Outdoor Easter Service At Nalls Produce Returns In 2022

KINGSTOWNE, VA — After a two-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kingstowne Communion will bring back its Easter service at Nalls Produce.

This is the fifth year Kingstowne Communion has hosted the Easter service outdoors surrounded by flowers, roosters, and of course Penny the pig. The services will include a sunrise service at 7 a.m. and family service at 9 a.m. at Nalls Produce, 7310 Beulah Street, Alexandria, VA.

The Easter service will include live music, a children’s moment, Easter message, communion, and an opportunity to cover the cross in buds. Children’s Easter experience kits and Dunkin coffee and donuts will be provided to guests. After the service, guests can stick around to take pictures and enjoy Nalls Produce. Guests are encouraged to bring books to help stock eight or more local Little Free Libraries.

Ahead of Easter, Kingstowne Communion will have several Good Friday observances. Good Friday On-the-Go Stations of the Cross will be hosted at La Madeleine French Bakery and Café at Kingstowne Towne Center from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Guests can visit the private room right of the coffee counter and register for an interactive walk through the Stations of the Cross and enjoy a complimentary beverage.

At 7:30 p.m. on Good Friday, a worship service will be held at Woodlawn Press Winery, 8733-B Cooper Rd, Alexandria, VA. Guests will sing, confess, commune, and reflect on the cross during the service. Ahead of the service at 6:30 p.m., there will be a complementary monk’s meal of soup and bread, which is considered a traditional Benedictine meal for Lent. Guests may also get wine tastings or a glass of wine from Woodlawn Press.

According to Rev. Michelle Matthews, lead pastor, "Kingstowne Communion is an inclusive United Methodist church existing to extend God's table and gather people into communion with Jesus Christ through courageous conversation, creative community, and collaborating for the common good." Founded in 2016, it became an independent United Methodist church during the pandemic.

Worship services are typically held at 10 a.m. Sundays at Hayfield Secondary School, 7630 Telegraph Road, Door 9, Alexandria, VA. However, Easter Sunday will be the start of a 50-day outside worship program. According to Matthews, the change is due to Hayfield Secondary School being used for testing in May. The outdoor services also take advantage of May weather and take services closer to the places where residents live, work and play. Weekly services at Hayfield Secondary School will resume on Pentecost Sunday, June 5.

Here is the schedule for 50 days of worship outside:

• Sun, April 17 (Easter Sunday): Nalls Produce
• Sun, April 24: Lee District Park Amphitheater
• Sun, May 1: Lee District Park Amphitheater
• Sun, May 8: Paradise Springs Winery (Mother’s Day Massages & Mimosas after worship)
• Sun, May 15: Lee District Park Amphitheater
• Sun, May 22: Lee District Park Amphitheater
• Sun, May 29: Brookfield Park Picnic Shelter (Memorial Day Potluck after worship)

For more information, visit kingstownecommunion.net.

SEE ALSO: Nalls Produce Recognized By County Board For 60th Anniversary