Worshipers brave cold, wet morning to welcome Easter 2024
Hugs and greetings were exchanged during a church service at The Strand in Hermosa Beach for Easter on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
A woman is given a blessing from Father Paul Gawlowski of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at The Strand in Hermosa Beach for Easter on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Parishioners pray during a service at The Strand in Hermosa Beach for Easter on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
A boy receives Communion from Father Paul Gawlowski of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at The Strand in Hermosa Beach for Easter on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Parishioners listen to Father Paul Gawlowski of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church speak at The Strand in Hermosa Beach for Easter on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Parishioners pray during a service at The Strand in Hermosa Beach for Easter on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Parishioners pray during a service at The Strand in Hermosa Beach for Easter on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Birds fly by as stormy skies briefly cleared during a church service at The Strand in Hermosa Beach for Easter on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Parishioners listen to Father Paul Gawlowski of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church speak at The Strand in Hermosa Beach for Easter on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Parishioners line up to receive Communion at The Strand in Hermosa Beach for Easter on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Birds fly by as stormy skies briefly cleared during a church service at The Strand in Hermosa Beach for Easter on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
The return of intermittent rain on Sunday, March 31 didn’t dampen the faith of worshipers, but it did shift some services and celebrations indoors and sent other participants under tents and umbrellas. The skies cleared briefly for some services, with sunrise celebrations going on as planned on the wet, chilly morning, the holiest day of the year on the Christian calendar.
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Showers that arrived Saturday continued on Sunday — with a chance of thunderstorms forecast — along with strong winds, hail and heavy downpours expected in some parts of Southern California.
The morning was also colder than usual, with temperatures in the mid-40s at sunrise. Temperatures will remain well below normal through Monday, according to the National Weather Service. A high pressure system will move temperatures to well above normal on Tuesday and Wednesday, but rain is possible by the end of the week.
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On Easter Sunday, some churches erected tents and other coverings to keep their sunrise services out in the open. The rain relented for some as dawn arrived, however.
With stormy skies briefly clearing on the coast, hundreds celebrated Easter Sunday out in the open, just south of the Hermosa Beach Pier. The crowd, clad in raincoats, beanies and scarves, shivered on the sand but beamed as Rev. Paul Gawlowski, pastor at nearby Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, presided as the sun darted in and out of the clouds.
Gawlowski and his team of organizers were determined to hold Mass on the sand, no matter the weather forecast. Rain wouldn’t spoil the holiest of days on the Christian calendar, said Gawlowski in an earlier interview.
“On Saturday Easter Vigil, we sprinkle people with Holy Water,” he said. “If it rains Sunday, think of it as God sprinkling Holy Water on us.”
As the early morning light illuminated the Hermosa Beach Pier behind him and the rows of beach-chair seated faithful, Gawlowski proclaimed the time-honored Gospel acclamation: “Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.”
The Southern California Latter-day Saint Choir sings to congregants down below inside the chapel at Easter Sunrise service on Sunday, Mar. 31, 2024, at Forest Lawn in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
The Reverend Dr. Dan Butler, Bishop at the International Pentecostal Church in Bellflower, prays with the congregation during Easter Sunrise Service on Sunday, Mar. 31, 2024, at Forest Lawn in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
The faithful pray during Easter Sunrise service on Sunday, Mar. 31, 2024, at Forest Lawn in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
The faithful pray during Easter Sunrise service on Sunday, Mar. 31, 2024, at Forest Lawn in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Parishioners greet one another inside the chapel during Easter Sunrise service on Sunday, Mar. 31, 2024, at Forest Lawn in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
A steady downpour forced Forest Lawn’s centennial Easter Sunrise service to be held indoors on Sunday, Mar. 31, 2024, in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Members of the Southern California Latter-day Saint Choir sing during Forest Lawn’s centennial Easter Sunrise service on Sunday, Mar. 31, 2024, in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Sunrise services were moved indoors at the Forest Lawn cemeteries in Covina Hills, Glendale, Hollywood Hills and Long Beach. Forest Lawn-Glendale celebrated its 100th anniversary service, with bilingual services in English and Spanish.
