The Holy Eucharist
Easter Day: The Day of Resurrection (Year A)
April 9, 2023 at 9:30 AM
Celebrant and Preacher: The Rev. Guillermo A. Arboleda
Deacon: The Rev. Ella Roundtree-Davis
Watch the Livestream at www.Facebook.com/StMattSav/Live/
The Holy Eucharist: Rite II
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!
4. Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
praise eternal as his love, Alleluia!
praise him, all ye heavenly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Alleluia!
[Words: Latin, 14th cent.; tr. Lyra Davidica (1708), alt.; st. 4, Charles Wesley, Public Domain. Music: Easter Hymn from Lyra Davidica (1708), adapt. The Compleat Psalmodist (1749), alt., Public Domain; desc. Hymns Ancient and Modern, Revised (1950) © 1950 Hymns Ancient and Modern Limited. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #14473. All rights reserved.]
Hymn S-78: Opening Acclamation for Easter Season
[BCP, p. 355]
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
[Music: Ambrosian Chant; adapt. Mason Martens, Copyright © 1971 Mason Martens, Church Publishing, Inc. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #89031. All rights reserved.]
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.
Hymn S-280: Glory to God
[see also BCP, p. 356]
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.
[Words: Public Domain. Music: Robert Powell © 1985, Church Publishing, Inc. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #28331. All rights reserved.]
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 Jeremiah 31:1-6
At that time, says the Lord, I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.
Thus says the Lord:
The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness;
when Israel sought for rest, the Lord appeared to him from far away.
I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
Again I will build you, and you shall be built, O virgin Israel!
Again you shall take your tambourines, and go forth in the dance of the merrymakers.
Again you shall plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria;
the planters shall plant, and shall enjoy the fruit.
For there shall be a day when sentinels will call in the hill country of Ephraim:
“Come, let us go up to Zion, to the Lord our God.”
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 Acts of the Apostles 10:34-43
Peter began to speak to Cornelius and the other Gentiles: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ--he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
LEV #42: He Lives (Verses 1-2)
1 I serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today;
I know that He is living, whatever foes may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of 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 tho' my heart grows weary I never will despair;
I know that He is leading thro' all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing will come at last. [REFRAIN]
[Words and Music: Alfred H. Ackley © 1933, 1961, 1990 The Rodehaver Co., Belwin Mills / Alfred. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #90882. All rights reserved.]
The People stand, as they are able, for the reading of the Gospel.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ According to 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.
LEV #42: He Lives (Verse 3)
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 and Music: Alfred H. Ackley © 1933, 1961, 1990 The Rodehaver Co., Belwin Mills / Alfred. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #90882. All rights reserved.]
The Sermon
“Gozo (Joy)” by the Rev. Guillermo A. Arboleda, Rector
Today’s sermon is called “Gozo,” which means Joy in Spanish. Everyone say, “gozo.” If you know Spanish you’ll hear me speak a little bit today. If not, you’re going to learn just a word or two today.
When I was a child, I attended a small Spanish-language United Methodist Church a few blocks away from my grandparents’ house in Queens. That’s the church that my parents grew up in — the church where they met and got married, the church where I was baptized and went to Sunday School, the church where my grandparents were very active members for the rest of their lives. It is called La Primera Iglesia Metodista Unida de Corona, which simply means First United Methodist Church of Corona (the neighborhood in Queens). This church was an oasis to immigrant families from all over Latin America. It was a place where they could be themselves and celebrate their cultures. It’s where my Ecuadorian father could meet my Dominican and Puerto Rican mother and start a family of their own. That community is still part of our lives. I visited the church in Corona about a month ago for my abuela’s belated memorial service.
As I got older, I went there less frequently because my parents had moved out of New York City, and we started going to church nearby in the suburbs. But we stayed connected to the church in Corona. The biggest reason I remember that church so fondly is because I went away with them to camp every summer. They had a tradition of taking a parishwide retreat during Labor Day Weekend at the nearby Quinipet Camp & Retreat Center, which is very similar to our Honey Creek (about an hour away from Savannah, here in the Diocese of Georgia). Children and adults of all ages would spend the weekend eating together, praying and singing together, and having lots of fun outdoors.
The highlight for me every year was that we would end the weekend by going to the beach on the campgrounds. We would hold a worship service on the shore, and it would include baptisms in the ocean. I wasn’t baptized there, but I got to witness many people I knew and loved be dipped into the water and come up and out with a splash: risen to new life like Jesus. We sang, cheered, and celebrated the great things God was doing in that person’s life and in our community.
