Service for Pentecost - May 31st, 2020

Zoom link for online access to service at 10:00 a.m. fourth Sunday of Easter - May 3rd:- https://zoom.us/j/7860586161?pwd=b2VaTm5zcktRYjJvYnJSUW9rYzhJdz09

The King of love my Shepherd is:- https://youtu.be/b3GFVW6m9Qo

God of Wonders:- https://youtu.be/DlU89VB6Tm4

Come now is the time to worship:- https://youtu.be/NPWq8eM4lu8

Opening sentences:-

Reader:  Alleluia. Christ is risen.

All:         The Lord is risen indeed.  Alleluia.

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.

The confession and absolution

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 Reader prays:

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who in his great mercy has promised forgiveness of sins to all those who with heartfelt repentance and true faith turn to him: have mercy on us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness,

and bring us to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

A Collect for the fourth Sunday of Easter

O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people; Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

The Word of God.  One or more readings appointed for the day are read.

A reading from Nehemiah 9:6-15

6You alone are the Lord.  You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them.  You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.  7“You are the Lord God, who chose Abram and brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans and named him Abraham.  8You found his heart faithful to you, and you made a covenant with him to give to his descendants the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Jebusites and Girgashites. You have kept your promise because you are righteous.  9“You saw the suffering of our ancestors in Egypt; you heard their cry at the Red Sea.  10You sent signs and wonders against Pharaoh, against all his officials and all the people of his land, for you knew how arrogantly the Egyptians treated them.  You made a name for yourself, which remains to this day.  11You divided the sea before them, so that they passed through it on dry ground, but you hurled their pursuers into the depths, like a stone into mighty waters.  12By day you led them with a pillar of cloud, and by night with a pillar of fire to give them light on the way they were to take.  13“You came down on Mount Sinai; you spoke to them from heaven.  You gave them regulations and laws that are just and right, and decrees and commands that are good.  14You made known to them your holy Sabbath and gave them commands, decrees and laws through your servant Moses.  15In their hunger you gave them bread from heaven and in their thirst you brought them water from the rock; you told them to go in and take possession of the land you had sworn with uplifted hand to give them.

The Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

The Psalm appointed for today is Psalm 23

1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.   

2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: 

for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:

thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be forever. Amen.

A reading from  1 Peter 2:19-25

19For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.  20But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.  21To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.  22“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”  23When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.  Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.  24He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.  25For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

The Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

All we like sheep:- https://youtu.be/bjOUeEpBgxs

The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. John 10:1-10

1“I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.  2The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep.  3The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice.  He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  4When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.  5But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice."  6Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.  7Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.  8All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.  9I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.  He will come in and go out, and find pasture.  10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 

Today’s Reflection

Scattered people #25: https://youtu.be/wOwva7Cih-Q

We believe:- https://youtu.be/FtPmX7e_Rpw

Prayers of Intercession

Let us follow this series of videos from Prayercast weekly, and pray for unbelievers everywhere and others to come to know Christ:-

Sawm (Fasting)

Deacon or other leader

In the silence that follows each prayer, please add your own petitions either silently or out loud.

Let us pray for the Church and for the world.

Grant, Almighty God, that all who confess your Name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations, in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours, and grant that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as he loves us.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

We commend to your mercy all who have died, that your will for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all your saints in your eternal kingdom.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Amen.

Praying for church leaders:

O God,

You will build your church.

Forgive me when I don’t play my part.

Forgive me when I stop others.

Forgive us when we lack the courage to obey.

Forgive us when we get in the way of people seeing you.

O God,

You will build your church.

Give me wisdom to see the gifts you have given me for your church.

Give me discernment to see who you are calling to leadership, especially if it’s me.

Give us confidence to respond to your call and serve.

Give us courage to encourage and support your new leaders.

O God,

You will build your church.

Bless your leaders with the gifts they need.

Bless us with willing, obedient hearts.

Bless our reaching out to other churches in partnership.

Bless our community through the work of your church.

O God,

You will build your church.

Let it be so!

Amen.

THE OFFERTORY SENTENCE

Offering:- https://youtu.be/dCh7AFvEVjk

Reader:      The Lord be with you.

All:              And also with you.

Reader: Rejoicing in the presence of God here among us,

let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us:-

All:        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.

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

Reader:  At this time when as a church family we would normally be celebrating the Eucharist together, let us now say this prayer of Saint Alphonsus as an act of spiritual communion.

All:         My Jesus, I believe You are present in the most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, come at least 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.

