cross and a Vigil at 4pm and 5pm respectively on Saturday are a new addition to its Easter weekend program this year.

“Holy Covenant is different because we focus on God’s abundance and strive to make the world better rather than simply waiting around for heaven to arrive.  “Where some promote isolation and perfectionism, we encourage engagement and embracing diversity.”

As the celebrations for Holy Week begin, the church says it is a “journey we travel with the whole company of the church in all its richness and diversity.”

Holy Covenant Anglican Church. 89 Dexter Street, Cook. Visit holycovenant.org.au or call 6251 6100.