SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Service and Readings
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Lorna Myers, Song Leader
Malik Jardine, Organist
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ENTRANCE HYMN:
“We plow the fields and scatter”
We plow the fields and scatter
the good seed on the land,
but it is fed and watered
by God’s almighty hand.
God sends the snow in winter,
the warmth to swell the grain,
the breezes, and the sunshine,
and soft refreshing rain.
All good gifts around us are sent from heav’n above.
Then thank the LORD, O thank the LORD for all His love.
He only are the Maker
of all things near and far.
He paints the wayside flower,
He lights the evening star.
The winds and waves obey Him,
by Him the birds are fed;
much more to us, His children,
He gives our daily bread.
All good gifts around us are sent from heav’n above.
Then thank the LORD, O thank the LORD for all His love.
•••
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Celebrant: 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.
GLORIA
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 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 PRAYER FOR MOTHERS
God our Mother, in your wisdom and love you made all things.
On this Mother’s Day bless all mothers:
Bless those mothers who have taken upon themselves, the responsibility of parenting, whether their children or those of others.
Bless those who have lost a spouse to death or divorce.
Bless those who have lost a child due to illness, accident, or violence.
Bless those who are parenting a child with special needs.
Bless those who are parenting their children alone. Strengthen them by your love that they may be and become the loving, caring persons they are meant to be.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
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THE FIRST READING
Acts 10:44-48
A Reading from the Book of Acts.
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.
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THE PSALM
Psalm 98
Sing to the Lord a new song, *
for he has done marvelous things.
With his right hand and his holy arm *
has he won for himself the victory.
The Lord has made known his victory; *
his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.
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.
Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands; *
lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.
Sing to the Lord with the harp, *
with the harp and the voice of song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn *
shout with joy before the King, the Lord.
Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, *
the lands and those who dwell therein.
Let the rivers clap their hands, *
and let the hills ring out with joy before the Lord,
when he comes to judge the earth.
In righteousness shall he judge the world *
and the peoples with equity.
•••
THE SECOND READING
1 John 5:1-6
A Reading from the First Letter of John.
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.
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SEQUENCE HYMN:
“As those of old their firstfruits brought”
As those of old their firstfruits brought
of vineyard, flock, and field
to God, the giver of all good,
the source of bounteous yield,
so we today our firstfruits bring,
the wealth of this good land:
of farm and market, shop and home,
of mind and heart and hand.
In gratitude and humble trust
we bring our best today,
to serve Thy cause and share Thy love
with all humanity.
O Thou Who gavest us Thyself
in Jesus Christ your Son,
help us to give ourselves each day
until life's work is done.
•••
THE GOSPEL READING
John 15: 9-17
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
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.
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THE HOMILY
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THE NICENE 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 III)
Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
That we all may be one.
Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;
That your Name may be glorified by all people.
We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.
We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world;
That there may be justice and peace on the earth.
Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
That our works may find favor in your sight.
Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;
That they may be delivered from their distress.
Give to the departed eternal rest;
Let light perpetual shine upon them.
We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy;
May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.
Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.
Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, “Peace I give to you; my own peace I leave with you:” Regard not our sins, but the faith of your Church, and give to us the peace and unity of that heavenly City, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit, you live and reign, now and for ever. AMEN.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
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THE ANNOUNCEMENTS
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OFFERTORY HYMN:
”Tell Out My Soul”
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord!
Unnumbered blessings give my spirit voice;
tender to me the promise of His Word;
in God my Savior shall my heart rejoice.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of His name!
Make known his might, the deeds his arm has done;
his mercy sure, from age to age the same;
his holy name, the Lord, the Mighty One.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of His might!
Powers and dominions lay their glory by.
Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight,
the hungry fed, the humble lifted high.
•••
THE HOLY COMMUNION
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.
People: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and every- where to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
But chiefly are we bound to praise you for the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed death, and by his rising to life again he has won for us everlasting life.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
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.
We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world.
In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
On the night before he died for us, 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, according to his command, O Father,
We remember his death,
We proclaim his resurrection,
We await his coming in glory;
And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.
We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant.
Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with the Blessed Virgin Mary and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.
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.
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.
Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Jesus, Lamb of God,
have mercy on us.
Jesus, Bearer of our sins,
have mercy on us.
Jesus, Redeemer of the world,
grant us your peace.
The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
Invitation to Spiritual Communion
Jesus, I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
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COMMUNION HYMN
”Seek ye first the kingdom of God”
Seek ye first the Kingdom of God
And His righteousness
And all these things shall be added unto you
Allelu-Alleluia
Ask and it shall be given unto you
Seek and ye shall find
Knock and it shall be opened unto you
Allelu-Alleluia
Al - le - lu - ia
Al - le - lu - ia
Al - le - lu - ia
Al - le - lu - Al - le - lu - ia
Al - le - lu - ia
Al - le - lu - ia
Al - le - lu - ia
Al - le - lu - Al - le - lu - ia
•••
Let us pray.
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.
•••
May Almighty God, who has redeemed us and made us his children
through the resurrection of his Son our Lord,
bestow upon you the riches of his blessing.
AMEN.
May God, who through the water of baptism
has raised us from sin into newness of life,
make you holy and worthy to be united with Christ for ever.
AMEN.
May God, who has brought us out of bondage to sin
into true and lasting freedom in the Redeemer,
bring you to your eternal inheritance.
AMEN.
And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever.
AMEN.
•••
Let us go forth into the world,
rejoicing in the power of the Spirit. Alleluia, alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia!
•••
CLOSING HYMN:
”Faith of our mothers”
Faith of our mothers, living yet,
In cradle song and bedtime prayer
In nurs’ry love and fireside love
thy presence still pervades the air;
Faith of our mothers, living faith,
We will be true to thee ‘til death.
Faith of our mothers, guiding faith
For youthful longing – youthful doubt
How blurred our vision, blind our way,
Thy providential care without;
Faith of our mothers, living faith,
We will be true to thee ‘til death.
Faith of our mothers, Christian faith,
In truth beyond our man-made creeds,
Still save the home and save the church,
And breathe thy spirit through our deeds;
Faith of our mothers, living faith,
We will be true to thee ‘til death.
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