Services

The Holy Eucharist

Call to Worship

 Assemble in Bakewell Hall

The Liturgy of the Palms

Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.

Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.

Celebrant    Let us pray.

Assist us mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Passion of Our Lord according to Luke

After telling a parable to the crowd at Jericho, Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, "Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it.'" So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?" They said, "The Lord needs it." Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!"

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, order your disciples to stop." He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out."

Blessings of the Branches Distribution of the Branches

Celebrant The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.

Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People It is right to give him thanks and praise.

It is right to praise you, Almighty God, for the acts of love by which you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. On this day he entered the holy city of Jerusalem in triumph and was proclaimed as King of kings by those who spread their garments and branches of palm along his way.

Let these branches be for us signs of his victory, and grant that we who bear them in his name may ever hail him as our King, and follow him in the way that leads to eternal life; who lives and reigns in glory with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

The Procession

Let us go forth in peace.

People: In the name of Christ.  Amen.

During the procession, all hold branches in their hands.

Hymn      “All Glory, Laud and Honor”           HYMNAL #154

Refrain

All glory, laud, and honor

to you, Redeemer, King,

to whom the lips of children

made sweet hosannas ring.

1 You are the King of Israel

and David's royal Son,

now in the Lord's name coming,

the King and Blessed One.

2 The company of angels

is praising you on high;

and we with all creation

in chorus make reply.

3 The people of the Hebrews

with palms before you went;

our praise and prayer and anthems

before you we present.

4 To thee before thy passion

they sang their hymns of praise;

to thee, now high exalted,

our melody we raise.

5 Thou didst accept their praises,

accept the prayers we bring,

who in all good delightest,

thou good and gracious King!

At the Steps of the Church

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; *his mercy endures for ever.

2 Let Israel now proclaim, *"His mercy endures for ever."

19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; * I will enter them; I will offer thanks to the LORD.

20 "This is the gate of the LORD; *he who is righteous may enter."

21 I will give thanks to you, for you answered me * and have become my salvation.

22 The same stone which the builders rejected * has become the chief cornerstone.

23 This is the LORD'S doing, * and it is marvelous in our eyes.

24 On this day the LORD has acted; * we will rejoice and be glad in it.

25 Hosannah, LORD, Hosannah! *LORD, send us now success.

26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; *we bless you from the house of the LORD.

27 God is the LORD; he has shined upon us; * form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar.

28 "You are my God, and I will thank you; * you are my God, and I will exalt you."

29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; * his mercy endures for ever.

The Collect is said

Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Processional Hymn  

Hymn   

TThe People proceed into the church singing “Ride on, King Jesus” (lyrics on P. 6)

The Opening Sentence  (The people standing)

Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

People:   And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and forever.  Amen.

The Collect for Purity   

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. 

Lord, Have Mercy 

Lord, Have Mercy  LEVAS II #236

The Collect

Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in 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 Lord be with you. 

People:     And also with you.

Celebrant:  Let us pray.

Continue... Ministry of the word.

The Ministry of the Word

The First Reading

The Old Testament Reading.

Isaiah 50:4-9a

The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word.

Morning by morning he wakens - wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward.

I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.

The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near.

Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty?

The Word of the Lord

Congregation: Thanks be to God

Psalm

Psalm 31: 9:16

 The Epistle

A READING FROM PAUL’S LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS

Philippians 2:5-11

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.

And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death - even death on a cross.

Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend,  in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The Word of the Lord

Congregation: Thanks be to God

Sequence Hymn

“O Jerusalem”    Solo: Victor French

The  Gospel

The Solemn Reading of the Passion Gospel

The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ According to  Luke 22:14-23:56 and Luke 23:1-49

Congregation: Glory to You, Lord Christ

Luke 22:14-23:56

When the hour for the Passover meal came, Jesus took his place at the table and the apostles with him. He said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!" Then they began to ask one another, which one of them it could be who would do this.

A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

"You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

"Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." And he said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!" Jesus said, "I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day until you have denied three times that you know me."

He said to them, "When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?" They said, "No, not a thing." He said to them, "But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, `And he was counted among the lawless', and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled." They said, "Lord, look, here are two swords." He replied, "It is enough."

He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, "Pray that you may not come into the time of trial." Then he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done." Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial."

While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; but Jesus said to him, "Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?" When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, "Lord, should we strike with the sword?" Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, "No more of this!" And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, "Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour and the power of darkness!"

Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house. But Peter was following at a distance. When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. Then a servant-girl, seeing him in the firelight, stared at him and said, "This man also was with him." But he denied it, saying, "Woman, I do not know him." A little later someone else, on seeing him, said, "You also are one of them." But Peter said, "Man, I am not!" Then about an hour later still another kept insisting, "Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean." But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are talking about!" At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.

Now the men who were holding Jesus began to mock him and beat him; they also blindfolded him and kept asking him, "Prophecy! Who is it that struck you?" They kept heaping many other insults on him.

When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they brought him to their council. They said, "If you are the Messiah, tell us." He replied, "If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I question you, you will not answer. But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God." All of them asked, "Are you, then, the Son of God?" He said to them, "You say that I am." Then they said, "What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips!"

Then the assembly rose as a body and brought Jesus before Pilate. They began to accuse him, saying, "We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king." Then Pilate asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" He answered, "You say so." Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, "I find no basis for an accusation against this man." But they were insistent and said, "He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to this place."

When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him off to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had been wanting to see him for a long time, because he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform some sign. He questioned him at some length, but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. Even Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him; then he put an elegant robe on him and sent him back to Pilate. That same day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other; before this, they had been enemies.

Pilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people, and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to deserve death. I will, therefore, have him flogged and release him."

Then they all shouted out together, "Away with this fellow! Release Barabbas for us!" (This was a man who had been put in prison for an insurrection that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again; but they kept shouting, "Crucify, crucify him!" A third time he said to them, "Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for the sentence of death; I will, therefore, have him flogged and then release him." But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified, and their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. He released the man they asked for, the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished.

As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For the days are surely coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.' Then they will begin to say to the mountains, 'Fall on us'; and to the hills, 'Cover us.' For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?"

Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews."

One of the criminals who was hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun's light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands, I commend my spirit." Having said this, he breathed his last. When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, "Certainly this man was innocent." And when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts. But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments.

On the Sabbath, they rested according to the commandment.

Luke 23:1-49

The assembly of the elders of the people rose as a body and brought Jesus before Pilate. They began to accuse him, saying, "We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king." Then Pilate asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" He answered, "You say so." Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, "I find no basis for an accusation against this man." But they were insistent and said, "He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to this place."

When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him off to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had been wanting to see him for a long time, because he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform some sign. He questioned him at some length, but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. Even Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him; then he put an elegant robe on him and sent him back to Pilate. That same day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other; before this, they had been enemies.

Pilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people, and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to deserve death. I will, therefore, have him flogged and release him."

Then they all shouted out together, "Away with this fellow! Release Barabbas for us!" (This was a man who had been put in prison for an insurrection that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again; but they kept shouting, "Crucify, crucify him!" A third time he said to them, "Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for the sentence of death; I will, therefore, have him flogged and then release him." But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified, and their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. He released the man they asked for, the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished.

As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For the days are surely coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.' Then they will begin to say to the mountains, 'Fall on us'; and to the hills, 'Cover us.' For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?"

Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews."

One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun's light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands, I commend my spirit." Having said this, he breathed his last. When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, "Certainly this man was innocent." And when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts. But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

”The Gospel of the Lord"

Congregation: Praise to you, Lord Christ

April 14

The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ According to Luke

No one knew the plan or the outcome. Not the disciples. Not his friends or family. Not the religious or political leadership. Only Jesus and God knew. Only Jesus and His Father knew that he would give his life for the redemption of humankind.

Sermon: April 7, 2019

"I'll Get To That"

 Sermon: March 31, 2019

Jesus wants you to come home..

Listen here...

Sermon: March 30, 2019

 A Tribute to Guy H. Williams

Listen here...

Sermon: March 24, 2019

What does God have to do to get our attention...

Listen here...

Sermon: March 17, 2019

Overcoming fear at a time of adversity...

Abram, the patriarch of the three great world religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, was an example of how God responds to those who trust and obey him.

Listen here...

Sermon: March 4, 2019

A change is gonna come.

As Jesus was transfigured and spoke to the Elders on the mountain top, he was prepared for the most important part of his journey. His father said, "listen to him". As we move forward in the Lenten season, let us pay close attention to Jesus' words so that we know the steps we need to take to be true followers of our Lord.

Listen here...

Sermon: February 24, 2019

God has a way of interrupting us.
So it was not you who sent me here but God!

Listen here...

Sermon: February 17, 2019

What God asks of you.

