Senin, 01 April 2013

Faithful mark Easter at Jones Beach service

Tweet Google Pin It

March 31 2013 7 48 PM By DEON J. HAMPTON deon.hampton newsday.com

Photo credit Ed Betz Worshipers gather for Easter sunrise service at Jones Beach in Wantagh. (March 31 2013)

Other Columnists

Videos Surviving Sandy Galleries Celebrating Easter Passover on Long Island Helping Sandy victims Aerial photos of superstorm Sandy damage

Long Island worshippers still coming to grips with the lingering devastation from superstorm Sandy sought solace in their faith during an Easter sunrise service at Jones Beach Sunday.

The celebration of Christ's resurrection brought renewed strength and inspiration to Derwood Fish 65 who has been living with relatives since his Seaford home of 40 years flooded in the October storm.

It shows you that the Lord has the power to do anything he wants and if people don't straighten up we might see more of it he said.

During his brief sermon before 200 people the Rev. Thomas A. Goodhue an ordained United Methodist clergyman addressed Jones Beach and communities hit hard by Sandy.

Have you ever felt hopeless and in despair Goodhue asked the crowd in the sermon titled Hanging on for Dear Life or Leaping toward New Life.

Didn't you want to get your possessions and life back he continued. But maybe God wanted for us something new to do something on this island.

Samantha Siegler 22 of Bellmore quietly listened.

It's a lot to think about but we're standing on a beach that was underwater a few months ago she said.

Fish who isn't sure when he will return home said he doesn't blame anyone for his situation but will heavily lean on his faith. It's a choice we make to live on the water he said.

Attendees gathered on the beach at Field 6 for the 30 minute nondenominational service held by the Long Island Council of Churches one of several worship groups at the beach Sunday morning.

Away from the service dozens of people stood along the water silently watching the sunrise and waves move back and forth.

We're very blessed to be able to worship on the beach said Bellmore resident Nancy Schneider 52.

Michael Riccuiti 73 of Bellmore said he annually visits the beach on Easter morning. I like to start Easter days with bright sunshine the Lord provided us he said.

During his sermon Goodhue who has led the council of churches since 1999 spoke of how Jesus could have passed for an average working man or a gardener while on Earth.

He also told of how Jesus' mother Mary didn't recognize him after being resurrected bringing home Goodhue's larger point.

It's the thought that a resurrected life is different from life before he said after the service. We can rebuild the Island stronger and bigger rather than clinging on to the past.

Articles Source here

Tidak ada komentar:

Posting Komentar

 
Copyright 2013 Pengiriman Murah | Ekspedisi Murah- All Rights Reserved