The Holy Eucharist with Easter Communion
Easter Day (Year B) April 4, 2021
Watch the Livestream at www.Facebook.com/StMattSav/Live/
Sunday, April 4, at 9:30 a.m. (or anytime afterward)
Preface
We at St. Matthew's Church in Savannah are unable to gather together in person due to the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic. Under the guidance of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia, the Vestry has decided to keep our church building closed to all in-person gatherings.
At 9:30 a.m. on Easter Day, I will broadcast the following worship service using Facebook Live at www.Facebook.com/StMattSav. After the service concludes, you can re-watch it at any time.
Today's service is the Holy Eucharist with Holy Communion. The Rector will celebrate communion on-camera with up to nine lay ministers, musicians, and tech volunteers. When the time arrives to receive communion, you have two options:
If you want to participate virtually from anywhere, I have included a special prayer for "spiritual communion." This is for use at home while watching the live stream or reading the prayers when you cannot actually consume the Body and Blood of Christ due to this pandemic and church closures.
If you would like to receive Communion in person, you may come to the St. Matthew's parking lot between 10:30 AM and 12:00 Noon on Easter Day. I will deliver Communion to you at your car window. Please wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth when you open your window.
May God protect you from this virus and protect the most vulnerable among us. May we be God’s hands and feet of compassion and service to all in need during this time. Amen.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Guillermo A. Arboleda
The Holy Eucharist: Rite II
The Word of God
Hymn #207: Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
1. Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once, upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia!
2. Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save, Alleluia!
3. 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!
Words: Latin, 14th cent., tr. Lyra Davidica, alt., Public Domain.
Music: Easter Hymn, from Lyra Davidica, Public Domain.
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #SLM2101. All rights reserved.
The Opening Sentence
[BCP, p. 355]
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
The Collect for Purity
[BCP, p. 355]
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.
Christ Our Passover (Pascha Nostrum)
[BCP, p. 83; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8; Romans 6:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22]
Alleluia. Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; * therefore let us keep the feast, Not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, * but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Alleluia.
Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; * death no longer has dominion over him. The death that he died, he died to sin, once for all; * but the life he lives, he lives to God. So also consider yourselves dead to sin, * and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Alleluia.
Christ has been raised from the dead, * the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by a man came death, * by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, * so in Christ shall all be made alive. Alleluia.
The Collect of the Day
[BCP, p. 357, 222]
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
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 be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah (25:6-9)
On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear.
And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death forever.
Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.
It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
[BCP, p. 760]
Read responsively by half-verse (at the asterisk).
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *
his mercy endures for ever.
2 Let Israel now proclaim, *
"His mercy endures for ever."
14 The Lord is my strength and my song, *
and he has become my salvation.
15 There is a sound of exultation and victory *
in the tents of the righteous:
16 "The right hand of the Lord has triumphed! *
the right hand of the Lord is exalted!
the right hand of the Lord has triumphed!"
17 I shall not die, but live, *
and declare the works of the Lord.
18 The Lord has punished me sorely, *
but he did not hand me over to death.
19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; *
I will enter them;
I will offer thanks to the Lord.
20 "This is the gate of the Lord; *
he who is righteous may enter."
21 I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *
and have become my salvation.
22 The same stone which the builders rejected *
has become the chief cornerstone.
23 This is the Lord's doing, *
and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 On this day the Lord has acted; * we will rejoice and be glad in it.
A Reading from the First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians (15:1-20)
I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you--unless you have come to believe in vain.
For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them--though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.
Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified of God that he raised Christ—whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised. If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have died in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Hymn #208: Alleluia! The Strife is O'er
[Verses 1-2, 4]
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
1. The strife is o'er, the battle done,
the victory of life is won;
the song of triumph has begun.
Alleluia!
2. The powers of death have done their worst,
but Christ their legions hath dispersed:
let shout of holy joy outburst.
Alleluia!
