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Christian Living

WhiteHouseWrap 04/25/11

Obama Family Attends Church on Easter


Courtesy: Official White House Photo

The President, First Lady and daughters Malia and Sasha Obama attended Easter services at Shiloh Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. The congregation cheered and applauded as the first family arrived, taking their seats in the middle of the second pew.

They all stood when the Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith asked visitors to stand. He welcomed them, saying the church has been praying for them for the last two years.

"So, if you're feeling blue and all of a sudden you feel better, that's our prayers," he said.

A prayer for the family was given Sunday.

"Lord, they are going to need you for next six years," the person praying exclaimed.

Members of the church were taking pictures, until the pastor asked them to stop, saying, "We are here first and foremost to worship God."

President Obama has cited this reason before for not going to church often because it is such a spectacle.

Rev. Dr. Smith preached a sermon titled, "The Resurrection Changes Everything," using scripture verses from Jeremiah 31:1-6 and John 20:1-8.

The Obamas left the church toward the end of the service, right before the altar call. The White House coordinated their departure with Shiloh Baptist to prevent any disruptions.

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