Creative Ways To Proclaim The Easter Vigil Scripture Readings

The Easter Vigil readings span the history of salvation and recall for the worshiper the great acts of God's mercy. Sometimes the readings are not heard. The article below suggests how the readings may take on new life through dramatic forms of communication. Our Episcopal parish values freedom for creative expression in its worship life, believing that, at its best, this expression can reflect the surprising and refreshing ways the living God encounters us. With the introduction of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, we were delighted to find the Great Vigil of Easter, one of the oldest of all liturgies, included for the first time. The service consists of four parts: the Service of Light; the Service of Lessons; Christian Initiation or the Renewal of Vows; and the Holy Eucharist with the administration of Easter Communion. The Service of Lessons is the record of God's saving acts in history and the witness of God's continued presence with God's people. The rubrics read,"It is customa…