Permission to podcast the music in this service obtained from One License, License # A-733800 and for those works copyrighted by Gregory J. Cava, from the holder of the copyright.
Christ Episcopal Church
Roxbury, Connecticut
The Feast of the Resurrection:
Easter Day
Welcome: Rev. Sherry Hardwick Thomas
The Word of God
Prelude
Ode to Joy from the 9th Symphony of Ludwig van Beethoven
Arranged by Gregory J. Cava1
Processional Hymn 207 Easter Hymn
Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!
Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!
But the pains which he endured, Alleluia!
our salvation have procured, Alleluia!
now above the sky he's King, Alleluia!
where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!
Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
praise eternal as his love, Alleluia!
praise him, all ye heavenly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!
Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ is risen.
People: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
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.
Gloria
In Unison
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
The Collect
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The First Reading The Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 10, verses 34-43 Judy Martinez
Then Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ--he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
Psalm 118, verses 1-2 and 14-24 Confitemini Domino Jim Stanton
1
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; *
his mercy endures for ever.
2
Let Israel now proclaim,
*"His mercy endures for ever."
14
The LORD is my strength and my song, *
and he has become my salvation.
15
There is a sound of exultation and victory *
in the tents of the righteous:
16
"The right hand of the LORD has triumphed! *
the right hand of the LORD is exalted!
the right hand of the LORD has triumphed!"
17
I shall not die, but live, *
and declare the works of the LORD.
18
The LORD has punished me sorely, *
but he did not hand me over to death.
19
Open for me the gates of righteousness; *
I will enter them;
I will offer thanks to the LORD.
20
"This is the gate of the LORD; *
he who is righteous may enter."
21
I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *
and have become my salvation.
22
The same stone which the builders rejected *
has become the chief cornerstone.
23
This is the LORD'S doing, *
and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24
On this day the LORD has acted; *
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
The Second Reading Paul’s First Letter to the Colossians 3:1-4 Judy Martinez
If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
Gradual Hymn 205 Gelobt sei Gott
Good Christians all, rejoice and sing!
Now is the triumph of our King!
To all the world glad news we bring:
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
The Lord of life is risen today!
Sing songs of praise along his way;
let all the earth rejoice and say:
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Praise we in songs of victory
that love, that life which cannot die,
and sing with hearts uplifted high:
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Your name we bless, O risen Lord,
and sing today with one accord
the life laid down, the life restored:
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
To God the Father, God the Son,
to God the Spirit, always One,
we sing for life in us begun:
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Gospel Alleluia
He has burst his three days' prison; let the wole wide earth rejoice:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Unser Herrscher
At the introduction of the Gospel reading, the people respond:
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
The Gospel According to Matthew 28:1-10
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
At the conclusion:
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon
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 Led by Jim Stanton
The Congregation will read the passages in bold print.
In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
For this community, the nation, and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
Gracious God, we pray for those for whom prayers have been requested: Dermott, Carolyn, Jennifer, Deb, Mary, Steve, Michael, Barbara and Graham. Charlie , Lee, Don, Marilyn, Grace, Virginia, Hanq, Isabel, Mandy, Sandy, Nanette, Tyler, Sam, Matt, Ana, Bergie, Jim , Steve, Marguerite, Mead, Gwyneth, Pauline, Hellen, Ginnie, Meredith, Mayo, Jim, Matthew, Lee, Jeffrey, Gail, Kathy, Ray, Marie, Susan, Allen, Michael, Pedro, James, Brian, Jim Robert, Nick and Jillian.
For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
For all bishops and other ministers, especially the laity who serve the Gospel in word and deed;
For all who serve God in his Church.
For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
Silence
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
Silence
We will exalt you, O God our King;
And praise your Name for ever and ever.
We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in
your eternal kingdom.
Silence
Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;
Who put their trust in you.
Concluding Prayer In Unison
O God our King, by the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ on the first day of the week,
you conquered sin, put death to flight, and gave us the hope of everlasting life: Redeem all
our days by this victory; forgive our sins, banish our fears, make us bold to praise you and
to do your will; and steel us to wait for the consummation of your kingdom on the last great
Day; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Peace
Celebrant: The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.
The Holy Communion
Offertory Meditation Prelude No. 2 in C major, from Twelve Little Preludes of Johann Sebastian Bach
Doxology Lasst uns enfreuen
?Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise Him all creatures here below;
Aleluia! Aleluia! Praise Him above ye heavenly host; Praise Father, son, and Holy Ghost!
Aleluia! Aleluia! Aleluia! Aleluia! Aleluia!
Prayer A Book of Common Prayer page 361
The Great Thanksgiving
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 right, and a good and joyful thing, always and every-where to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
But chiefly are we bound to praise you for the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed death, and by his rising to life again he has won for us everlasting life.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Celebrant and People
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.
Then the Celebrant continues
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, 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 stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and 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."
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Celebrant and People
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
The Celebrant continues
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.
Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
People and Celebrant
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 Breaking of the Bread
The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.
A period of silence is kept.
Celebrant: Alleluia, Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People: Therefore let us keep the feast, Alleluia.
In Unison
Lord, Jesus Christ, we believe that you are present in the sharing of the Holy Eucharist. We desire through this sacrament to receive you into our bodies: heart, mind and soul. Since we cannot at this moment receive you physically through the bread and wine of this Holy Meal, we ask that you come spiritually into our hearts. We embrace you now as we unite ourselves to your presence. May we never be separated from your love. Amen.
Communion Meditation
Prelude No. 1 in C Major from the Well Tempered Clavier
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
The Post-Communion Prayer
Lord, you have called us to serve you.
Grant that we may walk in your presence:
your love in our hearts,
your truth in our minds,
your strength in our wills;
until, at the end of our journey,
we know the joy of our homecoming
and the welcome of your embrace,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Easter Blessing
God the Father, by whose love Christ was raised from the dead,
open to you who believe the gates of everlasting life. Amen.
God the Son, who in bursting from the grave has won a glorious victory,
give you joy as you share the Easter faith. Amen.
God the Holy Spirit, who filled the disciples with the life of the risen Lord,
empower you and fill you with Christ’s peace. Amen.
And the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be among you and remain with
you always. Amen.
Recessional Hymn 180 Unser Herrscher
He is risen, he is risen!
Tell it out with joyful voice:
he has burst his three days' prison;
let the whole wide earth rejoice:
death is conquered, man is free,
Christ has won the victory.
Come, ye sad and fearful-hearted,
with glad smile and radiant brow!
Lent's long shadows have departed;
Jesus' woes are over now,
and the passion that he bore--
sin and pain can vex no more.
He is risen, he 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.
Dismissal
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord with the power that raised Jesus from the dead at work
within you, Alleluia, alleluia.
In the name of Christ. Amen. Alleluia, alleluia.
Postlude
In Majesty and Splendor2
Composed by Gregory J. Cava
from Kindness
Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside,
you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing.
You must wake up with sorrow.
You must speak to it till your voice
catches the thread of all sorrows
and you see the size of the cloth.
Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore,
only kindness that ties your shoes
and sends you out into the day to gaze at bread,
only kindness that raises its head
from the crowd of the world to say
It is I you have been looking for,
and then goes with you everywhere
like a shadow or a friend.
Naomi Shihab Nye
1Arrangement Copyright © 2016 Gregory J. Cava. Used by Permission.
2Copyright © 1975 Gregory J. Cava. Used by Permission.
Permission to podcast the music in this service obtained from One License, License # A-733800 and from Gregory
J. Cava.
Christ Episcopal Church
Roxbury, Connecticut
Celebrant: The Rev. Sherry Hardwick Thomas
Organist & Music Director: Mr. Gregory J. Cava
Lectors: Judy Martinez and Jim Stanton
Heartfelt thanks to all who came together to make our Holy Week organized, televised, beautiful and full of Joyful Spirit!
Thank you:
Lisa and Dona for putting together our Holy Week online services and helping Christ Church Zoom!
Caroline Hutton and the Altar Guild for lovingly beautifying our church.
Special thank you to Anissa who convinced Frontier workers in the neighborhood, last week, to improve our Wi-Fi
in the nave. Frontier workman, Sean worked for an hour and made it possible for our Easter celebration to broadcast from the Nave!
The Episcopal Church of Connecticut
The Right Reverend Ian Douglas
Bishop Episcopal Church of Connecticut
The Right Reverend Laura J. Ahrens
Bishop Suffragan Episcopal Church of Connecticut
Vestry of Christ Church Roxbury
Caroline Hutton, Warden
Peter Hurlbut, Junior Warden
Dona Murphy, Clerk
Meg Mongin, Treasurer/Member
Members
Barbara Dratch
Judith Kelly
Judy Martinez
Lisa Martland
Patrick Roy
Barbara Spencer
The Rev. Sherry Hardwick Thomas, Missional Priest in Charge
Christ Episcopal Church, 4 Wellers Bridge Rd, PO Box 4, Roxbury CT 06783-0004
Office phone 860-355-3695 Email: christchurchoffice@frontier.com
Home phone 860-868-6832