“We are excited to come together for this centennial celebration,” Rodolfo Saenz, Forest Lawn’s senior vice president for marketing said, “to remember the past and honor its traditions, while celebrating the vibrancy of the present.”
Easter Sunrise Service was held at Forest Lawn Covina Hills as it celebrated the Christian holiday with all six Forest Lawn cemeteries for the 100th consecutive Easter on March 31, 2024 in Covina CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Pastor Jody Moore gives the sermon during Easter Sunrise Service at Forest Lawn Covina Hills as it celebrated the Christian holiday with all six Forest Lawn cemeteries for the 100th consecutive Easter on March 31, 2024 in Covina CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Easter Sunrise Service was held at Forest Lawn Covina Hills as it celebrated the Christian holiday with all six Forest Lawn cemeteries for the 100th consecutive Easter on March 31, 2024 in Covina CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Parishioners greet each other during Easter Sunrise Service was held at Forest Lawn Covina Hills as it celebrated the Christian holiday with all six Forest Lawn cemeteries for the 100th consecutive Easter on March 31, 2024 in Covina CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Easter Sunrise Service was held at Forest Lawn Covina Hills as it celebrated the Christian holiday with all six Forest Lawn cemeteries for the 100th consecutive Easter on March 31, 2024 in Covina CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Pastor Jody Moore gives the sermon during Easter Sunrise Service at Forest Lawn Covina Hills as it celebrated the Christian holiday with all six Forest Lawn cemeteries for the 100th consecutive Easter on March 31, 2024 in Covina CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Parishioners arrive at the “Church of our Heritage.” For Easter Sunrise Service was held at Forest Lawn Covina Hills as it celebrated the Christian holiday with all six Forest Lawn cemeteries for the 100th consecutive Easter on March 31, 2024 in Covina CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Parishioners arrive at the “Church of our Heritage.” For Easter Sunrise Service was held at Forest Lawn Covina Hills as it celebrated the Christian holiday with all six Forest Lawn cemeteries for the 100th consecutive Easter on March 31, 2024 in Covina CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Water is removed from a tarp that covers seating outside the “Church of our Heritage.” Easter Sunrise Service was held at Forest Lawn Covina Hills as it celebrated the Christian holiday with all six Forest Lawn cemeteries for the 100th consecutive Easter on March 31, 2024 in Covina CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Parishioners arrive at the “Church of our Heritage.” For Easter Sunrise Service was held at Forest Lawn Covina Hills as it celebrated the Christian holiday with all six Forest Lawn cemeteries for the 100th consecutive Easter on March 31, 2024 in Covina CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Easter Sunrise Service was held at Forest Lawn Covina Hills as it celebrated the Christian holiday with all six Forest Lawn cemeteries for the 100th consecutive Easter on March 31, 2024 in Covina CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Parishioners arrive at the “Church of our Heritage.” For Easter Sunrise Service was held at Forest Lawn Covina Hills as it celebrated the Christian holiday with all six Forest Lawn cemeteries for the 100th consecutive Easter on March 31, 2024 in Covina CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Easter Sunrise Service was held at Forest Lawn Covina Hills as it celebrated the Christian holiday with all six Forest Lawn cemeteries for the 100th consecutive Easter on March 31, 2024 in Covina CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Parishioners arrive at the “Church of our Heritage.” for Easter Sunrise Service was held at Forest Lawn Covina Hills as it celebrated the Christian holiday with all six Forest Lawn cemeteries for the 100th consecutive Easter on March 31, 2024 in Covina CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Easter Sunrise Service was held at Forest Lawn Covina Hills as it celebrated the Christian holiday with all six Forest Lawn cemeteries for the 100th consecutive Easter on March 31, 2024 in Covina CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Easter Sunrise Service was held at Forest Lawn Covina Hills as it celebrated the Christian holiday with all six Forest Lawn cemeteries for the 100th consecutive Easter on March 31, 2024 in Covina CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
The service was followed by a family Easter celebration, including a performance by the Bob Baker Marionettes, an Easter egg hunt, opportunities to take pictures with the Easter Bunny, arts and crafts, a petting zoo and unveilings of Forest Lawn’s monumental Crucifixion and Resurrection paintings.
