Saturday April 3, 2021 - Vigil of Easter 7:00 PM - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta GA

VIGIL OF EASTER Saturday, April 3, 2021 The Order of Worship at 7:00 PM This is the night! This is our Passover with Christ from darkness to light, from captivity to freedom, from death to life. Tonight is the heart of our celebration of the Three Days and the pinnacle of the church's year. The resurrection of Christ is proclaimed in word and sign, and we gather around a pillar of fire, hear ancient stories of our faith, welcome new sisters and brothers at the font, and share the food and drink of the promised land. Raised with Christ, we go forth into the world, aflame with the good news of the resurrection.

GREETING The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. | And also with you.

Sisters and brothers in Christ, on this most holy night when our Savior Jesus Christ passed from death to life, we gather with the church throughout the world in vigil and prayer. This is the Passover of Jesus Christ. Through light and the word, through water and oil, bread and wine, we proclaim Christ's death and resurrection, share Christ's triumph over sin and death, and await Christ's coming again in glory.

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.

Christ, yesterday and today, the beginning and the ending. To Christ belongs all time and all the ages; to Christ belongs glory and dominion now and forever. | Amen.

The light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.

PROCESSION

EASTER PROCLAMATION John Sabine, cantor

PRAYER OF THE DAY O God, you are the creator of the world, the liberator of your people, and the wisdom of the earth. By the resurrection of your Son free us from our fears, restore us in your image, and ignite us with your light, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. | Amen.

VIGIL READINGS, RESPONSES, AND PRAYERS Recorded THE STORY OF CREATION told by Miriam Guthrie and Audrey Vazquez

Genesis 1:1--2:4a

MUSICAL RESPONSE Vocal Ensemble: Pam Amy-Cupp, Jonathan Fuller, John Sabine, and Reilly Tiegreen

Silence for reflection

PRAYER Almighty God, you wonderfully created the dignity of human nature and yet more wonderfully restored it. In your mercy, let us share the divine life of the one who came to share our humanity, Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. | Amen.

Recorded THE STORY OF THE FLOOD told by Jessica Dean MUSICAL RESPONSE

Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13

Psalm 46 (Refrain 1)

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the mountains shake in the depths of the sea; though its waters rage and foam, and though the mountains tremble with its tumult. R There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be shaken; God shall help it at the break of day. R The nations rage, and the kingdoms shake; God speaks, and the earth melts away. R The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Come now, regard the works of the Lord, what desolations God has brought upon the earth; behold the one who makes war to cease in all the world; who breaks the bow, and shatters the spear, and burns the shields with fire. R “Be still, then, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. R Silence for reflection.

PRAYER O God, strength of the powerless and light in all darkness: Look in mercy upon your church, a wonderful and sacred mystery, that it may be an ark of peace in the midst of chaos. Let the whole world come to see that what was fallen is being raised up, that what was old is being made new, and that all things are being restored to wholeness through the one from whom they first took being, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen.

Recorded THE STORY OF DELIVERANCE AT THE RED SEA Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21 told by Jenny, Derek, Fiona, and Lars Peterson Recorded MUSICAL RESPONSE Wade in the Water sung by Wendy, Carl, Madison, and Reilly Tiegreen

African American spiritual

Silence for reflection.

PRAYER O God, whose wonderful deeds of old shine forth even to our own day: By the power of your mighty arm you once delivered your chosen people from slavery under Pharaoh, a sign for us of the salvation offered to everyone by the water of baptism.

Grant that all the peoples of earth may partake in the salvation of the Israelites and together dance on the safe side of the sea, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen.

Recorded THE STORY OF THE VALLEY OF THE DRY BONES told by Gavin and Graham Wilde MUSICAL RESPONSE Madison Tiegreen, cantor

Psalm 145

Ezekiel 37:1-14

Lord, hear my prayer, and in your faithfulness heed my supplications; answer me in your righteousness. Enter not into judgment with your servant, for in your sight shall no one living be justified. For my enemy has sought my life and has crushed me to the ground, making me live in dark places like those who are long dead. My spirit faints within me; my heart within me is desolate. I remember the time past; I ponder all your deeds; I consider the works of your hands. I spread out my hands to you; my soul gasps to you like a thirsty land.