And I remember the songs we sang at camp. We had hymnals with a mix of traditional English hymns translated into Spanish, and hymns that were originally written in Spanish. But the most memorable ones were what we called coritos: these “little choruses” were short, easy-to-remember songs that we could repeat as often as we wanted and sing with or without instruments. We would sing coritos all the time at any worship service, but they were especially useful when we were on the seashore without a piano, guitar, or our many percussion instruments (congas, bongos, guiros, claves, maracas, tamborines, etc.) Like Jeremiah said, “Again you shall take your tambourines, and go forth in the dance of the merrymakers” (31:4). I learned later that most of these songs were written by Hispanic Pentecostal churches.
One of these coritos came to mind when I was meditating on today’s Gospel passage and preparing for this sermon. Even though this is a story about Jesus rising from the dead, the way John tells the story, the main character in this passage is really Mary Magdalene. We follow May as she goes to the tomb; we watch Mary talk with the male disciples, Mary talks with the angels, and eventually Mary meets the Risen Jesus. And we see in Mary a journey from sorrow to joy. She arrives solemnly grieving Jesus’ death, but she leaves filled with God’s peace, love, and joy because Jesus is alive!
The song is called “Gozo” or “Gozo yo quería,” which means “I wanted Joy.” That song gave its name as the title of this sermon. It goes something like this.
Gozo, gozo, gozo yo quería,
Pero lo buscaba donde no lo había.
Pero vino Cristo el autor de la vida
Y me dio el gozo del que yo quería.
Roughly translated into English, it might go like this:
Joy, joy, joy, joy is what I wanted
But where I was looking, there I couldn’t find it
But Jesus Christ, the author of life, came
And he gave me all the joy I truly wanted
The story of Easter is about God’s power to overcome death, God’s power to heal our grief, God’s ability to bring joy (gozo) out of sorrow. Mary was looking for comfort, but couldn’t find that joy on her own. Wherever she looked in the tomb, joy wasn’t there (no lo había). But then Jesus came (vino Cristo) and by his presence and power and love, he brought her the joy that she truly wanted (el gozo del que yo quería). Jesus offers us that joy too. The joy (gozo) of Easter is here for us to celebrate the resurrection, to give thanks for new birth, to rejoice for new life.
And here’s the thing about joy. It’s not the same as happiness. Joy is not just a feeling. Joy is much deeper and longer lasting, more sustaining than simple happiness. Joy is a blessed assurance that everything is going to be alright. Joy is based on hope that God can fix everything wrong with our world. Joy is based on faith in God’s power to do that. Mary Magdalene had gozo because she saw the Jesus had been raised from the dead. If God is stronger than death, then nothing can ever overcome us. If God is stronger than death, we have nothing to fear. We can carry on in hope, faith, and joy knowing that God is greater than any of our trials. God’s joy sustained us so that Mary had joy even when Jesus left, even when he ascended into heaven. She knew that God would make all things new and all things well, so she had gozo.
In just a moment, we will mark the end of Lent and the beginning of this joyful season of Easter by renewing our baptismal vows. For those of us who are baptized, we will remember the vows that we made and our godparents made for us on that day. We will remember the gift of resurrection and new life. We’ll remember what God’s resurrecting power means for us here and now, when we face trials and hardships. And we will respond by walking in Jesus’ way of love. And, of course, if you or someone you love is not already baptized, the water is ready. Come see me after worship and we’ll make it happen.
Alleluia! Jesus Christ is risen! Because he is risen, we have the joy (gozo) we always wanted and needed. Amen.
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.
All standing as they are able, the People pray:
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.
Hymn S-106: The Prayers of the People, Form I
[See also BCP, p. 383]
With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the Lord, saying "Lord, have mercy."
For the peace from above, for the loving-kindness of God, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the world, for the welfare of the Holy Church of God, and for the unity of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For our Frank our Bishop, and for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For Joseph our President, for the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For the City of Savannah, for every city and community, and for those who live in them, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will to conserve it, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For those who travel on land, on water, in the air, or through outer space, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For the aged and infirm, for the widowed and orphans, and for the sick and the suffering, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For our Parish Prayer List: Martha Avery, Mary Bonaparte, Jacqueline Bryant, Lazola Cope, Aaron Duplechien, Jr., Delois Groover, Marva Harris, Tracy Outing Hundley, David Jones, Della Jones, Beverly Kemp, Whitney Kennedy, Pat Lanchester, Sada Maxwell, Jeannette Outing, Jewel Wheeler, Alfreda Wright, Alton Wright, and Jewel Wheeler; let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For Renitra Baker (4/9) and Georgette Kelley (4/15) on their birthdays, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For Charles & Joenelle Gordon (4/12) on their wedding anniversary; let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For the poor and the oppressed, for the unemployed and the destitute, for prisoners and captives, and for all who remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, and for all the departed, especially Cassandra Grant Brown; let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For deliverance from all danger, violence, oppression, and degradation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
That we may end our lives in faith and hope, without suffering and without reproach, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
Defend us, deliver us, and in your compassion protect us, O Lord, by your grace. Lord, have mercy.
