Grace Church, off of Robb Drive in Northwest Reno, expected about six thousand people for its Easter Sunday services.
Karen Durst, Executive Pastor for Discipleship & Development, said preparations for a big weekend like this one start well in advance.
“We had Good Friday services, so we had to flip the entire campus to get everything ready, put every chair that we have into the worship center. and then we have the auditorium for additional seating. so that was packed out as well during the 9:00, so."
In addition to the church’s normal 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 6 p.m. services, Durst said the church added a 1 p.m. service for the holiday.
Service opened with a pair of worship songs. The crowd sang along with the choir as guitars and pianos resonated in the auditorium.
Pastor Shane Marks went on to speak about self-renewal and Jesus's sacrifices, before one final song closed out the service.
Nathaly Sandoval started visiting Grace Church in October. She said the easter service is a beautiful way to spend a Sunday.
“It's really nice. It's really nice to have experienced this new tradition in our family,” she said.
Other attendees said the crowds have gotten bigger at Grace Church over the years.
"It's pretty amazing seeing the amount of people that come here. It’s encouraging, and I enjoy it especially when I see my family and friends here,” Louden Smith said.
“It shows where we're going as a culture, I guess,” Austin Brock said. “It's just fun to see people loving God and walking in faith."
Brock said no matter how you celebrate Easter; family is the most important thing.
“We focus on that kind of even as I've grown up from a little kid,” he said. “We always get together with my family and that's our plan. they do a little barbecue and that's it. just spend quality time."
Alin Beane attended Easter Sunday service.
