Easter Eve Vigil

St. Peter

Worship at

Key to Life

Saturday, April 23

Welcome toSt. Peter!

At this most holy time of year, we are glad that you have come to worship this evening in our Easter Vigil service. As we contemplate God’s great plan of deliverance for His people, the good news of deliverance from sin, death, and the devil tops the list. May your Easter be blessed by the Word we share this evening as we prepare to celebrate Christ’s resurrection tomorrow!

Welcome toSt. Peter!

There are friendship registers at the end of each row of chairs.

Please take a moment to give us your information so that we have a record of your time with us today.

Thank you!

For Our Guests

If you have questions, let us try to help. Speak with an usher, greeter, or the person next to you.

If you’d like to learn more about St. Peter and its ministry, please talk to a pastor or member after the service.

Need to Know what’s going on?

Our church website has the info you need right at your fingertips Check the church calendar. Sign up for seminars or events. Get access to devotions,

sermons, and more.

www.stpeterschofield.org

The Concept of a VigilA vigil is an evening service of

Scripture readings and prayers in which believers vigilantly and eagerly wait and watch for the celebration of the Savior’s deliverance. One might say that our Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve services are vigils of sorts. Coming together for a vigil helps believers practice waiting patiently for God to reveal his will in his own good time.

The History of the Easter Vigil

The Easter Vigil is the most well known and historic of the Church’s vigils. In fact, in its general structure, it is one of the most ancient rites of the Christian Church. From its beginnings, the Easter Vigil was closely connected to Holy Baptism.

The History of the Easter VigilIn the pagan world, a conversion to

Christianity meant making a clean break from one’s former life style. The instruction of adults was, therefore, intensive and thorough, practical as well as intellectual.

The History of the Easter VigilThe instruction intensified during the

season of Lent, as catechumens pondered not only the Savior’s battle with evil, but also their own battle with Satan and his forces. The instruction culminated with baptism at the Easter Vigil.

The History of the Easter Vigil

The timing was natural, of course: “All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death. We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:3-4).

The Easter Vigil in the 21st Century Church

It is a well-documented phenomenon that more and more Christians are longing to return to the quiet and contemplative worship forms of the early Church. They desire worship that communicates God’s transcendent majesty rather than trivializing him with folksy familiarity.

The Easter Vigil in the 21st Century Church

For this and a number of other reasons, the Easter Vigil is enjoying a comeback in the 21st century Christian Church. With its quiet contemplation, slow-paced movement, and symbolic communication, the Easter Vigil is attractive to many Christians who are seeking a deeper and more thorough spirituality.

The Easter Vigil in the 21st Century Church

Especially in churches that take the Church Year seriously, the Easter Vigil seems to mark the high point of Holy Week and the turning point of the Christian Year.

Please be courteous

and silence all

pagers and cell phones.Thank youThank you

OUR COMMUNION PRACTICEIn the Sacrament of Holy Communion,

Jesus gives us his true body and blood. We express unity with our Savior and those who share our faith and stand on the teachings of God’s Word.

Therefore, we invite to our altar those who are members of our church or the WELS. Visitors and guests who wish to commune are asked to speak to a pastor before the service begins.