April 20, 5:00 am
Assemble in the nave, where the Celebrant will give instructions before the liturgy begins. As you are able, we will then assemble in the gravel parking lot, where our service starts. Those who are uncomfortable walking in low light may remain in the nave.
The Great Vigil begins in darkness. The kindling of the New Fire recalls the re-creation of this resurrecting world. The Paschal Candle, symbolizing the Risen Christ, illumines the new creation.
Using tapers, we will share this fire with one another, then make our pilgrim procession into the nave. There we will hear the Exsultet sung – proclaiming the reconciliation of earth and heaven.
Then we enter again into our ancient story of salvation as told in the Hebrew scriptures. At the middle of the service, the baptismal liturgy proclaims our joining in Christ’s resurrection and Easter will begin! Then we gather around the Lord’s table to share in the Eucharistic feast.
