Sunrise celebration: Local churches join together for Easter unity service
Nick McSpadden began as pastor at Russellville Church of God, also known as Gateway Church, in February 2015. He started developing relationships with other pastors in the community, like Bo Lloyd at the Russellville First United Methodist Church, and quickly became involved in efforts to bring local churches together in greater unity. One step he took was to join in with the Easter Celebration Service held jointly each year by St. Paul CME and Russellville FUMC – attending himself in 2016 and bringing his congregation fully on board in 2017.
“Anything that brings people together in the community of Christ is worth it,” said McSpadden. “I think the more we do things like this, the better off it’s going to be for our community … It’s the body of Christ – not just our denomination doing our thing.”
Gateway Church hosted last year’s Easter Celebration Service, with McSpadden, Lloyd and others sharing special messages about faith in the resurrection of Christ.
“This is giving recognition to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who rose on this day,” said the Rev. Charles Dale, who, along with the late Rev. Eric Williams, coordinated St. Paul CME’s involvement in the united service. “To me, it’s shouting time. He isn’t dead. He is surely alive.”
Last year marked the fourth year for FUMC and St. Paul CME to observe the joint service.
“I think it’s just something to bring us all together and let us celebrate what we agree on instead of always talking about our differences,” Lloyd said. “Hopefully we’ll get even more churches together.”
“It’s just a good way of getting Easter Sunday started. In the African-American heritage, it’s a tradition we have,” added Williams (who since passed away, in June 2017). “Since Jesus got up early on resurrection Sunday, we have a sunrise service. We like to look at the dawn of a new day – and it is the dawn of a new day for Christianity, for those of us who believe in Jesus Christ.”
This year, Easter Sunday will be observed April 1.
“If we can get to the point where we worship more often together, maybe the differences go away,” Williams said. “I think it’s a wonderful thing that we’re doing.”
Dale said the time is ripe for coming together in greater harmony. “It’s time for we as God’s people to come together to work in unity together as one. There is only on God, and He wants His people to be in one accord.”
McSpadden said his congregation was receptive to joining the sunrise service, and he thinks participation and unity will continue grow.
“By and large I think they are catching the vision,” McSpadden said. “They know my heart is not just about this building and the people coming here … I’m going to try to reach across and bring down some barriers. They are with me in their hearts.”
