Citizen Special Section

Easter Rejoicing

May His Love and Sacrifice fill your heart with Peace and Joy.

2011 EASTER WORSHIPGUIDE

Worship Services and Schedules Throughout the Rockdale & Newton Communities A Supplement of the Rockdale Citizen and Newton Citizen • Sunday, April 10, 2011

Celebrating the miracle of

Faith at Easter

Helping You See Christ Pastor Eugene Nixon First Lady Cynthia Nixon

About God’s Vision Ministries Church God’s Vision Ministries Church, known as GVM Church, has been in Conyers, GA for about three (3) years. Our worship services are held at our temporary location at 1475 Klondike Rd., (Exit 80) Conyers, GA, at the top of the hill up from McDonald’s, across from Ryder Truck Rental. The church purchased 7 acres on Rockbridge Rd., and we are in our building phase and should hold our first service on the property this summer.

GVM Church is a non-denominational church that serves the needs of the community by offering; • Biblical Counseling • Marriage and Family Living & Divorce Care • Financial Counseling • Youth Services

CONTENTS: God’s Vision Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2 St. Pius X Catholic Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3 Salem United Methodist Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4 Crossroads United Methodist Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4 Canaan Baptist Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5 Solid Rock Baptist Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6 Smyrna Presbyterian Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7-8

Celebrate the Miracle of Easter at God’s Vision Ministries Church “Will You Hunt for Easter Eggs or Jesus Christ?”

Upcoming Events at GVM Church: Resurrection Sunday at GVM All guest (children) will receive a free Easter Gift Bag at GVM Church (while supplies last) Two-Services: 8:00am & 11am Youth Easter Program 10 am Regular Service Times: Worship Service Times: Sunday Service 8am & 11am (Starting May 2011) Wednesday Night 7:30pm Conference Call Bible Study Dial 1-712-451-6000 Code: 692562# Visit our web-site for more information: www.gvmchurch.org

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Saint Pius celebrates Easter with full Holy Week schedule Holy Week and Easter Sunday are the climax to our Lenten journey. During the past forty days Catholics have been retracing the footsteps of Jesus from the desert to the empty tomb.

The purpose for this exercise is to deepen our faith response to the Master’s call to holiness.

Jesus used nature and every day examples to instruct and

teach, so does the Church. Our journey begins with anointing with ashes and fasting – both signs of our “nothingness” before God. These signs also show our desire to deny certain goods/activities so that we have more time to reflect and pray. In particular we pray with Jesus for an empowering by the Holy Spirit so that we can overcome sinful habits.

Holy Week begins with reenacting Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Masses on Passion (Palm) Sunday begin outside. All carry palm leaves, joyfully recalling the biblical account and the prior statement of Jesus: “I must do this so that the scriptures be fulfilled”.

Each day of Holy week has its unique prayers and liturgical

ritual. These centuries old rites of the Church seek to draw the believer into “the mind of Christ” and the price he paid for our salvation: “By his wounds we were healed”. (1 Pet 2:24) On Holy Thursday the Last Supper of the Lord is solemnly reenacted recalling the command of Jesus:“Do this in memory of me”. The relevant scriptures are read highlighting the self giving of the Master and his words: “What I have done for you, you must do for each other” (Jn 13:14). Thereafter the pastor moves through the congregation washing feet. In prayer and petition the assembly recommits to fulfill the Lord’s first commandment: To love others in word and in deed.

Good Friday services are in English and in Spanish. This is a day of strict fasting in the Catholic Church because we recall the day Jesus made the supreme sacrifice of himself on Calvary. Parishioners gather to solemnly pray

The Stations of the Cross.The traditional prayer exercise involves circling the sanctuary, stopping at images depicting poignant moments leading to Crucifixion.

The evening Via Crucis is an outdoor reenactment led by the Spanish Young Adult Group.Many visitors attend this inspiring prayer time.

Easter is the greatest Holy Day in the Church because it commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus from the tomb. His coming back to life fulfilled all that Jesus said and promised.

