The Holy Eucharist
The 3rd Sunday of Easter (Year C)
May 1, 2022
Watch the Livestream at www.Facebook.com/StMattSav/Live/
Sunday, May 1, at 9:30 a.m. (or anytime afterward)
The Holy Eucharist: Rite II
The Word of God
Hymn #460: Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!
[Verses 1-5]
1 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.
2 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"?
3 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.
4 Alleluia! King eternal,
thee the Lord of lords we own:
Alleluia! born of Mary,
earth thy footstool, heaven thy throne:
thou within the veil hast entered,
robed in flesh, our great High Priest:
thou on earth both Priest and Victim
in the eucharistic feast.
5 Alleluia! sing to Jesus! his the scepter his the throne; Alleluia! his the triumph, his the victory alone; Hark! the songs of holy Zion thunder like a mighty flood; Jesus out of every nation hath redeemed us by his blood.
Words: William Chatterton Dix, Public Domain. Music: Hyfrydol, Rowland Hugh Prichard, Public Domain. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #92087. All rights reserved.
The Opening Acclamation
[BCP, p. 355]
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
A 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, 224]
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray:
O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
A Reading from the Book of Acts (9:1-20)
Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" He asked, "Who are you, Lord?" The reply came, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." He answered, "Here I am, Lord." The Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name." But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God."
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 30
[BCP, p. 621]
Read responsively by half-verse (at the asterisk).
1 I will exalt you, O Lord, because you have lifted me up * and have not let my enemies triumph over me.
2 O Lord my God, I cried out to you, * and you restored me to health.
3 You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead; * you restored my life as I was going down to the grave.
4 Sing to the Lord, you servants of his; * give thanks for the remembrance of his holiness.
5 For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, * his favor for a lifetime.
6 Weeping may spend the night, * but joy comes in the morning.
7 While I felt secure, I said, "I shall never be disturbed. * You, Lord, with your favor, made me as strong as the mountains."
8 Then you hid your face, * and I was filled with fear.
9 I cried to you, O Lord; * I pleaded with the Lord, saying,
10 "What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit? * will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness?
11 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me; * O Lord, be my helper."
12 You have turned my wailing into dancing; * you have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy.
13 Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing; * O Lord my God, I will give you thanks for ever.
A Reading from the Revelation to St. John the Divine (5:11-14)
I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing with full voice,
"Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!"
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing,
"To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!"
And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" And the elders fell down and worshiped.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The People stand, as they are able, for the reading of the Gospel.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ According to St. John (21:1-19)
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, you have no fish, have you?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.
When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go." (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, "Follow me."
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon
"Conversion" by the Rev. Guillermo A. Arboleda
The Gospel is about conversion; it’s about changing lives. Jesus gives us the power to turn around from hate, fear, and failure so that we can walk in love. We often think of conversion as a one-time event -- a time when you stopped living wrong and started going to church, or a time when you gave your life to Jesus, or even when you decided to get baptized or confirmed. Those are of course important moments in our lives. That’s the kind of conversion we see in Paul’s life in Acts 9.
Paul was an agent for religious and government violence. He was trying to harass, arrest, and imprison followers of Jesus. Then, Jesus picked him up and turned him around. Jesus shook him to his core and led him to change dramatically, to take a 180-degree turn. Instead of breathing murderous threats against Christians, he became one. Jesus led him to be baptized and start to preach that Jesus was the Son of God.
And maybe some of us can relate to Paul’s conversion. We remember a moment when things changed for us as adults and the Gospel became real to us. God called us away from one way of living and into a new way. We may have even had a moment of spiritual clarity, like Paul receiving the vision of Jesus on that road to Damascus.
But that’s not how it has to go for all Christians. There are also the Peter-like conversions. Peter was already a Jesus-follower. He had already left his fishing nets and answered the call to follow Jesus. He already got baptized; he was already part of the inner circle; he was already a leader in the growing Jesus movement. But, when Jesus was arrested, he still fell away.
