ANNUAL EASTER SUNRISE SERVICES

The beauty of the sun rising over the horizon on Easter morning brings joy to the hearts of all who see.

For Christians it represents the resurrection of Christ. For those of God's children who are of other religious or spiritual convictions, the sun rising on Easter morning represents the resurrection of the Earth in springtime.

The death of winter is over and all the trees, and flowers and birds rejoice, for God is smiling down upon His/Her masterpiece of Creation.

Easter sunrise is especially beautiful at the Holy Trinity Wilderness Cathedral on the shores of Lake Livingston in East Texas. Please join us as we give thanks to the Universal Spirit of God as reflected in all living things.

TIME: Every year on Easter Sunday, starting 30 minutes before sunrise.

PLACE: Holy Trinity Wilderness Cathedral, a special blend of Central Texas and East Texas ecosystems on a 700 acre peninsula on the Trinity River's Lake Livingston.

HOST: WWW.UNIVERSALETHICIANCHURCH.ORG is hosting the Easter Sunrise gathering of God's children. The Universal Ethician Church is a universal ecumenical ministry whose mission is spreading the Golden Rule of the New Millennium to all the inhabitants of the Earth.

WHO IS INVITED? Everyone who cares about the survival of Planet Eden and the future of all the Earth's inhabitants is urged to come. Christians, Jews, Moslems, Hindus, Buddhists, Agnostics, Atheists, Polytheists, and people of any belief or faith are invited.

WHO WILL SPEAK? There will be special moments of silence and meditation to reflect on the beauty of the natural world as well as to give thanks to God, each in his or her own fashion for the blessings bestowed upon us. As the spirit moves those who wish to say a few words to the congregation as an expression of their unique happiness in experiencing Easter sunrise in this special place, a chance will be given for short messages of thanksgiving.

HOW TO GET THERE: Wilderness Cathedrals by their very nature should be off the beaten path but also easily accessible. From Dallas or Houston or any place along I-45, take the Huntsville exit at Hwy 30. Travel eastward past the town square toward Livingston. After traveling east about 15 miles you will pass the tiny hamlet of Oakhurst with its blinking yellow light. Continue on for another mile and you will see Waterwood Parkway on your left. Turn left here and after 7 miles you will come to Farm to Market Road 980. Go left on Farm to Market Road 980. Shortly you will cross Pool Creek. From this point on everything on your right is a part of the Wilderness Cathedral. After 1.4 miles you will come to FM 135, which we refer to as Cathedral Drive. Both sides of this highway are a part of the Holy Trinity Wilderness Cathedral Cemetery. The road dead ends at a red gate after 6/10 mile. Be sure to park off the pavement because FM 135 is a State Highway.

Beyond the gate is a primitive road which leads to Inspiration Point, dedicated to the memory of modern martyrs who have given their lives for the protection of God's Creation. We will gather at this place to watch the sun rise in the east.

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WHAT KINDS OF BIRDS, TREES, PLANTS, AND WILDLIFE RESIDE ON THE CATHEDRAL GROUNDS AND SURROUNDING WATERS? Throughout the year, the Cathedral grounds serve as home to hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, insects, trees, shrubs, wildflowers, vines and countless other examples of God's wonderful Creation.

HOW ABOUT GOD'S BIRDS? Some of the birds we have observed on and over the Wilderness Cathedral include Bald Eagles, White Pelicans, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Pileated Woodpeckers, Ruby Crowned Kinglets, Ruby Throated Hummingbirds, Turkey Vultures, Black Vultures, Marsh Hawks, Cormorants, Coots, Great Blue Herons, Wood Ducks, Cardinals and myriad other beautiful birds.

HOW ABOUT GOD'S ANIMALS? We have seen or heard or seen evidence of Raccoons, Red and Gray Foxes, Coyotes, Red Wolf/Coyote hybrids, Possums, Bobcats, Cougars, Otters, Beavers, Deer, Skunks, Squirrels, Bats, Alligators, Snakes of several species, various lizards, a variety of butterflies, as well as thousands of micro-organisms.

HOW ABOUT GOD'S TREES, SHRUBS, AND OTHER PLANTS? The Holy Trinity Wilderness Cathedral is a very special and wonderful part of God's Creation. At this spot Eastern plant communities meet Western plant communities. For this reason we also refer to our Cathedral grounds as WHERE EAST MEETS WEST which represents part of our ecumenical message. For example, just on the other side of Pool Creek are found the only known Long Leaf Pines west of the Trinity. There may even be some Long Leafs on the Cathedral grounds. If you see one please let us know. In addition there are ancient oaks over two hundred years of age, festooned with RESURRECTION FERN, as well as Short Leaf Pines and Loblolly Pines. There are also over 100 acres of native prairie with its interesting flora including examples of strange plant mixtures to be found nowhere else such as Palmettos growing in the middle of the prairie and cacti and palmettos growing side by side.

WHAT IS THE SPECIAL HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS SACRED AREA?
The Holy Trinity Wilderness Cathedral is located in San Jacinto County, which was named after Saint Hyacinth, a remarkable Polish Priest of the 13th Century whom the Spanish explorers revered because of his extensive travels to spread the love of God throughout the known world. The Trinity River, bordering the Cathedral was named for the Holy Trinity and the Cathedral is located between the Trinity and the Brazos River, which was originally called Los Brazos de Dios, or The Arms of God. Therefore we are located between The Arms of God and the Holy Trinity on land named for the great missionary San Jacinto. This is also the place where God appeared in the summer of the year 2000 and commanded that this Sacred example of His Creation be saved for all times just as He commanded Noah to save each and every species for all generations to come.

Inspiration Point is also a very special place, for it is dedicated to the memory of God's heroes who dedicated their lives, some of whom even sacrificed their lives obeying God's command to protect and preserve His/Her magnificent handiwork. The mother of one of these brave young persons chose this spot to serve as a living testimony to her child who lost his life attempting to protect some of the ancient redwoods God had planted at the time of the birth of Jesus. Perhaps the most significant and poignant fact is that the young man who died trying to save God's great redwoods in California, lived nearby in San Jacinto County, and the man who owned our Wilderness Cathedral, (and to whom we must pay over two million dollars if we are to save it forever), also owned the redwood grove the young man was trying to save. Inspiration Point will also serve as a special place to thank God for sending to our Earth other of Noah's Angels, including those still living, who have dedicated their lives to protecting and preserving Planet Eden for future generations, to include but certainly not be limited to David Nathan "Gypsy" Chain, "Bugus" Cargas, Ned Fritz, Fred Kreuger, Julia Butterfly, Tim Hermach, James Jackson, and many more.

WHAT IF I WANT TO SPEND SATURDAY NIGHT IN THE AREA? You might consider staying in Huntsville, which has numerous motels to choose from. Huntsville is about 30 minutes from the Wilderness.

IS CAMPING PERMITTED? Waterwood Country Club also owns a campground just across Pool Creek from the Wilderness. In addition, primitive camping privileges may be granted upon request, on Inspiration Point itself. No campfires are permitted and no restroom facilities or other services are available in the Wilderness.

I AM HANDICAPPED AND CANNOT WALK A LONG DISTANCE. HOW ABOUT ME? We will make every effort to see to it that you can attend the services. If the primitive road is dry enough we can transport you there in a four-wheel drive vehicle. We will also try to make arrangements for a pontoon boat to take you to the adjacent bay from the Waterwood marina.

ARRIVAL BY BOAT: If you own a boat you may wish to arrive by water. The Wilderness Cathedral is blessed with five miles of beautiful shoreline. After launching, head out toward the Trinity River channel. The Wilderness lands are everything you pass on your left. Just as you are about to enter the main part of Lake Livingston you will see an inlet to your left just before the last point of land. Turn left into the little bay and tie up. Follow the trail to the end of Inspiration Point.

SHOULD I LET YOU KNOW IF I AM COMING? By all means, please let us know if you are planning to attend. Obviously we won't have adequate loaves and fishes, even if only a few people are able to make it, so we advise you to bring a picnic lunch if you plan to explore the Cathedral after the services. Please E-mail us at GHR@CYBERCLONE.NET or fax us at 1-936-294-0233 if you are planning to attend. Please let us know if you are coming only if the weather is good or if you are coming no matter what.

