Seasonal Resources - Easter
Easter Vigil
Altar Colour: White or Gold
Note: The altar is bare at the beginning of the service. After the procession into the church, the altar may be dressed in white or gold, heralding the resurrection.
The Easter Vigil is a part of the ‘Three Days to Easter’ celebration, completing the action that was begun on Maundy Thursday. This service is the most ancient service in the heritage of the Christian church in both the East and the West. Traditionally it is held in the evening either as it grows dark or approaching midnight, as worshippers wait for the resurrection of Christ. While Holy Communion is often celebrated in the vigil, a service order without communion is provided for vacant congregations.
Worship resources for Easter Vigil
Easter Vigil (includes very helpful advice about timing, practical organisation, music, involving children etc)
Easter Vigil (basic service order outline)
For information about which Old Testament readings to choose, see the below section - 'Easter Vigil Readings'.
Service Orders
Ready To Go Resources
Easter Saturday Vigil 9 OT readings without HC (Word / PPT standard / PPT widescreen)
Without Holy Communion
Easter Vigil with 4 OT readings (Word | PPT standard | PPT widescreen)
Easter Vigil with 9 OT readings (Word | PPT standard | PPT widescreen)
Service orders with Holy Communion
Easter Vigil with 4 OT readings, Baptism Affirmation and HC (Word | PPT standard | PPT widescreen)
Easter Vigil with 9 OT readings, Baptism Affirmation and HC (Word | PPT standard | PPT widescreen)
Sermon
Romans 6:1-11
Easter Vigil Readings
There are two options for the Easter Vigil. The shorter version includes 4 Old Testament readings. It may be most helpful when the Baptism and Holy Communion elements of the service are used, or if a longer message is being given. The longer version uses all 9 OT readings and may be the best option for a lay-led service without Holy Communion, as the Sermon could be omitted, or a short address is read.
The readings are long, and it may be wise to involve multiple readers. The psalm responses may be read or simply viewed silently onscreen accompanied by appropriate images. Alternatively, the responses may be sung (see Easter Vigil for suggestions).
Old Testament Readings:
The First Reading: Genesis 1:1-2:4a
The Second Reading: Genesis 7:1-5,11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13
The Third Reading: Genesis 22:1-18
The Fourth Reading: Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20,21
The Fifth Reading: Isaiah 55:1-11
The Sixth Reading: Proverbs 8:18,19-21; 9:4b-6
The Seventh Reading: Ezekiel 36:24-28
The Eighth Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14
The Ninth Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20
Meditative Responses:
Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26 (Response to First Reading)
Psalm 46 (Response to Second Reading)
Psalm 16 (Response to Third Reading)
Exodus 15:1b-13,17,18 (Response to Fourth Reading)
Isaiah 12:2-6 (Response to Fifth Reading)
Psalm 19 (Response to Sixth Reading)
Psalm 42 and 43 (Response to Seventh Reading)
Psalm 143 (Response to Eighth Reading)
Psalm 98 (Response to Ninth Reading)
The Baptismal Reading:
Romans 6:3-11
Gospel:
Mark 16:1-8
All Old Testament Readings and Responses:
Printable, Formatted Readings
