Fr. Guillermo A. Arboleda
- May 21, 2023
- 25 min read

Sunday Worship on May 21, 2023

The Holy Eucharist

The 7th Sunday of Easter (Year A)

May 21, 2023 at 9:30 AM

Celebrant and Preacher: The Rev. Guillermo A. Arboleda, Rector

Deacon: The Rev. Ella Roundtree-Davis

Watch the Livestream at www.Facebook.com/StMattSav/Live/

The Holy Eucharist: Rite II

Hymn #450 – All Hail The Power Of Jesus Name

1 All hail the power of Jesus' Name! Let angels prostrate fall; bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all! bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all! 2 Crown him ye martyrs of our God, who from his altar call: praise him whose way of pain ye trod, and crown him Lord of all! praise him whose way of pain ye trod, and crown him Lord of all! 3 Hail him, the Heir of David's line, whom David Lord did call, the God incarnate, Man divine, and crown him Lord of all! the God incarnate, Man divine, and crown him Lord of all! 4 Ye heirs of Israel's chosen race, ye ransomed of the fall, hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all! hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all! 5 Sinners, whose love can ne'er forget the wormwood and the gall, go, spread your trophies at his feet, and crown him Lord of all! go, spread your trophies at his feet, and crown him Lord of all! 6 Let every kindred, every tribe, on this terrestrial ball, to him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all! to him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all!

[Words: Edward Perronet, alt. Music: Coronation, Oliver Holden, alt.; desc. Michael E. Young. Copyright 1979, G.I.A. Publications, Inc. Reprinted with permission under One License # 125941. All rights reserved.]

The Opening Sentences

[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.

Hymn S280: 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.

The Collect of the Day

[BCP, p. 357, 226]

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us pray:

O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles 1:6-14

When the apostles had come together, they asked Jesus, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Psalm 68:1-10, 33-36

[BCP, p. 676-679]

Read responsively by half-verse (at the asterisk).

1 Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered; * let those who hate him flee before him.

2 Let them vanish like smoke when the wind drives it away; * as the wax melts at the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.

3 But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; * let them also be merry and joyful.

4 Sing to God, sing praises to his Name; exalt him who rides upon the heavens; * YAHWEH is his Name, rejoice before him!

5 Father of orphans, defender of widows, * God in his holy habitation!

6 God gives the solitary a home and brings forth prisoners into freedom; * but the rebels shall live in dry places.

7 O God, when you went forth before your people, * when you marched through the wilderness,

8 The earth shook, and the skies poured down rain, at the presence of God, the God of Sinai, * at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

9 You sent a gracious rain, O God, upon your inheritance; * you refreshed the land when it was weary.

10 Your people found their home in it; * in your goodness, O God, you have made provision for the poor.

33 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; * sing praises to the Lord.

34 He rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; * he sends forth his voice, his mighty voice.

35 Ascribe power to God; * his majesty is over Israel; his strength is in the skies.

36 How wonderful is God in his holy places! * the God of Israel giving strength and power to his people! Blessed be God!

A Reading from the First Letter of St. Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Hymn #460 – Alleluia! Sing To Jesus (Verses 1-4)

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. [Words: William Chatterton Dix. Music: Hyfrydol, Roland Hugh Prichard. Reprinted with permission under One License # 592e04d2788e1. 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 17:1-11

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.

”I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Hymn #460 – Alleluia! Sing To Jesus (Verse 5)

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.

The Sermon

"You Will Receive Power" by the Rev. Guillermo A. Arboleda, Rector

I need to start today off with a bad joke. Most of you know that next Monday (a week from tomorrow), I begin a 12-week sabbatical from St. Matthew’s. Next week, Bishop Frank Logue will be with us to baptize and confirm new members and young people into our parish, and he will deliver the sermon. So this is my last Sunday sermon here for a few months (I am preaching on Saturday for Bette Milledge’s memorial service too). On the day I am preparing to leave you temporarily, we read the story about Jesus ascending into heaven, leaving his disciples temporarily. Like Jesus, my message today is just, “Peace out!”

In all seriousness, the theme of departure is on my mind, and not just because I am self-centered. Because when Jesus ascended into heaven, he did not abandon his apostles and followers. God did not abandon us. Jesus ascended so that we could receive an even greater gift: God’s Holy Spirit. Jesus is God in the flesh, but that means that in Jesus, God could only be in one place at a time. But when the Holy Spirit is with us, God can be with everyone, everywhere, all at once. Through the Holy Spirit, God will “fill all things,” to quote the collect for Ascension Day (BCP, p. 226).

