The celebration of the Easter Vigil at Christ the King Lutheran Church is one of the liturgical high points of the entire church year. The congregation meets in the courtyard where the Vigil fire is burning. From this fire a new paschal candle is lit. All process to the dark nave where by candlelight the congregation hears readings of promise and fulfillment, primarily from the Old Testament. After the affirmation of the baptismal covenant, we wait in silence until midnight when Easter is announced. At this point the lights come on, the altar and the nave are vested, and the joyous celebration of the first Holy Communion of Easter Day begins.

There will be no confession and absolution since this service really is the continuation of the services on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Worshipers are offered individual absolution on Maundy Thursday. On Good Friday the congregation gathers in the stripped nave to hear the story of Christ’s suffering and death and meditate on it with the help of psalm readings and choir music.

The services at Christ the King Lutheran Church are open to all. Communion in our congregation is open to all baptized Christians. Lutherans believe and trust that in this sacrament Christ is truly present to heal our brokenness and empower our lives.

The complete schedule of Holy Week services in 2004 is

Maundy Thursday, April 8

7:30 p.m., Holy Eucharist, Individual Absolution and Stripping of the Altar

Good Friday, April 9

3:00 p.m., Karfreitag (German-language Service)
7:30 p.m., Tenebrae (Service of the Shadows)

Holy Saturday, April 10

Canonical Hours, Midnight-9:00 p.m., Prayer Services
6:00 p.m., Taizé Prayer Service
10:45 p.m., Candlelight Procession, Easter Vigil, and first Eucharist of Easter

Easter Sunday, April 11

8:30 and 10:50 a.m., Festive Eucharistic Services
2:00 p.m., Ostermesse (German-language Service)