The Seventh Sunday of Easter: The Sunday after Ascension Day
Sunday, May 21, 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: “Holy God, We Praise Your Name” Wilbur Held
The Entrance Rite
Hymn 215: “See the Conqueror mounts in triumph”
1. See the Conqueror mounts in triumph;
see the King in royal state,
riding on the clouds, his chariot,
to his heavenly palace gate!
Hark! the choirs of angel voices
joyful alleluias sing,
and the portals high are lifted
to receive their heavenly King.
2. He who on the cross did suffer,
he who from the grave arose,
he has vanquished sin and Satan;
he by death has spoiled his foes.
While he lifts his hands in blessing,
he is parted from his friends;
while their eager eyes behold him,
he upon the clouds ascends.
3. Thou hast raised our human nature
on the clouds to God’s right hand:
there we sit in heavenly places,
there with thee in glory stand.
Jesus reigns, adored by angels;
Man with God is on the throne;
mighty Lord, in thine ascension,
we by faith behold our own.
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, 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 Liturgy of the Word
First Lesson: Acts 1:6-14
When the apostles had come together, they asked Jesus, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Psalm 68:1-10, 33-36
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!
Second Lesson: 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Hymn 483: “The head that once was crowned with thorns”
1. The head that once was crowned with thorns
is crowned with glory now;
a royal diadem adorns
the mighty victor’s brow.
2. The highest place that heaven affords
is his, is his by right,
the King of kings, and Lord of lords,
and heaven’s eternal Light;
3. the joy of all who dwell above,
the joy of all below,
to whom he manifests his love
and grants his name to know.
4. To them the cross with all its shame,
with all its grace is given;
their name, an everlasting name;
their joy, the joy of heaven.
5. They suffer with their Lord below,
they reign with him above,
their profit and their joy to know
the mystery of his love.
6. The cross he bore is life and health,
though shame and death to him:
his people’s hope, his people’s wealth,
their everlasting theme.
Alleluia
The choir sings the Alleluias, then all repeat them.
The Gospel: Luke 24:44-53
Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Luke.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said to his disciples, “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. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.
Priest The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon “Not As Orphans” 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: “Lift up your heads, o ye gates” William Mathias
Lift up your heads, O ye gates,
and be ye lifted up,
ye everlasting doors,
and the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of glory?
the Lord strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O ye gates,
even lift them up,
ye everlasting doors,
and the King of glory shall come in
Who is this King of glory?
the Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory.
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: “Most glorious Lord of life” William Harris
Most glorious Lord of life, that on this day
didst make Thy triumph over death and sin,
and having harrowed hell, didst bring away
captivity thence captive, us to win.
This joyous day, dear Lord, with joy begin,
and grant that we for whom Thou diddest die,
being with Thy dear blood clean washed from sin,
may live for ever in felicity:
And that Thy love we weighing worthily,
may likewise love Thee for the same again;
and for Thy sake, that all like dear didst buy,
with love may one another entertain.
So let us love, dear Love, like as we ought;
love is the lesson which the Lord us taught.
Hymn 450: “All hail the power of Jesus’ name”
1. All hail the power of Jesus’ Name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown him Lord of all!
2. Crown him, ye martyrs of our God,
who from his altar call:
praise him whose way of pain ye trod,
and crown him Lord of all!
3. Hail him, the Heir of David’s line,
whom David Lord did call,
the God incarnate, Man divine,
and crown him Lord of all!
4. Ye heirs of Israel’s chosen race,
ye ransomed of the fall,
hail him who saves you by his grace,
and crown him Lord of all!
5. Sinners, whose love can ne’er forget
the wormwood and the gall,
spread your trophies at his feet,
and crown him Lord of all!
6. Let every kindred, every tribe,
on this terrestrial ball,
to him all majesty ascribe,
and crown him Lord of all!
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: “Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain” Wilbur Held
Service Participants
Celebrant: The Rev. Daniel T. Moore
Preacher: The Rev. Robert H. Linders
Organist: W. Edward McCall
Eucharistic Minister: John Black
Thurifer: Alex Kelly
Crucifer: Jon Moore
Lector: Nancy Gifford-Humphreys
Ushers: Andy Hutchison, Ted Hopkins
Altar: Rachel Morse, Jean Rollo
Livestream: Liam Kelly
Flowers: Audrey Jackson
Choir: George Achilles, Trudie Benton, Wendy Brumbaugh, J.T. Capps, Carol Fox, Laura Pankoe, Shelley Reed, 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.
