H7 Story: Good Friday/Easter at Tusculum
Easter Weekend Recap at First Christian Church
What an incredible Easter weekend we shared together at First Christian Church!
What an incredible Easter weekend we shared together at First Christian Church!
Good Friday – Apr 18
Nearly 300 people gathered at our Greeneville Campus for a powerful Good Friday service. Led by FCC residents, we were guided through Scripture readings that reminded us of the depth of Christ’s sacrifice—the shedding of His blood to cover our sins. The worship was rich and reflective, drawing our hearts to the overwhelming love and grace of Jesus. As the evening came to a close, we were encouraged to look ahead with hope and anticipation to Sunday—Resurrection Sunday—when we would celebrate the victory of Christ over death.
FCC member Birgit Kemmann actually summarized what the Good Friday service was so beautifully. She writes: "From contemplating the darkest day on Friday evening to celebrating the risen King on Sunday morning - sitting in darkness Friday evening, remembering Christ's horrible bodily sacrifice and utter loneliness, and then starting the service on Sunday morning, still in darkness, until the moment where we remembered that empty grave, His Resurrection, singing on the top of our lungs ‘Oh, praise the name of the Lord, our God!’ What an incredibly powerful way of remembering and worshipping our Lord!”
Nearly 300 people gathered at our Greeneville Campus for a powerful Good Friday service. Led by FCC residents, we were guided through Scripture readings that reminded us of the depth of Christ’s sacrifice—the shedding of His blood to cover our sins. The worship was rich and reflective, drawing our hearts to the overwhelming love and grace of Jesus. As the evening came to a close, we were encouraged to look ahead with hope and anticipation to Sunday—Resurrection Sunday—when we would celebrate the victory of Christ over death.
FCC member Birgit Kemmann actually summarized what the Good Friday service was so beautifully. She writes: "From contemplating the darkest day on Friday evening to celebrating the risen King on Sunday morning - sitting in darkness Friday evening, remembering Christ's horrible bodily sacrifice and utter loneliness, and then starting the service on Sunday morning, still in darkness, until the moment where we remembered that empty grave, His Resurrection, singing on the top of our lungs ‘Oh, praise the name of the Lord, our God!’ What an incredibly powerful way of remembering and worshipping our Lord!”
Easter Sunday – Apr 20
On Sunday morning, around 875 people joined us at Tusculum University for our annual all-campuses celebration for Easter! We are usually one church spread over three campuses, and obviously, not everyone attends as diligently as they do on Easter. Of course, there were also many guests present as well.
One of the guest families that attends our Easter service every year is the Girton family: Russ, Kristin, and their daughters: Eliza and Hazel who are members of Greeneville’s Catholic church. Kristin shared their reason for joining FCC each Easter. “I was raised in a beautifully blended faith family—Methodist on Sundays, Catholic on holidays, and Baptist church camp every summer!” she reflected. “The past few years every Easter and Christmas, after our 8am Mass, we head straight to the 10am service at FCC to sing and celebrate with our friends—the DelSorbos, the Monahans, and so many more. I love the rich tradition of Catholicism and the uplifting worship at FCC. It’s such a gift to show our children that no matter where we gather, we’re all one family in Christ.” While we recognize important theological differences between Catholicism and the gospel we preach, we’re always glad to welcome those who come to hear the Word and celebrate the risen Christ.
The service began with a choir and band of about 40 people helping lead us in worship, creating an atmosphere that was both reverent and full of joy. Those nearly 900 people then filled the auditorium at Tusculum University in joyful worship of our risen King! Their service was a gift to us all! The sound of so many hearts lifting praise was a beautiful reminder of the life we have because of Christ’s resurrection.
"Singing in the FCC choir brings me such joy! Through choir practice and rehearsals, we have developed relationships and built a community of believers who love to lift their voices with the shared goal of glorifying our God,” choir participant Crista Larsen commented. “What a blessing it is to be part of a church body that prioritizes worship and praise to the one and only King!" Amelie Gentit participated in the orchestra on violin with two of her family members. “It’s something I do to spend time with my dad and sister. I love to use the skills I have acquired in my life to worship and serve God.” Cori Hensley, who played the harp also commented, "Being on the Worship Team, playing the harp is not only a wonderful opportunity, but I get to do something I greatly enjoy. I made some sweet friends and together we had the opportunity to help lead people in worship."
On Sunday morning, around 875 people joined us at Tusculum University for our annual all-campuses celebration for Easter! We are usually one church spread over three campuses, and obviously, not everyone attends as diligently as they do on Easter. Of course, there were also many guests present as well.
One of the guest families that attends our Easter service every year is the Girton family: Russ, Kristin, and their daughters: Eliza and Hazel who are members of Greeneville’s Catholic church. Kristin shared their reason for joining FCC each Easter. “I was raised in a beautifully blended faith family—Methodist on Sundays, Catholic on holidays, and Baptist church camp every summer!” she reflected. “The past few years every Easter and Christmas, after our 8am Mass, we head straight to the 10am service at FCC to sing and celebrate with our friends—the DelSorbos, the Monahans, and so many more. I love the rich tradition of Catholicism and the uplifting worship at FCC. It’s such a gift to show our children that no matter where we gather, we’re all one family in Christ.” While we recognize important theological differences between Catholicism and the gospel we preach, we’re always glad to welcome those who come to hear the Word and celebrate the risen Christ.
The service began with a choir and band of about 40 people helping lead us in worship, creating an atmosphere that was both reverent and full of joy. Those nearly 900 people then filled the auditorium at Tusculum University in joyful worship of our risen King! Their service was a gift to us all! The sound of so many hearts lifting praise was a beautiful reminder of the life we have because of Christ’s resurrection.
"Singing in the FCC choir brings me such joy! Through choir practice and rehearsals, we have developed relationships and built a community of believers who love to lift their voices with the shared goal of glorifying our God,” choir participant Crista Larsen commented. “What a blessing it is to be part of a church body that prioritizes worship and praise to the one and only King!" Amelie Gentit participated in the orchestra on violin with two of her family members. “It’s something I do to spend time with my dad and sister. I love to use the skills I have acquired in my life to worship and serve God.” Cori Hensley, who played the harp also commented, "Being on the Worship Team, playing the harp is not only a wonderful opportunity, but I get to do something I greatly enjoy. I made some sweet friends and together we had the opportunity to help lead people in worship."
Mixed in there were some of FCC’s children who joined everyone on the stage to sing songs to praise the Lord. Isaac and Mikayla Nasekos work with the kids and were so excited to see them playing a part in the Easter service. “The beauty of the kids ministry and watching the children praise Christ and the fruit of the faithfulness of the teachers who give the kids the Gospel,” Isaac & Mikayla remarked.
After worship and communion, Scott shared a powerful message, bridging the promise of Ezekiel 36:23–27 with the reality of Romans 6:3–11—God’s covenant to “give you a new heart” made possible through Christ so “that we too might walk in newness of life.”
These all-church gatherings are always a special opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. It was such a joy to see people lingering outside after the service—sharing cookies, stories, and smiles.
We’re so thankful for everyone who came, served, and celebrated with us. He is risen—He is risen indeed!
After worship and communion, Scott shared a powerful message, bridging the promise of Ezekiel 36:23–27 with the reality of Romans 6:3–11—God’s covenant to “give you a new heart” made possible through Christ so “that we too might walk in newness of life.”
These all-church gatherings are always a special opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. It was such a joy to see people lingering outside after the service—sharing cookies, stories, and smiles.
We’re so thankful for everyone who came, served, and celebrated with us. He is risen—He is risen indeed!