A pop-up exhibition, “100 Years of Easter at Forest Lawn,” opened Sunday at the Forest Lawn Museum at Forest Lawn-Glendale, featuring paintings, photographs and items from its archives to tell the story of a celebration that grew from a few hundred people in 1924 to more than 30,000 attendees. The exhibit will be on display through July 28.
The feast of the Resurrection of Christ is the oldest and most important Christian celebration. Christians believe that by rising from the dead, Jesus demonstrated his power over sin and death, manifesting his divinity as the Son of God. According to the Christian Scriptures, Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah who offered his life for the sins of the world as was prophesied in the Hebrew Scriptures.
Easter Sunday Mass, the Mass of the Resurrection of Our Lord, was scheduled at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in English at 10 a.m. by Msgr. Antonio Cacciapuoti, the cathedral’s pastor, and in Spanish at 12:30 p.m. by Archbishop José H. Gomez. During the Mass, after renewing their baptismal promises, all faithful would receive a blessing with Easter holy water as a reminder that, in and through Christ, they have died and been born again through the waters of baptism.
ASL interpreter Tera Thrasher sings during Easter Sunrise Services at the Old North Church at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
ASL interpreter Tera Thrasher sings during Easter Sunrise Services at the Old North Church at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
The San Fernando Valley Master Chorale performs during Easter Sunrise Services at the Old North Church at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
The San Fernando Valley Master Chorale performs during Easter Sunrise Services at the Old North Church at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Congregants attend Easter Sunrise Services at the Old North Church at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Reverend Rick Mandl, Senior Pastor at Eagle Rock Baptist Church, delivers a sermon during Easter Sunrise Services at the Old North Church at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Reverend Rick Mandl, Senior Pastor at Eagle Rock Baptist Church, delivers a sermon, aided by ASL interpreter Camryn Permann, during Easter Sunrise Services at the Old North Church at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Congregants attend Easter Sunrise Services at the Old North Church at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Church goers arrive for the Easter Sunrise Service at the Old North Church at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
The San Fernando Valley Master Chorale performs during Easter Sunrise Services at the Old North Church at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Reverend Cynthia Crowell, Pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Pasadena, aided by ASL interpreter Camryn Permann, speaks during Easter Sunrise Services at the Old North Church at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
The San Fernando Valley Master Chorale performs during Easter Sunrise Services at the Old North Church at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Church goers arrive for the Easter Sunrise Service at the Old North Church at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
The San Fernando Valley Master Chorale performs during Easter Sunrise Services at the Old North Church at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Congregants attend Easter Sunrise Services at the Old North Church at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Church goers arrive for the Easter Sunrise Service at the Old North Church at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Church goers arrive for the Easter Sunrise Service at the Old North Church at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
The San Fernando Valley Master Chorale performs during Easter Sunrise Services at the Old North Church at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Church goers arrive for the Easter Sunrise Service at the Old North Church at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Congregants attend Easter Sunrise Services at the Old North Church at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
In Pomona, leaders at Purpose Church on 586 N Main St. set up tents so they could move forward with its Easter services and baptisms.
Tim McAnlis, the church’s chief of operations, said the church would be “dealing hope all day” on Easter for anyone looking to participate.
The Midnight Mission celebration, which customarily draws about 2,000 people, expected smaller crowds, said Georgia Berkovich, the relief agency’s director of public affairs.
