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Prelude: Autumn Song by Tchaikovsky
Call To Worship "We Have Come Into His House” 1 We have come into His house and gathered in His name to worship Him; x 2 We have come into His house and gathered in His name to worship Christ, the Lord, Worship Him, Christ the Lord.
2 So forget about yourself and concentrate on Him and worship Him; x 2 So forget about yourself, concentrate on Him and worship Christ, the Lord Worship Him, Christ the Lord.
3 Let us lift up holy hands and magnify His name and worship Him; x 2 Let us lift up holy hands and magnify His name and worship Christ, the Lord Worship Him, Christ the Lord. |
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MediaPrelude: Autumn Song by Tchaikovsky
The Holy Eucharist
Call to Worship
"We Have Come Into His House” Levas II, #245
1 We have come into His house and gathered in His name to worship Him;
x 2
We have come into His house and gathered in His mane to worship Christ, the Lord,
Worship Him, Christ the Lord.
2 So forget about yourself and concentrate on Him and worship Him; x 2
So forget about yourself and concentrate on Him and worship Christ, the Lord,
Worship Him, Christ the Lord.
3 Let us lift up holy hands and magnify His name and worship Him; x 2
Let us lift up holy hands and magnify His name and worship Christ, the Lord,
Worship Him, Christ the Lord.
The Opening Sentence (The people standing)
The people standing
Priest: Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit
People: And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and forever. Amen.
Priest:
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 Gloria
Glory, Glory, hallelujah,
Lord, we praise your Holy name,
Glory, Glory hallelujah,
Lord, we praise your Holy name.
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to His people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King,
Almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
Glory, Glory, hallelujah,
Lord we praise your Holy name,
Glory, Glory hallelujah,
Lord we praise your Holy name.
You take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
You are seated at the right hand of the Father:
Receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One, you
alone are the Lord, You alone are the Most
High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father.
Glory, Glory, hallelujah,
Lord we praise your Holy name,
Glory, Glory hallelujah,
Lord we praise your Holy name.
Amen.
The Collect
The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Continue... Ministry of the word.
The Ministry of the Word
The First Reading
Old Testament Reading
A Reading from the Book of Exodus
Exodus 33:12-23
Moses said to the Lord, “See, you have said to me, ‘Bring up this people’; but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’ Now if I have found favor in your sight, show me your ways, so that I may know you and find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.” He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” And he said to him, “If your presence will not go, do not carry us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people unless you go with us? In this way, we shall be distinct, I and your people, from every people on the face of the earth.”
The Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing that you have asked; for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.” Moses said, “Show me your glory, I pray.” And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim before you the name, ‘The Lord’; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. But,” he said, “you cannot see my face; for no one shall see me and live.” And the Lord continued, “See, there is a place
by me where you shall stand on the rock; and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by; then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.”
The Word of the Lord
Congregation: Thanks be to God
Psalm
Psalm 99
1 The Lord is King; let the people tremble; *he is enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth shake.
2 The Lord is great in Zion; *he is high above all peoples.
3 Let them confess his Name, which is great and awesome; *he is the Holy One.
4 "O mighty King, lover of justice, you have established equity; *you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob."
5 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God and fall down before his footstool; *he is the Holy One.
6 Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among those who call upon his Name, *they called upon the Lord, and he answered them.
7 He spoke to them out of the pillar of cloud; *they kept his testimonies and the decree that he gave them.
8 O Lord our God, you answered them indeed; *you were a God who forgave them, yet punished them for their evil deeds.
9 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God and worship him upon his holy hill; *for the Lord our God is the Holy One.
The Epistle
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
A Reading From The Book of Philippians
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace.
We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead-- Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming.