4. He closed the yawning gates of hell,
the bars from heaven's high portals fell;
let hymns of praise his triumphs tell!
Alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Words: Latin, 1695, tr. Francis Pott, alt., Public Domain.
Music: Victory, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, adapt. and arr. William Henry Monk, Public Domain.
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #84267. All rights reserved.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ According to St. John (20:1-18)
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. 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.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.
But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon:
“God's Transforming Power” by Fr. Guillermo A. Arboleda
We ended the Good Friday sermon (and the entire Good Friday worship service) on a down note. We reflected on the ways that our fear and anxiety drive us to hurt ourselves and hurt one another. The violence inflicted upon Jesus on the Cross came from the Roman and Jewish leaders’ unresolved fear and anxiety. We all have the potential to do the same when our fears and anxieties go unchecked. All human beings have the capacity to inflict violence against ourselves and violence against other people.
But the Gospel of Jesus Christ does not end on Good Friday. The Story of Salvation continues through Holy Saturday, as he lies in the tomb. And it continues to twilight on Sunday morning, when Mary Magdalene finds the tomb empty with the stone at the door rolled away. The male apostles can barely believe what she tells them. They run to inspect the tomb themselves and find evidence that he is gone. Then, the men go home but Mary remains in the garden crying. None of them understood “that he must rise from the dead” (John 20:9).
Mary speaks with two angels robed in white, and then to the risen Jesus, though she does not recognize him at first. Jesus and the angels both ask Mary why she is weeping. Of course, she is crying tears of grief because her friend, Teacher, and Lord has been killed, and she suspects that his body has been stolen and insulted even further. Jesus then asks her the same question he asked the police who arrested him late on Thursday night, “Whom are you looking for?” (John 20:15; cf. 18:4, 7). The answer, as always, is Jesus. But he is not missing. He has not been stolen. His body and memory have not been desecrated. Instead, He lives!
Jesus stands before Mary alive and breathing. He is risen from the dead. God has conquered death and all the spiritual forces of evil. On Easter morning, God fulfills the promises given through Isaiah. Through the Risen Lord Jesus, God “swallow[s] up death forever” and “wipe[s] away the tears from all faces” (Isaiah 25:8). Mary was weeping, but in the garden, before the Empty Tomb, Jesus wipes those tears away. He lives, breathes, walks, talks, and embraces her. And in so doing, Jesus gives us hope.
That is the power of Easter, for God to transform our fear and our grief, to bring hope, joy, and new life out of the despair of death. This is not a promise that everything will be happy and easy for Christians. It doesn’t mean that we don’t still struggle against sin, and grieve over the death that surrounds us. But it does mean that God can overcome them. God promises to wipe away our tears because God knows that there are things worth crying over. But Christ remains with us. God transforms the evils we endure and brings about good. God brings new life out of death, first and foremost through our Resurrected Savior.
The key is that on Easter Sunday, the pain of the Cross doesn’t go away. The Resurrection gives us hope but doesn’t cancel out the past. The Resurrection does not erase the Cross; new life does not erase death; hope does not erase fear. But resurrection transforms the Cross; new life transforms death; hope transforms fear. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ helps us to confront our fears and anxieties with the love, power, and truth of God. As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, we see the ways that God is with us to overcome our greatest challenges.
The resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith. Everything hinges on God’s transformative power to raise Jesus from the dead. That is the same power God has to raise you and me from the dead. That is where our ultimate hope lies. As St. Paul puts it, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins … But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died” (1 Corinthians 15:17, 20). The resurrection proves to us that our sins, our suffering, our pain, and our loss do not have the final word. Death does not have the final word. In a year filled with loss, illness, fear, anxiety, and, for many, death, we need God’s hope more than ever. We need to know that God has not abandoned us to the chaos of the world. God is with us and has the power to raise the dead. God can transform our fears into hope, death into life.
