Easter Sunrise Service draws thousands

BY JOE BECHT SUN CORRESPONDENT

HOLMES BEACH – The soothing sound of Gulf of Mexico waves combined with a colorful array of clouds to provide the perfect background for the 58th Easter Sunrise Service, sponsored by The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island.

Thousands gathered in the early hours to celebrate the beginning of Easter Sunday with multidenominational Island church leaders.

Morgan Bryant led off the service with her wonderful voice, singing “Praise the Name.”

Sandy Haas-Martens, of the Kiwanis Club, gave the welcoming speech, followed by the invocation by Father Matthew Grunfeld, of the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. Kiwanis Board Member Darrel Shinn, a 21-year Air Force veteran, delivered a military prayer.

The profound scripture reading was given by Rev. Stephen King, of Harvey Memorial Community Church. In John 20:24-31, Thomas appears before Jesus. Many know this as the story of “Doubting Thomas.” Rev. Dirk Rodgers, of

Roser Community Church, delivered a sermon that emphasized the existence of Jesus and the resurrection.

Matthew Nowicki, Director of Faith Formation at St. Bernard Catholic Church, delivered an offering prayer and Rev. Douglas King, of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, presented the benediction.

The offertory collected is divided among the participating churches and the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria for their SCF Key Club Scholarship program.