In John 21, Peter and the other apostles are meeting with the Risen Jesus for the third time. It’s been a week or two since the crucifixion and the resurrection, but there are still wounds in Jesus’ hands, feet and side. And there are still wounds in the apostles’ relationship with Jesus. They ran away when Jesus was arrested. They hid when he needed their love and support the most. Peter denied that he even knew Jesus. But now, they are trying to heal that broken friendship with Jesus. Jesus has big plans for these apostles who will become the first bishops and leaders of the Church. They need to feed the sheep, the flock of God, the people of God. They need to be ready to give up everything for the sake of God’s mission.
This isn’t a story about discovering faith or joining the church. It’s a story about forgiveness and reconciliation. It’s about grace and finding a way back home after life hits us hard and we mess up. It’s a story about faith evolving, and about ongoing conversion. The Holy Spirit doesn’t stop working on us the way we get baptized or confirmed or the day we say a prayer inviting Jesus to save us. That’s just the beginning of the conversion journey. We spend the rest of our lives walking with Jesus, trusting in his power to keep converting us over and over again. The life transformation we’re talking about isn’t stuck in the past, no matter how long you have been a part of the church. Because God is real, God can still be active in your life.
I’ve easily had a dozen different significant moments in my life where I felt God converting me, where I turned around from some way of seeing God, seeing the world, or seeing myself. And I’m not just talking about the big ceremonies like baptism, confirmation, or even ordination. The Holy Spirit continues to convert me even now, because I am still not perfect. Over and over again, God reveals my closed-mindedness and stubbornness, my unwillingness to love all of God’s children. Without God’s help, I’d be stuck in my ways, closed to learning new wisdom from others, closed to seeing new solutions to the problems I face. But like with Peter, God isn’t finished with me yet. And God isn’t finished with you yet either.
And by the grace of God, Peter and the other apostles do turn around. They are forgiven for their failures. They are able to commune and eat with Jesus. He gives them a new purpose, to care for the people of God and encourage them to spread God’s love and justice in the world. And instead of cowering in fear or running away, they apostles are ready to follow Jesus, no matter what. The love Jesus showed them drives out their fear. The resurrection power of God empowers them to face the opposition and threats that will come their way.
And as their ministry continues, God will shake things up for them again. In just two weeks, on the 5th Sunday of Easter, we’ll read another story about Peter converting. He grew because God gave him a new way of seeing people around him -- not as Jewish insiders and Gentile outsiders, but as siblings in the whole human family. So our call as Christians is never to stay stagnant, never to believe we have it all figured out. It’s always to trust in God to convert us, to be open to change, open to correction and improvement, open to the God who makes all things new -- in us, through us, and around us. May God grant us ears to hear the Holy Spirit as She turns us toward what is faithful today and always. Amen.
AAHH #131: Guide My Feet
[Verses 1-4]
1 Guide my feet while I run this race,
Guide my feet while I run this race,
Guide my feet while I run this race,
For I don't want to run this race in vain.
2 Hold my hand while I run this race,
Hold my hand while I run this race,
Hold my hand while I run this race,
For I don't want to run this race in vain.
3 Stand by me while I run this race,
Stand by me while I run this race,
Stand by me while I run this race,
For I don't want to run this race in vain.
4 I'm Your child while I run this race,
I'm Your child while I run this race,
I'm Your child while I run this race,
For I don't want to run this race in vain.
Words: Negro Spiritual, Public Domain. Music: Negro Spiritual, Public Domain; har,. Wendell P. Whalum © Estate of Wendell Whalum. Reprinted with permission under ONELICENSE #LMGM2537. All rights reserved.
The Nicene Creed
[BCP, p. 358]
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only 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: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from 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. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic
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
[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 Craig Gordon (5/7) and Wanda Grandbury (5/7) on their birthdays, and for Fr. Guillermo Arboleda and Rev. Kelly Steele (5/3) on their wedding anniversary. 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 our clergy and our bishops, for the many lay people who serve the church and serve the world through the church, and for those gather 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.