In the communion of Blessed Matthew and of all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life, to Christ our God. To you, O Lord our God.
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.
[Music: Copyright © 1985, Church Publishing, Inc. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #28267. All rights reserved.]
The Peace
[BCP, p. 360]
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
Parish Announcements
Altar Decorations: The Altar Guild is accepting donations to purchase new altar decorations (Hangings, Veil, and Burse), especially a red set in time for the Day of Pentecost (May 28, 2023). Those who want to make donations in memory of or in thanksgiving for loved ones may do so by donating to the church's Memorial Fund (i.e., donations in addition to pledges / giving estimates).
Checks and money orders should be made out to St. Matthew's Episcopal Church. Please give the names of those to be remembered by emailing the church office at Office@StMattSav.org or submitting a form provided to the church office. If you have any questions, please call Joenelle Gordon, Chair of the Altar Guild, or the Parish Administrator at (912) 234-4440.
Confirmation & Episcopal Refresher Class: This spring, Fr. Arboleda is teaching a course to prepare people for Confirmation, Reception, or Renewal of Baptismal Vows, which will take place on Sunday, May 28, 2023, the Day of Pentecost, when Bishop Frank Logue will conduct his annual visitation to St. Matthew's. These classes are also open to anyone in the church who wants a "refresher" on fundamental Episcopal beliefs and practices. Each session will take place after Sunday worship from about 11:15-12:15.
April 23: Using The Book of Common Prayer
May 7: Faith Outside the Church
May 21: Faith Inside The Episcopal Church
Cassandra Grant Brown Funeral on 3/12: Mrs. Cassandra Grant Brown, who worked as a teacher at St. Matthew's Day Care & Learning Center since 2011, passed away unexpectedly on April 1. Her funeral service will be held at Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church (112 Fell St, Savannah, GA 31415) on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at 10:00 AM. An Interment will follow at the Savannah Catholic Cemetery. Learn more at Campbell & Sons Funeral Home. May her soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercies of God, rest in peace; and may light perpetual shine upon them. Amen.
JUST's Nehemiah Action on Monday, 4/24 at First African Baptist Church (23 Montgomery Street, Savannah, GA 31401) from 6:15-9:00 PM. We will provide transportation from St. Matthew's to FAB to avoid downtown parking. JUST's 2023 problem areas of focus are Affordable Housing and Public Education. We will have more details soon about our proposed solutions.
Strategic Planning Congregational Meeting #3 on 4/29: St. Matthew's Strategic Planning Team thanks those who attended our first two Strategic Planning Congregational Meetings and invites YOU to attend the third, called "St. Matthew's Future: What Is God's Invitation?" This meeting will take place on Saturday, April 29 in Toomer-Walker Hall from 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM, with a barbecue to follow. It will feature engaging presentations and activities led by our Strategic Planning Team and Fr. Bill Cruse from the Kaleidoscope Institute.
TEDxSavannah 2023 on 5/25: Fr. Guillermo has been selected as a speaker at this year's TEDxSavannah event on Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 12:30-5:30 PM at the Fine Arts Auditorium at Georgia Southern University, Armstrong Campus. Fr. Guillermo cannot share publicly about the topic of his talk before the event, but this year's theme is "Connection." Tickets are available now at https://tedxsavannah.com for $50, but St. Matthew's can purchase them for a discounted rate of $40. Please sign up on the bulletin board in Toomer-Walker Hall or email the office if you would like to attend and we can order them in bulk.
T/W/Th Evening Prayer: On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, St. Matthew's invites you to pray Evening Prayer over Zoom and Facebook. If you want to be in the Zoom call, please join by 4:55 PM using the link in the e-Newsletter. The video will continue to stream to Facebook Live at 5:00 PM.
