Dixieland music greeted worshippers on Mach 2 as Miami Lakes Congregational Church celebrated Mardi Gras, “the last hurrah” before Lent.
Congregants wore masks and beads in Mardi Gras colors of gold, purple and green.
Newly installed interim senior pastor, Rev. Richard Sparrow, said, “The Spirit blew through our midst and brought us to life.”
Sparrow delighted the congregation when he stepped into the sanctuary wearing a Jester’s hat and bow tie. He paraphrased the prayer of the great Christian leader, St. Augustine, “Lord, make us quiet and introspective - but not just yet!”
Dr. Adolfo Vidal, director of music, received a standing ovation for his rendition of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” The choir and congregation sang festive songs of the season including “Everytime I Feel the Spirit,” and “When The Saints Go Marching In.”
Sparrow transitioned the worship service to the Sacrament of Communion with the reminder that “Christ’s Church is open to all people” and encouraged the congregation to have “open hearts to the Lenten Journey.”
The church meets every Sunday at 10:30 for worship and other times during the week. Miami Lakes Congregational Church is located at 6701 Miami Lakeway South across from Miami Lakes K-8 Center. For more information, call the church office at 305-822-4313.