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Home , Easter basket, Easter bonnet, Easter parade, Easter traditions

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“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here; he is risen!” Luke 24:5

Celebrating the Hope of marks the 40-day period of solemn cleansed the Temple Holy (Spy) most solemn and prayer and repentance. area from shameful Wednesday Pontius Pilate bowed Christ’s disciples revered period on the recalls practices. Luke 19 indi- This day marks to the pressure of the were heartbroken at his Christian calendar. Holy Christ’s arrival in cates that Pharisees Judas’ betrayal of Temple leadership and death and observed the Week helps to mark the when he was warn Jesus that he when he met with high the crowds, condemn- Jewish Sabbath in sor- Paschal Mystery, which received with lavish should silence the priests. Judas was paid ing Jesus to death by row, forgetting about includes the Passion, praise and excitement. crowd’s praises toward 30 pieces of silver for . Christ was the promise of resurrec- death, resurrection, and Catholic Online, the on- him. his information. forced to tion. ascension of Jesus line guide to the through crowds wearing Christ. Catholic faith, says Holy Thursday a of thorns to Easter Sunday Many events un- Jesus arrived humbly on As described in John On this evening symbolize his status as The public discov- folded in a short period a donkey to show he 12:20-36 and John Christ dined for King of the Jews, and ered that Jesus’ tomb of time during the final came in peace as a man 13:21-38, some people Passover with his disci- carried a massive was empty and that he days of Christ’s physi- of the people. As signs observed Christ’s pre- ples at The , wooden cross on his fulfilled his promise to cal existence on earth. of respect, townspeople dictions of his own creating a template for back. He was nailed to rise from the dead. This These events are placed clothes, branches death on this day. He Holy and Holy the cross by the ankles is a great feast day with marked during Holy and palm fronds in front was also confronted by Eucharist celebrations. and wrists and hanged worship and celebra- Week. To understand of Jesus. Temple leadership for During the meal, Jesus for three hours. He died tion. Easter Sunday is them further, here’s a the cleansing of the predicted the events that at 3 pm. His body was the foremost day of reli- day-by-day guide. Temple the day before, would immediately fol- hastily removed and put gious observance within Matthew 21 and and they questioned his low, including his be- in a tomb. the Christian faith. Palm Sunday Mark 11 indicate that authority. trayal, the denial of Palm Sunday is the Christ returned to Peter, and his death and final Sunday of , a Jerusalem this day and resurrection.

