Easter Sunday could not have been more perfect for outdoor services. The sky was clear. There was no wind and the temperature was nippy it was not bone cold. As has been the practice for decades, the tradition of services at Warwick Neck Light and the Oakland Beach shoreline were carried out although because of the pandemic fewer were in attendance and masks were worn. This year the pastors of five churches staged the sunrise service at Warwick Light overlooking Narragansett Bay.

New to Warwick Central Baptist, Pastor Sam Chesser delivered a sermon that focused on the difference of resuscitation, returning from a near death experience and resurrection, a transformation and rebirth. Matt McIntosh, pastor of Hope Assembly of God gave the call to worship; Pastor George Barclay of Norwood Baptist gave the invocation; TJ DeMarco, pastor of Woodbury Union Presbyterian gave the scripture reading and Pastor Ron Provencal pastor of Lakewood Baptist gave the prayer.

As they have done since the mid-80s, the First Congregational Church of Warwick St. Rita’s Church joined to hold a reenactment of the disciples who saw Jesus walking the shore as they were fishing in the Sea of Tiberias. They hadn’t caught anything after a night of fishing. At first they didn’t recognize Jesus but when he told them to cast their nets and pulled in quantities of fish they realized it was the Lord. Following the reenactment young parishioners dressed as disciplines circulated among those attending with fish and bread. Music was provided by Marcia Beagan, Tony Rodrigues and the First Congregational bell choir. Officiating were Pastor Mike Ashe of First Congregational and Steven Diel of St. Rita’s. Harry Edwards was the narrator.