Historically black Methodist Allen Chapel AME Church, including a crowd of more than 1,000 welcomed President Obama and his family (Michelle, Sasha, and Malia) this past Sunday where they attended a traditional Easter service, celebrating the resurrection of Christ. The Pastor and members were surprised that The First Family decided to attend services so soon after a shooting close by left four people dead and five wounded the Tuesday prior reports eurweb.com. None the less they were elated for them to be there. “Mr. President, you have no idea how much your presence has meant to us today,” Allen Chapel’s senior pastor, the Rev. Michael Bell, said after his sermon. “It was heartening to know than southeast Washington has not been forgotten,” he said, adding that Obama’s presence at the church was “bringing healing and hope into this community right now.”

The Pastor also paid recognition to and praised the first lady for her efforts at community outreach. He received cheers and laughter as he described President Obama as “the most debonair, the most suave president of this United States of America.”

(The very stylish Malia And Sasha Obama leaving the church service)

After the nearly two-hour service,The Obama’s took communion. The President’s mother in law, Marian Robison, as well as mayor of Washington, Adrian Fenty, and his wife were also present to join him and his family during the services.

The OC can imagine the blessings felt to have such great figures of inspiration among the Allen Chapel AME Church congregation.