Long ago Saint Paul exclaimed: “Unless Christ is raised from the dead our faith is void” (1 Cor 15:14) Thus Easter Masses are resplendent with joyful music and alleluias. The Easter Vigil Mass is the most

glorious, with extended scripture readings and song. At that time we induct new members and baptize.

Father John Kieran, pastor, and staff welcome all to Holy Week and Easter services at Saint Pius.For more information call the church at 770-4833660 or visit our website: www.spxconyers.com.

ST. PIUS X CATHOLIC CHURCH HOLY WEEK SERVICES

Celebrating The Passion, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ PASSION (PALM) SUNDAY, April 17 Masses begin outside with the blessing and processing with palm branches.

Vigil Saturday: 5:00pm Sunday: 8:30 am, 11:00 am 1:00 (En Español), 5:00 pm MONDAY–WEDNESDAY, April 18-20 Daily Mass: 8:30 am HOLY THURSDAY, April 21 7:30 pm MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

GOOD FRIDAY, April 22 3:00 pm PRAYING THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS 6:00 pm VIA CRUCIS EN ESPANOL (Outdoor) 7:30 pm SOLEMN GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE HOLY SATURDAY, April 23 8:00 pm EASTER VIGIL AND MASS OF THE RESURRECTION EASTER DAY MASSES, April 24 7:30 am MASS OF THE RESURRECTION 9:00 am EASTER DAY MASS 11:00 am SUNG MASS OF THE RESURRECTION 1:00 pm EASTER MASS IN SPANISH

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Located 2.5 miles south of I-20 on GA 20 • Exit #82

Father John C. Kieran, Pastor phone: 770-483-3660 Website: www.spxconyers.com

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You Are Welcome at Salem UMC

Salem United Methodist Church 3962 Salem Rd. (3 1/2 miles south of I-20)

April 17 — Palm Sunday - Choir Cantata, 11 a.m.

April 21 — Services of Healing & Holy Communion, 7 p.m.

April 22 — Good Friday - Prayer Chapel open for prayer April 24 — Easter Service, 11 a.m.

Ongoing Programs • Karate Kids for Christ • Vacation Bible School: June 20-24; 6-8:45 p.m.

• Annual Bar-B-Que: October • Pumpkin Patch: Month of October

770-786-6027 www.salemumc.org

Salem United Methodist Church’s observance of Holy Week will feature services and activities designed to bring people together in an atmosphere of remembrance.

Holy Week activities at Salem United Methodist Church begin with an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday,April 16 at 12:00 p.m. with a hot dog lunch to follow.

Palm Sunday, April 17 the Salem Chancel Choir will present an Easter Cantata, “Touched By The Christ” at 11:00 a.m.

Service of Healing & Holy Communion on Maundy Thursday,April 21 at 7:00 p.m.

We will offer prayer and anointing with oil as well as Holy Communion.

On Good Friday, April 22 our Prayer Chapel will be open for prayer and reflection.

Easter Sunday, April 24, service will be at 11:00 a.m.with a blend of traditional and con-

temporary music and worship.

Other ongoing programs include Karate Kids for Christ, available for age five through senior adult. The group is registered with Black Belts of Faith International and teaches people self discipline as

well as scripture.

Salem United Methodist Church is located at 3962 Salem Rd. in Covington. Call the church office at 770-7866027 for more information on Holy Week activities and additional outreach ministries.

Crossroads UMC Welcomes You Known around town as the little church with the big vision, Crossroads United Methodist is the place where every member is a minister.

Each person who attends Crossroads finds a place where he or she can be ministered to and in turn minister to others. There are activities for every member of the family.

Activities For Every Member of the Family There are Sunday School classes for all ages and interests, Bible studies, youth programs, children’s programs, shut-in ministries, community outreach, senior citizens group, women’s groups, men’s club, adult choir, youth choir, children’s choir, and more.

