Prior to celebrating the good news of Jesus’ resurrection on April 16, Christians all over the world will remember Good Friday, which is April 14. When Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, there was darkness, but on Easter Sunday, there was light.
Good Friday is celebrated in many ways. Some people walk for worthy causes, some plant gardens, others have church services, primarily the seven last sayings or words of Jesus.
The First District of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia will have a Seven Last Words of Christ service at 11 a.m. Friday. The Rev. Stanford Anderson, president of the First District, will host the program at his church, Cavalry Missionary Baptist Church in Richmond Hill. Pastors from throughout the district will speak.
The seven last sayings Jesus spoke on the cross were: "Father, forgive them…" (Luke 23:34); "Today shalt thou be with me in paradise…" (Luke 23:43); "Woman, behold thy son … behold thy mother" (John 19:26-27); "My God my God, why hast thou forsaken me…" (Mark 15:34); "I thirst…" (John 19:28); "It is finished…" (John 19:30); and "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit…" (Luke 23:46).
Speakers scheduled include Pastor Curtis Lemon of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Riceboro; Pastor Jabron Webster of Palmyra Missionary Baptist Church, Midway; Pastor Aaron Cummings of St. Luke Baptist Church, Savannah; Pastor Artis Carswell of St. Phillips Missionary Baptist Church, Reidsville; Pastor Damion P. Gordon Sr. of First Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, Savannah; Pastor Gregory Thomas of Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Statesboro, and New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Register; and Pastor Eric Cooper of St. John Baptist Church, Oliver.
Other area churches will also celebrate Good Friday with seven last sayings programs: Good Shepherd Missionary Baptist Church, Allenhurst, at noon; Wayne County Ministers Coalition at 7 p.m. at Abundant Life Ministries, Jesup; Beach Hill Baptist Church, Midway, at 6 p.m.; and Pleasant Hill Holiness Worship Center, Walthourville, at 7 p.m.
For more information about the First District’s program, call Minister Shelia Renee Payne at 912-659-4971 or 912-756-2702.