Weekday Worship
Mass for the Lesser Feast of Jackson Kemper, Bishop and Missionary, will take place this week on Wednesday, May 24 at noon in the Chapel.
Geraniums for Pentecost: Next Sunday, May 28
Pentecost Sunday is next Sunday, 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.
COMING SOON!
Would you like an opportunity to still see the timeline exhibition panels for our 175th? They’ll be coming to an inbox near you in the June issue of PASSAGES. A photo of each individual panel was taken at close enough range to enlarge the photo on your phone or computer screen and read the contents. You will be able to review each panel at your leisure and even save it on your device as an ongoing reference if you wish. And don’t forget, an even more extensive history is available in the book “A History of St Paul’s Church,” available in the church office. The price of the book is $30.
Community Meal: May 28
Thank you to everyone who helped to make the first Community Meal of this season such a big success. The next meal is scheduled for Sunday, May 28th. The Community Meal helps those who are food insecure in the community by providing a nutritious and delicious meal. Volunteers are needed to help with the food preparation and serving. We will also need greeters, servers, and volunteers to help with setup and cleanup. Food should be delivered to the church by 12:30 on May 28th. If possible, the food should be delivered warm and ready to serve. Please review the signup here and consider signing up to help with the meal. Thank you in advance for your continued support. Mary Lou Parry, Outreach Committee.
Drivers needed for the Community Meal
Please consider being a van driver or attendant for the monthly community meal. To qualify, an online course offered by Code Blue (CSSH) must be taken. If we have the needed van driver and attendant, we would be able to provide meals to people in Warminster that are unable to get to St. Paul’s because of the distance. If you are interested, please contact Mae O’Brien using the church directory and she can provide additional details. Thank you very much for your help and support.
Food Packing: Feed My Starving Children
Thank you to those who have volunteered to pack food for Feed my Starving Children. St. Paul’s has been participating in this event for a few years, and the need continues to be great due to Covid, wars and climate issues. There are typically 460 million meals packed on a worldwide basis. This year, however, we are on target to pack 600 million meals!!! Thank you for your participation and your support in this very worthwhile event.
Gift Card Collection
The Outreach Committee will be collecting supermarket gift cards for the families of Doyle and the Immigrant Rights Group for the next several weeks. Summer is a rough time for families with children home for the summer and not getting lunches at school so any help we can give will be greatly appreciated. It would be great if everyone could get $25 cards to local supermarkets like Acme, Weis, Giant and Aldi. Or you can contribute money and we will get the cards. We’d like the cards or money by June 4 so that they can be given out before school ends. Thanks for your continued support in this endeavor. Any questions please reach out to Mary Smith using the church directory.
Christmas in Doylestown UPDATE:
We are so blessed to have several parishioners step up to be shepherds of the various tasks required to make our lovely House Tour happen for 2023!!! Thank you all so much!!!!
Widgette Kelly has taken on the tea, stay tuned to see how she “reimagines” it.
June Psculkowski has taken on the butter cookie baking, so do not panic our famous cookies will once again be available this year!!!
Wendy Brumbaugh will once again handle the PR for the event, so we are sure to have a great turn out.
Please look in the future for them reaching out for help because we know it takes a parish for this whole event to come together!!!
If you wish to participate in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out to Lisa Farina or Mary Lou Parry!!! !!!Merry Merry!!!
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!
ST. MARY’S SOLOLÁ, GUATEMALA
Thank you to everyone that has contributed to the Guatemala Fundraising this year. Through your generosity we have been able to raise almost $5000.00. These donations will benefit St. Mary’s with medical supplies, food, drinking water and educational supplies. We will accept donations until the end of May and then the funding will be forwarded to them. Thank you once again for your very generous help and support.
LITTLE FREE PANTRY
The Little Free Pantry continues to be a huge asset for the community. Your kindness and generosity are greatly appreciated by those suffering from food insecurities in the area. The need continues to be great for supplies such as snack bars, small cereal boxes, fruit cups, pudding and Jell-O cups, pretzels, and crackers. 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 George and Pat Achilles to the glory of God, and in loving memory of Arthur and Eileen Achilles, Frank and Elizabeth Steiner, parents; Elmer and Elsie Thompson, grandparents; and other departed members of the Achilles, Steiner and Creighton families, and in loving memory of Joan Sturtevant whose funeral was held Saturday at St. Paul’s.
