Easter in the Christian tradition symbolizes new birth, and this Easter a new church has come to life in Edgartown.

The newly formed Beacon of Hope Church recently held a founder’s day celebration where members gathered to sign covenants of membership. The congregation began meeting last June at the VFW hall in Edgartown with just 20 members. On Easter Sunday, they hope to have over 100 show up at their new location at the cafeteria at the Edgartown School.

Members SQuire Rushnell, author of the When God Winks books, and his wife Louise DuArt, both of Edgartown, have found a spiritual home at Beacon of Hope and a source of inspiration in its pastor, Donald Bradley, who retired on the Vineyard after serving at a church in South Hadley.

“Don Bradley is the kind of pastor who is very grounded in the Bible and spirituality. He’s all the things you’d want in a pastor,” Mr. Rushnell said. “But, he’s a former coach, so it’s like hearing an inspirational talk by a coach; he’s funny, energetic, and he leaves you with clear things to take home.”

The couple described the founder’s day celebration on March 29 as starting out serene and serious, but by the time it was over 15 of the church’s members had entertained with dancing, singing, skits and more. Ms. DuArt, a professional comedian who has toured extensively, opened and closed the evening.

With covenants signed, a 501(c)(3) in place and bylaws attended to, the hope is that the church can move forward and flourish.

“Beacon of Hope would like to reach out to this community,” Mr. Rushnell said. “We’d like to be a support system for the Island.”

The couple described the new faith community as a “hugging church.”

“If you don’t get a hug, you are an exception,” Mr. Rushnell said. “It’s like a family, and of course you get fed well.”

They said the church has a praise team made up of eight or so members, a terrific sound system and a pastor whose sermons they described as powerful.

The church community is diverse and everyone is accepted, Ms. DuArt added.

Good Friday services are at 6:30 p.m. at the Edgartown School, and an Easter Sunday service is at 10 a.m.