You are invited to April 7 Easter Vigil

People of all ages are welcome to the second annual Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 7, at Oklahoma City University. This service is held the night before Easter as a transition from Lent to the celebration of Easter.

The vigil was birthed in the earliest years of the Christian church. This presentation will follow a traditional order—Scripture readings, remembrance of baptism, and Holy Communion—and will be energized by the participation of students and faculty from OCU’s outstanding art departments. The service will feature a variety of musical styles, from Latin chant to gospel to contemporary.

This program will be particularly well-received by youths and young adults.

The vigil begins at 7 p.m. with a gathering at Watson Lounge, in the basement of Smith Chapel. Then participants will go outside for the lighting of the Paschal fire and candle. Next the group will move into the sanctuary.

All the Scripture lessons will be presented dramatically. The creation story in Genesis 1 will be offered as a jazz reading. Dancers will portray the exodus and Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of the dry bones. Actors will perform the Easter story from the Gospel of Mark. The Spirit of Grace Liturgical Dancers will present lilies and white paraments.

The service will culminate with Communion and songs led by Erica Thomas from OKC-Quayle UMC.

A reception will follow, in Watson Lounge.

For more information, contact Chaplain Rodney Newman, 405-208-5484, RNewman@okcu.edu.