From Howard University’s Rankin Chapel in Northwest to Southeast D.C.’s Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church, sanctuaries throughout the District celebrated Easter, not only focusing on Jesus’ resurrection but emphasizing how to continue spreading the “good news” to youth.
Bishop Vashti McKenzie, interim general secretary and president of the National Council of Churches and the first female bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, was the Easter Sunday speaker at Rankin Chapel. Inspired by the biblical book of John’s resurrection narrative, McKenzie’s message focused on Jesus’ disciple Thomas, often called “Doubting Thomas.”
“Thomas said to them, ‘Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.’ There is a Thomas or Thomasina in every classroom,” the barrier-breaking bishop said. “Thomas had questions, [but] Jesus had answers. What is your resurrection testimony?”
During the week, JoAnne Richardson Carter practices international law, but on Sunday, she teaches in the Kids’ Corner at Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church.
“There is an entire generation of children not going to church,” said Carter. “Amid the chaos, it is just good to know that Jesus cares.”
On Sunday, the Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry, pastor of Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church, preached a sermon entitled “Do You Remember,” inspired by Luke 24:12.
Before she was the church’s first lady and Associate Minister, the Rev. Karen W. Curry, grew up in Suitland, Maryland, and attended Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church as a child with her parents, who helped to integrate the church. She was inspired by her husband’s message of remembrance as she told The Informer the church is reaching out to a new generation of families.
“It’s important that we remember the youth, the adults, and the seniors. Re-remember the whole body so that we can function,” she said. “Right now, we need to bring in more young people because those we have worked with and disciplined have grown up.”
Carter echoed those sentiments.
“There is a new generation of young families in the area, and how do we encourage them?”
Mark Carter Jr., 7, is a faithful member of the Kids’ Corner. When he was asked what Easter meant, he said, “It means to me that Jesus has risen from the dead.”