The Word of the Lord
Congregation: Thanks be to God
Gradual Hymn
Blest Are the Pure in Heart
Blest are the pure in heart, For they shall see Our God
The secret of the Lord is theirs, their soul is Christ's Abode
The Lord who left the heaven's, our life and peace to bring
To dwell in lowliness with us, our pattern and our King
He to the lowly soul, will still Himself impart
And for His dwelling and his throne, will choose the pure in heart
Lord we thy presence seek, may ours this blessing be
Give us a pure and lowly heart, a temple fit for Thee
The Gospel
Matthew 22:15-22
The Holy Gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ, according to Matthew.
Congregation: Glory to You, Lord Christ
The Pharisees went and plotted to entrap Jesus in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.
”The Gospel of the Lord"
Congregation: Praise to you, Lord Christ
A Conversation: The Rev. Jim Dahlin & Dr. Neil Powe
Sermon March-22-2020 - 4th Sunday in Lent
Sermon March-15-2020 - 3rd Sunday in Lent
"John 4 - The Samaritan woman at the well and the Living Water" Rev. James Dahlin
Dear St. Augustine’s Family,
Happy Sunday!
The Vestry has formed a ‘Phone Tree’ and you should have received a phone call. We are going to use this to stay connected while we can’t meet in person for church. I hope each of you received a phone call from myself or another vestry member. If you did not, please email me with an updated phone number and other contact information!
I am looking into ways to LiveStream church next Sunday. Unfortunately, I don’t have things in place to do that this morning. I’m hoping to still do Morning Prayer by Conference Call this Tuesday and Thursday morning at 7 am. For today, I’m attaching my sermon. I hope it still edifies in written format!
God Bless you all during this time. Please continue to pray for our church community, our broader community, and the world!
Rev. Jim Dahlin
Sunday, Nov 3, 2019
"Money and the Kingdom of God" Rev. James Dahlin
A look at the story of Zacchaeus through the lens of the Exodus story and the economy of God.
Sunday, Oct 20, 2019
"Importance of Prayer" Rev. James Dahlin
We discuss the need for prayer and the different ways we can pray, learning from the parable of Luke 18:1-8 with the persistent widow and the unjust judge.
Sunday, Oct 13, 2019
"Worshipping God in the Beauty of Creation" Rev. James Dahlin
We worship God with our bodies in a particular place. Different places evoke different responses. Sometimes it’s nice to shake things up and try a new place.
Sunday, Oct 6, 2019
"Increase our Faith" Rev. James Dahlin
A fully embodied faith, including all of life’s ups and downs.
Sunday, September 29, 2019
"The rich man and Lazarus" Rev. James Dahlin
A reflection on ways we’re self-centered and ways we feel we’re not good enough and how to navigate the middle.
Sunday, September 22, 2019
"The Language of Greed" Rev. James Dahlin
How do we remain faithful to our faith while living in a land fluent in the language of greed?
Sunday, September 15, 2019
"How do you stay faithful" Rev. James Dahlin
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus tells the parable of the 99 faithful sheep and seeking after the one who is lost. Oftentimes, we find ourselves among 99 who are lost. How do we stay faithful in the midst of people who live according to a different narrative? Answer: we receive formation among the 99 faithful and immerse ourselves in the Story of God.
Sunday, September 9, 2019
Whoever does not carry the cross cannot be my disciple. The cross is love. Love should never be burdensome. It was love that took Jesus to the cross. It was love that kept him on the cross.
August 18, 2019
Jesus says in today’s Gospel, “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” We’re getting close to the fire season in California and when people start mentioning fire, everyone gets twitchy and nervous. My husband and I did when the Oakland Hills fire of 1991 hit. We had to evacuate like everyone else, thousands of others but Thank God, the fire came only 25 feet from our house. We were luckier than many people in Santa Rosa or Paradise, CA.
