easter vigil - worship trick 63

grace fire logo from jonny baker on Vimeo.

i have posted a set of photos from the grace easter vigil on flickr. it was a wonderful service. in case you have not come across it (and i hadn't been to one before) it begins with an easter fire - adam had drilled a grace logo in the side which looked brilliant. after some opening words and prayer then the paschal candle is lit and everyone takes a candle and lights it from the paschal candle. people process around the church three times before entering the church. it was drizzling with rain but somehow that made everything more beautiful with the reflected light off the wet surfaces. there is then a period of waiting and reflecting with readings and meditations. at the gospel reading everyone stands and the lights are turned up. baptism vows are renewed - adam had created a sprinkler so that everyone got wet. then at midnight(ish) the bells are rung and fireworks let off to celebrate easter. prayers and the order of service will get added to the grace archive which i will link to then...

i have added some videos to my vimeo page - easter fire | vulnerable flame | grace fire logo | flickering grace

i am making the vigil a worship trick so i have a record of it - i will come back and add the detail... that is number 63, series 3

Comments

[Becky]

Sounds fantastic - Easter vigil is my favorite service of the year. Thanks for sharing.

[Robb]

Sounds very similar to the one I attended at the monestary. Absolutely beautiful. My first time too!

We have a 4AM start though :(

[Simon]

Some really atmospheric photos and video. It's probably one of the most memorable acts of worship acts of the year for us at St Joseph's - and one of the Christian Church's most ancient, too. The neighbours think we are loopy as we gather around the bonfire at 5am. Our deacon sings the 'Exsultet' and we let rip with the party poppers, whistles, bells etc as we proclaim 'Alleluia. Christ is Risen!' The cooked breakfast afterwards is fantastic as well!