This time last year, according to Gavin Perkins, senior minister at St Jude's Anglican Church, Bowral, churches across Australia (indeed, the world) were scrambling to put together one of their biggest services for the year in a whole new way - online.
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So the fact that Easter this year looks a lot more like pre-COVID-19 days is a cause of great rejoicing - especially now that singing has been allowed just in time for the event.
"Christians have a lot to be thankful for, and a big part of how we express that thanks is through song, singing praises to God and to encourage each other - that's something we've really missed," said Mr Perkins.
"So it's wonderful that as we approach Easter we finally get to do what Christians love to do and that's to sing."
One year on from that frantic attempt to turn church digital, Mr Perkins said that St Jude's is in the surprising position of having grown during the pandemic.
"We added another traditional service post-covid to accommodate restrictions, which has been a blessing actually," he said.
"Not many places are starting new evensong services and seeing them thrive."
He said that, with two large buildings to spread out in, visitors will be easily accommodated this Easter.
"We'll definitely be able to welcome all the members of the community that like to come to church this time of year," Mr Perkins said.
"If people turn up, they'll get a seat."
Easter church services
Anglican
Bowral
Good Friday
8am Holy Communion, Traditional Church Building
9.30 Combined Service, Auditorium Church Building
5pm Cantata (The Crucifixion, Stainer)
Easter Sunday
8am Holy Communion, Traditional Church Building
9.30am Holy Communion, Traditional Church Building
9.30am Auditorium Church Service
4pm Holy Communion Traditional Church Building
5.30pm Auditorium Church Service
Mittagong
Good Friday
8am, 9:30am (kids church available) and 11:15am
Easter Sunday
8am, 9:30am (kids church available) and 11:15am
Robertson
Good Friday
9am Lord's Supper
Easter Sunday
8am Lord's Supper
10am Family Service
Exeter/Bundaoon
Good Friday
9am Bundanoon
10am Exeter
Easter Sunday
8.30 Sutton Forest
9am Bundanoon
10am Exeter
10.30 Sutton Forest
5pm Bundanoon
Catholic
Bowral
Good Friday
10am Stations of the Cross
3pm Celebration of the Lord's Passion
Holy Saturday
6pm Solemn Easter Vigil
Easter Sunday
Mass 8am, 9.30am and 5pm
Bundanoon
Good Friday
8am Stations of the Cross
Easter Sunday
8am Easter Mass
Moss Vale
Good Friday
10 am Stations of the Cross
2pm Chaplet of Divine at the Altar of Repose
3 pm Commemoration of the Lord's Passion
Holy Saturday
12pm Chaplet of Divine Mercy
7pm Solemn Easter Vigil
Easter Sunday
10am Easter mass
Burrawang
Good Friday
12pm Stations of the Cross
Easter Sunday
8am Easter Mass
Presbyterian
Mittagong
Good Friday 9am
Easter Sunday 10am
Bowral
Good Friday 9am
Easter Sunday 9.30am
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