It’s about 6:25 am Easter Sunday and fellow minister Julie Lurie and I arrive at Santa Monica Beach to start setting up for MSIA’s Easter morning at the beach. As we stop at the top of the hill where we turn into the parking lot, my eyes are opened by a glorious view of a very full moon stationed in a still dark sky and the ocean full of moon glow. I am stunned with amazement at the beauty and the grace of being here in this exact moment to see it.
Setting up for the event is easy. Each task is simple and grace filled. Julie has made it easy for everyone by mapping out everything, every step of the way. All we do is follow instructions, serve in our hearts, then leave the rest to God. We are joined at about 7:00 am by some very happy NOW Productions volunteers. As we join hands to call in the Light we notice that there is a very large school of dolphins jumping for joy back and forth close to the shore right in line with where we are setting up. Yet another happy moment for us all!
As time marches on getting closer to 10:00 am things are really taking shape. The volunteers are buzzing like bees to put the finishing touches on everything. I assist with the chairs and make sure that NOW Productions has what they need. Easter on the Beach is one of my favorite days.
I notice that Mark Lurie and Gabe Marvis are at the microphone attempting to get the attention of all the people present. This has to be one of our largest turnouts. We are called into the Light and Gabe is our MC for the day. Gabe is very present and has a wonderful and clear speaking voice. He starts by introducing Golda Berkman singing “I will always love you.” Following Golda are Penelope, Laren, and Arissa Bright singing a very fun and funny tithing and seeding song to the tune of “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring.” I should have known it wouldn’t be serious. Yet, it was beautifully sung with great celestial melodies. I’m sure Lord Tithington and God are proud.
Gabe returns to the mic with a warm welcome for our beloved teacher, wayshower, and Traveler, John Morton. Gabe also names him one of the most handsome men. After a warm round of applause, John says a few words and then tells us that we are having two baby blessings this morning. The first is a beautiful baby boy whose mom is Sina Skates, visiting here from Alabama. The second is a beautiful baby girl whose parents are Hesperia and Mark Blackburn who are visiting from the Austin, Texas community of MSIA. Both blessings are full of grace just like this day. After the baby blessings, John continues on with a beautiful “sermon on the sand” in his gentle and compassionate way touching to each of us.
After John’s talk we are all welcome to partake of all the goodies prepared and donated very lovingly by Urth Caf
