Kingdom living looks like acknowledging the source of our new life, the risen Jesus Christ. Read on to see how these congregations celebrated Easter with baptisms and by proclaiming the good news of Jesus’ resurrection with their neighbors.
River Road, Oregon US
GC River Road celebrated Easter with a baptism. What a joyous occasion!

Big Sandy, Texas, US
During Holy Week, GC Big Sandy participated in several community activities, while hosting some of their own. The week began on Palm Sunday with worship and a service dedicated to rehearsing the Passion.

On Thursday evening, the congregation gathered for a special event dedicated to celebrating the Lord’s Supper. A reception was held in the fellowship hall. Many foods that may have been eaten in Jesus’ day, including lamb, humus, bread, and dates, were served on wooden dishes, along with pomegranate juice and wine in carafes. Afterwards, everyone gathered in the sanctuary for the service. Elder Jerome Ellard and Dave Ferguson wore costumes and did readings based on the story of the two disciples who encountered Jesus Christ on their way to Emmaus. Those who desired, participated in communion and foot washing, and the evening service ended as everyone sang a final hymn.
On Friday evening, Elder Jerome Ellard, who is currently president of the Ministerial Alliance, and I participated in a Ministerial Alliance gathering for Good Friday with our neighbors. The Ministerial Alliance brings together people from many different faiths in the area and works together to help those in need, specifically through the Agape House, which provides food and clothing for locals.
GC Big Sandy member and youth group leader Carrie Campbell organized an Easter egg hunt for the community on Saturday morning. GC Big Sandy members donated eggs we had stuffed earlier in the week. Neighborhood children enjoyed the egg hunt on the Civic Center’s lawn and took pictures with Miss Big Sandy and the Easter Bunny.
On Easter Sunday, church members gathered at the city park with the community for a sunrise service hosted by the Ministerial Alliance. GC Big Sandy provided snacks and hot drinks to our neighbors.
Following this service, we enjoyed a continental breakfast in their fellowship hall. Members contributed egg casseroles, biscuits and gravy, yogurt and fruit, and various donuts and pastries for the breakfast, which were served along with coffee, hot chocolate, juice, and milk. Following the breakfast and fellowship time, the congregation gathered for the Easter celebration.

The worship service was immediately followed by a baptism ceremony. Arturo Ramirez was confirmed and participated with Pastor George in baptizing his wife Kimberly and their children, Sophia, Arthur, Katherine, Sarah, and Brynleigh, along with another young relative, Ellie Roach, whom Kimberly had been discipling. The various church members who had participated in discipling this family were also included in the baptism ceremony. This joyful end to the Easter celebration was followed by an indoor Easter Egg Hunt for the youth.
By Linda Rex, Elder and Hope Avenue Champion
Big Sandy, TX, US
Richardson, Texas, US
The first time GC Richardson organized an Easter egg hunt at the city park across from our worship location, it was embarrassing. More than 200 people showed up, and we didn’t have enough eggs! We’d planned for only 50 people because less than 20 kids had shown up in the past when we held the hunt on our church property. The second year, we were better prepared and have continued to improve, creating space for building relationships that point to Jesus through this simple, traditional Easter Sunday egg hunt.


After worship, our members had a picnic and prepared for the egg hunt. Before we kicked off the hunt, I shared briefly why we organized the event — rejoicing with our neighbors on the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. I explained that early Christians used eggs as a symbol of Christ’s resurrection to teach kids. The hard shell representing the sealed tomb, the cracking of the shell representing the resurrection, and the gifts of God in Jesus to humanity. I also encouraged the kids to be kind to each other as they picked up their eggs.
Members engaged in conversations with neighbors, which is a primary reason for the event. I was struck, now in our third year, by the more relaxed, engaging and accommodating posture of our members as they interacted with the diverse group of children and families present. Many who attended expressed their gratitude and a willingness to be informed of future events.

This year, we distributed more than 4000 eggs and 650+ people participated. About 250 people filled out our electronic connection card to register for the event, some using the QR code to register onsite. We promoted the Easter egg hunt on our website, Facebook, Nextdoor, and invited previous attendees by email. Members donated eggs and volunteered to fill them with candy, notes, and trinkets. Members also hid the eggs over two fields (one field for ages 5 and under, and the other field for ages 6 and up). Members played games with the kids before the egg hunt began.
We thank Father, Son, and Spirit for the wonderful weather, the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and the opportunity to come together in kingdom-living neighboring!

By Gabriel Ojih, Pastor
Richardson, TX, US
Pictures by Naia Moya and Ronnie Boyce