Darkness
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| The Testing of Abraham by Lauren Sohacki |
The
service begins outside where the new fire is lit, passed to the Paschal candle
(also called the Christ candle), and from there passed to individual
worshipers. We move into the darkened church,
encircle the pews, and give thanks for the light of Christ.
The Exultet
(also called the Easter Proclamation)
Forms
of this chant, led by the Cantor, have been sung in Christian churches for
seventeen centuries! Today’s Lutheran
version includes dialogue between the cantor and the assembly as they sing, “This
is the night!” together.
The Vigil
Readings
The
Old Testament is full of stories of God protecting and providing for God’s
people. We’ll hear many of them
tonight. Our tradition is to present the
readings through poetry, dance, art, drama, and any other means that will
convey the story. Each story is followed
by a musical response that may take the form of a hymn, psalm, or music by the
choir.
 |
| Lisa Brott danced the Creation story in 2013 |
Bells!
In
Lutheran tradition, the gospel acclamation is a communal act. For the Vigil, our acclamation starts with
the joyful ringing of bells as the lights come up in the nave and the altar
candles are lit. The organ crescendoes to
join the bells. With happy voices we all sing “This is the feast of victory for
our God!”
Baptism
The
Easter Vigil is a unique time for baptism.
One of the things that happens during Lent is preparing new Christians
for baptism. Even if none are held, we
can all take the time to remember our own baptism and be thankful.
Alleluia Returns
to Worship
On
Transfiguration Sunday we buried the alleluia.
It has been sitting in a box under the altar these past forty days, so
it’s especially joyful when sung during the gospel acclamation.
Communion
Our
worship during “The Three Days” reminds us that Christ calls us to love one
another, takes us through the passion, then proclaims the resurrection. Can you think of a better way to complete this
journey than gathering as an “Easter people” around the table of the Lord?
Conclusion
It
is likely that the sunrise service grew out of the Vigil tradition. In many places the Vigil began at sundown and
lasted into the early hours of the morning – we will be done a lot sooner than
that! This is truly the most celebrative liturgy of the year. Please come and
be a part – and don’t forget to bring a bell!
Saturday night, April 15th, at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday night, April 15th, at 7:00 p.m.
