Sunrise services set for Easter

Downstate Christians will say evening prayers tonight, then set their alarms to attend Easter Sunday's sunrise services.

The Rev. David Moore of First Southern Baptist Church in Dover said he will rise at 5:30 a.m. to run his church's 6:30 sunrise service.

"That was when Mary and the women went to (Jesus') tomb early in the morning and went on to tell the disciples," he said.

"They went to the tomb to do some more anointing on the body, give spices, but when they went, the tomb was open."

"The Bible says about waking up early and worshiping the Lord," said the Rev. Billy Roberts of New Life Family Worship Center in Camden.

"We offer that to start the first part of your Easter morning, to remember what Christ has done."

Mr. Roberts' church decorates a wooden cross with a purple drape and spring flowers for its sunrise service at 6 a.m.

Early-rising pilgrims are expected to arrive at local churches and parks before the expected 6:35 sunrise.

Mr. Moore said arriving before sunlight might demonstrate to worshipers that the metaphorical world is also dark with sin.

"Jesus came to dispel that darkness and forgive sin, bringing light, spiritual light," he said.

Prayer and song will welcome the sun as churchgoers step onto the grass in temperatures that are expected to be in the 30s Sunday morning.

"It's tradition," Mr. Moore said, "early in the morning when the sun rises to celebrate that fact."

Churches also will have services later Sunday morning in their sanctuaries.

Mr. Roberts said most "early birds" change into their church clothes before the Camden center's service at 10 a.m.

First Southern Baptist Church will have Bible study at 9 and worship service at 10:30.

In the hours in between sunrise and service, Mr. Moore said he plans to go to IHOP - not the International House of Prayer, but for breakfast at the International House of Pancakes next to the church.

Staff writer Misty Autumn Seemans can be reached at 741-8225 or mseemans@newszap.com