The Great Vigil of Easter - 6:30 p.m.

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The Paschal Triduum (The Three Days)

The Vigil of Easter

April 3, 2021

6:30 p.m.

  

 

I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously! Exodus 15:21

SERVICE OF LIGHT

 

‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’ (John 1). As the sun fades and the darkness gathers, the Church lights its lamps to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.

 

The Paschal Candle, symbol of the risen Christ, is brought into the nave and set on its stand.

 

Let us pray. Eternal God, in Jesus Christ you have given the light of life to all the world. Bless this new fire, and increase in us a desire to shine forth with the brightness of Christ's rising, until we feast at the banquet of eternal light; through the Sun of righteousness, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

 

 

May the light of Christ, rising in glory,

dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.

 

The light of Christ.

  Thanks be to God.

 

The other candles are lit from the light of the Paschal Candle.

In the words of the Exultet, the creation and the Church are called to praise:

 

Rejoice, now, all heavenly choirs of angels,

                and celebrate the divine mysteries with exultation;

                and, for the victory of so great a King,

                sound the trumpet of salvation.

Exult, also, O earth, enlightened with such radiance;

                and, made brilliant by the splendor of the eternal King,

                know that the ancient darkness

has been banished from all the world.

Be glad also, O mother Church,

clothed with the brightness of such a light,

                and let this house resound with the triumphant voices of the peoples.

Wherefore, dearly beloved, who stand in the clarity of this bright and holy light,

                join with me, I ask you, in praising the lovingkindness of almighty God;

                through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son,

                who lives and rules with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

                one God, now and forever.

 

Spoken      Amen

Sit

The Lord be with you.

  And also with you.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

  It is right to give him thanks and praise.

 

The Exultet continues, praising the Father for the Resurrection:

 

It is indeed right and salutary

                that we should with full devotion of heart and mind and voice

                praise the invisible God, the Father Almighty,

                and his only Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ;

who paid for us the debt of Adam to the eternal Father,

                and who by his precious blood

                redeemed us from the bondage to the ancient sin.

For this indeed is the Paschal Feast in which the true Lamb is slain,

                by whose blood the doorposts of the faithful are made holy.

This is the night in which, in ancient times,

                you delivered our forebears, the children of Israel,

from the land of Egypt;

                and led them, dry-shod, through the Red Sea.

This, indeed, is the night in which the darkness of sin

                has been purged away by the rising brightness.

This is the night in which all who believe in Christ

                are rescued from evil and the gloom of sin,

                are renewed in grace, and are restored to holiness.

This is the night in which, breaking the chains of death,

                Christ arises from hell in triumph.

For it would have profited us nothing to be born

                had we not also been redeemed.

Oh, how wonderful the condescension of your lovingkindness!

Oh, how inestimable the goodness of your love,

                that to redeem a slave you delivered up your Son!

O necessary sin of Adam that is wiped away by the death of Christ!

O happy fault that was worthy to have so great a Redeemer!

O night truly blessed which alone was worthy

                to know the time and the hour wherein Christ arose again from hell!

This is the night of which it is written:

                "and the night is as clear as the day";

                and, "then shall my night be turned into day."

The holiness of this night puts to flight the deeds of wickedness;

                washes away sin; restores innocence to the fallen,

and joy to those who mourn;

                casts out hate; brings peace; and humbles earthly pride.

 

Therefore, in this night of grace, receive, O holy Father,

                this evening sacrifice of praise;

                which the Church lays before you in the solemn offering of the candle.

We sing the glories of this pillar of fire,

the brightness of which is not diminished,

                even when its light is divided and borrowed.

For it is fed by the melting wax which the bees, your servants,

                have made for the substance of this candle.

O night truly blessed in which heaven and earth are joined--

                things human and things divine.

We, therefore, pray to you, O Lord,

                that this candle, burning to the honor of your name,

                will continue to vanquish the darkness of this night

                and be mingled with the lights of heaven.

