The Fourth Sunday of Easter
8 May 2022 ~ 8AM and 11:00AM
Join Zoom Worship on computer/smartdevice: https://zoom.us/j/99005230944
Call-in to Zoom Worship: 1-646-876-9923
then enter meeting ID: 990 0523 0944 #
Hello & good day! We are glad indeed that you are here.
This is a place where we nurture souls with prayerful worship.
If we can help you in any way, please let us know!
Office: 570-563-1564
Rev. Lou Divis: 570-878-4670 Rev. John Davis: 570-575-8689
8 May 2022 ~ 8AM and 11:00AM
Join Zoom Worship on computer/smartdevice: https://zoom.us/j/99005230944
Call-in to Zoom Worship: 1-646-876-9923
then enter meeting ID: 990 0523 0944 #
Hello & good day! We are glad indeed that you are here.
This is a place where we nurture souls with prayerful worship.
If we can help you in any way, please let us know!
Office: 570-563-1564
Rev. Lou Divis: 570-878-4670 Rev. John Davis: 570-575-8689
Processional: Hymnal #522
Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken
1 Glorious things of thee are spoken, Zion, city of our God;
he whose word cannot be broken
formed thee for his own abode;
on the Rock of Ages founded,
what can shake thy sure repose?
With salvation's walls surrounded,
thou may'st smile at all thy foes.
2 See! the streams of living waters,
springing from eternal love,
well supply thy sons and daughters
and all fear of want remove.
Who can faint, when such a river
ever will their thirst assuage?
Grace which, like the Lord, the giver,
never fails from age to age.
3 Round each habitation hovering,
see the cloud and fire appear
for a glory and a covering,
showing that the Lord is near.
Thus deriving from their banner,
light by night, and shade by day, safe they feed upon the manna
which he gives them when they pray.
4 Blest inhabitants of Zion,
washed in the Redeemer's blood!
Jesus, whom their souls rely on,
makes them kings and priests to God.
'Tis his love his people raises
over self to reign as kings:
and as priests, his solemn praises
each for a thank-offering brings.
Opening Prayer: Book of Common Prayer (BCP) – p.355
Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ is risen
People: Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thought 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: Hymnal #S 280
Glory to god in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ,
only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
The Collect of the Day
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
A reading from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles 9:36-43
Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, "Please come to us without delay." So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, "Tabitha, get up." Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.
The Word of the Lord.
Response: Thanks be to God.
The Psalm is 23 – Book of Common Prayer pp. 612
We will pray it responsively by verse.
1The Lord is my shepherd; *
I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures *
and leads me beside still waters.
3 He revives my soul *
and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.
4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; *
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; *
you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over.
6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
A reading from the Book of the Revelation to St. John, 7:9-17
I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?" I said to him, "Sir, you are the one that knows." Then he said to me, "These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
The Word of the Lord.
Response: Thanks be to God.
Gospel Hymn: #439
What Wondrous Love is This
1 What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul! What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
to lay aside his crown for my soul, for my soul,
to lay aside his crown for my soul.
2 To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing,
to God and to the Lamb, I will sing.
To God and to the Lamb who is the great I AM, while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing, while millions join the theme I will sing.
3 And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on, I'll sing on,
and when from death I'm free, I'll sing on.
And when from death I'm free I'll sing and joyful be,
and through eternity I'll sing on, I'll sing on,
and through eternity I'll sing on.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. John 10:20-30
At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father's hand. The Father and I are one."
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, Lord Christ
Sermon
The Creed (sung to tune: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling; Hymnal #657)
1 We believe in God the Father, God almighty, by whose plan
earth and heaven sprang to being, all created things began.
We believe in Christ the Savior, Son of God in human frame,
virgin born, the child of Mary upon whom the Spirit came.
2 Christ, who on the cross forsaken, like a lamb to slaughter led,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, he descended to the dead.
We believe in Jesus risen, heaven's King to rule and reign,
to the Father's side ascended till as judge he comes again.
3 We believe in God the Spirit; in one Church, below, above:
saints of God in one communion, one in holiness and love.
So by faith, our sins forgiven, Christ our Savior, Lord and friend,
we shall rise with him in glory to the life that knows no end.
The Prayers of the People Form I – BCP pp.383-5
Please kneel, sit or stand as you are able.
