Faith & Values - March 2024

Unique Easter Traditions From Around The Globe

Metro Creative Connection

Easter Sunday is a significant day on the Christian calendar. Easter Sunday will be celebrated on March 31 and many of those celebrations will feature some notable traditions. Some traditions are undoubtedly familiar to practicing Christians, while others might come as a surprise. As Easter approaches, faithful Christians and others intrigued by the holiday can consider these notable traditions from around the globe.

Easter Witches

Witches are typically associated with Halloween, but they play a role in celebrating Easter in Finland. According to the Finland Promotion Board, Easter traditions in the northern European nation feature a mixture of religious references with customs related to the arrival of spring. It’s not unheard of for young Finnish children, particularly girls, to dress up as Easter witches the Sunday before Easter and go from door to door requesting treats in exchange for offerings designed to drive away evil spirits. The FPB notes that it’s even common for children in western Finland to don their witch outfits and roam on Easter Sunday.

Fireworks In Florence

The folk tradition of Scoppio del Carro (“Explosion of the Cart”) takes place in Florence, Italy. The Uffizi Gallery reports that this tradition can be traced to the First Crusade in 1099.

During the first Easter in Jerusalem, Crusaders gave the blessed fire to the people as a symbol of purification. That custom has endured in Florence, where each Easter Sunday morning around 10 a.m. a candle is lit in the church of Santi Apostoli. That same candle is then used to light an antique cart loaded with fireworks, marking the beginning of a display that lasts around 20 minutes.

The Carpets Of Semana Santa Carpets might not be the first thing most Easter celebrants think

Located at the corner of West Market and High Streets in Downtown Harrisonburg. Join us

Sunday Mornings

Sunday School: 9:30 am • Worship: 10:30 am oumcharrisonburg.org

of when pondering the holiday, but that might be the case for anyone who has ever spent the holiday in Antigua, Guatemala. Guatemala’s Semana Santa (“Easter Festival”) features detailed carpets of colored sawdust adorning a Good Friday processional route. Preparation for the colorful and stunning display begins months in advance as the intricate carpets require ample time to produce.

Whips in the Czech Republic

Among the more unique Easter traditions takes place each Easter

Monday in the Czech Republic. In adherence to this tradition boys, and sometimes men, gather willow branches and braid them together into whips. The whips are then decorated with ribbons before boys visit girls (or men visit women) who they know and lightly tap them with the whips. The tradition is believed to bring women luck, vitality and fertility.

These are just some of the unique traditions many Christians adhere to as part of their Easter celebrations.

Please join us!

Harrisonburg Mennonite Church

Maundy Thursday, Seder Meal

March 28 at 6:00 p.m.

Sign up at www.harrisonburgmennonite.org

Good Friday Service March 29 at 7:37 p.m.

Easter Sunrise Service March 31 at 7:30 a.m.

Easter Hymn Sing at 9:10 a.m.

Combined Easter Worship at 9:40 a.m.

More details at www.harrisonburgmennonite.org

Metro Creative Connection

Faithful Christians and others intrigued by Easter can consider these notable traditions from around the globe.

What Is Holy Week?

One need not be Christian to recognize the significance of Easter Sunday to practicing Christians. However, non-Christians may not recognize that the week that precedes Easter Sunday is important and full of meaning as well.

According to Christianity.com, the name Holy Week, which is the name Christians have given to the week preceding Easter Sunday, can be traced all the way back to the fourth century. By the end of that century, Christians commemorated various events that unfolded in the week leading up to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

That’s why Christians now celebrate Palm Sunday, Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday over the course of the week prior to Easter Sunday. Such celebrations underscore just how significant this period is for faithful Christians across the globe.

Ideas on ways to grow stewardship and faithful service

We all can use a little assistance in thinking about how to best manage our financial life. One approach is to put your finances in the context of faith and values.

Peter helps set a guide for in 1 Peter 4:10: “ As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace."

So what are your God given gifts, talents and abilities?

You might ask yourself:

1. What is truly important to me and where do I feel most called?

2. What activities bring me joy and fulfill the soul?

3. Where am I now in my financial situation, and where do I want to grow?

Use this reflection and see how you might connect with others in the same spirit.

Then look for opportunities to serve and share in ways you’re able. These steps nourish you or your families life and strengthen the faith, civic and other communities you’re a part of. Everence Financial can help you with these conversations.

