O Come, Let Us Worship!

Scriptures for Pentecost 23

Wisdom 3.1-9

Psalm 24

Revelations 21.1-6a

John 11.32-44

 Pentecost 23– Feast of All Saints October 31, 2021  

As we gather, we recognize that we live, work, play, and pray in the traditional lands of the Cowichan Tribes and Coast Salish People.  We continue to commit ourselves to the work of reconciliation and relationship-building with our First Nations neighbours.  

Welcome.  

They are before the throne of God, and he who sits upon the throne will shelter them with his presence.                                          

Revelation 7.15  

O Come, let us worship.  

 

Opening Hymn

For All the Saints (vs. 1,2,7& 8)

Public Domain  

For all the saints who from their labours rest,

Who thee by faith, before the world confessed,

Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blest.

Alleluia! Alleluia!  

 

Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;

Thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;

Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light.

Alleluia! Alleluia!  

 

But, lo, there breaks a yet more glorious day

The saints triumphant rise in bright array;

The King of glory passes on his way.

Alleluia! Alleluia!  

 

From earth’s wide bounds, From ocean’s farthest coast,

Through gates of pearl, streams in the countless host,

Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Alleluia! Alleluia!    

 

Gathering:

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

And also, with you.  

 

Almighty God,

to you all hearts are open, all desires known,

and from you no secrets are hidden.

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 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

 

Collect of the Day:

Almighty God,

whose people are knit together in one holy Church, the mystical Body of your Son,

grant us grace to follow your saints in lives of faith and commitment,

and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you;

through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen      

The Proclamation of the Word

1st Reading: Wisdom 3. 1-9

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.    

 

Psalm: 24  

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,     

the world, and all who live in it;

 

for he founded it on the seas     

and established it on the waters.  

 

Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?     

Who may stand in his holy place?

 

The one who has clean hands and a pure heart     

who does not trust in an idol     

or swear by a false god.  

 

They will receive blessing from the Lord     

and vindication from God their Savior.  

 

Such is the generation of those who seek him,    

 who seek your face, God of Jacob.  

 

Lift up your heads, you gates;     

be lifted up, you ancient doors,     

that the King of glory may come in.

 

Who is this King of glory?     

The Lord, strong and mighty,    

 the Lord, mighty in battle.    

 

Lift up your heads, you gates;     

lift them up, you ancient doors,     

that the King of glory may come in.

 

Who is he, this King of glory?     

The Lord Almighty—     

he is the King of glory.  

 

Creator and ruler of all,

open our hearts that the King of glory may enter, and bring us rejoicing to your holy mountain, where you live and reign, now and for ever.  Amen.      

 

2nd Reading:  Revelation 21. 1-6  

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.  

 

Gospel Processional: Jerusalem, the Golden

Public Domain

Jerusalem the golden, with milk and honey blessed,

beneath thy contemplation

sink heart and voice oppressed.

I know not, O I know not,

what joys await us there,

what radiancy of glory,

what bliss beyond compare.  

 

They stand, those halls of Sion,

all jubilant with song,

and bright with many an angel,

and all the martyr throng.

The Prince is ever in them,

the day–light is serene,

the pastures of the blesséd are decked in glorious sheen.  

 

There is the throne of David,

and there, from care released,

the shout of them that triumph,

the song of them that feast;

and they who, with their leader,

have conquered in the fight,

forever and forever are clad in robes of white.    

 

O sweet and blesséd country, the home of God’s elect;

O dear and future vision, that eager hearts expect:

even now by faith we see thee, even here thy walls discern;

to thee our thoughts are kindled; for thee our spirits yearn.    

 

The Lord be with you.  

The Good News of Jesus according to

John 11:32-44  

Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.    

The Gospel of Christ,

Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.  

Sermon:  The Venerable Brian Evans

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts be ever acceptable to you O Lord.  Amen.    

 For All the Saints  

From the Memorial Service, we will share in following the Prayers of the People this morning:

I am the Resurrection, and I am the Life, says the Lord. Whoever has faith in me shall have life, even though they die. And everyone who has life, and is committed to me in faith, shall not die for ever. -John 11:25-26  

I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, not depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  

 

We are all here, saints and sinners alike.  

In the BAS Funeral liturgy, we have a line in The Commendation prayer which reads:

“Acknowledge, we pray, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming.”   Saint and sinner alike.  

One of my small disagreements with the Christian Church Calendar is our tendency to separate the ‘saints’ and all the rest of us—the so-called “all souls”.

This would suggest there are a variety of people in heaven, and not all are on equal footing.  

We are all here. And, all that we are, is here.  

The experience of death is one of those miraculous moments in life. Even William Shatner remarked about what that moment may be like, following his recent ride into outer space.  

Life is both mystical and miraculous.  

Today we celebrate All Saints' Day—another of those miraculous transformations in our life. This is the day we, who are left encompassed in the miracle of our faith, stop to acknowledge the “saints” in our life.  

Paul when writing to the church in Philippi wrote: “To all the saints who are in Philippi.”

There are moments when, I believe, we have lost something of our literal faith in not addressing letters in this manner.

We need to recapture the sense of the use of “saint” in the New Testament, as it refers to all members of the church community.  

Theologian Leonard Sweet writes:   “For Christ the Son, and God the Father, the designation of saints is not reserved for a few “Mother-Teresa-types”.

The “saints” is an address that encompasses all members of the church.

Today is ALL Saints' Day, a day dedicated to remembering and remarking ALL the saints of the church—even those who have not been canonized by the church.”                     

Back to my discussion about the separation of ALL Souls Day and All Saints Day: I have always believed that we need to guard All Saints' Day as a day which is NOT just about recognizing all the great spiritual leaders of the past.

Rather, it is a day to dedicate ourselves to recognizing the increasing number of saints, who we have known in our life, who have gone on ahead.

Through the grace of God, through Christ’s life-giving sacrifice, those who have been transformed into the life of our Lord’s presence in a real, and special, way.  

We become the saints as we become, more genuinely, the church.   It is the genuine church which we celebrate today.

These are the people we know as we worship each Sunday.  Among them are those we will name today in our service who have died over the past 18 months, in this continued period of COVID.                     

 

In my reading this week, I have been struck by something I had not considered prior when reading today's gospel. When Jesus is called to the home of his best friend, Lazarus has been in the tomb for 3 days.  

What happens? Jesus cries out “Lazarus, come out.”  

One theologian suggests what it took to transform Lazarus from death to life was obedience.

Lazarus rose up, came out of the tomb. He comes from darkness to light.  

On this All Saints' Day, we claim “sainthood” for all those who have listened, and heard the same call—those who we know among us, have joined the church eternal.

Along with those who have the church eternal, we need to recognize our response to the Great Commission; “Go and make disciples”, “Go and make saints.”                     

What am I saying?  

You will recall my opening sentence: We are all here, saints and sinners alike.  

As we reflect on all those other saints with special identity, we need to claim this day as our day, too.

I am sure not many of us have ever thought of ourselves as “among the saints of the church”. We are the same as all those who have gone before us, forgiven, and filled with the love of Christ.   Being filled with that love of Christ comes with a cost.

The cost is in The Great Commission: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 2.18-20  

 

In few moments, you are going to hear these words in the form of prayer:

God of all consolation, in your unending love, and mercy, you turn the darkness of death into the dawn of new life. Show compassion to your people in their sorrow. Be our refuge and our strength to lift us from the darkness of grief to the peace and light of your presence.   Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, by dying for us, conquered death, and by rising again, restored life.   May we, then, go forward eagerly to meet him, and after our life on earth, be reunited with our brothers and sisters where every tear will be wiped away. We ask this through Jesus Christ, the Lord.                     

This is not a prayer for the deceased in the funeral service, this is a prayer for us. It is the petition of the Church given on our behalf—a petition to assist us living out our sainthood, here and now.  

This prayer prompts these questions:

•         What is my calling?
•         How can I begin today?
•         What is my task today?  

When it came to his friend Lazarus, Jesus instructs the community of friends gathered to unbind him and let him go.  

Jesus has unbound each one of us, now we need to go.  

 

Thanks be to God.  Amen.    