A Supplement to The Clermont Sun, The Ripley Bee, The News Democrat, The Peoples Defender, The Ledger Independent Faith and Family - Celebrating the Easter Season 2020 Faith and Family Page 2 And I took the road less traveled It was the spring of pany, helping round up were very different. hope to them while par- ing law practice in New has also been a wonder- 1995. I was a twenty- funding for basketball Well, reading about ticipating in delivering Jersey, to my own par- ful encouragement. four-year-old seminary and volleyball courts, Paul, maybe not that justice. ents and family, and es- In his poem, “The student driving up enduring the unimagin- different. But I have not given pecially to a church Road Not Taken,” Route 68 through Paris able floods of early I have never believed up on sharing the gospel family that grew up Robert Frost speaks and Maysville, Ken- March in 1997, working working as an attorney whenever afforded the with me over those about coming to a fork tucky, headed for on and learning about and as a pastor are in- opportunity. During fourteen years. in the road one morning Brown County and an the rhythms of On returning, we and trying to decide interview to become the farm life and how found a place to which way was better. Pastor of Decatur and they compared to hang a shingle and He writes, “And both Mount Olivet United my growing up the opportunity to that morning equally Methodist Churches. crabbing, clam- partner up with lay. In leaves no step Growing up in the shad- ming, and fishing some great attor- had trodden black. Oh, I ows of Atlantic City, the the back bays and neys, Yonas and kept the first for another Big Red Machine was ocean around At- Rink, looking to day! Yet knowing how all I knew about the lantic City, New move back to the way leads on to way, I area. Jersey, killing coy- Brown County doubted if I should ever When I first turned otes, nights at the area. John Yonas come back.” During my my car onto Russel- dirt track with my and his wife are late teens, I chose semi- lville-Winchester Road, neighbors, and so Western Brown nary over law school those who have become many more mem- graduates. God put thinking I was shutting so dear to me and I, my- ories came back us together while I a door on a career in the self, had no idea that the and made their was moving back law. God reopened it a first meeting would be way into stories and he was looking few years later. Twenty- so important. That and sermons over to expand back two years ago, I left night my destination the next twenty into his hometown Brown County thinking was Richard “Butch” odd years. area from down- I would never return. Arn’s house. After a few town Cincinnati. God opened the way. Butch had agreed to years in the full- Having the ability Unlike with Frost’s pre- be the head of the time pulpit and to work with their diction, I have been able search committee for three in adminis- firm and American to take both roads a few the new pastor. I was to tration at Cir- By James Schroeder Homeland Title times in my life when meet with him and his cleville helped me get on God brought me back family before we College, I found my feet during this around. headed to meet the rest myself at a hinge- transition. God A lot has changed in of the gathered faithful. point in my life where I compatible. I see them law school and before knew what I needed and the last twenty-five Butch is one of the decided to pursue a law both as wonderful op- my children were born, delivered on time, as he years since I first turned greatest men I have ever degree in my last portunities to serve. I spent summers travel- always has. my old car onto Russel- met. Still, I wonder if he months at Circleville. People who find them- ing to preach at camp It has been an adven- lville-Winchester Road. would have even Over the years, many selves in very tough sit- meetings. A bible study ture returning to Brown Decatur and Mount opened the door on that people have asked me uations often turn to held in our home turned County with a wife and Olivet are no longer night if he knew that how I can be both an at- their minister, lawyer, into a fourteen-year ad- three children. We United Methodist only three years later, in torney and a pastor. It and doctor. I don’t do venture serving as the enjoy time on the farm Churches but continue June of 1998, I would seems the point of their well around blood and founding pastor of and the small-town life to share the gospel and marry his daughter and question is, “are these needles, so I will leave Crossroads Community of Sardinia. I get to serve as important parts leave with her to return two careers compati- the third of these profes- Church of Indian Mills, walk my children a cou- of our community. to my native New Jer- ble?” I sometimes point sions to someone else’s New Jersey. Then, I felt ple of blocks each day I have travelled a lot sey. out that many claim the calling. As a former God call my family to Brown County Chris- of different roads since I remember the pre- Apostle Paul, author of prosecutor, I found back to the farm in tian School, sometimes then, and God has now ceding three years liv- a large portion of our many opportunities to Brown County to be preaching a chapel or returned me to Brown ing across from the New Testament, was an speak light, hope, and closer to my wife’s fam- substitute teaching. County to serve and be church in Decatur as attorney - or at least a truth into people’s lives. ily. Having old friends in- part of a community I some of the best of my form of prosecutor for a These times were often It has not been the vite me to share about came to love so long life. Making good portion of his life. Of in one of the worst mo- easiest of transitions, Christ at their churches ago. friends, serving on the course, lawyers two ments of their life. I had saying goodbye to a ful- and meeting new people Township Fire Com- thousand years ago an opportunity to speak filling and often thriv- as I travel the county

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Psalms 136:1-127:26

Happy Easter!

Faith and Family - Celebrating the Easter Season 2020 Faith and Family Page 3

Mom is Our Family’s Rock By Andrew Wood arm. (Who knew that a striding down the center stained-glass, dramatic ularly. She made sure in our family. This broken humerus could aisle through church - architecture, and a that I participated and caught her completely My mom probably affect balance so se- looking for a seat where booming organ. But it is treated everyone with by surprise. But truer didn’t know that she verely?) And no one an- she could attempt to get uniquely ours when it courtesy and respect. words were never spo- was inspiring others that ticipated the domino back to normal and re- comes to family memo- And when I was ready, ken. day when she came to effect of health prob- connect with her church ries. Unforgettable mo- I assumed leadership church. In fact, she was lems that would follow friends and with her cre- ments with weddings, roles. Note: Andrew Wood embarrassed that she as she nursed a painful ator. Turning an ordi- baptisms, and funerals. When my dad passed is a Maysville City made her way through and debilitating fracture nary Sunday service And my mom was in away, it hit my mom Commissioner and a the sanctuary only with in multiple hospitals into a reason for cele- every one of them. hard. She said, “We member of the First the aid of a walker. and extended care facil- bration and reaffirma- She did not lead or or- have lost our rock.” All Presbyterian Church in Mom had endured a dif- ities. tion. ganize the prayer cir- of us kids told her that Maysville ficult three months after But there she was, Our church is like cles, but she made sure we had not lost our rock falling and breaking her completely unexpected, many others with that I was in church reg- - that she was the rock GOD'S Rx for Anxiety Attacks! By Libbie Bennett, that priceless treasure, Doctor's, phone calls at thoughts and our hearts! secret to David's ings come down to calm Chair GOD's Holy Word, that midnite, facing the fu- When we are so bro- strength by reading I our spirits. County Task Force has answers to every ture, to name just a few. ken hearted or burdened Sam. 30:6 Let's share our GOD Natl. Day of Prayer problem in this life. In- Our reactions: heart by bad news that Often our spirits are stories with others; we deed the Bible is a love racing, chills and shak- causes an anxiety at- 'in drought'; then read all talk about the news, In our world letter from our Heav- ing, your stomach in a tack, we must cling to God's promise in Isaiah weather, family etc but today life is 'stressful' enly Father; and its a knot, cannot eat or the 3 R's - read His 58:11 - why not reach why not talk of the whether at work, at 'road map' that gives us sleep, feeling depressed, Word, realize its in- out to family and LORD and be a bless- school or at home. The daily direction for our are just some of the spired of GOD and re- friends, asking them to ing to others as we're media recommends lives when we are at a symptoms: diagnosis" member so we can find pray for you to have a told in 1 Cor. 15:58 working out at the gym crossroad. an 'anxiety attack'! His peace. 'sound mind' 11 Timo- or some kind of exer- In our culture today At times like that find Read Ps 34 to find thy 1:7. We're to be cise. Others tell us to we face 'anxiety attacks' the Bible and read His comfort and strength; Watch for daily re- about GOD's work - practice yoga or some - fear of the unknown, precious Holy Word. And when we're feeling minders of GOD's love Col 3:23 kind of mental religion. strange sounds in the There are 365 'fear nots' weak, read Isaiah for you; it's not 'luck' and 1 Cor 15:58 But they overlook nite, bad news at the and GOD knows our 41:10. We can find the when unexpected bless-

