Parishoners attending Easter services at St. John's Episcopal Church in Lafayette Square were a bit surprised when they were told that they had to go through one of two magnetometers set up at the entrance way during the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services.
As little girls raised there arms in there flowery gowns and parents emptied their wallets into bins, they learned that there would be four surprise guests - President Barack Obama, his wife Michelle and their two daughters, Sahsha and Malia joining them at the 11 a.m. mass. All four took communion from Rev. Luis Leon, rector, who was leading the 15th Easter service of his career.
His sermon included a reference to his hatred for the New York Yankees, but not of Obama.
However at both the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. service, Robert Black offered the prayers of the people saying:
Guide and bless us in our work and play, and shape the patterns of our political and economic life; we pray for Barack, our President, the leaders of Congress, and the Supreme Court, and all who are in authority; for Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, and the Middle East, that all people may be filled through the bounty of your creation.
The first black president apparently chose a predominantly white church to attend, as the White House pool report indicates that at least 90 perccent of attendees were white. Following the service the president and first lady stopped briefly to greet parishoners, before exiting where a large crowd of onlookers had gathered behind police barracades, hoping to catch a glimpse of the first family.
Only writers from the print and wire pool were permitted inside, so no video, audio or photographs are available.
http://www.examiner.com/x-1527-NY-Government-Examiner~y2009m4d12-Metal-detectors-at-church
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