Thursday 29 October 2020

November 1 - All Saints Celebration

 



Prelude    It is well with my Soul

Sentence of the Day
They are before the throne of God, and he who sits upon the throne will shelter them with his presence. Revelation 7.15 

Gathering Hymn  For All the Saints

For all the saints who from their labors 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!

 O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,
fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
and win with them the victor's crown of gold.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

 O blest communion, fellowship divine,
we feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long,
steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
and hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

The golden evening brightens in the west;
soon, soon to faithful warrior cometh rest;
sweet is the calm of paradise the blest.
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 Community (inspired by Revelation 21: 1-6)
We are the church that lives into God’s future today.
A church united across space and time.
A church of many races, languages and ethnicities.
A church that lives by the work of God in Christ that was, is now, and is still to come.
The one who is seated on the throne says to us: “See, I am making all things new!”
A new heaven and a new earth, where the home of God is among God’s people.
God’s future is epic, and its good news.
Remember God’s future, for this is our story!

Prayer of the Day (together)
In all our weakness and strength, with our youth-filled spirits and aging bodies, we come to be your people, O God. Strong in faith and eager with questions, singing our praise and whispering our prayers, filled with saintly determination yet mindful of our human limitations, we come to be your people, O God. Made strong in your endless love for us, we know ourselves to be yours and we truly become your people today. Amen.

Collect for All Saints (together)
Almighty God, whose people are knit together in one holy Church, the mystical Body of your Son, grant us grace to follow your blessed 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 

A Reading from the Revelation of John (7:9-17)

After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying,
‘Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!’ And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, singing, ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honour and power and might
be to our God for ever and ever! Amen.’ Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, ‘Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?’ I said to him, ‘Sir, you are the one that knows.’ Then he said to me, ‘These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason, they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’

Listen for the Leading of the Spirit                          R: Thanks be to God

Psalm 34:1-10, 22

I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.
Magnify the Lord, exalt his name

I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Magnify the Lord, exalt his name

O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him. O fear the Lord, you his holy ones, for those who fear him have no want. The young lions suffer want and hunger, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. The Lord redeems the life of his servants;
none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
Magnify the Lord, exalt his name

A Reading from the first letter of John (3:1-3)

See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

Listen for the Leading of the Spirit                  R: Thanks be to God

Gradual Hymn         Beatitudes
Blest are you the poor who trust in God to fill your lives,
For within your heart is born the kingdom of the Lord.
Blest are you, the sorrowing who know that God is wise,
For within your heart is born the kingdom of the Lord.

Blest are you, the lowly ones, who know your need to share,
For within your heart is born the kingdom of the Lord.
Blest are you whose searching souls will draw you to God’s care,
For within your heart is born the kingdom of the Lord.

Chorus
Let you light shine for all the world to see:
The brightness of your life within, the peace that sets you free.
Let your light shine to fill your nights and days;
All will see the deeds you do and offer God their praise.

Blest are those whose mercy shows God’s gentle love to all,
For within your heart is born the kingdom of the Lord.
Blest are you, the pure in heart, whose lives reflect God’s call,
For within your heart is born the kingdom of the Lord.

Blest are you who work for peace to join us all as one,
For within your heart is born the kingdom of the Lord.
Blest are you who suffer hate to prepare the day to come,
For within your heart is born the kingdom of the Lord.

Chorus
Let you light shine for all the world to see:
The brightness of your life within, the peace that sets you free.
Let your light shine to fill your nights and days;
All will see the deeds you do and offer God their praise.

The Gospel


The Lord be with you      And also, with you
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Matthew
Glory to you Lord Jesus Christ

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (5:1-12)

The Gospel of Christ          R: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ

The Homily

An Affirmation of Faith (Celebrations along the Way Dorothy McRae-McMahon
We believe, against all our realities
and the lack of hope around us,
we believe in God.

We believe that Jesus Christ
and the life of this Christ will survive in the world.

We believe that the Spirit is still with us,
the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ.

We believe that we are eternally linked
with the love and good and courage of our God,
if we will choose to be.
And we so choose. Amen

All Saints Day Intercessions

God be praised! As the summer follows the spring and green leaves grow after the fire, as the sunlight swings from coast to coast to coast so the gifts of God come to us. As we lift our faces to the rising of the mountains, to the vast spread of the plains the blessings of God spread forth towards each one of us, the saints of God this day.
Dear God, we are thankful

We remember the great ancestors of our faith, from Abraham and Sarah, to Paul and Phoebe:
Ancestors of the faith, we remember you.

We remember the prophets and priests, the ministers and teachers who have taught us the way of God:
Teachers of the faith, we remember you.

We remember our grandparents and parents, aunts and uncles, those who have gone before us in our lifetime:
Family of our faith, we remember you.

We lift up the memories of children and grandchildren, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives and parents whose lives ended too soon:
Those close in our heart, we remember you.

We lift up to You, O God, those we have lost from our lives, knowing that they are with Your heart forever and we give thanks for their lives and celebrate them
Family of God, we remember you, and we honor you. We know you are with us in the spirit of worship, and you will not be forgotten.

We give thanks, O God, for all who have gone on to join with You beyond this life. We trust in the hope of resurrection and the promise of new life in Christ, and know that in our grief and celebration, O God,
You are with us through it all, and we are not left alone. In the name of Christ, in whom love lives forever, we pray. Amen.

Remembrance of the Dead

As we enter into this day, let us call to mind our loved ones who have gone before us, who now stand in the unfading Light of Christ.   Let us remember them now by name.

Instrumental music continues as the names of deceased loved ones are said and candles lit by those who wish to do so. After all who wished have prayed, the presider continues with the following antiphon.

Antiphon

Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace. Alleluia.

God of life we thank you for the assurance that the dead are in your hands and that we are called and destined to eternal life on account of your risen Son Jesus. Do not let our heart be troubled but reunite us one day with those whom we have known and loved. Lead us all to you through him who is our way, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Confession (Celebrations Along the Way Dorothy McRae-McMahon)
We come before you, O God, in humble confession, knowing that you are open to hear us and receive us. If we have found it hard to bless each other, in our differences, in our self-righteousness, remind us of spirit of overflowing blessing.

If we have looked at others with a lack of understanding, if we have failed to notice that some people are carrying burdens on the road, give to us your caring insights, your loving glance.

If we have not received your blessing of us, pushing away your gifts of grace and remaining victims of our own lack of compassion, forgive us and open our hearts.


Assurance
Watch and listen. Christ has looked upon us all with love. Hold the silence before God and wait in faithful expectation for the gift of grace. It is there waiting for us now. Amen

The Peace
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.

The Celebration of the Eucharist

The Offertory Hymn         
Alleluia! Glory to God
Glory to God who does wondrous things;
Let all the people God’s praises now sing;
All of creation in splendour shall ring: alleluia!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

See how salvation for all has been won;
Up from the grave our new life has begun;
Life now perfected in Jesus, the Son; alleluia!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Now in our presence the Lord will appear,
Shine in the faces in all of us here;
Fill us with joy and cast out all our fear: alleluia!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Call us, good Shepard; we listen for you,
Wanting to see you in all that we do;
We would the gate if salvation pass through: alleluia!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Lord, we are open to all that you say,
Ready to listen and follow your way;
You are the potter and we are the clay: alleluia!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

If we have love, then we dwell in the Lord;
God will protect us from fire and sword.
Fill us with love and the peace of his word: alleluia!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Prayer over the gifts
(together)
Holy and mighty God, we give you thanks for the triumph of Christ in the lives of all his saints. Receive all we offer you this day, and help us, like them, to run our course with faith, that we may come to your eternal kingdom. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. 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.

Blessed 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. Blessed 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 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, 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 for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer
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 for 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 Communion

The Prayer after Communion

Lord of hosts, we praise your glory reflected in your saints. May we who share at this table be filled with the joy of your eternal kingdom, where Jesus is Lord, now and forever. 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, for ever and ever. Amen.


Closing Hymn     Hail the Fisher Folk
Hail the fishermen long ago who took their chances on the road.
Bet their futures not lived yet and cast aside their fishing nets.
The fishermen

Hail the women of Galilee, who stood beside a brooding sea,
Watched it all and cried the end and were the first to start again.
Hail the women.

Hail the slaves and the broken ones, who turned their hearts to the kingdom come
Wove their drama into song and leapt for joy when he came along.
The broken ones.

Hail the ones who left us young, when their life had just begun,
Pure as innocence can be and we bless their memory.
All hail the young.

Hail the saints and martyrs here, in lands and life times through the years,
Prayer and action, joy and tears who left a trail to walk through fear.
The martyrs here.

Hail the old and hail the ise, who know the mystery of our lives,
Watch the sunset, touch the rain and lose their life to be regained.
All hail the aged.

Hail the fisherfolk of today, who hear the call and live the way,
Beside God to make a stand for truth and mercy in this land.
The Fisherfolk.

The Blessing

We are the saints of God. We are called to be the church.
Go forth in faith, in hope and it love!
And may the face of God be turned towards us, the spirit hover close as our covering of love and Christ Jesus find us as we long to be found. Amen

The Dismissal
God sends us out with encouragement and a challenge: Lead lives worthy of God's reign and glory.
We desire to live as God intends; we will work and rest in God's care.
Live in faithfulness to one another and to God who calls you forth in his service.
The Word of God is at work in us; in him we witness and are more than conquerors.
Blessed are all who seek their strength in God alone, happy are they who live the gospel.
May God be praised in all we do and say; may we be gentle apostles and courageous disciples.

Postlude    When the Saints 

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