Technically it wasn't an Easter vigil because we didn't wait until Saturday night, but since our congregation celebrates Palm Sunday by reading the passion story at the end, it felt like it still worked well. We did use the ELW as a base format for our evening: making the Christ candle, using the processions and 4 scripture passages, concluding with reaffirmation of baptism and communion. It ended up a great service and I was really pleased with the concentration and focus from our teenagers. I'm not always a contemplative spirit, but I know that some of my teenagers are so this was a great way to feed them spiritually.
We began the evening with our normal gathering time followed by a game of "what would you do if..." I thought we would have a smaller group since some of our school were still on spring break, but we still had a really full group so I was glad that I had picked a game that was easily expanded for the size. Unfortunately we began by all sitting in a circle but as more people trickled into the group the circle grew uncomfortably small.
Since we were in a circle we also couldn't do Joys and Concerns normally (we usually write them on a white board). So I think that stifled the sharing a little bit. In fact it was a little giggly after our game and joys and concerns so I make a pretty firm transition into the contemplative worship service by reminding students that there are times for games and silliness and times for more focused quiet. And I encouraged them to stay present in our worship service and respectful even if they didn't like it out of respect for others.
Next time we do something like this we will definitely reconsider lights. it was quite dark in many of the rooms that we used. even with 30 tea lights the words to songs were difficult to read, maybe I'll consider making candle lit display in several rooms and lighting them ahead of time. I'll also consider lamps in various spaces because while the candles provided great atmosphere and definitely made the kids quiet, I think lamps could create a similar effect.
My favorite part of the vigil was the student readers. they were great. and added a lot to the stories. The songs seemed fine - but Just as I am was not as good as the others. I also wish we had used our SNL blessing instead of the one written in the hymnal - but I'm sure that there were some students and leaders who appreciated the reminder of their confirmation/baptism days.
Here's the order of our worship including songs that we sang.
Sunday Night Live Easter
Vigil
March 24, 2013
Greeting and making of the Christ
light
Silent Procession to the chapel
First Reading
Song: Forever Reign (printed on reverse side)
Silent Procession to the lower level faith trek area
Second Reading
Song: Messiah (songbook page 19)
Silent Procession to the attic
Third Reading
Song: All Who Are Thirsty (songbook page 1)
Silent Procession to the sanctuary
Fourth Reading
Song: Just As I Am (songbook page 17)
Gospel Reading
Song: The Wonderful Cross (songbook page
25)
Discussion
Prayer (hymnal
page 234)
Profession of Faith (hymnal page 235)
Affirmation by the Assembly (hymnal page 237)
Move to baptismal font and bless each other
Share the peace of God
Song: The Lamb (songbook page17)
Words of Institution
Lords Prayer
Communion
Benediction
No comments:
Post a Comment