April 7, 2015

This Easter, each of our Mercy homes celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ in special and unique ways. Residents enjoyed attending special church services, dying Easter eggs, and partaking in gourmet lunches, to name a few. We are thankful for the donors, board members and staff who help make holidays such as Easter special for our residents.

Monroe residents dyed eggs on Saturday and enjoyed cupcakes made by staff. On Sunday, the girls received Easter baskets, compliments of Jesus Good Shepherd Church. Each resident also received a special necklace given by Monroe board member Judy Moore and her husband Richard.  After attending Bethany Church on Sunday, residents enjoyed a special lunch at the home.

St. Louis residents woke up on Sunday to Easter baskets outside their rooms. Various donors provided items to fill their baskets, including candy, Starbucks gift cards, hair accessories, nail polish, lip gloss, fun socks, and Hope Soap. The girls attended Destiny Church and had a nice lunch afterwards. Following lunch they participated in one resident’s family tradition “Resurrection Eggs.” It involves a set of Easter eggs that have scripture passages and a symbol in each egg to help explain the true meaning of Easter.

The Sacramento Mercy home participated in a special Easter service hosted by Center of Praise Church. The event took place at the Sacramento Community Center, and Mercy girls took part in the joyful atmosphere of worship and experienced Easter in a vibrant and engaging way. The residents were deeply touched by the graciousness of Center of Praise Church. Afterwards, they all shared a special meal at the home, made by the Mercy staff.

Nashville residents attended a Good Friday service at Christ Church to commemorate Jesus’ death. On Sunday morning, some residents woke up early to watch the sunrise and read different gospel accounts of the resurrection. Residents attended Easter service at Christ Church, and 12 were selected to help serve communion during the service. While they were at church, Nashville board members Matt and Tammy Meinel decorated the dining room and left Easter bags filled with CDs, mugs, candy and bookmarks for each girl. The residents were very blessed and surprised! Here is what a few of them had to say about their weekend:

“Everything this weekend was amazing and such a special blessing to each and every one of us. Easter and Good Friday are very sacred and beautiful to me. It signifies not only everything Jesus sacrificed for us, but also new beginnings each year Easter comes around. I am worthy, and God does have a purpose for me. I can rise out of my bondage and oppression. There is hope! I am loved. I am worth dying for. Jesus’ crucifixion was a beautiful tragedy.” –Rochelle

“I loved the Sunday morning service. It brought life, happiness, and just tons of hope. It was definitely powerful! I also loved the Easter bags. They showed the love and sense of care like Christ. Plus they just lifted me up. I was kind bummed because I couldn’t be with my family, but the bag made me feel loved.” –Brittany