Eastertide Order of Worship
We welcome you to Christ Church Cathedral. Since 1839, this Christian community has gathered for worship.
The Cathedral is equipped with a hearing loop for assisted listening via telecoil.
Third Sunday of Easter
five o’clock in the evening
The Rev. Becky Zartman, Canon Missioner for Evangelism and Formation Celebrant
Good evening and welcome to the Well. To mark the season of Easter, we have prepared a new Order of Service for our worship.
After the prayer for the evening, the congregation will be invited to sit for a period of silence and to remain seated for the reading of the gospel and the reflection. While this pattern may be unfamiliar to you, it allows us to settle into a meditative and reflective experience without interruption. Following the prayers we will rise, sing, and then share the peace. Following the peace, the rhythm of the liturgy will return to the customary and familiar pattern of the table. We are so glad that you are here. Come close, draw near, and receive the grace of God.
Opening Music
Traditional Scottish and Irish Tunes
At the sound of the bell, please stand.
Opening Sentence
The angel of the Lord came down from heaven and said to the women: “The one whom you seek has risen, as he said he would,” alleluia. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.”
Hymn 482 Slane
A Prayer for the Evening
Stay with us, Lord, since the day is far spent and the night is coming; kindle our hearts on the Way, that we may recognize you in the scriptures, in the breaking of the bread, and in each other. Amen.
Please be seated. A period of silence is observed.
The Reading Luke 24:13–35
Lector A reading from the Gospel of Luke.
Now on that same day two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
A period of silence is observed.
The Reflection
The Rev. Kathy Rock Pfister, Canon VicarTwo minutes of silence is observed following the reflection.
Prayers of the People (The people stand for the prayers.)
The Leader begins.
As evening falls and courage sometimes falters, let us turn our hearts to God in prayer.
Silence
We pray for those gathered here and all that lies heavy on our hearts. We pray that you would know our needs even before we recognize them. Grant us those good things for which we dare not, or in our blindness cannot, ask.
Silence
We pray for those in positions of leadership in the world, our nation, our state, and our city. Grant them the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice, that they may promote the well-being of all people.
Silence
We pray for the sick, the bereaved, the oppressed, and the homeless, that they may be comforted by your Holy Spirit, who brings light to the darkest places.
Silence
We pray for the broken and torn fabric of the earth as it yearns for healing, trusting that you make all things new.
Silence
We pray for this and all communities of faith. We pray that you would open the hearts of your faithful to seek your truth and pursue it in love.
Silence
We pray that you would disturb us, Lord, when our dreams have come true because we have dreamed too little; when with the abundance of things we possess we have lost our thirst for the water of life. Push back, we pray, the horizons of our hopes, and move us into your future in strength, courage, hope, and love.
The people stand for the hymn.
j
1. God
2. Be
God be Ris
be my en
fore ebb King
œ œ
be my ver
& b ú
mind. grow. breath.
. œ j
. œ œ œ
- - -- - -& b ú
œ œ
Mer Je Full
praise. sky preme;
God be King
with me of
in seed God,
œ œ ú
ú œ
of is of -
ci sus of
ful, Christ, truth,
all that Son
œ my plant Mar
hind; flow; death; œ
œ
in to be
heart, wheat life,
in that be
œ œ œ
my will our
.
ty ing of
life, ed, y œ œ
King, Hope, grace,
hea Lord Ho
ven's of ly
Son sea God,
we and Love
will of su
.
œ
œ œ œ
-& b ú œ
The Grace
œ œ- -
folds, health kings,
God while Pre
- -
sur we cious
through be fill our us
out new with
all life your
TUNE: THE DARK ISLAND (traditional Scottish melody, arr. Keith Duke) ~ Words: Paul Neeley, alt.; CCL# 11426131
our we se
ú U days die. rene.
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. Amen.
The Peace
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.
Grant Us Your Peace, O Lord
Grant Us Your Peace, O Lord
We will sing the entire hymn three times.
Music by M. Franck Music by M. FranckThe Holy Communion
The Great Thanksgiving
The people stand.
Celebrant Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest. With friend, with stranger, with young and old, be among us tonight. People Come close to us that we may come close to you. Strengthen us that we may strengthen one another. Renew us that where we have failed, we may begin again.
The People kneel or stand.
In the beginning God made the world. The world flowed from God and God shaped it, filling it with light and life. God knew the world, but we chose not to know God. We turned from God, and though God sought us through patriarchs, matriarchs, and prophets, still we strayed. Our rebellion imperiled the fullness God intends for us, and when the world could bear no more, God sent Jesus, his Son. Among friends, gathered round a table, Jesus took bread, and, having blessed it, he broke the bread and gave it to his disciples saying, “This is my body which is given for you.” In the same way he took wine, and, having given thanks for it, he poured it and gave the cup to his disciples saying, “This cup is the new covenant with God, sealed with my blood. Take this and share it.” Lord Jesus Christ, present with us now, as we do in this place what you did in an upstairs room, breathe your Spirit upon us and upon this bread and wine, that they may be heaven’s food and drink for us, renewing, sustaining, and making us whole, and that we may be your body on earth, loving and caring for the world. Through, with, and for the love of Christ, we share this bread and cup in the unity of your Spirit, Father Almighty. 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 forever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
Celebrant Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; People Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
The Invitation to Communion
Celebrant
So, come to this table, you who have much faith, and you who would like to have more; you who have been to this sacrament often, and you who have not been for a long time. You who have tried to follow Jesus, and you who have fallen short. Come. It is Christ who invites you to meet him here.
