Praising the lord — and making it look fun — Pastors Gerald and Sharon McDonald had their parishioners dancing through the door when they showed up for Easter Sunday service at the couple’s Impacting Your World Ministries on St. Thomas.

The "Resurrection Sunday" event was well attended, kicking off a number of other joyful celebrations around the territory. On many street corners, balloons and banners hung proudly, and the sounds of many choirs permeated the streets throughout the day.

At Impacting Your World, everyone from the oldest adults to the youngest children played a part in the service, with many offering performances replete with gold and red costumes, shimmering flags and even some smooth salsa moves. Before Pastor Gerald McDonald officially began his sermon, some of the parishioners even re-enacted the crucifixion, moving some in the audience to tears.

Though less than an hour long, McDonald’s sermon was inspirational, as he told the congregation that while times might be tough, having something spiritual in their lives to believe in and hold on to should keep them from weeping. A large group of parishioners even approached the pulpit toward the end, shedding tears as they offered up thanks and tried to put aside their worries.

Closing out the service, McDonald and his wife also had the congregation send a "Happy Anniversary" blessing to University of the Virgin Islands President David Hall and his wife Marilyn Braithwaite-Hall, who attended Sunday’s service and were celebrating the 22nd anniversary of the day they met.

Further information on Impacting Your World Christian Ministries can be found online at www.iywcm.org, which also lists upcoming events.