Lysa Rodriguez
- May 5
- 13 min read

Worship on May 5, 2024

Sunday Worship without Communion

6th Sunday of Easter B

May 5, 2024 at 9:30 AM

Presider: The Rev. Ella Roundtree-Davis, Deacon

St. Matthew's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/stmattsav

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

The Liturgy of the Word: Rite II

LEV #42: He Lives

1 I serve a risen savior,

he's in the world today;

I know that he is living,

whatever others say;

I see his hand of mercy,

I hear his voice of cheer,

and just the time I need him,

he's always near.

2 In all the world around me

I see his loving care,

and though my heart grows weary

I never will despair;

I know that he is leading

through all the stormy blast,

the day of his appearing

will come at last.

3 Rejoice, rejoice. O Christian,

lift up your voice and sing.

Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ, the king!

The hope of all who seek him,

the help of all who find,

none other is so loving, so good and kind.

[Music & Words: Alfred H. Ackley. Copyright © 1933 Homer A. Rodeheaver. Renewed 1961 The Rodeheaver Co. All Rights Reserved. International Copyright Secured. Used by permission. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #90882. All rights reserved.]

The Opening Acclamation

Alleluia! Christ is risen!

The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

The Confession of Sin

Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14, 16)

The Deacon or Lay Celebrant says:

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept. All pray together, kneeling, as they are able,

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

The Deacon or Lay Celebrant says:

Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen.

Hymn S-280: Glory to God

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

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us pray:

O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles (10:44-48)

While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, "Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Psalm 98

1 Sing to the Lord a new song, *

for he has done marvelous things.

2 With his right hand and his holy arm *

has he won for himself the victory.

3 The Lord has made known his victory; *

his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.

4 He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel, *

and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

5 Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands; *

lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.

6 Sing to the Lord with the harp, *

with the harp and the voice of song.

7 With trumpets and the sound of the horn *

shout with joy before the King, the Lord.

8 Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, *

the lands and those who dwell therein.

9 Let the rivers clap their hands, *

and let the hills ring out with joy before the Lord,

when he comes to judge the earth.

10 In righteousness shall he judge the world *

and the peoples with equity.

A Reading from the First Letter of St. John (5:1-6)

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

LEV #62: In Christ where there is no East of West (Verses 1-3)

1 In Christ where there is no East of West,

in him no south or north;

but one great fellowship

of love throughout the whole wide earth.

2 In him shall true hearts everywhere

their high communion find;

his service is the golden chord

close binding human kind.

3 Join hands, disciples of the faith,

what e'er your race may be!

Who serves my father

as a son is surely kin to me.

[Words: Galatians 3:28, adapt. John Oxenham. Music: McKee, Negro Spiritual; adapt, Harry T. Burleigh. Words adapt. Copyright © 1989. Reprinted by permission of American Tract Society. Music used by permission. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #84249. 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 (15:9-17)

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus said to his disciples, “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

LEV #62: In Christ where there is no East of West (Verses 4)

4 In Christ now meet both East and West,

in him meet south and north;

all Christly souls are one in him

throughout the whole wide earth.

The Sermon

by The Rev. Ella Roundtree-Davis, Deacon

The Nicene Creed

The People stand, as they are able, to recite the Creed.

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.

The Prayers of the People (Form VI)

In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.

For all people in their daily life and work;

For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.

For Joseph, our president; Brian, our governor; Van, our mayor; and all other civic officials; For this community, the nation, and the world;

For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.

For the just and proper use of your creation;

For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.

For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;

For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.

For all the churches in Savannah, that we may be one as you are one with the Son, and the Holy Spirit; For the peace and unity of the Church of God;

For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.

For Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury; Michael, our Presiding Bishop; Frank, our Bishop; Ella our Deacon; and for all bishops and other ministers;

For all who serve God in his Church.

For the special needs and concerns of this congregation, especially for our Day Care’s staff, students, and families, and for those on our Parish Prayer List: Lazola Cope, Charles Gordon, Marva Harris, David Jones, Donald Jones, Sheila Jones, Beverly Kemp, Whitney Kennedy, Leonard Law Jr., Jessica Mathis, Sada Maxwell, John “Butch” Mitchell, Russell Nails, Terry Newton, Jeannette Outing, Lee Grant Pearson, Frieda McDew Shorter, Edward Vaughn, and Jewel Wheeler; and those we remember now… Silence. The People may add their own petitions.

Hear us, Lord;

For your mercy is great.

We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life, especially for all visitors to this parish, all those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries this week: Craig J. Gordon (5/7), Wanda Grandbury (5/7), Antonio Blake (5/8), Idella Jones (5/10); and those thanksgivings we offer now… Silence. The People may add their own thanksgivings.

We will exalt you, O God our King;

And praise your Name for ever and ever.

We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom, and those we remember now… Silence. The People may add their own petitions.

Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;

Who put their trust in you.

