Our Small Group started doing an Easter Sunrise Service about 17 years ago and have continued the tradition every year since. We began at the home of Steve and Peggy Bickford. They had a beautiful pergola overlooking the pond that the sun came up behind every day. It was a lovely spot and we were anxious to have our first service. Steve even constructed a cross that we could stand and view during our service, to make it feel more real. We watched the sun rise in the east, over the dam and behind the pond, while we all stood huddled together to keep warm.
This was an amazing experience… but the most impactful moment was when Steve told us that while he was building this cross for our service – using heavy duty, long nails – he cried at every pound of the nail into the wood, as he felt himself in the shoes of those who nailed Jesus up on that cross. He said it was almost unbearable to finish. He did, and it was beautiful, and he draped it with cloth every single year to add to our experience. We always led with a short service, fitting for that morning, sang a few songs, prayed… talked about how we felt. The first year, we ate different foods during the service, from the time and region of Jesus. While we were eating it was explained to us what the food was and what it meant symbolically. It was indeed quite moving.
We had many different leaders and some really wonderful teachings. We always finished each service with a great breakfast where each of us provided something to nourish our bodies as our souls had just been.
Steve’s wife, Peggy was always such an integral part of all of the planning and cooking, but we lost her in April of 2020 after her battle with cancer. It was hard in the years to follow, to go on with her tradition without her, but I swear I feel her every time we gather. She would not like it one bit if we didn’t go on, and I’m glad we have. Our group has changed somewhat over the years, but we remain strong in the belief that we are “Stronger Together, Never Alone”.
We worship a God who is loving, kind and good… and our small group knows that he has our sweet Peggy by his side directing from her seat beside him from Heaven, and it is good!
See, just before she passed, Peggy told Steve, “My work here is done, but there’s much more work to do, and y’all need to do it!” I often try to do something myself that will enrich someone’s life, if not my life, even if it’s just a conversation or helping someone in the grocery store who can’t reach a can on a shelf. I think all of us that knew and loved her try to mirror exactly what Peggy did, and who she was. Our small group is a family who sticks by each other, hurts when one of us hurts, laughs together. I know that every one of us are stronger today because of this group, our love for one another, and our walk in faith.
