The Eastman Choral Association is inviting the public to attend the annual Easter Sunrise Service, taking place this Sunday.
Shannon Sawatzky, Vice President of the Association says the event has been a beautiful tradition in the Southeast for many years.
“We have, as part of our choral programming in the area, we put together a community choir every year. We've been practicing for about three weeks now.”
Each year, a new conductor is invited to lead the choir. This year, the Association has welcomed Ben Pauls, a well-known name in the region.
“He's the conductor of a larger choir, the Men's Faith and Life Choir. So, that brought out a lot of our local men to come sing in the choir and it's just filled out a beautiful balance of 40 singers this year.”
The service will be held at Grace Mennonite Church in Steinbach, beginning at 7 AM on Easter Sunday, April 20.
“We have a beautiful Sunrise Service planned,” says Sawatzky. “It's just really a sacred time. People stream in, in the dark, in the morning from their cars from all over, and we watch the sunrise together through the stained-glass windows at the back of Grace Mennonite Church.”
The service will be filled with inspiring music.
“Beautiful choral music, we have Annalee Schellenberg accompanying the choir, Karen Peters plays on the organ, and we have wonderful congregational singing. We also bring in, for the second year in a row, the Southeast Brass Quintet. So, just a powerful sound from our amazing local musicians.”
The service will feature a mix of music, scripture readings, and opportunities for the congregation to sing together. It’s expected to conclude by 8 AM.
“People still have time if they want to head home to their Easter Bunny hunt at home if they have little ones at home. Or you can still make it to your home church service as well, so just a beautiful way to celebrate on Easter Sunday morning.”
Those planning to attend are encouraged to arrive early to ensure they get a seat.
“It does fill up very quickly, but often at the very last minute. So, we say if you want to get a prime spot come nice and early. And I can just say there's no admission charge. It's a community service, but we do take an offering to cover our expenses for the service and we want to honour our musicians and there's rental space and renting music and things.”
For Sawatzky, this event is a meaningful way to bring people together.
“This is one of my favourite services to plan. Just a way to bring the community together, a community that loves music, a community with a shared faith. Just bringing us together to celebrate.”
Other Passion Week Services:
Southland Church, Steinbach – Good Friday Prayer Summit 9am – 11am / Easter Sunday Services 9am & 11am
Cornerstone Bible Church, Steinbach – Maundy Thursday Service 7pm / Resurrection Sunday Service 10:45am
Steinbach MB Church – Easter Sunday Service 9:30am / Ukrainian Slavic Church – 2pm
Stonehouse Church - Easter Service, Steinbach 10:20am (Pat Porter Active Living Centre)
United Church Steinbach – Maundy Thursday Service 5pm / Good Friday Service 4pm / Easter Sunday Service 10:15am
Calvary Church, Steinbach – Good Friday Service 10am / Easter Sunday Services 9am & 11am
Grace Mennonite Church, Steinbach – Maundy Thursday service 7pm / Easter Sunday Service 10am
Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church, Steinbach – Good Friday 9:30am & 11:15am / Easter Sunday 9:30am & 11:15am
St Paul's Luthern Church, Steinbach – Maundy Thursday 7pm / Good Friday 10am / Easter Sunrise Service 7:30am / Breakfast Potluck 8:30am / Easter Sunday Service 9:30am
With files from Adi Loewen