Easter Sunrise Service

At our very small country church we have an Easter tradition. I don't know when we started this, but its been going on for awhile.

We meet for Sunrise Services on Easter morning. What makes it really special is that a local camp lets us use their outdoor 'inspiration point' to meet. We literally meet on top of a bluff, surrounded by trees with the river audible but barely visible below...way below.

It's beautiful, it's quiet, it's serene. A place to just sit for a little while and rest and rejuvenate. To remember what our Lord did for us so long ago.

You have to hike in, although there is a service road that you can park on and eliminate the hike straight back up the hill if you want. The seats are rough concrete and often cold. The times we have cancelled and had services back at the church instead were usually because it was raining.

We dress casually and warmly, wearing sturdy shoes, and bringing blankets to sit on and perhaps cover up with. It's nothing fancy. A few songs, and brief talk from the pastor, but to sit there and commune with other believer's and behold the majesty of God is truly a gift. Some people never step a foot inside a 'real' church, but they will come to this.

Afterwards, usually with frozen backsides and numb faces and fingers we hurry back to our cars. Then we re-assemble at the church where we enjoy a hearty breakfast---biscuits and gravy, eggs, bacon, sausage, breakfast casseroles and more. The pastor has to bring a lively sermon when we meet back for our regular church time to keep his well fed and sleepy congregation awake.

This year is one of the coldest I remember, with around 15 degrees. But the scenery was gorgeous, the air crisp and the sunrise lovely. Wild turkey's and geese added their voices to the singing birds and gurgling river.

What a beautiful time.

From the fullness of His grace we have received one blessing after another. John 1:16