The Offertory
[BCP, p. 376]
Giving to St. Matthew's:
Mail us a check or money order at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 1401 Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd, Savannah, GA 31415; OR
Make a secure online gift to St. Matthew’s and/or automate future gifts at: https://onrealm.org/StMattSav/-/give/now; OR
Text “stmattsav” to 73256 to make a secure online donation through your phone.
NOTE: Donations made online (#2 or #3) through Realm incur a processing fee of about 2.5%. Please consider adding an additional 2.5% to your online gift to cover these costs.
“On this day the Lord has acted; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” [Psalm 118:24]
Give online at: https://onrealm.org/StMattSav/-/give/now
LEV #40: He 'Rose
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 se, 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, Public Domain; arr. William Farley Smith, © 1989 United Methodist Publishing House/Abingdon Press. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #17541. All rights reserved.]
Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow
Praise God, Praise God, Praise God!
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Circling through earth so all may grow
Vanquishing fear so all may give
Widening grace so all may live
Amen.
[Words: Eric H. F. Law, Copyright © 2015 Eric H. F. Law. Music: Old 100th, attributed to Louis Bourgeois, Public Domain. Reprinted with permission from Kaleidoscope Institute. All rights reserved.]
Eucharistic Prayer A
[BCP, p. 361]
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 for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
LEV #255:
Holy, holy, holy, holy, holy Lord God of hosts
Heaven and earth are filled with your glory
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest.
[Music: Grayson Warren Brown, A Mass for Soulful People, Copyright © 1979 North American Liturgy Resources, Published by OCP. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #83420. All rights reserved.]
The people stand or kneel.
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, 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 we proclaim the mystery of faith:
LEV #258:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
[Music: Marjorie Gabriel-Burrow, Copyright © 1992 G.I.A. Publications, Inc / Royal School of Church Music. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE#45465. All rights reserved.]
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.
Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
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 for ever. AMEN.
LEV #264: The Lord’s Prayer
[BCP, p. 364]
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to sing,
Our Father, which 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
[Music: Albert Hay Malotte, arr. Fred Bock, Copyright © 1934 (renewed) G. Schirmer, Inc. All rights reserved.]
The Fraction Anthems
[BCP, p. 364]
Hymn S-154:
[Music: From New Plainsong; David Hurd. Copyright © 1981, G.I. A. Publications, Inc.]
This Far By Faith #36:
O Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy and grant us peace,
we pray, O Lamb of God.
[Words: Traditional. Music: Grayson Warren Brown; arr. Larry Adams, Copyright © 1979 Grayson Warren Brown. All rights reserved]
Thanks be to God who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
The Gifts of God for the people of God.
LEV #43: Because He Lives
1 God sent His son, they called Him Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!
REFRAIN:
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living, Just because He lives!
2 How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives! [REFRAIN]
3 And then one day, I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives! [REFRAIN]
[Words: Gloria Gaither and William Gaither © 1971 William J. Gaither Music: William Gaither © 1971 William J. Gaither. All rights reserved.]
Hymn #174: A the Lamb's High Feast We Sing
1. At the Lamb's high feast we sing praise to our victorious King, who hath 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. 3. Mighty victim from on high, hell's fierce powers beneath thee lie; thou hast conquered in the fight, thou hast brought us life and light: now no more can death appall, now no more the grave enthrall; thou hast opened paradise, and in thee thy saints shall rise. 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. Robert Campbell, alt. Music: Salzburg, melody Jakob Hintz; harm. Johan Sebastian Bach. Reprinted with permission under One License #116312. All rights reserved]
1 Let us break bread together on our knees, on our knees, Let us break bred together on our knees, on our knees, Refrain: When I fall on my knees, with my face to the rising sun, O Lord have mercy on me, on me. 2 Let us drink wine together on our knees, on our knees, Let us drink wine together on our knees. on our knees, [Refrain] 3 Let us praise God together on our knees, on our knees, Let us praise God together on our knees, on our knees, [Refrain]
[Words: Traditional. Music: Break Bread Together; traditional; arr. By Jimmie Abbington, Copyright © 2000, G.I.A. Publications, Inc.]
The Post-Communion Prayer
[Enriching our Worship 2 [2000], pp. 56-57]
Let us pray.
For In-Person Worshippers:
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.
For Online Worshippers and Those Receiving Spiritual Communion:
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 Blessing of the People
[Adapted from The Book of Occasional Services 2018, pp. 10-11]
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 God's will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in God's sight; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.
