The non-denominational Calvary Fellowship Church, which meets at Conard High School, expects about 1,500 people to attend church with hundreds hunting for 14,000 Easter eggs.

Submitted by Crystal Hall, Communications Director, Calvary Fellowship

The annual Calvary Fellowship Easter Egg Hunt attracts hundreds who hunt for 14,000 eggs on the Conard High School football field. Submitted photo

With each passing day comes the anticipation of Easter for churches across the country. The holiday weekend will have congregations seeing their largest attendance of the year, so it should come as no surprise that many churches start prepping months beforehand.

“Easter is so important to us as a church, and a great opportunity for us to reach out to people who might have a spiritual curiosity, but not necessarily a religious background,” said Bill LaMorey, lead pastor of Calvary Fellowship, a non-denominational church in West Hartford. “It’s such a big day for us that we start preparing for it immediately after each New Year begins.”

The church formed nearly 12 years ago, but began adding hunts after their Easter services seven years ago. Calvary sees about 1,500 people in attendance for the holiday weekend with many choosing to stay for the two eggs hunts, which take place rain or shine, with 14,000 eggs scattered on the field at Conard.

“Because our services are at Conard High school we have the entire football field to lay out the eggs, and if it happens to rain, which it hasn’t on us yet, we can go inside and use the gym,” said LaMorey.

And while the church enjoys seeing all the smiling children dressed in their Easter best, the more important message it wants to spread is one of hope.

“The Easter message speaks of hope, renewal and the resurrecting power of Jesus Christ. For anyone who needs encouragement in their life we warmly invite them to come and enjoy our services, and then stay for the hunt.”

The day begins with two services, one at 8:30 a.m., and the other 11 a.m. Following each service will be an Easter egg hunt, and prior to the hunt children will decorate a complimentary bag in which they can use to collect their eggs.

To participate in the Easter egg hunt, registration is required. Registration takes place before each service that morning. For more information on the Easter service, egg hunt, or directions, visit www.calvaryhartford.com or call 860-231-9957.

The annual Calvary Fellowship Easter Egg Hunt attracts hundreds to hunt for 14,000 eggs on the Conard High School football field. Submitted photo

The annual Calvary Fellowship Easter Egg Hunt attracts hundreds to hunt for 14,000 eggs on the Conard High School football field. Submitted photo