During the early history of the Christian Church, most new members were baptized on Easter morning just as the sun rose.  This was the origin of Easter sunrise services.  What preceded those services for those being baptized was a long period of preparation and a night of prayer and fasting.  Eventually, many church members decided to join in that long night of preparation and heard many of the biblical accounts detailing God's intention for Creation and humankind.  They heard stories of how we went astray and how God called us back.

 

On the evening of March 30th, 2013, starting at 7pm, at All Saints' Church, 258 South Main Street, Wolfeboro, three local churches (St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, Sanbornville, The First Congregational Church of Wolfeboro, and All Saints' Episcopal Church of Wolfeboro) will offer a modern version of this wonderfully mysterious and joyful service in a way that is particularly available to children and families as well as to adults.

 

The service will start with a bonfire, a tradition added by St. Patrick of Ireland, continue with a candlelight procession into the darkened church where the ancient Exaltant will be sung.  Then the stories of Creation, the Exodus and the Rising of the Dry bones will be told and enacted by storytellers.  Water will be blessed and each child will receive a scallop shell, a symbol of new-life born from water.  Then the lights will come on as everybody rings the bells--slay bells, dinner bells, school bells they have brought along for the occasion, shout "Alleluia" as we hear the story of the resurrection and begin the celebration of Easter with Communion.  The blessing of the bread and wine for Communion will also be told as a story with all gathered around.

 

All who wish to be part of this service of worship, learning, joy and celebration are welcome.

 

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