Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.  Sunday morning, grey and early, a group of Nederland residents gathered on the frozen, snow-blanketed edge of Barker Reservoir and watched the sun slowly rise over the horizon, casting long shadows that stretched to the west.

Members of St. Ritas, Calvary Chapel, Nederland Community Presbyterian Church, and a few dogs shivered in the cold damp air but lifted their voices in praise. It was Easter in the mountains.

A few prayers of thanks for the resurrection of Christ, a few songs of worship and everyone dispersed for hot drinks and breakfast.

Some of the sunrise service attendants then went to the NCPC to enjoy a potluck brunch. At 10 a.m. the NCPC held their regular Easter service in which the congregation received the message of new beginnings, a chance to love one another and share their love of God and Jesus no matter what religion they called their own.

The choir sang and a new kids’ worship team accompanied the instruments as they, too, offered songs of praise to God.

At 11 a.m. the Calvary Chapel began their service with amazing songs from the Revelation 19 choir, which was a pastel hued group of musicians as pretty as an Easter egg.

Paster Doug Gibney spoke of what was left in the tomb after Christ arose from the dead, and how followers reacted to his subsequent teaching and preaching until he ascended into heaven.

Both messages from the pulpit were filled with joy at the wondrous event and hope for those who are downtrodden and burdened by the world and its suffering.

Although it was not a gloriously bright day, the Easter services brought light to all who listened and Pastor Gibney and Pastor Wendtlandt sent people back out into the world to rejoice and share the good news.