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Easter events get rolling this weekend at many churches

 
Resurrection Catholic Church in Riverview will present its passion play  at 7 p.m. Monday. It includes simulated violence, so parental discretion is advised.
Resurrection Catholic Church in Riverview will present its passion play at 7 p.m. Monday. It includes simulated violence, so parental discretion is advised.
Published April 9, 2014

Whether you enjoy egg-toting bunnies or religious traditions, there are plenty of Easter-themed events happening this weekend in Hillsborough County.

Many churches will host their large events early so members and staff can spend Easter Sunday with their families. Here are a few fun things to check out.

Palma Ceia United Methodist Church, 3723 Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa, will present its Easter Eggstravaganza and Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Eggs hunts will take place on the hour beginning at noon. Admission is free. Food and drinks will be sold. Call (813) 837-1541.

St. James United Methodist Church, 16202 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., will host a free egg hunt from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The hunt is open to young walkers through children in the fifth grade. The day will also include entertainers, face painting, crafts and giveaways for adults. The event will accommodate families with children with special needs. Call (813) 971-4790.

Wellspring United Methodist Church, 10701 Sheldon Road, Tampa, will host an Easter breakfast at 10 a.m., followed by egg hunts beginning at 11 a.m., Saturday. Children who participate will receive gift bags and free pictures with the Easter Bunny. Call (813) 926-5006.

Grace Lutheran Church, 3714 W Linebaugh Ave., will host an egg hunt featuring a special reading of the Easter story, from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday. The Easter bunny will make an appearance. Call (813) 961-8747.

Seminole Heights United Methodist Church, 6111 N Central Ave., Tampa, will host a Community Egg Hunt and Festival from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The event will include age-appropriate egg hunts, an Easter basket raffle and live music. Call (813) 236-5931.

Resurrection Catholic Church, 6819 Krycul Ave., Riverview, will present a full-length passion play depicting Christ's death and resurrection at 7 p.m. Monday. The event, starring church members, is free. It includes simulated violence, so parental discretion is advised. A preview is available at ressurrectioncatholicriverview.com.

The Franciscan Center, 3010 N Perry Ave., will offer a Holy Week Retreat. During the retreat, led by Father Anthony Carrozzo, participants will study and reflect on Christ's last words. The event begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday and ends at 9 a.m. Easter Sunday. The cost to attend is $135 for commuters or $255 for an overnight single-room stay. To register, go to franciscancentertampa.org.

Additional events:

Tampa Jewish Family Services will present its Greater Seder event Tuesday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 5303 W Kennedy Blvd. This year's event, themed the Magical Matzo Tour: A Psychedelic Seder, includes dinner and entertainment. General admission is $50. Tables are also available. Proceeds will benefit the Tampa Jewish Family Services Community Food Bank. Register online at greaterseder.com.

Brandon Christian Women's Connection will host its annual purse swap at a luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at the Bell Shoals Special Events Center, 2102 Bell Shoals Road. Cost to attend is $14. Please bring a gently used purse to exchange. To reserve a seat, call (813) 740-0098.