Christians across the valley celebrate Easter

Christians around the world are participating in Easter celebrations Sunday. Here in the valley worshipers flocked to their local churches to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“We just wanted to bring people together to celebrate in a big way. Come one and come all,” said senior pastor at Southwest Church Ricky Jenkins.

Jenkins said his church’s style is about keeping with the times.

“There’s an old adage that says we need to be geared to the rock, but anchored to the times. So we’re geared to the rock, which is the cornerstone of our faith, but we also want to be geared toward the times. It’s a new day and a new age,” Jenkins said.

Hoping in this day and age everyone remembers their faith.

“With everything we’re going through we need something that is stable. We need a foundation and firm footing and in the Christian tradition we believe that footing is in Jesus Christ,” Jenkins said.

Across town a more traditional Mass at Sacred Heart Church.

“Maybe it’s ingrained in us that we know there’s a God and we know that God needs to be worshiped. And sometimes we make excuses, but on Easter it’s pretty hard not to be here,” Father Howard Lincoln said.

Lincoln is wishing everyone peace and joy on this holy day.

“The message today is one of joy, of hope and knowledge that because of Easter your grave is not a final resting place. Your grave is temporary housing. And in fact the last square on the calendar of your life is your best day,” Lincoln said.

No matter your style of worship, religious leaders said they welcome worshipers with open arms on Easter.