The Fourth Sunday of Easter
Sunday, April 30, 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: “The Blessed Christ is Ris’n Today” Gordon Young
The Entrance Rite
Hymn 399: “To God with gladness sing”
1. To God with gladness sing,
your Rock and Savior bless;
into his temple bring
your songs of thankfulness!
O God of might,
to you we sing,
enthroned as King
on heaven’s height!
2. He cradles in his hand
the heights and depths of earth;
he made the sea and land,
he brought the world to birth!
O God Most High,
we are your sheep;
on us you keep
your shepherd’s eye!
3. Your heavenly Father praise,
acclaim his only Son,
your voice in homage raise
to him who makes all one!
O Dove of peace,
on us descend
that strife may end
and joy increase!
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.
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.
The Liturgy of the Word
First Lesson: Acts 2:42-47
Those who had been baptized devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Psalm 23
1 The 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.
Second Lesson: 1 Peter 2:19-25
t is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Hymn 645: “The King of love my shepherd is”
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.
4. In death’s dark vale I fear no ill
with thee, dear Lord, beside me;
thy rod and staff my comfort still,
thy cross before to guide me.
5. Thou spread’st a table in my sight;
thy unction grace bestoweth;
and oh, what transport of delight
from thy pure chalice floweth!
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.
Alleluia
The choir sings the Alleluias, then all repeat them.
The Gospel: John 10:1-10
Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to John.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
Priest The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon “Gotcha!” by the Rev. Robert H. Linders
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: “King of Glory, King of Peace” Gerald Near
King of glory, King of peace,
I will love thee;
and that love may never cease,
I will move thee.
Thou hast granted my request,
thou hast heard me;
thou dids’t note my working breast,
thou hast spared me.
Wherefore with my utmost art,
I will sing thee;
and the cream of all my heart
I will bring thee.
Though my sins against me cried,
thou dids’t clear me;
and alone, when they replied,
thou dids’t hear me.
Sev’n whole days, not one in sev’n,
I will praise thee;
in my heart, though not in heav’n,
I can raise thee.
Small it is, in this poor sort to enroll thee:
e’en eternity’s too short to extol thee.
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 Solo: “Bow the Knee” Chris Machen, Mike Harland
There are moments on our
journey following the Lord
Where God illumines ev’ry step we take.
There are times when circumstances
make perfect sense to us,
As we try to understand each move He makes.
When the path grows dim
And our questions have no answers,
turn to Him. Bow the knee;
Trust the heart of your Father when the
answer goes beyond what you can see.
Bow the knee; Lift your eyes toward heaven and
believe the One who holds eternity.
And when you don’t understand
the purpose of His plan,
In the presence of the King, bow the knee.
There are days when clouds surround us,
and the rain begins to fall,
The cold and lonely winds won’t cease to blow.
And there seems to be no reason
for the suffering we feel;
We are tempted to believe God does not know.
When the storms arise,
Don’t forget we live by faith and not by sight.
Bow the knee; Trust the heart of your Father
when the answer goes beyond what you can see.
Bow the knee; Lift your eyes toward heaven and
believe the One who holds eternity.
And when you don’t understand
the purpose of His plan,
In the presence of the King, Bow the knee.
Trust the heart of your Father when the
answer goes beyond what you can see.
Bow the knee; Lift your eyes toward heaven and
believe the One who holds eternity.
And when you don’t understand
the purpose of His plan,
In the presence of the King, Bow the knee.
Hymn 478: “Jesus, our mighty Lord”
1. Jesus, our mighty Lord,
our strength in sadness,
the Father’s conquering Word,
true source of gladness;
your Name we glorify,
O Jesus, throned on high;
you gave yourself to die
for our salvation.
2. Good shepherd of your sheep,
your own defending,
in love your children keep
to life unending.
You are yourself the Way:
lead us then day by day
in your own steps, we pray,
O Lord most holy.
3. Glorious their life who sing,
with glad thanksgiving,
true hymns to Christ the King
in all their living:
all who confess his Name,
come then with hearts aflame;
the God of peace acclaim
as Lord and Savior.
