The Great Vigil of Easter

The Great Vigil of Easter is arguably the most important service of the church year. In the early days of Christianity, when believers would gather in darkness and remain together, singing and praying, until dawn. While pared down by necessity, we retain key elements of this ancient rite with the Lighting of the New Fire, singing of the exultet, and readings in the darkened church beginning with the creation story, Noah and the flood, the valley of dry bones, etc. We renew our baptismal vows in a nod to the ancient tradition that new members were traditionally welcomed into the church at this service.

The climactic moment is what we refer to as the Great Noise, when Christ’s resurrection is joyfully declared and all are encouraged to contribute to the din as the church fills with light and the resurrection story is told. You may bring small hand-held bells or similar objects.

This service will be livestreamed on Zoom.