The Ebenezer United Sisters (EUS), one of the longstanding ministering groups of the Ebenezer Methodist Church in the Valley, presented on the 15th April and by demand, on the 6TH of May, 2018, two brilliant and picturesque Easter programmes, at Zion Methodist Church North Hill, depicting with colourful drama, the resurrection of the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Both programmes scheduled for 5:30pm, were well attended and began in dramatic fashion. The EUS elegantly and uniformly dressed in flowing white dresses, purple scarves with matching head pieces, walked down the church isle with a little swing and pep in their step, singing joyfully the hymn, “Christ is Risen..Hallelujah” facing a prominent and beautifully decorated white cross, followed by twelve flower girls bearing fresh flowers to further beautify the cross and marking the resurrection. The history of the Methodist Church is well known for the singing of great hymns and the programme reflected just that, a medley of ancient Easter hymns reminiscent of the years of our grandparents and more contemporary music.
Highlights of the evening were many. The young ones, i.e. the flower girls, the members of the North Hill Girl’s Brigade, the angels and the one boy, the crown bearer, acquitted themselves admirably well. The Girls Brigade of North Hill under the leadership of Mrs. Monifa Gumbs and Ms. Kenelva Brooks, danced, sang and distributed small gifts, including chains with little crosses, to all in attendance.
The scene of Mary Magdalene, and the disciples coming to the tomb and finding it empty was heart-stirring and emotional bringing to life briefly the drama and suspense associated with that first Easter morn.
There were solos, duets, trios and quartets by the EUS, and The Ebenezer Men’s Fellowship (EMF).Both groups made a significant contribution to the evening’s success under the leadership of Mrs. Veronica Gumbs and Bro. Sanford Richardson. Mr. Sanford Richardson was also part of the music team for the evening, playing the guitar. Other members of the music team were Mr. Devaunie Richardson, a gifted young man, who was the organist for the evening and on the drums was one of the talented young drummers of the Ebenezer congregation Mr. Davon Brooks.
The blessing of the crosses and the anointing were performed by Rev. Wycherley Gumbs our Supt. Minister. The programme ended with the EUS singing “Because He Lives, I Can Face Tomorrow” followed by the hymn, “King of my Life I Crown Thee Now” during which time the crown was placed at the head of the cross symbolising Christ’s victory over death and the gift of eternal life for all who believe. The closing remarks and benediction were made by Rev. Wycherley Gumbs (Supt). The Hallelujah chorus was hereafter played with both the cast and congregation facing the lighted Cross.
Mrs. Veronica Gumbs, a member of the EUS, local preacher and active member of the Ebenezer congregation, directed the evening’s programme. She thought it would be a nice idea to have an Easter programme and donate the funds raised towards the ongoing repair of the Ebenezer Methodist Church that was damaged by Hurricane Irma.
Videographer and photographer: Mr. Leeford Gumbs
Stage Manager & Lighting: Mr. Hulia Carty
The members of the EUS express their heartfelt thanks to all for their full support of the programme. May God bless you all.
-Contributed
APOLOGY
Editor’s Note:
Last week there was a mix-up in The Anguillian newspaper regarding the above article and another article about the Nurses’ Week Anglican Church Service. The Nurses’ story appeared twice, once under the photographs for the Ebenezer Methodist Church’s Easter Programme. We apologise for that mix- up.
