News
Apr 11, 2017
“Welcome Glad Easter” in Downtown
While individual Christian churches and congregations observe Lent and Easter differently in accordance with their own unique doctrines, all are joined together during this time in solemn reflection and joyful celebration. In Downtown Arlington, four congregations invite you to join them for their special Eastertime services, events and traditions.
Holy Week services
Calvary Church Arlington
Easter Sunday, April 16 at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
First Baptist Church Arlington
Good Friday Tenebrae service, April 14 at 7:00 p.m.
Easter Sunday, April 16 at 8:00 a.m. (family), 9:30 a.m. (contemporary) or 11 a.m. (traditional)
Information about Lenten readings can be found on the FBCA website.
First United Methodist Church
Maundy Thursday worship and Holy Communion, April 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Good Friday choral performances, April 14 at 7:00 p.m.
Easter Sunday, April 16 at 8:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. (traditional); 11:00 a.m. (contemporary); 9:30 a.m. (La Jornada)
Information about Lenten mission projects and seasonal readings can be found on the FUMC website.
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church
Maundy Thursday and Eucharist, April 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Good Friday, April 14 at 7:00 p.m.
The Great Vigil of Easter, Eucharist and refreshments, April 15 at 7:35 p.m. (sunset)
Easter Sunday and Eucharist, April 16 at 10:00 a.m.
Especially for the kids
Celebrating Easter with children is particularly sweet, so these Downtown congregations warmly invite you and your kids to join them for several special events and services.
In addition to its children’s ministry for all ages, Calvary Church (CCA) is holding a free community event on Saturday, April 15 at 11:00 a.m. at Webb Elementary featuring bounce houses, face painting, a deejay, balloon artist, giveaways and a 10,000-egg hunt. On Sunday, April 23, CCA will host a Christian magician who tells stories of the Gospel with each trick.
On Easter Sunday, April 16, the 8:00 a.m. service at First Baptist Arlington (FBCA) is a family-oriented one, so children are invited to celebrate together with their families. After the 10:00 a.m. Easter service at St. Alban’s, the congregation will hold a children’s Easter Egg hunt at Gene Allen Park.
Although their annual Palm Sunday Picnic and Egg Hunt have already taken place, First United Methodist (FUMC) invites you to the children’s annual Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, April 15 on the Literacy House lawn across from the church on North Street. Bring your dogs, cats, reptiles and other beloved pets (leashed or crated only, please) any time between 10:00 a.m. and noon to be blessed. During FUMC Sunday School on Easter Day, children will release butterflies which, throughout Lent, have been busily transforming from caterpillars.
Nice to meet you
In their own words, congregants offer words of welcome to first-time (or long-time) visitors.
“We’re a true, multi-cultural gospel church with a contemporary worship team,” said Erica Escobar, ministry assistant for Calvary Church. “We have a very open and belonging atmosphere with an encouraging and positive vibe. We have several ministry opportunities, and we even have small groups with a wide variety of topics that are available throughout the week.”
Services for Calvary Church Arlington are held in the Arlington Music Hall. “It’s a fun place, not your normal church building,” Erica said. “I think the atmosphere the Music Hall makes people feel comfortable and relaxed.” For more information, visit the website, email arlington@calvarychurch.cc or call 972-261-1919 and ask for Erica.
First Baptist Church Arlington
“First Baptist is a big church with a small church feel,” said David McDurham, minister of communications at FBCA. “We have a variety of programs for people of all ages and our goal is to help you get involved. From different worship services to age-appropriate Bible study, there’s a way you can be a part of the life and family of our church. We strive to follow Christ faithfully, give grace freely and welcome new people warmly.”
The Sanctuary is under construction, so if you need directions once you arrive, friendly greeters will point the way. Once completed, the Sanctuary will include a new stained glass window, new world-class digital organ, a state-of-the-art audio-visual technology, new pews and other aesthetic features. For additional information about FBCA, visit the website, complete the online contact form or call 817-227-6353.
“We’re a large, downtown church attracting those from across the community to ‘Come Worship, Stay Learn, and Go Serve,’” said Mary Gibson, director of communications for FUMC. “We have five different traditional and contemporary worship services each Sunday morning with music provided by a variety of musical groups. Children, youth and adults also meet on Sunday mornings for Sunday school. We provide many opportunities for weekly study as well as special retreats and events. We participate in missions to our community, particularly to the one-mile area that radiates from our building.”
For more information, visit the website, complete the online contact form or call 817-274-2571.
“St. Alban’s is the only Episcopal church in Arlington, Grand Prairie and Mansfield,” said Dave Burrows, administrator for St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. “We’re an open and welcoming church for all people. No one will ever be turned away for any reason. We can help, and have helped, people with not only their spiritual journey but also on a practical level with gift cards, food and paper goods via the Arlington Life Shelter, assistance in applying for housing, and pointing people in the right direction who are in need of life-sustaining services.”
St. Alban’s services are held at Theatre Arlington, either in the Educational Building opposite the theatre (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and The Great Vigil of Easter) or in the main theatre every Sunday morning. For more information, visit the website, email saintalbans.episcopal@gmail.com or call 817-264-3083.
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An official State of Texas Cultural District, Downtown Arlington, Texas blends a unique mix of activities, sights, tastes and sounds that attract visitors and locals alike. Within its less than a two-mile radius, Downtown is home to a top tier public research university, prolific fine and performing artists and arts institutions, live entertainment, exciting NCAA and professional athletics, one-of-a-kind dining and retail, and a supportive business climate. Downtown Arlington brings together a plethora of cultures and inspirations with a character all its own.