We usually think of Jesus as the Prince of Peace – but here he says he is the Bringer of Fire and Division. The fire of the Holy Spirit which divides the wheat from the chaff – truth from lies, integrity from corruption, inclusion v. expulsion, love vs. hate. We need this fire today more than ever. Sometimes it seems like Nature is fighting hard to get our attention. Each year, she sends us hundred-year floods, high tides, tornadoes, fires, and droughts, hoping we’ll get the message. The trouble is that sometimes the task of solving the environmental crisis we’re in - just like the divisions and problems made by our current administration, seem too overwhelming – too big to handle by ourselves. And they are. Many of us saw and hear Bishop Michael Curry’s fabulous sermon at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Windsor chapel last year. He said: Someone once said that Jesus began the most revolutionary movement in human history. A movement grounded in the unconditional love of God for the world…”Then he quoted the Jesuit paleontologist and mystic, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin: “Someday, after mastering the winds, the waves, the tides, and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love, and then, for a second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.” But to harness that fire, each one of us needs to be fired by the Holy Spirit. Someone once said, “Christianity isn’t taught – it’s caught.” Jesus came to set us on fire – and then teach us how to be Fire Bringers. To set God’s world ablaze with His Love. This is the only way we can tackle the big problems that beset us – problems of the environment and those that threaten our Democracy. These things are way too big to tackle alone. Only as Fire Bringers can we do it together. It all starts with each one of us.
June 23, 2019
The Old Testament is full of drama and intrigue. This is especially true with the story of the Prophet Elijah, King Ahab and Queen Jazabell in the 19th chapter of 1st Kings. It is a story of the battle between good and evil, the true God and the false gods of false prophets. It is a story of wanting to give up after fighting for so long and God saying, "don't give up. The battle is not over. Get up and eat, otherwise, the journey will be too much for you". As we face the current battles whatever they might be, we need the food that only God can give that will prepare us for the journey ahead. The Old Testament is full of drama and intrigue. This is especially true with the story of the Prophet Elijah, King Ahab and Queen Jazabell in the 19th chapter of 1st Kings. It is a story of the battle between good and evil, the true God and the false gods of false prophets. It is a story of wanting to give up after fighting for so long and God saying, "don't give up. The battle is not over. Get up and eat, otherwise, the journey will be too much for you". As we face the current battles whatever they might be, we need the food that only God can give that will prepare us for the journey ahead.
June 2, 2019
We are faced with many challenges in life, most of all what we will stand for and believe in. We have to keep always our eyes on what is right and true. For us, "keeping our eyes on the prize" Our prize is Jesus. If we keep our eyes focused on Jesus and his calling on our lives we can face the challenges that confront us.
May 26, 2019
May 19, 2019
May 05, 2019
How is it that the Lord wants to use me?
The Readings for this Sunday from Acts 9:1-20 and the Gospel of John, 21:1-19, talk about how God used Paul and Peter to build the new Christian movement after the Resurrection of Jesus. He took two very "human" individuals who at first looked like they would be the last persons Jesus would choose to build the church and turned them into the two top leaders in all of early Christendom. The question is, will we let God use us in any way that God needs to extend the love and grace of Jesus? God can use you. Heed His call.
April 21, 2019
The Question Is
Two major significant events in the Christian year, Christmas and Easter. Christmas celebrates Jesus coming into the world and God's effort to reach us. Easter celebrates God giving us the opportunity for a new life, one free of sin and with the example of the life of Jesus to live by. Some say we couldn't have Easter without Christmas and that certainly is true. The question is, would Christmas have any real meaning without Easter? With Christmas, Jesus came into the world. With Easter, Jesus changed the world!
April 14, 2019
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..
Sermon: March 30, 2019
A Tribute to Guy H. Williams
Sermon: March 24, 2019
What does God have to do to get our attention...
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.
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.
Sermon: February 24, 2019
God has a way of interrupting us.
So it was not you who sent me here but God!
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.
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...
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...
The Prayers of the People Form V1
BCP, 383
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.