And very early in the morning the first [day] of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. Matthew 16-2 thru 16-6

Faith and Family - Celebrating the Easter Season 2020 Faith and Family Page 4 A quilt for the heart

By Marc Barnes the thick of all that, I re- love and support of my Life is much better if you know her, please for a long time, which ceived this quilt as a wife Leslie and family, now by the grace of share my sincere thanks we could never find I was in the military gift, made by “Patricia” no gift meant more to God, but I still treasure and heartfelt apprecia- time or money to do years ago and when I in Richmond. I think the me than this quilt, and this quilt and always tion. It meant more than while raising our chil- came back from Iraq in idea was that it would the kind heart and gifted will. I kept it on the she realized it would, dren. This friend paid early 2005, I was really go to a deployed service hands of someone I did- back of a couch by the I’m sure. her way to a quilters affected by what I saw member, based on the n’t know, who made it window for a while, not And one last note ... meet, found a second- in the combat hospital tag on the back, but it for me. I can’t tell you realizing the affect sun- last year, a dear friend hand machine for her there and life kinda found its way to me how many times I sat on light could have on it, and longtime quilter too, and now she’s mak- went sideways for me where we lived in north- my couch fighting the and it faded in some took my amazing wife ing quilts as well, and for many years. PTSD, ern Virginia at the time. seemingly endless bat- places, but it’s still of 27 years under her absolutely loving it. depression and all that Through all those dif- tles in my head, with beautiful, and I love it. I wing and began teach- goes with it. ficult years after Iraq, this quilt covering my don’t know Patricia and ing her to quilt, some- In 2010 or 2011, in besides the constant legs. have never met her, but thing she’s wanted to do Finding faith during Easter celebrations

For many Christians, Passover due to its and blood, soon to be and Holy Mass that Easter are commonly long vigil that the fol- modern Easter celebra- proximity on the calen- sacrificed and shed. would become another referred to as Holy lowers of Jesus Christ tions would not be com- dar and the fact that Christians believe The core component of the Week. This encom- held after his death and plete without bonnets, Jesus was Jewish. The Last Supper marked the Christian faith. passes Palm Sunday burial). bunnies and colored Bible states that Jesus first transubstantiation, Easter is a time of and lasts through Holy On Easter Sunday, eggs. As fun as those four women, including components can be, Mary Magdalene, went is at the to Christ’s tomb to heart of Easter, which is anoint his body with the most important date spices and oils. They on the Christian reli- found the tomb was gious calendar. Easter empty and were met Sunday marks the cul- with an angel who told mination of events that them that Jesus had shaped the beliefs and been raised from the teachings of an entire dead. A biblical account faith. in John 20:14-16 indi- Easter marks the Res- cates that Mary Magda- urrection of Jesus lene was the first to Christ, which Christians speak with the risen believe occurred within Jesus. She mistakes days of his crucifixion Jesus for a gardener and and burial. The New says to him, “Sir, if you Testament indicates that have carried him away, the Resurrection of tell me where you have Jesus is one of the chief laid him, and I will take tenets of the Christian him away.” Jesus said to faith and established her, “Mary!” She turned Jesus as the Son of God. and said to him, “Rab- Easter is an example boni!” In regard to his that God will right- apostle,s Simon Peter eously judge the world was the first to see the by sacrificing His son risen Christ. for the sins of others. Easter is a time of joy And any person who and celebration, and a chooses to follow Jesus participated in the or the turning of bread great celebration that is Thursday (the day of great opportunity for receives everlasting life Passover meal during and wine into the actual preceded by Lent, a The Last Supper), Good Christians to immerse thanks to Christ’s Res- The Last Supper. At The substance of Christ’s weeklong period of re- Friday (when Jesus was themselves in their urrection. Last Supper, Jesus iden- body and blood. This flection, prayer and re- crucified and placed in faith. Easter is linked to the tified the matzo (bread) also was the first cele- pentance. The days the tomb), and Holy Jewish celebration of and wine as his body bration of the Eucharist immediately prior to Saturday (the 40-hour-

And if Christ be not raised, your faith [is] vain; ye are yet in your sins. 1 Corinthians 15:17

Happy Easter!