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. 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. Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord, for I flee to you for refuge. Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God; let your good spirit lead me on level ground. Revive me, O Lord, for your name’s sake; for your righteousness’ sake, bring me out of trouble. In your steadfast love, destroy my enemies and bring all my foes to naught, for truly I am your servant.

Silence for reflection.

PRAYER Living God, by the death and resurrection of your Son you have brought us out of sin into righteousness and out of death into life. Breathe into us your life-giving Spirit, that receiving the gifts of word and sacrament, we may live in the hope of all your blessings to come, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen.

NEW TESTAMENT READING Madison Tiegreen, lector

Romans 6:3-11

We were incorporated into the death of Jesus Christ in baptism and so were liberated from the dominion of sin. We also anticipate that we will be incorporated into the resurrection of Christ and so will be liberated from the hold death has over our mortal bodies.

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore 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.

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We 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. For whoever has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died,

he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

music by Aaron David Miller

GOSPEL The holy gospel according to John. | Glory to you, O Lord.

John 20:1-18

This morning begins with confusion: the stone has been moved and the tomb is empty.

Disciples arrive, then angels, and finally Jesus himself. Out of the confusion, hope emerges, and a weeping woman becomes the first to confess her faith in the risen 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. So 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.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.

He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and 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. They 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.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus 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.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus 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.’ ” Mary 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. Alleluia. Christ is risen.Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia.

AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM HYMN 449

We Know That Christ is Raised

PRESENTATION Dear friends, we give thanks for the gift of baptism as we come before God to make public affirmation of baptism into Christ.

Let us pray. Merciful God, we thank you that you have made us your own by water and the Word in baptism. You have called us to yourself, enlightened us with the gifts of your Spirit, and nourished us in the community of faith. Uphold us and all your servants in the gifts and promises of baptism, and unite the hearts of all whom you have brought to new birth. We ask this in the name of Christ. | Amen.

PROFESSION OF FAITH

I ask you to profess your faith in Christ Jesus, reject sin, and confess the faith of the church.

Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God, the powers of this world that rebel against God, and the ways of sin that draw you from God? I renounce them.

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, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come 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.

AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM You have made public profession of your faith. Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in holy baptism: to live among God’s faithful people, to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper, to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, to serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?

I do, and I ask God to help and guide me.

People of God, do you promise to support and pray for one another in your life in Christ?

We do, and we ask God to help and guide us.

Let us pray.

We give you thanks, O God, that through water and the Holy Spirit you give us new birth, cleanse us from sin, and raise us to eternal life. Stir up in your people the gift of your Holy Spirit: 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 both now and forever. Amen.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Washed and renewed in the mercy of God that endures forever, we pray this night for the church, the world, and all creation.

A brief silence.

You bring us from death to life with Christ. Fill and enlighten the newly baptized (especially); enliven all the baptized so that your church may be a sign of resurrection in the world. Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great.

At creation you brought forth order and life. Bring life anew to all creation: sky, earth, and seas; sun, moon, and stars; plants and animals. Teach us to treasure and defend what you have declared to be good. Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great.

As you delivered your people, deliver all from bondage. Bring an end to war and brutality. Raise up leaders who listen for wisdom’s voice. Cause righteousness to spring up among the nations. Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great.

Your power extends to the depths of the grave. Bring hope and peace to all who are in the depths of sorrow or the fires of suffering. Heal all who are sick and comfort the grieving (especially). Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great.

In the first light of dawn Jesus’ resurrection was revealed. Guard all who keep vigil in the night: tending to the sick or ensuring public safety, working, or worrying. As they await the morning, may hope dawn upon them. Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great.

You drew the amazed, the terrified, and the weeping to the empty tomb. Gather us with your people of all times and places to wonder at your power and rejoice in your love.

Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great.

To you, Living God, we commend ourselves and all for whom we pray, trusting in the one with whom we have been raised to new life, Jesus Christ our Redeemer. | Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

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.

PEACE The peace of Christ be with you always. | And also with you.

SENDING BLESSING The God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus. | Amen.

The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. | Amen.

The God of all grace ☩ bless you now and forever. | Amen.

HYMN 363

Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain

DISMISSAL Go in peace. Share the good news. | Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE

Christ lag in Todesbanden, BWV 625 J. S. Bach (Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands, Hymn 370)

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