The Conclusion

All our problems:

We send to the cross of Christ.

All our difficulties:

We send to the cross of Christ.

All the devil’s works:

We send to the cross of Christ

All our hopes:

We set on the risen Christ

Days of Elijah:- https://youtu.be/ca9LnzJnpjQ

Alleluia, alleluia.  Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. 

Thanks be to God.  Alleluia, alleluia.

Zoom link for online access to service at 10:00 a.m. third Sunday of Easter - April 26th:- https://zoom.us/j/7860586161?pwd=b2VaTm5zcktRYjJvYnJSUW9rYzhJdz09

O for a thousand tongues to sing:- https://youtu.be/LUjVTdeFvio

King of heaven:- https://youtu.be/5h8laPe1NVM

He is Lord:- https://youtu.be/wuLLcjDCKbg

Opening sentences:-

Reader:  Alleluia. Christ is risen.

All:         The Lord is risen indeed.  Alleluia.

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.

The confession and absolution

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 Reader prays:

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who in his great mercy has promised forgiveness of sins to all those who with heartfelt repentance and true faith turn to him: have mercy on us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, and bring us to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

A Collect for the third Sunday of Easter

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

The Word of God.  One or more readings appointed for the day are read.

A reading from Isaiah 43:1-12

1But now, this is what the LORD says — he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.  2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you blaze.  3For I am the LORD, your God,  the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.  4Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life.  5Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.  6I will say to the north, 'Give them up!'  and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.'  Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth - 7everyone who is called by my name,   whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."  8Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf.  9All the nations gather together and the peoples assemble.  Which of them foretold this  and proclaimed to us the former things?   Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right, so that others may hear and say, "It is true."  10"You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.  Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.  11I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior.  12I have revealed and saved and proclaimed — I, and not some foreign god among you.  You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "that I am God.

The Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

The Psalm appointed for today is Psalm 116:12-19

12How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me? 

13I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. 

14I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.  

15Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. 

16O LORD, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant; you have freed me from my chains. 

17I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD.

18 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people,

19 in the courts of the house of the Lord — in your midst, Jerusalem. Praise the Lord.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be forever. Amen.

A reading from  1 Peter 1:17-23

17Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. 18For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.  20He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.  22Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.  23For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

The Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

Now thank we all our God:- https://youtu.be/s99dNPKYtHk

The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Luke 24:13-35

13Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.  14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.  15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from recognizing him.  17He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”  They stood still, their faces downcast. 18One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?”  19“What things?” he asked.  “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.  “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.  20The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.  And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.  22In addition, some of our women amazed us.  They went to the tomb early this morning 23but didn't find his body.  They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive.  24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.”  25He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!  26Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?”  27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.  28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther.  29But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.”  So he went in to stay with them.  30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.  31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.  32They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”  33They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem.  There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.”  35Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

Today’s Reflection:

Scattered people #21:- https://youtu.be/wOwva7Cih-Q

African Credo:-https://youtu.be/VRzI_FbWTkg

Prayers of Intercession

Let us follow this series of videos from Prayercast weekly, and pray for unbelievers everywhere and others to come to know Christ:-

Folk Muslim

Deacon or other leader

In the silence that follows each prayer, please add your own petitions either silently or out loud.

Let us pray for the Church and for the world.

Grant, Almighty God, that all who confess your Name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations, in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours, and grant that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as he loves us.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

We commend to your mercy all who have died, that your will for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all your saints in your eternal kingdom.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Amen.

Praying for church leaders:

O God,

You will build your church.

Forgive me when I don’t play my part.

Forgive me when I stop others.

Forgive us when we lack the courage to obey.

Forgive us when we get in the way of people seeing you.

O God,

You will build your church.

Give me wisdom to see the gifts you have given me for your church.

Give me discernment to see who you are calling to leadership, especially if it’s me.

Give us confidence to respond to your call and serve.

Give us courage to encourage and support your new leaders.

O God,

You will build your church.

Bless your leaders with the gifts they need.

Bless us with willing, obedient hearts.

Bless our reaching out to other churches in partnership.

Bless our community through the work of your church.

O God,

You will build your church.

Let it be so!

Amen.

THE OFFERTORY SENTENCE

Our best for the Lord:-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WM8jAP_V8g

Reader:      The Lord be with you.

All:              And also with you.

Reader: Rejoicing in the presence of God here among us,

let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us:-

All:        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.

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

Reader:  At this time when as a church family we would normally be celebrating the Eucharist together, let us now say this prayer of Saint Alphonsus as an act of spiritual communion.