Faith and Family - Celebrating the Easter Season 2020 Faith and Family Page 5 The Red Boots By Kate Zweigart worn indoors for any hand-me-downs arrived Easter eggs and blos- nately, I was able to find indeed gift us with new length of time. But to in the mail with regular- soms, dainty dresses comfort in the chocolate life and brings spring to I glared at my mother have to wear them on ity, so it was a rarity for shouldn’t be buried bunny nestled in my our cold and frozen as she stood in the door- Easter Sunday, a day me to have a new dress under winter coats, and among the souls. When we are in way holding my winter dedicated to new life and I was looking for- shiny shoes shouldn’t candy eggs and marsh- the midst of an unex- coat and a pair of red and rebirth, was an in- ward to my Easter fin- be crammed into red mallow chicks. pected spiritual winter, rubber boots. I hated sult indeed! ery. Imagine my dismay rubber boots! My As an adult, I look we need only remember those boots. They went It was my seventh when a fresh blanket of mother insisted I wear back at that Easter and that God, through the on over my shoes and Easter and I was de- white greeted me on both the coat and the grin at my disgruntle- gift of his Son, promises required much tugging lighted to have a new that cold March morn- boots despite my ment, although the rebirth. The snow will and pulling to get them dress with matching ing instead of the de- protests and much to the memory still has a little melt, flowers will on and a like amount of and black patent leather sired and expected dismay of my feminine tinge of disappointment bloom again, and yes, tugging and pulling to shoes to wear to church. sunshine and flowers. heart. A frilly frock ac- associated with it. And even those red rubber get them off. And my I had seven older female Snow shouldn’t cover cessorized with red rub- as a mature Christian, boots will be put away feet would get all cousins and big card- a landscape that was ber boots? It wasn’t the every Easter I am re- for good! sweaty if they were board boxes full of meant to be dotted with look I was after! Fortu- minded that Jesus does Cracking the tradition of hiding Easter eggs Come Easter Sunday, them to the Christian nents of the Easter holi- known accounts of the in the Bible in which and decorate nests for eager children wake up faith. Eggs held associ- day, as they were pro- origins of women discovered the eggs and wait to see to see if the Easter ations with new life and hibited (like meat) hunts. The religious ver- Christ’s empty tomb. if they would be popu- Bunny has visited their lated, according to Dis- homes. For many fami- covery.com. This lies, Easter would not tradition became popu- be the same without an lar in America with the annual . From arrival of Dutch and chocolate confections to German settlers in money-filled plastic in the shells to colorful, hand- 1700s. decorated hard-boiled By the 20th century, eggs, the decorated Easter nests (and his parental were replaced with bas- helpers) hide eggs all kets, and Osterhase was around. more affectionately As with many tradi- known as the Easter tions, people may en- Bunny, who chose to gage in the festivities leave eggs as well as without really under- treats and candy. Easter standing the origins be- celebrations continued hind the fun. It can be to marry both the reli- interesting to unearth gious and secular to just how such egg hunts form many of the cus- were hatched. toms that are known As with many reli- widely today. gious traditions, Easter Easter egg hunts are egg coloring and hunts spring. However, early during Lent. But on sion has Protestant re- Another account traces enjoyed by the young trace their origins to Christians turned the Easter, fasting ended former Martin Luther the tradition to the and old on Easter. pre-Christian societies. egg into a symbol of the and eggs were a part of organizing hunts for his Dutch tale of the “Os- They’re a key part of These societies devel- Resurrection and the Easter celebrations, par- congregation. The men chter Haws” (“Oster- celebrations. Just re- oped rituals surrounding empty shell became a ticularly for the poor would hide the eggs for hase” in German), member to find all those nature, the seasons and representation of who couldn’t afford women and children to which was a hare that hard-boiled eggs in a more. Some traditions Christ’s tomb. Eggs also meat. find, which mirrors laid eggs in the grass. timely fashion. were adapted to link were important compo- There are two widely Resurrection accounts Children would build

Happy Easter!

