Members of the Union Congregational Church on West Britannia Street in Taunton took time after Sunday's service for a colorful, symbolic release of butterflies.
"A butterfly is symbolic of new life," said Pastor Lee Vermont, who has led the flock for three years. "The butterfly symbolizes new life in Christ. He is alive."
The idea was put forth by congregation member Elayne Ingalls, who heard about a similar event last year at the Trinitarian Church in Norton.
"I followed through on it," Ingalls said. "We had a wonderful Sunday. We prayed for good weather and it came true. I liked the idea of releasing them and watching them fly, watching life come together. It seems like a church activity that would be fun to do. And it was pretty."
Ingalls said members of the church planted flowers in the yard behind the building to welcome the butterflies. More than 20 children sported expansive smiles as they and their parents released a total of 80 butterflies around 11:30 a.m.
The children lingered as the colorful insects fluttered around, some landing on unsuspecting shoulders.
Aracely Alicea, 7, held one butterfly out on a finger for her mother to see.
"The kids were looking forward to this day forever," said Taunton's Manuela Alicea, Aracely's mother. "They loved it. It was great."
Ingalls said the butterflies were ordered online from the Florida-based Butterfly Release Company. The company offers both Monarch butterflies and another variety called Painted Ladies, with many of them sold for use during wedding ceremonies.
The butterflies arrived in envelopes and were kept cool with ice packs during delivery.
Vermont added that the butterfly release could serve as inspiration for those "struggling in a spiritual sense" to put their faith in the Christian belief about the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
A poem, written by congregation member Valerie Grenier, was read before the butterfly release.
"Butterfly, butterfly we've been waiting for this day," the poem read. "Now stretch your wings and fly this way. What a beautiful sight to behold, when God's creations begin to unfold."
Contact Marc Larocque at mlarocqu@tauntongazette.com.
-Copyright 2011 The Taunton Gazette. Some rights reserved
Article Posted: 03/27/2020 12:27:30 PM