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About 4,500 people attended the 20th annual Marco Island Easter Sunrise Service on Sunday, March 23, outside the Marco Island Marriott Resort on the beach.

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Part of the huge crowd which turned out for the 20th Annual Easter Sunrise Service on the beach listens to the Rev. Bruce Fiol's message. He is due to retire this year. Quentin Roux/Staff
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Rev. Dr. Bruce Fiol delivers part of his message as the light starts to emerge from the East. Quentin Roux/Staff
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Wayne Ebersold and his wife Linda, foreground, listen to the proceedings. Left is their daughter Samantha, in white jersey, and niece and nephew Julia and Ryan Bowman. Quentin Roux/Staff
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Norman Pratt gestures as he becomes absorbed in one of the hymns. Quentin Roux/Staff
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They came by boat, by car and on foot, all with the common purpose of worshipping together at the 20 Annual Sunrise Service on the beach at Marco Island.
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Linda and Alan Sandlin sing, as they have, for the past 20 years at the service.
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Judy and Spike Martell listening to the proceedings away from the crowd.
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Part of the big crowd listens to the service.
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Worshippers stand and bow their heads during one of the prayers.
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Many people enjoy the service even more because of its beautiful setting just outside the Marco Island Marriott Reosrt.
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The service is over, and the crowd begins to disperse.
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The Rev. Bruce Fiol delivers his sermon, which focused on faith winning through, despite threats of global economic gloom and terrorism.
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Heads bowed, worshippers absorb one of the prayers.
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Part of the huge crowd that turned out for the 20th Annual Easter Sunrise Service on the beach listens to the Rev. Bruce Fiol's message.
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Rev. Bruce Fiol delivers the sermon at the 20th Annual Marco Island Easter Sunrise Service on the Beach. An estimated 4,500 people attended the gathering, held outside the Marco Island Marriott Resort.
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Wayne Ebersold listens to the proceedings. Sitting, left is his daughter Samantha, with cousins Julie and Ryan Bowman.
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Norman Pratt gestures as he becomes absorbed in one of the hymns.
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Marco Island's "Grand Lady," Helen Federspiel listens to one of the speakers at the service.
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