This is the culmination of the Christian story: that in the depths of darkness, “Christ broke the bonds of death and hell, and rose victorious from the grave.” The Great Vigil of Easter is the most profound service of the year, and harkens to the early Christian tradition in which baptismal candidates kept an all-night vigil until their baptism on Easter morning, thereby reflecting the truth that “we are buried with Christ by Baptism into his death, and raised with him to newness of life.”

The service begins in the courtyard around a small fire representing the hope of new light. As the service continues in the church by candlelight, we hear the story of creation, of the Israelites’ deliverance from the Egyptians and of Ezekiel’s vision of a multitude of dry bones receiving life. We renew our own baptismal vows in solidarity with those early Christians.

Then, the lights come on and bells sound as we proclaim in that moment of light overcoming darkness, “Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!” We then celebrate the first Holy Eucharist of Easter, proclaiming to the world, “by his death he has destroyed death, and by his rising to life again he has won for us everlasting life.”

In recognition of the end of Lent, a reception in the Parish Hall with sparkling wine, chocolate-covered strawberries and other treats will follow the service.