Springville, Tenn.–The celebration of Easter at Antioch United Methodist Church will be more quiet and private this year. Instead of finding the large cross inside the sanctuary for Lent and Easter in previous years, you will find it standing outside in the church yard, near the road, where everyone going by may see it.
Pastor Linda Hilliard said, “The cross has left the building!!! Indeed, exactly as is directed by our Savior. If you like, in the next week, Holy Week, in your own time, come to the cross. Sit for awhile in your car, pondering its glory. Or, get out of your car and bow down, near the cross, in reverence for our Lord’s atoning sacrifice. Maybe you will come near to the cross and touch it or put your arms around it in gratitude for the love of Jesus, poured out for you, on the cross. And if you come on Easter, stand before it, with arms outstretched and lifted high, proclaiming, “I know that my Redeemer lives!”