Hollywood Bowl to Host Midmorning Easter Service

It's the second consecutive year that the sunrise Easter service at the Hollywood Bowl has been canceled due to a lack of donations, but a nondenominational service led by Bel Air Presbyterian has been scheduled for midmorning Sunday.

“We were so praying for this year, 2011, but, with the economy and our donations, we could not commit,” said Trina Herrmann-Boychenko, president of the group that organizes the event. “We look forward for next year. We’re really looking for one or two angel individuals who would like to see this perpetuate.”

Organizers hope to bring back the popular sunrise service next year, when the event will celebrate its 90th anniversary.

The service has been canceled several times in the past due to renovations at the Hollywood Bowl and lack of financial support. Although the event relies heavily on a group of volunteers, the Easter Sunrise Service must manage the same expenses as any concert that uses the Hollywood Bowl, according to organizers.

As an alternative, Bel Air Presbyterian Church will have its annual Easter service at the iconic venue Sunday at 11 a.m.

The public event is expected to draw 10,000 worshipers from throughout the Los Angeles area. Dr. Mark Brewer, senior pastor of Bel Air Presbyterian Church, will deliver the Easter message. Music will be provided by the church’s Easter choir, modern worship band and professional orchestra.

Doors will open at 9 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic brunch. Attendance is free, seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis and free parking is available in the Hollywood Bowl parking lots.

For those looking for an alternative sunrise service this year, Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills will host a nondenominational one at 6 a.m. in the park’s Court of Liberty.

Donations in support of the Hollywood Bowl Easter Sunrise Service can be sent to:

Hollywood Bowl Easter Sunrise Service Inc. 
P.O.Box 93667 
Hollywood, CA 90093