Easter weekend services

Easter weekend will be busy for Shafter residents who want to celebrate the holiday with the community.

The Shafter Ministerial Association will once again host the annual Sonrise Service at Mannel Park. The service will take place on Easter Sunday beginning at 6:30 a.m. Mike Scialabba from the Congregational Church of Shafter will be delivering the message.

The service will begin as the sun rises with a praise and worship time, singing of hymns and spirituals. Teen Challenge will be on hand to perform with their choir. After the praise and worship, Pastor Scialabba will be speaking. The association invites people from all denominations and churches to gather together with one purpose – to celebrate the risen King.

The weekend will begin on Friday night with the community Good Friday Service, which will be held this year at First Southern Baptist Church of Shafter, 240 Kern St., beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 19. The service will include representatives of many churches, including Justin Medlock, of Shafter Christian Fellowship; Dave Moorehead, of New Hope Community Church; and host Pastor Jim Neal, of First Southern Baptist Church. Music will be performed by Pastor Randy Miller of First Southern Baptist Church, with congregational singing.

Pastor Medlock’s message will be “Trials, Tribulations and Triumphs of Christ,” which will then be followed by the main speaker of the evening, Pastor Jim Neal. Pastor Neal will be speaking on, “The Week That Was.” The message is one of tragedy, triumph, strength, faith and hope.

—Jamie Stewart