Easter message speaks of hope

After a year in hiatus due to the pandemic, the Shafter Community Sunrise Easter Service made a return on April 4.

The event began at 6:30 a.m., with music being played as the sun broke over the trees at "The Green," located at the intersection of Kern Street and California Avenue, at the Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church. The event was sponsored by the Shafter Kiwanis Club.

Over 70 people were in attendance at the celebration, including worshipers from a variety of churches in the city, no matter the denomination.

The opening prayer was led by Craig Haley, with Pastor Pat Coyle of the Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church leading the music.

Ben Wilson gave the benediction, welcoming attendees to the service. Each year, the message is given by a local pastor from one of the churches in Shafter. This year, the message was given by Pastor Gabriel Espinoza of Iglesia Companerismo Cristiano. His lecture was entitled "The Cross," telling the attendees a message of hope, tragedy, and victory.