The Celebrant concludes with the following or some other suitable Collect:

Almighty and eternal God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth: Mercifully accept the prayers of your people, and strengthen us to do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Peace

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

Applications for EYCS Scholarships open: Episcopal Youth and Children's Services (EYCS) COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS College-bound students (ages 17-22) are encouraged to apply online: eycs.georgiaepiscopal.org. Deadline to Apply: May 31.

Yoga Retreat at Honey Creek: In recognition of Pentecost, join us May 17-19, 2024 for an exploration of the rhythms, gateways, and symbols that resonate within us and serve as guideposts for our journeys. Professor Emerita of Georgia Southwestern State University, Gabriele Stauf, will use guided meditations to lead participants on their own internal exploration, while Karen Kinnamon of Just Peace Yoga and Wellness will provide yoga sessions to enliven the body, focus the mind, and ignite the spirit.

No prior yoga experience is necessary to attend this retreat. Check the newsletter for more information.

Register Now for Summer Camp at Honey Creek: In less than two months, the Diocese of Georgia's 100th Summer Camp will get underway at Honey Creek. We will have daily camp activities, including arts & crafts, outdoor games, ropes course activities, kayaking, pool time, and more. In addition to every day being filled with fun camp activities, we also devote time to worship and spiritual formation. Each session has Spiritual Directors on staff that will lead a formation program in the afternoon, and we begin and end each day with worship in the Chapel of Our Savior with gorgeous views of the Creek right outside our window.

Registration for each session is open, and scholarship assistance is available.

T/W/Th Evening Prayer on Zoom Only: St. Matthew’s gathers for virtual Evening Prayer services on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 5:00 PM, but we no longer post these videos to our Facebook page. You can pray with us on Zoom using the same link as before, as found in the e-Newsletter or in the St. Matthew’s Linktree (QR Code above).

The Offertory

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.

The Presider begins the Offertory with a sentence on BCP, p. 376, or some other sentence of Scripture.

Give online at: https://onrealm.org/StMattSav/-/give/now

Hymn #291: We Plow the Fields and Scatter

1. We plow the fields, and scatter

the good seed on the land,

but it is fed and watered

by God's almighty hand;

he sends the snow in winter,

the warmth to swell the grain,

the breezes and the sunshine,

and soft refreshing rain.

Refrain:

All good gifts around us

are sent from heaven above;

then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord

for all his love.

2. He only is the Maker

of all things near and far;

he paints the wayside flower,

he lights the evening star;

the wind and waves obey him,

by him the birds are fed;

much more to us, his children,

he gives our daily bread. [Refrain]

3. We thank thee, then, O Father,

for all things bright and good,

the seedtime and the harvest,

our life, our health, our food:

the gifts we have to offer

are what thy love imparts,

but chiefly thou desirest

our humble, thankful hearts. [Refrain]

[Words: Matthias Claudius; tr. Jane Montgomery Campbell, alt. Music: Wir pflugen, Johann Abraham Peter Schulz.]

The Doxology

Praise God, Praise God, Praise God!

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!

Praise him all creatures here below!

Praise him above ye heavenly hosts!

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

Amen.

LEV #264: The Lord’s Prayer

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 Grace

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all evermore. Amen.

Hymn #493: Jesus Christ our Lord

1 O for a thousand tongues to sing

my dear Redeemer's praise,

the glories of my God and King,

the triumphs of his grace!

2 My gracious Master and my God,

assist me to proclaim

and spread through all the earth abroad

the honors of thy Name.

3 Jesus! the Name that charms our fears

and bids our sorrows cease;

'tis music in the sinner's ears,

'tis life and health and peace.

4 He speaks; and, listening to his voice,

new life the dead receive,

the mournful broken hearts rejoice,

the humble poor believe.

5 Hear him, ye deaf; ye voiceless ones,

your loosened tongues employ;

ye blind, behold, your Savior comes;

and leap, ye lame, for joy!

6 Glory to God and praise and love

be now and ever given

by saints below and saints above,

the Church in earth and heaven.

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: Lazola Cope, Charles Gordon, Marva Harris, David Jones, Donald Jones, Sheila Jones, Beverly Kemp, Whitney Kennedy, Leonard Law Jr., Jessica Mathis, Sada Maxwell, John “Butch” Mitchell, Russell Nails, Terry Newton, Jeannette Outing, Lee Grant Pearson, Frieda McDew Shorter, Edward Vaughn, and Jewel Wheeler

BIRTHDAYS: Craig J. Gordon (5/7), Wanda Grandbury (5/7), Antonio Blake (5/8), Idella Jones (5/10)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES: N/A

RECENT DEATHS: N/A

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), The Hymnal 1982 (Hymn), Lift Every Voice and Sing II: An African American Hymnal (LEV), Enriching Our Worship 1 (EOW1), The Book of Occasional Services 2022 (BOS22), and other sources cited. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture readings are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible.