The Second Sunday of Easter
Sunday, April 16, 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: “This Joyful Eastertide” Paul Bouman
The Entrance Rite
Hymn 209: “We walk by faith, and not by sight”
1. We walk by faith, and not by sight;
no gracious words we hear
from him who spoke as none e’er spoke;
but we believe him near.
2. We may not touch his hands and side,
nor follow where he trod;
but in his promise we rejoice,
and cry, “My Lord and God!”
3. Help then, O Lord, our unbelief;
and may our faith abound,
to call on you when you are near,
and seek where you are found:
4. that, when our life of faith is done,
in realms of clearer light
we may behold you as you are,
with full and endless sight.
Opening Acclamation
Priest ✠ 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.
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.
Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Liturgy of the Word
First Lesson: Acts 2:14a, 22-32
Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd, “You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know—this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. For David says concerning him, ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken; therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will live in hope. For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One experience corruption. You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’ “Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying, ‘He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh experience corruption.’ This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses.”
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Psalm 16
1 Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you; *
I have said to the Lord, "You are my Lord,
my good above all other."
2 All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land, *
upon those who are noble among the people.
3 But those who run after other gods *
shall have their troubles multiplied.
4 Their libations of blood I will not offer, *
nor take the names of their gods upon my lips.
5 O Lord, you are my portion and my cup; *
it is you who uphold my lot.
6 My boundaries enclose a pleasant land; *
indeed, I have a goodly heritage.
7 I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; *
my heart teaches me, night after night.
8 I have set the Lord always before me; *
because he is at my right hand I shall not fall.
9 My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; *
my body also shall rest in hope.
10 For you will not abandon me to the grave, *
nor let your holy one see the Pit.
11 You will show me the path of life; *
in your presence there is fullness of joy,
and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.
Second Lesson: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith — being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire — may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Hymn 206: “O sons and daughters, let us sing”
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
1. O sons and daughters, let us sing!
The King of heaven, the glorious King,
o’er death and hell rose triumphing.
Alleluia!
2. That night the apostles met in fear;
amidst them came their Lord most dear,
and said, “My peace be on all here.”
Alleluia!
3. When Thomas first the tidings heard,
how they had seen the risen Lord,
he doubted the disciples’ word.
Alleluia!
4. “My piercèd side, O Thomas, see;
my hands, my feet, I show to thee;
not faithless, but believing be.”
Alleluia!
5. No longer Thomas then denied,
he saw the feet, the hands, the side;
No longer Thomas then denied,
he saw the feet, the hands, the side;
“Thou art my Lord and God,” he cried.
Alleluia! No longer Thomas then denied,
6. How blest are they who have not seen,
and yet whose faith has constant been,
for they eternal life shall win.
Alleluia!
Alleluia
The choir sings the Alleluias, then all repeat them.
The Gospel: John 20:19-31
Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to John.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
Priest The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon
The Nicene 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.
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.
Remembering ___ : We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.
Remembering ___ : 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.
Remembering ___ : Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;
That they may be delivered from their distress.
Remembering ___ : 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 Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, “Peace I give to you; my own peace I leave with you:” Regard not our sins, but the faith of your Church, and give to us the peace and unity of that heavenly City, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, now and for ever. 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 Celebrant introduces the Offertory with a sentence of Scripture.
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
During the Offertory an anthem is sung, and the Altar is prepared with the elements of Holy Communion.
The Offering is brought forward.
Offertory Anthem: “Blessed are they that have not seen” Jean Pasquet
Blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed.
The Great Thanksgiving: Eucharistic Prayer A
The people stand and the priest sings
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,
The Breaking of the Bread
The priest breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept.
The Celebrant sings the Alleluias, then all repeat them.
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.
Communion Anthem: “If ye love me, keep thy commandments” Thomas Tallis
If you love me, keep my commandments.
And I will pray the Father,
and he shall give you another Comforter,
that he may abide with you forever;
ev’n the spirit of truth.
Hymn 192: “This joyful Eastertide”
Refrain: Had Christ, that once was slain,
ne’er burst his three-day prison,
our faith had been in vain;
but now is Christ arisen.
1. This joyful Eastertide,
away with sin and sorrow!
My Love, the Crucified,
hath sprung to life this morrow. Refrain
2. Death’s flood hath lost its chill,
since Jesus crossed the river:
Lord of all life, from ill
my passing life deliver. Refrain
3. My flesh in hope shall rest,
and for a season slumber,
till trump from east to west
shall wake the dead in number. Refrain
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
The Easter Blessing
The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.
Dismissal
Priest Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia.
People Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.
Postlude: “Easter Chant” Gordon Young
Service Participants
Celebrant & Preacher: The Rev. Daniel T. Moore
Organist: W. Edward McCall
Eucharistic Minister: Widgette Kelly
Acolyte: Madeleine M0ore
Lector: David Taylor
Ushers: Ted Hopkins, Andy Morse
Altar: Susan Nejako, Rachel Morse
Flowers: Susan Roberts
Choir: George Achilles, Trudie Benton, Wendy Brumbaugh, J.T. Capps, Carol Fox, Laura Pankoe, Shelley Reed, Robert Risch, Mike Roberts, Sue Roberts, Amber Robinson, Anne Shute, Jim Shute, Caitlin Stein, Marian Wentworth
Online giving is available through Realm E-Giving and PayPal. We thank you for your generous giving to St. Paul’s.
Bring an Easter Flower Home
The beautiful flowers in the Parish Hall have adorned our church this Easter, and it’s time for them to find a new home. You are invited to take one with you as you leave—an Easter gift from the Flower Guild of St. Paul’s.
Weekday Worship
There is no weekday mass this week; the next one will be held on Wednesday, April 26.
VBS 2023!
Calling all kids ages 5-13, have you ever wondered about the mysterious Trinity? Come join us to try to get some answers to those questions June 19-23 5:30-8pm. We will have evenings of fun, songs, games and crafts. Older kids and adults are welcomed too! Stay tuned for more information.
Christmas in Doylestown Meeting
Attention anyone who wishes to participate in continuing Christmas in Doylestown: there will be an organizational meeting on Monday, April 17th at 7pm in the Education Wing Conference Room to determine how the event may be reorganized and continued for 2023.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact Mary Lou Parry or Lisa Farina, using the church directory.
175th Anniversary shirts are ready for pick up.
If you ordered a shirt, you may pick it up at coffee hour on Sunday April 16th, at the church office during the week, or on Saturday April 22nd. Please wear your shirt to our Demisemiseptcentennial Celebration April 22-23.
GET YOUR RED-HOT RAFFLE TICKETS NOW
for your chance to win a framed and matted copy of the January 6, 1951, Saturday Evening Post featuring St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on the cover. Tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10 and will be sold during coffee hours on March 26, April 2, April 16, and during the afternoon celebration on April 22. Drawing will be held at 4 pm on Saturday, April 22. Need not be present to win.
DO YOU KNOW ST. PAUL EPISCOPAL’S STORY?
The 175th Anniversary Committee has been working hard on providing a unique opportunity to our community and congregation to learn more about the intertwining histories of St. Paul’s and Doylestown and its citizens. The thrill of seeking and connecting with our history, art and architecture has been a compelling one. We hope you, as members of our congregation, will walk through time with us at a beautiful exhibition in Paxson Hall and then grab a map and visit docent stations throughout the church, narthex, columbarium and chapel. There’s so much that is so fascinating. Our greatest desire is to share it all, especially with you.
THE DATE is Saturday, April 22. THE TIME is 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Come and see.
175TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
We stand only weeks away from the Historic 175th Anniversary of St. Paul’s Episcopal of Doylestown. A meaningful and fun Celebration is planned for April 22nd and 23rd. Please contribute to inspire this event. Bishop Gutierrez and the Mayor of Doylestown are also invited. Designate any donations as St. Paul’s 175Fund. If you have any questions, please contact David Nejako using the church directory.
ONE WEEK AND COUNTING UNTIL OUR DEMISEMISEPTCENTENNIAL!
Much has been done, but there’s still plenty of ways to help with our 175th Anniversary celebration. Check out the SIGN-UP GENIUS here to enroll to help with pre-event set-up, refreshments, docent and greeter duty, evensong set-up, and of course, the ever popular clean up duty.
Evensong & Benediction: Saturday, April 22 at 5:00 pm
Evensong is a beautiful part of the Anglican tradition. At 5:00 pm on Saturday, April 22, our choir, led by Music Director, Ed McCall, will offer a beautiful service featuring Magnificat and Dunc dimittis in D, a composition by Daniel Ficarri, Associate Director of Music and organist at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. The service will conclude with the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. A reception will follow. Please join us for this special event as part of our 175th Anniversary celebration
COMMUNITY MEAL: APRIL 23
The new season for St. Paul's monthly Community Meal is scheduled to begin Sunday, April 23. The Community Meal helps those that are food insecure in the community by providing a nutritious and delicious meal. Volunteers are needed for this event to help with the food preparation and serving. We will also need greeters, servers, and volunteers to help with set up and clean up. Food should be delivered to the church by 12:30pm on April 23. If possible, food should be delivered warm. We are hoping to continue with the success we had last year, so please review the sign-up here for anything you are able to help with. Thank you for your continued support. Please contact Mary Lou Parry with any questions you may have.
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
Are you interested in deepening your relationship with God? Spiritual direction or “holy listening” is the ancient practice of accompanying a person as they grow in their spirituality. Our spirituality informs so many aspects of our being, from our careers and vocations to the very questions about what it means to be human, in relationship with others. Having a person prayerfully listening with you as you discern God’s invitations can create expansive space and time for the Spirit to speak. As an associate in the Shalem Institute’s Program in Spiritual Guidance, Leigh DeTato is in formation as a spiritual director and is accepting new directees as part of her training. Sessions are typically about an hour once a month and are free until she completes her certificate at the end of 2023. Contact Leigh DeTato to learn more.
ST. MARY’S SOLOLÁ, GUATEMALA
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Guatemala Fundraising during this Lenten period. We will continue to gratefully accept donations through the month of May. The people of Guatemala continue to deal with problems which resulted from the pandemic and weather-related emergencies. These situations continue to cause difficulties with education, sufficient food, clean drinking water and healthcare. As always, your help and support and greatly appreciated. Questions? Contact Mary Lou Parry using the church directory.
LITTLE FREE PANTRY
The Little Free Pantry continues to be a huge food resource to the community. Your kindness and generosity is greatly appreciated by those suffering from food insecurities in the area. Thank you for all the donations of both food and money that you have contributed in the past year. We are still in need of supplies such as...snack bars, small cereal boxes, fruit cups, pudding and Jell-O cups, pretzels, and crackers. We hope you will consider donating again. Thank you for your help and support. Questions? Contact Mary Lou Parry using the church directory.
YOUTH FORMATION: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Hello St. Paul’s Family! We are in need of some adults and teens who are interested in helping out with Youth Formation. If you are interested in helping the youth explore new ideas and gain a better understanding of who God is in their lives, please reach out to Maureen McGraw or Elizabeth Pitts. This would only take a commitment of about an hour or so every 2-3 months and would involve helping to answer questions and helping with different activities. Please sign up to help here.
ALTAR FLOWERS
Today’s flowers are given by the Wiemann family to the glory of God, and in loving memory of and grateful thanksgiving for the lives of our parents, Zena and William Benack and Dolores and George Wiemann III.