Jesus’ final words to his followers before he rose up into heaven were these: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The key word there is power. The Holy Spirit gives us the power we need to live and love faithfully, as God desires. The Holy Spirit gives us power to accomplish more than we can ask for or imagine. The Holy Spirit leads us into places and spaces far greater than we would go alone.

And the Holy Spirit is not reserved for apostles, bishops, priests, and deacons. The Holy Spirit is for all Christians, indeed all people. The Holy Spirit lives in each and everyone of you. The Holy Spirit is with us now to give us power to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. That’s why when I talk about my sabbatical, I keep reminding you that there will still be plenty of activity in the church. Because I’m not the church; you are the church. We are the church together. The Holy Spirit lives equally in you, me, and everyone else in this community. That power is available to anyone who calls on the Name of Jesus to do what is good and just and true.

During my sabbatical, I will be resting, traveling domestically and abroad (in Europe and North Africa), learning, and growing with others. I’m happy to answer any questions about specifics if you’re curious. But a priest’s sabbatical is also a time of learning and growth for the parish. It’s a time for us to invite the Holy Spirit to fill us with that power we need to do the church’s ministry, to serve the young and old, poor and rich, hungry and full. It’s a time to continue gathering together in prayer and encouraging each other to trust in God’s promises. It’s a time to hear new voices from the pulpit and be inspired by the ministry of other priests and lay preachers. It’s a time for stretching our leadership and creativity muscles. It’s a time for the Vestry and Strategic Planning Team and other committees to continue their work of managing the parish and planning for its future. It’s a time to be devoted to unity in community, responding to Jesus’ prayer that we all be one (John 17:11).

This means that some people will take on a few extra responsibilities. That’s important and necessary, and we thank everyone who will do so (especially the Wardens and Vestry, Deacon Davis, and administrative staff and officers). But the message of the Gospel is always grace first. This is a time to learn grace and compassion for one another. I know you can do that because you have been far more gracious with me than I deserve most of the time. When I mess something up, you all roll with the punches and laugh together with me. I trust you will do the same for all those who step up to lead other things in my absence.

And you don’t have to wait for me to do anything for the benefit of the church. At St. Matthew’s we know who we are. We are people called to love God and love our neighbors. We are called to life around the table through our worship, fellowship, and service. So when there are opportunities to worship this summer, take them. When there are opportunities to fellowship with each other and with our neighbors, take them. When there are opportunities to serve (especially non-members of this parish), take them!

But because we are led by grace, this is not a time for overwork, overcommitment, and stress. Part of the reason that priests take sabbaticals is because the Church believes that everyone deserves times of rest from work. Everyone should have the opportunity for a sabbatical, even though that is a dying practice in most American careers. The Good News is that God will be with you. God will take care of you. The Holy Spirit will give us the power to do what we are called to do. Jesus’ yoke is easy and his burden is light, because he does the heavy lifting. He has not left us “comfortless” (BCP, p. 226).

So do not be discouraged. God will never leave us nor forsake us. I’m not planning to leave St. Matthew’s any time soon. You have everything you need and more to sustain and grow the life of this parish for the next three months. You have the Holy Spirit of God on your side. That is the most powerful force in the universe. Through God, all things are possible. When we are together again on August 27, my prayer is that I’ll be rested, energized, and better resourced for the next phase of my ministry with St. Matthew’s. And I pray that all of you have time to grow as followers of Jesus and leaders in this church. That will prepare us to continue to be the thriving community of St. Matthew’s that God is calling us to become. Amen.

The Nicene Creed

[BCP, p. 358]

All standing as they are able, the People pray:

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 Church

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Hymn S106: 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: Mary Bonaparte, Jacqueline Bryant, Lazola Cope, Aaron Duplechien, Jr., Delois Groover, Marva Harris, David Jones, Beverly Kemp, Whitney Kennedy, Pat Lanchester, Sada Maxwell, Jeannette Outing, and Jewel Wheeler; let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For Milburn Lewis (5/22) and Taylor (Danni) Grant (5/27) on their birthdays; 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 Martha Avery (5/1), 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.

The Peace

[BCP, p. 360]

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

And also with you.

Parish Announcements

Sign up for our e-Newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/StMattSavNews

New Diaconal Intern Dr. Bertice Berry: From May 21 - September 24, 2023, Dr. Bertice Berry, a candidate for ordination to the diaconate in the Diocese of Georgia, will serve St. Matthew's as a Diaconal Intern. Deacon Davis will supervise her training in liturgy, preaching, pastoral care, and service to the wider community. Dr. Berry is an accomplished author, lecturer, facilitator, comedian, entertainer, and more. She has a PhD in Sociology from Kent State University and is a member of Christ Church Savannah.

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. The final session will take place after Sunday worship on May 21 from about 11:15-12:15.

EYCS Scholarship Applications: Episcopal Youth and Children's Services (EYCS) provides scholarships to undergraduate students who are active members of Episcopal parishes in the Diocese of Georgia. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship for the Fall 2023 semester, you must complete the application and request a recommendation from your rector. The application deadline is May 31, but Fr. Arboleda's deadline is May 21. Look over the application and talk to him soon: http://eycs.georgiaepiscopal.org/?page_id=11

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 still available at https://tedxsavannah.com for $50 each.

Bette Milledge's Memorial Service 5/27: St. Matthew's will have the opportunity to remember the life of Ms. Bette Conner Milledge (1931-2023) on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 11:00 AM, with interment at Laurel Grove South and a repast to follow.

Fr. Guillermo to take Sabbatical from May 29 - August 26: After seven years of ministry with St. Matthew’s, Fr. Guillermo will take a 12-week sabbatical this summer after the Day of Pentecost. Sabbaticals are increasingly common in the Episcopal Church and are now part of standard letters of agreement in the Diocese of Georgia. The vestry, deacon, and church staff have all begun planning for an active summer at St. Matthew’s in the absence of the rector. Sunday worship will continue with a few guest priests and some deacon-led services in June, July, and August. Please feel free to talk to Fr. Guillermo, Deacon Davis, or any Vestry member with questions. Fr. Guillermo plans to come back in late August refreshed and ready for several more years of ministry with St. Matthew’s!

Children's Church & Sunday School Re-Launch 6/4: Beginning on Sunday, June 4, St. Matthew's will begin to offer Sunday School for children between pre-school and 5th grade. Sunday School will begin in Toomer-Walker Halld after the reading of the Gospel and will sometimes include a Children's Sermon in the church before the "adult sermon." Then, kids and teachers will return to the church to receive communion and return to sitting with their families for the end of worship.

We are still looking for new Sunday School teachers to join the teaching schedule. All teachers must complete The Episcopal Church's Safe Church, Safe Communities training before working with children. See Fr. Arboleda, Margaret Anne Pearson, or Rachael Blue-Jones if you are interested.

Honey Creek Summer Camps: Sign up now for Summer Camp at Honey Creek at www.honeycreek.org/camps! Camp registrations costs $600 per camper (with $200 due at registration). St. Matthew's can help with registration fees, if the cost is an impediment.

High School Camp: June 4-10, 2023
Camp St. Peter (Grades 6-8): June 11-17, 2023
Camp St. Joseph & Mary (Grades 3-5): June 18-24, 2023
Family Camp (for families of all types): July 14-16, 2023

Save the Date - Vacation Bible School 7/17-7/21: Vacation Bible School for children and adults will be held Monday - Friday, July 17 - 21, 2023, from 5:30 - 7:30 PM. More details coming soon.

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. There will be no Evening Prayer live-stream on Thursday, May 25, due to Fr. Guillermo's TEDx talk.

During Fr. Guillermo's sabbatical (starting May 30), weekday Evening Prayer services will be available on Zoom only (no Facebook live-stream) and entirely lay-led. You can access the Zoom call using the same link we normally use in the e-Newsletter.

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

Hymn #563 – Go Forward Christian Soldier

1 Go forward, Christian soldier, beneath his banner true: the Lord himself, thy Leader, shall all thy foes subdue. His love foretells thy trials; he knows thine hourly need; he can with bread of heaven thy fainting spirit feed. 2 Go forward, Christian soldier, fear not the secret foe; far more o'er thee are watching than human eyes can know: trust only Christ, thy Captain; cease not to watch and pray; heed not the treacherous voices that lure thy soul astray. 3 Go forward, Christian soldier, nor dream of peaceful rest, till Satan's host is vanquished and heaven is all possessed; till Christ himself shall call thee to lay thine armor by, and wear in endless glory the crown of victory. 4 Go forward, Christian soldier, fear not the gathering night: the Lord has been thy shelter; the Lord will be thy light. When morn his face revealeth thy dangers all are past: O pray that faith and virtue may keep thee to the last!

