Easter’s sweet story
Jellybeans tell church’s saga
When children awakened on April 5, they enthusiastically searched for their baskets. They couldn’t wait to taste all the chocolate bunnies and eggs, but Christ United Methodist Church hoped they relished both the sweet taste and meaning behind the jellybeans.
A week before the Bethel Park church held its Easter services, it spread the good news of the season through an event it dubbed “Bunny Bonanza.” In addition to a visit with the Easter Bunny, games and breakfast, more than 1,000 visitors learned about Jesus through the use of the simple jellybean. Each of the colors – green, black, red, orange, white, purple, yellow and pink – represented Christ’s Passion and Resurrection.
“Easter is the most special time of year,” said Jess Gilman, who is the church’s event planning director. “We learn about how Jesus died on the cross and saved us from our sins. That and the hope of having eternal life in heaven is the best gift we could ever have.”
Gillman added that through the Bunny Bonanza, the church was able to tell the story to everyone they encountered and instead of its usual egg hunt, jellybeans were used to relay the message.
“We’re super excited about the changes,” said Jennifer Morgan, who is the church’s communication director. “This was a great way to give the community a little taste of what the church is about and welcome them back to worship with us and to tell the wonderful story about Easter.”
Nearly 600 adults and more than 500 children attended the Bunny Bonanza held March 28. A free breakfast returned to the event, which also included a petting zoo and crafts.
While Owen and Caden Booth said the best part of Easter is all the treats, their mother, Danielle, noted the joy of watching them have fun and the significance of the holiday.
“I’m glad they brought the breakfast back, and the jellybeans were so cute. I like that each color represented something and they told what they stood for and the story of Easter.”
Stephanie Hoffman, who has worked at the church for the past two years, concurred that the event succeeded in delivering the message of the celebration.
“It’s extremely joyful, fun and amazing to help these kiddos grow in their spiritual journey,” she said.
“Every year, we are able to put on an amazing event by coming up with something fresh. We’re excited that so many people come. There’s something new and exciting for everyone.”
Sandy Marks agreed. She and her husband, Aaron, brought their three children, Sandy, Theo and Beau, to the event. The Upper St. Clair children attend the church’s preschool.
“The school is amazing. They have a huge wing for the children,” Sandy Marks said. “It’s a great place for them and their programming is amazing. We were excited to come to the bunny breakfast, learn about the story of Easter and meet the bunny.”