Risen Lord,
Hear our Prayer.
Let us pray for those who are sick, those who suffer, those who struggle, especially those on our Parish Prayer List: Martha Avery, Mary Bonaparte, Christine Brown, Jacqueline Bryant, Lazola Cope, Aaron Duplechien Jr., Angie Glover, Annie Bell Greer, Loretta Harmond, Marva Harris, Whitney Kennedy, Sada Maxwell, Craig Maxwell, Bette Milledge, and Helen Scroggins; that the hope born of Easter 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 by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that we, who have been raised with him, may abide in his presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise for ever and ever. Amen.
The Peace
[EOW1, p. 56]
The peace of Christ be always with you.
And also with you.
Parish Announcements
A. CORR on 5/1 at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church: Conversations on Relationships and Race (CORR) is a joint Christian Education course with St. Matthew’s, St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, Isle of Hope United Methodist Church, and Asbury United Methodist Church. This spring, we will continue to read How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi. You may purchase it from any major bookstore (such as Amazon).
Our next CORR meeting is scheduled to be in person on Sunday, May 1, 2022, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church (2 St Thomas Ave, Savannah, GA 31406). Please read Chapters 12-18 of Kendi’s book before the meeting.
B. JUST Nehemiah Action on 5/2: Justice Unites Savannah Together (JUST) is holding its 2nd Annual Nehemiah Action (and 1st ever in-person) on Monday, May 2, 2022, at 6:15 PM at the Johnny Mercer Theatre in the Savannah Civic Center (301 W Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah, GA 31401). The Nehemiah Action is our annual opportunity to show public officials that hundreds, or even thousands of people in Chatham County care about fixing major community problems.
For the last year, JUST has researched affordable housing and cash bail. We will ask the City of Savannah to continue investing in an Affordable Housing Trust Fund to make housing more accessible to low and middle-income families. Then, we will ask the Chatham District Attorney to expand a diversion program that keeps people out of the criminal justice system before they lose time in jail or money to pay for bail. If you care about these issues, we invite you to attend this action to show our public officials how important these are for people of faith in Savannah!
JUST's Interim Lead Organizer, Rachel Hodes, will visit St. Matthew's for worship today. Rachel will be available to talk about JUST during coffee hour.
C. The Rev. Kelly Steele Installation on 5/4: Since last April, the Rev. Kelly Steele (the Rev. Guillermo Arboleda's spouse), has served St. Peter's Episcopal Church on Skidaway Island as their Priest-in-Charge. The Vestry of St. Peter's called Rev. Steele to be their Rector beginning April 1, 2022! Bishop Frank Logue, Rev. Steele, and the people of St. Peter's invite you to the Rector Installation service (a.k.a. Celebration of a New Ministry) on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at 5:30 PM at 3 West Ridge Rd, Savannah, GA 31411.
Congratulations to Rev. Steele, St. Peter's Church, and the Arboleda-Steele family!
D. Coffee Hour Sign Up & New COVID Guidelines: St. Matthew’s Vestry agreed to update its In-Person COVID-19 Safety Guidelines on March 31, 2022. To summarize, when the CDC indicates that Chatham County has a Low or Medium “COVID-19 Community Level,” the Vestry will allow light refreshments to be served at public indoor events, provided that people continue to wear masks whenever they are not eating or drinking. When Chatham County has a High COVID-19 level, food and drink will not be allowed. Chatham County currently has a Low COVID-19 level. You can read the guidance in all its detail here: https://www.stmattsav.org/post/new-covid-19-safety-guidelines-spring-2022.
The Vestry invites individuals and families to serve light refreshments after worship on Sundays in-person. Please sign up for upcoming dates using the poster near the kitchen in Toomer-Walker Hall.
E. Book of Sermons: Della Jones and Sandra Mitchell are looking for parishioners interested in serving on a committee to compile sermons and identify artwork for a book of Fr. Guillermo Arboleda’s sermons. This proposed book project would become a historical document for St. Matthew's and may be sold in the future at a modest price to raise funds for the parish.