They’re located at 841 Mount Clinton Pike and available at everence.com/virginia or at 540-437-7422

Metro Creative Connection

Metro Creative Connection

The week that precedes Easter Sunday is important and full of meaning as well.

PLACES OF WORSHIP

Aletheia Church

801 Parkwood Dr. (EMHS Auditorium) Harrisonburg, VA 22802 • 540-217-0131

Antioch United Church Of Christ 4107 Fort Lynne Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-833-5476

Asbury United Methodist Church

205 S. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-2836

Beaver Creek Church Brethren

5651 Beaver Creek Rd., Bridgewater, VA 22812 540-828-2767

Beldor Mennonite Church

3319 Beldor Rd., Elkton, VA 22827 540-298-9314

Beth El Congregation

830 Old Furnace Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-2744

Bethel AME Church

184 Kelley Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-433-5925

Bethel Church Of Brethren

3061 Armentrout Path, Keezletown, VA 22832 540-269-6031

Bethel Mennonite Church

15093 Grindstone Ln., Broadway, VA 22815 540-896-4292

Bethel United Church Of Christ 2451 Bethel Church Road, Elkton, VA 22827 540-298-1197

Bethlehem United Church-Christ 11923 N Valley Pike, Broadway, VA 22815 540-896-3975

Bible Holiness Church

127 Pine Street, Elkton, VA 22827 540-298-0477

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

154 N Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-434-4341

Blue Ridge Independent Church

38 Independence Rd., Elkton, VA 22827 540 298-9426

Bridgewater Baptist Church

5568 John Wayland Hwy., Bridgewater, VA 22812 (540) 828-2456

Bridgewater Church of the Brethren 420 College View Dr., Bridgewater, VA 22812 540 828-3711

Bridgewater Presbyterian Church

110 E. College Street, Bridgewater, VA 22812 540-828-2442

Bridgewater United Methodist Church

219 N Main St., Bridgewater, VA 22812 540-828-0890

Briery Branch Church of the Brethren 6628 Briery Branch Rd., Dayton, VA 22821 540-828-7139

Broadway Baptist Church

166 Mason St., Broadway, VA 22815 540-896-7218

Broadway Presbyterian Church

107 Lee Street , Broadway, VA 22815

540-896-3903

Brown Memorial Community Church

9843 Town Hall Road, McGaheysville, VA 22840 540-289-9393

Calvary Mennonite Fellowship

6083 Mount Clinton Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 (540) 867-9444

Caplingers United Methodist Church

20588 Criders Rd., Criders, VA 22820 540- 896-7653

Catholic Church-Holy Infant

101 W Marshall Avenue, Elkton, VA 22827 540-298-1341

Cedar Grove United Methodist Church

Corner of Buffalo & Smithland Roads Harrisonburg, VA 22802 • 540-810-6907

Central Church of Christ

822 Country Club Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-434-9770

Cherry Grove United Methodist Church

10459 Cherry Grove Rd., Linville, VA 22834 540-896-8688

Christ Gospel Church

290 Eastview St., Dayton, VA 22821 540-879-9856

Church Of Christ

50 Covenant Dr # F, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-432-9056

Church Of Christ

16004 Lone Pine Dr., Timberville, VA 22853 (540) 896-9614

Church Of Jesus Christ Of LDS

210 South Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-442-1985 or 540-433-2945

Church Of Solsburg

14967 Rockingham Pike, Elkton, VA 22827 (540) 298-1567

Church Of The Incarnation

265 E. Market St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-432-5533

Clinton Church of God

Clover Hill United Methodist Church

6454 Mount Clinton Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-867-5560

3457 Fulton School Rd., Dayton, VA 22821 540-879-9364

Community Mennonite Church

70 South High St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-433-2148

Cooks Creek Presbyterian Church

4222 Mt. Clinton Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22802

540-867-5117

Cornerstone Church of Harrisonburg

197 Cornerstone Lane, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-433-9233

Covenant Presbyterian Church

546 W Mosby Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-433-3051

Crosslink Community Church

4904 S Valley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-1540

Dayspring Nazarene Church

235 N Main St., Mt. Crawford, VA 22841 540-568-1817

Dayton Church of The Brethren

202 Main Street, Dayton, VA 22821 540-879-9771

Dayton Mennonite Church

4887 John Wayland Hwy., Dayton, VA 22821 540-879-9655

Dayton United Methodist Church

215 Ashby St., Dayton, VA 22821 540-879-2102

Divine Unity Community Church 182 Neff Ave, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-751-8562