Faith and Family - Celebrating the Easter Season 2020 Faith and Family Page 6 Ready for Something New

By Reverend Cartney’s listed in the McCartney hailed as a to Winnipeg, leaving Chicago. My dad was years, and my mother is James Dougans phone book. Highland dancing behind the safety and not there to assist, he still going strong. She If the caller had asked prodigy, whose earnings comfort of family and had gone on ahead to lives without assistance “Is Paul McCartney for John McCartney, my as a child helped pay the known, for the new make arrangements. It in her own home. She there?” asked the caller. mother could have re- her parent’s taxes. and unknown. My was up to my mother to had hip replacement “No,” said my mother, galed them with stories My mother, Dorothy mother remarks that soothe a crying infant surgery last year. It went exasperation in her of her uncle, the famous McCartney, looked up “she was ready for brother Glenn, and so well she wondered if voice. “No, Paul Mc- Scottish footballer, and to her big sister Jean. In- something new.” comfort sister Patricia, they had actually done Cartney doesn’t live coach. The one who lost spired by Jean’s ex- An even bolder step age 3. I didn’t help mat- the surgery! You are an here. He doesn’t live in part of his leg to a terri- ploits, she sought to came in 1957. A Dou- ters with a bout of mo- inspiration, mom! Saskatoon, he lives in ble football injury. Or make her own mark. glas DC-7, four pro- tion sickness, a lifelong Note: James Dougans Liverpool.” Hanging up she could have talked She married at twenty- pellers thrashing the air, malady. It wasn’t the is pastor of the First the phone, she thought on about her sister, the five in 1950. In 1953, transported my mother smoothest start to our Presbyterian Church in to herself, it’s a nui- “Wonder Child of the with one child in tow, and now three children new life in the “states.” Maysville. sance to be the only Mc- West.” About the Jean the family moved east from Winnipeg to Fast forward 63 Meanings behind the Easter lily

Easter symbols and lily has always been lilies how they grow: Legend has it that, after have prayed before his In Easter celebra- traditions help make the highly regarded in the they toil not, they spin Jesus’ death and resur- crucifixion. They were tions, the lily represents holiday familiar and Christ’s Resurrection, special. Eggs, hot cross and thusly new birth buns and frilly church and new life. The deli- dresses help paint the cate, white blooms can picture, and so does a be viewed as pure, inno- delicate and beautiful cent and untainted by white flower. the world. The Easter lily plant The flower itself is is native to both Taiwan used in various ways to and the Ryukyu Islands tell the resurrection of Japan. The plant’s story. The bulb is buried flowering season begins in the ground as a repre- in April and ends in sentation of Christ’s June. The plant pro- tomb. The trumpet- duces pure white flow- shaped fragrant flowers ers on top of long stems. also announce life after Easter lilies often adorn death, since bulbed homes and church altars flowers often regrow during this time of year. year after year, accord- Tradition states that ing to the religious re- the Easter lily origi- source All About Jesus. nated in the Garden of And the trumpet shape Eden from the teardrops signifies the angel of Eve that spread when Gabriel’s trumpet call. she and Adam were cast It’s common for out of the garden. These Easter lilies to decorate were believed to be Christian Church. Jesus not; and yet I say unto rection, lilies were believed to have sprung homes, churches, gar- tears of repentance. even references the you, that Solomon in all found growing in the up from a drop of sweat dens, and more through- Historians and bibli- flower in Luke 12:27, his glory was not ar- Garden of Gethsemane, from his brow when his out the Easter season. cal scholars say that the stating “Consider the rayed like one of these.” where Jesus is said to head was bent in prayer.

HISTORY When celebrating attend church services tlemen often put on dresses. Children, too, particular tend to wear , could be Easter, many Christians and family gatherings. their best suits and wear formal on an item of interest that seen in their finest don their best apparel to On Easter Sunday, gen- women their fanciest Easter Sunday. Girls in seems to only appear clothes with intricate once per year. bonnets - often Bonnets are part of wreathed in flowers - the Easter attire for on their heads. Because many girls, and even Easter coincides with some women. Bonnets spring, lilies, daffodils, are part of long tradi- azaleas, hyacinths, and tion of wearing new other blooms would clothes on Easter that adorn and hair. originated in parts of Even though the Europe, such as Great Easter may not Britain. In fact, the tra- be as popular as it once dition even dates back was, many people still to Shakespearean times, embrace this tradition. as an “Easter suit” is In areas of the United referenced in “Romeo Kingdom, for example, and Juliet.” children and women According to some design elaborate and os- historians, there was a tentatious bonnets. In notion that ill-luck the , some would affect a person hat-decorating contests who did not have some- still coincide with thing new to wear on Easter festivities. Chil- Easter, and the bonnet dren in primary grades is an element of new- also may design Easter- ness that fits the bill for or spring-themed hats many young girls and that they can wear dur- women. ing holiday celebra- It wasn’t until the tions. 19th century that the Easter bonnets have a gained storied history. From popularity in the Amer- European beginnings to icas. Women and chil- parade staples, they’re dren participating in often a hallmark of the Color your own Easter Bonnet! Easter , notably spring season. the

