Easter sunrise celebrated at Jones Beach

As dawn broke at Jones Beach Sunday, a small group gathered in thick fog for the Long Island Council of Churches' annual Easter sunrise service.

"The fog kind of reminds us of the mystery of Christ," said Soh Young Lee-Segredo, who led the Multi-Cultural Peace Mission Choir as it sang throughout the 45-minute service. "I almost feel like the spirit is guiding me."

With the sound of waves hitting the beach in the background, the 6:30 a.m. service drew families, couples and churchgoers from various Christian denominations. It featured music, prayers and a sermon that focused on the symbols of Easter, the power of forgiveness and peace.

Many of the dozens who huddled together at Field 6 -- protected from the morning chill in sweaters, hats and quilts -- said they came to experience a unique, casual and refreshing service amid nature.

"We organize this worship service each year for those who do not have a sunrise service in their own church or community, and for those who like to celebrate Easter on the beach," said Thomas Goodhue, executive director of the Long Island Council of Churches.

The Rev. Marianne Tomecek, executive director of the Long Island United Campus Ministry, delivered the sermon about the resurrection of Jesus. "We aren't gathered just to experience the sunrise on the beach," she told the group. "We are here because Jesus' instructions have sunk into our beings."

Focusing on the diverse nature of the group, Tomecek called each of the service's participants "threads of the Christian textile."

The Long Island Council of Churches has been organizing the Easter service for more than 40 years and began hosting it on the beach about 10 years ago, Goodhue said.

"Jesus wanted us all to be one and this is a good day to remember that," he said.

After the service, when asked about the service's proximity to Gilgo Beach and the bodies found nearby, participants said the topic had not crossed their minds.

Instead, attendees like Gloria Price, a real estate agent in St. Albans, said she was drawn to the beach out of an interest in celebrating Easter with others. "Being on the beach is like starting a new beginning," said Price, who declined to give her age. "It's like a rainbow of people and everyone here reflects the love of God."

The sunrise service has become a tradition for Millie Greubel, 72, a retired bookkeeper from Merrick, and her family, who have attended for more than 20 years.

"The beach and water is like coming home," said Greubel, who joined the service with her sons and grandchildren. "The whole scene is always inspirational. It's just a wonderful way to start Easter."