Which Easter Service Is For You?

Dear Friends,

We have four Easter services this year! They are each different, and each have wonderful things to recommend them. If you haven't decided where you'll be already, here are some more details:

Easter Vigil (8 pm on Saturday)

Following the Jewish calendar (in which the day starts at sundown) the first service of Easter is actually on Saturday night. With a series of readings, Psalms, and canticles, this service recalls the whole work of God's salvation throughout history. It begins outside in darkness with a lit fire, moves indoors with candlelight, readings, a homily and the renewal of baptismal vows, and finally into the full light (and bell peeling) of the resurrection proclamation and celebration of the first Eucharist of Easter. There will be incense, chant, a Renaissance giant lute, and much beauty. Expect about 90 minutes. NOT live-streamed. NO nursery care.

Easter Sunrise (6:45 am on Sunday)

Just as the women who were first witnesses of the Resurrection came to the garden tomb at sunrise, we'll gather at the Garden Chapel at sunrise to celebrate Easter. This is our only outdoor service, and the first full service at the new Garden Chapel. This is the simplest of the services: the music will be accompanied by a single guitar (and lots of birds), communion will received standing. The weather is currently forecasted to be bright and sunny, though you'll want a jacket until the sun comes up. Expect about 50 minutes. NOT live-streamed. NO nursery care.

Easter Sunday - Contemporary Music

(9 am on Sunday)

The first regular service of Easter, full of Easter hymns, flowers (including the flowering of the cross), Children's sermon, Easter sermon, and First Communion reception. This is a wonderful, warm, and accessible service for everyone to experience the joy of Easter -- whether it's your tenth time at St. Andrew's this week, or your first time ever. Expect about 65-75 minutes. Live-stream available. Nursery care and children's church.

Easter Sunday - Traditional Music

(11 am on Sunday)

The big difference between this service and the 9 am is the music! With a guest trumpet, a choral prelude by Stephanie Jenkins, the Hallelujah Chorus sung by a our choir, and all the grand, traditional Easter hymns, this service will be an auditory and visual delight. Flowering of the cross, Easter sermon, First Communion reception, and the rest of the special Easter pieces will be a part of this service as well. Expect about 65-75 minutes. Live-stream available. Nursery care and children's church.

See? They're all great options, so whichever one(s) you pick, it'll be a wonderful and celebratory weekend.

In Christ,
Fr. Andrew

Don't forget about the Egg Hunt at 10:00 am following the 9:00 am service!