Worshipers Gather In Person For Easter Worship, Sunrise Services

April 4, 2021

Worshipers gathered in-person for sunrise services across Escambia County on Easter Sunday morning.

At the start of the pandemic, Easter morning services were empty in 2020 as everything was virtual. At the annual Community Sonrise Service at Blue Wahoo’s stadium, the stands were empty last year as thousands tuned in online, on TV or on the radio. At Olive Baptist Church, Pastor Ted Traylor shouted the message of the risen Saviour literally from the rooftop, standing in front of the church’s large cross overlooking Davis Highway.

Easter morning 2021 was much different as services were open for in-person attendance, including sunrise services such as the Community Sonrise Service at Blue Wahoo’s stadium.

The services were to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, an important event to the faithful. According to the Bible:

Matthew 28:1-20

Resurrection Morning
1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached [the tomb]. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men. 5

But the angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”

8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. 9 Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”

The Soldiers Are Bribed to Lie
11 As they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and told them, “Say this, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were sleeping.’ 14 If this reaches the governor’s ears, we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day.

The Great Commission
16 The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

from the Holman Christian Standard Bible

Pictured above and below: The 2021 Marcus Pointe Baptist Church Community Sonrise Service at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

2 Responses to “Worshipers Gather In Person For Easter Worship, Sunrise Services”

  1. Josh Jones on April 5th, 2021 8:20 am

    @Anne

    Wishfull thinking to say that “The C-19 thing nor anything else can harm the strong religious base of Our USA.”

    The “C-19 thing” has killed over a half million in the USA alone. In certain parts of America and other places throughout the world Covid cases are on the rise.

    Vigilance in following the expert’s advice is what we need to continue to reduce and eliminate cases: get fully vaccinated, wear a mask, social distance.

  2. Anne on April 4th, 2021 4:15 pm

    WONDERFUL and Uplifting to see worship services being held and people gathering together in HIS Name and Word.
    The C-19 thing nor anything else can harm the strong religious base of Our USA,
    God Bless and Protect the USA as we shake off the COVID and move forward united.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News