Located on Highway 138 next door to Hightower Trail Elementary School and across from the entrance to the Georgia International Horse Park, Crossroads focuses on the five Page 4 • EASTER • SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2011 • THE CITIZEN

Rs – Reaching out, Relating, Renewing, Rejoicing, and Representing – as its mission statement attests.

The purpose of Crossroads United Methodist Church is to reach out in Christ’s love to our neighbors, relate to one another in genuine Christian fellowship, renew daily our relationship with the living God, rejoice together in Holy Spirit-led worship, and represent Jesus Christ in our community and in our world.

Worship Services Offer Variety There are two worship services on Sunday mornings.

The 8:30 a.m. is a contemporary praise and worship program, while the 11 a.m. is a traditional Methodist service.

Sunday School begins at 9:55 a.m. Throughout the week the church doors are open for a variety of programs and Bible studies.

Holy Week Celebration Holy Week at Crossroads is eagerly anticipated by the Crossroads membership. The 2011 Holy Week celebration begins Palm Sunday on April 17, which features the Crossroads children and youth as they prepare the way for the coming of Christ.

Good Friday Services, April 22, will begin at 8 p.m.

On Easter Sunday, April 24, Crossroads will celebrate Christ’s resurrection. The celebration begins with a Sunrise Service at 6:45 a.m. followed by breakfast served by the Men’s Club. Be sure to dress warmly because – weather permitting – this service celebrating the empty tomb is held out doors.

Regular worship services on Easter Sunday are held at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. with Sunday School at 9:55 a.m.

Everyone is Welcome at Crossroads!

Canaan Baptist Church choir and drama present moving Easter drama On Saturday, April 23 at 7:00 pm and Sunday, April 24 at 6:00 pm Canaan Baptist Church will present the Easter drama entitled “Alpha and Omega”. You don’t want to miss this exciting event that will transport you back to the time that our Lord walked among us as the Lamb of God. The choir and drama department of our church will present in song and dramatic portrayal the events that led up to the crucifixion of the Savior, as well as his triumphant resurrection from the grave!

Elaborate sets make an exquisite backdrop that transforms the scene before the congregation into the town of Jerusalem. Actors will introduce us to Bible characters like John the

Baptist, the woman at the well, and the twelve disciples. Powerful songs and orchestration help us to understand the miraculous life of Christ, and the unspeakable gift that God gave when He gave his life for us. Please join us for one or both of these special services. It is an event that will impact greatly the life of a Christian, and it will touch the hearts of those who have yet to trust Christ as Savior.

Canaan Baptist Church also has a full schedule of services each week to provide opportunity for worship and fellowship: Sundays 10:00 am and 6:00 pm; Wednesdays : King’s Kids at 7:15 pm, Teen Service at 7:30 pm, and Adult Bible Study at 7:30 pm. We invite you to join us this Sunday!

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He Is Risen Celebrate Easter Sunday with us at ...

Solid Rock Baptist Church 8111 Brown Bridge Road • Covington, GA 30014

Easter Sunday Services Worship Service – 8:45 a.m.

Sunday School – 9:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m.

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

(Nursery provided for birth-4 years old – Both Services)

SRBC Offers the Following Ministries AWANA

Circle of Friends Women’s Bible Study

Children’s Ministry Willing Helpers Food Ministry 24/7 Student Ministry Rockmart Thrift Store Recreation Ministry Women’s Ministry

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FREE Medical Clinic for Newton County Residents Only

Smyrna Presbyterian celebrates 184 years of praise Smyrna Presbyterian Campground and Church, located at 2920 Highway 212, SW, near the intersection of Ga. 138 and Ga. 212, will gather this year for 184 years of praise, worship, campmeeting, local and international missionary work, many youth activities and vacation bible school.

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday services on April 17 at 8:40 a.m. with a Praise Service, followed at 9:30 a.m. with the Vietnamese Service, and at 11:00 a.m. with the Traditional Service. The children of the church will proceed into the sanctuary carrying palm leaves to start these services.