Donovan Memorial United Methodist Church 9788 Singers Glen Rd., Singers Glen, VA 22850 540-833-4041

East Point United Methodist Church 3209 East Point Rd., Elkton, VA 540-298-8196

Edom Linville Fellowship

5290 Jesse Bennett Way, Linville, VA 22834 540-833-2800

Elkton Church of God

102 W E St., Elkton, VA 22827 540-298-0354

Elkton Pentecostal Church

16704 E Summit Ave., Elkton, VA 22827 540-298-2121

Elkton Presbyterian Church

104 Ashby Avenue, Elkton, VA 22827 540-298-1363

Elkton Seventh Day Adventist

20995 Blue & Gold Dr., Elkton, VA 22827 (540) 298-1801

Elkton United Methodist Church 205 Warren Street, Elkton, VA 22827 540-298-8348

Emmanuel Episcopal Church

660 S Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-2357

Evangelical Presbyterian Church

2580 Panorama Drive, Elkton, VA 22827 540-298-2120

Evangelical United Methodist Church

513 E Spotswood Ave., Elkton, VA 22827 540-298-1767

Faith Community Church

1660 S. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-432-9911

Fellowship United Methodist Church 696 Fellowship Road, Rockingham, VA 22802

First Assembly Of God (HFA)

1310 Garbers Church Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-433-8687

First Baptist Church

611 Broad St., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-434-3969

First Baptist Church of Elkton

20913 Blue & Gold Dr., Elkton, VA 22827 (540) 298-1424

First Church of The Nazarene

1871 Boyers Rd.,Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540- 434-1092

First Presbyterian Church

17 N. Court Square, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-6551

First United Methodist Church

13902 Timber Way, Timberville, VA 22853 (540) 896-7168

Freedom Baptist Church

141 Pleasant Hill Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-433-5709

Full Gospel Lighthouse Tabernacle

18132 Spotswood Trail, Elkton, VA 22827 540-298-9896

Garber’s Church of the Brethren 1275 Garbers Church Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-828-6251

Gospel Hill Mennonite Church

6179 Hopkins Gap Rd, Fulks Run, VA 22830 540-867-9051

Grace Baptist Church

2390 Grace Chapel Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-433-7674

Grace Covenant Church

3337 Emmaus Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-433-9244

Grace Memorial Episcopal Church

7120 Ore Bank Road, Port Republic, VA 24471 (540) 249-4121

Grace Mennonite Fellowship

209 Lacey Spring Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-442-6235

Grace and Truth Reformed Presbyterian Church 1712 Smithland Road , Rockingham, VA 22802 434-509-8698

Greatest Freedom Ministries

3004 Twin Oaks Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-434-3012

Greenmount Church-The Brethren 4881 Greenmount Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-833-5251

Harrisonburg Baptist Church

501 South Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-433-2456

Harrisonburg First Church of the Brethren

315 S. Dogwood Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-8288

Harrisonburg Free Will Baptist Church

331 Vine Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 (540) 433-8980

Harrisonburg Mennonite Church

1552 S High St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-4463

Harrisonburg Unitarian Universalists

4101 Rawley Pike (Rt, 33 West), Harrisonburg, VA 22801 • (540) 867-0073

Hilltop Bible Church

21094 Dovesville Rd., Criders, VA 22820 540-434-1431

Holy Infant Catholic Church

101 W Marshall Ave (Rts 33 & 340, Elkton, VA 22827 (540) 298-1341

Holy Myrrhbearers Orthodox Church

2870-D S. Main Street Harrisonburg, VA 22801, 540-908-2094

Immanuel Mennonite Church

400 Kelly St., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 (540) 432-0711

Impact Ministries

330 Shen Elk Plaza, Elkton, VA 22827

Islamic Center of the Shenandoah

1330 Country Club Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-433-8186

Jehovah’s Kingdom’s Hall

1766 Harpine Hwy., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-433-9276

John Wesley United Methodist Church

445 Sterling St., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-828-3815

Keezletown United Methodist Church

1456 Indian Town Rd., Keezletown, VA 22832 540-269-8531

Landmark Tabernacle

33 East, McGaheysville, VA 22840 (540) 289-9809

Life2us.Org Ministries

282 Neff Ave. in the Paint Store, Dayton, VA 22821 (540) 421-3947

Lindale Mennonite Church

6255 Jesse Bennett Way, Linville, VA 22834 540-833-5171

Linville Creek Church of the Brethren 409 Brethren Road, Broadway, VA 22815 540-896-5001

Linville United Methodist Church

5180 Kratzer Road, Linville, VA 22834 540-833-2800

Lion of Judah II Ministries

1054 S. High St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-292-1213

Mabel Memorial Chapel 2025 Reservoir St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Massanutten Presbyterian Church

50 Indian Trail Rd., Penn Laird, VA 22846 540-434-6194

Mayland Christian Church

25 Maryland Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-896-3747

McGaheysville United Methodist Church

10106 McGaheysville Rd., McGaheysville, VA 22840 540-289-5445

Mill Creek Church Of The Brethren 7600 Port Republic Road, Port Republic, VA 24471 540-289-5084

Montezuma Church-The Brethren

4937 Ottobine Rd., Dayton, VA 22821 (540) 879-2246

Mount Bethel Church of the Brethren 8550 Robinson Rd., Dayton, VA 22821 540-867-5326

Mountain Grove Church 12769 Third Hill Rd, Fulks Run, VA 22830 540-896-4508

Mountain Valley United Methodist Church

11583 Mountain Valley Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-896-3424

Mountain View Fellowship Church 8601 McGaheysville Rd, McGaheysville, VA 22840 540-289-9008

Mt. Carmel United Brethren and Christ Church 11466 Brocks Gap Rd., Fulks Run, VA 22830 540-896-1503

Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church

13375 Third Hill Rd., Fulks Run, VA 22830 540-896-2800

Mt. Clinton Mennonite Church

6954 Mount Clinton Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-867-5885

Mt. Clinton Methodist Church

1595 Muddy Creek Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-867-9551

Mt Crawford United Methodist Church

360 N Main St., Mt Crawford, VA 22841 (540) 433-9597

Mt Horeb Presbyterian Church

4517 Rockfish Rd., Grottoes, VA 24441 (540) 249-5141

Mt Horeb United Methodist Church

422 Hinton Rd., Dayton, VA 22821 540-363-2957

Mt Olive Brethren Church

2977 Pineville Road McGaheysville, VA 22840 540-289-5592

Mt Olivet United Brethren in Christ 862 Freemason Run Rd., Mount Solon, VA 22843 (540) 350-4250

Mt Pleasant Church-Brethren

2788 Taylor Spring Lane, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-7755

Mt Vernon Mennonite Church

13188 Port Republic Road, Grottoes, VA 24441 540-249-4684

Muhlenberg Lutheran Church

281 E Market St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-3496

New Beginnings Church

101 Pike Church Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-1555

On Eagle’s Wings Ministry

111 W Spotswood Avenue, Elkton, VA 22827 540-433-0357

Open Door Gospel

940 Chicago Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22804 540-434-0545

Otterbein United Methodist Church

176 West Market Street Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-7747

Park View Mennonite Church

1600 College Ave Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-434-1604

Peake Mennonite Church

8613 War Branch Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22802

Peoples Baptist Church

3523 Spotswood Trl., Penn Laird, VA 22846 (540) 434-6554

Port Republic United Methodist Church 8525 Water Street, Port Republic, VA 24471 540-249-4111

Potters House Worship Center

1911 W Market St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-801-0519

Providence Baptist Church

1441 Erickson Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-4136

Rader Lutheran Church and Timberville Parish 17072 Raders Church Road Timberville, VA 22853 (540) 896-4241

Ridgeway Mennonite Church

546 East Franklin Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540- 434-3476

River Oaks Church

51 G Burgess Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-801-0085

Riverside United Methodist Church

16174 Brocks Gap Road, Fulks Run, VA 22830 (540) 852-3577

Rock Church

1639 Gravels Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-574-4628

Saint Stephen’s United Church Of Christ 358 South Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (540) 434-6290

Sangersville Church-Brethren 26 Vance Road, Bridgewater, VA 22812 540-828-6008

Shalom Mennonite Congregation

801 Parkwood Drive at Eastern Mennonite High Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-432-1659

Shepherd of The Valley Lutheran 229 Main Street, , Dayton, VA 22821 540-879-3338

Spring Creek Church

8863 Nazarene Church Rd, Bridgewater, VA 22812 540-828-3128

St John Lutheran Chapel North Mountain Rd, Timberville, VA 22853

St Lukes United Church-Christ 613 N Mountain Road, Timberville, VA 22853 540-896-1183

St Nicholas Orthodox Church 7581 Rockfish Gap Tpke, Greenwood, SC 29646 540-456-6981

St Stephen & The Good Shepherd 7078 Rocky Bar Road, Elkton, VA 22827 (540) 249-4121

