EASTER SUNDAY

• The Festive Atmosphere: The church is typically transformed with white and gold liturgical hangings and an abundance of flowers, particularly white lilies, which symbolize purity and new life.
• The Easter Proclamation: The service begins with the jubilant shout: "Alleluia. Christ is risen!" to which the congregation responds, "The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!".
• Special Music: You can expect powerful congregational hymns like "Jesus Christ is Risen Today." Many parishes also include anthems such as Handel’s "Hallelujah Chorus."

• Flowering of the Cross: A beloved tradition where children and adults bring fresh flowers to adorn a bare wooden cross, transforming a symbol of death into a vibrant display of life. We have never done this at St. Luke's but could adopt this in the future. 
• Baptisms and Renewals: Easter is a primary occasion for Holy Baptism. If no one is being baptized, the congregation often renews their baptismal vows together.
• Community Events: Many churches host an easter egg hunt for children or a festive coffee hour/reception following the service.
• In the Episcopal Church, the Easter Sunday service (and the preceding Great Vigil) is rich with ancient symbols that represent the transition from death to life and the presence of the risen Christ. 

• The Paschal Candle: The most prominent symbol, this large white candle represents the Risen Christ. Look carefully and you will see that it is inscribed with:
  • The Cross: Representing Christ's sacrifice.
  • Alpha and Omega: signifying that Christ is the beginning and the end.
  • The Current Year: Representing Christ’s presence in the "here and now".
  • Five Grains of Incense: Often inserted in the shape of a cross to represent the five wounds of Christ.
• Water: The baptismal font is prominent, as Easter is the primary season for Holy Baptism. Water symbolizes cleansing, rebirth, and the "new life" of the believer.
• White and Gold: These are the liturgical colors for the season, symbolizing joy, purity, and the glory of the Resurrection.

• The "Alleluia": After being omitted during the 40 days of Lent, the enthusiastic return of the Alleluia (meaning "Praise the Lord") is a major auditory symbol of the day.
• Bells: Bells that were silent during Holy Week are often jubilantly rung during the singing of the "Gloria" to announce the Resurrection.
• Easter Lilies: Often used to decorate the altar or sanctuary, their white blossoms symbolize purity and the new life emerging from a "dead" bulb.
• The Empty Tomb/Cross: Many churches use an empty cross (without a figure of Christ) to emphasize that He has risen. We have one of these displayed year round above our altar. 
• Bread and Wine: In the Eucharist, these represent the body and blood of Christ, serving as symbols of spiritual nourishment and the community's union with the Risen Lord. 

• Festive Decor: The church will be filled with white and gold hangings and an abundance of easter lilies.
• Crowds: This is typically the most attended service of the year, so it is often recommended to arrive early to find a seat. Last year we had approximately 300 people!
• Joyful Noise: "Alleluia," bells, music, and accessible preaching.
   

• Enhanced Music: The service features a full choir, Shelle, our pianist, "pulling out all the stops," and sometimes we have a brass quintent. We also have incredible soloists and other musicians.
• Grand Processions: The service usually begins with a formal procession led by a cross, followed by acolytes, choir, and clergy in their finest vestments. While we process every week, Easter typically features a longer procession.
• Congregational Hymns: You will have the chance to sing classic Easter hymns.

Easter is a great time to introduce newcomers to the Episcopal Church. It is also a wonderful opportunity to renew your baptismal vows, ponder the Risen Christ, and enter a season of joyous and exhuberant worship. Please join us this Sunday at 10:30 a.m. for our full choral Eucharist service!

Your Sister in Christ,

Ashley+