Faith and Family - Celebrating the Easter Season 2020 Faith and Family Page 7 An old fashioned Easter All during Lent, I toss for making us such yellow and red onion “green advocates”. She Rita Heikenfeld skins into my old hand- colored our eggs with Rita is an herbalist, educator, media carved wooden salad onion skins. When we personality, food journalist and author. bowls from Lebanon. were kids, we liked Her website abouteating.com reaches The reason? To make commercially colored people who share their tips, thoughts, homemade dye for col- eggs better, but as I recipes and memories. She lives on a oring Easter eggs natu- grew older, I came to little patch of heaven in Clermont rally. appreciate just what the County with her family. Along with the onion onion skin eggs meant. skins I’ll use red cab- More than just color- bage, the spice turmeric, ing, naturally colored beet juice and other nat- eggs were a way of ural dyes. If I have an telling a story and pass- abundance of wild vio- ing history on to the lets growing, I’ll have next generation. the children pick those, as well. PERFECT HARD And I always let the COOKED EGGS little ones help. They Everyone has their fa- watch in awe as they vorite method. This is learn their first lessons mine. in food chemistry: the Cover as many eggs red cabbage turns the as you like with an inch eggs a gorgeous teal to or so of cold water. dark blue, the turmeric Bring slowly to a boil gives a sun-shine yel- over medium heat. Then low hue to the eggs and put the lid on, remove the onion skins are un- from heat and let sit 12- predictable but always 15 minutes. Properly beautiful in shades of cooked hard boiled eggs amber to brick red. Beet will have yellow yolks juice produces a pinkish throughout, no green color. Purple violets rings. turn eggs a lovely, pale You can boil the eggs lavender blue. a couple of days ahead. The children get a Bring to room tempera- bonus, too: they learn ture before putting into to be good stewards of dyes. their environment by re- As far as peeling the cycling items that may eggs for eating, older have wound up in the eggs are best - much trash. easier to peel than fresh. I have my Mom, Mary Nader, to thank MAKE DYES AHEAD Yes, you can make the dyes a week or so ahead. Strain and keep covered in refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before using.

ONION SKINS In a saucepan, place as many papery outer skins of yellow or red onions that you have. Cover with a couple inches of water. Bring to a boil, lower to a simmer, cover and cook until onion skins have colored the water, about 10 minutes. Strain and cool before adding vinegar. Egg colors vary from light amber to brick red. BEETS I heat strained canned beet juice to a boil or boil fresh skinned beets and strain. Cool before adding vinegar. Beets turn eggs a pinkish color. Onion skins. RED CABBAGE The little ones’ favorite as it turns the eggs teal blue! TURMERIC Barely cover a good amount of chunked up red cabbage with water. Cover, Bring 2 tablespoons turmeric in 1-1/2 cups water to a boil. Cool but don’t bring to a boil, lower to a gentle boil and cook until cabbage loses most of its strain. Add vinegar, stir and place eggs in dye until desired color is obtained. purple color and turns a bit gray. This can take up to 30 minutes or so. Strain Remove, swish them around in cool water quickly to remove particles. and cool before adding vinegar. Turmeric colored eggs are bright yellow. Now this dye does take a longer time to set — several hours at least (overnight is best) so it’s good to put in the refrigerator while the dye is work- PROPER VINEGAR TO WATER PROPORTIONS ing. The longer the eggs sit in the dye, the darker the color blue. The proportion of vinegar to liquid is the same for all dyes: for every cup of liquid, stir in a tablespoon or so of clear vinegar. A little more or less won’t VIOLETS matter. This “sets” the dye. Naturally colored eggs take longer to color, so be Pick purple violets, flowers only, from your yard. They should not have patient. been sprayed with any chemical. After you make the dye, let it cool before coloring eggs. For every 4 cups of water, you’ll need 3-4 cups violets, packed. Place flowers in heat proof bowl. Pour boiling water over. Let infuse until REFRIGERATE! desired color is reached. Strain and cool before adding vinegar. Violets pro- Refrigerate hard cooked eggs within two hours after they’ve been found on duce a light lavender blue. Easter morning.

Dyes left to right: Yellow onion skins, violets, red onion skins, red cabbage, turmeric, beets.

Faith and Family - Celebrating the Easter Season 2020 Faith and Family Page 8

The Daffodil Field By Donna Sutton spring, with their vivid picture was taken some house and on a mission When we got there we fodil field, we consoled yellow heads held up years before, located on of good will. We would sat our boxes down and ourselves by knowing In the black and white proudly brightening an a gravel road near my arrive at the gate that got down to the business we would be back the photo, she sat on the otherwise drab back- Uncle and Aunts farm. was just below their of picking daffodils! following year to do it ground, legs crossed at ground. Sometime they Our family had moved house and Daddy would There were so many it again. the ankles, arms sup- bravely hold their beau- away from this area a let one of us children felt as if we were in an We would proudly porting her upper body, tiful little blooms up few years before making blow the horn all the ocean of yellow beauty. carry our treasure back hands just behind her against a late spring it necessary for my Aunt way up the lane, making Each bobbing head of up the lane to Uncle and hips hidden by the grass. snow, managing to in- to let us know when the us sound like the cele- golden yellow seemed Aunts house for our ef- She was wearing a plaid spire and reassure us daffodils were bloom- bration of a newly mar- more perfect than the forts to be admired. suit and stylish Oxford with the hope and prom- ing. The five of us, ried couple! last. As we picked one After visiting a bit pumps as she fixed the ise that spring is coming Daddy, Mom, my two After greeting Uncle our eyes would be look- longer and enjoying a camera, or the person soon. Daffodils do not older brothers and I and Aunt with hugs and ing for the next more meal, we would take our taking the picture, with possess the loveliness of would pile into the cab kisses, we would grab perfect, yellower blos- leave with goodby hugs a even pleasant look. some flowers nor do of our old farm truck for our boxes and head back som to pick. When we and kisses. This picture was taken they carry the fragrances the traditional twenty down the way we’d had as many as our hand The next day our an- in the early 1940’s of attributed to perfume five mile journey to go come to the daffodil could hold, we would ticipation was rewarded my mom before she be- flowers, but they remind pick daffodils. We field. Since it was take them and gently lay when we presented each came a mother. In this us of our faith in better would bring along within “hollerin” dis- them in our boxes. Oh, of our teachers with the striking precious picture days ahead when we see brown cardboard boxes tance, we were allowed it was such fun to imag- biggest most beautiful she was surrounded by their glowing yellow for our treasured to go without adults and ine the joy they would bouquet of daffodils, we thousands of daffodils in blooms. blooms. Everyone was felt lighthearted, free bring! Eventually the were sure they had ever full bloom. In the 1950’s, there in good spirits on this and full of happy antici- boxes were full and received! The blooming daf- was a special field, the trip; we was headed to pation, we skipped or looking about, regretful fodil is a sure sign of one where my mother’s our favorite relatives walked to the field. to have to leave the daf- Explaining the symbolism of candles on Holy Saturday Easter Week is an exciting time for Christians across the globe. Easter Week begins with Palm Sunday and ends on Holy Saturday, and during the week, Christians commemorate the Last Supper on Holy Thursday and the Christ on Good Friday. Come Holy Saturday, it may seem as though there’s little left for Christians to do besides prepare for Easter Sunday Mass the following day. However, some churches hold services on the Saturday night before Easter Sunday. During these vigils, some of which may last several hours, priests will light what is known as a . This candle is several feet tall and within it are several rings of incense, which are intended to symbolize the wounds Christ suffered on the day of his crucifixion. Once the Paschal candle is lit, the priest proceeds to the front of the church, periodically stopping to light various smaller candles. By the time the priest reaches the front of the church, it is illuminated with what Christians believe is the light of Christ. But the Paschal candle’s work does not end on Holy Saturday, as priests will then use the same candle throughout the year during baptisms and funerals.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Happy Easter!