Jesus calls us to live into a new attitude of being in relationship to God. A life based on hope, respect, and remembrance of that which is good.

Listen here....

Sermon: February 10, 2019

A discussion of Paul's essential statement of the Christian faith and grace from 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. 

It would be easy to overlook the importance of Paul's message in his transitional section of 1 Corinthians 15:1-11.  It is, however, the earliest written record of the core Christian belief that Christ died for our sins and that together with his resurrection, constitutes the foundation of our faith. Paul explains the humility of his own apostolic ministry by claiming that "I am what I am by grace."

Listen here...

February 3, 2019

I will thank you because I am marvelously made - Feb 2, 2019

We should not limit God and we should not let others limit God's power in us. Because God made us all, we are all marvelously made.

Click to listen to the sermon.

December 30, 2018,   

Breaking Through The Darkness To Bring Us Into The Light - Dec 30, 2018

When we are separated from God, we live in darkness. Jesus coming into the world broke through that darkness so that we might see and experience once and for all what living in the light really means. The light brings hope and the power to change. It is up to us to embrace the light. Click to hear Sermon

December 25, 2018, Christmas Day:  

With God, all things are possible

The season of Advent asked the question "How can this be? The Christmas response is "with God, all things are possible." Like Joseph, Mary, the Shepards, and the three Wise Men say "yes" to God. In your life say "yes" to God as God says "yes" to wanting to be with us. Click to hear Sermon

The Rev. Dr. Kwasi A. Thornell 

December 9, 2018, Sunday

"Where are the words of comfort that will give us peace this Christmas season?" Lay your burdens down. Click to hear Sermon

Ed Stewart 

Romans 13:11—12  November 27, 2016

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. It is a time when we as a faith community look to the future. However, Advent always causes me to think about the Holy Land, the place where Jesus was born, and the place where he would become known as the Messiah. Last January I was in the Holy Land, as part of a group of 12 students from my seminary. We traveled through Jordan, Israel, Read more...

Letter from Fr. Thornell  OCTOBER 7. 2016

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I am deeply sorry for not being able to share in the fellowship of the St. Augustine’s family this morning. Although I am not in the hospital, I am experiencing neck and back pain that has prevented me from being there. Hopefully, after my surgery tomorrow morning, I will be ok and be able to enjoy being with you again soon. Read more... 

The Rev. Dr. Kwasi A. Thornell September 8, 2016

Ephesians 4:25-5:1

St. Paul is again in his letter to the Ephesians community, writing about how to create the new community as people of faith and followers of Christ. He is saying to them that they most envision a world that is created in the image of what Christ would want the Christian community to become. Read more...

Easter Message March 27, 2015

St. Augustine’s Easter 

This story never ceases to amaze me. Why is it that we believe this story? Really? Why is it that thousands upon thousands of people, from one end of the earth to the other, north, south, east and west, in every country, town, city, rural village, there are countless believers of this story about the risen Lord, the Lord who got up. And, and, it has been this way for over two thousand years. This blessed event when God’s love story for humankind crescendos into a triumphant symphonic explosion of power of the Almighty! Read more...

December 12, 2015

Sisters and Brothers, Seasons Greetings!

I wanted to take this opportunity to write you a short message as we celebrate together Christmas and look forward to the New Year. As we all know, the year 2015 was a challenging year for St. Augustine’s However, Read more...

Litany of Thanksgiving

Let us give thanks to God our Father for all his gifts so freely bestowed upon us.

For the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea.

We thank you, Lord.

 For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women,

revealing the image of Christ,

We thank you, Lord.

For our daily food and drink, our homes and families, and our friends,

We thank you, Lord.

For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve,

We thank you, Lord.

For health and strength to work, and leisure to rest and play,

We thank you, Lord.

For the brave and courageous, who are patient in suffering

and faithful in adversity,

We thank you, Lord.

For all valiant seekers after truth, liberty, and justice,

We thank you, Lord.

For the communion of saints, in all times and places,

We thank you, Lord.

 Above all, we give you thanks for the great mercies and

promises given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord;

To him be praise and glory, with you, O Father, and the

Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

Life Celebrations, Thanksgivings, and New Friends

The Peace 

All stand.                  The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People                      And also with you.   

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.

Prayers of the People Continue...

Prayers of the People 

Form VI              BCP, 392 

The Leader and People pray responsively

In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.

 Silence

For all people in their daily life and work;

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

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 the peace and unity of the Church of God;

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

For Michael our Presiding Bishop, and Marc our Bishop(s); and for all

bishops and other ministers;

For all who serve God in his Church.

For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.

Silence

 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.

Silence

The People may add their own thanksgivings

We will exalt you, O God our King;

And praise your Name forever and ever.

We pray for the special needs and concerns of this congregation and those named now;

Ithon Babb, Mary Borders, Auta Boykins, JoAnn Campbell, Maria Campbell, Willette Copeland, Joan Daniels, Alfred Gilpin, Andrea Green, Kenneth Hart, Tatiana Henke, LaVergne Malone, Joan Moreno, Moira Nichols, Cynthia Norvell, Janell Norwood, Elaine Simmons

We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.

 Silence

People may add their own petitions

Lord, let your loving kindness be upon them;

Who put their trust in you.

The Celebrant continues

“A Franciscan Blessing”

May God bless us with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that we may live deep within our hearts.

May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that we may work for justice, freedom, and peace.

May God bless us with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, hunger, and war, so that we may reach out our hands to comfort them and turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless us with enough foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in this world, so that we can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”  Micah 6:8

Leader and People

 Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; in your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone; and so uphold us by your Spirit that we may live and serve you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.

Absolution

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

Life Celebrations, Thanksgivings, and New Friends

The Peace

All stand.  The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People     And also with you.  

continue...

The Holy Communion

Offertory Sentence

Offertory Hymn 

Hymn   

The Stabe Wilson Band

Doxology

Hymnal #380, vs 3

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host:

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

The Great Thanksgiving

Eucharistic Prayer A

The people remain standing. Celebrant says

The Lord be with you.

People                    And also with you.

Celebrant                 Lift up your hearts.

People                    We lift them to the Lord.

Celebrant                 Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People                    It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Celebrant

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

Celebrant and People

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.

 The people stand or kneel.

 Celebrant

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,

Celebrant and People

We remember his death,

We proclaim his resurrection,

We await his coming in glory;

Celebrant

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 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 forever. AMEN.

 And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to sing,

The Lord's Prayer LEVAS II, #264                                                    

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.

Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;

Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

Fraction Anthem  

 “Make Us One Lord”

The Communion 

Communion Hymn

The Stabe Wilson Band

Prayer of Thanksgiving Continue... 

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Let us pray.

Celebrant and People

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.

Hymn    

The Stabe Wilson Band    

Announcements...

Recessional Hymn  

Ben Flint and Praise Team

The Blessing         

Dismissal 

Let us go forth in the name of Christ.

People      Thanks be to God.

Processional Hymn    “Blessed Assurance”     LEVAS II #184

The Collect ( Insert - Contemporary )                                                            

The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.

Celebrant Let us pray.

The Ministry of the Word

The Old Testament Joel 2:1-2,12-17 

After each Lesson the reader says

Reader The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

Psalm 103

The Epistle 2 Corinthians 5:20B-6:10

 Sequence Hymn    “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, There is Something About that Name    

LEVAS II #107

The  Gospel Matthew 6:1-6,16-21

The Holy Gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ, according to Matthew.

Congregation: Glory to You, Lord Christ

After the Gospel, the reader says

Reader The Gospel of the Lord.

People Praise to you, Lord Christ.  

The Sermon             The Rev. Dr. Kwasi Thornell

The Bidding               BCP 264-265

Dear People of God: The first Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord's passion and resurrection, and it became the custom of the Church to prepare for them by a season of penitence and fasting.  This season of Lent provided a time in which converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism.  It was also a time when those who, because of notorious sins, had been separated from the body of the faithful were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness, and restored to the fellowship of the Church. Thereby, the whole congregation was put in mind of the message of pardon and absolution set forth in the Gospel of our Savior, and of the need which all Christians continually have to renew their repentance and faith. 

I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word. And, to make a right beginning of repentance, and as a mark of our mortal nature, let us now kneel before the Lord, our maker and redeemer.

 Silence is then kept for a time, all kneeling.

Blessing of the Ashes                                                             BCP 265

Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth: Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence, that we may remember that it is only by your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior.   Amen.

Imposition of Ashes

Please approach the altar and kneel     

Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.

Once ashes are imposed, please return to your pew and kneel

Psalm 51: 1-18 (read in unison)     BCP 266-267

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; *v in your great compassion blot out my offenses.