 

The Apostles Creed:

Let us confess the faith of our baptism, as we say:  

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

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.  

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.  Amen.    

 

The Prayers of the People  

Let us call forth the Holy Spirit that, like the saints, we might be filled with the light of faith and love.

Our response today:

“Spirit of God, dwell with us.”  

 

May the Holy Spirit fill us with a personal love for God whom we are called to love above all else.

We ask in faith:

Spirit of God, dwell with us.  

 

May the Spirit of truth kindle in our hearts a passion for mercy that we may rejoice in God’s mercy on our day of need.

We ask in faith:

Spirit of God, dwell with us.  

 

May the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead restore life to those who have abandoned faith in Christ.

We ask in faith:

Spirit of God, dwell with us.  

 

May the Comforter stir in us a zeal for justice that renews the face of the earth.

We ask in faith:

Spirit of God, dwell with us.  

 

May the Spirit of healing be upon those who are need.

In our Parish: Roy & Gail C., Sue G., John R., Steve M., Maureen D., Michelle M., Sheila S. and family.

We ask in faith:

Spirit of God, dwell with us.  

 

May the Spirit our Counselor, be with our youth, that their lives will reflect the light of Christ.

We ask in faith:  

Spirit of God, dwell with us.  

 

Guide our Church Leaders:

Bishop Anna; Rev. Alastair Singh-McCollum; Deacon Stephanie Wood; Bishop John Stephens;

Rev. Brian and Rev. Ted.

We ask in faith:

Spirit of God, dwell with us.  

 

May the Spirit of all grace and peace uphold those who suffer for their commitment to Christ and the gospel of life.

We ask in faith:

Spirit of God, dwell with us.  

 

May the Spirit, who sanctified the lives of the saints, bring our belovéd dead into the reign of light.

We ask in faith:

Spirit of God, dwell with us.  

 

God of compassion,

you have shared the victory of Christ with the saints.

Hear our prayers for your Spirit, that our lives will be rooted in love,

and make us worthy to share the joy of the saints.

We ask this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.  

 

Memorial for those who have died during Covid 19:  

Michael Coleman,

Gloria Elvins,

Ruth Lewis,

Al Posehn,

Michael Stacey,

David Wakelin,

 Christine Wheadon.  

I am the Resurrection, and I am the Life, says the Lord. Whoever has faith in me shall have life, even though they die. And everyone who has life, and is committed to me in faith, shall not die for ever.    John 11:25-26  

I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, or depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8.38-39    

 

The Lord be with you.

And also, with you.      

Let us pray:

God of all consolation,

in your unending love and mercy, you turn the darkness of death into the dawn of new life.  

Show compassion to your people in their sorrow.  

Be our refuge and our strength to lift us from the darkness of grief. to the peace and light of your presence.  

Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, by dying for us, conquered death, and by rising again, restored life.  

May we, then, go forward eagerly to meet him, and after our life on earth, be reunited with our brothers and sisters where every tear will be wiped away.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, the Lord.  Amen.  

 

God of grace and glory, we thank you for those who were so near and dear to us, and who have now been taken from us.  

We thank you for the friendship they gave, and for the strength and peace they brought.

We thank you for the love they offered, and received, while they were with us on earth.  

We pray that all that was good in their lives will not be lost, but will be of benefit to the world;

that all that was important to them, will be respected by those who follow;

and that everything in which they were great, will continue to mean much to us now, in their death.  

We ask you that they may go on living with their family, and their friends; in their hearts and minds, in their courage and their consciences.  

We ask you that we, who were close to them, may now, because of their death, be even closer to each other, and that we may, in peace and friendship here on earth, always be deeply conscious of your promise to be faithful to us in death.  

We pray for ourselves, who are severely tested by these deaths, that we do not try to minimize these losses, or seek refuge from them in words alone, and also, that we do not brood over them, so that they overwhelm us, and isolate us from others.  

May God grant us courage and confidence in the new life of Christ.

We ask this in the name of the risen Lord.  Amen.  

 

Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord.

And light perpetual shine upon them.

May their souls, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 

Amen.    

 

Distance-Sharing of The Peace  

The Celebration of the Eucharist.  

