The third Sunday of Easter
Sunday, May 4, 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: “Largo from ‘Serse’” G.F. Handel
The Entrance Rite
Hymn 417: “This is the feast of victory for our God”
Antiphon: This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
1. Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,
whose blood set us free to be people of God. Antiphon
2. Power, riches, wisdom, and strength, and honor,
blessing, and glory are his. Antiphon
3. Sing with all the people of God,
and join in the hymn of all creation. Antiphon
4. Blessing, honor, glory, and might
be to God and the Lamb for ever. Amen. Antiphon
5. For the Lamb who was slain
has begun his reign. Alleluia! Antiphon
Opening Acclamation
Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
Celebrant There is one Body and one Spirit;
People There is one hope in God’s call to us;
Celebrant One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism;
People One God and Father of all.
The Collect for Purity
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Gloria in Excelsis Missa Paschalis, W. Edward McCall
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 9:1-6
Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Psalm 30
1 I will exalt you, O Lord,
because you have lifted me up *
and have not let my enemies triumph over me.
2 O Lord my God, I cried out to you, *
and you restored me to health.
3 You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead; *
you restored my life as I was going down to the grave.
4 Sing to the Lord, you servants of his; *
give thanks for the remembrance of his holiness.
5 For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, *
his favor for a lifetime.
6 Weeping may spend the night, *
but joy comes in the morning.
7 While I felt secure, I said,
"I shall never be disturbed. *
You, Lord, with your favor, made me as strong as the mountains."
8 Then you hid your face, *
and I was filled with fear.
9 I cried to you, O Lord; *
I pleaded with the Lord, saying,
10 "What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit? *
will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness?
11 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me; *
O Lord, be my helper."
12 You have turned my wailing into dancing; *
you have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy.
13 Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing; *
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks for ever.
Second Lesson: Revelation 5:11-14
I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing with full voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing, “To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the elders fell down and worshiped.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Hymn 204: “Now the green blade riseth from the buried grain”
1. 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.
2. In the grave they laid him, Love whom hate had slain,
thinking that never he would wake again,
laid in the earth like grain that sleeps unseen:
Refrain
3. 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:
Refrain
4. 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:
Refrain
The choir sings the Alleluias, then all repeat them.
The Gospel: John 21:1-19
Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to John.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.
When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”
Priest The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon The Rev. Daniel T. Moore
HOLY BAPTISM
The Presentation and Examination of the Candidate
The parents, godparents, and candidate come forward for the presentation and examination.
Priest The Candidate for Holy Baptism will now be presented.
Parents & Godparents I present Coleson Michael Mekles to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.
The priest asks the parents and godparents
Will you be responsible for seeing that the child you present is brought up in the Christian faith and life?
Parents & Godparents I will, with God’s help.
Priest Will you by your prayers and witness help this child to grow into the full stature of Christ?
Parents & Godparents I will, with God’s help.
The priest asks the following questions of the parents and godparents, who speak on behalf of the candidate
Question Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?
Answer I renounce them.
Question Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
Answer I renounce them.
Question Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God?
Answer I renounce them.
Question Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior?
Answer I do.
Question Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?
Answer I do.
Question Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord?
Answer I do.
The priest then addresses the congregation, saying
Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support this person in his life in Christ?
People We will.
Priest Let us join with those who are committing this child to Christ and renew our own baptismal covenant.
The Baptismal Covenant
Priest Do you believe in God the Father?
People I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Priest Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Priest Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Priest Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
People I will, with God’s help.
Priest Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People I will, with God’s help.
Priest Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People I will, with God’s help.
Priest Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People I will, with God’s help.
Priest Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People I will, with God’s help.
Prayers for the Candidate
Priest Let us now pray for this person who is to receive the Sacrament of new birth.
The baptismal party proceeds to the font as prayers for the candidate are offered.
Priest Deliver him, O Lord, from the way of sin and death.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Priest Open his heart to your grace and truth.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Priest Fill him with your holy and life-giving Spirit.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Priest Keep him in the faith and communion of your holy Church.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Priest Teach him to love others in the power of the Spirit.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Priest Send him into the world in witness to your love.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Priest Bring him to the fullness of your peace and glory.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
The priest says
Grant, O Lord, that all who are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ your Son may live in the power of his resurrection and look for him to come again in glory; who lives and reigns now and forever. Amen.
Thanksgiving over the Water
The priest blesses the water, first saying
The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Priest Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give him thanks and praise.
