Sunrise in the Garden

The darkness was just giving way to a hazy dawn as worshippers gathered at Lloyd Beach near the soccer fields at Maryville College on Easter morning. As the Call to Worship was repeated and the Easter story read from the Gospel of John, the sun began to peep over the hills, lighting the pulpit and a large white cross.

Rev. Anne McKee led the service with the message “Come in and See” at the Sunrise in the Garden service. Rev. McKee told the story of Mary Magdalene, the first to arrive at the tomb of Jesus. Assisting with the service were musicians Josh Goodman, Eric Matthews, Mark McKee, Ryan Nivens, Mark Strejc and Noah Penland. Emily Brewer and Nate Smith assisted with the liturgy.

The crowd joined in with traditional Easter hymns of “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” and “Christ is Alive.”

A light breakfast was offered at Willard House after the service.