Latest news with #EasterSunrise
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Worshippers across Southern California give thanks during first Easter services since deadly wildfires
Worshippers are giving thanks across Southern California this Easter Sunday, and many locals are focusing on healing in the wake of the devastating January wildfires. The annual Easter Sunrise Service at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park in Westlake Village wrapped up around 7 a.m., and parishioners there dedicated time to supporting the Pacific Palisades community after the Palisades Fire ravaged homes and led to a dozen deaths. As the Westlake Village event was finishing, others were gathering in Altadena for the Pasadena International House of Worship's Easter Sunrise service, which celebrated life in the wake of the Eaton Fire. One PIHOP staff member, Haley Alaji, lost everything in the fire and still has yet to find a new home. She used to live up the street from Mountain View Mortuary and Cemetery, where PIHOP's first Easter sunrise service in 50 years – which accepted all denominations – was being held. Deadly wrong-way crash shuts down freeway in downtown Los Angeles on Easter Sunday 'We're here by faith…the Holy Spirit told us to do this,' she said. 'For me…it's very surreal to be here, and I feel like I won't really feel the true effects of what we are doing here but by faith, I know that we are doing something.' Speaking on why the celebration was held at the cemetery, another staff member, Cheryl Allen, said the location represented both the holy day and the community's experience. 'This community has gone through so much tragedy…and we [want to celebrate] the message of Easter,' she told KTLA 5's Jennifer McGraw. 'It's about extreme tragedy and hope arising, so we really thought it should be here.' Just in time for Easter, Palisades Lutheran Church became the first church in the Pacific Palisades to start having services again in the wake of the fire this week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Thousands gather for Easter Sunrise Service at Stone Mountain Park
One of the largest Easter Sunrise services brings thousands to Stone Mountain Park. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The annual tradition began in 1944, but has grown ever since. Stone Mountain Park officials said more than 5,000 guests showed up Sunday for the 79th annual Easter Sunrise Service, making it one of the largest turnouts in recent years. Many gathered to rejoice in the fellowship and the view. TRENDING STORIES: Lowe's, Target, others will be closed on Easter 16-year-old mother, daughter reported missing in DeKalb County Popular beach vacation spot can 'no longer be a Spring Break town' The park opened around 3 a.m., and people boarded the cable cars for the ride up to the looming landmark. They brought blankets, chairs and coffee, waiting for the morning light. Around 7 a.m., the hour-long service began with music and prayers and the crowd sang along. Two pastors delivered sermons in the non-denominational service. Channel 2's Bryan Mims spoke to some attendees who traveled from across North Georgia to experience this setting on Easter morning. 'This is an amazing experience. This is my first time here. I've been trying to make it here the past two years, but I couldn't make it up here. But to be here in person, and all these people from different faiths, it's an amazing experience," attendee Wayne Dodrill said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Stone Mountain Park attractions will be open today from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for guests to enjoy attractions and recreational activities at the park.