With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the Lord, saying, “Lord, have mercy.”
For: Epiphany School in Uganda, its Primary Class Seven; for St. George’s, Hellertown; St. Stephen's Whitehall.
For the peace of the world, for the welfare of the holy Church of God, and for the unity of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For our Bishop, and for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For our President, for the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this area of northeastern Pennsylvania, for every city and community, and for those who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will to conserve it, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the aged and infirm, for the widowed and orphans, and for the sick and the suffering, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the poor and the oppressed, for the unemployed and the destitute, for prisoners and captives, and for all who remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For all who have died, especially David Byers and Lucretia Hill, in the hope of the resurrection, and for all the departed, especially the Loved Ones of the Bird Family, in whose memory the Altar Flowers are sponsored today, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For deliverance from all danger, violence, oppression, and degradation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
That we may end our lives in faith and hope, without suffering and without reproach, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
In the communion of all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life, to Christ our God.
To thee, O Lord our God.
The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.
The Confession & Absolution – BCP p.360
Deacon: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept.
Minister and People: Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
The Peace
The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.
Announcements & Opportunities
Prayer For a Birthday – BCP p.830 #50
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 lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer For those we Love & Anniversaries – BCP p.831 #54
Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Offertory Sentence
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Offertory Hymn - Lift Every Voice and Sing II #104
(See the music at the end of the bulletin)
The Lord Is My Shepherd
1 The Lord is my Shepherd, no want shall I know;
I feed in green pastures, safe-folded I rest;
He leadeth my soul where the still waters flow,
Restores me when wand’ring, redeems when oppressed;
Restores me when wand’ring, redeems when oppressed.
2 Through the valley and shadow my death though I stray,
Since thou art my guardian, no evil I fear;
Thy rod shall defend me, thy staff be my stay;
No harm can befall, with my comforter near;
No harm can befall, with my comforter near.
3 In the midst of affliction my table is spread;
With blessings unmeasured my cup runneth o’er;
With perfume and oil thou anointest my head;
O what shall I ask of thy providence more?
O what shall I ask of thy providence more?
4 Let goodness and mercy, my bountiful God,
Still follow my steps till I meet Thee above;
I seek by the path which my ancestors trod,
Through the land of their sojourn, thy kingdom of love;
Through the land of their sojourn, thy kingdom of love.
Doxology: Hymnal #43 vs. 4
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.
Holy Communion Prayer D BCP – page 372
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 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:
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 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 patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, (with ) 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 now pray:
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.
The Breaking of the Bread
Hymnal #S 155 Fraction Anthem:
Christ our Passover
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
therefore let us keep the feast.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Celebrant: 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 with faith and thanksgiving.
Prayer of Spiritual Reception:
In union, O Lord, with the faithful at every altar of Thy Church, where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, we desire to offer you praise and thanksgiving. We present to you our soul and body with the earnest wish that we may always be united to you. And since we cannot now receive you sacramentally, we beseech you to come spiritually into our heart. We unite ourselves to you, and embrace you with all the affections of our soul. Let nothing ever separate you from us. May we live and die in your love. Amen. (Adapted from The Armed Forces Prayer Book 1951)
Communion: Hymnal #645
The King of Love My Shepherd Is (1-3,6)
1 The King of love my shepherd is,
whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am his,
and he is mine for ever.
2 Where streams of living water flow,
my ransomed soul he leadeth,
and where the verdant pastures grow,
with food celestial feedeth.
3 Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
but yet in love he sought me,
and on his shoulder gently laid,
and home, rejoicing, brought me.
6 And so through all the length of days
thy goodness faileth never:
Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise
within thy house for ever.
Prayer after Communion – BCP pg. 365
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.
Blessing and Dismissal
The People respond: Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.
Recessional Hymn #691
My Faith Looks Up to Thee
1 My faith looks up to thee,
thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
take all my guilt away;
O let me from this day
be wholly thine.
2 May thy rich grace impart
strength to my fainting heart,
my zeal inspire;
as thou hast died for me,
O may my love to thee pure,
warm and changeless be,
a living fire.
3 While life's dark maze I tread,
and griefs around me spread,
be thou my guide;
bid darkness turn to day;
wipe sorrow's tears away,
nor let me ever stray
from thee aside.
Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken
1 Glorious things of thee are spoken, Zion, city of our God;
he whose word cannot be broken
formed thee for his own abode;
on the Rock of Ages founded,
what can shake thy sure repose?
With salvation's walls surrounded,
thou may'st smile at all thy foes.
2 See! the streams of living waters,
springing from eternal love,
well supply thy sons and daughters
and all fear of want remove.
Who can faint, when such a river
ever will their thirst assuage?
Grace which, like the Lord, the giver,
never fails from age to age.
3 Round each habitation hovering,
see the cloud and fire appear
for a glory and a covering,
showing that the Lord is near.
Thus deriving from their banner,
light by night, and shade by day, safe they feed upon the manna
which he gives them when they pray.
4 Blest inhabitants of Zion,
washed in the Redeemer's blood!
Jesus, whom their souls rely on,
makes them kings and priests to God.
'Tis his love his people raises
over self to reign as kings:
and as priests, his solemn praises
each for a thank-offering brings.
Opening Prayer: Book of Common Prayer (BCP) – p.355
Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ is risen
People: Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thought 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: Hymnal #S 280
Glory to god in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ,
only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
The Collect of the Day
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
A reading from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles 9:36-43
Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, "Please come to us without delay." So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, "Tabitha, get up." Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.
The Word of the Lord.
Response: Thanks be to God.
The Psalm is 23 – Book of Common Prayer pp. 612
We will pray it responsively by verse.
1The Lord is my shepherd; *
I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures *
and leads me beside still waters.
3 He revives my soul *
and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.
4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; *
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; *
you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over.
6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
A reading from the Book of the Revelation to St. John, 7:9-17
I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?" I said to him, "Sir, you are the one that knows." Then he said to me, "These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
The Word of the Lord.
Response: Thanks be to God.
Gospel Hymn: #439
What Wondrous Love is This
1 What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul! What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
to lay aside his crown for my soul, for my soul,
to lay aside his crown for my soul.
2 To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing,
to God and to the Lamb, I will sing.
To God and to the Lamb who is the great I AM, while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing, while millions join the theme I will sing.
3 And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on, I'll sing on,
and when from death I'm free, I'll sing on.
And when from death I'm free I'll sing and joyful be,
and through eternity I'll sing on, I'll sing on,
and through eternity I'll sing on.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. John 10:20-30
At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father's hand. The Father and I are one."
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, Lord Christ
Sermon
The Creed (sung to tune: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling; Hymnal #657)
1 We believe in God the Father, God almighty, by whose plan
earth and heaven sprang to being, all created things began.
We believe in Christ the Savior, Son of God in human frame,
virgin born, the child of Mary upon whom the Spirit came.
2 Christ, who on the cross forsaken, like a lamb to slaughter led,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, he descended to the dead.
We believe in Jesus risen, heaven's King to rule and reign,
to the Father's side ascended till as judge he comes again.
3 We believe in God the Spirit; in one Church, below, above:
saints of God in one communion, one in holiness and love.
So by faith, our sins forgiven, Christ our Savior, Lord and friend,
we shall rise with him in glory to the life that knows no end.
The Prayers of the People Form I – BCP pp.383-5
Please kneel, sit or stand as you are able.
With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the Lord, saying, “Lord, have mercy.”
For: Epiphany School in Uganda, its Primary Class Seven; for St. George’s, Hellertown; St. Stephen's Whitehall.
For the peace of the world, for the welfare of the holy Church of God, and for the unity of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For our Bishop, and for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For our President, for the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this area of northeastern Pennsylvania, for every city and community, and for those who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will to conserve it, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the aged and infirm, for the widowed and orphans, and for the sick and the suffering, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the poor and the oppressed, for the unemployed and the destitute, for prisoners and captives, and for all who remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For all who have died, especially David Byers and Lucretia Hill, in the hope of the resurrection, and for all the departed, especially the Loved Ones of the Bird Family, in whose memory the Altar Flowers are sponsored today, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For deliverance from all danger, violence, oppression, and degradation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
That we may end our lives in faith and hope, without suffering and without reproach, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
In the communion of all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life, to Christ our God.
To thee, O Lord our God.
The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.
The Confession & Absolution – BCP p.360
Deacon: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept.
Minister and People: Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
The Peace
The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.
