Thousands Attend Sunrise Easter Service

Both young and young at heart attended the Awake, My Soul, and Sing Easter Service held on the beautiful beachfront of the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. The sunrise service was held with near-perfect weather despite a forecast that included potential rain.

According to Mike Seigfried, a deacon at the Marco Presbyterian Church and one of the event organizers, the service is thought to be one of the biggest in the area. Seigfried works with the city and the Marriott to make the celebration a wonderful experience for those attending. 

More than fifty boats anchored offshore under the moon while people on decks waited for the sunrise service to be held. Large speakers were set up so those sitting on the water could hear the call to worship.

In addition to the thousands on the beach, many attended the service from their rooms at the Marriott and the nearby condo lanais.

Dan Vandermeulen and his wife Becky have attended every sunrise Easter service since its inception except for the two years during the Covid pandemic when it was canceled. “We enjoy the beauty of it and all the people and the music,” said Dan. “It amazes me how the event started as such a small group and how incredible it would become so big. The whole thing is for God’s glory as what we see with the sunrise.”

After a musical prelude, a special presentation was given by City Manager Mike McNees to Alan Sandlin, honoring the over thirty years he has served as a chair of the sunrise service committee. Mr. Sandlin commented that there have been more than 10,000 people at the event some years, and it had never rained out.

To start the service, beautiful Easter music was performed by Grammy nominated inspirational singers Keith and Kristyn Getty. The Gettys are one of the most popular Christian Groups in the country. On stage, they were joined by musician Matt Papa, a world-renowned hymn writer, and four other musicians.

Pastors from three churches ran the worship service. The Marco Presbyterian Church was represented by Pastors Scott Kerens, Dr. Steve Schoof, and Gary Goodrich who led a call to worship, the prayer of confession and assurance, and an uplifting Easter message. Pastor Casey Nowlin from the Family Church gave a scripture reading and prayer. Pastor Thomas McCulley from New Life Community Church led closing moments and prayer.

The service was very moving and inspirational to all that attended. “No words can explain the beauty of the sun rising through the palms behind the preachers as the service is underway,” said Marco resident Anthony Filippini. “This event holds a special place in my heart, and I continue to take the opportunity when presented to invite others to share this unique spiritual experience.”