The Annual Bishop's Visitation:
Holy Baptism & Confirmations with
The Holy Eucharist
The Day of Pentecost (Year A)
May 28, 2023 at 9:30 AM
Celebrant and Preacher: The Right Rev. Frank S. Logue, Bishop of Georgia
Assisting Priest: The Rev. Guillermo A. Arboleda, Rector
Deacon: The Rev. Ella Roundtree-Davis
Baptizand: Journee Denise Agyemang
Confirmands: Dayne Olivia Ladson, Olivia Gabrielle Jones, and Jordyn Kyair Chantel Jones
Watch the Livestream at www.Facebook.com/StMattSav/Live/
Hymn #512 – Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove
1 Come, gracious Spirit, heavenly Dove, with light and comfort from above; be thou our guardian, thou our guide o'er every thought and step preside. 2 The light of truth to us display, and make us know and choose thy way; plant holy fear in every heart, that we from thee may ne'er depart. 3 Lead us to Christ, the living way, nor let us from his precepts stray; lead us to holiness, the road that we must take to dwell with God. 4 Lead us to heaven, that we may share fullness of joy for ever there; lead us to God, our final rest, to be with him for ever blest.
[Words: Simon Browne, alt. Music: Mendon, melody from Methodist Harmonist; adapt. And harm. Lowell Mason. Words and Music: Copyright © 2003 Lorenz Publishing Company. Reprinted with permission under One License # 1038389. All rights reserved.]
The Opening Acclamation & Baptismal Versicles
[BCP, p. 299]
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
There is one Body and one Spirit;
There is one hope in God's call to us;
One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism;
One God and Father of all.
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.
[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, 227]
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray:
Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
A Reading from the Book of Numbers 11:24-30
Moses went out and told the people the words of the Lord; and he gathered seventy elders of the people, and placed them all around the tent. Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders; and when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But they did not do so again.
Two men remained in the camp, one named Eldad, and the other named Medad, and the spirit rested on them; they were among those registered, but they had not gone out to the tent, and so they prophesied in the camp. And a young man ran and told Moses, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp." And Joshua son of Nun, the assistant of Moses, one of his chosen men, said, "My lord Moses, stop them!" But Moses said to him, "Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them!" And Moses and the elders of Israel returned to the camp.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 104:25-35, 37
[BCP, p. 736-737]
Read responsively by half-verse (at the asterisk).
25 O Lord, how manifold are your works! * in wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
26 Yonder is the great and wide sea with its living things too many to number, * creatures both small and great.
27 There move the ships, and there is that Leviathan, * which you have made for the sport of it.
28 All of them look to you * to give them their food in due season.
29 You give it to them; they gather it; * you open your hand, and they are filled with good things.
30 You hide your face, and they are terrified; * you take away their breath, and they die and return to their dust.
31 You send forth your Spirit, and they are created; * and so you renew the face of the earth.
32 May the glory of the Lord endure for ever; * may the Lord rejoice in all his works.
33 He looks at the earth and it trembles; * he touches the mountains and they smoke.
34 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; * I will praise my God while I have my being.
35 May these words of mine please him; * I will rejoice in the Lord.
37 Bless the Lord, O my soul. * Hallelujah!
A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles 2:1-21
When the day of Pentecost had come, the disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs-- in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power." All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" But others sneered and said, "They are filled with new wine."
But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
'In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord's great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'"
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Hymn #228: Holy Spirit, Font of Light (Verses 1-4)
1 Holy Spirit, font of light,
focus of God’s glory bright,
shed on us a shining ray.
Father of the fatherless,
giver of gifts limitless,
come and touch our hearts today.
2. Source of strength and sure relief,
comforter in time of grief,
enter in and be our guest.
On our journey grant us aid,
freshening breeze and cooling shade,
in our labour inward rest.
3. Enter each aspiring heart,
occupy its inmost part
with your dazzling purity.
All that gives to man his worth,
all that benefits the earth,
you bring to maturity.
4. With your soft, refreshing rains
break our drought, remove our stains;
bind up all our injuries.
Shake with rushing wind our will;
melt with rushing fire our icy chill;
bring to light our perjuries.
[Words: Copyright © 1971. John Webster Grant, alt. Music: Webbe, melody from An Essay on the Church Plain Chant; adapt. Att. Samuel Webbe, alt; harm. Hymns ancient and Modern. 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 20:19-23
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Hymn #228: Holy Spirit, Font of Light (Verse 5)
5. As your promise we believe
make us ready to receive
gifts from your unbounded store.
