Renewal is main theme of services
The sunrise is symbolic of rebirth, renewal, hope.
//
That's why the Rev. Carolyn Moore said it is appropriate to celebrate Christ's resurrection with an Easter service illuminated by the first morning rays.
"That, and it is a wonderful remembrance of that first Easter morning, because it was sunrise when the women went to the tomb," said Moore, pastor of Mosaic United Methodist Church in Evans. "They went just after the first of morning and found the resurrection."
The fourth annual Community Easter Sunrise Service will start at 7 a.m. Sunday at the Columbia County Amphitheater behind the Columbia County Library on Ronald Reagan Drive in Evans.
"It is really beautiful," Moore said of the amphitheater at dawn.
The service is organized by Mosaic and First Baptist Church of Evans. Everyone is welcome to attend and the dress is casual.
"Children are welcome. Families are welcome," Moore said. "It is usually a little chilly that time of the morning, so dress for warmth, not for style."
She recommends bringing chairs or blankets to the service, which includes traditional and contemporary music by the Evans Baptist choir and Mosaic Praise Band.
"This service feels more like it is a community event and not a specific church event," Moore said, adding the service is perfect for families who have faith and want to celebrate Easter, but don't regularly attend church services.
An offering will be collected with proceeds benefiting the Augusta Care Pregnancy Center.
Hot chocolate will be served before and after the service.
Harlem United Methodist and Harlem Baptist churches are joining for an Easter sunrise service in Harlem.
The service will start at 7:30 a.m. in the field between the two churches on West Milledgeville Road.
An Easter sunrise service also will be held at 6:30 a.m. at Fort Gordon's Freedom Park on Rice Road. Chaplain Col. Craig Wiley, senior installation chaplain at the fort, will officiate. Music will be provided by the U.S. Army Signal Corps Band and the Fort Gordon Navy Choir.
In case of inclement weather, the service will be moved to Alexander Hall on Chamberlain Avenue at 28th Street.
if you go
What: Community Easter Sunrise Service by Mosaic United Methodist Church and First Baptist Church of Evans
When: 7 a.m. Sunday
Where: Columbia County Amphitheater behind the Columbia County Library in Evans
What: Easter sunrise service by Harlem United Methodist and Harlem Baptist churches
When: 7:30 a.m. Sunday
Where: The field between the two churches on West Milledgeville Road
What: Easter sunrise service at Fort Gordon
When: 6:30 a.m. Sunday
Where: Fort Gordon's Freedom Park on Rice Road