Finally, as believers in the resurrection, we have a responsibility to be agents of love and new life. We aren’t just talking about heavenly rewards and ignoring our circumstances on earth. The resurrection shows that hope and new life are possible, that God will win in the end, and the love conquers all. So we don’t give up on the present. God can bring about real change and transformation. We do not need to accept the sin, hate, and violence, the crucifixions of the world. We can instead strive for a better world, more aligned with the coming Reign of Christ Jesus. We can strive for Jesus’ victory over sin, death, hell, and oppression. Even if we know we won’t be perfect, we can be “Easter people.” We can preach and live the resurrection by loving one another as Jesus Christ loved us (John 13:34). Love like that can transform the world. Amen.
LEV #42: He Lives
[Verses 1-3]
1. I serve a risen Savior He’s in the world today,
I know that He is living, Whatever others say,
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice cheer,
and just the time I need Him He’s always near.
REFRAIN:
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life’s narrow way,
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.
2. In all the world around me I see His loving care,
And though my heart grows weary I never will despair,
I know that He is leading through all the stormy blast
The day of His appearing will come at last. [REFRAIN]
3. Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ, the King!
The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find,
None other is so loving, so good and kind. [REFRAIN]
Words: Alfred H. Ackley © 1933, 1961 Home A. Rodeheaver & The Rodeheaver Co. (a division of WORD, INC.); © 1990, Belwin Mills / Alfred H. Ackley
Music: Alfred H. Ackley © 1933, 1961 Home A. Rodeheaver & The Rodeheaver Co. (a division of WORD, INC.).
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #90882. All rights reserved.
The Renewal of Baptismal Vows
[BCP, p. 292]
Through the Paschal mystery, dear friends, we are buried with Christ by Baptism into his death, and raised with him to newness of life. I call upon you, therefore, now that our Lenten observance is ended, to renew the solemn promises and vows of Holy Baptism, by which we once renounced Satan and all his works, and promised to serve God faithfully in his holy Catholic Church.
Celebrant: Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?
People: I do.
Do you believe in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
I will, with God's help.
Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
I will, with God's help.
Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
I will, with God's help.
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
I will, with God's help.
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
I will, with God's help.
The Celebrant concludes the Renewal of Vows as follows:
May Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and bestowed upon us the forgiveness of sins, keep us in eternal life by his grace, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
The Prayers of the People
[Adapted from http://www.stlukesewing.org/prayers-of-the-people-easter]
Rejoicing in the mighty acts of God who has delivered the people of God from sin and death through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, let us lift our voices and pray,
Risen Lord,
Hear our Prayer.
Let us give thanks to God for the multitude of blessings that God showers upon us: For our lives and for those whom we love; For the beauty of this home God has created for us; For our families and our friendships; For Charlotte Blue (4/6), Duane Johnson (4/7), and Renitra Baker (4/9) on their birthdays and Jonathan & Jackie Newton (4/6) and Charles & Joenelle Gordon (4/12) on their wedding anniversaries; Let us give thanks to the God of Life.
Risen Lord,
Hear our Prayer.
Let us pray for the Church, that it may carry forward the redemptive works of God: For Guillermo our priest, Frank our Bishop, Michael our Presiding Bishop, and all clergy and bishops; For the many lay people who serve the church and serve the world through the church; For those gathered here in worship and prayer.
Risen Lord,
Hear our Prayer.
Let us pray for the newly baptized, that the joy of Easter may ever grow within them, and that the Spirit may guide them in lives of active faith.
Risen Lord,
Hear our Prayer.
Let us pray for the nations and peoples of the world and for the leaders of our country, state, county, and city, that the powers that oppress and destroy may decline, and that justice, peace, and prosperity be lifted up. We pray especially for Joseph our President, Brian our Governor, Van our Mayor, Chester the Chair of our County Commission, and Ann the Superintendent of our Public Schools.
Risen Lord,
Hear our Prayer.
