The Easter Journey held at the buildings of St John’s Union Church over Easter weekend was amazing, organisers say.

Mission facilitator Jess Suisted said the hum of people chatting and kids playing filled the buildings all weekend.

“There were no spare seats around the art table facilitated by artist Jodi Collins as children and adults created art pieces from air dry clay and painted crosses.

“The outdoor art table was equally busy with people making Easter art from driftwood, shells, sand, rope, beads and old frames.

“The couch corner in the Lounge was buzzing with conversation as Clive S. Wilson chatted to people about his new book, Learning to see the Invisible God.

The title drew people’s attention and many purchased a copy to take home, inspired by the first few chapters.

Mrs Suisted said the children loved the Easter egg hunt, and searched high and low for 12 laminated Easter eggs with letters on them.

When placed in the right order, the letters spelt “Jesus is alive”.

The art gallery had some inspiring prophetic art by artists.

“Sisters Elodie and Avie Taylor contributed some simple but clear drawings of the Easter story, and we were blessed by Whakatāne artist Brian Phipps’ art, particularly his piece Great Love, Great Suffering, a cross made by barbed and copper wire which hung in the entryway,” said Mrs Suisted.

“The cross is a bit rugged and misshapen, like all of us,” his exert said.

“On Easter Friday, Jesus took upon himself the sin of the world, as represented by the barbed wire. He took upon himself our pain, shame, addictions, sadness, guilt, fear, regret. Jesus’ death was the culmination of great suffering. Jesus’ life, ministry, death and resurrection were, however, empowered by great love as represented by the copper wire.”

Mrs Suisted said as visitors entered the main church building, they passed through seven red curtains, which represented the seven times Jesus bled for them on the way to the cross.

David Taits’ poem, Seven times shed for me, hung on each of the arches with red curtains.

An exert from his poem: (John 9:33)
The soldiers came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, So now there was no need to break his legs.
A lunging spear into his side, spewing forth blood so red,
All poured out, right down to the dregs.
This final time, Jesus shed all his blood for me.
Yes, seven times my Jesus shed his blood for me,
Receiving from the Father, forgiveness of all my sin.
He came to earth; he died, forever to set me free,
He opened the heavenly gates, now to welcome me in.
All because, seven times, Jesus shed his blood for me.”

As they walked through the last red curtains, visitors were amazed by an acrylic on board piece painted by Collins titled, The Lord will provide a way – Jehovah Jireh.

“Visitors were able to sit on a pew and enjoy reflecting on the Lord who provided a way for us. Jodi has kindly gifted this piece to the church, and it will be enjoyed at Oasis House, the new community space being set up by the church.”