If you are interested in serving on this committee, please contact either Della Jones or Sandra Mitchell. The first meeting will be held during the week following Easter. Date and time to be determined.
F. T/W/Th Evening Prayer: On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, St. Matthew's invites you to pray Evening Prayer over Zoom. The video will continue to stream to Facebook Live at 5:00 PM. Please join the Zoom call by 4:55 PM. Otherwise, watch the prayer service as you have been on Facebook Live.
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
The Offertory
[BCP, p. 377]
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:
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
[Verses 1-3]
REFRAIN:
I wanna be ready,
I wanna be ready.
I wanna be ready
to walk in Jerusalem just like John.
1 John said the city was just four-square,
To walk in Jerusalem just like John.
and he declared he'd meet me there.
To walk in Jerusalem just like John. Oh, [REFRAIN]
2 I've never been to heaven but I've been told
To walk in Jerusalem just like John..
that the streets up there are paved with gold.
To walk in Jerusalem just like John. [REFRAIN]
3 If you get there before I do,
To walk in Jerusalem just like John.
tell all my friends I'm comin' too.
To walk in Jerusalem just like John. [REFRAIN]
Words: Traditional , Public Domain. Music: Negro Spirital, Public Domain; arr. R. Nathaniel Dett © 1936 Paul A. Schmitt Music Company, CPP/Belwin Music/Alfred. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #62698. All rights reserved.
AAHH #651: Doxology
[See also Hymn # 380, v. 3]
Praise God, Praise God, Praise God!
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
Words: Thomas Ken, Public Domain. Music: Old 100th, attributed to Louis Bourgeois, Public Domain. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #84260. All rights reserved.
Eucharistic Prayer 1
[EOW1, p. 57]
It is truly right, and good and joyful, to give you thanks, all-holy God, source of life and fountain of mercy …
Preface of Easter [BCP, p. 379]:
But chiefly are we young 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, joining with Angels and Archangels and with the faithful of every generation, we lift our voices with all creation as we sing:
LEV #254:
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.
[Word: Public Domain. Music: Carl Maultsby, The Saint Mary Mass, © 1989 Malted Milk Music. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #00004C1989. All rights reserved.]
The people stand or kneel.
Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of the universe and giver of life. You formed us in your own image and called us to dwell in your infinite love. You gave the world into our care that we might be your faithful stewards and show forth your bountiful grace.
But we failed to honor your image in one another and in ourselves; we would not see your goodness in the world around us; and so we violated your creation, abused one another, and rejected your love. Yet you never ceased to care for us, and prepared the way of salvation for all people.
Through Abraham and Sarah you called us into covenant with you. You delivered us from slavery, sustained us in the wilderness, and raised up prophets to renew your promise of salvation. Then, in the fullness of time, you sent your eternal Word, made mortal flesh in Jesus. Born into the human family, and dwelling among us, he revealed your glory. Giving himself freely to death on the cross, he triumphed over evil, opening the way of freedom and life.
On the night before he died for us, Our Savior Jesus Christ took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his friends, and said: “Take, eat: This is my Body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
As supper was ending, Jesus 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 poured out for you and for all 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.
[Words: Public Domain. Music: Marjorie Gabriel-Burrow © 1992 G.I.A. Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.]
Remembering his death and resurrection, we now present to you from your creation this bread and this wine. By your Holy Spirit may they be for us the Body and Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ. Grant that we who share these gifts may be filled with the Holy Spirit and live as Christ’s Body in the world. Bring us into the everlasting heritage of your daughters and sons, that with Blessed Mary, Blessed Matthew, and all your saints, past, present, and yet to come, we may praise your Name for ever.
Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to you be honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever. 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 Anthems
[BCP, p. 364]
Hymn S-152:
Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!
[Words: Public Domain. Music: Ambrosian chant; adapt. Mason Martens © 1971 Mason Martens, Church Publishing, Inc. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #87673. All rights reserved.]