All:         My Jesus, I believe You are present in the most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, come at least 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.

The Conclusion

All our problems:

We send to the cross of Christ.

All our difficulties:

We send to the cross of Christ.

All the devil’s works:

We send to the cross of Christ

All our hopes:

We set on the risen Christ

Build your kingdom here:- https://youtu.be/8awpRHg5waw

Alleluia, alleluia.  Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. 

Thanks be to God.  Alleluia, alleluia.

Zoom link for online access to service at 10:00 a.m. Easter Sunday April 12th:- https://zoom.us/j/7860586161?pwd=b2VaTm5zcktRYjJvYnJSUW9rYzhJdz09

Jesus Christ is risen today:- https://youtu.be/X1brSOs0lMc

Alive, alive, alive forevermore:- https://youtu.be/LXYr0IswMQg

All the earth will sing your praises:- https://youtu.be/awWmKpxErd0

Opening sentences:-

Reader:  Alleluia. Christ is risen.

All:         The Lord is risen indeed.  Alleluia.

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.

The confession and absolution

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 Reader prays:

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who in his great mercy has promised forgiveness of sins to all those who with heartfelt repentance and true faith turn to him: have mercy on us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness,

and bring us to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

A Collect for Easter Sunday

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 our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

The Word of God.  One or more readings appointed for the day are read.

A reading from Acts 10:34-43

34Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.  6You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached -- 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.  39"We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, 40but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen--by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.  42He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

The Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

The Psalm appointed for today is Psalm 118:14-17, 22-24.  

14The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. 

15Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous:

"The LORD's right hand has done mighty things! 

16The LORD's right hand is lifted high; the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!" 

17I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done. 

22The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;

23the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. 

24This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. 

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning is now and shall be forever. Amen.

A reading from  Colossians 3:1-4

1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

The Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. John 20:1-10

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.  2So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”  3So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb.  4Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.  5He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in.  6Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb.  He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head.  The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen.   8Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.  9(They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)  10Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.  

The wonder of your cross:- https://youtu.be/6Rr5uR5Vb8M 

Today’s Reflection: 

Scattered people #7:- https://www.youtu.be/9a3swiPE7HI

African Credo:-https://youtu.be/VRzI_FbWTkg

Prayers of Intercession

Let us follow this series of videos from Prayercast weekly, and pray for unbelievers everywhere and others to come to know Christ:-

Sunni

Deacon or other leader

In the silence that follows each prayer, please add your own petitions either silently or out loud.

Let us pray for the Church and for the world.

Grant, Almighty God, that all who confess your Name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations, in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours, and grant that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as he loves us.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

We commend to your mercy all who have died, that your will for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all your saints in your eternal kingdom.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Amen.

Praying for church leaders:

O God,

You will build your church.

Forgive me when I don’t play my part.

Forgive me when I stop others.

Forgive us when we lack the courage to obey.

Forgive us when we get in the way of people seeing you.

O God,

You will build your church.

Give me wisdom to see the gifts you have given me for your church.

Give me discernment to see who you are calling to leadership, especially if it’s me.

Give us confidence to respond to your call and serve.

Give us courage to encourage and support your new leaders.

O God,

You will build your church.

Bless your leaders with the gifts they need.

Bless us with willing, obedient hearts.

Bless our reaching out to other churches in partnership.

Bless our community through the work of your church.

O God,

You will build your church.

Let it be so!

Amen.

THE OFFERTORY SENTENCE

Another message and new song from Robin Mark:- https://youtu.be/aZNXM9DssEM

Reader:      The Lord be with you.

All:              And also with you.

Reader: Rejoicing in the presence of God here among us,

let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us:-

All:        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.

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

Reader:  At this time when as a church family we would normally be celebrating the Eucharist together, let us now say this prayer of Saint Alphonsus as an act of spiritual communion.

All:         My Jesus, I believe You are present in the most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, come at least 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.

The Conclusion

All our problems:

We send to the cross of Christ.

All our difficulties:

We send to the cross of Christ.

All the devil’s works:

We send to the cross of Christ

All our hopes:

We set on the risen Christ

Arise:-  https://youtu.be/YEjWMMJyTyg

Alleluia, alleluia.  Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. 

Thanks be to God.  Alleluia, alleluia.

Zoom link for online access to service at 7:30 p.m. Friday April 10th:- https://zoom.us/j/7860586161?pwd=b2VaTm5zcktRYjJvYnJSUW9rYzhJdz09

Good Friday

Reader:  Blessed be our God.

