Easter Rising Celebrate The Rising Of Jesus Christ In The Quiet Of The Early Morn
Anyone looking for an Easter service to attend has plenty of choices.
In addition to the full schedule at area churches, there will be two big community-wide gatherings in Spokane on Sunday.
At the Spokane Arena, there will be seating for 6,500 when the Life Center Foursquare Church holds an Easter celebration on a grand scale. Church leaders expect a turnout of at least 3,000 Life Center regulars. In addition, they hope to attract many others to the everybody’s-welcome service - especially those who are not affiliated with a church.
“We’re excited about this,” said the Rev. Joe Wittwer, senior pastor.
The doors open at 9 a.m., with the service scheduled to start at 10 a.m. It will include, among other things, music, drama and video.
There will be free parking and care provided for children age 4 and younger.
“I think it will be a relaxed atmosphere,” said Wittwer.
The theme of the service is “An extraordinary life.” It will last an hour and a half, said Wittwer.
The service will be the culmination of plans that have been taking shape since Life Center began experiencing rapid growth some five years ago.
Earlier Sunday, the Spokane Council of Ecumenical Ministries will hold its annual sunrise service at Greenwood Memorial Terrace, 211 N. Government Way.
It starts at 6:30 a.m. (Remember, daylight saving time starts on Sunday - turn clocks ahead one hour when you go to bed tonight.) The service will feature Linda Schearing, assistant professor of Hebrew Scriptures, New Testament and Women’s Studies in the Religious Studies Department at Gonzaga University.
“Be not afraid” will be the theme.
Celtic harp, dulcimer and guitar music will be performed by David and Megan Beach.
The service typically attracts about 1,000 people, said Mary Stamp, spokeswoman for the council.
Breaking from recent tradition, Unity Church will not hold an Easter gathering at the Opera House this year.
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Staff illustration by Molly Quinn