Sunrise service

MEXICO – An Easter sunrise service will be held Sunday, April 16, starting at 6 a.m. at the Mountain Valley Middle School parking lot on Highland Terrace.

Area churches sponsor the annual tradition. The service will be followed by a light breakfast at the Rumford United Methodist Church, Linnell Street, Rumford.

In the event of poor weather, the service will be held at the Virgin Memorial Chapel of the Rumford church.

Combined services

RUMFORD – Special combined Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services are planned starting with a service of worship at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at the Rumford United Methodist Church, Linnell Street. The Mexico UCC will join the Methodists for a service of communion followed by a short drama, “Conspiracy of Betrayal.” Members from both churches will take parts. All are welcome.

A Good Friday service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, April 14, at the Mexico Congregational, United Church of Christ, 163 Main St. The Rev. Virginia Snapp-Cunningham and Pastor Kelly Harvell from the Rumford United Methodist Church will conduct the service together featuring the Stations of the Cross with scriptures read by laity and clergy from both churches. A joint choir will sing “Go to Dark Gethsemane.” All are welcome.

Church drama

RUMFORD – “The Conspiracy of Betrayal,” a courtroom drama depicting Satan vs. Judas, will be enacted at the Maundy Thursday service of the Rumford United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 13, in the church sanctuary.

The actors will be from the host church and also from the UCC Church (the Green Church) in Mexico. A jury will be selected from among the attendees, who will decide the innocence or guilt of Judas. The drama will be performed, then the jury will take its vote. The drama will continue, following the jury’s decision, whichever way it goes. The program is open to the public and all will be welcome.

Easter events

MEXICO – Mexico First Baptist Church, 20 Roxbury Road, will sponsor several inspirational activities to celebrate Easter week.

A Maundy Thursday communion will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 13, to commemorate the Last Supper. On Good Friday, April 14, the church will be open from 3 to 6 p.m. for individuals and families to go for a time of silent prayer and reflection. The board of deacons will have a time of prayer at 6 p.m. to remember all the special requests that are submitted during that time.

On Easter Sunday, April 16, the resurrection celebration will climax with several events. There will be a “Sonrise” service at 7 a.m. followed by a breakfast at 7:45, Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. and Easter worship at 10:45 a.m. There will be no evening service.

Each event will be interspersed with inspirational music. The public is invited to all events. For more information, call 364-8712.