People:   For ever and ever. Amen.

Reader:  Let us pray.

Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

The Word of God.  One or more readings appointed for the day are read.

A reading from the Prophet Isaiah 52:13-53:12

13See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.  14Just as there were many who were appalled at him — his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness —  15so will he sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him.  For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand.  1Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?  2He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground.  He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.  3He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.  Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.   4Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.  5But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.  6We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.  7He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.  8By oppression and judgment he was taken away.  And who can speak of his descendants?  For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken.  9He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.  10Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.  11After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.  12Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors.  For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

The Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God 

The Psalm appointed for today is Psalm 40:1-14.  

1I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.  

2He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.  

3He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. 

Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.  

4Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.  

5Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done.  The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.  

6Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced; burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. 

7Then I said, "Here I am, I have come — it is written about me in the scroll.  

8I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."  

9I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O LORD.

10I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.  

I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.  

11Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; may your love and your truth always protect me.  

12For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. 

They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me.  

13Be pleased, O LORD, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me.  

14May all who seek to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be forever. Amen.

A reading from Hebrews 10:1-25

1The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming -- not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. 2If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. 3But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, 4because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.  5Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; 6with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased.  7Then I said, 'Here I am -- it is written about me in the scroll -- I have come to do your will, O God.' "  8First he said, Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them" (although the law required them to be made).  9Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will."  He sets aside the first to establish the second.  10And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.  11Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.  12But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.  13Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, 14because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.  15The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this.  First he says: 16"This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord.  I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds." 17Then he adds:  "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more."  18And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin. 19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

The Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

There is a green hill in a faraway country:- https://youtu.be/7tCykJoexMk?t=7

There Is A Green Hill In A Far Away Country

(Cecil Alexander, David Clifton, Ian Blythe, Phil Baggaley)

There is a green hill in a far away country

It stands near a city outside a wall

Where Jesus our Saviour

The King of all glory

Suffered and died to save us all

There was no other good enough

Willing to pay the price of sin

For He was the only one who could reach out

And unlock the gates of heav'n to let us in

I may not know of the pain of His passion

But I believe that in my place He stood

That I may know freedom

And live in forgiveness

For I am redeemed by His great love

There was no other good enough

Willing to pay the price of sin

For He was the only one who could reach out

And unlock the gates of heav'n to let us in

So very dearly Jesus has loved us

And all He would ask is that we love Him too

And trust Him for all that

This life lays before us

That we would try His work to do

There was no other good enough

Willing to pay the price of sin

For He was the only one who could reach out

And unlock the gates of heav'n to let us in

There is a green hill in a far away country

The Passion Gospel is announced in the following manner:

The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John 19:1-37

1Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged.  2The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe 3and went up to him again and again, saying, "Hail, king of the Jews!"  And they struck him in the face.  4Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews, "Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him."  5When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, "Here is the man!"  6As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, "Crucify! Crucify!"  But Pilate answered, "You take him and crucify him.  As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him."  7The Jews insisted, "We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God."  8When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, 9and he went back inside the palace.  "Where do you come from?" he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer.  10"Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said.  "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?"  11Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.  Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."  12From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar."  13When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge's seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha).  14It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour.  "Here is your king," Pilate said to the Jews.  15But they shouted, "Take him away! Take him away!  Crucify him!"  "Shall I crucify your king?"  Pilate asked.  "We have no king but Caesar," the chief priests answered.  16Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.  So the soldiers took charge of Jesus.  17Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).  18Here they crucified him, and with him two others — one on each side and Jesus in the middle.  19Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross.  It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.   20Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek.  21The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews."  22Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."  23When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.  24"Let's not tear it," they said to one another.  "Let's decide by lot who will get it."  This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, "They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing."  So this is what the soldiers did.  25Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," 27and to the disciple, "Here is your mother."  From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.  28Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty."  29A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips.  30When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished."  With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.  31Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath.  Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down.  32The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other.   33But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.  34Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.  35The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true.  He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. 36These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken," 37and, as another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced."

The Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God 

Today’s Reflection:

Good Friday message:- https://youtu.be/hS7XHev5eBI

The Solemn Collects

All standing, the Deacon, or other person appointed, says to the people

Dear People of God: Our heavenly Father sent his Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved; that all who believe in him might be delivered from the power of sin and death, and become heirs with him of everlasting life.

We pray, therefore, for people everywhere according to their needs.

Let us pray for the holy catholic Church of Christ throughout the world;

For its unity in witness and service

For all bishops and other ministers and the people whom they serve

For Carl, our Bishop, and all the people of this diocese

For all Christians in this community

That God will confirm his Church in faith, increase it in love, and preserve it in peace.

