Processional Hymn: #121

Christ, When for Us You Were Baptized!

1 Christ, when for us you were baptized,
God's Spirit on you came,
as peaceful as a dove,
and yet as urgent as a flame.

2 God called you his beloved Son,
called you his servant true,
sent you his kingdom to proclaim,
his holy will do to.

3 Straightway and steadfast until death
you then obeyed the call
freely as Son of Man to serve
and give your life for all.

4 Baptize us with your Spirit, Lord,
your cross on us be signed,
that, likewise in God's service we
may perfect freedom find.

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

People:  And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

Collect of the Day, p.214

Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Reading from the Book of Acts 2:14a,22-32

Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd, “You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know— this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. For David says concerning him,

‘I saw the Lord always before me,
for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken;

therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
moreover my flesh will live in hope.

For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
or let your Holy One experience corruption.

You have made known to me the ways of life;
you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

“Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying,

‘He was not abandoned to Hades,
nor did his flesh experience corruption.’

This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses.”

The Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

The Response is Psalm 16

We will speak it responsively by verse.

1Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you;
I have said to the Lord, "You are my Lord,
my good above all other."

2 All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land,
upon those who are noble among the people.

3 But those who run after other gods
shall have their troubles multiplied.

4 Their libations of blood I will not offer,
nor take the names of their gods upon my lips.

5 O Lord, you are my portion and my cup;
it is you who uphold my lot.

6 My boundaries enclose a pleasant land;
indeed, I have a goodly heritage.

7 I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
my heart teaches me, night after night.

8 I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand I shall not fall.

9 My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices;
my body also shall rest in hope.

10 For you will not abandon me to the grave,
nor let your holy one see the Pit.

11 You will show me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy,
and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.

A reading from the first letter of Peter 1:3-9

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith-- being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire-- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

The Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

Gradual: Hymnal #298

All Who Believe and Are Baptized

1 All who believe and are baptized
shall see the Lord's salvation;
baptized into the death of Christ,
each is a new creation;
through Christ's redemption they shall stand
among the glorious, heavenly band
of every tribe and nation.

2 With one accord, O God, we pray:
grant us thy Holy Spirit;
help us in our infirmity
through Jesus' blood and merit.
Grant us to grow in grace each day
that as is promised here we may
eternal life inherit.

The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to John

20:19-31

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe."

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Sermon

Presentation and Examination
of the Candidates, p.301

The Celebrant says

The Candidates for Holy Baptism will now be presented.

Parents and Godparents

I present________ to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.

The Celebrant asks the parents and godparents

Will you be responsible for seeing that these children you present are brought up in the Christian faith and life?

Parents and Godparents

I will, with God's help.

Celebrant

Will you by your prayers and witness help these children to grow into the full stature of Christ?

Parents and Godparents

I will, with God's help.

Then the Celebrant asks the following questions of the parents and godparents who speak on behalf of the infants and younger children

Question:

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

Answer:

I renounce them.

Question:

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

Answer:

I renounce them.

Question:

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

Answer:

I renounce them.

Question:

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

Answer:

I do.

Question:

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

Answer:

I do.

Question:

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

Answer:

I do.

The Celebrant addresses the congregation, saying

Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these children in their lives in Christ?

People

We will.

Renewal of Baptismal Covenant, p. 304

The Celebrant then says these or similar words

Let us join with those who are committing themselves to Christ and renew our own 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 the 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.

Prayer for the Candidate

The Celebrant then says to the congregation

Let us now pray

A Person appointed leads the following petitions

Leader:

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

People:

Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader:

Open their hearts to your grace and truth.

People:

Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader:

Fill them with your holy and life-giving Spirit.

People:

Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader:

Keep them in the faith and communion of your holy Church.

People:

Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader:

Teach them to love others in the power of the Spirit.

People:

Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader:

Send them into the world in witness to your love.

People:

Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader:

Bring them to the fullness of your peace and glory.

People:

Lord, hear our prayer.

The Celebrant says

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 forever. Amen.

Thanksgiving over the Water, p.306

The Celebrant blesses the water, first saying

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.

Celebrant

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.

At the following words, the Celebrant touches the water

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, p.307

The candidate is presented by name to the Celebrant, who then immerses, or pours water upon, the candidate, saying

________, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

When this action has been completed the Priest, at a place in full sight of the congregation, prays, saying

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon your servant the forgiveness of sin, and have raised them to the new life of grace. Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give them 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.

Then the Priest places a hand on the person's head, marking on the forehead the sign of the cross [using Chrism if desired] and saying

__________, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ's own for ever. Amen.

Celebrant says

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.

Celebrant:  The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People:  And also with you.

Then the Ministers and People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.

The Announcements

Offertory: Hymnal #193

That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright

1 That Easter day with joy was bright,

the sun shone out with fairer light,

when, to their longing eyes restored,

the apostles saw their risen Lord.

2 His risen flesh with radiance glowed;

his wounded hands and feet he showed;

those scars their solemn witness gave

that Christ was risen from the grave.

3 O Jesus, King of gentleness,

do thou thyself our hearts possess

that we may give thee all our days

the willing tribute of our praise.

Doxology:
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise him, all creatures here below;
praise him above, ye heavenly host:
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Eucharistic Prayer B

+All Baptized Christians are welcome to come forward for communion.

+If you are not Baptized, you are welcome to come forward for a blessing.

Gluten-free wafers are available upon request.+

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.‍ ‍

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 for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

Hymnal #S 129:  

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in you Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.

On the night before he died for us, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me."

After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me."

Therefore, according to his command, O Father,

We remember his death,

We proclaim his resurrection,

We await his coming in glory;

And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you from your creation, this bread and this wine.

We pray you, gracious God, to send you 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 you Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where with ask your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.

By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy Name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those

who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,

for ever and ever. Amen.

Fraction Anthem: #S 155 Christ Our Passover

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; 
therefore let us keep the feast.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Celebrant:  Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.

People:  Therefore let us keep the Feast.

Celebrant:  The Gifts of God for the People of God.

Communion: Instrumental

Post-Communion Prayer, p.366

Let us pray.

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.

Prayer for Birthdays:

Let us Pray: 

O God, our times are in your hand:  Look with favor, we pray, on your servants as they begin another year.  Grant that they may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen their trust in your goodness all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

Prayer for those we love:

Let us Pray: 

Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to your never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that you are doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

Blessing for Easter Season

Recessional: Hymnal #182

Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing

1 Christ is alive!
Let Christians sing.
His cross stands empty to the sky.
Let streets and homes with praises ring.
His love in death shall never die.

2 Christ is alive!
No longer bound
To distant years in Palestine,
He comes to claim the here and now
And conquer every place and time.

3 Not throned above,
remotely high
untouched, unmoved by human pains,
but daily, in the midst of life,

our Savior with the Father reigns.

4 In every insult,
rift, and war
Where color, scorn or wealth divide,
He suffers still, yet loves the more,
And lives, though ever crucified.

5 Christ is alive!
His Spirit burns
through this and every future age,
till, all creation lives and learns
his joy, his justice, love, and praise.

Dismissal