WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — Thousands gathered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday in what has become a tradition in the District - sunrise church service organized by National Community Church.
Some people have made this an annual tradition, while others stopped by to listen to Dr. Mark Batteron's sermon in the midst of a morning run. Batterson says that's the beauty of this service.
"You have to love a church service where you can walk your dog, or run through it, or bike but it really – what I think what’s beautiful about it is that it represents hundreds of churches," he explained.
It was a perfect morning for the service. Attendees had a crystal clear view of the National Mall and the Washington Monument as they sang songs and prayed. Batterson says his message to his congregation and the people who attended the service was togetherness.
"Obviously we live in a very polarized moment as a country," he said. "But I think what’s beautiful about something like this is that it can bring together. I mean we had hundreds of ethnicities, nationalities, hundreds of churches represented and there’s something that’s bigger and more important and that’s our common denominator."
He also says the service wouldn't have happened without the hundreds of volunteers, like Dana and her five-year-old son Jacob, who live on Capitol Hill.
"We are up at five in the morning!" she said.
Dana and Jacob were among the hundreds of greeters who gave out stickers and slap bracelets, as well as answering questions about National Community Church for thousands of people.
"It’s incredible to have the opportunity and the forum to do that – that so many come," Dana said.
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