The Easter Sunday morning service began with a joyful organ solo played by Shawn Worthington, “Christ Arose.” The orchestra continued the prelude with “Resurrection Praise Medley,” which ended with an exciting rendition of “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.”

The continuation of the cantata “Believe” began with “Come, Now Is the Time to Worship” with “Praise Adonai,” which related the emotions the multitude experienced on Palm Sunday. Ashley Morgan sang “Jesus, Hail the Lamb,” and then Chris Luka and Emmaline Baltzell related in the song “Everything to Me” how Jesus’ death for all mankind was a very personal act. The mood changed from somber to triumphant as the choir sang of Christ’s Resurrection in “He Lives” with “Rise Up and Praise Him,” featuring vocalists Sam, Sarah, and Susan Asaya. Then the narrators gave the conclusion of the program saying, “In less than a month, the disciples were boldly preaching Christ resurrected, fearless in the face of death . . . The only thing which could explain that phenomenon was belief. You see, it is not enough to simply believe; belief is completed by the decision to follow.” The choir finale was “Worship Celebration” featuring Julianne Luka as soloist as they sang “Thank You for the Cross, Lord” and “Worthy Is the Lamb,” and ending with “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.”

For his text, Darrel Lee read from Luke 24:13, where two of the disciples were walking to Emmaus--a walk that was about the distance from the Portland church to the airport. Those walking to Emmaus found themselves discussing the events of the week with Jesus, whom they did not recognize. They saw Him as a stranger, but He knew them. Brother Darrel pointed out that Jesus begins as a stranger to every person, yet He knows each one before the first breath is drawn. As the group in Emmaus broke bread together, the eyes of the two disciples were finally opened and they recognized Jesus, their Savior. Brother Darrel closed by asking the congregation to consider whether they see Jesus as stranger or Savior.