The Third Sunday of Easter
Sunday, April 18, at 10:00 am
The form for this service can also be found in The Book of Common Prayer, page 355. Spoken responses are in bold typeface.
Prelude: “To A Wild Rose” Edward MacDowell
The Entrance Rite
Hymn 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.
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.
Opening Acclamation
Priest ✠ Alleluia. Christ is risen.
People The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Priest
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gloria: “Glory to God in the highest”
The Collect of the Day
Priest The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Priest Let us pray.
O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Liturgy of the Word
First Lesson: Acts 3:12-19
Peter addressed the people, “You Israelites, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we had made him walk? The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our ancestors has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and rejected in the presence of Pilate, though he had decided to release him. But you rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked to have a murderer given to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. And by faith in his name, his name itself has made this man strong, whom you see and know; and the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you.
“And now, friends, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. In this way God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out.”
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Psalm 4 The cantor sings the Psalm.
1 Answer me when I call, O God, defender of my cause; *
you set me free when I am hard-pressed; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
2 “You mortals, how long will you dishonor my glory; *
how long will you worship dumb idols and run after false gods?”
3 Know that the Lord does wonders for the faithful; *
when I call upon the Lord, he will hear me.
4 Tremble, then, and do not sin; *
speak to your heart in silence upon your bed.
5 Offer the appointed sacrifices *
and put your trust in the Lord.
6 Many are saying, “Oh, that we might see better times!” *
Lift up the light of your countenance upon us, O Lord.
7 You have put gladness in my heart, *
more than when grain and wine and oil increase.
8 I lie down in peace; at once I fall asleep; *
for only you, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Second Lesson: 1 John 3:1-7
See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
Everyone who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him sins; no one who sins has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Alleluia
The cantor sings the Alleluia.
The Gospel: Luke 24:36b-48
Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Luke.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus himself stood among the disciples and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence.
Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.
Deacon The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon
After the sermon, cantor sings a sentence of Scripture in response.
The Nicene Creed Said in unison
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.
The Prayers of the People
The leader and people pray responsively
Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
That we all may be one.
Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;
That your Name may be glorified by all people.
We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.
We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world;
That there may be justice and peace on the earth.
Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
That our works may find favor in your sight.
Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;
That they may be delivered from their distress.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.
We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy;
May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.
Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.
Silence. The priest adds a concluding Collect.
Lord, hear the prayers of your people; and what we have asked faithfully, grant that we may obtain effectually, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Peace
Priest The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.
The ministers and the people greet one another in the name of the Lord, saying “He is risen!”
The Holy Communion
The priest begin the Offertory with a sentence of Scripture.
During the Offertory an anthem is sung, and the Altar is prepared with the elements of Holy Communion.
To give an offering, choose one of the following:
Text: message 73256 with the phrase saintpauls $X (insert an amount in place of X)
Check: mail your offering to St. Paul’s Church, 84 E Oakland Ave, Doylestown, PA 18901
Offertory Anthem: “Now the green blade riseth” arr. Phillip Ledger
Now the green blade riseth
from the buried grain,
Wheat that in dark earth many days has lain;
Love lives again, that with the dead has been:
Love is come again,
like wheat that springeth green.
In the grave they laid Him,
Love whom men had slain,
Thinking that never He would wake again,
Laid in the earth like grain that sleeps unseen:
Love is come again,
like wheat that springeth green.
Forth He came at Easter, like the risen grain,
He that for three days in the grave had lain;
Quick from the dead my risen Lord is seen:
Love is come again,
like wheat that springeth green.
When our hearts are wintry,
grieving or in pain,
Thy touch can call us back to life again;
Fields of our hearts that dead
and bare have been:
Love is come again,
like wheat that springeth green.
The Great Thanksgiving: Eucharistic Prayer A
The people stand and the priest says
Priest The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Priest Lift up your hearts.
People We lift them to the Lord.
Priest Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give him thanks and praise.
The priest continues
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, 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:
Sanctus: “Holy, holy, holy Lord”
The priest continues
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.
He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Priest and People
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
The priest continues
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.
Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
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
The priest breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept.
Priest The Gifts of God for the People of God.
Spiritual Communion: Act of Reception
During Communion, you are invited to say the following prayer form for receiving Spiritual Communion. Know that the grace of God is made present in your heart, even though the Sacrament is not received with the mouth.
In union, blessed Jesus, with the faithful gathered at every altar of your Church where your blessed Body and Blood are offered this day, I long to offer you praise and thanksgiving, for creation and all the blessings of this life, for the redemption won for us by your life, death, and resurrection, for the means of grace and the hope of glory.
I believe that you are truly present in the Holy Sacrament, and, since I cannot at this time receive communion, I pray you to come into my heart. I unite myself with you and embrace you with all my heart, my soul, and my mind. Let nothing separate me from you; let me serve you in this life until, by your grace, I come to your glorious kingdom and unending peace. Amen.
Come Lord Jesus, and dwell in my heart in the fullness of your strength; be my wisdom and guide me in right pathways; conform my life and actions to the image of your holiness; and, in the power of your gracious might, rule over every hostile power that threatens or disturbs the growth of your kingdom, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
Hymn 208: “Alleluia! The strife is o’er, the battle done”
1. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
The strife is o’er, the battle done,
the victory of life is won;
the song of triumph has begun.
Alleluia!
2. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
The powers of death have done their worst,
but Christ their legions hath dispersed:
let shout of holy joy outburst.
Alleluia!
5. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Lord! by the stripes which wounded thee,
from death’s dread sting thy servants free,
that we may live and sing to thee.
Alleluia!
After Communion, the priest says
Let us pray.
Priest and People
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.