Grant enabling energy,
courage in adversity,
joys that last for evermore.
[Words: Copyright © 1971. John Webster Grant, alt. Music: Webbe, melody from An Essay on the Church Plain Chant; adapt. Att. Samuel Webbe, alt; harm. Hymns ancient and Modern. All rights reserved.]
The Sermon
by the Right Rev. Frank S. Logue, 11th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia
The Presentation and Examination of the Candidates
[BCP, p. 301]
The Candidate for Holy Baptism will now be presented.
Journee and her parents and godparents come before the Bishop and other ministers.
Parents and Godparents: I present Journee to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.
Will you be responsible for seeing that the child you present is brought up in the Christian faith and life?
Parents and Godparents: I will, with God's help.
Will you by your prayers and witness help this child to grow into the full stature of Christ?
Parents and Godparents: I will, with God's help.
Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?
Parents and Godparents: I renounce them.
Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
Parents and Godparents: I renounce them.
Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God?
Parents and Godparents: I renounce them.
Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord?
Parents and Godparents: I do.
The other Candidates will now be presented.
The Candidates for Confirmation and their presenters come before the Bishop.
Presenters:
I present Dayne for Confirmation.
I present Olivia for Confirmation.
I present Jordyn for Confirmation.
Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil.
Candidates: I do.
Do you renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?
Candidates: I do, and with God's grace I will follow him as my Savior and Lord.
After all have been presented, the Bishop addresses the congregation,
Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ?
People: We will.
Let us join with those who are committing themselves to Christ and renew our own baptismal covenant.
The Baptismal Covenant
[BCP, p. 304]
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.
Hymn S-75: The Prayers for the Candidates
[BCP, p. 305]
Cantor: Deliver them, O Lord, from the way of sin and death.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Open their hearts to your grace and truth.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Fill them with your holy and life-giving Spirit.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Keep them in the faith and communion of your holy Church.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Teach them to love others in the power of the Spirit.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Send them into the world in witness to your love.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Bring them to the fullness of your peace and glory.
Lord, hear our prayer.
The Bishop says:
Grant, O Lord, that all who are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ your Son may live in the power of his resurrection and look for him to come again in glory; who lives and reigns now and forever. Amen.
[Music: Copyright © 1985, Church Publishing, Inc. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #14916. All rights reserved.]
Hymn S-75: Thanksgiving over the Water
[BCP, p. 306]
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water. Over it the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation. Through it you led the children of Israel out of their bondage in Egypt into the land of promise. In it your Son Jesus received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us, through his death and resurrection, from the bondage of sin into everlasting life.
We thank you, Father, for the water of Baptism. In it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit. Therefore in joyful obedience to your Son, we bring into his fellowship those who come to him in faith, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
At the following words, the Celebrant touches the water
Now sanctify this water, we pray you, by the power of your Holy Spirit, that those who here are cleansed from sin and born again may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Savior.
To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
[Music: Copyright © 1985, Church Publishing, Inc. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #14916. All rights reserved.]
The Baptism
[BCP, p. 307]
Journee, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Journee, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ's own for ever. Amen.
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon this your servant the forgiveness of sin, and have raised her to the new life of grace. Sustain her, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give her an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen.
Let us welcome the newly baptized.
We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood.
The Confirmations
[BCP, p. 309]
Let us now pray for these persons who have renewed their commitment to Christ.
Almighty God, we thank you that by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ you have overcome sin and brought us to yourself, and that by the sealing of your Holy Spirit you have bound us to your service. Renew in these your servants the covenant you made with them at their Baptism. Send them forth in the power of the Spirit to perform the service you set before them; 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 Bishop lays hands upon each one and says:
Strengthen, O Lord, your servant N. with your Holy Spirit; empower her for your service; and sustain her all the days of her life. Amen.
or this
Defend, O Lord, your servant N. with your heavenly grace, that she may continue yours forever, and daily increase in your Holy Spirit more and more, until she comes to your everlasting kingdom. Amen.
After all the candidates have been confirmed, the Bishop says
Almighty and everliving God, let your fatherly hand ever be over these your servants; let your Holy Spirit ever be with them; and so lead them in the knowledge and obedience of your Word, that they may serve you in this life, and dwell with you in the life to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Peace
[BCP, p. 360]
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
Parish Announcements
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, some deacon-led services, and a rotation of preachers 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!