WHAT ABOUT RESTROOM FACILITIES? We have an organic toilet which can serve a moderately sized group. Nature's way is the forest. So for #1 that would be fine.

WHAT IF IT IS RAINING? We will have the services, rain or shine. If it is raining or threatening to rain, we advise you to bring raincoats and umbrellas. Springtime rains usually last only a short while, after which the world is even more lovely than before. Without the blessing of rain we could not exist on Planet Eden.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? Just come as you wish. God is not impressed with traditional Easter finery but will be happy to see you there even if you are wearing a diamond Rolex and a Versace suit. God will also be happy if you come barefoot and are wearing torn jeans and a T-shirt. God will probably prefer it if you do not sport the skin of an endangered species or an item made of parts from one of his animal children which had been abused or been forced to live under inhumane conditions before being dispatched.

WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS? There is no formal schedule planned. We are hopeful that the early risers amongst you will want to be at Inspiration Point to see the sun come up over the horizon. Any arrival before 10 A.M. will be just fine although you might miss the presentation of short comments of thanksgiving. Since the spirit of God is constant and in all Creation, you can meditate, contemplate, pray and let the beauty of the Holy Trinity Wilderness Cathedral enter your heart and soul. Feel free to come and go throughout the day.

ARE THERE ANY RULES OF CONDUCT? Yes. Remember, when you pass through the gate at the end of Cathedral Drive you are entering a sacred place. That does not mean that you have to whisper in hushed tones because God created joy and singing and dancing just as He/She created the Earth. Please walk softly and try to stay on the beaten paths, primitive roads and trails. Please respect every aspect of God's handiwork by admiring the flowers rather than picking them. Please avoid stepping on any fragile plants and allow the Spanish moss to hang from the branches of their tree hosts undisturbed. Try not to frighten God's birds and other animals, which you may encounter. If you happen upon one of God's snake children do not disturb Mr. or Mrs. snake. All creatures both great and small are a part of God's magnificent gift to the world and must be respected. Please take out anything that you bring in. You wouldn't throw paper or wrappers or cans on the floor of your church sanctuary at home so please respect the sanctity of God's Wilderness Cathedral as well. Jesus did drink wine, so wine with your picnic lunch is perfectly ok. Neither God nor Jesus, nor Moses, nor Mohammed, nor Buddha, nor any other leader of one of the world's great religions smoked cigarettes, so to honor them, NO SMOKING PLEASE!!!

WHAT SHOULD I BRING? Besides raingear if necessary, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes. If you have any allergies to bee stings or you wish to stray off the beaten path where you might encounter briars you may wish to bring along a first aid kit. Be sure to bring binoculars for bird watching. Bring any bird, flower, tree, animal or other identification guidebooks to help you learn about the plants and animals, which you might observe. Snacks are permitted but the cathedral grounds are vegetarian only.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET HURT? When you enter the Cathedral you are agreeing to assume any liability for any misfortune, which may befall you. To our knowledge no one has ever been hurt or injured on the Cathedral grounds. However please remember, the natural world which God created is highly complex and diverse and various plants and animals were blessed with defense mechanisms to protect them from harm. As we are visitors in their realm please respect them and they will not be forced to defend themselves. One of the beauties of our Wilderness Cathedral is that it is nearly impossible to get lost for long because of it being a peninsula traversed by a paved Farm to Market road.

IS IT PERMISSABLE TO MAKE A DONATION TO HELP COVER EXPENSES?
We will bestow multiple blessings upon you if your can help us make the Holy Trinity Wilderness Cathedral a permanent reality. Any help you can give, if only the equivalent of a widow's mite will be profoundly appreciated. (All donations are income tax deductible. The Universal Ethician Church is a 501c3 public charitable religious foundation.)
PLEASE COME ALL YE FAITHFUL.

George H. Russell

Donate to the Ethician Foundation
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For current information and updates please e-mail us at GHR@CYBERCLONE.NET and visit our site often. E-mail us with any questions and we will be happy to reply. Media inquiries may be directed to George Russell at 1-936-295-5767.

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