Easter Sunday packs churches, renews faith

The Rev. A.J. Wollenberg, pastor at Concordia Lutheran Church in Sikeston, decorates a cross outside the church with a white sash to signify Christ's rising from the dead. As children hunt for Easter eggs today, liturgical churches around the world will observe Jesus' resurrection.
(Michelle Felter, Staff)

"On Easter Sunday, many people find their faith, and I hope to give them some sort of encouragement to hold on to that faith," said the Rev. Scott Sunnenberg, pastor at St. Francis Xavier in Sikeston and St. Henry's in Charleston.

And pastors at liturgical churches said that makes their Easter message -- although no different than any other sermon -- more important to drive home.

"The season really demands focus, because it is the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ," said the Rev. A.J. Wollenberg, pastor at Concordia Lutheran in Sikeston. "All of that is celebrated every Sunday, but more so on Easter, because Easter is the day that He comes out of His grave. But I think every service is a huge, gracious, wonderful opportunity."

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