Summer and Fall 2023 Church Calendars: St. Matthew’s Rector, Vestry, and SPT collaborated to publish a Summer and Fall 2023 Church Calendar of Events. This is not an exhaustive list, and there is room to add more, but it is a foundation to build on for the remainder of the year. They will be mailed to parishioners soon.
2023 Parish Directories Available Now! The Parish Administrator, prepared an updated 2023 Parish Directory for publication in the parish. These are available for in person pick up at the church now!
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 Hall 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 Switches to Zoom Only: During Fr. Guillermo's sabbatical, 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
LEV # 114 – Ev’ry Time I Feel The Spirit
REFRAIN: Ev’ry time I feel the spirit, moving in my heart, I will pray, Ev'ry time I feel the spirit, moving in my heart, I will pray. 1 Upon the mountain my Lord spoke, out of his mouth came fire and smoke. All around me looked so fine, asked my Lord if all was mine. [Refrain] 2 Jordan river chilly and cold, chills the body but not the soul. There ain’t but one train runs this track, runs to heaven and runs right back. [Refrain]
[Words: Traditional. Music: Negro Spiritual. Public Domain. 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]
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. In fulfillment of his true promise, the Holy Spirit came down on this day from heaven, lighting upon the disciples, to teach them and to lead them into all truth; uniting peoples of many tongues in the confession of one faith, and giving to your Church the power to serve you as a royal priesthood, and to preach the Gospel to all nations.
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 Breaking of the Bread
Silence may be kept.
The Fraction Anthems
[BCP, p. 364]
Hymn S154:
[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.
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 #112 – Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest
1 Come, Holy ghost, Creator blest, And in our hearts take up thy rest; Come with thy grace and heav’nly aid To fill the hearts which thou hast made. 2 O Comforter, to thee we cry, Thou heav’nly gift of God most high; Thou fount of life, and fire of love, And sweet anointing from above. 3 O Holy Ghost, through thee alone, Know we the Father and the Son; Be this our firm unchanging creed, That thou dost from them both proceed. 4 Praise we the Lord, Father and Son, And Holy Spirit with them one; And may the Son on us bestow All gifts that from the Spirit flow.
[Words: Veni, Creator Spiritus; attr. Rambanus Maurus; tr. Edward Caswell, alt. Music: Lambillotte, LM; with repeat; Louis Lambillotte, SJ; harm. Richard Proulx. Harm. Copyright © 1992 G.I.A. Publications, Inc., All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #106680. All rights reserved.]
LEV #115 – Spirit of the Living God
[Repeat as desired]
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me
[Words and Music: Daniel Iverson, Copyright © 1935, 1963 Birdwing Music (a Division of the Sparrow Corp.) and BMG Songs, Inc. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #198554. All rights reserved.]
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.
A Blessing for Graduates
God of journeys, endings, and new beginnings,
through the highs and lows, the twists and turns
this class has faced along the way,
we have faith that your love has guided them
from the moment they began up to graduation day.
We give you thanks and praise for the goodness that shines
in the relationships formed, knowledge learned,
and memories made through this school.
Bless the body, mind, and soul of every graduate,
that they may celebrate your glory in themselves and all creation,
and use their education to build your kingdom of peace. Amen.
The Blessing of the People
[The Book of Occasional Services 2022, pp. 15]
May the Spirit of truth lead you into all truth, giving you grace to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, and to proclaim the wonderful works of God; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.
Hymn #500: Creator Spirit, by Whose Aid
1 Creator Spirit, by whose aid the world's foundations first were laid, come, visit every humble mind; come, pour thy joys on humankind; from sin and sorrow set us free, and make thy temples worthy thee. 2 O Source of uncreated light, the Father's promised Paraclete, thrice holy Fount, thrice holy Fire, our hearts with heavenly love inspire; come, and thy sacred unction bring to sanctify us while we sing. 3 Plenteous of grace, come from on high, rich in thy sevenfold energy; make us eternal truth receive, and practice all that we believe; give us thyself, that we may see the Father and the Son by thee.
[Words: John Dryden; tr. Of Veni Creator Spiritus. Music: Surrey, melody Henryt Carey. 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!
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: MaKenzie Jones (5/28), Margaret Cox (529), and Judy Hunter-Dorsey (6/3)
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES: Edward & Janice Vaughn (5/28) and Jewel & Emma Benford (6/1)
RECENT DEATHS: Bette Milledge, Martha Avery
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://kpumc.org/blog/2018/1/9/revisiting-jesus-baptism