IN CASE YOU MISSED IT . . .

Nearly 70 people from congregations in the Episcopal Peconic Deanery and other denominations gathered for the Easter Vigil on Saturday, March 30. The Easter Vigil service is the first celebration of Christ’s resurrection. Christians gather to kindle the first light of Easter, hear the story of salvation, renew their Baptismal Vows, and celebrate the Eucharist.

Meditations were given by Cindy Belt and Mark Cappellino, members of St. Mary’s Church on Shelter Island, Allyson Lee Downey and Janine Carter, members Christ Church in Sag Harbor, and Brian Craig, member of St. Luke’s Church in East Hampton. The Ponquogues, the praise band of St. Mary’s in Hampton Bays, joined forces with Walter Klauss, the organist at Old Whalers Church, and singers from congregations in the deanery. A team of deanery clergy. Fathers Ben Shambaugh and Charles McCarron and Mother Cecily Broderick led the service. This joyful and spirit filled service was followed by a sumptuous fellowship hour.

Our Easter celebrations continued on Sunday, March 31 with an Easter Egg Hunt. Over 30 young children from the community were egged on by the Easter Bunny to collect colorful eggs filled with treats. Afterward, we gathered in the sanctuary for a beautiful service. David Perkins and Sue Conklin graciously volunteered their talents to offer music.

I give God thanks for the many members and friends of Christ Church whose donations allowed us to decorate the altar with flower plants and provided an abundance of delicious foods.