Christ Church Cathedr al
Sunday, May 2, 2021
The Holy Eucharist: Rite II ten o’clock in the morning
Welcome to May Fete 2021 We are so happy to have the opportunity to safely gather together and honor this more than 120 year-old tradition. In the spirit of healthy fellowship, please remember that the safety of our gathering depends on all of us. Please keep your mask on unless eating or drinking, distance as much as you are able, and keep especially safe those who are not yet fully vaccinated and children who are unable to be vaccinated. May Fete is a tradition unique to Christ Church Cathedral. Each spring since at least 1899 our congregation has gathered in the midst of the city to worship, honor our children, and celebrate all of the many members of our community who make this a special place in downtown Houston. In a traditional year we gather for a combined worship service then proceed to the Bishop’s Courtyard to celebrate how much the Cathedral children have grown and learned over the year. Cathedral Children parade into the courtyard by Sunday School class, and the fifth graders - who are graduating out of Children’s Ministry — are recognized. We crown the Queen and King and watch as the Maypole is beautifully wrapped in colorful ribbons by our Maypole dancers. Lively music, good food and refreshments, and fun games fill our campus with joy. May Fete is our spring tradition, our celebration of community, fellowship and growth. It is our chance to remember the long history of our congregation and to look forward to the new season of growth. And while it will look a little different this year than in years past, today we celebrate the ways in which we can be together and continue to look ahead with joy. Welcome.
Susan Dugat, May Fete Chair 2
Fifth Sunday of Easter May 2, 2021 10 a.m. Welcome to Christ Church Cathedral! We are so pleased you have chosen to worship with us. Bishop Doyle has issued guidelines to keep us all safe in this season of COVID-19, so in-person worship will look and feel different from the worship to which we are accustomed. You will remain physically-distanced from any individuals not in your household or with whom you are not a “pod” in order to promote good health. At the Holy Eucharist, only bread will be shared. This is called “Communion in one kind,” and it is a full measure of grace. At the time of communion, please remain in place, and communion will be brought to you.
The Holy Eucharist: Rite Two The Rev. Kathy Rock Pfister, Canon Vicar Celebrant
Hymn
I’ ll Fly Away Some glad morning when this life is o’er, I’ll fly away; To a home on God’s celestial shore, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away). I’ ll fly away, Oh Glory I’ ll fly away; (in the morning) When I die, Hallelujah, by and by, I’ ll fly away (I’ ll fly away).
When the shadows of this life have gone,
Just a few more weary days and then,
I’ll fly away;
I’ll fly away;
Like a bird from prison bars has flown,
To a land where joy shall never end,
I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away)
I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away)
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The Word of God 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 Excelsis 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.
The Collect of the Day Celebrant The Lord be with you.
And also with you. Celebrant Let us pray. People
Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 4
The First Reading
Acts 8:26–40
An angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a wilderness road.) So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot and join it.” So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” He replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.” The eunuch asked Philip, “About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?” He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea. Reader People
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
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Hymn
Softly and Tenderly
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, calling for you and for me; see, on the portals he’s waiting and watching, watching for you and for me. Come home, come home; you who are weary come home; earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling, calling, O sinner, come home! Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading, pleading for you and for me? Why should we linger and heed not his mercies, mercies for you and for me? [Refrain] O for the wonderful love he has promised, promised for you and for me! Though we have sinned, he has mercy and pardon, pardon for you and for me. [Refrain]
The Holy Gospel
John 15:1–8
Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. People
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said to his disciples, ”I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.” Deacon The Gospel of the Lord. People 6
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Homily
The Rev. Kathy Rock Pfister, Canon Vicar
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. 7
The Prayers of the People The Leader and People pray responsively
In peace, we pray to you, Lord God. Silence
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. 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 Justin, The Archbishop of Canterbury, Michael, our Presiding Bishop; Andrew, Jeff, Kai, and Hector, our Bishops, for Jeremy and Beth Anne, our seminarians, and for all bishops and other ministers; For all who serve God in his Church. For the special needs and concerns of this congregation. Silence The People may add their own petitions
Hear us, Lord; For your mercy is great. We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life. Silence The People may add their own thanksgivings
We will exalt you, O God our King; And praise your Name for ever and ever. 8
We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom. Silence The People may add their own petitions
Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them; Who put their trust in you. We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Silence may be kept. Leader and People
Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; in your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone; and so uphold us by your Spirit that we may live and serve you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Priest stands and says
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
The Peace Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People
And also with you.
The People greet one another in the name of the Lord.
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The Holy Communion The Great Thanksgiving
Eucharistic Prayer B
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
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. People
The Celebrant continues.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere 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:
Sanctus and Benedictus 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, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of 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 Savior 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 before he died for us, 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 10
you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.” Therefore, according to his command, O Father, Celebrant and People
We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory; The Celebrant continues
And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O 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 may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of 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 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, 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 Breaking of the Bread Celebrant Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; People Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia. 11
The Episcopal Church invites all baptized persons to receive Communion. Please remain in place, and priests will bring Communion to you. If you do not wish to receive Communion, cross your arms over your chest to receive a blessing. Gluten-free communion wafers are available for persons with dietary restrictions. Notify the priest during the administration and one will be offered. The people may be seated until the priest approaches you with Communion.
