The Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens van arrives with Julie Lurie’s team, (that includes yours truly), at 6:46 a.m. on Santa Monica Beach on Easter Sunday to set up for MSIA’s Easter at the Beach with John Morton. What a glorious morning it is.
Even with hovering rain clouds, it’s clear, bright, and peaceful. We are greeted by the first of the NOW Productions team, and the party rental truck team who had already started putting tables out on the sand. These guys are not only great but fast. A portion of the Urth Caffé team came out early to assist with unloading our van. This is a big service, they were absolutely wonderful. We all do our good morning greetings, hugs and well wishes and then get down to the business of joyful service.
Everyone is focused and on point with all there is to be done in preparation for those coming to enjoy the celebration and partake in the Spirit of the day. We call forward the light of God to assist, guide and direct all of us in our service and for those who wish to join us this morning. Every year it seems the level of service is greater and greater, and more in the sense of gratitude and the joy of participating in preparing for Spirit and the Travelers.
As the other teams start pouring in and everything takes shape, the energy of what we are doing raises our hearts in thanks. We gaze upon all we are preparing and the Easter colors of purple, yellow, pink, violet, and green along with the balloons of the same colors waving in the air. It’s beautiful.
The harmony of peace is present in our union. As things get close to starting, my friend Therease Silvabarona and I are assisting Julie Lurie and the Easter Bunny (sometimes known as Sophia Marvis). With sound check completed, Gabe Marvis and Madeline Youngs, our MC’s today, are ready to start. They approach the mic and welcome everyone and announce the radio station to tune to so we can listen to the broadcast. This is done in English and Spanish.
After all announcements, Gabe and Madeline lead the group in calling forward the Light of God. They then announce and welcome the first of our musical contributors today. Laren and Arissa Bright singing “Pack Up Your Sorrows.” Don’t be misled by the title, this was a sweet and joyful song sung beautifully. Next up the sweet enchanting sounds of Golda Berkman. I would pay to hear this magnificent 12 year old sing. Appropriately following Golda, we have the honor of witnessing the baby blessing of Uma. After the beautiful blessing officiated by Rev. Michael Hayes, Gabe and Madeline welcome our beloved Traveler John Morton.
John speaks with us today of many reminders of who we truly are. He speaks of rising up inside of us in the truth and Spirit of who we are as Souls of Joy, Love, Light and Sound. The glory of the Lord lives in us as Light and the rising up inside of our spiritual hearts — the Light of being. John ends with the blessings of the Christ and we are risen in gratitude.
After John speaks, Gabe and Madeline return to the mic to announce……yes, it’s the Easter Bunny! The kids are jumping up and down waiting to fill their baskets and bunny bags with their Easter egg hunt treasures.
Therease and I assist the Easter bunny and are delighted by watching and assisting the children in the hunt and enjoying the presence of a very joyful Bunny who is very playful. Some of the children were late getting to the egg hunt. However, there were some very generous and kind children who shared the bounty of their baskets. It is sweet to watch. Our Easter Bunny is very happy and many children are taking photos with the Bunny.
While all of that is going on, folks are digging into the lavish spread laid out by Urth Caffé. Teas, coffees, mini quiche, various Urth Caffé sandwiches, delicious fruits and desserts.
As Therease and I leave, there are still well over 150 people mingling and enjoying the peace, the joy and each other. It’s a good day. Many thanks to Julie Lurie, NOW Productions, and the many volunteers that came forward in service to make it all happen.