Hymn #210: The Day of Resurrection
1. The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad; the Passover of gladness, the Passover of God. From death to life eternal, from earth unto the sky, our Christ hath brought us over, with hymns of victory. 2. Our hearts be pure from evil, that we may see aright the Lord in rays eternal of resurrection light; and, listening to his accents, may hear so calm and plain his own "All hail!" and, hearing, may raise the victor strain. 3. Now let the heavens be joyful, let earth her song begin, the round world keep high triumph, and all that is therein; let all things seen and unseen their notes in gladness blend, for Christ the Lord hath risen, our joy that hath no end.
[Music: Thomas Matthews Copyright © 1960 H.T, FitzSimons Co. Descant by permission of Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission under One License #FBC-A005434. All rights reserved]
The Dismissal
[BCP, p. 366]
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God! Alleluia! Alleluia!
2023 Easter Memorials and Thanksgivings
The Lilies and Altar Gifts were offered to St. Matthew’s Church this Easter by the following:
Memorials
Shaina & Paul Berksteiner in memory of Wyndell Simpson and The Berksteiner Family
Family of Betty Conner-Milledge in memory of Betty Conner Milledge
General & Lazola Cope (altar hangings) in memory of Loved Ones
Eulalee Dandy in memory of Son, Mother, and Roundtree Family
Christina K. Folsome in memory of Mr. William and Mrs. Bessie Kelly, Mrs. Sarah Williams, Mrs. Juanita December, Mr. Bernard Kelly, Mr. Irving Kelly, Mr. James Kelly, Mr. Bernard Hogans, Mr. Lee Banks, Mrs. Mildred Johnson, Mr. John Wright, Rev. Gustave and Mrs. Margaret Caution, Mr. Refuse Gillison and Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor, and Mrs. Jeantte Brown
The Rev. Dr. Charles & Evalena M. Hoskins in memory of Loved Ones
M. Idella Jones in memory of Glover/Nails Family
Sheila Jones in memory of Gladys Jones, Tonya Jones, Lavonne Washington, and Ida Scott
Georgette Kelley in memory of Willie T. Kelley and Other Loved Ones
Altheria Y. Maynard in memory of Alfred, Thelma, and Carmelita Maynard, Carolyn Luten, and Parker Family
Sandra Mitchell in memory of Willie and Madlin Mitchell
Lee & Margaret Pearson in memory of James and Marian Roberts, James Roberts, Jr. Lucius and Margaret Priester, Maudell Brown, Oree Rawls, Willie Rawls, and Evadne Cobbs
Frieda McDew-Shorter in memory of Dr. & Mrs. Stephen McDew and Obey L. Shorter
Charles McMillan in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong McMillian, Sr and Armstrong McMillan, Jr.
Jeannette Outing in memory of Richard Outing, Outing, Butler, and Moultrie Families
Evadne Roberts in memory of Emma E. Hopson, Mrs. Margurite O’Brien
Terry Newton & Kathy Robinson in memory of Dockery, Newton, Wynn, Sanderson, and Robinson Families
Paulette Sibert in memory of Juanita G. Sibert
Jessie Stevenson in memory of Deceased Family Members
Karsten Tyson in memory of Robert and Beverly Tyson
Joenelle & Charles Gordon & sons(red altar hangings) in memory of Gordon/Brown Families and E. Cecile Walker
Monica Gray Williams (Red veil) in memory of Harry and Kevin Gray
Thanksgivings
Ella Roundtree-Davis (red burse) in thanksgiving for Enrique Davis and Wesley Roundtree
Karsten Tyson in thanksgiving for Harold and Andreadese Jones Mallette
Monica Williams in thanksgiving for Health
The Parish Prayer List
PRAYER LIST: Martha Avery, Mary Bonaparte, Jacqueline Bryant, Lazola Cope, Aaron Duplechien, Jr., Delois Groover, Marva Harris, Tracy Outing Hundley, David Jones, Della Jones, Beverly Kemp, Whitney Kennedy, Pat Lanchester, Sada Maxwell, Jeannette Outing, Jewel Wheeler, Alfreda Wright, Alton Wright, and Jewel Wheeler
BIRTHDAYS: For Renitra Baker (4/9) and Georgette Kelley (4/15)
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES: Charles & Joenelle Gordon (4/12)
RECENT DEATHS: Cassandra Grant Brown (4/1/23)
May the souls of all the departed rest in peace; and may light perpetual shine upon them. Amen.
Permissions and Credits: This service is reproduced from The Book of Common Prayer 1979 (BCP), Enriching Our Worship 1 (EOW1), The Hymnal 1982 (Hymn), Lift Every Voice and Sing II: An African American Hymnal (LEV), and other sources cited. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture readings are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible.