This Easter, Slow Down and Remember…

April 17, 2025
John Iamaio

How are you doing? That’s a loaded question, isn’t it?

Chances are, if you and I bumped into each other at Wegmans or the gym and asked each other that question, at least one of us would answer with the word, “busy”.

Busyness has become a badge of honor in our society. It proves we are important. We have worth. We are people who gets things accomplished.

There are seasons when life is hectic, but when busyness dominates our lives, it robs us of the opportunity to remember, reflect, and celebrate. We become “human doings” instead of “human beings”.

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to sit with two of my closest friends. We lived with each other all four years of college and have made many wonderful memories since. In five hours of unhurried time, we remembered all the things we have been through together. We reflected on where we are now in life. We also celebrated the joy of having true friends who are there for you no matter what. Was that time worth it? Absolutely!

There are seasons when life is hectic, but when busyness dominates our lives, it robs us of the opportunity to remember, reflect, and celebrate.

Why do I tell you this? Because I think we all crave the space to slow down enough to do what is most meaningful in life. This is one of the most significant weeks in the life of our church. If we aren’t careful, we can promote what we are doing as a church as simply another “event” to put on your already packed calendar. What we want our church family to experience is much deeper than an event or a service. We want everyone to truly experience Jesus.

I really hope you will join us for Good Friday and Easter this weekend. These sacred days are opportunities to meet with Jesus in a unique way.

Tomorrow we will have a time to remember and reflect at our Good Friday service at 7:00pm. Good Friday is heavy. It’s supposed to be. It’s the day we sit with the weight of the cross – with the sacrifice Jesus made for each of us. We’ll gather to reflect, to grieve, and to remember that love—true, deep, sacrificial love—looks like a Savior hanging on a cross. It’s a service filled with meaning and reverence. We will also partake in Communion together. Good Friday is not easy, but it’s real. And it prepares our hearts for what comes next.

Then, on Easter Sunday, we will have an opportunity to celebrate at each of our three identical services (9:00am, 10:30am, & 12:00pm). Resurrection Sunday reminds us that the grave doesn’t win! Death doesn’t get the final word. We celebrate with joy, with music, and with light. It’s a day for fresh starts and renewed hope. Whether you’ve been walking with Jesus for years, or you are newer to what it means to be a Christian, this service will remind us of what is central to our faith.

My guess is you could benefit from slowing down to be with Jesus this week. I know I could! My prayer is not simply that we would all show up to a building on Friday and Sunday, but that we would all encounter our risen Savior in a fresh way. I’d love to have you here with us. Consider yourself invited!

About The Author

John Iamaio

John Iamaio serves as Discipleship Pastor at Browncroft. Previously as Missions Director for Cru, he oversaw chapters on 40+ college campuses reaching 1.5 million students across New York. Committed to meaningful relationships and authenticity, John is passionate about investing in the next generation of leaders and helping people grow deeper in what it means to experience Jesus in their own life.

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