Holy Week
Good Friday Service
Friday, March 29th at 7 PM at Linfield Christian School.
We invite you to a solemn Good Friday Service focused on the passion of our Lord. Download Good Friday liturgy here.
Easter Sunday Service
Please return on Sunday, March 31st at 10:00 AM at Linfield Christian School to celebrate the glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Download Easter Liturgy Here.
Easter Feast – RSVP
Date/Time: March 31st at 3:30pm
Location: Temecula Dance Company, 29955 Technology Dr, Murrieta
RSVP: RSVP for you and your household here.
Food Sign Up: Sign up to bring a dish here.
On Easter Sunday at Providence, we gather in the afternoon to celebrate our annual Easter feast. The food theme for our meal is Greek. We chose Greek cuisine because of the rich feasting heritage that comes from Greece (the earliest cook book we have to date is Greek). Further, Easter is the most celebrated holiday of the year in Greece, surpassing even Christmas. While this could be viewed as merely a cultural tradition, it is hard to argue against the glory of the resurrection as the pinnacle of our faith. Without the resurrection, as Paul says, our faith is in vain. There is no hope without it. The Easter feast in Greece is a cornucopia of tastes, textures and colors that reflect the glory of the event being celebrated. Two essential components of the meal are wine and lamb. In Greece, Easter goes by the name Pascha, which is derived from the Hebrew word for Passover. In the New Testament, the ancient Passover of Israel is seen as fulfilled by the death of Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. As we confess weekly, “Christ our Passover was Sacrificed for us!” Later in Scripture, Christ appears as the risen lamb who reigns from heaven. Not surprisingly therefore, the main course at these feasts is roasted lamb. In fact, the popularity of lamb as an Easter food in many countries is undoubtedly related to its importance as a Christian symbol. But wine is also considered important because it reflects the joy that this day of resurrection brings to those who believe. A joy that goes beyond the grave.
Historically, their party in Greece is better than ours, so we have made it our tradition to borrow from their traditions. This does not mean that we will adopt all their customs (we will skip the burning of an effigy of Judas for instance) but even a Protestant should know a good meal when he tastes one!
Beyond these cultural/historical reasons, there are other reasons for this choice of fare. Greek food is not the norm in most of our homes. It will require some time, thinking and preparation. In short, it will be special. This reality is at the heart of a good feast; we break from the norm and partake in the extraordinary. Also, Greek food is perfect for getting the whole family involved. Whether through layering pastitsio or spanakopita or rolling Greek meatballs, all ages can get involved in the preparation. This is a perfect way to start family traditions and a helpful avenue for learning to take yourselves lightly as your attempts may not come out like you saw it on Pinterest.
So, with all this in mind, “Let us keep the Feast.” We look forward gathering with our church family this Easter, March 31st at The Pirschel Home. PLEASE RSVP HERE. If you have RSVP, but not signed up to bring a dish, you can do so here.
Temecula Dance Company,
29955 Technology Dr, Murrieta
Please join us at 3:30 PM for a time of food, fellowship and joy as we celebrate the goodness of our God to us through the resurrection of His Son.
