Parkside Church in Charleston, South Carolina, held a large Easter sunrise and afternoon service at Hampton Park on Sunday, drawing a crowd of people who worshipped, listened to music, ate snacks, and participated in egg hunts.
What the service was like
- Many attendees sat on picnic chairs and blankets in the park, with Pastor Colin Kerr emphasizing how important it is to celebrate Easter in an inclusive, low‑pressure setting, especially for people who might feel nervous about walking into a traditional church for the first time.
- The church specifically designed the park service to feel welcoming, combining worship with simple, family‑friendly activities like egg hunts so people of all ages could join in.
How Parkside Church started
- Parkside Church began during the COVID‑19 pandemic as a way for neighbors to stay connected when in‑person gatherings were uncertain; the first outdoor service was held just across the street from Hampton Park and was so well‑received that the church kept returning there.
- Sunday’s service was described as the church’s largest turnout yet, and leaders say they hope to keep growing the park‑based community and inviting more people in the future.
