St John’s Episcopal Church

Ross, CA

Third Sunday of Easter: Earth Day

April 26, 2020, 10AM

Come hydrate your soul at St John’s: A community of connections across generations.

Connect to God through worship, service, real life and tradition.

14 Lagunitas Road (415) 456-1102 P.O. Box 217 info@stjohnsross.org Ross, CA 94957 www.stjohnsross.org

From Episcopal News Service: “It’s strange and fitting that we’re marking the 50th Earth Day during a global pandemic,” said the Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers, canon to the presiding bishop for evangelism, reconciliation and stewardship of creation. “COVID-19 has forced us to acknowledge the web of life that connects us and all of creation. We are – for better and for worse – in this together. I pray we will really look around on Earth Day, notice the presence of God in the trees that keep on blooming, the birds whose song you can now hear, the waters you long to visit as soon as we can move freely. Notice, be grateful and swear to protect and honor all that God has made. In the process, we are also saving our own lives,” Spellers told Episcopal News Service. While it may seem counterintuitive to focus on climate change amid the COVID-19 emergency, the two issues are inextricably linked. Climate change compounds the problems that lead to disease outbreaks and that limit effective responses. And a Harvard University study has found that even a small increase in long-term exposure to air pollution (which disproportionately affects African Americans) significantly increased patients’ risk of dying from COVID-19.

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A note on the service: You are invited to pray aloud with us, or join silently; to sing along or enjoy listening. Welcome - we are thankful for your presence! Have a prayer request that you’d like to be shared (anonymously or with your name) on Sunday during the prayers? Would you like a blessing for a birthday, anniversary, or other occasion of thanksgiving

Click here to share this request with Rev. Ginger. Please join in praying for the needs and concerns of our congregation by viewing our online Prayer List.

About the offertory:

Jakob Offenbach was born on June 20, 1819 in KÖln, Germany. He moved to Paris in 1833 to study cello at the "Conservatoire national de musique et de declamation". From 1835 onwards he started composing own works and calling himself "Jacques"Offenbach.

This Ave Maria ("solo de Soprano") is one of multiple Ave Marias Offenbach composed. He dedicated this beautiful work to a Mademoiselle Nina. It is believed that the work was composed in 1865 and performed together with a mass at the marriage of his daughter Berthe Offenbach, born 1845 in Paris as first daughter of five siblings. The original score is archived at the bibliotheque nationale de France in Paris.

Original record from this marriage (transl. from fFrench): "The marriage of Mistress Berthe Offenbach and Mr. Charles Comte was celebrated yesterday in Etretat, in the presence of the family and a large number of people, friends of the author of the Belle Eelene.

A mass in music of a very high character, written for the occasion by the father of the young and charming bride, has had a great effect. - She was sung wonderfully by Madame Wertheirnber, Roger and Guyot. The organ and the piano were played by the Duvernoy brothers, two young improvisers of talent."

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Prelude Welcome After the welcome announcement a bell will sound, signaling a few moments of prayer and silence.

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Liturgy of the Word Processional Hymn All creatures of our God and King Hymnal 400, v 1,2-5,7

All creatures of our God and King lift up your voices, let us sing: Alleluia, Alleluia! Bright burning sun with golden beams, pale silver moon that gently gleams. REFRAIN: O praise God, O praise God

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

Great rushing winds and breezes soft, you clouds that ride the heavens aloft, O praise God, alleluia! Fair rising morn, with praise rejoice, stars nightly shining, find a voice, REFRAIN.

Dear mother earth, you day by day unfold your blessings on our way, O praise God, alleluia! All flowers and fruits that in you grow, let them God’s glory also show: REFRAIN.

All you with mercy in your heart forgiving others take your part, O sing now: Alleluia! All you that pain and sorry bear, praise God and cast on him your care: REFRAIN.

Let all things their creator bless, and worship him in humbleness, O praise God, Alleluia! Praise God the Father, praise the Son, and praise the Spirit, Three in One: REFRAIN

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All standing, the Presider says Alleluia! Christ is Risen! People Christ is Risen indeed! Alleluia! Presider and People 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. Gloria Taizé Gloria III Please join in singing the Gloria (three times).