Let us pray for those who are sick, those who suffer, those who struggle, especially Martha Avery, Donald Bayness, Ronald Bayness, Zavier Bradley, Myrtle Brow-Hollis, Jacquelyn Bryant, Christine Brown, Genella Chamberlain, Taylor Blue Clemons, Annie Colbert, Ana Columna, Lazola Cope, Alice Dailey, Beryl Dandy, Mark Dashiell, Brittany Dawson, Roland Dixon, Eduardo Espinosa, Imani Ferguson, Ruby Fernandez, Harry Frazier, Colin Gentle, Yvonne Gentle, Charles Gordon, Amanda Green, Jocelyn Bryant Harden, Loretta Harmond, Marva Harris, Enoch Henderson, Charles E. Hines, Kenneth Howard, Terri Howard, Dale Hundley, Jared Hundley, Tracy Hundley, Milinda James, Alvin Jenkins, Dana Jenkins, David Jones, Frances T. Jones, Lori Jones, Robert L. Jones, Sr., Whitney Kennedy, Leonard Law, Jr., Ralph Lovett, Ryan Lovett, Tammie Lovett, Marcus Marzen, Joan Maty, Craig Maxwell, Sada Maxwell, Altheria Maynard, Carmelita Maynard, Barbara McCary, Bette Milledge, Hollie Moultrie, Patricia Murry, Russell Nails, Dorothy Neal, Jabbaar Newton, Jameel Newton, Glenzy Payne, Robert Payne, Willie Mae Robinson, Paul Rockwell, Dison Washington Slaughter, James Small, Gwendolyn Smith, Courtney Watts Vista, Ed Vista, Willie Stephens, Lori Ward, Gertrude Washington, and Noel Wheeler: That the hope born of Easter may give them peace, acceptance and renewal, and that through their struggles they may come into closer communion with the God who redeems and restores.
Special intentions are offered silently or aloud.
Risen Lord,
Hear our Prayer.
Let us pray for those who have died in the peace of Christ, and those whose faith is known to you alone; bring them by your resurrecting power into the place of eternal joy and light
Special intentions are offered silently or aloud.
Risen Lord, Hear our Prayer.
The Celebrant adds a concluding collect:
O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Peace
[BCP, p. 360]
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
Holy Communion & Spiritual Communion
The Offertory
Giving to St. Matthew's: We know that many people are feeling the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis. The church is feeling it too. We still need your support to pay our staff, pay our bills, and provide for these online live streams. There are several ways to give, but the simplest are these:
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“O Lord our God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power; because you have created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” [Revelation 4:11; BCP, p. 377]
LEV #40: He 'Rose
[Verses 1-4]
1 They crucified my Savior and nailed him to the tree,
they crucified my Savior and nailed him to the tree,
they crucified my Savior and nailed him to the tree,
And the Lord will bear my spirit home.
REFRAIN:
He ’rose, He ’rose, He ’rose from the dead!
He ’rose, He ’rose, He ’rose from the dead!
He ’rose, He ’rose, He ’rose from the dead!
And the Lord will bear my spirit home.
2 Then Joseph begged his body and laid it in the tomb,
then Joseph begged his body and laid it in the tomb,
then Joseph begged his body and laid it in the tomb,
And the Lord will bear my spirit home. [Refrain]
3 Sister Mary, she came running, a looking for my Lord,
Sister Mary, she came running, a looking for my Lord,
Sister Mary, she came running, a looking for my Lord,
And the Lord will bear my spirit home. [Refrain]
4 An angel came from heaven and rolled the stone away,
an angel came from heaven and rolled the stone away,
an angel came from heaven and rolled the stone away,
And the Lord will bear my spirit home. [Refrain]
Words: Traditional, Public Domain.
Music: Negro Spiritual; arr. William Farley Smith © 1989, United Methodist Publishing House/Abingdon Press.
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #17541. All rights reserved.
Eucharistic Prayer B
[BCP, p. 367]
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, 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 sacrificed for us, and has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed death, and by his rising to life again he 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 forever 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 people remain standing.
