The Holy Eucharist

Celebrant and Preacher: The Rev. Ed Bacon Deacon: The Rev. Horace L. Griffin

THE WORD OF GODVoluntary All Glory be to God on High, BWV 662 J.S. Bach Opening HymnHymnal 214 “Hail the day that sees Him rise” Llanfair

The Opening Acclamation Book of Common Prayer (BCP) 355Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ is risen.People: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

The Collect for Purity Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The SevenTh Sundayof eaSTer

May 24, 2020 | 10 AM

Gloria in excelsis Hymnal S-278 “Glory to God in the highest” William Mathias

The Collect of the Day Celebrant: God be with you.People: And also with you.Celebrant: Let us pray.

O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

The First Lesson: Acts 1:6-14 Eddie DillWhile meeting together they asked, “Has the time come, Rabbi? Are you going to restore sovereignty to Israel?” Jesus replied, “It’s not for you to know times or dates that Abba God has decided. You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; then you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.” Having said this, Jesus was lifted up in a cloud before their eyes and taken from their sight. They were still gazing up into the heavens when two messengers dressed in white stood beside them. “You Galileans—why are you standing here looking up at the skies?” they asked. “Jesus, who has been taken from you—this same Jesus will return, in the same way you watched him go into heaven.”  The apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a mere Sabbath’s walk away. Entering the city, they went to the upstairs room where they were staying—Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James ben-Alphaeus; Simon, a member of the Zealot sect; and Judah ben-Jacob. Also in their company were some of the women who followed Jesus, his mother Mary, and some of Jesus’ sisters and brothers. With one mind, they devoted themselves to constant prayer.Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people. People: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 68:1-10, 33-36 Marjorie Kouns 1 Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered; * let those who hate him flee before him. 2 Let them vanish like smoke when the wind drives it away; * as the wax melts at the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. 3 But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; * let them also be merry and joyful. 4 Sing to God, sing praises to his Name; exalt him who rides upon the heavens; * YAHWEH is his Name, rejoice before him! 5 Father of orphans, defender of widows, * God in his holy habitation! 6 God gives the solitary a home and brings forth prisoners into freedom; * but the rebels shall live in dry places. 7 O God, when you went forth before your people, * when you marched through the wilderness, 8 The earth shook, and the skies poured down rain, at the presence of God, the God of Sinai, * at the presence of God, the God of Israel. 9 You sent a gracious rain, O God, upon your inheritance; * you refreshed the land when it was weary. 10 Your people found their home in it; * in your goodness, O God, you have made provision for the poor.

33 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; * sing praises to the Lord. 34 He rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; * he sends forth his voice, his mighty voice. 35 Ascribe power to God; * his majesty is over Israel; his strength is in the skies. 36 How wonderful is God in his holy places! * the God of Israel giving strength and power to his people! Blessed be God!

The Second Lesson: 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 Greg VaughnDon’t be surprised, my dear friends, that a trial by fire is occurring in your midst. It is a test for you, but it shouldn’t catch you off guard. Rejoice, instead, insofar as you share the Savior’s sufferings, so that when the glory of Christ is revealed, you will rejoice exceedingly. Happy are you when you are insulted for the sake of Christ, for then God’s Spirit in her glory has come to rest on you. Therefore, humble yourselves before God’s mighty power, that you may be exalted by God on the appointed day. Cast all your cares on God, who cares for you. Be sober. Be watchful. For your adversary the Devil roams about like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Stand up to the Devil as one strong in faith, fortified with the knowledge that your sisters and brothers throughout the world share the same afflictions. But the God of all grace, who called you to eternal glory through Jesus Christ, will fulfill, restore, strengthen and establish you after you have suffered a little while. To God be glory and dominion forever and ever! Amen.Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people. People: Thanks be to God.

Sequence HymnHymnal 603 “When Christ was lifted from the earth” St. Botolph

The Holy Gospel: John 17:1-11 The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to John.People: Glory to you, Lord Christ. After Jesus said this, he looked up to heaven and said, “Abba, the hour has come! Glorify your Only Begotten that I may glorify you, through the authority you’ve given me over all humankind, by bestowing eternal life on all those you gave me. And this is eternal life: to know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent, Jesus, the Messiah. I have given you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. Now, Abba, glorify me with your own glory, the glory I had with you before the world began. I have manifested your Name to those you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me; and now they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you’ve entrusted to me does indeed come from you. I entrusted to them the message you entrusted to me, and they received it. They know that I really came from you; they believe it was you who sent me. And it’s for them that I pray—not

for the world, but for these you’ve given me—for they are really yours, just as all that belongs to me is yours, and all that belongs to you is mine. It is in them that I have been glorified. I am in the world no more, but while I am coming to you, they are still in the world. Abba, holy God, protect those whom you have given me with your Name—the Name that you gave me—that they may be one, even as we are one.”The Gospel of our Savior. People: Praise to you, Lord Christ. The Sermon The Rev. Ed BaconA period of silence is kept.

The Nicene Creed Mignon CrawfordBecause the language we use about God matters, the Church has considered and revised it for hundreds of years. In 2018, the 78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church approved the trial use of the original form of the Nicene Creed ad-opted by the Council of Chalcedon in 451, in place of the creed revised in 589 because scholars believe the earliest version of the creed is the more accurate. The Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches already use the 451 language. At St. Luke’s we are always looking to enrich worship and in that spirit, the clergy has included the 451 Nicene Creed in today’s liturgy.

