Saturday, April 19
This Great Vigil service is the pivotal moment in our celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. This is the service that symbolically marks the transition of Jesus Christ from death to life, and thus invites us to reflect more fully on our own practice of faith.
We come to the Vigil from a place of confusion and chaos, looking for guidance. We will begin in darkness with the lighting of a fire, the kindling of the Paschal Candle, and the chanting of the Exsultet. The lessons that are the narrative of our entire salvation history will be told during the first part of the service, all of which happens in darkness—itself a dramatic setting.
Midway through this service, the celebration of Easter begins with the celebrant proclaiming in a loud shout “Alleluia! Christ is risen!” To which the people respond joyfully, “The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.” At this point, the lights are raised and the joyous celebration of the Resurrection of Our Lord commences!
7:00 PM – The Great Vigil nave
Incense will be used at this service. Children are welcome to attend all worship services at Grace. No nursery will be available for The Great Vigil. This service will not be streamed.