Brevity and flexibility are the strengths of this volume. Each of these three drama-based sunrise services takes only about 30 minutes to perform. The maximum number of participants required is nine and the minimum is four. Ages of the participants can range from adults to older elementary children.
The first service is titled "We Were There" and features an all female cast. It is the story of the women who were waiting for the sunrise trip to the tomb. The second is titled "A Night of Memories." It has Mary, the mother of Jesus, remembering the life of her son. As she recalls highlights of his life, corresponding scenes from the past become visible. The third service is called "The Dream." It is the story of two young friends -- a believer and a non-believer. One appears in the other's dream as an angel and leads him through the story of Jesus' death and resurrection.
Hymn, costume, and scenery suggestions are included with each service. Scriptural references are also cited.
Mary Lu Warstler is the pastor of Kenmore United Methodist Church in Akron, Ohio. She is a graduate of the University of Akron and the Methodist Theological School in Ohio. This is her third book published by CSS.