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Many churches use attention-grabbing techniques to deliver the message of Easter

 
Children rush to collect plastic eggs during Next Level Church’s Helicopter Egg Drop event in Tarpon Springs. [DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times (2012)]
Children rush to collect plastic eggs during Next Level Church’s Helicopter Egg Drop event in Tarpon Springs. [DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times (2012)]
Published April 10, 2019

Church leaders throughout Hillsborough County expect to see many new faces throughout Easter week.

The holiday provides an opportunity to reach people who don't usually attend services, area pastors say.

Still, of the 84 percent of Americans who celebrate Easter, only half make it to church, according to Statistica.

Easter, much like Christmas, presents as both a religious and secular holiday. Bunnies, egg hunts and theme-packaged candy make it fun for all. So, churches drop jelly beans from helicopters to attract high numbers.

But what about Jesus?

From a Christian perspective, Easter remains a celebration of the Gospel, in which the death and resurrection of Christ offers everlasting hope.

Many churches use attention-grabbing techniques to deliver this message. And yes, the method works. Bay area churches report hundreds making commitments to Christ this time of year, though the Easter story in its entirety isn't easy or palpable.

Words such as atonement and suffering do not appear on church Eggstravaganza invites. Jesus dying for the sins of man is not a cheerful picture. Yet, the hard parts of the Biblical story represent the central tenets of Christianity.

As a Christian, I consider Easter my favorite holiday. I weep to think of Jesus on the cross. I become overwhelmed with gratitude reflecting on his sacrifice. Thinking of the third day, I feel true joy.

Easter means more to me than baskets. Easter fills my heart and soul with hope. No amount of Peeps can cancel out the significance of the upcoming holy week.

And if a trail of them leads people to church, I say bring on the Eggsplosions.

Easter event calendar

Seminole Heights United Methodist Church, 6111 N Central Ave., will host a community Easter egg hunt from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 13. The free event will include photos with the Easter Bunny, bounce houses and food trucks. Egg hunts for all ages will begin at noon. For more information, visit www.semheights.com.

Tampa Bay Community Church, 3315 W Fletcher Ave, will host a community egg hunt from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 13. The free family event will include hunts, crafts and games. Hot dogs and snacks will be available for $1 to benefit the church. For more information, visit www.tampabaycommunitychurch.com.

East Point Assembly of God, 533 Garden Lane, Tampa, invites all to an Easter Eggstravaganza from 9 to 11 a.m. April 14. The event will include a devotional time for kids, the annual egg hunt and breakfast. For more information, visit www.eastpointag.com.

St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, 3315 Bryan Road, Brandon will host Egg Hunt 2019 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. April 14. This event features an indoor toddler room and glow-in-the-dark egg hunt for older kids. Other activities will include crafts, games and cookie decorating. Eggs will be color-coded for allergens. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.saumc.net.

River of Life Christian Center, 6605 Krycul Ave., Riverview, invites all to Easter weekend events beginning with Good Friday service at 7 p.m. April 19. Families can join the Easter Bunny at breakfast at 10 a.m. April 20. Easter Sunday services will be at 8:30, 10 and 11 a.m. For more information, visit riveroflifechristiancenter.org.

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Crosspointe Family Church, 919 Debuel Road, Lutz, will present a dramatic and musical telling of the Biblical Easter Story at 7 p.m. April 19 and 20. For more information, visit www.crosspointetampa.com.

Messiah Lutheran Church, 14920 Hutchison Road, Tampa, will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt from 10 to 11 a.m. April 20. The free morning will include games, prizes and devotions. The church will also offer breakfast before its Easter Sunday services. For more information, visit www.messiahtampa.com.

Port Tampa United Methodist, 6914 S Desoto St., invites all to an egg hunt from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 20. Children are invited to hunt eggs and learn more about the empty tomb. For more information, visit www.portampaumc.org.

The River at Tampa Bay, 3728 River International Dr., Tampa, will host its free Easter Egg Hunt event, featuring 30,000 eggs, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 21. The day includes everything from free dirt bike rides to Golden Egg grand prizes. For more information, visit www.revival.com.

ASAP Church, 4015 Ragg Road, invites all to an Egg-Splosion event at 10 a.m .April. The free event will include music, the telling of the Easter story and giveaways for kids and adults. For more information, visit www.asapchurch.com.