Collect of the Day Presider God be with you. People And also with you. Presider Let us pray. God of unchangeable power, when you fashioned the world, the morning stars sang together and the host of heaven shouted for joy: Open our souls to the wonders of creation and teach us to manage faithfully the riches of this good earth, to the honor of your glorious name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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First Reading Job 12:7-10,13-16a Please be seated for the reading. “Ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being. ‘With God are wisdom and strength; he has counsel and understanding. If he tears down, no one can rebuild; if he shuts someone in, no one can open up. If he withholds the waters, they dry up; if he sends them out, they overwhelm the land. With him are strength and wisdom; Reader Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people. People Thanks be to God.

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Psalm 148 Please join in praying the Psalm together. 1 Hallelujah! Praise the Lord from the heavens; *

praise God in the heights. 2 Praise God, all you angels!; * praise the Lord, all God’s host. 3 Praise God, sun and moon; * praise God, all you shining stars. 4 Praise the Lord, heaven of heavens, * and you waters above the heavens. 5 Let them praise the Name of the Lord; * for God commanded, and they were created. 6 The Lord made them stand fast for ever and ever; * God gave them a law which shall not pass away. 7 Praise the Lord from the earth, * you sea-monsters and all deeps; 8 Fire and hail, snow and fog, * tempestuous wind, doing his will; 9 Mountains and all hills, * fruit trees and all cedars; 10 Wild beasts and all cattle, * creeping things and winged birds; 11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, * princes and all rulers of the world; 12 Young men and maidens, * old and young together. 13 Let them praise the Name of the Lord, * for God’s Name only is exalted, God’s splendor is over earth and heaven. 14 The Lord has raised up strength for the people and praise for all loyal servants, * the children of Israel, a people who are near to God. Hallelujah!

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Gospel Acclamation You are invited to stomp your feet along with the words “trampling down.”

Holy Gospel Luke 24:13-35 Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. People Glory to you, Lord Christ. Now on that same day two of Jesus' disciples were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he

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was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread. Priest The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ. Sermon - The Rev. Bill Rankin Bill graciously took the time to compose the sermon which will be delivered by seminarian Jed Dearing as Bill follows county and diocesan guidance encouraging us to remain home as much as possible. Following the sermon we will observe a one-minute period of silent prayer and reflection.

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The Nicene Creed Please stand if you wish and join in saying the 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.

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Prayers of the People Please add your prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving where appropriate, and join in praying the responses in italics. Intercessor Behold, O Lord, your creation, this fragile earth. Behold its

volcanic peaks and fertile plains; its forests, rivers, inland seas, and green ocean depths and shores; its atmosphere, so vital, yet so vulnerable.

People Behold our Earth, we beseech you O Lord. Intercessor Most gracious God, for the beauty of this earth, its sky and sea, and

for the richness of its minerals and energy sources, and for the abundance of its living things in all manner of kind;

People We give you thanks, O Lord. Intercessor O God of wisdom, we pray that you might teach us to know and to

respect the delicate balance of your creation, so that our ignorance and willfulness can be overcome, restraining our exploitation and abuse of natural resources.

People We pray to you, Lord God. Intercessor O God of compassion, we pray for your saving help for all those

who suffer. We pray for members of our parish, especially… We pray for all those suffering from coronavirus, for all essential workers, and for all who have lost work and all who who are struggling with finances, homeschooling, isolation, and fear. We pray also for all those who have died, especially...that you would wipe away every tear.

People We pray to you, Lord God. Intercessor Hallelujah! Praise God in the heights. People Praise God in the heights. Intercessor Praise God sun and moon; People Praise God all you shining stars. Intercessor Praise God heaven of heavens; People And you waters above the heavens. Intercessor Let them praise the name of the Lord; People For God commanded, and they were created. Intercessor All things come from you, O Lord; People And of your own have we given you, Amen.

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The Peace Announcements

Holy Communion Offertory During this time of uncertainty, St. John’s particularly needs your help to continue to offer care and support to our community. You can give online here.

Ave Maria Jacques Offenbach (1819-1880)

Betsy Bennett-Smith, soprano The Doxology The people stand to sing the Doxology while the gifts of bread, wine and the collection are presented at the altar.

From all that dwell below the skies Hymnal 380, v. 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. Amen.

Great Thanksgiving The people remain standing.

Presider The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Presider Lift up your hearts. People We lift them to the Lord. Presider Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People It is right to give our thanks and praise. Presider It is truly right, and good and joyful, to give you thanks,

all-holy God, source of life and fountain of mercy . . . . . . Therefore, joining with Angels and Archangels and with the faithful of every generation, we lift our voices with all creation as we say together:

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.

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The Presider continues with the Eucharistic prayer, and then says:

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

People Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

The Presider continues with the prayer, and then says Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to you be honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever.

People AMEN.

Lord’s Prayer Please join hands as we pray 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.

Breaking of the Bread The people stand or kneel. A period of silence is kept. Presider The Gifts of God for the People of God. Administration of Communion The Church has always believed that to desire communion with Jesus in the bread and wine is to receive it on a spiritual level, even when circumstances prevent a bite of bread or sip of wine. In the silence, you are invited to meditate on the gift of Jesus’ presence in and with us, offered in the bread and wine and received by faith.

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Postcommunion Prayer for Easter in a Pandemic Please stand or kneel. Let us pray. God of hope, you have promised to be present to us in this bread of life and this cup of salvation. In our desire to commune with you and each other, we have fed on your presence in spirit. We pray that you protect, guide, and strengthen us as we hope for the time when we may eat the bread and drink the cup together in body. We pray that you nourish us in the power of your Spirit, that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world and continue for ever in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen. Blessing

Birthdays, Anniversaries and Occasions of Thanksgiving Today, tomorrow and always we rejoice in the hands of God. May God's powerful hands support you. May God's guiding hands lead you. May God's loving hands enfold you. We rejoice in the hands of God. Amen.

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Postcommunion Hymn I sing the almighty power of God Hymnal 398 (Forrest Green)

Dismissal Alleluia, alleluia! Go in peace to love and serve the Lord! People Thanks be to God! Alleluia! Alleluia! Postlude

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During this time of uncertainty, St. John’s particularly needs your help to continue to offer care and support to our community. You can give online here.

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Today at St. John’s. Coffee Hour: after 10am service through 11:30am. Join us on zoom here for coffee and conversation, then stay on for our Earth Day forum (below) Earth Day Forum: 11:30am-12:15pm To honor the 50th anniversary of Earth Day this week, join us to learn how to use a carbon tracking app that’s endorsed and promoted by the national Episcopal Church and our own Diocese. Click here for the zoom meeting. This week at St. John’s Please check out e-connect or our website to learn more about all the wonderful youth and children’s activities going at St. John’s. And please join us for the activities below.

● Serve the community through St. John’s Learn more and sign up here.

● Monday: Yoga and Prayer/Meditation, 6:15-7:30pm Stream the class here or practice later in the week. Donation-funded - please give here.

● Tuesday: Virtual Dinner Church, 6pm Grab some grub and fire up your computer to share dinner together digitally! Click here to join. We continue to build community one meal at a time, even if it's virtual!

● Thursday Morning Prayer, 7:30am Check out the information about how to use Zoom above. The link for this meeting is different - for Thursday morning prayer, please click here.

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St John’s Episcopal Church

Bishop of California: The Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus Rector: The Rev. Chris Rankin-Williams

crw@stjohnsross.org Associate Priest: The Rev. Ginger Strickland

ginger@stjohnsross.org Assisting: The Revs. Skip Fotch, Jan Hickman West, and

Bill Rankin Director of Music: Dr. David Montgomery Organist: Cheryl Ziedrich Choir section leader: Betsy Bennett-Smith

david@stjohnsross.org Church Administrator: Virginia Kosydar virginia@stjohnsross.org Youth Minister: Tom Fregoso tom@stjohnsross.org Director of Children’s Ministry: Sandra Pathik sandra@stjohnsross.org Bookkeeper: bookkeeper@stjohnsross.org Treasurer: Nigel Heath Director of Stewardship Emily McFarland emily@stjohnsross.org Vestry: President: The Rev. Chris Rankin-Williams

Senior Warden: Doug Van Gessel Junior Warden: June Sullivan Robb Baer, Mary Beth Baker, Hadley Dettmer, Maya Farhoud, Charlie Hoeveler, Jennifer Jones, Paul Kaplan, Chris Russell, Kathryn Supinski. Amy Taylor

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