Hymn S-167:
[Words: Public Domain. Music: Mode 6 melody; adapt. Mason Martens © 1971 Mason Martens, Church Publishing, Inc. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #52588. All rights reserved.]
The Gifts of God for the people of God.
LEV #72: Just a Closer Walk With Thee
[Verses 1-3]
1 I am weak but thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to thee.
REFRAIN:
Just a closer walk with thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
2 Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but thee, dear Lord, none but thee. [REFRAIN]
3 When my feeble life is o’er,
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom shore, to thy shore. (REFRAIN)
Words: Anonymous, Public Domain. Music: American Folk Song, Public Domain. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #95172. All rights reserved.
The Post-Communion Prayer
[Enriching our Worship 2 [2000], pp. 56-57]
Let us pray.
For In-Person Worshippers:
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.
We thank you for feeding us with this bread.
May it strengthen us
that by the power of the Holy Spirit
we may embody your desire
and be renewed for your service
through Jesus Christ our Savior. 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 Easter Blessing
[Adapted from 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 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.
The Dismissal
[BCP, p. 366]
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God! Alleluia! Alleluia!
The Parish Prayer List
PRAYER LIST: Martha Avery, Mary Bonaparte, Christine Brown, Jacqueline Bryant, Lazola Cope, Aaron Duplechien Jr., Angie Glover, Annie Bell Greer, Loretta Harmond, Marva Harris, Whitney Kennedy, Sada Maxwell, Craig Maxwell, Bette Milledge, and Helen Scroggins.
BIRTHDAYS: Ja'wana Baker Pennamon (4/25) and Taylor Blue (4/30)
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES: N/A
RECENT DEATHS: Warren Loadholt (d. 4/5/2022; son of Marva Johnson); Doris Logan (friend of Terry Newton)
May the souls of all the departed rest in peace; and may light perpetual shine upon them. Amen.
EASTER LILIES MEMORIALS:
Harriette Brinson, Marva Johnson, Gwen Smith, & Family: In Memory of Mrs. Gertrude J. Hicks, LaCretia Carol Eady, Mr. Warren I. Loodholt
General A. & Lazola Cope: In Memory of Loved Ones
Christine Folsome: In Memory of Mrs. Bessie Kelly, Mrs. Sarah Williams, Mrs. Juanita December, Mrs. Mildred Johnson, Mrs. Margaret Caution, Mrs. Lucy Solomon, Mrs. Gertrude Sanders, Mr. Bernard Hogan, Mr., Irvin Kelly, Mr. George Brooks, and Other Loved Ones
Joenelle & Charles Gordon: In Memory of Loved Ones Gordon & Brown Families and E. Ceceile Walker
Fr. Charles & Evalena Hoskins: In Memory of Loved Ones of Fr. Charles & Evalena Hoskins
M. Idella Jones: In Memory of Loved Ones of the Glover-Nails Families
Frieda McDew-Shorter: In Memory of Stephen & Mary McDew and Obey L. Shorter
Jeannette Outing: In Memory of The Outing Family, The Butler Family, and The Moultrie Family
Margaret & Lee Pearson: In Memory of James & Marion Roberts, Maudell Brown, Lucius & Margaret Priested, and James Mack Roberts, Jr.
Evadne Roberts: In Memory of Loved Ones
Kathy Robinson: In Memory of Luther & Sadie Dockery, David W. Dockery, Luther G. Dockery, Pauliene & Carrie Gordon, James W. Newton, Thelma Newton, Virginia Wynn, Ella Mae Singleton, Natalie Thomas, Robert & Arabelle Graham, Mildred Seabrooks, and Eldora Byrd
Jessie Stevenson: In Memory of Family Members
Charles & Willie Mae Tennerson: In Memory of Loved Ones
Karsten Tyson: In Memory of the parents of Karsten Tyson: Robert & Beverly Tyson; In Thanksgiving for Harold & Andraedese Jones Mallette
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), African American Heritage Hymnal (AAHH), Wonder Love and Praise (WLP), and other sources cited. The Scripture readings are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible.
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