At the Administration Anthem
“Where the Soul of Man Never Dies”
Prayer after Communion Celebrant Let us pray. Celebrant and People
Eternal God, 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.
The Blessing Hymn I wandered so aimless, life filled with sin I wouldn’t let my dear savior in Then Jesus came like a stranger in the night Praise the Lord, I saw the light I saw the light, I saw the light No more darkness, no more night Now I’m so happy no sorrow in sight Praise the Lord, I saw the light Just like a blind man, I wandered along Worries and fears I claimed for my own Then like the blind man that God gave back his sight Praise the Lord, I saw the light I was a fool to wander and stray For straight is the gate and narrows the way Now I have traded the wrong for the right Praise the Lord, I saw the light 12
I Saw the Light
The Dismissal Deacon People
Let us go forth rejoicing in the power of the Spirit. Alleluia, alleluia. Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia. The Book of Remembrance This week we remember Mont Powell Hoyt.
The Beauty of Flowers The flowers on the Cathedral Altar are given to the glory of God in loving memory of their nephew, Tyler Bludau, by Shirley Bludau and Mike Grimes.
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Welcome
Sunday, May 2, 2021 Announcements TODAY Welcome • If you are a guest today, we offer a warm welcome to Christ Church! Please complete a virtual welcome card at christchurchcathedral.org/welcome so we can get to know you. Feel free to contact the cathedral offices during the week at 713-222-2593 and let the receptionist know you would like to learn more about Christ Church Cathedral. May Fete • Today we host our annual May Fete celebration: A day of pageantry, merriment, and games! This springtime event has been a fixture at the Cathedral for more than 100 years. Festivities include worship followed by a party spread throughout the Bishop’s Courtyard, Nancy’s Garden, and Reynold’s Hall. We have live music and long-standing traditions like the Maypole, a King and Queen, and food. Dean’s Hour Series: The Four Loves • Beginning today, May 2, join the Dean’s Hour via Zoom as we kick off a four-week look at C.S. Lewis’ classic text The Four Loves. Participants will explore in-depth the many ways human beings understand love and learn to differentiate all the ways love blesses our lives. Register in advance to attend via Zoom on Sundays at 2 p.m. Learn more at: christchurchcathedral.org/deanshour Spring Neighborhood Gatherings • Every fall and spring, it has become customary to socialize with parishioners, clergy, and staff of the Cathedral either at the homes of fellow parishioners or in other venues around Houston. We hope you’ll join us at one of the locations that works best for you. Remaining Spring dates include in-person gatherings May 4 and May 11. Learn more at christchurchcathedral.org/springgatherings. Spring Newcomer Gathering • The Spring Newcomer Gathering is an opportunity for those who feel new to the Cathedral to meet and greet one another. All are invited to attend May 16, from 3:30–5 p.m. Newcomers will come together to get to know each other a little better, hear about what’s going on at the Cathedral, and enjoy each other’s company (socially distanced, of course!) Registration is required for this event. Please reach out to Elizabeth Cuevas at ecuevas@christchurchcathedral. org. We hope to see you there! Racial Reconciliation and the Baptismal Covenant • May 14 –15 the Cathedral’s Justice & Peace Council will host the conference “Racial Reconciliation and the Baptismal Covenant: Striving for Justice and Peace Among All People.” The conference will be held via Zoom and Facebook Premiere. Register in advance to attend. Details at: christchurchcathedral.org/reconciliation Get Connected • To learn more about the ministries of Christ Church Cathedral and how you can get involved, read our monthly newsletter The Bulletin, see our upcoming events, and subscribe to our weekly e-newsletters to stay informed. You can find all this information and more at: christchurchcathedral.org/connect How to make a donation online • Visit christchurchcathedral.org/give for a variety of ways to make a gift to the Cathedral, including via PayPal and our new “text-to-give” option. Simply text “Give” to 888-998-1634, and follow the instructions. If you have questions, contact Minister for Stewardship Karen Kraycirik at kkraycirik@christchurchcathedral.org or 713-590-3338.
After-Hours Emergency Pastoral Care Line • 713-826-5332
5th graders for May Fete King & Queen candidates Carlos Catalina Colin Davis James Kai Mary Sadie Samson Samuel Tillie Vincent Walker Dorothy Jack Celeste José Kathia
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The Bishop’s Courtyard • Maypole Dance • Crowning of the King and Queen
Reynold’s Hall • Hotdogs and Tamales • Aguas Frescas and Refreshments • Cakewalk Prizes • Cupcakes for All
Nacy’s Garden • Lonestar Bluegrass Band • Procession and Ribbon Cutting • Maypole Dance Reprise • Cakewalk
Special Thanks May Fete would not be possible this year without the planning and dedication of Susan Dugat, the 2021 May Fete Chair, and the support of many councils including adult formation, community life, children’s ministry, Latino ministry, welcome and newcomers, young adults, and youth ministry. We also thank Alicia Stephens, Sarah Wallace, and Anne Kappes for their leadership with the Maypole dance.
Christ Church Cathedral