LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - Little Rock's early-morning gathering of the faithful required a little faith that the weather would cooperate. Thankfully, it did.
Sunday, April 1, marked the 30th annual Community Easter Sunrise Service along the banks of the Arkansas River. Each year since 1988, the service, organized by Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, has drawn hundreds of people from various walks of life to worship together.
"I just love that it's a nondenominational service, and we have pastors and participants from churches all over the community," said Kim McDonough, who helped organize this year's service along with her husband, Russ. "And we come together and celebrate together. It's a special time."
With a chance of rain lingering Sunday morning, attendees were thankful for favorable weather.
"I'm glad everyone was able to show up and the weather held out," Pamela Christian said.
On Sunday, Christian and her son Yuri attended their third sunrise service together.
Clergy and choirs from churches across Little Rock participated in the celebration.
"I think more than ever this is a time in our country and in our community where we need to set aside our differences and celebrate what we have in common and love each other," Russ McDonough said.
An offering was collected for Jericho Way Day Resource Center, a project of DePaul USA working to end homelessness.