May he who is the morning star find it burning--

                that morning star which never sets,

                that morning star which, rising again from the grave,

                faithfully sheds light on all the human race.

And we pray, O Lord, rule, govern,

                and preserve with your continual protection your whole Church,

                giving us peace in this time of our paschal rejoicing;

through the same Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son,

                who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

                one God, now and forever.

 

Spoken      Amen

 

SERVICE OF READINGS

 

The readings from salvation history recall God’s gracious act of creation and his saving actions for the people of Israel, in the light of the new creation and the great act of salvation for all people in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 

FIRST READING:              Genesis 1:1--2:2 

Creation

 

RESPONSE:                      Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26

The psalm is read responsively between the pastor and the people.

                               

¹ Give thanks to the Lord, for | he is good,*

                for his mercy en- | dures forever.

² Give thanks to the | God of gods,*

                for his mercy en- | dures forever.

³ Give thanks to the | Lord of lords,*

                for his mercy en- | dures forever;

⁴ who only | does great wonders,*

                for his mercy en- | dures forever;

⁵ who by wisdom | made the heavens,*

                for his mercy en- | dures forever;

⁶ who spread out the earth up- | on the waters,*

                for his mercy en- | dures forever;

⁷ who creat- | ed great lights,*

                for his mercy en- | dures forever;

⁸ the sun to | rule the day,*

                for his mercy en- | dures forever;

⁹ the moon and the stars to gov- | ern the night,*

                for his mercy en- | dures forever;

²³ who remembered us in our | low estate,*

                for his mercy en- | dures forever;

²⁴ and delivered us | from our enemies,*

                for his mercy en- | dures forever;

²⁵ who gives food | to all creatures,*

                for his mercy en- | dures forever.

²⁶ Give thanks to the | God of heaven,*

                for his mercy en- | dures forever.

 

The prayer is said, to which the people respond: Amen

 

SECOND READING:                   Exodus 14:10-15:1a

Deliverance at the Red Sea

 

RESPONSE:                      Canticle 19                    I Will Sing to the Lord

The canticle is read responsively between the pastor and the people.

 

        I will sing to the Lord, for he has | triumphed gloriously;*

                the horse and its rider he has thrown in- | to the sea.

        The Lord is my strength | and my song,*

                he has | been my Savior.

        This is my God, and | I will praise him,*

                my father's God, and I | will exalt him.

        Your right hand, O Lord, glo- | rious in power,*

                your right hand, O Lord, shat- | ters the enemy.

  

        Who among the gods is like | you, O Lord?*

                Who is like you, majestic in holiness,

                awesome in splendor, | doing wonders?

        In your mercy you led forth the people | you set free;*

                you guided them in your strength

                to your holy | habitation.

        You will bring them | in and plant them*

                on the mount that is | your possession,

        the place, O Lord, you have made for your dwelling,

        the sanctuary, O Lord, which your hands | have prepared.*

                The Lord shall reign forev- | er and ever.

        Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the | Holy Spirit:*

                as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forev- | er. Amen

 

Text: from Psalm 89; Jeremiah 33

 

The prayer is said, to which the people respond: Amen

 

THIRD READING:                       Ezekiel 37:1-14

The Valley of the Dry Bones

 

RESPONSE:                      Psalm 143

The psalm is read responsively between the pastor and the people.

 

¹ Lord, hear my prayer,

and in your faithfulness heed my | supplications;*

                answer me | in your righteousness.

² Enter not into judgment | with your servant,*

                for in your sight shall no one liv- | ing be justified.

³ For my enemy has sought my life; he has crushed me | to the ground;*

                he has made me live in dark places

like those who | are long dead.

⁴ My spirit | faints within me;*

                my heart within | me is desolate.

⁵ I remember the time past; I muse upon | all your deeds;*

                I consider the works | of your hands.

⁶ I spread out my | hands to you;*

                my soul gasps to you like a | thirsty land.

⁷ O Lord, make haste to answer me; my | spirit fails me;*

                do not hide your face from me

or I shall be like those who go down | to the pit.

