Easter Vigil Service Notes
 April 18, 1992
By Emmanuel Lutheran
High Point, NC

I.	THE SERVICE OF LIGHT
Ushers will direct congregation to the columbarium (narthex if it rains) and give bulletins and candles.
Assisting minister lights Paschal Candle: raises it and says, “The light of Christ” – response is, “Thanks be to God,” repeated three times on the way into the worship center.  Place candle in stand on chancel.
The “sanctuary” is in dimmed light; each member of the assembly has a small taper; they will be lighted by acolytes.
The Exultet (Easter Proclamation) is sung by a quartet.
		Candles are extinguished after the Exultet.

II.	THE SERVICE OF READINGS
The first reading – THE CREATION, by James Weldon Johnson – read by Rev. Ron Wilkins.  Following the reading, a flute solo and quartet will introduce LBW Hymn 179, At the Name of Jesus.
Prayer: P: Let us pray.
		Almighty God, you wonderfully created the dignity of human nature and yet more wonderfully restored it.  Grant that we may share the divine life of the one who came to share our humanity: Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.  Amen.

The second reading – ISRAEL’S DELIVERANCE, Exodus 13:17-14:31 – Read by Rev. Keith Dey.  Following the reading there will be a solo, or silence if there is no soloist.
Prayer: P: Let us pray.
		God our Savior, even today we see the wonders of miracles you worked long ago.  You once saved a single nation from slavery, and now you offer that salvation to all through the grace of baptism.  May all the peoples of the world become true daughters and sons of Abraham and Sarah and be made worthy of the heritage of Israel, through Jesus Christ, our only mediator and advocate.  Amen.

The third reading – COME TO THE WATERS, Isaiah 55:1-11 – Read by Rev. Lisa Mullen.  Followed by LWB Hymn 452, As Pants the Hart for Cooling Streams.
Prayer: P: Let us pray.
		Eternal God, you created all things by the power of your Word and you renew the earth by your Spirit.  Give now the water of life to all who thirst for you, and nourish with the spiritual food of bread and wine all who hunger for you, that our lives on earth may bear the abundant fruit of your heavenly reign; through Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead, who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns forever.  Amen.

The fourth reading – THE DRY BONES, Ezekiel 37:1-14 – Read by Rev. Bud Hill.  We could use James Weldon Johnson’s version of this story as well.  Followed by a solo sung by Larry Smith.
Prayer: P: Let us pray.
		O God, by the Passover of the Son you have brought us out of sin into righteousness and out of death into life.  Give us such an understanding of your mercy that, in receiving the gifts of Word and Sacrament now, we may learn to hope for all your gifts to come, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The fifth reading – THE FIRST PASSOVER, Exodus 12:1-14 – Read by Ruth Lenger, Minister.  Followed by LBW Hymn 385, What Wondrous Love is This? (possible guitar accompaniment)
Prayer: P: Let us pray.
	Almighty and ever-lasting God, wonderful in all your works: Let your people understand that even more marvelous than the world’s creation is your gift at the end of time: the sacrifice of our Passover Lamb, your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The sixth reading – SONG OF THE THREE YOUNG MEN, Daniel 3:1-23 - Read by Ron Heer
After the reading the cantors will lead the Benedicite, Omnia Opera (All You Works of the Lord) accompanied by hand bells (maybe flute, too).  Congregation will move toward the font for the Affirmation of Baptism.

III.	THE AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM
Rev. Randy Foster will preside at the Affirmation with all pastors participating in the asperges (sprinkling).
Rev. Keith Dey will sing a solo on the first verse of LBW Hymn 192, Baptized into Your Name Most Holy.

The final reading is the Resurrection Narrative from Luke.

We will end with the Passing of the Peace and “Dismissal.”

Used by permission from Heilig Resource Center.