Easter Sunday Highlighted By “Christ in You, The Hope of Glory”

On Easter Sunday, March 27, the Ocean State congregation met in the bigger classroom of the Clarke Science building on the Rhode Island College campus for the very first time. With over 100 in attendance, there was more room to fit in our band (keyboard – Daniel Gifford; drums – Jim Wick; guitar – David Boerma), up front singers, attendees and props as well.

The hour and a half service began, as is usual, with upbeat singing. New songs like “Better is One Day” and “In Christ Alone” blended well with an acapella version of “How Great Thou Art” and our band’s rendition of “Wade in the Water.” Roger Williams’ student Nick Conner, North Attleboro’s Tom Matias and Fall River’s Vincent Pitts all read scriptures on the day. Paulo Martins shared a touching communion lesson focusing on baptism and metamorphosis (from the cocoon to the butterfly). The visiting Allen sisters’ trio (from Boston) performed a beautiful rendition of “I Love You, Lord” as the communion trays were passed.

“leaving our buckets” and “finding Jesus, the well.”

The lesson of the day came from the texts found in Colossians 1:27 (“. . . God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”) and John 11:25 ( . . . I am the resurrection and the life.”) . These led to a further study of John 4 and the story of the Samaritan woman. One memorable part of the day was the “leaving our buckets” and “finding Jesus, the well.” Through an array of contemporary water jars – the Easter bucket, KFC bucket, beach bucket and more – Jimmy shared how we don’t need to primarily be looking for a better job, bigger house or nicer spouse. We must first and foremost be going to the well – Jesus Christ – for eternal life.

Following service, fellowship lasted long and deep into the afternoon. Many guests and members headed off to lunch together, potential Easter egg hunts and exciting days. We remembered once again that Easter was not just an event that took place 2,000 years ago, but a power that can still dramatically change our families, neighborhoods and lives today.