Easter Filled With Joy, Worship and Spirit

AVENEL - The celebration of Easter Sunday of GMIM Alpha Omega New York-New Jersey at First Presbyterian Church Avenel was filled with joy, worship, and community spirit as congregants gathered to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The day began with a vibrant Easter service held in the church chapel, led by Rev. Astred Suwuh-Oley. In her sermon, Rev. Suwuh-Oley highlighted the significant role of women in the resurrection story, drawing from the Gospel of John 20:1-20 as a reflection point for the congregation.

The worship service was conducted as a Praise & Worship session, featuring contributions from Rev. Joshua Umboh, Elder Christin Lumentah and Elder Mieke Merentek, as well as Mrs. Elvie Merentek. Mrs. Joke Kaunang enriched the musical worship with her special touch. The performance of the hymn How Great Thou Art enhanced the spirit of reverence and praise.

The Sunday School Children’s Ministry, led by Nicole Tambuwun and Jessica Watung, organized a festive Easter egg hunt after the service. Colorful eggs filled with candy was hidden around the church grounds for different age groups. Children eagerly participated, filling the air with laughter and cheers, fostering community among families and friends. Refreshments were provided, allowing families to relax and enjoy quality time, celebrating Easter's spirit and strengthening community bonds.

The celebration continued with a communal meal, where church members shared a variety of homemade dishes in a potluck-style gathering. The shared meal reflected the spirit of unity and fellowship among the congregation.

The day concluded with a fun and engaging Bible Trivia competition that drew participants of all ages. Teams tested their knowledge of Scripture in a friendly yet spirited contest that sparked enthusiasm and a few good-hearted debates. The Katuuk-Luntungan family emerged as the champions, proudly taking first place. They were followed by the teams representing the Rantung-Tombeng and Feng-Pallit families, who tied for second place, and Mrs. Meitha’s team, who secured third. The event served as both a test of biblical knowledge and a reminder of the importance of studying and engaging with the Word of God in a joyful community setting.

At the end of the event, the winners of this year's Easter Best Costume were announced: Mrs. Joke Kaunang and Jia Feng.

This Easter celebration served as a meaningful and joyful reminder of hope, resurrection, and community.

Shoutout for Mr. Zoony Mapaliey, Mrs. Elvie Merentek alongside Mrs. Meitha Tumengkol for the arrangement.