Holy Week reminds man of where he came from

Two years ago, Jesse Lira was in bad shape.

Deep into alcohol and cigarettes, something changed his life immediately. His family took him to church, where he met the Lord.

"I was touched by the Lord," Lira said. "What He did for me was instant."

Lira made a 180-degree turn in life as he started down a road to salvation through Jesus Christ. Lira said he was baptized in the fire of the Holy Sprit and hasn't wanted to return to his old life for a minute.

And while the changes in Lira's life were instant, as he turned away from drugs and alcohol, the effects of that change continued Tuesday in First United Methodist Church Chapel in Greeley.

Lira, 21, sat in a pew wearing a bright shirt that read "Holy Ghost Fire" as he celebrated Holy Week services.

The services have been taking place in downtown Greeley the week leading up to Easter Sunday for more than 20 years now, said Jodi Hartmann, director of the Greeley Transitional House, which works with the Greeley Interfaith Association to sponsor the event.

Each day during Holy Week, during the lunch hour, a religious leader from around Greeley gives a sermon.

On Tuesday, Two Rivers Fellowship Church Pastor Gary Van Gorp spoke on the parable of the talents, urging the diverse congregation of around 20 people to use their natural talents to glorify God.

"When we are faithful enough, the blessings of God are more than enough," Van Gorp said.

Following the service, Lira said celebrating Holy Week reminds him of when he first found God and what Jesus has done for him.

"To honor Him and what he did to be able to go through that pain for our salvation," said Lira, who had never attended a Holy Week service before.

Hartmann said the turnout was about the same Monday, and she expects similar numbers each afternoon through Good Friday when the service will be in the larger sanctuary. She said initially, years ago, the service was intended to tie in both the religious community and the business community of downtown. However, since downtown has suffered a bit in recent years, Hartmann said the business aspect has dissipated some.

"The flavor or framework of the whole week is that it is interdenominational," she said. "All denominations are welcome."

Where to Go

The interdenominational Holy Week services are held from 12:15-12:45 p.m. through Friday at First United Methodist Church, 917 10th Ave., Greeley.

» Wednesday - Rev. Timothy Bobbitt and Rev. C. fester Coffee-Prose with First Christian Church on "Contemplating the Cross."

» Thursday - University of Northern Colorado students on Institute of Religion Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

» Friday - Rev. Leighton Mekeal with First United Methodist Church.