Don Anderson, Shari Baugh, Marquis Baylor, Mary Borders, Auta Boykins, JoAnn Campbell, Maria Campbell, Joan Daniels, Olivia Davis, Nancy Duranteau, Kathy Ennix, Kelem Fabrice, Barbara Fuller, Blanche Gaines, Alfred Gilpin, Andrea Green, Nathaniel Hickman, Judy Ireland, Dolores McLeod, Rene Moreno, Gordon Newlin, Nan Parsons, Anne Price, Charlie Ramsden, Joetta Jones-Redmond, Deborah Reeves, Clifford Reeves, Robert Silverman, Elaine Simmons, Ajamu Smith, Suzi Taylor, Terry Waltz Kurfess.
Please unmute yourself to add your own petitions.
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
The People may add their own thanksgivings
We will exalt you, O God our King;
And praise your Name for ever and ever.
We pray for the special needs and concerns of this congregation and those named now;
The People may add their own names
We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.
The People may add their own petitions
Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;
Who put their trust in you.
Celebrant: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor:
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.
Priest: 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.
The Peace
All stand. The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.
Doxology
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.
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to sing,
The Lord's Prayer
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.
Fraction Anthem “Make Us One Lord”
Make us one, Lord, make us one
Holy Spirit make us one, let your love flow
So the world will know, we are one in You.
The Holy Communion
Offertory Sentence
Offertory Hymn
“The Night That Christ Was Born”
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 B
Eucharistic Prayer D
Celebrant: 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 God thanks and praise.
It is truly right to glorify you, Father, and to give you thanks; for you alone are God, living and true, dwelling in light inaccessible from before time and for ever.
Fountain of life and source of all goodness, you made all things and fill them with your blessing; you created them to rejoice in the splendor of your radiance.
Countless throngs of angels stand before you to serve you night and day; and, beholding the glory of your presence, they offer you unceasing praise. Joining with them, and giving voice to every creature under heaven, we acclaim you, and glorify your Name, as we sing,
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might,heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
We acclaim you, holy Lord, glorious in power. Your mighty works reveal your wisdom and love. You formed us in your own image, giving the whole world into our care, so that, in obedience to you, our Creator, we might rule and serve all your creatures. When our disobedience took us far from you, you did not abandon us to the power of death. In your mercy, you came to our help, so that in seeking you we might find you. Again and again, you called us into covenant with you, and through the prophets, you taught us to hope for salvation.
Father, you loved the world so much that in the fullness of time you sent your only Son to be our Savior. Incarnate by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, he lived as one of us, yet without sin. To the poor, he proclaimed the good news of salvation; to prisoners, freedom; to the sorrowful, joy. To fulfill your purpose he gave himself up to death; and, rising from the grave, destroyed death, and made the whole creation new.
And, that we might live no longer for ourselves, but for him who died and rose for us, he sent the Holy Spirit, his own first gift for those who believe, to complete his work in the world, and to bring to fulfillment the sanctification of all.
When the hour had come for him to be glorified by you, his heavenly Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end; at supper with them he 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."
Father, we now celebrate this memorial of our redemption. Recalling Christ's death and his descent among the dead, proclaiming his resurrection and ascension to your right hand, awaiting his coming in glory; and offering to you, from the gifts you have given us, this bread and this cup, we praise you and we bless you.
We praise you, we bless you,
we give thanks to you,
and we pray to you, Lord our God.
Lord, we pray that in your goodness and mercy your Holy Spirit may descend upon us, and upon these gifts, sanctifying them and showing them to be holy gifts for your holy people, the bread of life and the cup of salvation, the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Grant that all who share this bread and cup may become one body and one spirit, a living sacrifice in Christ, to the praise of your Name.
Remember, Lord, your one holy catholic and apostolic Church, redeemed by the blood of your Christ. Reveal its unity, guard its faith, and preserve it in peace.
And grant that we may find our inheritance with the Blessed Virgin Mary, with Augustine and Monica and all the saints who have found favor with you in ages past. We praise you in union with them and give you glory through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, all honor and
glory are yours, Almighty God and Father, in the unity of the
Holy Spirit, for ever and 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.
Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Fraction Anthem
“Make Us One Lord”
Make us one, Lord, make us one
Holy Spirit make us one, let your love flow
So the world will know, we are one in you.
Invitation
The Communion
Communion Hymn
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Let us pray.
Celebrant and People
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 forever. Amen.
The Blessing
Recessional Hymn
When I Rose This Morning
This morning when I rose, yeah I didn't have no doubt (2 more xs)
I know the Lord will take care of me I know the Lord will provide for me I know He will
Lead and guide me all the way yes all the way
(repeat whole section)
I woke up this morning I saw a brand new day, yeah I didn't have no doubt
(2 more xs)
I know the Lord will take care of me; will provide for me
I know He will Lead and guide me all the way yes all the way
I woke up this morning with the Holy Ghost I didn't have no doubt
(2 more xs)
I know the Lord will take care of me; will provide for me
I know He will Lead and guide me all the way yes all the way
Dismissal
Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
People Thanks be to God. Alleluia, Alleluia.
Address
Oakland CA 94609
Phone: 510-832-6462
Fax: 510-832-6464
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.
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 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.
Stained Grass Window dedicated to Jeanette Hurd
Sunday, May 5, 2019
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Jeanette Victoria Hurd was an active member of St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church. She served on various committees. She was fond of and love beautiful things. Her passion in life was gardening, finely tailored hats, and clothing. She collected beautiful elephant figures from far and near. She had a sassy attitude along with a sassy walk and could give a look the told you to back up! Jeanette loved Mexican food, spicy food fried chicken Margaritas, and ice cream. She loved gardening with a group called “The Lovely Ladies” once a month brunch or lunch. Jeanette attended McClymonds High School and Business College. She was married to Ted Hurd who proceeded her in death. |
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The Jeanette Hurd Memorial Stained Glass Window is based on Julian (or Juliana) of Norwich, also known as Dame Julian or Mother Julian (late 1342 – after 1416). She was a medieval anchoress and theologian who was best known for writing the earliest surviving book in the English language to be written by a woman, Revelations of Divine Love. This is a work on the Love of God in which St. Julian offers fervent prayers for a deeper understanding of Christ’s passion. Her visions revealed Christ’s sufferings with extreme intensity, but they also confirmed God’s constant love for humanity and his infinite capacity for forgiveness. Her Revelations have had a lasting influence on Christian thought. She lived throughout her life in the English city of Norwich, an important center for commerce that also had a vibrant religious life. However, during her lifetime she was a witness to the devastating effects of the Black Death of 1349, the English Peasants' Revolt, which affected large parts of England in 1381, and the suppression of the Lollards. |
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In 1373, at the age of thirty and so seriously ill when she thought she was on her deathbed, Julian received a series of visions or "showings" of the Passion of Christ and of Mary, mother of Jesus. She recovered from her illness and wrote two versions of her experiences, the earlier one being completed soon after her recovery, and a much longer version being written many years later. From her writings came Julian’s famous “All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well” quote which Jeanette gained strength and solace from during her life and would often repeat in abbreviated form. Julian was the greatest of all of the English anchorites of the Middle Ages. An anchoress was a woman who was walled into a cell to live a life of prayer and contemplation. For much of her life, Julian lived in permanent seclusion as an anchoress in her cell, which was attached to St Julian's Church in Norwich, England. Julian’s name is taken from this church; no one knows her given name. She lived and prayed in one or two rooms attached to the church. One window opened into the church so she could participate in services. The other window opened onto the street letting her listen to stories of the poor and suffering to which she gave solace and spiritual counsel. She spent the last half of her life in this place, probably 50 years. Look closely at the window to view an unexpected and delightful surprise! A lovely depiction of St. Augustine’s Church replaces St. Julian’s Church as a modern day reminder that as Julian of Norwich proclaimed, “All shall be well and all shall be well.” |
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