Easter celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion. The earliest recorded observance of an Easter celebration comes from the 2nd century though the commemoration of the resurrection
While primarily a Christian observance, the holiday has accumulated many traditions, some having no basis in the Christian celebration but instead derive from folk customs.
The use of decorated Easter eggs was first recorded in the 13th century. The church prohibited eggs from being eaten during Holy Week, but chickens continued to lay eggs during that week. The idea of identifying those as “Holy Week” eggs evolved into decorating the eggs.
Lucy Hayes, wife of President Rutherford B. Hayes, is credited with sponsoring the first annual Easter egg roll on the White House lawn in 1878. An Easter egg roll was an event where children and their parents were invited to roll their eggs on the Monday following Easter. That year, the event moved to the White House from the grounds of the US Capitol Building.
The custom of associating a rabbit with Easter began in Protestant areas of Europe in the 17th century, but was not common until the 19th century. In other countries other animals bring baskets with toys and candy. In Switzerland it’s cuckoo who brings the Easter eggs.
The following is a list of Easter services in Lincoln County: Beverly Community Church – Easter: Sunday School 9:30 am; Worship 10:45 am Pastor Toby Flaming Lincoln Community Church – Good Friday, Apr 7 6:30 pm; Easter Apr 9 10:30 am Pastor Adam Boyd LC UMC Cluster – Lincoln, Barnard, Beverly, Hunter, Bethany Church Sunrise service 7 am First Baptist, Barnard – Sunrise Service at Simpson Hill at 7 am. Breakfast to follow at the community building. Worship at 8:30 am.
First Presbyterian Sylvan Grove - Apr 6 Maundy Thursday 5:30, Apr 7 Good Friday 5:30, Apr 9 Easter Sunrise Service at Kulich’s pasture south of Sylvan 7:05 am, Apr 9 Regular service at 11:00 am St. Patrick Catholic – Holy Thursday, Apr 6, 7 pm in Minneapolis; Good Friday, Apr 7, 5 pm in Lincoln; Easter – 11 am in Lincoln
Those churches not listed are assumed to offer services according to their typical schedule.