Ashley Campos gets baptized during Easter morning at Purpose Church in Pomona on Sunday March 31, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Ashley Campos gets baptized during Easter morning at Purpose Church in Pomona on Sunday March 31, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Ashley Campos gets baptized during Easter morning at Purpose Church in Pomona on Sunday March 31, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Damien Ruiz, 17, gets baptized during Easter morning at Purpose Church in Pomona on Sunday March 31, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Ashley Campos gets baptized during Easter morning at Purpose Church in Pomona on Sunday March 31, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Damien Ruiz, 17, gets baptized by Michael Broadhurst and Tim McAnlis during Easter morning at Purpose Church in Pomona on Sunday March 31, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Damien Ruiz, 17, gets baptized during Easter morning at Purpose Church in Pomona on Sunday March 31, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Damien Ruiz, 17, gets baptized by Michael Broadhurst and Tim McAnlis during Easter morning at Purpose Church in Pomona on Sunday March 31, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Damien Ruiz, 17, gets baptized by Michael Broadhurst and Tim McAnlis during Easter morning at Purpose Church in Pomona on Sunday March 31, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Sheyla Pardomo gets baptized by Pastor Marcus Robinson and Tim McAnlis during Easter morning at Purpose Church in Pomona on Sunday March 31, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Damien Ruiz, 17, gets baptized by Michael Broadhurst and Tim McAnlis during Easter morning at Purpose Church in Pomona on Sunday March 31, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Sheyla Pardomo gets baptized by Pastor Marcus Robinson and Tim McAnlis during Easter morning at Purpose Church in Pomona on Sunday March 31, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Sheyla Pardomo gets baptized by Pastor Marcus Robinson and Tim McAnlis during Easter morning at Purpose Church in Pomona on Sunday March 31, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Evangeline Kelly, 9, gets baptized by Pastor Marcus Robinson and Tim McAnlis during Easter morning at Purpose Church in Pomona on Sunday March 31, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Evangeline Kelly, 9, gets baptized by Pastor Marcus Robinson and Tim McAnlis during Easter morning at Purpose Church in Pomona on Sunday March 31, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
The choir performs during Easter morning ceremony at Purpose Church in Pomona on Sunday March 31, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
The Worship Team perform during Easter morning ceremony at Purpose Church in Pomona on Sunday March 31, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Part of the children’s choir perform during Easter morning ceremony at Purpose Church in Pomona on Sunday March 31, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
The Worship Team perform during Easter morning ceremony at Purpose Church in Pomona on Sunday March 31, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
The Worship Team perform during Easter morning ceremony at Purpose Church in Pomona on Sunday March 31, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
The Worship Teamand choir perform during Easter morning ceremony at Purpose Church in Pomona on Sunday March 31, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
The Berge Family pose for a photo during Easter morning at Purpose Church in Pomona on Sunday March 31, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Homeless and near-homeless individuals and families annually get a traditional Easter meal and receive hygiene items. Comedian and The Midnight Mission alum Logan Hobson signed on to portray the Easter Bunny.
“Of the many services The Midnight provides to our unique community, one of the most important is the sense of family we offer to those who often feel lost and forgotten during the holidays and other days of celebration,” Berkovich said.
The two-day storm took its toll on some weekend activities around the region.
The city of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Stadium cancelled Saturday’s Bunny Brunch and VIP Egg Hunt. They’ll issue refunds back to the purchaser’s original payment method, according to the city’s website.
Instead, Pasadena is hosting a makeup event titled “Hop into Spring” on Tuesday, April 2 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. This event will include an open house, mini egg hunt on the field and photo opportunities with the bunny. All guests must register in advance at Bit.ly/HopIntoSpring2024. Information: cityofpasadena.net.
Santa Anita Park cancelled racing on Saturday and Sunday, and moved its Santa Anita Spring Carnival to Thursday, April 4 and Friday, April 5. The Easter Egg Hunt was rescheduled to Sunday, April 7. Racing will resume Thursday April 4. Information: santaanita.com/plan/.
Los Alamitos Race Course also cancelled its Saturday night racing schedule; the park was closed for Easter on Sunday.
In Garden Grove, the Eggscavation event was canceled, but full refunds will be issued, officials said. Goody bags, however were handed out on Thursday and Friday. And the Easter Bunny planned to appear at the Garden Grove Sports & Recreation Center, 13641 Deodara Drive, on Saturday from 2-5 p.m. More information: (714) 741-5200 or ggcity.org/eggscavation.
Huntington Beach officials rescheduled Saturday’s Easter Hunt & Family Fun Day to Saturday, April 27, at the Huntington Sports Complex, city officials posted on X, formerly Twitter.
