Worship Guide - Easter Vigil

For three days Esther fasted and Judith kept vigil, the exiles came home from Jerusalem and the Hebrews marched to the waters of Marah. For three days darkness afflicted the Egyptians, Hezekiah lay mortally ill, Jonah was entombed in the belly of a fish. And Saul who became Paul waited three days in blindness before he saw.

On the third day Abraham offered his firstborn son, God came down in fire and wind upon Sinai, the boy Jesus was found “in his Father’s house,” and the man Jesus “performed the first of his signs at Cana of Galilee.” Echoing the words of Hosea, Jesus announced the three-day Passover of his death, rest and resurrection.

The Paschal Triduum, or as we know it in English, the “Three Days of Passover” are for us too days of death, rest and resurrection. Even if only remotely, we march to the waters of baptism. We keep watch for light and for liberation in our own lives. For three days we climb Mount Moriah, Mount Sinai, Mount Golgotha. Those who were lost are found, and those who were exiled come home.

Gathering

Lighting of the New Candle

Procession into the Church

Exsultet

Hear God's Word

Friends in Christ,
let us listen attentively to the word of God,
recalling God’s saving deeds throughout history
and how, in the fullness of time,
God’s Word became flesh and dwelt among us:
Jesus Christ, our Redeemer!

God, source of all light,
by your Word you give light to the soul.
Pour out upon us
the spirit of wisdom and understanding
that, being taught by you in Holy Scripture,
our hearts and minds may be opened to know the things
that pertain to life and holiness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Genesis 1:1-2:4a † Response Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26 † Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21 † Response Exodus 15:1b-13, 17-18 † Isaiah 55:1-11 † Response Isaiah 12:2-6 † Ezekiel 36:24-28 † Response Psalm 42:1-11 and 43:1-5 † John 20:1-18 ​

Story of Creation - Genesis 1:1-2:4a

Musical Response

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Israel's Deliverance at the Red Sea -
​Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21

Musical Response

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Salvation Offered to All - Isaiah 55:1-11

Musical Response

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A New Heart and a New Spirit - Ezekiel 36:24-28

Musical Response

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Jonah and the Fish - Jonah 1:1-2:1

Musical Response

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Meditation

Watch the meditation below, or you can read it here.

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Profession of Faith

Before you continue, take a moment to reach out to a few people. Send a text or a Marco Polo or write some cards to three people, telling them “Peace be with you!” or how you would best phrase a blessing to them. When you’re done, click the next video.

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Come to the Table

As we move to the table to celebrate Christ's presence among us in the most common of daily actions, perhaps we will find a new and more intimate connection to this ancient practice as we engage across time and space, and yet, together, at the Lord's table. Gather the elements you need—some bread, a cracker and some juice, a glass of wine—whatever is common in your household, and then join us in giving thanks.

Easter Hymn

Blessing

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
in the power of his resurrection. Alleluia!

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit
be with you all.
Amen.
Christ is risen!
Christ is risen!
Christ is risen!
Christ is risen!
Christ is risen!
Christ is risen, indeed!
Alleluia, alleluia!