 2  Wash me through and through from my wickedness * and cleanse me from my sin.

 3  For I know my transgressions, *  and my sin is ever before me.

 4  Against you only have I sinned * and done what is evil in your sight.

 5  And so you are justified when you speak * and upright in your judgment

 6  Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, * a sinner from my mother's womb.

 7  For behold, you look for truth deep within me, * and will make me understand wisdom secretly.

 8  Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.

 9  Make me hear of joy and gladness, * that the body you have broken may rejoice.

 10 Hide your face from my sins * and blot out all my iniquities.

 11 Create in me a clean heart, O God, * and renew a right spirit within me.

 12 Cast me not away from your presence * and take not your holy Spirit from me.

 13 Give me the joy of your saving help again * and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.

 14 I shall teach your ways to the wicked, * and sinners shall return to you.

 15 Deliver me from death, O God, * and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness, O God of my salvation.

 16 Open my lips, O Lord, * and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

 17 Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice; * but you take no delight in burnt-offerings.

 18 The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; * a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

 The litany of Penitence     BCP 267-269

 The Celebrant and People together, all kneeling

 Most holy and merciful Father: We confess to you and to one another, and to the whole communion of saints in heaven and on earth, that we have sinned by our own fault in thought, word, and deed; by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.

The Celebrant continues

We have not loved you with our whole heart, and mind, and strength. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We have not forgiven others, as we have been forgiven. 

Have mercy on us, Lord.

We have been deaf to your call to serve, as Christ served us. We have not been true to the mind of Christ. We have grieved your Holy Spirit.

Have mercy on us, Lord.

We confess to you, Lord, all our past unfaithfulness: the pride, hypocrisy, and impatience of our lives,

We confess to you, Lord.

Our self-indulgent appetites and ways, and our exploitation of other people,

We confess to you, Lord.

Our anger at our own frustration, and our envy of those more fortunate than ourselves,

We confess to you, Lord.

Our intemperate love of worldly goods and comforts, and our dishonesty in daily life and work,

We confess to you, Lord.

Our negligence in prayer and worship, and our failure to commend the faith that is in us,

We confess to you, Lord.

Accept our repentance, Lord, for the wrongs we have done: for our blindness to human need and suffering, and our indifference to injustice and cruelty,

Accept our repentance, Lord.

For all false judgments, for uncharitable thoughts toward our neighbors, and for our prejudice and contempt toward those who differ from us,

Accept our repentance, Lord.

For our waste and pollution of your creation, and our lack of concern for those who come after us,

Accept our repentance, Lord.

Restore us, good Lord, and let your anger depart from us; Favorably hear us, for your mercy is great. Accomplish in us the work of your salvation,

That we may show forth your glory in the world.

By the cross and passion of your Son our Lord, Bring us with all your saints to the joy of his resurrection.

The Priest stands and, facing the people, says

 Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who desires not the death of sinners, but rather that they may turn

from their wickedness and live, has given power and commandment to his ministers to declare and pronounce to his people, being penitent, the absolution and remission of their sins.  He pardons and absolves all those who truly repent, and with sincere hearts believe his holy Gospel.

Therefore we beseech him to grant us true repentance and his Holy Spirit, that those things may please him which we do on this day, and that the rest of our life hereafter may be pure and holy, so that at the last we may come to his eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Peace

All stand.                                     

The Celebrant says to the people

 The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People And also with you.

The Holy Communion

Please stand

Offertory Sentence

Offertory Anthem    “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”    LEVAS II #136    

Eucharistic Prayer A

The people remain standing. Celebrant says

The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.

Celebrant Lift up your hearts.

People We lift them to the Lord.

Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People It is right to give him thanks and praise.

 Celebrant

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.

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:

Celebrant and People

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.

 The people stand or kneel.

 Celebrant

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:

Celebrant and People

Christ has died.

Christ is risen.

Christ will come again. 

Celebrant

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.

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to sing,

The Lord's Prayer               LEVAS II, #264                                                     

Our Father, which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name,

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts

as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,

forever. Amen.

 The Breaking of the Bread            BCP 364

The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.

A period of silence is kept. Then the Celebrant says

 Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;

Therefore let us keep the feast. 

The Celebrant says

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.

Communion Hymn      “Breathe on Me Breath of God”    HYMNAL #508

Prayer After Communion            BCP 366

Almighty and everliving God,

we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food

of the most precious Body and Blood

of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ;

and for assuring us in these holy mysteries

that we are living members of the Body of your Son,

and heirs of your eternal kingdom.