The priest continues
We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water. Over it the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation. Through it you led the children of Israel out of their bondage in Egypt into the land of promise. In it your Son Jesus received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us, through his death and resurrection, from the bondage of sin into everlasting life.
We thank you, Father, for the water of Baptism. In it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit. Therefore in joyful obedience to your Son, we bring into his fellowship those who come to him in faith, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
At the following words, the priest touches the water
Now sanctify this water, we pray you, by the power of your Holy Spirit, that those who here are cleansed from sin and born again may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Savior. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
The Baptism
The priest baptizes the candidate, saying
Coleson, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The forehead of the newly baptized is then marked with the sign of the cross using Chrism, saying
Coleson, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own for ever. Amen.
The priest presents a candle to the newly baptized, saying
Coleson, receive the light of Christ, a sign of the new life enkindled within you. Amen.
The priest then prays over the newly baptized, saying Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon this your servant the forgiveness of sin, and have raised him to the new life of grace. Sustain him, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give him an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen.
Priest Let us welcome the newly baptized.
People We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood.
The People return to their seats as the following hymn is sung.
The Peace
Priest The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.
Then the Ministers and the People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.
The Celebrant introduces the Offertory with a sentence of Scripture, and the people sit.
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: “Christ the Lord is Risen Again” Michael Larkin
Hear the bells ring! Alleluia!
Christ is risen from the dead!
Christ our Lord is risen again,
Hear the bells ring! Alleluia!
Christ has broken ev’ry chain.
Now through all the world it rings
that the Lamb is King of kings.
Hear the bells ring! Alleluia!
Christ is risen from the dead!
He who gave for us his life,
who for us endured the strife,
Takes our sin and guilt away,
that with angels we may say: Alleluia!
Christ is risen from the dead!
He who bore all pain and loss,
comfortless upon the cross,
is exalted now to save,
wresting victory from the grave.
Alleluia! Christ is risen from the dead!
Christ the Lord is risen again!
Hear the bells ring! Alleluia!
Christ has broken ev’ry chain.
Now through all the world it rings
that the Lamb is King of kings.
Hear the bells ring! Alleluia!
Christ is risen from the dead!
Alleluia!
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 et Benedictus qui venit Missa Paschalis, W. Edward McCall
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 Fraction
The priest breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept.
Agnus Dei Missa Paschalis, W. Edward McCall
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: “Love’s Redeeming Work is Done” Tom Trenney
The strife is o’er, the battle done;
the victory of life is won;
the song of triumph has begun.
Alleluia!
The three sad days are quickly sped;
Christ rises glorious from the dead:
Glory to our risen Head! Alleluia!
For love’s redeeming work is done;
He fought the fight; the battle won;
Eternal life now has begun! 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!
We soar now where our Christ has led
and follow our exalted Head,
for Christ is risen from the dead!
Alleluia!
Hymn 492: “Sing, ye faithful, sing with gladness”
1. Sing, ye faithful, sing with gladness,
wake your noblest, sweetest strain,
with the praises of your Savior
let his house resound again;
him let all your music honor,
and your songs exalt his reign.
2. Sing how he came forth from heaven,
bowed himself to Bethlehem’s cave,
stooped to wear the servants vesture,
bore the pain, the cross, the grave,
passed within the gates of darkness,
thence his banished ones to save.
3. So, he tasted death for mortals,
he, of humankind the head,
sinless one, among the sinful,
Prince of life, among the dead;
thus he wrought the full redemption,
and the captor captive led.
4. Now on high, yet ever with us,
from his Father’s throne the Son rules
and guides the world he ransomed,
till the appointed work be done,
till he see renewed and perfect,
all things gathered into one.
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: “I Sing the Mighty Power of God” Matt Limbaugh
Service Participants
Celebrant & Preacher: The Rev. Daniel T. Moore
Organist: W. Edward McCall
Eucharistic Minister: Christopher McCall
Thurifer: Will Boyd
Crucifer: John Wilkinson
Lector: Leigh DeTato
Ushers: Rob Wilkinson, Michael Kelly
Altar: Sara Frister, Carol Fox
Livestream: Jeffrey Pankoe
Flowers: Susan Roberts
Counters: John Fraser, Kathy Sullivan
Choir: George Achilles, Trudie Benton, Wendy Brumbaugh, Alexander Famous, Carol Fox, Laura Pankoe, Shelley Reed, Mike Roberts, Sue Roberts, Amber Robinson, Annie Rogers, 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.
Today’s flowers are given by Whitney Chandor to the glory of God, and in loving memory of Adelaide and Herbert Rorer. Arranged by Susan Roberts
