Easter sunrise celebrated at Jones Beach

Just before dawn, surrounded by fog and the sound of ocean waves, a small group gathered Sunday at Jones Beach for an Easter sunrise service hosted by the Long Island Council of Churches.

The 6:30 a.m. service, filled with families, couples, and churchgoers from various Christian denominations and faiths, featured music, prayers, and a sermon that focused on the symbols of Easter and the power of forgiveness and peace.

"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.

Many of the dozens who gathered at Field 6 said they came to experience a unique, casual, and refreshing service amid nature. Attendees, protected from the morning chill in sweaters, hats, and quilts, huddled together throughout most of the 45 minute service.

Rev. Marianne Tomecek of the Long Island United Campus Ministry delivered the morning's 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 diversity 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 ecumenical and interfaith Easter service for more than 40 years and began hosting it on the beach about 10 years ago, according to Goodhue.

"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 of St. Albans, Queens, 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," she said. "It's like a rainbow of people and everyone here reflects the love of God."