Easter sunrise services abound around Colorado Springs and nearby
Though temperatures in the Pikes Peak region will be around freezing when the sun appears on the horizon around 6:35 a.m. on Sunday, thousands of people are expected to attend Easter sunrise services.
Along with individual churches hosting sunrise events to mark the resurrection of the Christian savior, Jesus Christ, traditional en masse services are also scheduled. The services and parking are free. Attendees are asked to arrive early and dress warmly.
Among the local churches:
Rocky Mountain Calvary will host a sunrise service at 6:15 a.m. at the Academy School District 20 Stadium, 8720 Scarborough Drive.
First Congregational Church will start at 6:20 a.m. at the church’s front portico, 20 E. St. Vrain St. Doors open at 5:20 a.m., and the service lasts until 7 a.m.
First Presbyterian Church’s service starts at 6:30 a.m. on the Weber Street lawn.
Large ecumenical public gatherings include:
Gateway Prayer Garden Resurrection Sunrise Service starts at 7 a.m. at this attraction south of Colorado Springs at 8035 Bandley Drive in Fountain.
The expansive prayer site offers numerous opportunities for meditation, reflection and prayer and features a giant cross that beckons guests.
The Royal Gorge Bridge in Cañon City will host its annual gathering featuring the Rev. Grant Adkisson, pastor of the Canyon Cowboy Church as presider.
Gates open at 5:30 a.m. with the service beginning at 6:30 a.m., with free coffee and shuttles from the parking lots to the south rim.
The church’s worship team and Western gospel singer and songwriter Barry Ward will present music.
A collection will benefit Hope House Cañon City, which helps teen moms and their children with life necessities and other assistance to become self-sufficient.
Anywhere from several hundred to 500 or more people typically attend this popular event.
The Colorado Council of Churches will present the 79th annual ecumenical Easter sunrise service at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison. Musical worship led by Emerson Rose and the Cherokee Trail High School singers begins at 5:30 a.m., with the service starting at 6 a.m. Gates open at 4:45 a.m.
Preaching this year is Pastor Kathy Escobar, co-founder of The Refuge, an organization in north Denver that supports healing, social action and creative collaboration.
Other worship leaders are the Rev. Fernando Rodriguez, assistant presbyter of the Presbytery of Denver, and Michelle Ferrigno Warren of Westside Church Internacional in Denver.
An ASL interpreter and reserved seating for people with disabilities will be available.
Donations will be taken for Food Bank of the Rockies, including online at www.cochurches.org.
The entire service will be streamed online at www.cochurches.org, as well as on Facebook Live and YouTube.
The council represents 13 Christian denominations and 600 churches across Colorado.