Easter celebrated on the beach

The sun rises in the west, giving the sky a golden glow for the 57th Easter Sunrise Service, where the congregates stretched north and south on the beach and westward from the pavilion to the Gulf of Mexico shoreline. The event is sponsored annually by the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island. More, page 14. Islander Photos: Bonner Joy

The 57th Easter Sunrise Service held April 17 at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach had perfect weather, a setting moon over the Gulf of Mexico, a sunrise at 7:05 a.m. and the biggest congregation by most recollections. The event is sponsored annually by the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island. More, page 14. Islander Photos: Bonner Joy

The 57th Easter Sunrise Service included a welcome by Sandy Haas-Martens of the Kiwanis Club, seated right, an invocation by the Rev. Matthew Grunfeld of the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, left, a sermon by the Rev. Doug Kings of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, a benediction by the Rev. Dirk Rodgers of Roser Church, the offering prayer by the Rev. Stephen King of Harvey Church and Scripture readings by the Rev. Ed Moss of CrossPointe Fellowship. Morgan Bryant, right, provided music and vocals.

White lilies, traditionally purchased by the Kiwanis Club members for the service, decorate the podium where the pastors of the island churches are seated for the Easter service. Islander Photos: Bonner Joy

The congregation for Easter service was guesstimated at 4,000 by Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer

The Rev. Doug Kings of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church looks out upon the congregation and the setting moon on the Gulf of Mexico horizon as he delivers the Easter sermon to the early risers at the Kiwanis Club’s annual Easter service. Kiwanis shares the offering among the island churches.