Great Southern churches prepare to mark Easter with a message of hope

While some people might focus on chocolate and hot cross buns when Easter comes around, for those of Christian faith, the period symbolises a lot more than snacks.

For Christians, the Easter long weekend commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ nearly 2000 years ago.

Churches across the region are preparing for one of their busiest times of the year, but at Katanning Baptist Church, things are a bit different.

Newly appointed senior pastor Jesse Dixon said he had noticed a difference at the church compared with his previous congregation.

“In Perth at my previous church, Easter was a big thing,” he said.

“There were quite a lot of visitors and regulars there.

“Whereas in Katanning, a lot of our congregation goes on holiday and ends up worshiping in churches in Bremer Bay, Albany and Perth.

“You name it, they’re all over the place.”

However, he said some visitors come to the church over Easter, including those visiting family and friends in the area.

“Our church service is a little smaller than normal but it has quite a nice intimate feel to it where we can welcome friends and family which live elsewhere,” Mr Dixon said.

While the disruptions due to COVID-19 will continue for this year’s services, restrictions will not be as severe as they have been previously.

While masks are still mandatory, QR code check-ins are no longer required.

“On Friday, we will be looking at the unjust trial of Jesus and how things escalated quite quickly, despite the fact that was also God’s plan,” Mr Dixon said.

“(Sunday) is the wonderful story of the fact that if Jesus has risen again, then that changes everything both in our lives now and into the future.

“We have a hope that death is not the end and also the pain, the suffering and the trials that we experience in this life are difficult now, but we can hope that the future is better.”

Mr Dixon said many people across the region had grown up in the church or had relatives who attended.

“My message to them is maybe it’s time to come back to the faith and I would love to share with them Jesus and what he has done from the Bible once again,” he said.

Katanning Baptist Church will be hosting their Good Friday and Easter Sunday services at 10am.