PROCTORVILLE — Easter might be a time of candy, colored eggs and bunnies for most people, but one church in Proctorville is hoping that this year the holiday will have a deeper meaning.

The Sanctuary of Grace is sponsoring its third annual Easter egg hunt Saturday at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds. Family activities begin at 10:30 a.m. and end at 2 p.m. The egg hunt begins at noon and lunch will be served afterward.

There will be 20,000 eggs hidden for ages two to 12. Children will be divided according to their age. Eggs will be filled with candy and prizes. One lucky youngster will win a $50 gift certificate.

The event will be held rain or shine.

Randy Thompson, the church’s associate pastor, said the event is a way to reach out to those who may not have a relationship with a church.

“This is just a way for our church to serve others and do what God has called us to do,” Thompson said.

He said his church, which is pastured by the Rev. Todd Kincaid, is a small and new one, but one that believes that ministry should take place outside the church building. Many people who won’t come to church will come to the egg hunt, according to Thompson.

“We gather to worship a very small amount of the time each week, but we are Christians all day long, seven days a week,” Thompson said.

He said the hunt also provides a safe, loving environment for the kids.

“This is really a recreational activity that the whole family can enjoy,” Thompson said. “We have a lot of things going on and it’s going to be a lot of fun for everybody.”

Thompson said the church’s latest project is just one in a series of community outreach services. The congregation provides backpacks to the homeless during Christmas. One Friday a month, the church gives food and clothing to the needy and prostitutes and anyone else on the streets. They have also served missions in Africa, Cuba and India.