Announcements & Opportunities
Prayer For a Birthday – BCP p.830 #50
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 lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer For those we Love & Anniversaries – BCP p.831 #54
Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Offertory Sentence
You may give on-line at onrealm.org or by texting BREAD to 73256.
Thank you for your generous financial support!
Offertory Hymn - Lift Every Voice and Sing II #104
(See the music at the end of the bulletin)
The Lord Is My Shepherd
1 The Lord is my Shepherd, no want shall I know;
I feed in green pastures, safe-folded I rest;
He leadeth my soul where the still waters flow,
Restores me when wand’ring, redeems when oppressed;
Restores me when wand’ring, redeems when oppressed.
2 Through the valley and shadow my death though I stray,
Since thou art my guardian, no evil I fear;
Thy rod shall defend me, thy staff be my stay;
No harm can befall, with my comforter near;
No harm can befall, with my comforter near.
3 In the midst of affliction my table is spread;
With blessings unmeasured my cup runneth o’er;
With perfume and oil thou anointest my head;
O what shall I ask of thy providence more?
O what shall I ask of thy providence more?
4 Let goodness and mercy, my bountiful God,
Still follow my steps till I meet Thee above;
I seek by the path which my ancestors trod,
Through the land of their sojourn, thy kingdom of love;
Through the land of their sojourn, thy kingdom of love.
Doxology: Hymnal #43 vs. 4
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.
Holy Communion Prayer D BCP – page 372
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 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:
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 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 patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, (with ) 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 now pray:
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.
The Breaking of the Bread
Hymnal #S 155 Fraction Anthem:
Christ our Passover
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
therefore let us keep the feast.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Celebrant: 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 with faith and thanksgiving.
Prayer of Spiritual Reception:
In union, O Lord, with the faithful at every altar of Thy Church, where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, we desire to offer you praise and thanksgiving. We present to you our soul and body with the earnest wish that we may always be united to you. And since we cannot now receive you sacramentally, we beseech you to come spiritually into our heart. We unite ourselves to you, and embrace you with all the affections of our soul. Let nothing ever separate you from us. May we live and die in your love. Amen. (Adapted from The Armed Forces Prayer Book 1951)
Communion: Hymnal #645
The King of Love My Shepherd Is (1-3,6)
1 The King of love my shepherd is,
whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am his,
and he is mine for ever.
2 Where streams of living water flow,
my ransomed soul he leadeth,
and where the verdant pastures grow,
with food celestial feedeth.
3 Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
but yet in love he sought me,
and on his shoulder gently laid,
and home, rejoicing, brought me.
6 And so through all the length of days
thy goodness faileth never:
Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise
within thy house for ever.
Prayer after Communion – BCP pg. 365
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.
Blessing and Dismissal
The People respond: Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.
Recessional Hymn #691
My Faith Looks Up to Thee
1 My faith looks up to thee,
thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
take all my guilt away;
O let me from this day
be wholly thine.
2 May thy rich grace impart
strength to my fainting heart,
my zeal inspire;
as thou hast died for me,
O may my love to thee pure,
warm and changeless be,
a living fire.
3 While life's dark maze I tread,
and griefs around me spread,
be thou my guide;
bid darkness turn to day;
wipe sorrow's tears away,
nor let me ever stray
from thee aside.
Koffee Klatch
Service Participants
Officiant: Mother Lou Divis
Assistant: Deacon John Davis
Organist: Mary-Jo Cliff
Choir Director: Melissa Driscole
Broadcast Media: Rick Little
Social Media Director: Barbara Little
Admin: Adrien Lambert
Cantor: Gail Prye
Crucifer: George Sutton
Youth Reader: Nickolai Sutton
Reader: Mark Male
Intercessor: Gail Prye
Altar Guild: Sue Six
Chalice Bearer: 8 AM – Butch Schmaltz
11 AM – Lindsey Loss
Ushers: 8 AM – Jus Hoyt
11 AM – John Voigt
Service Participants
Officiant: Mother Lou Divis
Assistant: Deacon John Davis
Organist: Mary-Jo Cliff
Choir Director: Melissa Driscole
Broadcast Media: Rick Little
Social Media Director: Barbara Little
Admin: Adrien Lambert
Cantor: Gail Prye
Crucifer: George Sutton
Youth Reader: Nickolai Sutton
Reader: Mark Male
Intercessor: Gail Prye
Altar Guild: Sue Six
Chalice Bearer: 8 AM – Butch Schmaltz
11 AM – Lindsey Loss
Ushers: 8 AM – Jus Hoyt
11 AM – John Voigt
Announcements and Opportunities
Intercessions for May 8-14:
Birthdays: Stephen Sproul, Drew Christian, Linda Rogers, John Enders, Sydney Schilpp, Myles Grady Frieder, Lorraine Bossard, Elizabeth Jenkins, Michael Lambert, Leslie Brereton, Mashka Sutton
Anniversaries: John & Angie Welsh-Mitchell
For the Pygmy Ministry, Fr. Charles & Alice their principal.
