BATTLE GROUND — Crisp temperatures under clear skies welcomed some faithful and enthusiastic Clark County residents who gathered Sunday morning at Lewisville Park in Battle Ground for the annual Easter Sunrise Service.
An estimated crowd of 200 filled the central section shelter at the park, which was free of entrance fees Sunday for the 35th edition of the event. This year’s Sunrise Service featured the participation of 18 area churches and was open to the public.
Pastor Ed Staton of Landmark Christian Assembly welcomed those who gathered for the 7 a.m. service. Jackie James offered the opening prayer before the attendees eagerly joined in the opening hymn, “Christ the Lord is Risen Today.’’
Pastor Jim Linderman, of Outreach Community Center, led the call to worship and Pastor Calvin Blom, of Battle Ground Baptist Church, and Pastor Shaun Hart, of Hockinson Community Church offered scripture readings.
The singing of the hymn “How Great is our God’’ followed, led by worship leader Darrin Opdycke on his guitar.
Pastor Arden Kinser, of Cherry Grove Friends Church, offered another scripture reading and introduced the featured speaker, Pastor Alice Bower of the Church of the Holy Spirit.
After Bower delivered the message, Pastor Dan Russell, of Battle Ground Foursquare Church, led the offering, which was once again taken and donated to the North County Community Food Bank. R.J. Strickland, of Starting Grounds Church, provided the offertory prayer.
After the final hymn, “Holy is the Lord,’’ Pastor Susan Boegli, of Battle Ground United Methodist Church, provided the Benediction.
Other participating pastors and churches included Pastor Ray Malanis (Battle Ground Pentecostals), Pastor Korey Finstad (Bethel Lutheran Church), Pastor Bill Courtnay (Church of the Rock), Pastor Brad Vos (Cross Way Church), Pastor Eric Burd (Household of Faith Community Church), Pastor Rick Bowes (Meadow Glade Seventh Day Adventist Church), Pastor Mark Newell (North Creek Church), Father Aloysius Ssensamba (Sacred Heart Catholic Church) and Jim Gilliam (The Link Church).
