The Vigil

Soft acoustic music, candlelight, incense, and friends. At Zion Lutheran, 435 Main St., Akron, a new worship fills the senses. Creating the right environment is important for this monthly service, called the Vigil. People encounter God through the body, with our senses, and in community. The gathering embraces ancient and modern Christian worship by employing some modern technologies and sound, with the ancient texts and familiar rites of the 2,000-year Christian tradition. Worship is interactive, encouraging high participation from those who come. Worship is the place where the relationship between God and His people is formed and built. Like a dance, we come to meet God in worship and to receive His gift of grace and love, even as we respond in thankful praise and joyful song.
A rite of remembrance of Baptism, long part of the Lutheran confessional tradition, includes an invitation to come to the font for a water blessing. Scripture reading and response is interactive between pastor and congregation. Last month, excerpts from the U2 song, “I Still haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” capped a message about the human quest for God, meaning, and faith. All are invited to pray in small group stations for healing, peace, families, and spiritual guidance. Familiar texts include the Kyrie, “Lord, have mercy”, the Apostles’ Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer. We chose to retain the ancient words that bind the Christian faithful together, transcending time and space. It’s not about us, but about Christ and His suffering love for all humanity. We celebrate the Lord’s Supper by passing the common loaf and chalice, a sign of unity with Christ shared in the sacred meal.
Music is diverse and may include an old spiritual or hymn, a new Scripture song or contemporary Christian song, and some music written for the Vigil. A more diverse music repertoire invites broader participation across generations. Zion Akron invites the community to attend the Vigil on February 19th at 6:04 p.m. Ample parking in the lot on Main Street. For more information call Pastor Matt Lenahan at 859-2100 or visit his Weblog at www.luthkoinonia.blogspot.com.