Sunrise service

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Sunrise service is a worship service on Easter. It takes the place of the Roman Catholic tradition of the Easter Vigil, and is practiced by mainly protestant churches. The service takes place outdoors, sometimes in a park, and the attenders are seated on outdoor chairs or benches. Many Southern churches still hold the traditional Sunrise Service in Cemeteries as a sign of recognition that Jesus no longer lay in the tomb. However, it may be moved indoors if it is raining. The service starts very early in the morning so that the attenders can see the sun rise when the service is going. The service usually loosely follows the format of the church's normal service and can include music (hymns or praise band), dramatic scenes and the Easter message. After the service, the church may serve a breakfast that the attenders of the service can attend.