Worship Bulletin
ASCENSION OF OUR LORD
HOLY EUCHARIST
MAY 12, 2024 | 10:15 AM
Grace and peace to you in the name of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ!
PRELUDE Christ, the Hope of All the World (BWV 670) – J. S. Bach
PROCESSIONAL HYMN Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise
Blue Hymnal #214
1. Hail the day that sees him rise Alleluia!
glorious to his native skies; Alleluia!
Christ, awhile to mortals given, Alleluia!
enters now the highest heaven! Alleluia!
2. There the glorious triumph waits;
lift your heads, eternal gates!
Wide unfold the radiant scene;
take the King of glory in!
3. See! he lifts his hands above;
See! he shows the prints of love:
Hark! his gracious lips bestow,
blessings on his Church below.
4. Lord beyond our mortal sight,
raise our hearts to reach thy height,
there thy face unclouded see,
find our heaven of heavens in thee.
THE SERVICE OF THE WORD
OPENING ACCLAMATION Book of Common Prayer p. 355
Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ is risen.
People: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Celebrant: Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
SONG OF PRAISE Gloria in excelsis
Blue Hymnal #S-278
COLLECT FOR THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD Book of Common Prayer p. 226
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
FIRST READING Acts 1:1-11
Reader: A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.
PSALM 47 Omnes gentes, plaudite
Tone 2
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
1 Clap your hands, |all you |peoples; *
shout to God with a |cry of |joy.
2 For the Lord Most High |is to· be |feared; *
he is the great King over |all the |earth.
3 He subdues the |peoples |under us, *
and the nations |under· our |feet.
4 He chooses our in-|heri-tance |for us, *
the pride of Jacob |whom he |loves.
5 God has gone |up· with a |shout, *
the Lord with the |sound of· the |ram's-horn.
6 Sing praises to |God, sing |praises; *
sing praises to our |King, sing |praises.
7 For God is King of |all the |earth; *
sing praises with |all your |skill.
8 God reigns |over· the |nations; *
God sits upon his |holy |throne.
9 The nobles of the peoples have |gathered· to-|gether *
with the people of the |God of |Abraham.
10 The rulers of the earth be-|long to |God, *
and he is |highly· ex-|alted.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
SECOND READING Ephesians 1:15-23
Reader: A reading from the First Letter of John
I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Alleluia, Give Thanks
Blue Hymnal #178, v. 1
Alleluia, alleluia!
Give thanks to the risen Lord.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Give Praise to his Name.
Jesus is Lord of all the earth.
He is the King of creation.
THE HOLY GOSPEL Luke 24:44-53
The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said to his disciples, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you-- that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.
The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
SEQUENCE HYMN Rejoice, the Lord of Life Ascends
Tune: St. Patrick
1. Rejoice, the Lord of life ascends
in triumph from earth’s battlefield:
his strife with human hatred ends,
as sin and death their conquests yield.
No more his mortal form we see;
he reigns invisible but near:
for in the midst of two or three
he makes his gracious presence clear.
2. He reigns, but with a love that shares
the troubles of our earthly life;
he takes upon his heart the cares,
the pain, and shame of human strife.
He reigns in heaven until the hour
when he, who once was crucified,
shall come in all love’s glorious power
to rule the world for which he died.
SERMON Alan Rellaford
THE NICENE CREED
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God, begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Form VI Book of Common Prayer p. 392
Leader: In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
Silence
Leader: For all people in their daily life and work;
People: For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
Leader: For this community, the nation, and the world;
People: For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
Leader: For the just and proper use of your creation:
People: For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
Leader: For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
People: For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
Leader: For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
People: For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
Leader: For Michael our Presiding Bishop, Megan our diocesan Bishop, and for all bishops and other ministers;
People: For all who serve God in the Church.
Leader: For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
Silence (People may add their petitions aloud or in silence.)
Leader: Hear us Lord;
People: For your mercy is great.
Leader: We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
Silence (People may add their own thanksgivings aloud or in silence.)
Leader: We will exalt you, O God our King;
People: And praise your Name for ever and ever.
Leader: We pray for all who have died,
that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.
Silence (People may add their own thanksgivings aloud or in silence.)
Leader: Lord, let your loving kindness be upon them;
People: Who put their trust in you.
Celebrant: Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, “Peace I give to you; my own peace I leave with you:” Regard not our sins, but the faith of your Church, and give to us the peace and unity of that heavenly City, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit, you live and reign, now and for ever. Amen.
THE PEACE
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.
The Ministers and People greet one another in the name of the Lord.
WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND OFFERTORY STATEMENT
THE LITURGY OF THE MEAL
OFFERTORY ANTHEM
PRESENTATION HYMN Blue Hymnal #484, v. 2
2. Jesus, Lord, our Captain glorious,
o’er sin, and death, and hell victorious,
wisdom and might to thee belong:
we confess, proclaim, adore thee;
we bow the knee, we fall before thee;
thy love henceforth shall be our song.
The cross meanwhile we bear,
the crown erelong to wear:
Alleluia!
Thy reign extend world without end;
let praise from all to thee ascend.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Upon receiving the Bread the Celebrant says:
Blessed are you, O Lord our God; you bring forth bread from the earth and make the risen Lord to be for us the Bread of life: Grant that we who daily seek the bread which sustains our bodies may also hunger for the food of everlasting life, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Upon receiving the Wine, the Celebrant says:
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, creator of the fruit of the vine: Grant that we who share this wine, which gladdens our hearts, may share for ever the new life of the true Vine, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING Eucharistic Prayer D
Book of Common Prayer p. 372
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Celebrant: It is truly right to glorify…
… we acclaim you, and glorify your Name, as we sing:
SANCTUS Blue Hymnal #S-128
Celebrant: We acclaim you, holy Lord, …
… Recalling Christ's death and his descent among the dead, proclaiming his resurrection and ascension to your right hand, awaiting his coming in glory; and offering to you, from the gifts you have given us, this bread and this cup, we praise you and we bless you.
People: We praise you, we bless you, we give thanks to you,
and we pray to you, Lord our God.
Celebrant: Lord, we pray…
… Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, all honor and glory are yours, Almighty God and Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever.
People: Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Celebrant: And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
Celebrant and People:
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 who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Celebrant breaks the bread.
FRACTION ANTHEM Agnus Dei – Ronald A. Nelson
THE INVITATION TO COMMUNION
INSTRUCTIONS FOR RECEIVING COMMUNION
Please follow the directions of the ushers. We go to the communion rail to receive. Respond to the words: “The Body of Christ, the Bread of Life” and “The Blood of Christ, the Cup of Salvation” with a hearty “Amen.” After receiving Communion it is appropriate to return to your seat to kneel or sit in silence for personal prayer and thanksgiving.
There are two options for reception. First is drinking from the common cup. When approaching the priest giving the bread or host, raise cupped hands to receive the bread. Consume and then take the cup by its base to tip to your lips to drink. Return to your seat by way of the side aisles.
The second option for reception is intinction (bread dipped into the wine). As the clergy person approaches, point to the chalice that the priest may take a wafer, intinct it in the wine, and give to you to consume. Return to your seat by way of the side aisles.
If you are unable to come forth to receive Communion, simply make it known to the usher and the clergy will come out to you to bring the bread and wine. The priest will instinct the bread into the wine and give it to you to consume.
If you are not communing, please consider coming forth for a blessing. As you approach the priest, cross your arms across your chest to indicate you desire a blessing.
COMMUNION ANTIPHON Psallite Domino
COMMUNION HYMN Æterne Rex altissime
Blue Hymnal #221
1. O Lord Most High, eternal King,
by thee redeemed thy praise we sing.
The bonds of death are burst by thee,
and grace has won the victory.
2. Ascending to the Father’s throne
thou claim’st the kingdom as thine own;
and angels wonder when they see
how changed is our humanity.
3. Be thou our joy, O Mighty Lord,
as thou wilt be our great reward;
let all our glory be in thee
both now and through eternity.
4. O risen Christ, ascended Lord,
all praise to thee let earth accord,
who art, while endless ages run,
with Father and with Spirit, One.
POST COMMUNION PRAYER Book of Common Prayer p. 365
Celebrant: Let us pray. Eternal God,
Celebrant and People:
heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Mothers’ Day Blessing
EASTER BLESSING
Celebrant: May Almighty God, who has redeemed us and made us his children through the resurrection of his Son our Lord, bestow upon you the riches of his blessing.
People: Amen.
Celebrant: May God, who through the water of baptism has raised us from sin into newness of life, make you holy and worthy to be united with Christ for ever.
People: Amen.
Celebrant: May God, who has brought us out of bondage to sin into true and lasting freedom in the Redeemer, bring you to your eternal inheritance.
People: Amen.
Celebrant: And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be upon you and remain with you for ever.
People: Amen.
CLOSING HYMN See, the Conquerer Mounts in Triumph
Blue Hymnal #215
1. See the Conqueror mounts in triumph;
see the King in royal state,
riding on the clouds, his chariot,
to his heavenly palace gate!
Hark! the choirs of angel voices
joyful alleluias sing,
and the portals high are lifted
to receive their heavenly King.
2. He who on the cross did suffer,
he who from the grave arose,
he has vanquished sin and Satan;
he by death has spoiled his foes.
While he lifts his hands in blessing,
he is parted from his friends;
while their eager eyes behold him,
he upon the clouds ascends.
3. Thou hast raised our human nature
on the clouds to God’s right hand:
there we sit in heavenly places,
there with thee in glory stand.
Jesus reigns, adored by angels;
Man with God is on the throne
mighty Lord, in thine ascension,
we by faith behold our own.
DISMISSAL
Celebrant: Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!
POSTLUDE Hyfrydol – Ralph Vaughan Williams
Rev. Annie Ryder, celebrant
St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church
2341 Floral Avenue, Chico, CA 95926
(530) 894-1971 · office@stjohnschico.org
The Reverend Dr. William L. Stomski, Interim Rector
Jeffrey Cooper, Director of Music
Hymn permission used by Rite Song a one-time use reprint license for congregational use
"Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License # A-735293. All rights reserved.”