Compiled by The Bedford Citizen
Bedford’s 68th annual ecumenical Easter dawn service on the banks of Fawn Lake drew a sizeable crowd despite grey skies.
The ecumenical service draws on participation by multiple Bedford churches. Coordinated by Emily Mitchell of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the leadership changes each year, rotating among the congregations each of which is represented in the service.
This year’s participants included Roberta Valday, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church; Bridget Clayton, St. Michael’s Parish; Dianne Bridgeman, First Church of Christ, Congregational, UCC; and Don Marshall, First Parish on the Common, UUA. The Ecumenical Brass Ensemble was led by John Bridgeman and hymns were accompanied by Bob McClatchey on the accordion.
Emily Mitchell delivered the Easter message. Click this link to read Don Marshall’s appreciation, and the full text of Emily’s homily.
Begun in 1951 by a group of Bedford residents from several churches, the last of the founders passed away this year. John Bridgeman read a moving memorial to Mickey Webber. Click this link to read the remembrance.
After the service, participants were invited to the traditionally festive Easter Breakfast hosted by the First Church of Christ, Congregational.
Easter hats were plentiful at the breakfast
And silly!
Looking Ahead to 2020
Planning for the 2020 Easter service will rest with First Church of Christ, Congregational. Newcomers are invited to participate in planning or presenting future services. If you are interested, please tell your parish minister or priest that you want to join the Easter Dawn Service planning committee or self-identify by contacting First Church at the start of Lent next year.
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