Worship Special

Photos by Martin Taylor THE GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER Saturday, April 7, 2007, 8:05 pm The Paschal Vigil is the most ancient and accurate name for this liturgy because the name holds two meanings together in a single word: Christ’s suffering and his passion-over through suffering to resurrection life. Both death and resurrection wind their way through this liturgy like a double-helix. The mystery and meaning of our faith is tied up in what God has done in Christ for humankind. In baptism, we are incorporated into this mystery of death and life. In the Eucharist, we are fed this mystery in bread and wine. The Vigil calls us to set aside our preconceptions about what constitutes “going to worship.” We are outside as well as inside. We walk from room to room. We start by making fire and lighting candles. We progress to hearing sacred stories and singing God’s praise. We pour water, welcome the newborn in Christ and, finally, come to banquet of God’s love. It takes time to do a Vigil but such extravagant worship fills our hearts and senses with powerful sights, sounds, smells, even tastes. This year, we gathered to baptize Sarah Jane, daughter of Jeff and Haley Lindley and sister of Blake. Service of the Light The vigil opened with a greeting and outdoor lighting of the "new fire," followed by procession into the church. Service of the Word Readings and enactments: the story creation (Gen. 1:1-2:4a); Israel's deliverance at the Red Sea (Exod. 14:10-31, 15:20-21); salvation freely offered to all (Isa. 55:1-11); the valley of the dry bones (Ezek. 37:1-14); the gathering of God's people (Zeph. 3:14-20); the Epistle (Rom. 6:3-11); and the Gospel (Luke 24:1-12). Service of the Water The baptism of Sarah Jane Lindley was followed by the opportunity for members of the assembly to reaffirm their baptism. Service of the Table The vigil was concluded by celebrating the Eucharist while surrounding the font and Table.