Celebrating Easter by the Sea
There’s another reason to get up early Sunday, April 4th, other than the call of a (chocolate) bunny filled basket. Several area churches are hosting sunrise services on the beach.
Easter Sunrise Services By Town:
- North Topsail Beach = 1 Service
- Surf City = 2 Services
- Topsail Beach = 1 Service
Sunrise Easter services on the beach are open to all. Below you’ll find maps to a few of this year’s locations as well as photographs from years past. Attendees are welcomed to bring their own chairs, coffee, beach towels and cameras. Leashed pets are also welcomed.
Come watch the sun rise over the Atlantic while celebrating the message of resurrection and hope.
Bring the family out for a morning of faith before the sugar crash. We look forward to seeing you bright and early this Easter!
Easter Sunrise Services by Town:

1. North Topsail Beach
The Churches of Sneads Ferry and Holly Ridge join together to host a sunrise service on North Topsail Beach. This year congregants are gathering at Onslow County Beach Access #2. The service begins at 6:30 AM. Scroll down below the image gallery for an interactive map!
- Sunday, April 4th, 2021 at 6:30 am
Please join us and feel free to bring your beach chairs!
Images from the Easter Sunrise Service at North Topsail Beach – April 1st, 2018
Images taken by Rachel Carter – rachelcarterimages.com
Click here to see images from the NTB Easter Sunrise Service in 2017!
How to find Onslow County Beach Access #2
2. Surf City
06:30am – The Gathering
The Gathering church has hosted a sunrise service in Surf City, NC since 2009. This year, they will begin at 6:30 AM sunrise service at Surf City Beach Access #13 (510 N. Shore Drive). There will be music and a short message. You may park around the church building at 304 Wilmington Ave (in the main parking lot or in the right of ways along the edges of the building).

Beach Access #13 Location:

The Gathering’s Location:
06:45am – Grace Community Church of Topsail
Grace Community Church of Topsail is hosting an Easter Sunrise Service in Surf City, NC at Beach Access #23 (Charlotte Ave). This year, they will begin at 06:45 AM. There will be a few songs and a short message.
Beach Access #23 Location:
3. Topsail Beach
06:30am – Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel Sunrise Service:
Join us from 6:30-7am in Topsail Beach at Ocean Access #12 (Scott Ave.) for a sunrise service celebrating Christ’s resurrection! Sunrise will be at 6:53am.

Rev. Chris Thore, founder of SummerShine Resort Staffing Ministry, co-founder of CLUB Ministries and previously senior pastor at First Wesleyan Church in High Point, NC will be officiating.
Please practice social distancing.
Scott Ave Ocean Access #12 Location:
Limited parking is available at the access. Additional parking is available at the chapel.
See other Easter activities in Surf City, NC here: https://rci-plus-topsail.com/event/2021-easter-events-in-surf-city/