Silence

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Let us pray for all nations and peoples of the earth, and for those in authority among them;

For Donald, the President of the United States

For the Congress and the Supreme Court

For the Members and Representatives of the United Nations

For all who serve the common good

That by God’s help they may seek justice and truth, and live in peace and concord.

Silence

Almighty God, kindle, we pray, in every heart the true love of peace, and guide with your wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your dominion may increase, until the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Let us pray for all who suffer and are afflicted in body or in mind;

For the hungry and the homeless, the destitute and the oppressed

For the sick, the wounded, and the crippled

For those in loneliness, fear, and anguish

For those who face temptation, doubt, and despair

For the sorrowful and bereaved

For prisoners and captives, and those in mortal danger

That God in his mercy will comfort and relieve them, and grant them the knowledge of his love, and stir up in us the will and patience to minister to their needs.

Silence

Gracious God, the comfort of all who sorrow, the strength of all who suffer: Let the cry of those in misery and need come to you, that they may find your mercy present with them in all their afflictions; and give us, we pray, the strength to serve them for the sake of him who suffered for us, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Let us pray for all who have not received the Gospel of Christ;

For those who have never heard the word of salvation

For those who have lost their faith

For those hardened by sin or indifference

For the contemptuous and the scornful

For those who are enemies of the cross of Christ and persecutors of his disciples

For those who in the name of Christ have persecuted others

That God will open their hearts to the truth, and lead them to faith and obedience.

Silence

Merciful God, Creator of all the peoples of the earth and lover of souls: Have compassion on all who do not know you as you are revealed in your Son Jesus Christ; let your Gospel be preached with grace and power to those who have not heard it; turn the hearts of those who resist it; and bring home to your fold those who have gone astray; that there may be one flock under one shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Let us commit ourselves to God, and pray for the grace of a holy life, that, with all who have departed this world and have died in the peace of Christ, and those whose faith is known to God alone, we may be accounted worthy to enter into the fullness of the joy of our Lord, and receive the crown of life in the day of resurrection.

Silence

O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Anthem 1

We glory in your cross, O Lord, and praise and glorify your holy resurrection; for by virtue of your cross joy has come to the whole world.

May God be merciful to us and bless us, show us the light of his countenance, and come to us.

Let your ways be known upon earth, your saving health among all nations.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

We glory in your cross, O Lord, and praise and glorify your holy resurrection; for by virtue of your cross joy has come to the whole world.

Anthem 2

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you,

because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

If we have died with him, we shall also live with him; if we endure, we shall also reign with him.

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Stations of the Cross: https://youtu.be/7mynBLSUad8

Young Man:- https://youtu.be/5PiH3Tv9gLY

The Young Man

(Robin Mark)

All on a Friday evening as the sun went down

The body of a man who wore a thorn made crown

Was carried to a graveyard in the fading light

And laid with deep affection in a garden

Up on the hill the shadow of His gallows fell

And faded as the sun descended lower still

The ground was worn

And bare where many feet had trod

To watch the execution of the young man

And what of me so distant from that far gone place

Still the wonder of that moment

Crosses time and space

With mystery and majesty none can explain

For it draws me to the story of the young man

The next day being Sabbath was a day of rest

And one of some reflection

For the young man's friends

No longer messianic zeal consumed their hearts

Just sorrow for the killing of the young man

And I suppose some tears

Were shed 'til sleep came last

Then rising early morning once the Sabbath passed

A woman made her way to find the garden tomb

To leave some oil and flowers for the young man

Now history tells of heavy stone to bar the way

Was fixed by many soldiers on the open grave

For when she found it rolled aside an empty tomb

She grieved the stolen body of the young man

A gardener called her by her name

As she kneeled down

And asked her why

She searched about the burial ground

And wiping bitter tears away

With dawn's first light

She saw the risen glory of the young man

Standing at the foot of the cross let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us:-

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.

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory

Forever and ever.

Amen.

The Conclusion

All our problems:

We send to the cross of Christ.

All our difficulties:

We send to the cross of Christ.

All the devil’s works:

We send to the cross of Christ

All our hopes:

We set on the risen Christ

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, we pray you to set your passion, cross, and death between your judgment and our souls, now and in the hour of our death. Give mercy and grace to the living; pardon and rest to the dead; to your holy Church peace and concord; and to us sinners everlasting life and glory; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. 

Thanks be to God.