Early risers

AUBURN - While churches across Cayuga County and the rest of the world celebrated Easter Sunday in their own ways, First United Methodist Church on South Street, might well have beaten many others for the earliest service.

With a still very full moon in the western sky and the morning star shining down brightly, several dozen people gathered to celebrate a sunrise service. the Rev. Dana Horrell, of Trinity United Methodist, said that the two congregations may be merging into one and that this service, which he presided over, was a step toward that goal.

Worshippers first gathered outside the church around a small fire from which the Christ candle was lit, then the other prayer candles were lit, creating a procession of light entering the church.