In town looking for a house to buy, Chuck and Debra Kent happened upon Laguna Beach United Methodist Church and were invited to last year’s sunrise Easter service on the sand at the city’s Main Beach.
“I’ve always liked sunrise services and so does my wife,” said Chuck Kent, who attended the service with Debra and in the year since found a home in Laguna Niguel, moved from the Midwest and joined the welcoming congregation.
Sunday morning, he was going to be the guy in a raincoat down at the beach directing people to the nearby church where the service had been moved indoors – and, the sanctuary at Laguna Beach United Methodist Church still offers beautiful ocean views.
Paul Myers and Sienna Cleary blow bubbles outside Laguna Beach United Methodist Church after Easter sunrise services on Sunday, March 31, 2024. The ceremony usually takes place on the beach but had to be held indoors because of the rain. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Barbara Crowley, the Family Ministry Coordinator at Laguna Beach United Methodist Church, takes part in Easter sunrise services as storm clouds hang over the ocean on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Laguna Beach United Methodist Church-goers get ready to decorate a wreath with flowers during Easter sunrise services on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Laguna Beach United Methodist Church Pastor Mary Scifres hugs a congregant during Easter sunrise services on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Seven-year-old Ryder Chapman rests his head during Easter sunrise services at Laguna Beach United Methodist Church on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Laguna Beach United Methodist Joyful Noise choir performs during Easter sunrise services on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Seven-year-old Ryder Chapman looks out at the storm clouds over the ocean after Easter sunrise services at Laguna Beach United Methodist Church Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Clouds linger over Laguna Beach United Methodist Church after Easter sunrise services on Sunday, March 31, 2024. The ceremony usually takes place on the beach but had to be held indoors because of storms. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Congregants of Laguna Beach United Methodist Church blow bubbles outside after Easter sunrise services on Sunday, March 31, 2024. The service usually takes place on the beach but had to be held indoors because of storms. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Celeeste Seiler places a flower on a wreath during Easter sunrise services at Laguna Beach United Methodist Church on Sunday, March 31, 2024. Storm clouds over the ocean can be seen through the window. The service is usually on the beach but had to be held indoors because of the rain.(Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Indoors or outdoors, Kent said there is a special vibe during sunrise services that speaks to Easter and the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“It is a time set apart,” he said. “I think we need to get out of routines. I’m a lifelong churchgoer and it is helpful to be able to wake oneself up to a new perspective.”
Even when the break-of-day services are held indoors, he said, it is so “out of the ordinary” to worship with others so early “it just sort of breaks down your preconceived notions.”
As Rev. Mary Scifres, senior pastor of the church, put it in an announcement about the service: “The Easter sunrise service is a literal moment of new hope dawning — and everyone is eager to share in that feeling, churchgoers or not.”
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