Congregational singing, even at 6:30 in the morning, plays a large part in the Community Easter Sunrise Service.
For 2015, the 800 worshippers will become a choir to sing Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” with trumpets and piano. Copies of the music will be distributed along with the program. A group of experienced singers are at microphones to lead everyone through the unique experience — something like a “flash mob.” Everyone is encouraged to participate in this annual Easter celebration.
The service is held on the Ocean City Music Pier, on the Boardwalk between 8th and 9th Streets. This year’s speaker is Dr. Tony Campolo, author and Professor Emeritus of Eastern University (where a graduate school is named for him).
Student musicians Treasa Hayes and Chad Callahan are singing “I Know that My Redeemer Liveth” (from Messiah) and “Morning Has Broken,” the Gaelic folk tune popularized by Cat Stevens. Trumpeters David Seals and Dominic Scalfaro accompany the opening hymn — coincidently sung just as the sun is rising at 6:38 a.m. Jeff Seals is at the piano.
Participants include Mayor Jay Gillian representing the city; Cathy and Pete Guinosso from the Ecumenical Council, along with Roy Wagner, head usher; Mark Bruesehoff, St. John Lutheran; Marcia Pankey Stafford, Macedonia United Methodist; Sister Joelle Thren, St. Damien Parish; John Sheldon, First Presbyterian; Steve Donat, Terry Lothian and Richard Stanislaw, St. Peter’s United Methodist.
The Easter Sunrise Service is presented by the Ocean City Ministerium and benefits the Ocean City Ecumenical Council Food Cupboard.
