Easter Services in Estero
By D.K. Christi
The congregation at Estero Church waves their palms
Estero is rich with churches and worship places. With Holy Week and Easter Sunday around the corner, here is an alphabetical listing of local churches and services to consider to celebrate Easter or join in worship anytime.
Note: This roundup contains the information available at time of publication. Contact churches directly or check out their websites and Facebook pages for updates.
Calvary Chapel Gulf Coast
Calvary Chapel Association; Senior Pastor Bill Mobley
20991 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero
(239) 949-0914; calvarygc.org
Easter service (Gospel in the Park): 10 a.m. at Estero Community Park
“Gospel in the Park Easter services are at 10 a.m. outdoors at the Estero Community Park amphitheater,” said Associate Pastor Rick Castellano. Up to 500 have attended the general Easter service in the past. Regular Sunday services emphasize the literal study of the Bible. Easter’s general service includes praise music and the Gospel. Visitors and vacationers are welcome.”
Christ Community Ministries
Non-denominational; Pastor Charlie Memoli
8681 County Road, Estero
Easter service (Resurrection Sunday): 10 a.m.
“We are a small church congregation – under 50,” said Pastor Memoli. “Sunday service is a line by line, verse by verse teaching of the Bible to ‘know Christ and make Him known.’”
Estero Church
Global Methodist; Pastor Grace Brooks
8088 Lords Way St., Estero
Easter services: 8 a.m. Traditional; 9:30 a.m. Contemporary service and live stream; 11 a.m. Traditional and Latino service in the Fellowship Hall
“Join us as we celebrate hope, love and the joy of the resurrection,” said Pastor Grace Brooks. “We are waiting to embrace you into God’s family.” Estero Church’s seasonal congregation exceeds 600 parishioners. Easter weekend includes a special kids event, “Journey through Easter Together” with an Easter egg hunt and more on Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Estero Community Church
Presbyterian; Pastor Kevin Morris
21115 Design Parc Lane, Estero
(239) 267-3331; esterocommunitychurch.com
Easter service: 9:30 a.m.
“We are a small, friendly congregation with an older demographic. We have worshipped together for years and welcome everyone,” said Pastor Morris. “Easter services at 9:30 a.m. include the celebration of Holy Communion, and the sanctuary is adorned with Easter lilies.” Fellowship and light food follow the service.
First Baptist Church of Estero
Baptist; Pastor Frank Brand
20300 Trailside Drive, Estero
(239) 992-0881; firstbaptistestero.com
Easter services: 7 a.m. Sunrise Service, followed by breakfast; Worship services at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
“We are a friendly neighborhood church and worship Jesus,” said Pastor Brand. “We all have different backgrounds, learning God’s Word, and everyone is welcome – by faith to receive grace.”
Lamb of God Church
Lutheran/Episcopal; Pastor Lucas McSurley
19691 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers
(239) 267-3525; www.lambofgodchurch.net
Easter services: 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. (Regular weekly service is at 10 a.m.)
“Our mission is to be boldly inclusive, intentionally challenging and joyfully Christian,” said Pastor McSurley, who is relatively new to the area, relocating from Akron, Ohio. “The service will include professional musicians.”
Ocean Church
Non-denominational; Pastor Josh Hall
22100 S. Tamiami Trail, Estero
(239) 992-3040; oceanchurch.com
Good Friday: 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Easter services: 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
“God breathes life into us so His life comes out of us through our relationships, marriages, work, family and community,” said Pastor Hall. “Awareness that God is needed brings worshipers to seek Jesus and heal broken lives through open and vulnerable communication.”
Our Lady of Light Catholic Community
Catholic; Rev. Reji Joseph
19680 Cypress View Drive, Ft. Myers
(239) 267-7088; ourladyoflight.com
See inset photo for Lenten service listings.
River of Life Assembly
Assembly of God; Todd and Sheri Weston, co-pastors
21580 River Ranch Road, Estero
(239) 495-0400; riveroflife.ag
Easter service: 10 a.m.
The church expects about 300 for the Easter multimedia production and spiritual message for all ages and families. According to Pastor Weston, “Our families worship together – an intergenerational and youthful congregation. I love to share the word of God – always moved by the wonder of who God is and what God does.”
Summit Church
Baptist; Pastor Orlando Cabrera
19601 Ben Hill Griffin Parkway, Ft. Myers
(239) 947-7070; summitlife.com
Easter services: Saturday at 5 p.m; and Sunday at 8:15 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
According to their mission, “Summit exists to glorify God by making disciples that represent the gospel to every man, woman and child – a vibrant community of Christ-followers representing the good news of Jesus.” Summit is expecting 800 to 1,000 for each Easter service in a welcoming, casual worship environment.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Mormon
20601 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero
(239) 888-6742; www.lds.org
Multiple services
Thrive Community Church
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod; Pastor John Roth
20041 S Tamiami Trail, Suite 1, Estero
(239) 687-3430; thrive-fl.org
Easter service: 10 a.m.
While each church has its own congregational camaraderie and specific belief structure, they all welcome new friends, visitors and vacationers, especially on Easter Sunday, when they all have in common the wonders of their faith in God and the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
Many churches offer Bible study and interest groups throughout the year, and some even have coffee cafés as community gathering places.
“I am so glad to be among friendly Estero pastors and churches helping each other in meeting community needs,” said Pastor Hall of Ocean Church.
William Smith and Amy Pitzer serve hot dogs at Estero Church’s Easter egg hunt