Christians from across The Bay gathered early on Easter Sunday (20th April) to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, beginning with a sunrise service on the beach at the bottom of Hope Road, Shanklin.
Around 60 people from various congregations took part in the 05:45 gathering, which was followed by individual services at churches throughout the area.
At Shanklin United Reformed Church, a creative Easter scene brought smiles to many faces. A former soldier and a security guard stood watch over a stone symbolising the tomb of Jesus. Both men, described as heavily muscled and resembling nightclub bouncers, played their roles with impact. As part of the portrayal, a small angel appeared, rolled away the stone and sat upon it – prompting the two guards to collapse to the floor in dramatic fashion, drawing laughter and joy from the congregation.
Later in the day, many worshippers returned to the beach at 17:00 for a sea baptism. Despite a strong swell, 2 people were baptised in the chilly waters.
15-year-old Madi, one of the participants, said:
“The waves knocked me down but Jesus raised me up – with a little help from my Dad and Pastor Brian.”
The event echoed the message found in Romans 6:4, which speaks of being buried with Christ through baptism and raised to walk in new life – a sentiment clearly reflected in Sunday’s celebrations.
These are the same people who think that dinosaurs are fake and the earths flat….