Gurnee church holds Easter Sunday service on Monday night
In a nod to modern society, Lakeland Church in Gurnee held a second Easter Sunday service Monday night.
Lakeland's inaugural gathering was born from a desire by church leaders to reach out to potential worshippers who were kept away from traditional Easter Sunday services because of work, travel or other obligations.
About 100 worshippers attended Monday's service at Lakeland, which belongs to the Evangelical Free Church of America. However, said Lakeland's senior pastor, the Rev. Dan Weyerhaeuser, there were no attendance goals as part of the decision.
Weyerhaeuser, who was a magician-bartender in Dallas before becoming a pastor, crisscrossed Gurnee and Grayslake to spread the word to those not working 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. He said the positive interactions in promoting the service were worthwhile no matter who attended.
"We went to all the police stations and fire stations and medical spots in Gurnee and Grayslake," Weyerhaeuser said. "And then every restaurant and every store that we thought was going to be open on Easter and went to their managers and we brought them a pound of chocolate - I was the proud owner of 200 pounds of chocolate eggs there for a while - and said, 'Happy Easter this is for your team.'"
He said the message was that Lakeland Church is appreciative of those who serve on days when a majority of workers are off.
Music from a live band and singing preceded Weyerhaeuser's message to the worshippers Monday night, as it would have on Easter Sunday. He said Easter comes to a world filled with sorrow.
"Easter is the epitome of the grace of God," Weyerhaeuser said.
Jason and Stephanie Shaffer of Lake Villa, who regularly attend Lakeland Church, were among those appreciative of Monday night's Easter service. Stephanie Shaffer was traveling home Sunday while her husband went to another church on the holy day.
"I think it's great," Jason Shaffer said. "I hope they continue to do this. And not just for Easter. ... Being able to share that message whenever it's convenient for other people. Whatever it takes."