Churches share a special time

While many associate Easter with a long weekend or a chance to indulge guilt-free in chocolate treats, the churches of Busselton and Dunsborough have shared the significance of the day.

The Christian festival of Easter commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In Busselton and Dunsborough, the local churches unite annually to offer community Easter services.

Busselton churches will hold an ecumenical Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, April 19, from 10am along the river on Peel Terrace.

A Stations of the Cross is a reflection of the final hours of Jesus’ life, with each station marking a point along the way to his death.

St Joseph’s Church, St Mary’s Anglican Church, the Uniting Church and Salvation Army will all participate in the service.

St Mary’s Reverend Wayne Warfield and St Mary’s parish priest Jaybee Bonghanoy both encouraged the community to attend the service or one of the city’s church events over the Easter weekend.

“It is important to remember we are the people of resurrection and we give thanks to God for the new life in Christ,” the Reverend Warfield said.

“Easter is a significant time of year and it was one of God’s greatest acts for humanity,” Father Bong-hanoy said.

In Dunsborough, the combined churches will host an Easter Day Dawn Service on Sunday, April 21, at the Old Dunsborough Boat Ramp from 6am.

Dunsborough Community Church, Church of Christ, C3 Church, Our Lady of the Southern Cross, St George’s Anglican Parish and St John’s Church are all involved.

Dunsborough Community Church pastor Philip Gifford said all were welcome to join the congregations as they watched the sun rise, while remembering Jesus’ resurrection.

“We don’t mind if you’ve come from eating chocolate or you go off to eat chocolate — this is for the whole community,” he said.

“It really is beautiful how all the different Christian faiths come together. Here in Dunsborough, we don’t look for boundaries, we look for opportunities.

“This is an organic event by the water, a glorious experience that celebrates how the new life of Christ was a gift to us all.”

Community leaders, Vasse MLA Libby Mettam and City of Busselton mayor Grant Henley, also took the opportunity to share their Easter messages with the community ahead of the weekend.

“Easter is the most significant Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, and while not everyone observes this celebration, it is an important time for families and loved ones to come together at one of the most popular long weekends on the South West calendar,” Ms Mettam said.

“I wish everyone a safe and restful break with family as the community reflects on the message of Easter, which is one of the holiest days of the Christian calendar. It is a busy time of year with school holidays and Anzac Day approaching. Be safe on the roads and travelling around the region,” Mr Henley said.