The sun came through the clouds partway through the Oneida County Interfaith Council Sunrise Service on Easter Sunday, April 17, warming the 70 people of all faiths who had gathered at 7:30 a.m. to hear Easter messages and songs.  According to Edna Palmer, the Sunrise Service has been a tradition of the Presbyterian Church since the late 1800s with services held up Two Mile Road, at the Malad City Cemetery and now at Malad City Park. The Interfaith Council has presented the Easter Sunrise Service since 2012 to bring the community together to celebrate this solemn yet joyous occasion.  

After Art Martinez, the Interfaith Council moderator, welcomed everyone, Toni Werk of the Malad Presbyterian Church and Sunrise Service coordinator, began the service by reading Easter scriptures from the Gospel of John. Inspirational messages based on scriptures from the Old and New Testaments were presented by President David Jensen of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Pastor Jack Harwell of the Victory Baptist Church. Special musical numbers were performed by the Brian Jeppsen family and the trio of Emily Christiansen, Carrie Ann Jensen and Pennie Wolfe. The prayer of thanksgiving was given by Tina Fesler. The congregation enjoyed singing the traditional Easter hymns “In the Garden” and “Christ, the Lord, Is Risen Today.”

At the conclusion of the service, Art Martinez of the Catholic Church asked those present to remember the people suffering in Ukraine and to be generous in donating to the Interfaith Council so that funds can be given to the Latter-day Saint Charities to aid the refugees of the current war. All local people are invited to donate by giving checks made out to the Interfaith Council to any member of the Council. Latter-day Saint Charities is working closely with international organizations to get food, clothing and other necessities to the Ukrainians who have fled to Poland and other nations.

After the Sunrise Service, a hearty breakfast was served at the Victory Baptist Church.