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.

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.

Through your dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord. After his glorious resurrection he openly appeared to his disciples, and in their sight ascended into heaven, to prepare a place for us; that where he is, there we might also be, and reign with him in glory.

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.

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.

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.

The Breaking of the Bread

Silence may be kept.

The Fraction Anthems

[BCP, p. 364]

Hymn S154:

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.

Thanks be to God who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

The Gifts of God for the people of God.

The Distribution of Holy Communion

The ushers will direct people to leave their pews to receive Communion at the altar rails. You may receive Communion kneeling or standing. Please extend your hands forward to receive the Body of Christ (bread). If you would like to receive the Blood of Christ (wine), the minister will take the bread from your hand and dip (intinct) it in the wine for you, then place it in your mouth. If you would only like to receive the bread, you may consume it and return to your seat. If you need gluten-free bread for Communion, please ask the Priest when you are at the altar rail.

All baptized Christians are welcome to receive Communion in this church, regardless of age or denominational background. If you would not like to receive Communion for any reason, please cross your arms over your chest, and the Priest will say a blessing over you.

If you are worshipping online, you may pray to receive spiritual communion using the following prayer:

In union, O Lord, with your faithful people at every altar of your Church, where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, I desire to offer to you praise and thanksgiving. I remember your death, Lord Christ; I proclaim your resurrection; I await your coming in glory. Since I cannot receive you today in the Sacrament of your Body and Blood, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. Cleanse and strengthen me with your grace, Lord Jesus, and let me never be separated from you. May I live in you, and you in me, in this life and in the life to come. Amen.

LEV #161 – Go Preach My Gospel

1 “Go preach my gospel,” saith the Lord, “Bid the whole earth my grace receive, Explain to them my sacred word, Bid them believe, obey, and live.” 2 “I’ll make my great commission known, And ye shall prove my gospel true By all the works that I have done, And all the wonders ye shall do.” 3 “Go heal the sick, go raise the dead, Go cast out devils in my name. Nor let my prophets be afraid, Though man reproach, and will blaspheme.” 4 “While thus ye follow my commands, I’m with you till the world shall end. All pow’r in trusted in my hands; I can destroy, and can defend.” 5 He spake and light shone round His head, On a bright cloud to heav’n He rode. They to the farthest nation spread The grace of their ascended God.

The Post-Communion Prayer

[BCP, p. 365; 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. 15]

May the risen Christ who has passed into the heavens clothe you with power from on high; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

Hymn #307 – Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor

1 Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendor, first-begotten from the dead. Thou alone, our strong defender, liftest up thy people’s head. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Jesus, true and living bread! Jesus, true and living bread! 2. Here our humblest homage pay we, here in loving reverence bow; here for faith’s discernment pray we, lest we fail to know thee now. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou art here, we ask not how. Thou art here, we ask not how. 3. Though the lowliest form doth veil thee as of old in Bethlehem, here as there thine angels hail thee, branch and flower of Jesse's stem. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! We in worship join with them. We in worship join with them. 4. Paschal Lamb, thine offering, finished once for all when thou was slain, in its fullness undiminished shall for evermore remain. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Cleansing us from every stain. Cleansing us from every stain. 5. Life-imparting heavenly Manna, smitten Rock with streaming side, heaven and earth with loud hosanna worship thee, the Lamb who died. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Risen, ascended, glorified! Risen, ascended, glorified!

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: Mary Bonaparte, Jacqueline Bryant, Lazola Cope, Aaron Duplechien, Jr., Delois Groover, Marva Harris, David Jones, Beverly Kemp, Whitney Kennedy, Pat Lanchester, Sada Maxwell, Jeannette Outing, and Jewel Wheeler

BIRTHDAYS: Milburn Lewis (5/22) and Taylor (Danni) Grant (5/27)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES: N/A

RECENT DEATHS: Martha Avery (5/1)

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.

Image Credits: https://johntsquires.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/img_5703-1.jpg?w=400