For: Mo. Lou, our Priest-in-Charge, and Rev. John, our Deacon
For: Our Vestry & Staff
Epiphany’s Prayer Request Form:
Your request will be added to our prayer list for 6 weeks. After which you are invited to submit another request for an additional 6 weeks. There is no limit to the number of requests you may submit if the situation is ongoing. You may note in the special request section if the need for prayer is shorter than 6 weeks. Your Epiphany family is honored to join you in prayer. Blessings *Prayer cards are available in church pew holders & will be mailed as requested. Online form (So easy!): epiphanyglenburn.org/prayer-request.html
Opportunities!
SPRING CLEAN-UP AT EPIPHANY
Saturday, May 14th from 9am until ???
Come one come all and assist as you are able, with our thanks! There is always much to be done indoors and out. Perhaps you’ll help in the Woodland Memorial Garden, or dust the church? All ages are welcome, and you may enjoy desserts from the freezer too!
Erik Swanson (Mo. Lou’s son) passed his bar exam in the State of Virginia!! 4-26-2022
Lee McHugh Update:
Lee is back home in NePa since May 2nd. Certainly you can correspond with her: 3361 Pittston Ave, Moosic Pa 18507-1711
A Preaching Gift and Opportunity:
This group has helped me intensely see sermons as gifts. Check this website out! blessings, Lou * This is a good blog-read for anyone actually.
https://www.backstorypreaching.com/blog/enneagram-and-preaching-gifts-and-shadows
Seasonal Farm Laborer Wanted:
In the short term we are looking for weekday or weekend help to do various farm tasks. Applicant should be 16+ years old. We would like the position to possibly work into a full time position. Laboring on a farm is not easy or clean work, it is very physical work. If interested, please email back or call Stacy Field 570-298-0962 and leave a name and a message with a clear phone number. Whistle Pig Pumpkin Patch, 3369 SR 29 S, Noxen, PA 18636. 570-298-0962
RUMMAGE!!!
Epiphany needs your rummage. Items may be brought to Epiphany when the building is open (usually daytime Tues-Wed-Thu and Sunday mornings, excluding May 17th and 26th). Please do not leave any donations outside of entry doors!! Please do not leave donations in the parish hall or office, Commons Rm or entryways: Epiphany has many in-house events upcoming which require these areas to be clean and uncluttered. We are collecting items which should be bagged or boxed then carried down stairs and placed in the double-room marked ‘Rummage Here.’ Sale dates are pending. If you have questions about what items we may accept, or would like to assist with the sale, please contact faithful leader Melissa! 570-499-1943
The Day of Pentecost:
Sunday June 5th at the 11am service, we would like people to read the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1-21; it will be the 2nd lesson) together each speaking it in a different language. We have copies of the translation which may be e-mailed to you or mailed. Please leave a message at 570-563-1564 or e-mail cote@epix.net so the reading may be forwarded.
A HUGE "thank you" to everyone who worked to make the return of the Adrian Miller Memorial Chicken BBQ a success!! And thanks to the friends of Epiphany who bought 192 dinners and made donations to support the Epiphany Acolyte Fund by $1,627.30. Both Adrian Miller and Jeff Napierala were with us in spirit on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.
Birthdays: Stephen Sproul, Drew Christian, Linda Rogers, John Enders, Sydney Schilpp, Myles Grady Frieder, Lorraine Bossard, Elizabeth Jenkins, Michael Lambert, Leslie Brereton, Mashka Sutton
Anniversaries: John & Angie Welsh-Mitchell
For the Pygmy Ministry, Fr. Charles & Alice their principal.