Welcome & Announcements
Blessing & Dismissal
The priest gives the blessing.
The deacon dismisses the people, who respond Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.
Postlude: “Lead On, O King Eternal” Joshua Evanovich
Service Participants
Celebrant & Preacher: The Rev. Daniel T. Moore
Deacon: The Rev. Matthew D. Simpson
Organist: W. Edward McCall
Eucharistic Minister: John Black
Acolyte: Kirsten Lowell
Cantor: Shelley Reed
Lector: George Achilles
Ushers: Ted Hopkins, Maureen McGraw
Altar: Linda Chinn, Jacky Grande
Flowers: Kim Jacobsen
A/V: Emma Ward, Liam Kelly
Choir: George Achilles, Trudie Benton, Wendy Brumbaugh, Jill Dulany, Muriel Hastings, Nick Lindberg, Lisa Nordland, Laura Pankoe, Shelley Reed, Mike Roberts, Sue Roberts, Anne Shute, Jim Shute, Caitlin Stein, David Taylor, Deborah Taylor, Marian Wentworth
Online giving is available through Realm E-Giving and PayPal. We thank you for your generous giving to St. Paul’s.
Food Collection for Doyle Elementary School Families
Dear parishioners of Saint Paul’s, As the pandemic continues, there are many families in our local area who are food insecure. For the next three weeks we will be having a food collection for the families of students at Doyle Elementary who could use our help. Canned goods, pasta, cereal, peanut butter and jelly, crackers, rice, tuna fish, soups, etc. as well as local supermarket gift cards are just some of the items needed. There will be boxes for the food items in the parish hall coat room. Gift cards can be brought there or dropped off at the church office. All items should be brought in by Sunday, May 9, and I will deliver what we collect to Doyle on May 10. Please use the church directory to contact Mary Smith with any questions.
Diocesan Anti-Racism Commission Workshops
The Saint Paul’s Social Justice Committee would like to lift up and recommend to you work being done by the Diocesan Anti-Racism Commission. On April 24th, they will again offer their Introduction to Systemic Racism Workshop. This is the prerequisite workshop that will allow you to participate in the four other workshops in the series. You can find more information here. Contact Jill Dulany or Jim Massey with any questions.
Book Study – Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You
Wednesdays at 7:30 PM, starting on April 28 (via Zoom)
A new book study is forming at St. Paul’s. The book is Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. Stamped “reveals the history of racist ideas in America, and inspires hope for an antiracist future. It takes you on a race journey from then to now, shows you why we feel how we feel, and why the poison of racism lingers.” This study is being facilitated by the Rector, and commended by our Social Justice Committee. As we read it, we will attend to how the church in America bears responsibility for the sin of racism, and the responsibility we have for repentance, reconciliation, and reparation—i.e., we will read it in the context of Christian formation and discipleship. This book is equally accessible to adults and teen youth, who are invited to participate in the study. You can find it online, as an audiobook, or at local libraries and bookstores. RSVP for this study by contacting Fr. Daniel Moore. Join us!
Grounds and Gardens Committee
Lisa Farina will be heading up the new/reestablished “Grounds and Gardens Committee”. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please contact her using the church directory. The first meeting will be in the near future, date to be determined once we have folks on board.
COMPLINE ON WEDNESDAYS AT 8:45PM ON ZOOM
Hi friends! There is Compline on Wednesday nights starting at 8:45pm. The zoom room will open at 8:45pm for fellowship and conversation. We'll hang out until about 9:15pm, at which point we will then begin the short prayer service. The zoom room will close after the prayer service, when we say goodnight. The idea here is that our prayers together will be the last words we say before going to bed. While no one is required to keep silence after they sign off, I'd like to encourage us to consider how we "sign off" for the evening and approach rest.
If you'd rather not socialize, please show up around 9:10pm to prepare for the prayer service. Zoom details can be found on the St. Paul’s Doylestown Members FB group. You can also contact Lindsey Carfagna or Deacon Matthew.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
A Bereavement Support Group is starting up and is available to anyone who is experiencing grief due to the death of a loved one (spouse, friend, child, or parent). It is also offered to those who care about friends who are grieving.
Focusing on various aspects of the grieving process, this interactive series will assist the bereaved in understanding how to cope with grief, and how to develop skills and motivation necessary to turn their mourning into cherished memories of their loved ones. The Bereavement Support Group will be facilitated by Phylis Benoit, a Bereavement Counselor with 15 years of experience companioning family and friends through the difficult period following the death of a loved one. Phylis was formerly the Coordinator of Spiritual Care at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, PA. and expanded their Bereavement Program over the years. She holds a BA in Psychology and Religious Studies and a Masters in Theology and Ministry specializing in Bereavement. There will be a nominal cost for materials. The time of the meeting will depend on what time works best for the participants. This will likely be an in-person/virtual hybrid model. For more information, and to express interest, please contact Deacon Matthew Simpson.
AVAILABLE FLOWER MEMORIAL & THANKSGIVING DATE FOR 2021
Thank you to all parishioners who have supported our ministry through their flower memorials and thanksgivings and a special thank you to the members of this guild for their time and efforts. Without everyone’s participation the church would not be blessed with our ever changing floral displays to liven up the church! In 2021 we have the following open date for a flower memorial or thanksgiving: July 25.
The Flower Guild welcomes anyone interested in being a part of this ministry. You are welcome to observe any current member arrange flowers for Sunday. Please talk to any current member to find out what it’s all about. For questions, please use the church directory to contact me.
Lisa Farina, Head of the Flower Guild
ALTAR FLOWERS
Today’s flowers are given to the glory of God, and in loving memory of Adelaide and Herbert Rorer. Given by Whitney Chandor, and arranged by Kim Jacobsen.
