The Joyous Celebration of Easter

Holy Eucharist

April 12, 2020

Please stand.

Processional Hymn: Jesus Christ has Risen Today (Hymnal 207)

Jesus Christ is ris'n today, Alleluia!

our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!

who did once upon the cross Alleluia!

suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing Alleluia!

unto Christ our heav'nly King, Alleluia!

who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!

sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

But the pains which he endured, Alleluia!

our salvation have procured; Alleluia!

now above the sky he's King, Alleluia!

where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

Sing we to our God above Alleluia!

praise eternal as his love; Alleluia!

praise him, all ye heav'nly host, Alleluia!

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!

The Word of God

(Stand)

Celebrant: Alleluia, Christ is risen.

People: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

The Collect for Purity

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Summary of the Law

Jesus said: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 22:37-40

Lord, have mercy

Christ, have mercy

Lord, have mercy.

Gloria

(Spoken)

Glory to God in the highest,

and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King,

almighty God and Father,

we worship you, we give you thanks,

we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God,

you take away the sin of the world,

have mercy on us;

you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One,

you alone are the Lord,

you alone are the Most High,

Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,

in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

The Collect of the Day

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.

People: And with your spirit.

Celebrant: Let us pray.

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may, by your life-giving Spirit, be delivered from sin and raised from death; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lessons of the Day

A reading from Exodus 14:10-14

¹⁰ When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the LORD. ¹¹ They said to Moses, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? ¹² Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” ¹³ And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. ¹⁴ The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

²¹ Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the LORD drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. ²² And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. ²³ The Egyptians pursued and went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. ²⁴ And in the morning watch the LORD in the pillar of fire and of cloud looked down on the Egyptian forces and threw the Egyptian forces into a panic, ²⁵ clogging their chariot wheels so that they drove heavily. And the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from before Israel, for the LORD fights for them against the Egyptians.”

²⁶ Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.” ²⁷ So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal course when the morning appeared. And as the Egyptians fled into it, the LORD threw the Egyptians into the midst of the sea. ²⁸ The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen; of all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, not one of them remained. ²⁹ But the people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

³⁰ Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. ³¹ Israel saw the great power that the LORD used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in his servant Moses.

Reader: The Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 118:14-17, 22-24

¹⁴ The LORD is my strength and my song; *

he has become my salvation.

¹⁵ Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous: *

“The right hand of the LORD does valiantly,

¹⁶ the right hand of the LORD exalts, *

the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!”

¹⁷ I shall not die, but I shall live, *

and recount the deeds of the LORD.

²² The stone that the builders rejected *

has become the cornerstone.

²³ This is the LORD's doing; *

it is marvelous in our eyes.

²⁴ This is the day that the LORD has made; *

let us rejoice and be glad in it.

A reading from Colossians 3:1-4

¹ If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. ³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Reader: The Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God.

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John

People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

John 20:1-10

¹ Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. ² So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” ³ So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. ⁴ Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. ⁵ And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. ⁶ Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, ⁷ and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. ⁸ Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; ⁹ for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. ¹⁰ Then the disciples went back to their homes.

Reader: The Gospel of the Lord.

People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

THE SERMON The Rev. Ronald J. Baillie, Rector

The Nicene Creed

All stand to recite the Nicene Creed, the Celebrant first saying:

Let us confess our faith in the words of the Nicene Creed:

(Celebrant and People)

We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is, visible and invisible.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only-begotten Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made,

of one Being with the Father;

through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven:

was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary,

and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;

he ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified.

who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Prayers of the People (Please stand or kneel)

Let us pray for the Church and for the world, saying, “hear our prayer.”

For the peace of the whole world, and for the well-being and unity of the people of God.

Reader: Risen Lord,

People: hear our prayer.

For the Primates of the Worldwide Anglican Communion; the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby and Caroline; Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America, Foley Beach and Allison; our Bishop, James Hobby and Shari; for all clergy and other ministers, especially our Rector, Father Ron and Sue; our Associate Rector, Father Chris and Katherine; our assisting clergy, Fr. Terry and Mary Anne; all missionaries, especially The Rev. Alison Barfoot, in Uganda; St. Thomas, Fort Collins, CO, Church of the Apostles, Kansas City, MO, the Anglican Diocese of the South Carolina; Advance Community Church; and for all the clergy and people of our Diocese and Congregation.

Reader: Risen Lord,

People: hear our prayer.

For all those who proclaim the Gospel at home and abroad; for all who teach and disciple others; and for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted for their faith.

Reader: Risen Lord,

People: hear our prayer.

For all the men and women in our Armed Forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; and give them courage to face the perils that beset them; and help them to know that nothing can separate them from your love.

Reader: Risen Lord,

People: hear our prayer.

For our nation, for those in authority, and for all in public service especially, our Congress, Supreme Court and our President, Donald Trump.

Reader: Risen Lord,

People: hear our prayer.

For all those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity especially…

Reader: Risen Lord,

People: hear our prayer.

For all those who have departed this life in the certain hope of the resurrection, especially...

Reader: Risen Lord,

People: hear our prayer.

We thank you for all the blessings of this life…

(The people are invited to share their thanksgivings aloud)

Reader: Risen Lord,

People: hear our prayer.

That the negotiations with the Episcopal Diocese regarding this property be fruitful and that your will be done.

Reader: Risen Lord,

People: hear our prayer.

For our vestry, especially our wardens, Dave and Jeremy, that as your appointed leaders they may faithfully serve you and this church.

Reader: Risen Lord,

People: hear our prayer.

For the special needs and concerns of this congregation, especially…

(The people may share their petitions silently or aloud)

Reader: Risen Lord,

People: hear our prayer.

The Celebrant concludes with this or some other appropriate Collect.

Heavenly Father, grant these our prayers for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Confession and Absolution of Sin

The Celebrant says the following:

Let us humbly confess our sins to Almighty God.

Silence

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

The Bishop or Priest stands and says:

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who in his great mercy has promised forgiveness of sins to all those who sincerely repent and with true faith turn to him, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

The Peace

Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People: And with your spirit.

Send your greetings of peace to

peace@SaintThomasAnglican.org

Birthday and Anniversary Prayers

Birthday:

Watch over your child, O Lord, as his days increase; bless and guide him wherever he may be. Strengthen him when he stands; comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful; raise him up if he falls; and in his heart may your peace which passes all understanding abide all the days of his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Anniversary:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your continued blessings on the union of these your servants, that have enabled them to reach another anniversary. We thank You for letting their love deepen and for helping them in time of trial. We ask You to continue to watch over them, over their home and family. Help them to renew and strengthen their vows of love and commitment and to strive to remain united with You, steadfast in their faith and in your service. Amen.

The Holy Communion

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.

People: And with your spirit.

Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.

People: We lift them up to the Lord.

Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People It is right to give him thanks and praise.

The Celebrant continues

It is right, our duty and our joy, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

But chiefly are we bound to praise you for the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord: for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who was offered for us, and has taken away the sin of the world; who by his death has destroyed death, and by his rising to life again has won for us everlasting life.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord,

God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

The Prayer of Consecration

Stand or kneel

Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and when we had sinned against you and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent your only Son into the world for our salvation. By the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary he became flesh and dwelt among us.

In obedience to your will, he stretched out his arms upon the cross and offered himself once for all, that by his suffering and death we might be saved. By his resurrection he broke the bonds of death, trampling Hell and Satan under his feet. As our great high priest, he ascended to your right hand in glory, that we might come with confidence before the throne of grace.

On the night that he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is my Body which is given for you: Do this in remembrance of me.”

Likewise, after supper, Jesus took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink this, all of you; for this is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you, and for many, for the forgiveness of sins: Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me.”

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Celebrant and People:

Christ has died.

Christ is risen.

Christ will come again.

We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, and we offer you these gifts.

Sanctify them by your Word and Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Sanctify us also, that we may worthily receive this holy sacrament, and be made one body with him, so that he may dwell in us and we in him. And bring us with all your saints into the fullness of your heavenly kingdom, where we shall see our Lord face to face.

All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and forever. Amen.

The Lord's Prayer

And now as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray:

Celebrant and People together pray

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy Name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those

who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,

for ever and ever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread

Celebrant: Alleluia! Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us.

Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!

The Ministration of Communion

Celebrant: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sin of the world. Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

John 1:29, Revelation 19:9

Those who are unable to receive the communion elements today may pray:

The Prayer for Spiritual Communion

Let us pray.

Dear Jesus,

I believe that you are truly present in the Holy Sacrament.

I love you above all things, and I desire to possess you within my soul,

and since I cannot now receive you sacramentally,

I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart.

I unite myself to you, together with all your faithful people,

gathered around every altar of your Church,

and I embrace you with all the affections of my soul.

Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.

Silence is kept. Each member of the family may silently read and reflect on this prayer or otherwise meditate on Christ’s spiritual presence.

The Post Communion Prayer

Please stand or kneel

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Blessing

A Kenyan Blessing: the people accompany the first three responses with a sweep of the arm towards the cross behind the Holy Table, and their final response with a sweep towards heaven.

Celebrant: All our problems,

People: We send to the cross of Christ.

Celebrant: All our difficulties,

People: We send to the cross of Christ.

Celebrant: All the devil's works,

People: We send to the cross of Christ.

Celebrant: All our hopes.

People: We set on the risen Christ.

Celebrant: Christ the Sun of Righteousness Shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path: And the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you, always. Amen.

Recessional Hymn: He is risen! (Hymnal 180)

He is risen! He is risen!

Tell it out with joyful voice;

he has burst his three days’ prison;

let the whole wide earth rejoice:

death is conquered; we is free.

Christ has won the victory.

Come, ye sad and fearful hearted,

with glad smile and radiant brow!

Death's long shadows have departed;

Jesu' woes are over now,

and the passion that he bore --

sin and pain can vex no more.

Come with high and holy hymning;

hail our Lord’s triumphant day;

not one darksome cloud is dimming

yonder glorious morning ray,

breaking o’er the purple east,

symbol of our Easter feast.

He is risen! He is risen!

He hath opened heaven’s gate:

we are free from sin’s dark prison,

risen to a holier state;

and a brighter Easter beam

on our longing eyes shall stream.

Dismissal

Celebrant: Let us go forth in to the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.

ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA!

People: Thanks be to God. ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA