Keeping the Vigil – for Resurrection
“The disciples, along with Mary and Jesus’ brothers, ‘all joined together constantly in prayer’ while waiting for the Holy Spirit.”
In what I believe is a first for FUMC Plano, we will hold an outdoor Easter Prayer Vigil beginning at 8 p.m. following our Good Friday service and continuing through the weekend until 6 a.m. Easter morning, just before our 6:45 a.m. Sunrise Service. That creates 34 one-hour opportunities for individuals, friends, and families to gather around a firepit on the Cross Lawn, bringing lawn chairs or blankets, and praying for whatever God places on your heart. There’s a lot to choose from! We will provide prayer guides, suggestions, and materials — as well as wood to keep the fire going.
Prayer was a hallmark of the early church; it went hand in hand with every instance in life, from focusing themselves on God (Acts 2:42) to praying amid the injustices of the world (Acts 12:5). They were together all about prayer. With both the joys of our hope and connection, and the concerns of what is now global upheaval, God calls us to be a people of prayer first, before all else. A focused vigil gives us that opportunity as a church family.
Member Joel Allard is our point person for this ministry; you can reach him at jobuya@gmail.com or at 832-752-7029 with your questions. There will be a sign-up table in the Gathering Area these next two Sundays, as well as a sign-up link here. I hope you will sign up and bring someone along with you.
After a Good Friday Service where we will literally nail our confessions to a cross, a time of prayer under the sky is just the space to feel God’s forgiving, healing, and empowering presence. Cammy and I will be signed up for an hour. We hope you will too.
Connecting God and Grace to Self and Community,
Matt Gaston
Lead Pastor
