COBB COUNTY, Ga. — The weather cooperated for Easter services this year even if pandemic restrictions changed the way they were held for the second year in a row.
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Channel 2′s Kristen Holloway spent Sunday morning at Eastside Baptist Church near Marietta where a large crowd gathered outside the Lower Roswell Road church despite the cold temperatures.
Many were there early for Sunrise Services and fellowship on a resurrection Sunday. It’s something Pastor John Hull thought he’d never see when the pandemic started over a year ago.
“We’re just grateful today that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is being celebrated around the world. That there is a greater openness since a thaw is taking place,” Hull said.
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Hull says he’s hopeful things will continue to improve and restrictions ease as more people get vaccinated. He adds the plan for this Easter was after the early morning service, to hold the rest either online, or in a much smaller group inside the building.
“We’ve begun to see a slow thaw of especially senior adults return as they are getting their second vaccine and feel more comfortable getting out. We are probably seeing the slowest return right now of young families with small children and that’s understandable but we are most encouraged that every week we see people honestly that we haven’t seen for a year,” Hull said.
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Hundreds of worshippers also gathered at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church to celebrate in-person. Pastor Jamal Bryant teamed up with musical guest Pastor Charles Jenkins to offer hope to so many still struggling to make it through the pandemic.
“It means a lot that he’s still trying to have a service for us because I’m dealing with my mother and she’s used to going to church every Sunday morning,” Chandra Robinson said. “So getting up and going on Easter Sunday and being able to bring my mother and let her have a chance to come to, it’s good. I love it.”
Although New Birth hasn’t returned to full traditional gatherings inside the church, Bryant believes Easter was a step in the right direction.
“Church gives you a sense of community and a sense of family. So this is more than just a resurrection service, it’s a family reunion. It’s a festival. It’s coming together,” he said.
