NATCHEZ &045; The resurrection of Jesus Christ has just as much meaning today as it did almost 2,000 years ago, one Miss-Lou pastor said in a service held in the early hours of Easter morning.

In a post-Sept. 11 world, the hope that God is alive and will take care of us is much needed, said the Rev. James &uot;Pete&uot; Herndon, pastor of Jefferson Street United Methodist Church.

Herndon’s sermon was delivered during the church’s first outdoor Easter service in three years, held on the building’s front steps.

Even though humans killed the perfect man, Jesus rose from the grave after three days &045; showing that good can prevail over evil, Herndon said.

Herndon said that the resurrection &uot;gives us hope and that righteousness will be vindicated.&uot;

Herdon explained that in Jesus’ life he never got to have the last word &045; until the words &uot;He is risen&uot; was spoken.

The resurrection can transform lives like it did for the 12 disciples did during their time, Herndon said.

&uot;The resurrection gives a deeper meaning to life,&uot; he said. &uot;It gives us a reason to believe in life after death.&uot;

The existence of an afterlife gives people something to look forward to, as well as a reason to do good in this life, he said.

The resurrection gives meaning to the future &045; and God is in control of the future, Herndon said.

Both visitors and church members seemed to get the message. Susan Bonnette of Natchez, who attended Sunday’s service, called the gathering &uot;wonderful &045; inspirational and uplifting.&uot;

The service also gave members and visitors alike the opportunity to see the progress that has been made in constructing a family life center next to the church’s sanctuary.

The center will be the first new construction that has taken place at the church since 1950. The center, with a gymnasium, youth hall and classroom space, is set to be completed in July.