St. Jacob’s-Spaders Lutheran Church

3555 Spaders Church Rd.,Mt Crawford, VA 22841 (540) 433-2226

Sunrise Church Of The Brethren 1496 S Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (540) 434-1773

Sunset Drive United Methodist Church

127 S Sunset Drive, Broadway, VA 22815 540-896-3970

The Holy Birth-Giver of God, the Holy Theotokos

61 S. Foxhall Lane, Weyers Cave, VA 24486 540-234-8767

The Upper Room Church

14890 Rockingham Pike, Elkton, VA 22827 (540) 298-8000

Trinity Lutheran Church

2119 Trinity Church Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 (540) 269-6600

Trinity Presbyterian Church

725 South High St. , Harrisonburg, VA 22801

540-434-9556

Trinity United Church of Christ

161 Church Street, Timberville, VA 22853 (540) 896-3578

Trissels Mennonite Church

11246 Hisers Lane, Broadway, VA 22815 540-896-7289

Truth, Light & Life Broadcast

7013 Mountain Grove Road (Off Rt 33, 15) Penn Laird, VA 540-234-9222 or 540-421-0909

Valley Church Of Christ

1570 Virginia Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-434-0223

Valley Friends Meeting

363 High Street, Dayton, VA 22821

www.valleyfriends.org

Valley View Mennonite Church 21806 Criders Road, Criders, VA 22820 540-852-9338

Victory Baptist Church

521 Allegheny Avenue, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 (540) 434-7868

Vision Of Hope

United Methodist Church

1723 Port Republic Rd Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-433-3854

Weaver’s Mennonite Church 2501 Rawley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-7758

West Side Baptist Church

715 W.Wolfe St., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 (540) 434-9634

Weyers Cave United Methodist Church 228 Houff Rd.,Weyers Cave, VA 24486 540-234-0401

Wingfield Ministries Inc 2389 Grace Chapel Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-433-0769

Word Ministries Christian Church 131 Erickson Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (540) 433-9673

Zion Mennonite Church 3260 Zion Church Rd, Broadway, VA 22815 540-896-7577

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ere are certain big questions we all ask.

Is there a God? If so, can we know Him? What is the purpose of life? Why are we here? ese questions contemplate the meaning of life— who we are and why we exist.

We hope to see you soon. Pastor Adam Church Background

Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Elkton (EPCE) is a group of people seeking to answer the big questions of life by turning to the truth found in God’s Word. Perhaps you haven’t been to church in a long time. Or, maybe you have never been to church. I want to invite you to connect/reconnect with church. You are invited to EPC Elkton where all are welcome.

EPC Elkton is part of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church denomination and is committed to teaching the Word of God. Located at 2580 Panorama Drive, Elkton, EPCE was established in June 1983 as a mission church by 40 charter members. is year we celebrate our 40th anniversary as we continue being a church that values growing faith, strengthening family, and serving community.

We believe in

• • the absolute sovereignty of God.

At EPC Elkton you will encounter friendly people worshiping God together and implementing the “one anothers” we find in scripture— love one another, encourage one another, equip one another, serve one another, etc.— all to bring glory to God.

• the authority of Scripture, the infallible Word of God.

• Jesus Christ, the living Word, as the one and only way of salvation.

• the work of the Holy Spirit, having come to glorify Christ and to apply the saving work of Christ to our hearts.

• historic Christianity, the reality of sin, salvation, and judgment.

• the Great Commission— All believers are called to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world and to make disciples of all nations.

EPC Elkton’s vision for our church and local communities include

Growing Faith— We desire individuals to have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Strengthening Family— We desire families, including the church family, to grow stronger through sharing life together.

Serving Community— We desire to serve our EPC Elkton and extended community by sharing the love of Christ in tangible ways.

Join us for Sunday Morning Worship. Early Service is at 8:30 a.m. followed by Bible Classes for all ages (9:45 - 10:45). Morning Worship is at 11 o’clock.

Celebrate Easter

• March 24 Palm Sunday, 8:30 and 11 o’clock services as well as Bible Classes for all ages at 9:45 a

• March 28 Maundy ursday Service, 7 p

• March 31 Easter Sunday

• Sunrise Service, 7 a, followed by Easter breakfast

• Morning Worship, 10:30 a, featuring EPC Elkton Easter Concert

For more information about Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Elkton, you may call the church o ce at 540-298-2120 or visit us online at epcelkton.org.