For: Mo. Lou, our Priest-in-Charge, and Rev. John, our Deacon
For: Our Vestry & Staff
Epiphany’s Prayer Request Form:
Your request will be added to our prayer list for 6 weeks. After which you are invited to submit another request for an additional 6 weeks. There is no limit to the number of requests you may submit if the situation is ongoing. You may note in the special request section if the need for prayer is shorter than 6 weeks. Your Epiphany family is honored to join you in prayer. Blessings *Prayer cards are available in church pew holders & will be mailed as requested. Online form (So easy!): epiphanyglenburn.org/prayer-request.html
Opportunities!
- Thursdays 6-7pm Qigong, Epiphany – Contact Rosalie 570-885-7412
- Every Sunday thru 6/26 9.30-10.45am – The Group/Sunday School/CONFIRMATION, Parish Hall
- May 8 - 12:45 - 5 - Spinner's Web, Commons Rom & Parish Hall
- May 14 – 9am-??? – CLEAN-UP of Buildings & Grounds at Epiphany – All are welcome!!
- May 17 – Primary Election Day - Office Closed
- May 18 – 8:30 am – Check request fulfillment, Epiphany office
- May 21 – 10am Howard Hyde Visitation
- May 21 – 11am – Howard Hyde Memorial Service – Interment and Luncheon follow (Luncheon reservations are due May 1 to savenviro@comcast.net or daniwind1@gmail.com)
- May 31 – 8:30 am – Check request fulfillment, Epiphany office
- June 5 – The Day of Pentecost: Whitsunday – Parish Potluck Picnic
- June 18 – Vestry Meeting at Epiphany and on Zoom
- June 26 - Youth Sunday!!
SPRING CLEAN-UP AT EPIPHANY
Saturday, May 14th from 9am until ???
Come one come all and assist as you are able, with our thanks! There is always much to be done indoors and out. Perhaps you’ll help in the Woodland Memorial Garden, or dust the church? All ages are welcome, and you may enjoy desserts from the freezer too!
Erik Swanson (Mo. Lou’s son) passed his bar exam in the State of Virginia!! 4-26-2022
Lee McHugh Update:
Lee is back home in NePa since May 2nd. Certainly you can correspond with her: 3361 Pittston Ave, Moosic Pa 18507-1711
A Preaching Gift and Opportunity:
This group has helped me intensely see sermons as gifts. Check this website out! blessings, Lou * This is a good blog-read for anyone actually.
https://www.backstorypreaching.com/blog/enneagram-and-preaching-gifts-and-shadows
Seasonal Farm Laborer Wanted:
In the short term we are looking for weekday or weekend help to do various farm tasks. Applicant should be 16+ years old. We would like the position to possibly work into a full time position. Laboring on a farm is not easy or clean work, it is very physical work. If interested, please email back or call Stacy Field 570-298-0962 and leave a name and a message with a clear phone number. Whistle Pig Pumpkin Patch, 3369 SR 29 S, Noxen, PA 18636. 570-298-0962
RUMMAGE!!!
Epiphany needs your rummage. Items may be brought to Epiphany when the building is open (usually daytime Tues-Wed-Thu and Sunday mornings, excluding May 17th and 26th). Please do not leave any donations outside of entry doors!! Please do not leave donations in the parish hall or office, Commons Rm or entryways: Epiphany has many in-house events upcoming which require these areas to be clean and uncluttered. We are collecting items which should be bagged or boxed then carried down stairs and placed in the double-room marked ‘Rummage Here.’ Sale dates are pending. If you have questions about what items we may accept, or would like to assist with the sale, please contact faithful leader Melissa! 570-499-1943
The Day of Pentecost:
Sunday June 5th at the 11am service, we would like people to read the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1-21; it will be the 2nd lesson) together each speaking it in a different language. We have copies of the translation which may be e-mailed to you or mailed. Please leave a message at 570-563-1564 or e-mail cote@epix.net so the reading may be forwarded.
A HUGE "thank you" to everyone who worked to make the return of the Adrian Miller Memorial Chicken BBQ a success!! And thanks to the friends of Epiphany who bought 192 dinners and made donations to support the Epiphany Acolyte Fund by $1,627.30. Both Adrian Miller and Jeff Napierala were with us in spirit on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.