⁸ Let me hear of your lovingkindness in the morning,

for I put my | trust in you;*

                show me the road that I must walk,

for I lift up my | soul to you.

⁹ Deliver me from my ene- | mies, O Lord,*

                for I flee to | you for refuge.

¹⁰ Teach me to do what pleases you, for you | are my God;*

                let your good Spirit lead me on | level ground.

¹¹ Revive me, O Lord, | for your name's sake;*

                for your righteousness' sake, bring me | out of trouble.

¹² Of your goodness, destroy my enemies

and bring all my | foes to naught,*

                for truly I | am your servant.

 

The prayer is said, to which the people respond: Amen

 

FOURTH READING:                   Daniel 3:1-29

Deliverance from the Fiery Furnace

 

RESPONSE:                      Canticle 18         All You Works of the Lord

The canticle  is read responsively between the pastor and the people.

 

        All you works of the Lord, | bless the Lord--*

                praise him and magnify | him forever.

        All you works of the Lord, | bless the Lord--*

                praise him and magnify | him forever.

 

        You angels of the Lord, | bless the Lord;*

                you heavens, | bless the Lord;

        all you powers of the Lord, | bless the Lord--*

                praise him and magnify | him forever.

        You sun and moon, | bless the Lord;*

                you stars of heaven, | bless the Lord;

        you showers and dew, | bless the Lord--*

                praise him and magnify | him forever.

        You winds of God, | bless the Lord;*

                you fire and heat, | bless the Lord;

        you winter and summer, | bless the Lord--*

                praise him and magnify | him forever.

        You dews and frost, | bless the Lord;*

                you frost and cold, | bless the Lord;

        you ice and snow, | bless the Lord--*

                praise him and magnify | him forever.

        You nights and days, | bless the Lord;*

                you light and darkness, | bless the Lord;

        you lightnings and clouds, | bless the Lord--*

                praise him and magnify | him forever.

        Let the earth | bless the Lord:*

                you mountains and hills, | bless the Lord;

        all you green things that grow on the earth, | bless the Lord--*

                praise him and magnify | him forever.

        You wells and springs, | bless the Lord;*

                you rivers and seas, | bless the Lord;

        you whales and all who move in the waters, | bless the Lord--*

                praise him and magnify | him forever.

        All you birds of the air, | bless the Lord;*

                all you beasts and cattle, | bless the Lord;

        all you children of mortals, | bless the Lord--*

                praise him and magnify | him forever.

        You people of God, | bless the Lord;*

                you priests of the Lord, | bless the Lord;

        you servants of the Lord, | bless the Lord--*

                praise him and magnify | him forever.

        You spirits and souls of the righteous, | bless the Lord:*

                you pure and humble of heart, | bless the Lord;

        let us bless the Father and the Son and the | Holy Spirit--*

                praise him and magnify | him forever.

 

Text: from Song of the Three Young Men

 

The prayer is said, to which the people respond: Amen

 

SERVICE OF BAPTISM

Affirmation of Baptism

In the ancient Church, the Easter Vigil was the service in which those having undergone the intensive scrutinies of Lent were baptized. Today we remember our baptism and renew the covenant that God has made with us.

 

In Holy Baptism our Lord Jesus Christ received us and made us members of his Church. In the community of God's people, we have learned from his Word God's loving purpose for us and for all creation. We have been nourished at his holy table and called to be witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Now, therefore, I ask you to once again profess your faith in Christ Jesus, reject sin, and confess the faith of the Church, the faith in which we baptize.

 

Stand

Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God?

  I renounce them.

Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God?

  I renounce them.

Do you renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God?

  I renounce them.

 

CONFESSION of Faith

 

The pastor sprinkles the people with water from the baptismal font as they confess their faith.

 

Do you believe in God the Father?

  I believe in God, the Father almighty,

  creator of heaven and earth.

 

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

  I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

                He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

                                and born of the virgin Mary.

                He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

                                was crucified, died, and was buried.

            He descended into hell.

                On the third day he rose again.

