Aurora Advent Christian Church Celebrates Easter Season
Egg-stravaganza: Kids gather record 3,500 eggs at Aurora's Easter Egg Scramble
AURORA, Ill., – A record 3,500 eggs were scooped up by about 100 kids at Aurora Advent Christian Church’s annual Easter Egg Scramble Saturday, March 27.
The free, hour-long Scramble was held outdoors on the church’s north lawn. Participants were asked to bring baskets and wear masks. To open the event, Pastor Matt Mull welcomed visitors, reflected on the meaning of Easter and invited all to Palm Sunday and Easter worship services.
To control the supply of eggs, the event followed a similar script used in past years. Egg hunters from preschool to fifth grade took part in the Scramble by age groups, with youngest going first.
According to the Rev. Mull, eggs placed by volunteers contained candy, toys and tickets for prizes. Contributed by Aurora Advent Christian congregants, 140 prizes included toys, sports balls, bubble sets, kites, children’s Bibles and gift cards for fast-food restaurants. Special prizes were filled baskets wrapped in cellophane and placed in colored baskets topped with purple ribbons.
To increase social distancing, changes were made regarding tickets found in eggs that could be redeemed for prizes.
The pandemic canceled last year’s event. “Since COVID has continued to go in a more positive direction, the church decided to go ahead with the event this year,” Rev. Mull said.
Parading palm leaves open Holy Week at Aurora church
Aurora youth paraded with palm leaves Sunday, March 28, at Aurora Advent Christian Church to open Holy Week, the week before Easter.
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, March 28, and ends with Holy Saturday, April 3. Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Aurora Advent Holy week events continue on Friday, April 2, with Tenebrae services at 6 and 7:30 p.m. According to Rev. Mull, his message will focus on the seven last sayings of Jesus on the cross. Tenebrae, an ancient Good Friday service, increases darkness by gradually extinguishing candles to symbolize the coming darkness of Jesus’ death.
Communion will be celebrated at both services. Congregants may choose to come forward to receive elements, remain seated and use a sealed cup provided or join the service online at home.
Reservations are encouraged for in-person attendance. E-mail the church office at ACoffice@AuroraAdvent.org with number of persons expected to attend.
Culminating Holy Week is Easter Sunday worship at 10 a.m. on April 4. Rev. Mull will continue his sermon series on Joseph.
The public is invited. Visitors are asked to wear face masks and practice social distancing and other pandemic precautions. Call (630) 896-1963 or visit AuroraAdvent.org for more information.