Lighting the New Paschal Fire, Easter Vigil, & Holy Eucharist 

Returning to the West Porch where our Holy Week began, we will light the first fire of Easter, declaring Jesus’ passage from death into life, and announcing our “Alleluia!” for the resurrected life we share with the risen Christ. With all members of the congregation bearing handheld candles, we will enter the darkened church and brighten that holy space while a cantor sings the Exsultet. Our prayers will continue with the Vigil liturgy, a series of reading-song-prayer segments echoing the format of Candlelight Carols, before we renew our baptismal vows and celebrate the first Eucharist of the Easter season.