                He ascended into heaven,

                                and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

                He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

 

Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

  I believe in the Holy Spirit,

  the holy catholic Church,

  the communion of saints,

  the forgiveness of sins,

  the resurrection of the body,

  and the life everlasting. Amen

 

Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship,

in the breaking of bread and the prayers?                                              

  I will, with God’s help.

 

Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin,

repent and return to the Lord?

  I will, with God’s help.

 

Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in

Christ?

  I will, with God’s help.

 

Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons,

loving your neighbor as yourself?

  I will, with God’s help.

 

Will you strive for justice and peace among all people,

 and respect the dignity of every human being?

  I will, with God’s help.

 

Gracious Lord, through water and the Spirit you have made us your own. You forgave us all our sins and brought us to newness of life. Continue to strengthen us with the Holy Spirit, and daily increase in us your gifts of grace: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.

  Amen

 

SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION

 

Having heard the word of salvation in the light of God, and celebrated the Passover from death to life in the sacrament of baptism, the Church celebrates her Lord’s meal with renewed joy and gladness. For fifty days, the Church rejoices in Easter life. Alleluia!

 

KYRIE ELEISON

 

In peace, let us pray to the Lord.                                 Lord, have mercy.

For the peace from above,

and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.       Lord, have mercy.

For the peace of the whole world,

for the well-being of the Church of God,

and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.    Lord, have mercy.

For this holy house,

and for all who offer here their worship and praise,

let us pray to the Lord.                                                   Lord, have mercy.

Help, save, comfort and defend us, gracious Lord.                       Amen

               

HYMN OF PRAISE Gloria in excelsis Deo

 

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.         

Luke 2:14

Lord God, heavenly king, almighty God and Father:

                We worship you, we give you thanks,

we praise you for your glory.

                Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,

Lord God, Lamb of God:

                You take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

                You are seated at the right hand of the Father;

receive our prayer.

                For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,

                you alone are the Most High,

                Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,

in the glory of God the Father. Amen

  

 

PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you.

  And also with you.

 

O God, you gave your only Son to suffer death on the cross for our

redemption, and by his glorious resurrection you delivered us from the

power of death. Make us die every day to sin, so that we may live with

him forever in the joy of the resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and

forever. 

  Amen

 

Sit

READING:                                                                                        Romans 6:3-11

 

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? ⁴Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

⁵For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. ⁶We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. ⁷For whoever has died is freed from sin. ⁸But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. ⁹We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. ¹⁰The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. ¹¹So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

 

The Word of the Lord.

  Thanks be to God.

 

Stand

VERSE                 Romans 6:9; Psalm 118:24              Setting by Carl Schalk  

Sung by the Cantor                            

Alleluia. Christ being raised from the dead will die no more; death has no more dominion over him. This is the day that the LORD has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it. Alleluia.

 

GOSPEL:                                                                                            John 20:1-18

 

The Holy Gospel according to St. John.

  Glory to you, O Lord.

 

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. ²So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." ³Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. ⁴The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. ⁵He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. ⁶Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, ⁷and the cloth that had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. ⁸Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; ⁹for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. ¹⁰Then the disciples returned to their homes.

                ¹¹But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; ¹²and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. ¹³They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." ¹⁴When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. ¹⁵Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." ¹⁶Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!" (which means Teacher). ¹⁷Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.' " ¹⁸Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

 

The Gospel of the Lord.

  Praise to you, O Christ.

 

 

 

HYMN OF THE DAY                                           We Know That Christ is Raised

 

Pastor:

 

1      We know that Christ is raised and dies no more.

        Embraced by death, he broke its fearful hold,

        and our despair he turned to blazing joy.

        Hallelujah!

 

Cantor:

2      We share by water in his saving death.

        Reborn, we share with him an Easter life,

        as living members of our Savior Christ.

        Hallelujah!

 

Pastor:

3      The Father's splendor clothes the Son with life.

        The Spirit's fission shakes the church of God.

        Baptized, we live with God the Three in One.

        Hallelujah!

 

ALL:

4      A new creation comes to life and grows

        as Christ's new body takes on flesh and blood.

       The universe restored and whole will sing:

        Hallelujah!

 

Text: John B. Geyer, b. 1932
           

PRAYERS

Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

 

Silence is kept.

 

For the people of God, baptized into the death of Jesus; that we may walk in newness of life, rejecting sin and seeking the freedom of your Spirit. Lord, in your mercy,

  hear our prayer.

 

For the newly baptized around the world, that, having been adopted as your sons and daughters, they may rejoice in their holy calling now and always. Lord, in your mercy,

  hear our prayer.

 

For those with civil authority and all in positions of responsibility; that they may live their vocations with integrity and wisdom. Lord, in your mercy,

  hear our prayer.

 

For the poor in body, mind and spirit; for the sick, the dying, the grieving, and for all in any need of hope and healing; that they may be given signs of your grace. Lord, in your mercy,

  hear our prayer.

 

For your people gathered here; that we might be encouraged by the good examples of those who have gone before us to walk in the way of baptism, trusting in their risen life with you. Lord, in your mercy,

  hear our prayer.

 

Into your hands, Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your steadfast love, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

  Amen

 

Peace

The peace of the Lord be with you always. 

  And also with you. 

 

The people exchange a sign of peace with the simple words, Peace be with you.

 

Sit

The Lord’s Table is prepared.

 

Stand

OFFERTORY         1 Corinthians 5:7-8                   Setting by Carl Schalk

Sung by the Cantor

Alleluia. Cleanse out the old yeast to make yourselves fresh dough, new unleavened bread! For Christ our Passover Lamb has been sacrificed.  Therefore let us celebrate the feast with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Alleluia.

 

 

PRAYER OF PREPARATION

 

Almighty Father, creator of all,

you wash away our sins and give us new birth by the Spirit

by the redemption of the blood of Christ.

In this time of rejoicing,

renew your gift of life within us;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

  Amen

 

GREAT THANKSGIVING

 

The Lord be with you.                                   

  And also with you.                     

Lift up your hearts.                                         

  We lift them to the Lord.                        

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.                                  

  It is right to give him thanks and praise.

 

  It is indeed right and salutary that we should at all times and in all places offer thanks and praise to you, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and ever-living God.

  But chiefly we are bound to praise you for the glorious resurrection of our Lord; for he is the true Passover Lamb who gave himself to take away our sin, who by his death has destroyed death, and by his rising has brought us to eternal life.

  And so, with Mary Magdalene and Peter and all the witnesses of the resurrection, with earth and sea and all their creatures, and with angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

 

Holy, holy, holy LORD, God of power and might!

                Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

                Hosanna in the highest!

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!

                Hosanna in the highest!

 

You are indeed holy, O God, the fountain of all holiness;

                you bring light from darkness, life from death,

speech from silence.

We worship you for our lives and for the world you give us.

We thank you for the new world to come

                and for the love that will rule all in all.

We praise you for the grace shown to Israel, your chosen,

                the people of your promise:

                the rescue from Egypt, the gift of the promised land,

                the memory of the fathers, the homecoming from exile,

                and the prophets' words that will not be in vain.

In all this we bless you for your only-begotten Son,

                who fulfilled and will fulfill all your promises.

 

In the night in which he was betrayed,

                our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;

                broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

                Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.

Do this for the remembrance of me.

 

Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,

                and gave it for all to drink, saying:

                This cup is the new covenant in my blood,

                shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.

Do this for the remembrance of me.

 

For as often as we eat of this bread and drink from this cup,

                we proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

  Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

 

Therefore, O God, with this bread and cup

                we remember the incarnation of your Son:

                his human birth and the covenant he made with us.

We remember the sacrifice of his life:

                his eating with outcasts and sinners,

and his acceptance of death.

But chiefly on this night we remember his rising from the tomb,

                his ascension to the seat of power,

                and his sending of the holy and life-giving Spirit.

We cry out for the resurrection of our lives,

                when Christ will come again in beauty and power

                to share with us the great and promised feast.

  Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

 

Send now, we pray, your Holy Spirit,

                that we and all who share in this bread and cup

                may be united in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,

                may enter the fullness of the kingdom of heaven,

                and may receive our inheritance with all your saints in light.

  Amen. Come, Holy Spirit.

 

Join our prayers with those of your servants

of every time and every place,

and unite them with the ceaseless petitions

of our great high priest

until he comes as victorious Lord of all.

 

Through him, with him, in him,

                in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

                all honor and glory is yours,

                almighty Father, now and forever. Amen

 

            Christ is in our midst.

                By the power of the Spirit,

                we pray to his Father, saying:

 

                        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

 

Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.

  Therefore let us keep the feast! Alleluia!

 

AGNUS DEI (Lamb of God)           Sung by the cantor.

 

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us peace.

 

Sit

DISTRIBUTION

Admission to the Sacrament is by invitation of the Lord, presented through the Church to those who are baptized.

 

They may receive the Lord’s Body and Blood who are baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, who commune in their home churches, and who believe that Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, is truly present in, with, and under the forms of bread and wine for the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation.

 

The communicants will be invited forward one family unit at a time. Please do not come forward until the pastor directs you to come forward, do not approach all the way to the table until the pastor has retreated, and please do not remove your mask until you have reached the table with the elements on it.

 

 When the pastor says ‘The body of Christ, given for you,’ eat the bread. When the pastor says, ‘The blood of Christ, shed for you,’ drink the wine.  Please take the plate and the glass(es) and place them on the table that is indicated. Please put your mask on before returning to your seat.

 

During the Easter season, the people stand to receive the Holy Communion as a sign of resurrection rejoicing.

 

Please meditate on the text of the hymn as it is played.

At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing

                                                                                                         

1              At the Lamb’s high feast we sing

                praise to our victorious king,

                who has washed us in the tide

                flowing from his pierced side.

                Alleluia!

 

2              Praise we him, whose love divine

                gives his sacred blood for wine,

                gives his body for the feast-

                Christ the victim, Christ the priest.

                Alleluia!

 

3              Where the paschal blood is poured

                death’s dread angel sheathes the sword;

                Israel’s hosts triumphant go

                through the wave that drowns the foe.

                Alleluia!

 

4             Praise we Christ, whose blood was shed,

                paschal victim, paschal bread;

                with sincerity and love

                eat we manna from above.

                Alleluia!

 

5              Mighty victim from the sky,

                hell’s fierce pow’rs beneath you lie;

                you have conquered in the fight,

                you have brought us life and light.

                Alleluia!

 

6              Now no more can death appall,

                now no more the grave enthrall;

                you have opened paradise,

                and your saints in you shall rise.

                Alleluia!

 

7              Easter triumph, Easter joy!

                This alone can sin destroy;

                from sin’s pow’r, Lord, set us free,

                newborn souls in you to be.

                Alleluia!

 

8              Father, who the crown shall give,

                Savior, by whose death we live,

                Spirit, guide through all our days:

                Three in One, your name we praise.

                Alleluia!

 

Text: office hymn, 17th cent.; tr. Robert Campbell, 1814-1868, alt.

 

When all have received, the congregation stands at the direction of the pastor.

 

The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.

  Amen

 

Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;

your word has been fulfilled.

My own eyes have seen the salvation

which you have prepared in the sight of every people:

A light to reveal you to the nations

and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be forever. Amen                                 Song of Simeon (Luke 2:29-32)

 

 

POST-COMMUNION PRAYER

Pour out upon us the spirit of your love, O Lord,

and unite the wills of those whom you have fed with one heavenly food; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

  Amen

 

BENEDICTION

Almighty God, Father, X Son, and Holy Spirit,

bless you now and forever.

  Amen

 

DISMISSAL

Alleluia! Christ is risen!

  He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Go in peace. Serve the Lord.          

  Thanks be to God!

 

CLOSING MUSIC                                    Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds

         Paul Manz