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: “Toccata on Picardy” Gordon Young
Service Participants
Celebrant: The Rev. Daniel T. Moore
Preacher: The Rev. Robert H. Linders
Organist: W. Edward McCall
Eucharistic Minister: Pike Stephens
Acolyte: Madeleine Moore
Lector: Joe DeTato
Ushers: John Caughie, Andy Morse
Altar: Elizabeth Pitts, Rachel Morse
Livestream: Liam Kelly
Flowers: Kim Jacobsen
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.
Welcoming the Rev. Robert H. Linders
On this fourth Sunday in Easter, we welcome the Rev. Robert H. Linders as our guest preacher. Bob has served as the senior pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Doylestown, Pennsylvania since August 1977. He was ordained in 1967 following his graduation with a master of divinity degree from The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. A graduate of Gettysburg College, he also holds an M.A. in English from Monmouth College in New Jersey. In addition, he has earned master’s and doctoral degrees, both from Princeton Theological Seminary. Welcome, Bob!
Weekday Worship
Mass for the Feast of St. Philip and St. James will take place this week on Wednesday, May 3 (transferred) at noon in the Church.
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 still available
Are you disappointed you didn’t get a 175th T-shirt or golf shirt? Fear not! You can still order a shirt(s) through May 8 and show yourself to be St. Paul’s Proud. Polo shirts are $30 and T-Shirts are $15. Orders can be placed with Angie in the church office, 9 - 5 Monday through Friday.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...
or just need more time to take it all in—the historical timeline exhibition in Paxson Hall will remain in place through Mother’s Day, May 14. Discover fun facts, and learn about interesting, intertwined histories with other churches and with Doylestown itself. Reflect on the role of St. Paul’s parishioners and rectors in both local and far-flung events like the Civil War, World Wars I and II, and the Global Pandemic. One viewer summed it up nicely: “St. Paul’s is a local treasure!”
SIMPLE STICKY-NOTE SURVEY:
Check out the last panel, “2023...AND BEYOND”, in the Historical Timeline Display for the informal survey on “My Vision for St. Paul’s” and “What I Love About St. Paul’s.” The table next to the panel will make it easier to fill out the notes to add your thoughts.
Community Meal
Thank you to everyone who volunteered with April 23rd Community Meal. Your generous gifts of food, your time for set-up, clean-up, serving, greeting, and gift cards, hygiene products is greatly appreciated. Please watch for the signup sheet for the next Community Meal which is scheduled for May 28th. Thank you in advance for your continued help and support. Mary Lou Parry, Outreach Committee.
Food Packing: Feed My Starving Children
Please consider volunteering 2 hours of your time to help pack food for Feed My Starving Children. St. Paul’s has been participating with this organization for the past few years in the October timeframe. However, due to Covid, wars, and climate issues such as drought, the need is considerably greater. There are typically approximately 460 million meals packed on a worldwide basis. However, this year, the need is for 600 million meals!! The event will be held at Del Val University on Friday May 18th-Sunday May 20th. If you are interested in helping, please contact Mary Lou Parry using the church directory, and she will take care of registration.
Geraniums for Pentecost
Pentecost Sunday is May 28. This is the day we celebrate the Holy Spirit by bringing red geraniums to church and planting them in front of the sign. Please feel free to bring your plants sooner if you will be away on Pentecost. Please contact Lisa Farina with any questions.
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.
Women’s Ministry Walk and Game Night: June 3
The Women’s Ministry will be having its next event June 3 from 5-8pm in the St Paul’s Parish Hall. We will meet up for an evening of fellowship that kicks off with a walk around town for those interested (weather permitting) and then a game night. Please plan to bring a “brown bag” dinner and your favorite game to share. Please contact Elizabeth Pitts or Leigh DeTato with any questions. Looking forward to seeing everyone!
FORWARD DAY BY DAY DEVOTIONALS FOR MAY-JULY
Forward Movement is a ministry of The Episcopal Church dedicated to forming adult Episcopalians in the faith. Forward Day by Day is one of its publications: a devotional booklet with brief meditations on a passage of Scripture appointed for each day. Paper copies for the three-month period of May-July are now available. To request one by mail, please email the parish administrator, Angela Stoots. You can also read these daily meditations online on the Forward Movement website.
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 Kelly family to the glory of God, and in loving memory of Gregory Kelly.