Sunday School classes begin every week at 9:40 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. for the Vietnamese Sunday School classes.

On April 21 the church will hold its Maundy Thursday Service with communion at 7:00 p.m. and on April 22 it will hold its Good Friday Service at 7:00 p.m.

The Easter Egg Hunt on April 23 is open to the public and all children ages 2 through Grade 5 are invited to participate in the campground area at 10:00 a.m.to 12:00 Noon.

Easter Sunday, April 24, will begin with Smyrna’s SonRise service at 7:00 a.m. at the

lakeside stone pulpit on the campgrounds. A breakfast in the dining hall will follow. The Praise Service will be at 8:40 a.m., the Vietnamese service will follow at 9:30 a.m. in the Chapel, and the traditional service will be at 11:00 a.m.in the Sanctuary.

Sunday School classes are at 9:40 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. for the Vietnamese Sunday School classes.

Following Holy Week, a mission team will depart from Smyrna for Nakuru, Kenya from June 7-17. Over the past eight years people from several churches in Conyers and beyond have helped establish a new Christian Mission Center which includes a children’s home to as many as 400 orphans, primary and secondary schools, clinic

and housing for staff. There will be opportunities to help in many ways, including medical and health care, computers, construction,education and evangelism. Also, a missionary group will leave for Vietnam in the summer June 5-15 with several members who plan to remain permanently in Vietnam to continue working with the people.

Smyrna Presbyterian Church of Vietnam has been built, a blind center renovated, a home destroyed by hurricane rebuilt, and many other activities. The team visits orphanages, a Leper colony, sponsors orphans and various families to encourage them in the walk of faith. They have built a two-story blind center that houses approximately 70 residents in Dalat. All with a heart for these missions are welcome to join the teams.

Vacation Bible School will be held June 7-11 on the campground and is open to the public. On June 13-19 a group of youth and adults will attend Smyrna’s local Mission Work Camp. They will be housed on the campgrounds for the week.

Last year 200 youth and adults participated, from five states and they completed 18 local projects for the elderly and disabled. Many are repeat volunteers who have expressed a desire to return to participate in this rewarding experience. It is exciting to see an investment in the local community.

Camp Meeting will be June 24-30. Several guest preachers will give the evening services Friday through Sunday at 7:30 p.m Additional preachers will give the evening services Monday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday morning message at 11:00 a.m. A guest preacher will conduct the daily bible study at 11:00 a.m. Homecoming Sunday is observed on June 26 Lunch and dinner will be served daily in the dining hall. Harvest Jubilee will be held September 17 - for the Tina George Carter Medical Benevolence Fund with a Quilt display, Classic Car Show, Holiday House, General Store, Arts & Crafts, Bake Sale, Book Store, Plant Sale, Car Wash, Children’s Activities.

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SMYRNA CAMPGROUND AND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2920 Hwy. 212 SW • 770-483-8962 • Conyers, GA 30094 Rev. Michael Sorrell www.smyrnapc.com

EASTER WEEK SERVICES Palm Sunday 4/17 - 8:40 AM Praise Service, Sanctuary

9:30 AM Vietnamese Service, Chapel 9:40 AM Sunday School Classes 10:45 AM Vietnamese Sunday School Classes 11:00 AM Traditional Service, Sanctuary Maundy Thursday Service 4/21 - 7:00 PM with Communion (Nursery Available) Good Friday 4/22 - 7:00 PM (Nursery Available) Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday 4/3 - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Public Invited) Easter Sunday 4/24- 7:00 AM SonRise Service (Stone Pulpit Lakeside - Public Invited) (Breakfast in Dining Hall follows SonRise Service) 8:40 AM Praise Service, Sanctuary 9:30 AM Vietnamese Service, Chapel 9:40 AM Sunday School Classes 10:45 AM Vietnamese Sunday School Classes 11:00 AM Traditional Service, Sanctuary Page 8 • EASTER • SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2011 • THE CITIZEN