JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – A longstanding Easter Sunday tradition in Jacksonville Beach had picture-perfect weather Sunday morning.
The sun gleamed on hundreds of churchgoers for the 75th annual Jacksonville Beach Sunrise Service.
Worship music played as the sun came up, followed by scripture readings and a sermon from Pastor Chris Partyka from Ocean Park Baptist Church.
For many churchgoers, whether it was their first time or tenth time, the early alarm and arriving before sunrise was no problem.
“I think with everything going on in the world — immigration, the war — He gives us hope,” said Kevin and Alma Coursey, who have been attending for 10 years.
Ruth Labrie and Roberta Shepherd said this was their second and first years, respectively, at the service.
“Great camaraderie of individuals, and you could feel the spirit of Jesus Christ,” Shepherd said.
A cross was also placed in the sand at Jacksonville Beach, where people experienced an overwhelming feeling of hope.
“I felt that,” Labrie said. “It was very relieving to hear how [the pastor] preached about everything.”