Marco to greet the masses: Annual Easter Sunrise Service on the beach is Sunday

Easter means different things to different people, whether waking up to an Easter basket filled with chocolate bunnies and marshmallow Peeps, Easter egg hunts with colorful plastic eggs filled with candy or celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.

Here on Marco, whatever your traditions or beliefs, we come together as a community for a unique event. The 34th Annual Easter Sunrise Service on the Beach will be held at 7 a.m., Sunday, March 31 at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, 400 S. Collier Boulevard, Marco Island.

Of course, Easter origins date back to when Jesus was laid in a new tomb and on Sunday morning early, Mary Magdalene saw that the stone covering the tomb’s entrance had been rolled away. Later, when Mary was alone and weeping, she turned around to see a man and asked him where was her Lord’s body. All He had to say was one word, “Mary,” and she knew it was Jesus.

Scholar’s estimate that Jesus rose from the dead in the year AD (Anno Domini) 33. Since then, the tradition of Easter sunrise services has been celebrated around the world. History recorded that in 1732 in Germany, there was a service where a group of Protestant men met as the sun rose in a graveyard called “God’s Acre.”

Now in the U.S., the Salvation Army holds a service at the Chattanooga National Cemetery; in Bethlehem, PA, a 4-trombone band welcomes Easter Day visitors; gathered around the Lincoln Memorial are worshipers in DC; or in Atlanta, take a 4 a.m. sky lift up to Stone Mountain. For over 80 years, on the south rim of the Grand Canyon, watchers have endured freezing temperatures to view the spectacular sun rising over the canyon’s majestic peaks.

As a society, we are close to two thousand years that this date in history has held significant meaning. On this upcoming Easter, Pastor Scott Kerens will give the message titled, “Ridiculous Grace” from John 3:16-17. Many of us know the words to this passage that begins with: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son…” A love so strong that we are still celebrating the resurrection. And yet even with this love, “There's a longing, a tension, a questioning that believers will continue to feel,” said Kerens. “But if we rest and press in, we can be made alive by believing in Jesus.”

Here in southwest Florida, on many individuals bucket list is attending Marco Island’s service. Pastors from several island churches will join in the service where music, which begins at 6:45 a.m., is also an important part. World-renowned songwriter, musician and singer Matt Papa and his 4-piece band will be performing and leading the Easter singing. Papa frequently tours with Getty Music, is a three-time Dove Award nominated artist and is known for many popular songs including “His Mercy Is More,” “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death” and “Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery.”

Planning for the interdenominational service begins in January including coordinating with the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, Madeira Condominium and Royal Seafarer; the city for permits; sound and stage crew; golf carts for those who need assistance to the beach; Resident’s Beach to open for members at 6 a.m. and police and volunteers to direct double parking on Collier Blvd.

Anticipation begins very early Easter morning. Even before the plover birds awake, one can see pinhole beams of light as families walk from both sides of the beach towards the stage. Boaters fan out in the water, knowing that the special speaker system will reach them as well as individuals in their high-rise condos.

Dress casually and bring your own blanket or chair, the service will last one hour. The crowd’s quiet will be palpable, reflective and as the sun rises behind the condo’s and reflects light on the Gulf, the mood will be one of joyous celebration.

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Jill Yris is an established book editor and writer of magazine features, web and business work. Her portfolio includes national subjects such as actress Shirley Jones, Wall Street Journalist Foster Winans, renowned artist Taylor Oughton and Coach Johnny Majors. Email: JillYrisWriter.com.

If you go

Beach access is north of the Marriott Spa and the public access path north of the Madeira Condominium. The Marco police and volunteers will direct traffic and assist with parking, including double parking along Collier Boulevard. Additionally, the Resident's Beach parking lot will open at 6 a.m. for member parking. Dress is casual; bring your own blanket or chair. Musical prelude begins at 6:45 a.m. For those who need assistance, handicap parking will be available near the Marriott Spa with golf carts to assist to the edge of the beach.

Additionally, on Good Friday, March 29, multiple local churches are hosting a Good Friday service beginning at 6:30, at the Marco Island Veterans Park amphitheater.

For information on either event, call Marco Presbyterian Church at 239-394-8186.