By Violeta Bilan
Easter at Sunnyside Adventist Church in Portland wasn’t just another service – it was a significant celebration that brought many people in the community together in a mix of reverence and joy. The sanctuary was filled with beautiful music from a choir and orchestra, telling the story of the suffering and resurrected Jesus. Matt Madrones and Pollyanna Moody tastefully selected classic and contemporary pieces of music that, after months of practice, resulted in a powerful Easter celebration experience.
The Easter story was brought to life with a skit and a group of excited children who made the atmosphere of ancient Jerusalem come alive, emphasizing the victory of life and love over darkness and death.
As in the days following Pentecost when the Lord added to the church those who were being saved, the church filled up, with every seat taken and every aisle full of eager participants. Families, friends, and newcomers all came together, excited to commemorate the death and resurrection of our Savior.
And it wasn't just the people in the building who joined in – over 500 people watched online, making the celebration even bigger. Through livestreaming, people from all over the world connected and participated in the celebration together.
The delight of Sunnyside's Easter celebration goes beyond what happens on stage. It's thanks to the hard work of many teams who worked tirelessly to make the event happen. From organizing logistics to setting up visuals, each team played a key role in creating an experience that reflected God’s power working in and through His church.
After the program ended, everyone gathered for a lively reception. People chatted and made new friends, sharing stories, and making memories that captured the true spirit of community.
As people left, they carried with them the warmth and light of Easter, feeling renewed and connected. Sunnyside's Easter Celebration wasn't just an event – it demonstrated the power of unity, faith, and community coming together to celebrate the Risen Savior.
Click on any photo below to open a gallery of larger images, courtesy of Ben Dalusong, Jr....
