On Sunday, May 1, the Ocean State Church of Christ gathered at Rhode Island College to sing praises to God, pray, read from the Bible and fellowship. These are regular occurrences for us. However, one irregular event was to take place at the end of this day to inspire many.

Following the kick-off, spirited singing, Vincent Pitts and Joanna Washington did the opening welcome and announcements. They were to begin the service of surprises by sharing with the church that they have moved their wedding up to May 29. We will all get to share in the joy following a brief communion service on that Sunday together!

We were all also thrilled to see Atasha Ward, who is back visiting in Rhode Island for a couple of weeks. She is doing well and enjoying life in Atlanta.

But perhaps the largest change was following the sermon from Colossians 2:13-15. The lesson entitled, “Triumph: The A, B, C’s of God’s Grace,” had emphasized Jesus’ amazing sacrifice to bring us from death to life and from excluded to included. We had all written on index cards a list of our sins, weaknesses, temptations, troubles and pains. As we played the song, “At the Cross – Love Ran Red” by Chris Tomlin, the audience went forward and nailed (or thumb tacked) their cards to the cross. Jesus has paid the price and He doesn’t desire us to carry around the weight or debt any longer.

Many visitors continue to come to our congregation week after week. Let’s all be praying that in the month of May God gives this incredible gift of His grace to more and more people in our state for His glory!