Thousands are expected to attend the annual Easter sunrise service at 6 a.m., Sunday, at the Fountain Park amphitheater.

Ministers from area church in the Fountain Hills Christian Ministerial Association will participate by offering prayers, scripture readings and other activities. Attendees should bring a chair or blanket to sit on for the service.

“As a venue, the centerpiece of our community lends itself to a spectacular location for this beautiful service. We are excited to once again invite the Fountain Hills community to join us for this celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” said Rev. Bill Good, current president of the Christian Ministerial Association and pastor of the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church.

Pastor Tony Pierce of the First Baptist Church of Fountain Hills will deliver the message, “The Resurrection...Our Eternal Hope.”

“The message will speak of the importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the truth that because Christ is risen, we have hope for eternity,” said Pierce.

Others participating in the service include: Pastor Steve Bergeson and Pastor Kent Groethe, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church; Pastor Todd Forrest, Fountain Hills Christian Center; Pastor Rod Warembourg, Desert Creek Fellowship; Deacon Dick Smith, Church of the Ascension; Pastor Rick Ponzo, Calvary Chapel of Fountain Hills; Pastor Ken Brown, Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church; Pastor Don Lawrence, Christ’s Church of Fountain Hills and Rev. David Iverson, director of Extended Hands Food Bank.

Debbie Fisher of Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church will direct the music.

A special offering will be received for the Good Samaritan fund administered by the Christian Ministerial Association to help town residents who are going through difficult times.

An Extended Hands Food Bank truck will accept non-perishable food donations.