A number of issues had to be managed this year, in planning our Easter Eucharist:

Left fragile after Covid, we currently have no early service so there is the question of how to manage the lighting of the Paschal Candle.

Our children’s leader is away this Easter, so the children will be present throughout the whole service. So, I’ve spent some time thinking about how to have as much interest in the service without it getting too long.

I decided that we will light the Paschal Candle in the middle of our 10 a.m. service and combine it with the sermon. I will do this with the children – we will add the incense pins and light it together, talking about Christ’s wounds, and how he still has the wounds, even after he has risen from the dead. I’ll sing the exsultet and ask them to listen out for the bee – maybe we will talk about looking after the bees as part of being people of life. We’ll also look at the symbolism on the candle – the Alpha and the Omega, the celtic cross with the circle of the world. I’ll also mention how old the Exsultet is (C4th – possibly by Ambrose). As the congregtion’s candles are lit, I’ll talk about how we are called to be lights in the world, just as Jesus was – especially when times are dark, as they are just now.

Before this we will have renewed our baptism vows and be sprinkled with water – again, the children can help with this.

The congregational candles, lit from the paschal candle will then be kep alight through the intercessions – a reminder of Christ, the light of the world and that we must be light bearers in the world.

We’re only having the gospel reading – part of keeping the service short.

So the first part of the service willl look like this:

The Lord be with you
And also with you!

Alleluia, Christ is Risen
He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

The Renewal of Baptism Vows
Do your turn to Christ? I turn to Christ
Do you renounce evil? I renounce evil
Do your repent of your sins? I repent of my sins

Profession of faith

Do you believe and trust in God the Father,
source of all being and life, the one for whom we exist?
We believe and trust in him.
Do you believe and trust in God the Son,
who took our human nature, died for us and rose again?
We believe and trust in him.
Do you believe and trust in God the Holy Spirit,
who gives life to the people of God
and makes Christ known in the world?
We believe and trust in him.

This is the faith of the Church.
This is our faith. We believe and trust in one God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Sprinkling with water

Hymn:

The Collect

Gospel Reading

The Sermon – the lighting of the Easter Candle

Sharing the light of Christ

Prayers of intercession

Hymn:
The Eucharistic Prayer.

Afterwards there’ll be little bags of mini eggs for everyone, and lots of cake! We put some easter eggs out in a box on the church steps too, and a notice on the railings telling people to help themselves. They always go!

I hope this is of help!

Easter Blessings!

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