Please stand.
PROCESSIONAL HYMN: Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!
Alleluia! sing to Jesus! his the scepter, his the throne;
Alleluia! his the triumph, his the victory alone;
Hark! the songs of peaceful Zion thunder like a mighty flood;
Jesus out of every nation hath redeemed us by his blood.
Alleluia! not as orphans are we left in sorrow now;
Alleluia! he is near us, faith believes, nor questions how:
though the cloud from sight received him, when the forty days were o'er,
shall our hearts forget his promise, "I am with you evermore"?
Alleluia! Bread of Heaven, thou on earth our food, our stay!
Alleluia! here the sinful flee to thee from day to day:
Intercessor, friend of sinners, earth's Redeemer, plead for me,
where the songs of all the sinless sweep across the crystal sea.
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.
Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal glory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
THE LESSONS OF THE DAY
A reading from Deuteronomy 6:20-25
20 “When your son asks you in time to come, ‘What is the meaning of the testimonies and the statutes and the rules that the Lord our God has commanded you?’ 21 then you shall say to your son, ‘We were Pharaoh's slaves in Egypt. And the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22 And the Lord showed signs and wonders, great and grievous, against Egypt and against Pharaoh and all his household, before our eyes. 23 And he brought us out from there, that he might bring us in and give us the land that he swore to give to our fathers. 24 And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as we are this day. 25 And it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to do all this commandment before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us.’
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 66:1-8
Psalm 66:1-8
1 Be joyful in God, all you lands; *
sing praises to the honor of his Name; make his praise to be glorious.
2 Say to God, “How wonderful are your works; *
through the greatness of your power shall your enemies cower before you.
3 For all the world shall worship you, *
sing to you, and praise your Name.”
4 O come and see the works of God, *
how wonderful he is in his doing toward all people.
5 He turned the sea into dry land, so that they went through the water on foot; *
therefore in him let us rejoice.
6 He rules with his power for ever; his eyes keep watch over the nations; *
let not the rebellious exalt themselves.
7 Bless our God, you peoples, *
and make the voice of his praise to be heard,
8 Who holds our soul in life, *
and does not allow our feet to slip.
A reading from 1 Peter 2:1-12
1So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” 7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” 8 and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
SEQUENCE HYMN You Are My All in All
You are my strength when I am weak, You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all, Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord to give up I'd be a fool, You are my all in all
Jesus Lamb of God worthy is Your name, Jesus Lamb of God worthy is Your name
Taking my sin my cross my shame, Rising again I bless your name
You are my all in all, When I fall down you pick me up
When I am dry You fill my cup, You are my all in all
Jesus Lamb of God worthy is Your name, Jesus Lamb of God worthy is Your name
Jesus Lamb of God worthy is Your name, Jesus Lamb of God worthy is Your name
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
THE GOSPEL John 14:1-14
1“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. 12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
Reader: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
THE SERMON The Rev. Terry Johnson
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; Transfiguration Anglican Church, Elizabeth; True Vine Anglican Church, Monongahela; The Anglican Diocese of Cascadia; 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
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.
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 “Come and Fill”
Come and fill our hearts with your peace. You alone, O Lord, are holy.
Come and fill our hearts with your peace. Alleluia!
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 The Solid Rock
My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.
His oath, His covenant, His blood, support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way, he then is all my hope and stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.
When He shall come with trumpet sound, O, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His, righteousness, alone, faultless to stand before the throne.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.
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!