As we gather, we recognize that we live, work, pray, and play
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.     

 

Call to Worship:  

Have you believed, Thomas, because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet believe.

John 20.29 

We Pray for Ukraine:

O God of love, we pray for the people of Ukraine,
the frail and the elderly,
the women and children who are left alone,
grieving families with loved ones who have fallen,
and the multitudes who have lost everything.

O God of peace, how we long that violence will cease,
that the machines of war,
will be transformed into implements of peace.
Be with the leaders of this world,
that their decisions will be keenly oriented
towards a just and lasting peace.

O God of compassion, open our hearts,
to care for the refugees who may come to our shores
and the needy stranger in our midst.
For Christ’s sake. Amen.

The Rev. Dr. Das Sydney, President,
The Canadian Council of Churches

 

Collect of the Day  

Almighty and eternal God,
the strength of those who believe,  and the hope of those who doubt;
may we, who have not seen, have faith
and receive the fullness of Christ’s blessing,
who is alive and reigns with you, and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

The Proclamation of the Gospel:

John 20: 19-31

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.

Belief or Trust

Let us hear these words once more:
Almighty and eternal God, the strength of
those who believe and the hope of those who doubt,
may we, who have not seen, have faith and
receive the fullness of Christ’s blessing. 

On Wednesday of this week, we read from Luke’s Gospel, the account of Jesus joining the two disciples on the way to Emmaus. My favorite part of this moment is when Jesus comes along side and pretends he knows nothing of what has happened over the past 3 days. 

Then, today we share this great gospel lesson on belief and trust.          

We open the reading, today, in a room with the disciples. 
The door is locked, and Jesus comes and stands among them saying, "Peace be with”.  
The writer does not tell us if they gave the now popular response or not of “And also with you”.          

Except, Jesus does give direction about ministry of forgiveness.      

This is followed by the circumstances around Thomas’ believing.          

Believing is an important word at this moment.          

Thomas was not with the others, when Jesus came among the rest, in the locked-room. As would happen with any committee, the others tell Thomas of what has happened.          

Given the nature of the crucifixion and death of Jesus, one can understand Thomas’ reaction when the others tell him about this latest incident with their leader.          

Thomas’ response: “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”          

It is a week later, we are told, when the disciples were gathered together, once again, and Thomas was with them.     

Jesus, again, appears on the scene.

Jesus says to Thomas, ‘come here and put your finger here, and see my hands’.          

What happens at this moment is significant, not just for Thomas, but for all of us.

When Thomas sees Jesus, he has no need to touch his hands, or put his hand in his side.

His expression tells the whole story:    My Lord and My God. 

Except, Jesus does not let Thomas off the hook, just as he does for us today, when he challenges Thomas with these words:

“Have you believed because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet, believe.”          

According to many theologians, the purpose of John’s gospel is that hearers will either “come to believe”, or “continue to believe” that Jesus is the Messiah.          

When I think of ‘continuing to believe’, I am reminded of my 1st year tutorial in seminary. 

As we went around the room, sharing our faith journey (as you would expect), every journey was significant in their own way.  

As it came to my turn, there was no ‘earth-shattering’, thunderstorm moment of when I came to believe.

My standard version is: when I was baptized (at 6 months of age). I have always believed. One among us advised how blessed I was.          

Believing is important for us hearers as, by believing, we have life.  

Back to these 2 words: belief and trust. 

 I find it interesting: ‘believing’ is about faith “as a noun”, while trust is more like the verb.        

When we reread John 20:27-31:  

27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”  

The Purpose of John’s Gospel
30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 
31 But these are written that you may believe[a] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.  

In here, we discover the full purpose of John’s gospel:

written so we may come to trust that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God,
and that through trusting, we may have life in his name.   

Trust opens doors for us.          

The great lesson from Hebrews:

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.   New King James Version:  
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.”          

Today, we are invited, once again, to experience the true highlight of Easter—to engage in the ministry of Christ—a ministry based on trust.          

I am sure, each one of us have had that moment when asked, ‘what you do’ or ‘who you are’, and you answer with trust.          

I am mindful, for myself, in both of my vocations.   

When I was in municipal employment, it was not always popular to suggest to the person beside me I was a tax collector.  

In that moment, I felt like Matthew was sitting there and in the judgment seat, rather than Brian.

This has been followed by my vocation of an ordained clergy person. This latter case can bring about 1 of 2 responses: one, a positive, and the other, a negative. 

Rene Such Schreiner writes:

'It’s all about opening doors: car doors, house doors, locked doors protecting the disciples.
In 2016 TED talk, Airbnb founder, Joe Gebbia describes how “designed for trust” is the ‘critical factor’ in getting people to open doors, whether to enter, or let people in.
In the case of disciples, it is a matter of getting them out the door, despite the risks, to fulfill their commission from Jesus.'  

Let us go back to the beginning of today’s gospel: the moment when the disciples rejoiced at the presence of Jesus in their midst.

Little did they know what their response would lead to.

John 20: 21-23.  “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”          

An invitation ......a command..... for us to be in ministry.....

Here we are today. 

We are at a point of not only believing, but also trusting, in the ministry we have been assigned to.

Our assignment is no less at risk than was it for the disciples.  
I am sure, given the very fresh memory of what led Jesus to be crucified, is front and center on the minds of the disciples.          

With each Easter, in fact, with each major feast of the church, we are once again and again, being re-mobilized for discipleship. 

How scary is that?          

If we take the risk, we are certain to discover our actions are trustworthy.  

May we, who have not seen, have faith and receive the fullness of Christ’s blessing.

Thanks be to God. 

 

Let Us Pray

In joy and hope, let us pray to the source of all life, saying,
“Hear us, Lord of glory!”   

That our risen Saviour may fill us with the joy of
his holy and life-giving resurrection,
let us pray to the Lord.
Hear us, Lord of glory!  

That isolated and persecuted churches may find fresh strength in the Easter gospel,
let us pray to the Lord.
Hear us, Lord of glory!  

That he may grant us humility to be subject to one
another in Christian love,
let us pray to the Lord.
Hear us, Lord of glory!  

That he may provide for those who lack food, work, or shelter,
let us pray to the Lord.
Hear us, Lord of glory!  

That by his power, wars and famine may cease through all the earth,
let us pray to the Lord.
Hear us, Lord of glory!  

That he may reveal the light of his presence to the sick,
the weak, and the dying, that they may be comforted
and strengthened,
let us pray to the Lord.
Hear us, Lord of glory!  

In  our parish:
Roy & Gail; John; Steve; Roy; Jay; Daryl & Sue ; Maureen;
Sheila; Joseph; and those on our hearts and our minds.
Let us pray to the Lord:
Hear us, Lord of glory!    

That he may send the fire of the Holy Spirit upon his people,
that we may bear faithful witness to his resurrection,
let us pray to the Lord.
Hear us, Lord of glory 

And in this week, we pray particuarly for our Anglican Church in Canada, 
with the announcement of the resignation of Archbishop Mark Macdonald;

We pray for our church family
We pray for mark
We pray for those who are involved
We pray  for each of us, that we may continue to serve Christ and
Serve our church with responsible action;
Pray for one another

As our Saviour taught us,

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as in heaven. 
Give us today our daily bread. 
Forgive us our trespasses we forgive those who tresspass against us.
And lead us  not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,
now and forever. 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, forever and ever.  Amen.  

Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Thanks be to God.
 Alleluia!    

 

********************************

(Here follows the full SUNDAY LITURGY:)

Opening Hymn:  When Morning Guilds the Skies  

Public Domain

When morning gilds the skies, my heart awaking, cries:
“May Jesus Christ be praised!”
Alike at work and prayer to Jesus I repair:
“May Jesus Christ be praised!” 

When-e’er the sweet church bell peals over hill and dell,
“May Jesus Christ be praised!”  
O hark to what it sings, as joyously it rings:
“May Jesus Christ be praised!”  

In heaven’s eternal bliss the loveliest strain is this:
“May Jesus Christ be praised!”  
The power of darkness fear when this sweet chant they hear:
“May Jesus Christ be praised!”  

To God, the Word, on high, the hosts of angels cry:
“May Jesus Christ be praised!”
Let mortals, too, upraise their voice in hymns of praise:
“May Jesus Christ be praised!"   

Let earth’s wide circle round in joyful notes resound:
“May Jesus Christ be praised!”
Let air and sea and sky from depth to height reply:
“May Jesus Christ be praised!”  

Be this, while life is mine, my canticle divine:
“May Jesus Christ be praised!”  
Be this the-eternal song through all the ages on:
“May Jesus Christ be praised!”  

Gathering  

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 Christ our Lord. Amen. 

 

The Gloria

Gloria, Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, Gloria, alleluia, alleluia!  
Glory to God, glory to God, glory in the highest!
Glory to God, glory to God, alleluia, alleluia!  

 

Collect of the Day  

Almighty and eternal God,
the strength of those who believe,  and the hope of those who doubt;
may we, who have not seen, have faith
and receive the fullness of Christ’s blessing,
who is alive and reigns with you, and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

The Proclamation of the Word  

 

First Reading:    Acts 5: 27-32 

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.    

 

Psalm  118: 14-29

The Lord is my strength and my song, 
and he has become my salvation.  

There is a sound of exultation and victory
in the tents of the righteous:  

”The right hand of the Lord has triumphed!
the right hand of the Lord is exalted!
the right hand of the Lord has triumphed!”  

I shall not die, but live,
and declare the works of the Lord.  

The Lord has punished me sorely,
but he did not hand me over to death.  

Open for me the gates of righteousness;
I will enter them; I will offer thanks to the Lord.  

”This is the gate of the Lord; 
he who is righteous may enter.”  

I will give thanks to you, for you answered me
and have become my salvation.    

The same stone which the builders rejected
has become the chief cornerstone.    

This is the Lord’s doing,
and it is marvellous in our eyes.  

On this day the Lord has acted;
we will rejoice and be glad in it.  

Hosannah, Lord, hosannah!
Lord, send us now success.  

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord;
we bless you from the house of the Lord.  

God is the Lord; he has shined upon us;
form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar.  

”You are my God, and I will thank you;
you are my God, and I will exalt you.”  

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his mercy endures for ever.  

 

Holy and mighty God,
your Son’s triumph over sin and death
has opened to us the gate of eternal life.
Purify our hearts, that we may follow
where he has gone and share in the radiance of his glory.
We ask this for the name of our risen Lord. Amen.   

 

2nd Reading:    Revelation 1: 4-8 

The Word of the Lord.                

Thanks be to God.   

 

Gradual Hymn:  Praise the Lord with the Sound of Trumpet

Copyright Protected.  Unable to Post Lyrics.

 

The Proclamation of the Gospel:

God be with you.

And, also with you.  

The Good News of Jesus according to  John 20: 19-31

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.

 

Belief or Trust

Let us hear these words once more:
Almighty and eternal God, the strength of
those who believe and the hope of those who doubt,
may we, who have not seen, have faith and
receive the fullness of Christ’s blessing. 

On Wednesday of this week, we read from Luke’s Gospel, the account of Jesus joining the two disciples on the way to Emmaus. My favorite part of this moment is when Jesus comes along side and pretends he knows nothing of what has happened over the past 3 days. 

Then, today we share this great gospel lesson on belief and trust.          

We open the reading, today, in a room with the disciples. 
The door is locked, and Jesus comes and stands among them saying, "Peace be with”.  
The writer does not tell us if they gave the now popular response or not of “And also with you”.          

Except, Jesus does give direction about ministry of forgiveness.      

This is followed by the circumstances around Thomas’ believing.          

Believing is an important word at this moment.          

Thomas was not with the others, when Jesus came among the rest, in the locked-room. As would happen with any committee, the others tell Thomas of what has happened.          

Given the nature of the crucifixion and death of Jesus, one can understand Thomas’ reaction when the others tell him about this latest incident with their leader.          

Thomas’ response: “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”          

It is a week later, we are told, when the disciples were gathered together, once again, and Thomas was with them.     

Jesus, again, appears on the scene.

Jesus says to Thomas, ‘come here and put your finger here, and see my hands’.          

What happens at this moment is significant, not just for Thomas, but for all of us.

When Thomas sees Jesus, he has no need to touch his hands, or put his hand in his side.

His expression tells the whole story:    My Lord and My God. 

Except, Jesus does not let Thomas off the hook, just as he does for us today, when he challenges Thomas with these words:

“Have you believed because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet, believe.”          

According to many theologians, the purpose of John’s gospel is that hearers will either “come to believe”, or “continue to believe” that Jesus is the Messiah.          

When I think of ‘continuing to believe’, I am reminded of my 1st year tutorial in seminary. 

As we went around the room, sharing our faith journey (as you would expect), every journey was significant in their own way.  

As it came to my turn, there was no ‘earth-shattering’, thunderstorm moment of when I came to believe.

My standard version is: when I was baptized (at 6 months of age). I have always believed. One among us advised how blessed I was.          

Believing is important for us hearers as, by believing, we have life.  

Back to these 2 words: belief and trust. 

 I find it interesting: ‘believing’ is about faith “as a noun”, while trust is more like the verb.        

When we reread John 20:27-31:  

27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”  

The Purpose of John’s Gospel
30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 
31 But these are written that you may believe[a] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.  

In here, we discover the full purpose of John’s gospel:

written so we may come to trust that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God,
and that through trusting, we may have life in his name.   

Trust opens doors for us.          

The great lesson from Hebrews:

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.   New King James Version:  
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.”          

Today, we are invited, once again, to experience the true highlight of Easter—to engage in the ministry of Christ—a ministry based on trust.          

I am sure, each one of us have had that moment when asked, ‘what you do’ or ‘who you are’, and you answer with trust.          

I am mindful, for myself, in both of my vocations.   

When I was in municipal employment, it was not always popular to suggest to the person beside me I was a tax collector.  

In that moment, I felt like Matthew was sitting there and in the judgment seat, rather than Brian.

This has been followed by my vocation of an ordained clergy person. This latter case can bring about 1 of 2 responses: one, a positive, and the other, a negative. 

Rene Such Schreiner writes:

'It’s all about opening doors: car doors, house doors, locked doors protecting the disciples.
In 2016 TED talk, Airbnb founder, Joe Gebbia describes how “designed for trust” is the ‘critical factor’ in getting people to open doors, whether to enter, or let people in.
In the case of disciples, it is a matter of getting them out the door, despite the risks, to fulfill their commission from Jesus.'  

Let us go back to the beginning of today’s gospel: the moment when the disciples rejoiced at the presence of Jesus in their midst.

Little did they know what their response would lead to.

John 20: 21-23.  “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”          

Here we are today. 

We are at a point of not only believing, but also trusting, in the ministry we have been assigned to.

Our assignment is no less at risk than was it for the disciples.  
I am sure, given the very fresh memory of what led Jesus to be crucified, is front and center on the minds of the disciples.          

With each Easter, in fact, with each major feast of the church, we are once again, being re-mobilized for discipleship. 

How scary is that?          

If we take the risk, we are certain to discover our actions are trusting.  

May we, who have not seen, have faith and receive the fullness of Christ’s blessing.

Thanks be to God. 

*******

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

In joy and hope, let us pray to the source of all life, saying,
“Hear us, Lord of glory!”   

That our risen Saviour may fill us with the joy of
his holy and life-giving resurrection,
let us pray to the Lord.
Hear us, Lord of glory!  

That isolated and persecuted churches may find fresh strength in the Easter gospel,
let us pray to the Lord.
Hear us, Lord of glory!  

That he may grant us humility to be subject to one
another in Christian love,
let us pray to the Lord.
Hear us, Lord of glory!  

That he may provide for those who lack food, work, or shelter,
let us pray to the Lord.
Hear us, Lord of glory!  

That by his power, wars and famine may cease through all the earth,
let us pray to the Lord.
Hear us, Lord of glory!  

That he may reveal the light of his presence to the sick,
the weak, and the dying, that they may be comforted
and strengthened,
let us pray to the Lord.
Hear us, Lord of glory!  

In  our parish:
Roy & Gail; John; Steve; Roy; Jay; Daryl & Sue ; Maureen;
Sheila; Joseph; and those on our hearts and in our minds.
Let us pray to the Lord:
Hear us, Lord of glory!    

That he may send the fire of the Holy Spirit upon his people,
that we may bear faithful witness to his resurrection,
let us pray to the Lord.
Hear us, Lord of glory 

 

 Confession and Absolution

Dear friends in Christ,
God is steadfast in love and infinite mercy;
God welcomes sinners and invites them to the table.
Let us confess our sins, confident in God’s forgiveness.  

Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us
and forgive us, that we may delight in your will,
and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name.  Amen.  

