A full morning of celebrating “Christ Has Risen!” Easter worship began with the Sunrise Service at the end of Two Lights Road and continuing on with our sanctuary service.

The Sunrise Service was led by our church, the Thornton Heights UMC, and Cape’s Church of the Nazarene, with contributions from churches in Gorham and Scarborough. On a cloudy morning, the sun popped brilliantly above the horizon before disappearing into the low clouds. It was an illuminating sight and perfect for Easter morning.

At the sanctuary service, Faith York and the choir provided an upbeat selection of music with a rousing solo by Beth Austin and accompaniments from Linda Soares on bassoon, Elena Henry on flute, and Larry Ducharme on bass.

Pastor Kathleen offered an enlightening Children’s Story and Message about butterflies, comparing their transitions from caterpillar through a chrysalis to an adult to the resurrection of Jesus on Easter morning.

Following music, worship and heartfelt prayers, there was an Easter Egg Hunt in the Meditation Garden and a painting of butterflies organized by Carol Hubbard. The butterfly painting will continue after worship on upcoming Sundays and the butterflies will be hung from high wires across the sanctuary.

Thank you to our United Women in Faith for baking and decorating Easter cakes and to Sharlyn Andrews and Gail Parker for fellowship snacks.

More images from Easter morning: