Easter 4
Sunday, May 3, 2020
Please stand.
PROCESSIONAL HYMN: The Good Shepherd
My Savior the good Shepherd is, He’ll never leave the flock.
The One Who truly loves the sheep, Became the Lamb of God.
Despised, afflicted in my stead, He spent His soul for me.
And to the slaughter He was led, That I not thirsty be.
My Shepherd is the Lamb of God, He calls to me each day,
To drink the waters flowing free, From His pierced side of grace.
Yet when I stray or choose my way, He still would search for me,
And bring me home on shoulders strong. Do I not His love see?
My Shepherd’s face is how I live, I love to look at Him.
Though He might lead through shearing trial, But still I follow Him.
Just as the Father’s presence cheered Him through each suffering day,
’Tis once I saw His tender care That here I want to stay.
Oh, Father thank You for Your Son, He shares Your heart for us.
That gladly He would bear us to The bosom of Your love.
No greater Shepherd could there be, That He would not lose one!
And lead us all to dwell with You. Sweet Pasture, Living Stream
THE WORD OF GOD (Please 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.
O God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice, we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
THE LESSONS OF THE DAY
A reading from Nehemiah 9:6-15
6 “You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you. 7 You are the Lord, the God who chose Abram and brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans and gave him the name Abraham. 8 You found his heart faithful before you, and made with him the covenant to give to his offspring the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Jebusite, and the Girgashite. And you have kept your promise, for you are righteous. 9 “And you saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt and heard their cry at the Red Sea, 10 and performed signs and wonders against Pharaoh and all his servants and all the people of his land, for you knew that they acted arrogantly against our fathers. And you made a name for yourself, as it is to this day. 11 And you divided the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on dry land, and you cast their pursuers into the depths, as a stone into mighty waters. 12 By a pillar of cloud you led them in the day, and by a pillar of fire in the night to light for them the way in which they should go. 13 You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them from heaven and gave them right rules and true laws, good statutes and commandments, 14 and you made known to them your holy Sabbath and commanded them commandments and statutes and a law by Moses your servant. 15 You gave them bread from heaven for their hunger and brought water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and you told them to go in to possess the land that you had sworn to give them.
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd; *
therefore I can lack nothing.
2 He shall feed me in green pastures *
and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort.
3 He shall refresh my soul *
and bring me forth in the paths of righteousness for his Name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; *
for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.
5 You shall prepare a table before me, in the presence of those who trouble me; *
you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full.
6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
A reading from 1 Peter 2:13-25
13Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. 18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
SEQUENCE HYMN Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us HYMNAL 708
Savior, like a shepherd lead us; much we need thy tender care;
in thy pleasant pastures feed us; for our use thy folds prepare.
Blessed Jesus! Blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, thine we are.
Early let us seek thy favor, early let us learn thy will;
do thou, Lord, our only Savior, with thy love our bosoms fill.
Blessed Jesus! Blessed Jesus! Thou hast loved us: love us still.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
THE GOSPEL John 10:1-10
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
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; Christ Church, Brownsville; St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Charleroi; The Global Anglican Futures Conference in Ireland; 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 affected by the coronavirus. For those suffering with symptoms, whether hospitalized or at home; for those who have died, provide rest for their souls and comfort for their families as they grieve. Protect and secure all health care workers and those who provide essential services, as well as those who have lost jobs and those discouraged and depressed from isolation and loneliness. Help and guide those seeking to discover a vaccine. Heal us.
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 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
SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
The Celebrant continues
Hear what St. Paul says: “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we can ask or imagine, according to his power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-21
THE LORD’S PRAYER
The Celebrant then says:
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 AGNUS DEI
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
grant us your peace.
THE ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
The Celebrant may say the following invitation
The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart, because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:8-9
PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
Let us pray.
The family prays together, or, if possible, each individual prays silently in their heart.
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.
REFLECTION HYMN O Lord, Hear My Prayer
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer: when I call answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer: come and listen to me.
The Lord is my song, the Lord is my praise: all my hope comes from God.
The Lord is my song, the Lord is my praise: God, the well-spring of life.
THE ANIMA CHRISTI
Let us pray.
Celebrant and People together say or sing the following:
Soul of Christ, be my salvation,
Body of Christ, my consecration;
Blood of Christ, fill all my veins;
Water from Christ’s side, wash my stains;
Passion of Christ, my comfort be;
O good Jesus, listen to me;
Within your wounds I long to hide,
Ne’er to be parted from your side.
O guard me when the foe assails me,
Guide me when my feet shall fail me;
Bid me come to you above,
With all your saints to sing your love,
Now and forever. Amen.
EASTER 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 In Christ Alone SONGBOOK pg. 63
In Christ alone my hope is found. He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My comforter, my all in all, here in the love of Christ I stand
In Christ alone who took on flesh, fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness, scorned by the ones He came to save
Till on that cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid, here in the death of Christ I live
There in the ground His body lay, light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day, up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory, sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine, bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I'll stand
DISMISSAL
Celebrant: ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA!
Let us go forth in to the world, rejoicing in the power of the risen Christ.
People: Thanks be to God. ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA!