Thursday 22 April 2021

Easter 4 -- Good Shepherd/Vocations Sunday

 


Prelude     Hymns of Adoration (Instrumental)

Land Acknowledgement 

Welcome 
Welcome home to St Paul’s Fort Garry on this fourth Sunday of Easter! Today is Good Shepherd Sunday, which is a day to celebrate Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd. Today is also the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which is a day when we intentionally pray for vocations to ordained ministry, to the religious life, and to those who serve in lay ministries - and we pray for each other, as we endeavour to use the gifts that God has given each of us: gifts to humbly serve others, and to continue the mission of Jesus.

Gathering Hymn 585 Lord Whose Love in Humble Service
Lord, who’s love in humble service
bore the weight of human need,
who upon the cross, forsaken,
worked your mercy’s perfect deed;
we your servants, bring the worship
not of voice alone, but heart;
consecrating to your purpose
every gift which you impart.

Still your children wander homeless;
still the hungry cry for bread;
still the captives long for freedom;
still in grief we mourn our dead.
As you, Lord, in deep compassion
healed the sick and freed the soul,
by your spirit send your power
to our world to make it whole.

As we worship, grant us vision
till your love’s revealing light
in its height and depth and greatness
dawns upon our quickened sight
making known the needs and burdens
your compassion bids us bear,
stirring us to ardent service,
your abundant life to share.

Gathering of the Community

Jesus said, I AM the good shepherd
The one who tends us, guides us into pastures, and who recognises the sounds of our names.

Jesus said, I AM the good shepherd
The one who bends to heal us, travels through the deepest valleys with us, and who gives up everything for us.

Jesus said, I AM the good shepherd
The one whose rod and staff comfort us, whose strength and love hold us, and whose cup of love runs over.

Jesus said, I AM the good shepherd
And we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Let us gather here: God’s People in God’s love for God’s world.

Collect  (BAS 339)

O God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, make us perfect in every good work to do your will, and work in us that which is well-pleasing in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Proclamation of the Word
A Reading from Acts of the Apostles, Acts 4: 5-12

“The next day their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?”

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is ‘the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.’

There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved”.”

The word of the Lord.            All: Thanks be to God

Psalm 23    by Stuart Townend

The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want. He makes me lie in pastures green.
He leads me by the still, still waters, God’s goodness restores my soul.

I will trust, I will trust in You. I will trust, I will trust in You.
Endless mercy follows me goodness will lead me home.



And I will trust in You, alone. And I will trust in You alone, for your endless mercy follows me Your goodness will lead me home.

He guides my ways in righteousness, and God anoints my head with oil, and my cup, it overflows with joy. I feast on his pure delights.

I will trust, I will trust in You. I will trust, I will trust in You.
Endless mercy follows me goodness will lead me home.


And though I walk the darkest path, I will not fear the evil one, For You are with me, Your rod and staff are for comfort I need to know.

I will trust, I will trust in You. I will trust, I will trust in You.
Endless mercy follows me goodness will lead me home.


A Reading from the first letter of John, 1 John 3:16-24

“We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us - and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?

Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him.

And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.”

The word of the Lord.        All: Thanks be to God.

Gradual Hymn          Are You A Shepherd (MV 126)

Are you a shepherd, good shepherd who leads us safely through danger while calming our fears?
Are you a father who shelters and feeds us, shares in our laughter and wipes away tears?

chorus
Yes, you are shepherd, parent and teacher, but you are greater than all that we know.
Holy and living, loving and giving,
God, you are with us wherever we go.


Are you a parent, good parent who bears us comforts protects us and helps us to rest?
Are you a teacher who daily prepares us, challenging students to offer their best?

chorus
Yes, you are shepherd, parent and teacher, but you are greater than all that we know.
Holy and living, loving and giving,
God, you are with us wherever we go.


Great, gentle shepherd, for ever beside us, lead all your children in paths that are right.
Great, loving parent, wise teacher, you guide us. We want to love you and bring you delight.

chorus
Yes, you are shepherd, parent and teacher, but you are greater than all that we know.
Holy and living, loving and giving,
God, you are with us wherever we go.


The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. John 10:11-18 
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason, the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”

The Gospel of Christ.        Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Sermon 

The Apostles’ Creed
Let us confess the faith of our baptism, as we say,

I believe in God almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord, and our Redeemer,
Who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary,
Who suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried,
And who descended to the dead.
On the third day Jesus rose again, ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Creator.
Jesus 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

Inspired by ‘New Ways’ in ‘The Pattern of Our Days: Liturgies and Resources for Worship’, Edited by Kathy Galloway, Iona Community and by “World Day of Prayer for Vocations”, accessed online at

https://nrvc.net/292/publication/11357/article/15674-world-day-of-prayer-for-vocations-april-25-2021

Creator God, You made each of us and blessed us with an abundance of gifts.
Guide us to use these gifts to serve others, and to continue the mission of Jesus.
Send us out into the world,
so that the Gospel is preached,
the poor are served with love, and
the suffering are comforted.

Generous God, You have shown us the way that leads to everlasting life.
Help us to remember our own baptismal call, and stir within us the passion to respond to this call, with
courage and creativity,
boundless compassion,
abundant generosity, and
radical availability.

Merciful God, You sent your beloved Jesus, to be your servant of justice in our broken world.
Disrupt our comfortable lives and complacent attitudes.
Show us new ways to care, and new ways to touch the hearts of all, and give us
a wider vision of the world,
a broader view of justice, and
dreams of peace that are not defined by boundaries of geography or race or religion,
or by the limitations of worldly structures and systems.

Gracious God, we thank you for those who have responded to your call, and who have committed themselves to service in the Church, including those who serve in the priesthood, the diaconate, the religious life, and lay ministry. Bless and strengthen them, and grant them courage and peace as they continue to dedicate themselves to service in the Church. We thank you also for those who are discerning their vocation. Bless and strengthen them, and grant them wisdom and perseverance.

Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd.
You know each of us and you call us by name to serve in faith.
Help us respond generously to your voice.

When we are fearful of the unknown, give us courage.
When we worry that we are not up to the task,
Remind us that you would not call us if you did not believe in us.

When we get tired, or feel disappointed with the way things are going,
Remind us that you can bring change and hope
Out of the most difficult situations.

Open our eyes and our ears that wherever we go,
we may hear your voice calling us by name;
calling us to serve, calling us to share, calling us to praise,
so that we never give up on the promise of your kingdom,
where the world is transformed, and all can enjoy life in all its fullness.   Amen.

Confession and Absolution

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

God of steadfast love and purpose, you know how we love to serve you in the sunshine of our success, and how we tend to shrink away from the trial of suffering. Forgive our unfaithfulness, and teach us to walk with steady obedience in both success and suffering, through Jesus Christ, your faithful servant.

Almighty God have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 


The Peace (Adapted from “Prayers for an Inclusive Church (2009)”)

Lord of the sheepfold, give us strength to work for peace in the world that You came to serve.
And just as God poured out the grace of forgiveness and peace through Christ Jesus,
Let us also share that same grace amongst ourselves, through offering a socially distanced sign of peace.

Peace be with you.
And also with you.

Offertory Hymn          A Place at the Table   (by Lori True and Shirley Erena Murray)

For everyone born, a place at the table,
for everyone born, clean water and bread,
a shelter, a space, a safe place for growing,
for everyone born, a star overhead,

chorus
and God will delight when we are creators
of justice and joy, compassion and peace:
yes, God will delight when we are creators
of justice, justice and joy!


For woman and man, a place at the table,
revising the roles, deciding the share,
with wisdom and grace, dividing the power,
for woman and man, a system that's fair,            chorus

For young and for old, a place at the table,
a voice to be heard, a part in the song,
the hands of a child in hands that are wrinkled,
for young and for old, the right to belong,        chorus    

For just and unjust, a place at the table,
abuser, abused, with need to forgive,
in anger, in hurt, a mindset of mercy,
for just and unjust, a new way to live,            chorus   

For everyone born, a place at the table,
to live without fear, and simply to be,
to work, to speak out, to witness and worship,
for everyone born, the right to be free,          chorus     

Prayer over the Offering  (from BAS Propers 339)
God of loving care, you spread before us the table of life, and give us the cup of salvation to drink.  Keep us always in the fold of your Son Jesus Christ, our Saviour and our shepherd.  Amen

The Great Thanksgiving (Eucharistic Prayer V, Scottish Episcopal Church in “Anglican Eucharistic Liturgies”, p. 61)

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.

Worship and praise belong to you, Creator,
In every place and at all times.
You made us, all the people of the world, and everything that is.

You give us the daylight.
Your Word lights up our minds.
Jesus was born among us, to be the light in our darkness.
Your Spirit lives in us, so that we can look at the world with your eyes.
One day we will be with you in heaven,
But already we laugh with the saints and angels, and sing their joyful song:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.


Creator, you never forget us or turn away from us, even when we fail you.
You sent your beloved Jesus who gave his life for us.

Jesus healed those who were sick,
Cared for those who were poor,
And cried with those who were sad.
Jesus forgave sinners, and taught us to forgive.
For all your love, we give you thanks
In the way that Jesus showed us.

On the night before Jesus died, while he was having supper with his friends,
He took bread and offered you thanks.
He broke the bread, and gave it to them, saying:
“Take, eat. This is my Body: it is broken for you.”

After supper, Jesus took the cup, he offered you thanks, and gave it to them saying:
“Drink this, all of you. This is my Blood of the new covenant;
it is poured out for you, and for all, that sins may be forgiven.
Do this in the remembrance of me.”

So, as we do what Jesus told us,
we open our hearts to him;
we remember how Jesus died and rose again to live in us now.
Together with Jesus, we offer you these gifts:
in them, we give you ourselves.

Send your Holy Spirit on us and on this bread and this wine,
that they may be the Body and Blood of Christ,
and that, sharing your life,
we may travel in your company to our journey’s end.

With all your people we give you thanks and 
praise through the Son and in the Spirit now and forever.    Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer


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 Christ, we shall live with Christ; if we hold firm, we shall reign with Christ.

The gifts of God for the People of God.
Thanks be to God.

Communion          Ubi Caritas   CP 553

Ubi caritas et amor ubi caritas, Deus ibi est.

Your love O Jesus Christ has gathered us together.

Let us be one in love together in the one bread of Christ.

Live in charity and steadfast love,
Live in charity; God will dwell with you

Ubi caritas et amor ubi caritas, Deus ibi est.

Prayer after Communion 
God of steadfast love, watch over the Church redeemed by the blood of your Son.
May we who share in these holy mysteries come safely to your eternal kingdom, where there is one flock and one shepherd. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the risen Lord.  Amen

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      465 Here In This Place New Light

Here in this place new light is streaming
now is the darkness vanished away.
See in this space our fears and our dreamings
brought here to you in the light of this day.
Gather us in- the lost and forsaken;
gather us in- the blind and the lame;
call to us now and we shall awaken;
we shall arise at the sound of our name.

We are the young- our lives are a mystery;
we are the old - who yearn for your face.
We have been sung throughout all of history,
called to be light to the whole human race.
Gather us in- the rich and the haughty;
Gather us in- the proud and the strong;
give us a heart so meek and so lowly;
give us the courage to enter the song.

Here we will take the wine and the water;
here we will take the bread of new birth.
Here you shall call your sons and your daughters,
call us anew to be salt for the earth.
Give us to drink the wine of compassion;
give us to eat the bread that is you;
nourish us well, and teach us to fashion
Lives that are holy and hearts that are true.

Not in the dark of buildings confining,
Not in some heaven, light years away,
but here in this place the new light is shining;
Now is the kingdom, now is the day.
Gather us in and hold us forever;
gather us in and make us your own;
gather us in- all peoples together,
fire of love in our flesh and our bone.


Blessing 

May the God of peace who raised from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen

Dismissal
With Christ as our Shepherd,
We go from here into fresh pastures.

With Christ as our Shepherd,
We find security and peace.

With Christ as our Shepherd,
We find a safe haven.

With Christ as our Shepherd,
We find life in all its fullness.

Go now through the gate of this sheepfold and go with the blessing of God,
Embracing, enfolding, and surrounding you, Today, tomorrow, and forevermore.    Amen.


Postlude      Joyful, Joyful
Arr. By Mervyn Warren

Joyful, joyful, Lord, we adore thee.
God of glory, Lord of love.
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee,
Hail thee as the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,
Drive the dark of doubt away.
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light.
Fill us with the light.
Oh, fill us with the light of day.

Joyful, joyful, Lord, we adore thee.
God of glory, Lord of love.
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee,
Hail thee as the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin, sin and sadness,
Drive the dark of doubt away.
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us, fill us with the light of day. Light of day.

Come and join the chorus!
The mighty, mighty chorus
Which the morning stars began.
The Father of Love is reigning over us.
He watches over everything, so we sing:

Joyful, joyful, Lord, we adore thee.
God of glory, Lord of love.
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee,
Hail thee as the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin, sin and sadness,
Drive the dark of doubt away.
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us. Fill us.
Fill us, fill us with the light of day.
Light of day!

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