We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
On the night before he died for us, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me."
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you: 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 for the remembrance of me."
Therefore, according to his command, O Father:
We remember his death,
We proclaim his resurrection,
We await his coming in glory!
And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.
We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with Blessed Mary, the Mother of Our Lord, Blessed Matthew our patron, and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.
By him, 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
[BCP, p. 364]
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
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 Fraction Anthem
[BCP, p. 364]
Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!
The Gifts of God for the people of God.
An Act of Receiving Spiritual Communion
[The Saint Augustine’s Prayer Book, ed. David Cobb, 2nd ed. (2014), pp. 190, 192-193]
Instructions:
"The Book of Common Prayer reminds us that if one is unable to actually consume the consecrated bread and wine due to extreme sickness or disability, the desire is enough for God to grant all the benefits of communion. When being present at a celebration of the Eucharist is absolutely impossible, this act of prayer and meditation can provide the means by which you can associate yourself with the Eucharistic Action and open yourself to God's grace and blessing."
In union, Blessed Jesus, with the faithful gathered at every altar of your Church where your blessed Body and Blood are offered this day, I long to offer you praise and thanksgiving, for creation and all the blessings of this life, for the redemption won for us by your life, death, and resurrection, for the means of grace and the hope of glory.
I believe that you are truly present in the Holy Sacrament, and, since I cannot at this time receive communion, I pray you to come into my heart. I unite myself with you and embrace you with all my heart, my soul, and my mind. Let nothing separate me from you; let me serve you in this life until, by your grace, I come to your glorious kingdom and unending peace. Amen.
Hymn #174: At The Lamb's High Feast
[Verses 1-2, 4]
1. At the Lamb's high feast we sing praise to our victorious King,
who has washed us in the tide flowing from his pierced side;
praise we him, whose love divine gives his sacred Blood for wine,
gives his Body for the feast, Christ the victim, Christ the priest.
2. Where the Paschal blood is poured, death's dark angel sheathes his sword;
Israel's hosts triumphant go through the wave that drowns the foe.
Praise we Christ, whose blood was shed, Paschal victim, Paschal bread;
with sincerity and love eat we manna from above.
4. Easter triumph, Easter joy, these alone do sin destroy.
From sin's power do thou set free souls newborn, O Lord, in thee.
Hymns of glory, songs of praise, Father, unto thee we raise:
risen Lord, all praise to thee with the Spirit ever be.
Words: Latin, tr. Robbert Campbell, alt., Public Domain.
Music: Alzburg, melody Jakob Hintze, harm. Johann Sebastian Bach, Public Domain.
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #84243. All rights reserved.
The Post-Communion Prayer for Spiritual Communion
[Enriching our Worship 2 [2000], pp. 56-57]
Let us pray.
Faithful God, in the wonder of your wisdom and love you fed your people in the wilderness with the bread of angels, and you sent Jesus to be the bread of life. Though we cannot consume now these gifts of bread and wine, we thank you that we have received the sacrament of Christ’s presence, the forgiveness of sins, and all other benefits of Christ’s passion. By the power of the Holy Spirit, may we embody your desire and be renewed for your service through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
The Easter Blessing
[The Book of Occasional Services 2018, p. 13]
The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.
Parish Announcements
[See Below]
The Dismissal
[BCP, p. 366]
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God! Alleluia! Alleluia!
The Post-Communion Prayer for Drive-Thru Communion
***10:30-12:00 on Easter Day in St. Matthew's Parking Lot***
[BCP, p. 366]
Let us pray.
Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Announcements
A. Thank You to All Who Served in Holy Week: Thanks to the Altar Guild for decorating the church and preparing for these many liturgies with such precision and care; Thanks to our tech team for ensuring that our live-streams run without a hitch; Thanks to our musicians and choir for bringing lively music to our worship while abiding by our COVID Safety Guidelines; Thanks to all readers and intercessors for speaking the Word of God to us and for speaking to God for us; Thanks to our Administrative Team for preparing blog posts, e-Newsletters, managing finances, and more; Thanks to Idella Jones for preaching on Maundy Thursday; Thanks to our Vestry for leading this community during the pandemic; Thanks to our Rector for presiding and preaching, for navigating technology to make worship participation possible, and for leading the Vestry and the parish; Thanks to every member of our church for forming this community and being the Body of Christ to each of us.
