7 a.m. The Great Vigil of Easter
“In the darkness, fire is kindled.” These are the first words of the Great Vigil of Easter, our prayer book’s most ancient and beautiful service. Without a doubt, the Great Vigil of Easter is the most important thing we do all year. If you never come to St. Anne’s for anything else, at least come for this extraordinary service.
Steeped in traditions that reach back to the earliest days of Christianity, the Great Vigil of Easter moves us from the darkness of the tomb to the light of the Resurrection through fire, water, story, sacrament, and song.
Like the earliest Christians, we gather before sunrise to light the new Easter fire and to retell the great Old Testament stories of God’s saving deeds. From there the entire congregation processes outdoors as we baptize new members under the pink sky of the rising Easter sun. Finally, we declare “Alleluia, Christ is risen!”, reenter the sanctuary, hear the Gospel account of Jesus’ resurrection, and share in the first Communion of Easter.
With pageantry, music, candlelight, water, fire, wonder, laughter, mystery, and joy, this is the one service you do not want to miss. Free professionally staffed nursery is available.
8:45 a.m. Festive Parish Breakfast & Easter Egg Hunt
Following the Great Vigil, we offer a festive breakfast in our Parish Hall, open to all free of charge. Whether you choose to worship at the 7 a.m. Great Vigil or the standard 10 a.m., the parish breakfast is a great way to overlap with others and wish them a happy Easter. This is also the time when those who have participated in our Lenten prayer partner program reveal their identities to one another.
Finally, no Easter is complete without a great Easter Egg Hunt. Our hunt is open to children of all ages and takes place after the Great Vigil service. Come enjoy the fun!
10 a.m. Holy Eucharist
On Easter we also offer a wonderful 10 a.m. Eucharist in celebration of the Resurrection. If you cannot make it to the Great Vigil of Easter, this lovely service serves a fine alternative. Free professionally staffed nursery is available.