April 1-20, 2025

 

Map and details for Trail Stops are at the bottom.

The “Trail of Easter” provides a fun way for individuals and families to experience an Easter activity that takes place from the convenience of your own vehicle. The route mapped out for you will take you past the different locations where objects, relating to the Easter story, are randomly placed for you to find.
We ask that you stay in your vehicle as you slowly make your way past the marked locations while you enjoy the challenge of the search. Please use hazard lights when necessary. – OBEY ALL TRAFFIC LAWS. Drivers should not use cellphones while behind the wheel, only passengers should look-up and read Scriptures.

Follow along as we make our way back through Holy Week, where Christ is preparing to make the final sacrifice for all mankind. As Jesus enters into Jerusalem, we hear the people shouting, “Hosanna, blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord;” only to have them turn against Him later, shouting, “Crucify Him!”

The week takes many twists and turns as Jesus moves toward His final hours on earth. He accepts the will of His Heavenly Father and continues to teach and prepare His followers for what is about to happen. All the while, the religious leaders plot against Him. Even His most faithful followers turn their back on Him. Jesus, knowing this would happen, gave Himself into the hands of His aggressors and offered His body and His blood as a sacrifice for all humanity. As He hung on the cross, He suffered the penalty for all sin, even though He Himself was without sin. It is sin that separates us from God. God’s desire is for all people to come back to Him. For this reason, He sent His Son into the world. Jesus was willing to pay the price for our sin so that we can be reunited with our Heavenly Father and, one day, live with Him for all eternity. When Jesus hung on the cross, and before He took His final breath, Jesus said, “It is finished.” At that very moment, the curtain to the room called the Holy of Holies where God was known to reside, and only the high priest was allowed to enter once a year for atonement but could never look at God’s face, tore from the top to the bottom as a sign that Jesus made it possible so anyone could enter God’s presence through Jesus Christ. The choice is ours as to whether we will accept it or not.

Jesus didn’t stay dead. On the third day after His death on the cross, He arose from the grave, just as He had said He would. He presented Himself to hundreds of people before He went back to heaven. Jesus said that He was going to prepare a place for us in heaven and that one day He will return again to take all of His followers with Him.

Whether you have heard this a thousand times or this is your first-time hearing, this is our reason to celebrate! Please join us as we recall the story of Easter as we make our way through the “Trail of Easter!” If you would like to know more about Jesus, Marion Salem Church invites you to join us for worship on Sundays at 10am—the church is the last stop on the Trail of Easter.

—Special Thanks to Lockport Mennonite Church in Lockport, OH for the idea

 

Map Below. You can print the pdf that is below, click thru to page 2. Or you can go down futher and see the map QR codes.

Trail of Easter Map and Instructions

 

Join Emily Sharp for a time of conversation and digging into God’s Word. All High School students and young adults are encouraged to join us following worship for this 6-week study. We will meet in the Crusader’s classroom (beside the kitchen) and take a look at the “Being Human” study from RightNow Media, exploring cultural stories shaping our world and seeking Biblical answers to what it means to be a human being. We will keep our time to 45 min (15 min video and 30 min discussion). Contact Emily with any questions.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming opportunities for worship:

Lenten Sermon Series: The Seven Last Words of Christ starting Sunday, March 2nd

Ash Wednesday: March 5th 7pm

Palm Sunday, April 13th: Easter Cantata

Maundy Thursday: April 17th 7pm

Good Friday: April 18th 7pm, Tenebrae Service

Easter: Sonrise Service 8am, Breakfast 8:30am

The annual spaghetti dinner and auction will soon be upon us.

 

Please save Saturday, March 8th at 5 pm for the big event! This year, in honor and

memory of our beloved Jim McGuire, the auction will have a nautical theme.

 

The proceeds will be funneled into the youth ministry program at Salem.

We need every member of the church to make this event successful.

Please consider donating items for both the silent and live auction. There is a

table at the back of the church where you can bring your items.

 

Help will be needed for the following: kitchen, set up, check in/out,

contacting businesses. Please see Kelly Wagner or Conni McChesney.

 

If you know former youth and adults who were involved with the youth

ministry over the years, please invite them. We would love to hear how time

spent in the Salem youth group impacted their lives and why it is so important

to invest in our young people!

 

Be sure to invite friends and family! It’s a very fun evening!

Marion Salem Church will have worship on Sundays regardless of weather so long

as Pastor can cross parking lot to get into building. If you cannot make it safely and

have a portion of leadership in service, please let Pastor know and we will move to

a backup plan. Service can always be found streamed on Facebook.

All other activities such as Sunday school, youth group, choir practice, and other

meetings will be determined by their respective leaders. Communication will go

through their rosters.