And now, Father, send us out

to do the work you have given us to do,

to love and serve you

as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.

To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit,

be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. 

Post Communion Hymn    “Lord, I Want to be a Christian”       LEVAS II #138          

 The Prayer Over the People

Grant, most merciful Lord, to your faithful people pardon and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve you with a quiet mind; through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

The Rev. Dr. Gayle Fisher-Stewart

The Rev. Dr. Gayle Fisher-Stewart spent 20 years working as a police officer for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department. She joined the department in 1972, four years after riots destroyed parts of the city following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. At the time African-Americans made of 70 percent of the people living in the nation’s capital; at the same time, the police department was overwhelmingly white and police-community relations were strained. Fisher-Stewart’s decision to join the police force baffled friends and family. The department had a bad reputation, she said, and “my friends weren’t happy because some of them had had negative interactions with police here in D.C.”

She currently serves as the associate rector of Calvary Episcopal Church where she is the founder of the Center for the Study of Faith in Justice. The Center was founded with a grant from the Episcopal Evangelism Society. In describing her work which gained her the 2016 EES Director’s Award, the Board of Directors wrote:

“She brought over forty years’ experience as an active police officer, as a consultant to law enforcement agencies, and as a university-level teacher of criminal justice to her call to ordained ministry. She completed the Anglican Studies program at Virginia Theological Seminary in 2015; while there, the civil unrest in Ferguson, MO inspired her to dream of a church that is known for its interest in justice, and to apply for an Evangelism for the 21st Century grant to establish the Center at Calvary. She has worked tirelessly to host forums about race, social justice, inequality, and policing. She has established a network of partnerships between the Center and the diocese, local nonprofits, and national policing organizations.”

The Renewal of Baptismal Vows 

Celebrant                 

Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?

People                       I do.  

Celebrant                  Do you believe in God the Father?

People                        I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Celebrant                  Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

People                       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.

Celebrant                  Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

People                       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.

Celebrant                 

Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?

People                       I will, with God's help.

Celebrant                 

Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you  fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?

People                       I will, with God's help.

 Celebrant                 

Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?

People                       I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant

Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your
neighbor as yourself?

People                       I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant                 

Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?

People                       I will, with God's help.

Celebrant                 

May Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and bestowed upon us the forgiveness of sins, keep us in eternal life by his grace, in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.

Presentation of the Candidate for Baptism

The candidate for Holy Baptism will now be presented.

We present Simone Alice Cobb 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 God Parents:   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 God Parents:   I will with God’s help.

Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel
against God?

Parents and God Parents:   I renounce them.

Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy
the creatures of God?

Parents and God Parents:   I renounce them.

Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God?

Parents and God Parents:   I renounce them.

Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior?

Parents and God Parents:   I do.

Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?

Parents and God Parents:   I do.

Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord?

Parents and God Parents:   I do.

Will you who witness these vows to all in you power to support this person in her life in Christ?

People:   We will. 

Let us join with this person who is committing herself to Christ and renew our own baptismal Covenant.

The Baptismal Covenant                                                                                          

Celebrant        Do you believe in God the Father?

People   I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

Celebrant Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

People    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.

Celebrant Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

People    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.

 Celebrant Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship,

in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers ?

People    I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin,

repent and return to the Lord?

People    I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?

People    I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons,

loving your neighbor as yourself?

People    I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant Will you strive for justice and peace among all people,

and respect the dignity of every human being?

People    I will, with God’s help.

Prayers for the Candidate

 Celebrant

Let us now pray for this person who is to receive the Sacrament of new birth.

Leader     Deliver her, O Lord, from the way of sin and death.

People    Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader     Open her heart to your grace and truth.

People    Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader     Fill her with your holy and life-giving Spirit.

People    Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader     Keep her in the faith and communion of your holy Church.

People    Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader     Teach her to love others in the power of the Spirit.

People    Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader     Send her into the world in witness to your love.

People    Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader     Bring her to the fullness of your peace and glory.

People    Lord, hear our prayer.

Celebrant

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 for ever.  Amen

Thanksgiving over the Water

              The Lord be with you.

People    And also with you.

              Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People    It is right to give God 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.

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.

The Baptism

Simone Alice Cobb, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Simone, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own forever.  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.

Celebrant and People

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 Peace     

All stand.               The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People           And also with you.