B. Easter Drive-Thru Communion 10:30 AM - 12:00 NOON: At 10:30 (or a few moments after the Easter Communion service ends), church members are invited to gather in their cars in the parking lot to receive communion. In accordance with St. Matthew's COVID-19 Safety Guidelines, worshippers will stay in their cars and Fr. Arboleda will deliver communion (bread only) to people at their car windows. Communion will be available in the church parking lot from approximately 10:30 AM - 12:00 NOON. Please note that the church building will not be open to the public (not even the bathrooms, unfortunately).
B. Worship with the Diocese on 4/11: Worship with the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia on their Facebook Page on the 2nd Sunday of Easter (4/11/2021) at 10:00 AM.
C. Bishop Curry Book Study on Wednesdays 4/14 - 5/19: In Easter Season, St. Matthew's will join with churches across the Diocese of Georgia to read Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's Love Is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times. While you may enjoy reading the book yourself, the audio book version read by Bishop Curry is an enjoyable way to hear experiences from his life to challenging us to make the ethic of love a guiding principle for our lives.
Buy the book now at Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Love-Way-Holding-Troubling-Times/dp/0525543031) or Penguin Random House (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/605848/love-is-the-way-by-bishop-michael-curry-with-sara-grace/). The book discussion guide for the Diocese of Georgia's 1Book1Diocese read of Love is the Way is now online here: Discussion Guide PDF.
The discussion group will meet over Zoom on Wednesdays after Evening Prayer, from about 5:30 - 6:30 PM from April 14 to May 19, 2021.
D. The Rev. Kelly Steele Called As Priest-In-Charge of St. Peter's, Savannah: The Rev. Kelly Steele, spouse to the Rev. Guillermo A. Arboleda, has served as the Associate Rector of St. Peter's, Savannah (Skidaway Island), since 2018. Their rector, the Rev. Hunt Priest recently announced that he will resign from St. Peter's Church on April 11 in order to found a non-profit organization that will serve people suffering from anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses. Shortly after this announcement, the Vestry of St. Peter's called Rev. Steele to serve as Priest-In-Charge. Her new call will begin on April 12, 2021. Please pray for the Arboleda-Steele family and St. Peter's as they begin this new pastoral relationship.
E. Virtual Coffee Hour 4/11: We will hold a virtual "Coffee Hour" over Zoom on Sunday, April 11 at 11:00 AM, after the Diocesan worship service, which begins at 11:00.
For security purposes, below is the Meeting ID only; please check your St. Matthew's e-Newsletter for the password (or email FrGAA@StMattSav.org to request it).
Topic: St. Matthew's Coffee Hour
Time: April 11, 2021 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Meeting ID: 825 7251 1175
Passcode: SEE e-NEWSLETTER
Dial by your location: +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 825 7251 1175
Passcode: SEE e-NEWSLETTER
F. T/W/Th Evening Prayer via Zoom: On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, Fr. Arboleda invites you to pray Evening Prayer with him over Zoom. The video will continue to stream to Facebook Live at 5:00 PM. Please join the Zoom call by 4:50 PM. Otherwise, watch the prayer service as you have been on Facebook Live.
During Easter, we will continue to use the Evening Prayer liturgy from Enriching Our Worship 1, an Episcopal worship resource that includes new prayers from more parts of the Bible, an emphasis on non-gendered language for God, and featuring more feminine perspectives both ancient and modern.
For security purposes, below is the Meeting ID only; please check your St. Matthew's e-Newsletter for the password (or email FrGAA@StMattSav.org to request it).