 

Absolution: Celebrant

Amen.

   

Distance-Sharing of The Peace  

Celebrant:
The Peace of the Lord be always with you.

And, also with you.

 

The Celebration of the Eucharist. 

 

Offertory Hymn:  Christ is Risen    

Public Domain

Christ is risen, Christ is risen,
tell it with a joyful voice;
Christ has burst his three days’ prison:
let the whole wide earth rejoice!
Death is conquered, we are free,
Christ has won the victory.  

Come, ye sad and fearful-hearted,
with glad smile and radiant brow;
Lent’s long shadows have departed,
all his woes are over now;
and the Passion that he bore;
sin and pain can vex no more.  

Christ is risen, Christ is risen;
he hath opened heaven’s gate:
we are free from sin’s dark prison,
risen to a holier state;
and a brighter Easter beam
on our longing eyes shall stream. 

 

Prayer over the Gifts

God of grace,
you have freed us from our sins,  and made us a kingdom
in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Accept all we offer you this day, and strengthen us in
the new life you have given us, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.  

 

Eucharistic Prayer #1

 

 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. 

 

It is indeed right that we should praise you, Gracious God,
For you created all things.
You formed us in your own image: male and female, you created us.
When we turned away from you in sin,
You did not cease to care for us, but opened a path of salvation for all people.
You made a covenant with Israel, and through your servants,
Abraham and Sarah, gave the promise of a blessing to all nations.
Through Moses you led your people from bondage into freedom;
through the prophets, You renewed your promise of salvation.

Therefore, with them, and with all
your saints who have served you in every age,
we give thanks. and 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.  
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest. 

Holy God, source of life and goodness,
all creation rightly gives you praise.
In the fullness of time, You sent your Son Jesus Christ,
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 healed the sick, and ate and drank with outcasts and sinners;
He opened the eyes of the blind, and proclaimed
the good news of your kingdom to the poor and to those in need.
In all things he fulfilled your gracious will.  

On the night he freely gave himself to 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.’ 

Gracious God,
His perfect sacrifice destroys the power of sin and death;
by raising him to life You give us life for evermore.    
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith.

Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again. 

Recalling his death,
proclaiming his resurrection, and
looking for his coming again in glory,
we offer you, Father, this bread and this cup.

Send your Holy Spirit upon us, and upon these gifts,
that all who eat and drink at this table may be
one body and one holy people, a living sacrifice
  in Jesus Christ, our Lord.  

Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory is yours, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen. 

 

The Lord’s Prayer  (sung)

Let us pray as our Saviour taught us,

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. 
Give us today our daily bread. 
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,
now and forever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread

We break this bread,
         Communion in Christ’s body once broken.                  

Let your Church be the wheat                
which bears its fruit in dying.                  

If we have died with him,                
we shall live with him;                
if we hold firm,                
we shall reign with him.  AMEN. 

 

The Administration of Communion 

Communion Interlude:   Wind Upon the Waters   

Copyright Protected. Unable to Post Lyrics.

 

Prayer after Communion

Father,
we have seen with our eyes and touched with our hands the bread of life.
Strengthen our faith that we may grow in love for you, and for each other;
through Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. Amen   

 

The Doxology

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, forever and ever.  Amen.  

 

The Blessing

Announcements 

Closing Hymn:   Yours Be the Glory, Risen, Conquering Son

Public Domain

Yours be the glory, risen, conquering Son;
endless is the victory over death you won.
Angels robed in splendor rolled the stone away,
kept the folded grave clothes where your body lay.  

Yours be the glory, risen, conquering Son:
Endless is the victory over death you won.   

See! Jesus meets us, risen from the tomb;
lovingly he greets us, scatters fear and gloom.
Let the church with gladness hymns of triumph sing,
for her Lord is living; death hast lost its sting.

Yours be the glory, risen, conquering Son:
Endless is the victory over death you won.

No more we doubt you, glorious Prince of life!
What is life without you; aid us in our strife.
Make us more than conquerors through your deathless love;
bring us safe through Jordan to your home above. 

Yours be the glory, risen, conquering Son:
Endless is the victory over death you won.

 

Dismissal  

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

Thanks be to God.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!    

 

We continue to pray for the people of Ukraine.

 

The recording ends.  

Songs/Hymns words used by permission CCLI License #2750542