JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. \u2013 A longstanding Easter Sunday tradition in Jacksonville Beach had picture-perfect weather Sunday morning.<\/p>\n
The sun gleamed on hundreds of churchgoers for the 75th annual Jacksonville Beach Sunrise Service.<\/p>\n
Worship music played as the sun came up, followed by scripture readings and a sermon from Pastor Chris Partyka from Ocean Park Baptist Church.<\/p>\n
For many churchgoers, whether it was their first time or tenth time, the early alarm and arriving before sunrise was no problem. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think with everything going on in the world \u2014 immigration, the war \u2014 He gives us hope,\u201d said Kevin and Alma Coursey, who have been attending for 10 years.<\/p>\n
Ruth Labrie and Roberta Shepherd said this was their second and first years, respectively, at the service. <\/p>\n
\u201cGreat camaraderie of individuals, and you could feel the spirit of Jesus Christ,\u201d Shepherd said.<\/p>\n
A cross was also placed in the sand at Jacksonville Beach, where people experienced an overwhelming feeling of hope.<\/p>\n
\u201cI felt that,\u201d Labrie said. \u201cIt was very relieving to hear how [the pastor] preached about everything.\u201d<\/p>\n
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