Easter at Oakhurst Baptist Church
Easter Sunday brought a full and joyful Sanctuary. The service opened with the orchestra playing reflective music of the Lenten season as worshippers processed to the front of the Sanctuary with offerings of flowers. There the Flower Committee artistically arranged them upon the Flower Cross. Then, in a beloved Oakhurst tradition, the cross was turned to face the congregation, its blooms revealed, as the Sanctuary Choir, Orchestra, Organ and Piano led the congregation in the triumphant hymn “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today.”
Pastor Ashley Robinson led the children in a lively lesson on the meaning of “Alleluia,” and Pastor Melanie Vaughn-Colwell offered a reflection on the significance of the day. The Sanctuary Choir responded with the spiritual “Angels Rolled de Stone Away,” followed by the Stapleton Handbell Choir ringing an instrumental version of “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today.” Then all voices and instruments united playing and singing “Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna!” set to Beethoven’s Hymn to Joy.
The morning culminated in pure celebration as members and guests alike came forward to sing the “Hallelujah” chorus from Handel’s Messiah — a joyful affirmation of resurrection and hope.