Not all of Mars Hill spent Easter Sunday celebrating in a cold drizzle in an open-roofed stadium. Mars Hill Albuquerque held four Easter services in the Lobo Theater on a pleasantly sunny New Mexico day. Here's Greg's recap:

It’s all about Jesus, and Jesus was clearly in the spotlight during our Easter services. Jesus was worshiped, and Jesus changed lives in a powerful way. We prayed that we would have 1,200 in attendance and 40 people baptized. By God’s grace, we had 1,196 people walk through our doors. We had the pleasure of baptizing 42 people who committed their lives to Jesus, some of whom came to know about Jesus for the first time yesterday, and many who had been fighting with Jesus for years. For some of us, yesterday was life changing as we got to see the Holy Spirit move in the hearts of people. In the words of Brock Alderman, "Ten months ago I was depressed, angry and hate filled. Today I held the hands of 19 different people as they got baptized … and worshiped with over 1,100 hundred people over the course of four church services. I guess you could say I am a changed man. I love you, Jesus!"

"For Mars Hillians, don’t let yesterday be the finish line. … Take a deep breath and continue to run hard for Jesus."

Many of our Mars Hill Albuquerque members served by greeting, making coffee, doing security, counseling, coordinating, baptizing, playing in the band, singing, doing production, janitorial work, and countless tasks throughout the day. Several volunteers worked at all four services giving all of their Easter Sunday in service. We collected hundreds of items for the Albuquerque Rescue Mission. Thanks to your generosity, many homeless men and women will have socks, shoes, underwear, and other supplies. We had one of the largest bands in the history of our campus with 21 people on the stage leading us in worship as we all sang our guts out to Jesus. We were able to worship Jesus as families with our little ones joining us for the service as the party balloons flew in the air. Each service was truly a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Only one word can express yesterday: EPIC!  Thank you to everyone who had a part in yesterday’s services. It could not have happened without your support, prayer, and generosity.

This last part is a good word for all of Mars Hill as the hubbub of Easter dies down and we get ready for spring and summer:

For Mars Hillians, don’t let yesterday be the finish line. You have been inviting friends, family, and foes to come. You have been sharing Jesus. You have been pushing hard for the Kingdom of God. Continue to use the momentum that has started.  Take a deep breath, compose yourself, and continue to run hard for Jesus. Follow up with those that you invited to Easter. Invite them to your Community Group and continue to share Jesus with them.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those that Jesus is drawing to himself. Jesus is alive and the Holy Spirit is moving.

What's next?  If this Sunday was your first time at church and you met Jesus for the first time, we would recommend that you sign up for our Doctrine Class that will be starting at many campuses. Check their websites for specific dates. If you have been attending Mars Hill for a little while and/or still have questions about Jesus, we recommend that you join one of our Community Groups. These are places were you can ask questions and see how Jesus works in our every day lives. Visit the Connect Desk at your local campus to find one.