TYLER, Texas — On Easter morning, Calvary Chapel Tyler hosted their annual sunrise on the square church service in downtown Tyler.
What began over a decade ago has now become a beloved tradition among the congregation. Attendees had the chance to participate in worship, prayer, music and communion.
“Our members love it, and I actually gave our members the choice this year. We're in this new location. Do we want to go back and have the sunrise service this year? And the feedback from our congregation was just overwhelming. Yes, they want to do it. They love being in the open area," said Calvary Chapel Tyler Pastor Tim Burns.
Calvary Chapel member Andy Surratt emphasizes the significance of having services like this on Easter Sunday to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“We believe that three days ago, He went to the cross and He died for our sins. And then today we celebrate His resurrection. So, He was in the grave for three days. Now, He's risen and conquered death, and we are here to proclaim that," Surratt said.
Burns said that preaching about the resurrection is one of his favorite topics.
“Because of the underscoring that everything God said about Jesus is true. For all the doubts that people had. All those doubts - they were removed Sunday morning when Jesus rose from the dead,” Burns said.
Burns also said that on Pentecost, 50 days after Easter, people's doubts were further dispelled.
“When Peter is preaching to Jerusalem and said, Jesus, whom you crucified is risen from the dead, and not one of them disputed it, not one of them argued it. Because they knew that that tomb was empty," Burns said.