Topic: Zoom Evening Prayer
Time: 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Join Zoom Meeting: See e-Newsletter
Meeting ID: 991 8577 8541
Passcode: See e-Newsletter
Dial by your location: +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)
Meeting ID: 991 8577 8541
Passcode: See e-Newsletter
G. “Trip Around the World” Quilt Raffle: The Quilter's Guild, through St. Matthew's ECW, is raffling a "Trip Around the World" Quilt to benefit St. Matthew's Building Renovation Fund. This fund supports major extra-budgetary building improvement projects, such as painting, replacing the sound system, replacing the oven in Toomer-Walker Hall, etc.
This beautiful, jewel-toned quilt measures 103"x90" and will fit a queen-sized bed. This machine-stitched quilt in tones of deep violet amethyst, blue sapphire, green emerald, blue topaz, and green peridot will enhance any bedroom.
The winner will be announced on September 30, 2021. Winners do not need to be present to win. In addition to the grand prize of the "Trip Around the World '' quilt, there will be interim raffles of seasonal quilt-type projects for no additional ticket purchase. Interim winners will still be eligible for the grand prize.
The second interim drawing was on February 28, 2021. Sandra Mitchell and Iris Jenkins won aprons designed by our Quilters' Guild. The next interim drawing will be around Easter.
Tickets are $15 each. Please make donations in $15 increments. Tickets may be purchased by:
Mailing a check to St. Matthew's with "Quilt Raffle" in the memo line; OR
Expect your raffle tickets to be returned to you by mail or email within 5-7 business days of receipt. Direct any questions to office@stmattsav.org.
The Parish Prayer List
Prayer List: Martha Avery, Donald Bayness, Ronald Bayness, Zavier Bradley, Myrtle Brow-Hollis, Jacquelyn Bryant, Christine Brown, Genella Chamberlain, Taylor Blue Clemons, Annie Colbert, Ana Columna, Lazola Cope, Alice Dailey, Beryl Dandy, Mark Dashiell, Brittany Dawson, Roland Dixon, Eduardo Espinosa, Imani Ferguson, Ruby Fernandez, Harry Frazier, Colin Gentle, Yvonne Gentle, Charles Gordon, Amanda Green, Jocelyn Bryant Harden, Loretta Harmond, Marva Harris, Enoch Henderson, Charles E. Hines, Kenneth Howard, Terri Howard, Dale Hundley, Jared Hundley, Tracy Hundley, Milinda James, Alvin Jenkins, Dana Jenkins, David Jones, Frances T. Jones, Lori Jones, Robert L. Jones, Sr., Whitney Kennedy, Leonard Law, Jr., Ralph Lovett, Ryan Lovett, Tammie Lovett, Marcus Marzen, Joan Maty, Craig Maxwell, Sada Maxwell, Altheria Maynard, Carmelita Maynard, Barbara McCary, Bette Milledge, Hollie Moultrie, Patricia Murry, Russell Nails, Dorothy Neal, Jabbaar Newton, Jameel Newton, Glenzy Payne, Robert Payne, Willie Mae Robinson, Paul Rockwell, Dison Washington Slaughter, James Small, Gwendolyn Smith, Courtney Watts Vista, Ed Vista, Willie Stephens, Lori Ward, Gertrude Washington, and Noel Wheeler
Birthdays: Charlotte Blue (4/6), Duane Johnson (4/7), and Renitra Baker (4/9)
Wedding Anniversaries: Jonathan & Jackie Newton (4/6) and Charles & Joenelle Gordon (4/12)
Recent Deaths: Raleigh Bryant (12/18/20)
May the souls of all the departed rest in peace; and may light perpetual shine upon them. Amen.
Note: This service is reproduced from The Book of Common Prayer 1979 (BCP), The Hymnal 1982 (Hymn), Lift Every Voice and Sing II: An African American Hymnal (LEV), and other sources cited. The Scripture readings are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible.