Service for the Great Vigil of Easter
Artwork by Mike Van
Diocesan-Wide Service
The Diocese of Oregon is holding an online Great Vigil of Easter service tonight at 7:00 pm. To participate:
First: Click here to download the service bulletin
Then: Click here to watch the service
The Collect of the Day
O God, who made this most holy night to shine with the glory of the Lord’s resurrection: Stir up in your Church that Spirit of adoption which is given to us in Baptism, that we, being renewed both in body and mind, may worship you in sincerity and truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Epistle: Romans 6:3-11
The Psalm: Psalm 114
The Gospel: Matthew 28:1-10
The Sermon
Click here to watch Fr. Dorsch’s prerecorded sermon use the password: v3sA8S
Musical Reflection
Click here to listen to Mahler Symphony No. 2, Fourth movement
The Prayers of the People
On this most holy night, we pray for the church, the earth, the world, those in need, and all the members of God’s family, responding to each petition with the words, “Hear our prayer.”
We pray, O God, for all the churches around the globe; for their bishops, priests and deacons; for the newly baptized; for the believers who cannot assemble for worship; for faithful endurance during this time of sorrow and distress; and for a deepening sense of your presence among us.
God, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
We pray, O God, for the well-being of creation: for the health of seas and rivers and lakes; for clean air and an end to pollution; for the land you have entrusted to us; and for the will to care for earth.
God, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
We pray, O God, for peace and justice in the world: for an end to war and international turmoil; for concord in our troubled society; for the heads of state, legislators, and local civic leaders; that they enact wise procedures to deal with the corona virus.
God, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
We pray, O God, for all who are facing this pandemic: for all who mourn their dead; all who have contracted the virus; those who are quarantined or stranded away from home; those who have lost their employment; those who fear the present and the future. We pray for physicians, nurses and home health aides; medical researchers and the World Health Organization. Fill the aching in our hearts with your merciful power.
God, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
We pray, O God, for all in need: for those suffering for the faith; for those who are poor, hungry and homeless; for those who are sick and those awaiting death; and for those we hold in our hearts and name before you now.
God, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Receive our thanks for all who have died in the faith, and at the final resurrection, bring us with them into your everlasting life where sorrow and pain are no more.
God, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Into your gracious and mighty hands, O God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy, through your Son Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
The Final Prayer and Blessing
Eternal giver of life and light, this holy night shines with the radiance of the Risen Christ. Renew our church with the Spirit given to us in baptism, that we may worship you in sincerity and truth and may shine as a light in the world; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
May the Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us now and forever. Amen.
Alleluia! The Lord is risen! Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
An Optional Musical Selection
The Final movement of the Mahler Symphony No. 2 is a grand testament to our faith in the resurrection. It is long (almost 35 minutes) but well worth it. Now or later I encourage you to listen to it. This recording is by a favorite orchestra of mine, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. You will find the fifth movement begins at 52:30 on the recording timeline at the bottom of the screen. Just use your cursor to move the slider to that time and enjoy!
Click here to listen to the final movement of Mahler Symphony No. 2
NOTE: Tomorrow we will send out our regular Sunday Service email, but would also like to encourage everyone to connect with a larger streaming service for Easter.