Offertory Hymn:

Christ is Made the Sure Foundation

Public Domain  

Christ is made the sure foundation,

Christ, the head and corner stone,

chosen of the Lord, and precious,

binding all the church is one;

holy Zion’s help forever,

and her confidence alone.  

 

All that dedicated city,

dearly loved of God on high,

in exult and jubilation,

pours perpetual melody,

God the One-in–Three adoring,

in glad hymns eternally.  

 

To this temple, where we call thee,

come, O Lord of hosts, today;

with thy wonted loving kindness,

hear thy servants as they pray;

and thy fullest benediction

shed within its walls always.  

 

Here vouch-safe to all thy servants,

what they ask of thee to gain,

what they gain from thee, forever

with the blessèd, to retain,

and here-after, in thy glory,

ever more with thee to reign.  

 

Laud and honour to the Father,

laud and honour to the Son,

laud and honour to the Spirit,

ever three, and ever one,

one in might and one in glory,

while unending ages run.    

 

Prayer over the Gifts

Father of all,

we pray to you for those we love, but see no longer.

Grant them your peace, let light perpetual shine upon them,

and in your loving wisdom, and almighty power,

work in them the good purpose of your perfect will;

through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.  Amen.    

 

Eucharistic Prayer #3  

The Lord be with you.                     

And also, with you.                       

Lift up your hearts.                     

We lift them to the Lord.                       

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.                     

It is right to give our thanks and praise.                       

Blessèd are you, gracious God,                     

creator of heaven and earth;                     

in the multitude of your saints                     

you have surrounded us                     

with so great a cloud of witnesses,                     

that we, rejoicing in their fellowship,                     

may run with patience the race that is set before us,                     

and together with them receive the crown of glory                     

that never fades away.                     

Therefore, with angels and archangels                     

and with all who have served you in every age,                     

we raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.                     

Holy, holy, holy Lord,        

God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.  

Blessèd is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.  

 

We give thanks to you, Lord our God, for the goodness and love you have made known to us in creation; in calling Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all, in the Word made flesh, Jesus your Son.  

For in these last days, you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Saviour and Redeemer of the world.   In him, you have delivered us from evil,  and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death, into life.  

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death,  a death he freely accepted;

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 in 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 in remembrance of me.”  

Therefore, Father, according to his command,

we remember his death,

we proclaim his resurrection,

we await his coming in glory;  

and we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, Lord of all;

presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.  

We pray you, Gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts,

that they may be the sacrament of the body of Christ, and his blood of the new covenant.

Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we, made acceptable in him,

may be sanctified by the Holy Spirit.  

In the fullness of time, reconcile all things in Christ, and make them new,

and bring us to that city of light where you dwell with all your sons and daughters;

through Jesus Christ, our Lord, the firstborn of all creation,

the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation;  

by whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory are yours, almighty Father, now and forever.  Amen.    

 

The Lord’s Prayer  

As our Saviour taught us, let us pray,

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come, thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.  

Give us this day our daily bread;

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those that trespass against us;

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever.   Amen.  

 

The Breaking of the Bread

“I am the bread of life,” says the Lord. “Whoever comes to me will never be hungry; whoever believes in me will never thirst.”

Taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are they who trust in him  

 

The gifts of God for the People of God.

Thanks be to God. Amen.    

The Administration of Communion  

Communion Musical Interlude: -

Ubi Caritas

Public Domain

Ubi caritas et amor ubi caritas, Deus ibi est  

Live in charity and steadfast love, live in charity.

God will dwell with you. (Repeat 3x)                                                                     

 

Prayer After Communion

God of love, may the death and resurrection of Christ, which we celebrate in this eucharist, bring us, with the faithful departed, into the peace of your eternal home. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our hope and our salvation.  Amen.    

 

Glory to God,

whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.

Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever.  Amen.  

 

The Blessing

 

Announcements  

 

Closing Hymn:

To God Be the Glory

Copyright Protected.  Unable to post lyrics.  

Dismissal  

Go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.

Thanks be to God.  Alleluia  

The recording ends.   

Songs/Hymns words  not in Public Domain used by permission CCLI License #2750542