The Vigil of Pentecost

Come Pray and Celebrate the Vigil of Pentecost!

The Vigil of Pentecost is a feature of our liturgical calendar which is rarely observed or celebrated. So, we’re trying something new: A worship service for the Vigil of Pentecost beginning at 10:30 on the morning of Saturday, May 23, the day before Pentecost Sunday.

This service will be offered in the spirit of lessons and carols with readings from scripture related to the coming of the Holy Spirit and Pentecost hymns and songs which reflect the diversity of Christian song throughout the world and across cultures, much like the Day of Pentecost when the gospel was proclaimed in the languages of the nations.

The service will also be a kind of “reverse Tenebrae,” which will feature lighting candles rather than extinguishing them, recalling the Spirit’s coming like tongues of flame on Pentecost. At this liturgy we will gather in vigilant prayer as the disciples did in the days preceding Pentecost.

Our world waits for an end to war and violence. The whole creation waits for an end to suffering. With undying hope, we will pray for the crowning gift of Easter—the Spirit of the risen Christ among us. Mark your calendars now. Plan to join us!