> Resurrection Life Celebrated: DC Church Easter Retreat Ends with Word, Sacraments, and Fellowship

Resurrection Life Celebrated: DC Church Easter Retreat Ends with Word, Sacraments, and Fellowship

On Easter Sunday, April 20th, the DC church congregation came together for a joyful celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The special service included heartfelt worship, a choral performance, the proclamation of God’s Word, baptisms, and communion, and also marked the conclusion of the church’s three-day Easter retreat.

Central to the service was the remembrance and receiving of the “invisible bread” – the Word of God. Members reflected deeply on God’s love displayed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, emphasizing that the story didn’t end there but made way for new life and power through the risen Lord.

Drawing meditation from the entire chapter of John 21, the congregation was exhorted to seek and meet the risen Lord personally. The message encouraged attendees to respond to His love with humility and repentance, like the Apostle Peter, receiving God’s forgiveness and new commission with open hearts to “feed His lamb.” Attendees were also reminded to focus on their individual walk with Christ and look forward to His return with hope, rather than comparing their faith journey with others.

The service included several highlights celebrating new life in Christ. A significant moment was the baptism of Yingcui Xu, mother of church member John Zhang, who was welcomed into the church family through the sacrament before the witness of her brothers and sisters in Christ. Following the baptism, attendees partook in Holy Communion, sharing the “visible bread” and wine in remembrance of the Lord’s sacrifice, His love, and the new covenant established through His blood.

This Easter service also served as the closing gathering for the church’s successful three-day retreat. Afterward, members continued the celebration with joyful table fellowship, sharing a meal together and praising God for His work and presence throughout the retreat weekend. The Easter celebration provided a powerful culmination, reinforcing themes of resurrection life, community, and renewed commitment for the DC church members.

Following the conclusion of the retreat activities at the church, many members continued their joyful fellowship by visiting Terrapin Nature Park in Maryland, enjoying nature near the Chesapeake Bay and giving thanks to God together.