As the sun started to rise over cloudy skies, several dozen people attending an Easter sunrise service at the Governor's Gardens ignored the light sprinkle as the Rev. Dave Henry called out: "He is risen."
The several dozen people in attendance responded in unison: "He is risen indeed!"
That marked the start of the 17th annual sunrise service, held each Easter morning by First Presbyterian Church. Many of the attendees were members of the congregation, but the half-hour service is open to the public.
As Henry preached about "Our Easter Laugh" - God's last laugh over death and the devil - the rain grew more steady, but indirect sunlight began to fill the garden, illuminating the reflection pool and flowers.
As a light-but-steady rain continued, Henry led the attendees under the covered walkway above the gardens and finished the sermon. The crowd sang "Hymn of Victory."
It was a simple service, with folding chairs, no microphones and no amplification for the acoustic guitars.
Afterward, Linn Ratchford said she has attended the service with family members for about 14 years now.
"It's inspirational, meaningful," she said. "And Pastor Henry's preaching is incredible."
She attended with her husband, son, daughter and a friend.
Daughter Michaela Krause, a student at the University of Kansas, said she has brought blankets in the past when the weather is cold.
Her mom said the service "gets teenagers out of the house and wanting to be here at 6:30 in the morning." Sometimes, she said, they can hear other sunrise services nearby.
Henry acknowledged sunrise services may be done less frequently by churches these days. But to him, it just makes sense.
"Scriptures tell us that the women went to the tomb at dawn, so we observe the tradition of gathering at dawn on Easter Sunday," he said.
He's done it every year for the past 40 years.
"I don't know what I would do at Easter without one," he said.
"It's embedded in me."