Special Worship Services

Easter

Service of the light

The service of the Light is used to introduce the Easter Vigil Holy Communion, the first service on Easter Day. It may be a simple introduction as here, or may be liturgically expanded. See Easter Rites for customary details.

The congregation gathers outside the church, beside the new fire

GREETING
The Lord be with you
And also with you
Christ is risen
He is risen indeed

SENTENCE and PRAYER

INTRODUCTION
My brothers and sisters in Christ: On this most holy night in which Jesus Christ passed over from death to life, we gather as the church to pray and to watch for the dawning of his triumph and resurrection. We join with the whole company of God's people in heaven and on earth in recalling and celebrating his victory over death, and our deliverance from the bondage of sin and darkness to everlasting light.
God's Word says: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God..... In him was life and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" John 1:1, 4-5

OPENING PRAYER
Let us pray: Eternal Lord of life, Through your Son you have bestowed the light of life upon all the world. Use this new light to fire our hearts and minds, kindling in us a holy desire to shine forth with the brightness of Christ's rising, and to finally feast at the heavenly banquet; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The new paschal candle is lighted from the fire with these words

The light of Christ rises in glory overcoming the darkness of sin and death.

The congregation moves into the church, lighting their candles from the Easter candle and then take their seats.

EASTER PROCLAMATION Exultet, v1 & 2.
Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels
Exult, all creation around God's throne!
Jesus Christ, our King is risen!
Sound the trumpet of salvation

Rejoice, O earth, in shining splendor,
Radiant in the brightness of our King!
Christ has conquered! Glory fills you!
Darkness vanishes for ever!

Kneel.........

THE PRAYER OF PREPARATION

The service of the Holy Communion continues.

Worship. Worship (adoration) - the central business of God's gathered people.
Anglican spirituality. Liturgical worship and mysticism.
Evolution of the English Prayer Book. A summary history.
The Holy Communion. The shape of the Lord's Supper.
Prayer Book Revision in Australia.

Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources
Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons
www.lectionarystudies.com