Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Easter sunrise service on the beach

The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd will hold an Easter sunrise service on the beach at the fire pit at U.S. 90 and White Avenue at 6:30 a.m. March 27.

The church has offered the sunrise service for several years and invites people to join the service.

"Imagine the beauty of rejoicing in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ with the sounds and sights of His glorious creation all around," pastor James Garnett writes in a press release, "seagulls overhead, sharks and dolphins seen in the distance as the sun rises over the Mississippi Sound.

"Christians gather from all over the world to celebrate the Son of God and His resurrection from the dead. It's all about Jesus and what His death and resurrection means for us. The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd invites all to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord with a special Easter Sunrise Service on the beach."

Garnett will lead the sunrise service as well as the regular 10:30 a.m. service at the church at 2004 Pass Road, Biloxi.

The church youth are sponsoring a pancake breakfast to help fund their trip to a National Youth Gathering.

The church was started in October 1956 with 16 families. The first chapel was built in that year and a second unit was added in 1960.

A fire in 1980 destroyed the sanctuary. By June 1982 a new building was dedicated, and it stands today as a beacon of hope for many people in Biloxi.

Garnett said he is inspired by the compassionate youth group at the church and is looking forward to new students becoming a part of all the church is doing.

"This is our 60th year, and we are so excited for the next generation," Garnett said.

The church's mission statement is simple but profound. It is, "Led by God's Spirit, we are committed to connecting all to Christ, by preaching, teaching, witnessing to His mercy, love and grace through His word and sacraments."

Good Shepherd Pre-school, begun in 1956 and believed to be among Biloxi's oldest Christian pre-schools, is taking applications for the 2016-2017 school year for children ages 3 to 4 years old.

This story was originally published March 11, 2016 at 3:31 PM with the headline "Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Easter sunrise service on the beach ."