Faith and Family - Celebrating the Easter Season 2020 Faith and Family Page 9

Trust in the Lord changes a life By comfort zones. Trusting miliar to me though I wife and helping play roadblock that came my takes you out of your Jann Brittain Garner God isn't always easy, never recognized them. music at our local way, the Lord opened up comfort zone, remember but with him directing I woke up from the church. path for me to take. He how much He loves you Trust in the lord with our path we can be as- dream, sat up in my bed He told me that if I has put people in my life and will never leave you. all thine heart and lean sured that he has every- and felt the Lord’s pres- would pick up the paper and a wonderful family His ways are much not unto thine own un- thing under control and ence in my room and he and pen he would tell me that has supported me. higher than our ways. derstanding. In all thy will take us step by step spoke to my heart. He what to write and tell the My church family and Trust him and the plan ways acknowledge him, . told me he wanted me to story. I can’t tell you I even strangers have he has for you. and he shall direct thy That’s exactly what I write a story about the wasn't afraid and hesi- helped me on this jour- "Promises Unbroken" paths. Proverbs 3:5-6. have had to do these past main characters in the tant but something in- ney . is about the journey of a I’m sure many of us few years. Here is my dream. side of me pushed He led me to a pub- first-year college stu- have been taught or story. My first response was through that fear and that lisher who wanted to get dent. During a trip to her heard of this verse in the One night I was awak- “'You want me to do very day I did as the the story out and hometown, she experi- Bible sometime during ened from a powerful what?” Lord directed me to do. "Promises Unbroken " ences a life-altering our lifetime and I am dream. The dream was The Lord repeated it For a solid year, I wrote. was recently featured in event that changes her also positive there has so real. I felt as if I was to me. With much reluc- It became known as "First for Women” mag- life forever. Her journey been times in our lives watching it on a movie tance and protest, I said "Promises Unbroken". azine this past Septem- shows how faith, love where we had to do this screen. I continued to I did not know first thing This process hasn't al- ber. It is available on and courage lead her very thing. We were watch it play out. The about writing. I told him ways been easy and Amazon and bookstores into the next phase of her brought to a place that people in my dream I was perfectly comfort- there has been road- like Barnes and Noble. young life. was totally out of our were somehow very fa- able being a pastor’s blocks. But with every The next time God Unique from across the globe Easter is the most im- they may not be as small state of Goa, celebrate Jesus Christ, a betrayal reenacting scenes from portant day of the year widely known, illustrate Easter celebrants host Easter Sunday with a that led to Christ’s cruci- the Passion, which refers on the Christian calen- the power of this very and exchange genuine flash. In a tradi- fixion. Despite some to the short period at the dar. A celebration of the special day in the Chris- gifts with fellow Chris- tion that dates back sev- groups denouncing the end of Christ’s life. The tian community. tians. Those gifts include eral centuries, burning of Judas as anti- “Dansa de la Mort Christ, Easter commem- • India: India may not the Holy Cross, which is Florentines load a cart Semitic, the practice (Death Dance)” is part orates the very core of be the first nation to exchanged after Easter with fireworks before continues in many coun- of that commemoration, the Christian faith. So it come to mind when church services have exploding it outside the tries. and during this dance, comes as no surprise that thinking of countries in ended. Such services are famed Florence Cathe- • Spain: Holy Week participants dress up like such an important day is which Christianity has a then followed by Easter dral. commemorates the en- skeletons. steeped in tradition. strong foothold. And parties, where families • Europe: Many Euro- tire week preceding Easter celebrations Easter traditions such while only a small per- and friends gather and pean Christian commu- Easter Sunday, including across the globe are as Easter Sunday Mass centage of people in break bread together, nities burn an effigy of Holy Thursday and steeped in tradition, in- are widely known. But India identify as Chris- much like Christian cel- as part of Good Friday. In the cluding some that might there are many unique tian, Easter celebrations ebrants do in other parts their Easter celebrations. Spanish town of Verges, surprise even the most Easter traditions across in the country are elabo- of the world. Christians believe the Christians commemo- devout Christians. the globe that, while rate. For example, in the • Italy: Residents of apostle Judas betrayed rate Holy Thursday by

Happy Easter!

Faith and Family - Celebrating the Easter Season 2020 Faith and Family Page 10

Missions or some memory about Easter

By Phillip Yunker fact it seemed like a They did not speak to of which were provided. were born into it. That to respect others and be wonderful week. There me, I did not directly The spiritual guidance is, we were given those kind and to share some A few years ago I was were many workers for speak to them but as I and encouragement was things. What is it that of what has been so in Honduras with a the project from the watched them I realized continued for weeks and we have that has not generously given to medical evangelical local churches there, that this was a spirit, weeks and months and been given to us; I think us… Either through team working in a very more than were on the this was our savior, this even years after the one very little or nothing. support or through ac- rural Elementary team from the United was our God there with week project ended. Jesus Christ gave tual physical working school. One afternoon States. While I thought us during this project. I During Lent do we everything for our lives with the projects or when the temperatures about this I realized that was actually speechless give up or do we give? and told us what he holding the door for began to cool down to I was looking at 3 guys if you can imagine that I think that it is a re- wanted us to do with someone who needs a around 80, I was taking there with me on the from me. Everywhere minder of the opportu- our lives. I think that’s hand. a break and found some playground but also they went things went nities we have to give what we can give for These are not things shade for some cooling seeming to move well it was their pres- during the rest of our Lent. I think that’s what we do to get to heaven; off. around through the proj- ence that gave us the en- lives. If you have run- Easter is all about is a these are the things we There were lots of ect. These 3 were ergy and the desire and ning water, electricity, life like Jesus, a life of do out of gratitude for people, especially lots dressed immaculately the pleasure of working and access to public giving not being served. the grace that has been of children milling down to the shoes they with the hundreds, and, transportation, you live How you treat people given to us through the around and playing wore which were per- I believe was part of in the 99th percentile of when you leave your sacrifice by Jesus, and games. The team was fectly shined. Their what drew the Hon- the world for standard house or when you his resurrection. busy and had been all whole outfits looked durans who came for of living. Most of us travel abroad to serve week long and it had like haute coutere for medical services and for had nothing to do with on a foreign mission been a good week; in men. spiritual guidance, both achieving that, but we project; your mission is

Faith and Family - Celebrating the Easter Season