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: was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human 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, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who 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.

The Prayers of the People Clay StoneO God, our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. In this challenging time of global pandemic, we come before you offering our prayers on behalf of those in need throughout the Church and the world.

For the Church, that it may not grow weary of proclaiming the gospel of Christ and serve as a beacon of hope to a suffer-ing world. We pray for Michael, the Presiding Bishop, Rob our Bishop, Don and Paul our Assisting Bishops, and all who minister in your name.Lord, in your mercy,Hear our prayer.

For all affected by the coronavirus around the world. For the leaders of the nations that they may work together for the common good as the outbreak spreads. For Donald, our President, the Congress, Brian, our Governor, and Keisha, our mayor, may barriers that divide be brought down that bonds of trust may be strengthened to benefit the entire human familyLord, in your mercy,Hear our prayer.

Grant public health and government officials the strength and will to act swiftly and decisively, with wisdom and compas-sion in service to all.Lord, in your mercy,Hear our prayer.

Heal all those who are sick or in need, including Van, Tom, Lily, Jon, Mary Helen, Porter, Mason, Darryl, Eugene, Gloria, Linnette, Kennedy, James, Joel, Lee, Mac, Wayne, Elsa, and Colin. And we ask your healing grace on those who are sick with the virus. May all have access to medical care to regain their health. Grant strength and compassion to all who are caring for loved ones.Lord, in your mercy,Hear our prayer.

Bless scientists and researchers around the world as they combat the virus, that their work may yield knowledge to devel-op a vaccine, treatments, and improved measures to reduce its spread. And we pray for all healthcare workers, who with hearts of service, stand on the front lines of providing care. Grant them courage and protection as they put the needs of public safety before their own.Lord, in your mercy,Hear our prayer.

For all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, including DeLys Davenport LeVan Robinson, Krista Baldwin, San Tracy Cleveland, Chelsea Leopold, George Marshall, Charles Newman, and Phil Peacock, and those whose faith is known to you alone, that, with all the saints, they may have rest in that place where there is no pain or grief, but life eternal.Lord, in your mercy,Hear our prayer.

God, the King of Glory, in whose hands are the living and the dead: We give you thanks for all those who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant them your mercy and the light of your presence; and give us a sense of your coming kingdom of peace and justice among all nations, that we may understand that the work you have begun in those who have fallen will be perfected through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Amen.

Concluding Prayer Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy. Sustain and support the anxious, be with those who care for the sick, and lift up all who are brought low; that we may find comfort know-ing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

The PeaceCelebrant: The peace of Christ be always with you.People: And also with you.

THE HOLY COMMUNIONAt the OffertoryAnthem American Folk Song

As I went down to the river to pray, studyin’ about that good ole way and who shall wear the starry crown, good Lord, show me the way. O brother (sister, children) let’s go down, let’s go down, come on down, down to the river to pray.

Presentation HymnHymnal 625 “Ye holy angels bright” Darwall’s 148th

Eucharistic Prayer BCelebrant: God 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 our thanks and praise.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth. But chiefly are we bound to praise you for the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed death, and by his rising to life again he has won for us everlasting life.

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:

SanctusHymnal S-128 “Holy, holy, holy Lord” William Mathias

The Celebrant continuesWe give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. For in these last days you sent Jesus to be incar-nate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In Christ, you have de-livered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In Christ, 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 Savior 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 Jesus took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

Therefore, according to his command, O Father,

Celebrant and PeopleWe remember Christ’s death,We proclaim Christ’s resurrection,We await Christ’s coming in glory;

The Celebrant continuesAnd we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Savior of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.

We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, through whom we are acceptable to you, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your children; through Jesus Christ our Savior, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.

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

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

The Lord’s Prayer BCP 364

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.

At the Breaking of the Bread Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.People: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleulia.

Fraction Anthem Hymnal S-154 “Christ our passover” David Hurd

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 by faith, with thanksgiving.

Distribution of Communion The communion table at St. Luke’s is open to all regardless of faith background.

At the CommunionAnthem The Call from “Five Mystical Songs” Ralph Vaughan Williams

- George Herbert

The Postcommunion PrayerCelebrant: Let us pray.All: Eternal God, you have graciously accepted us as living members of 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 Savior. Amen.

Easter BlessingMay Christ who out of defeat brings new hope and new alternatives, bring you new life.May you be a new creation, Christ for those to whom Christ shall send you.May Christ, who by death has destroyed death, give you all courage and joy in believing.And the blessing of God Almighty, our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer is with you and will be with you always. Amen.

Come, my Joy, my Love, my Heart: Such a joy as none can move;Such a love as none can part;

Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life: Come, my Light, my Feast, my Strength: Such a way as gives us breath; Such a light as shows a feast;Such a truth as ends all strife; Such a feast as mends in length;Such a life as killeth death. Such as strength as makes his guest.

Closing HymnHymnal 494 “Crown him with many crowns” Diademata

Easter Dismissal Celebrant: Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Alleluia. Alleluia.People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Voluntary Fanfare from “École d’orgue” Jacques Lemmens