All are welcome and encouraged to receive Communion, whatever one’s Christian tradition.
Prayer after Communion (The people may stand or kneel.)
Celebrant and People
Strengthen for your service, Lord, these hands that holy things have taken; may these ears which have heard your Word be deaf to all clamor and dispute; may these tongues which have sung your praise be free from deceit; may these eyes which have seen the tokens of your love shine with the light of hope; and may these bodies which have been fed with your body be refreshed with the fullness of your life; glory to you forever. Amen.
The Blessing
Let us take care as we move through God’s creation, for it does not belong to us. May we be gentle with ourselves and with one another, for we are all the dwelling place of the most High. And the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
Hymn & 4 4
As we break the bread
. ú
œ
1. As
2. Grain
3. Pass
4. Je
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bread die; hand one bread
and it the our that& œ œ .
life from love rise life
. ú œ wine, dead, Christ! work; gain,
we be Ma he we
œ
the es ing to ly œ j œ
---&
bring comes chine is rise
to through and of to
.
-& ú
w Lord, toil vide kind world,
œ
œ man our bread sym scat
--
of com for bol tered
all mon this and as
Words: Fred Kaan, b. 1929 ~ PLATTS LANE; music by Evelyn Sharpe, 1884-1969 ~ Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. CCL# 11426131 Music from ENLARGED SONGS OF PRAISE by permission of Oxford University Press; onelicense.net # 726591-A
The Dismissal
Celebrant Deep peace of the running wave to you. Deep peace of the flowing air to you. Deep peace of the quiet earth to you. Deep peace of the shining stars to you. Deep peace of the Son of God to you. Deep peace, deep peace. People Thanks be to God.
Traditional Scottish Tune
Becky Baxter, Music Coordinator and Harpist for The Well
Dr. Kimberly Clark, flautist
Sally Keller, cellist
7
Closing Music
The Book of Remembrance
This week we remember C. Henry Roth.
The Beauty of Flowers
The flowers on the Cathedral Altar are given to the glory of God in celebration of the life of Michael DeVoll by Mark Shirey and John Flanagan.
Welcome, Sunday, April 23, 2023
Announcements
TODAY
Tea and Talk • Join the Cathedral Bookstore and friends this evening at Tea and Talk after The Well for conversation and refreshment. Drop in from 5:45–6:30 p.m. in the Bookstore and Latham Lobby.
Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul • Join The Rev. Kathy Pfister as she continues this three-week series. Together you will explore Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul, written by John Philip Newell in preparation for his visit to the Cathedral in May. Sessions are April 23 & 30, at 6 p.m. in Sanders Hall.
Bishop Paul-Gordon Chandler: A Special Presentation on Kahlil Gibran • On the 100th Anniversary of Kahlil Gibran’s best-selling book, The Prophet, Bishop Paul-Gordon Chandler will take the listener on a fascinating journey through the allembracing spirituality of Kahlil Gibran. Co-hosted by Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, The American Lebanese Cultural Center, and Christ Church Cathedral. April 29, 4-6 p.m. Space is limited. The event is free, but registration is required: www. christchurchcathedral.org/bishopchandler
The Climb • Rising 5th graders and their families are invited to come to the 9 a.m. service April 30, in the Cathedral. We will honor 5th graders with a brief prayer and the presentation of gifts. Following the service, 5th graders are invited to the Treehouse for their first week of Sunday School there!
Six Pillars Builds a Bridge — Embracing “the other” in the way of Christ • Bishop Paul-Gordon Chandler, who has spent much of his life serving within the Islamic world, will present creative thinking in the area of Christian-Muslim relations, by exploring how these two major religions — which share much common heritage — can not only coexist but also enrich each other. April 30 at 10 a.m. in Reynolds Hall. Details at: www. christchurchcathedral.org/deanshourchandler
May Fete • Our annual May Fete celebration takes place on Sunday, May 7. Spend the day participating in one of the oldest Cathedral traditions! Gather at the Cathedral for a special bilingual worship service at 10 a.m. and stay for food, games, fellowship, and music. Come be a part of this wonderful tradition. Visit the cloister tables between services to learn more and volunteer, or visit: www.christchurchcathedral.org/mayfete.
John Philip Newell: Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul • Internationally acclaimed teacher of Celtic spirituality, popular speaker, and widely read author, John Philip Newell, will give a special public address and book signing at the Cathedral on Sunday evening, May 14, at 6 p.m. Register to attend at: https://www.christchurchcathedral.org/sacredearth
Barbara Brown Taylor and John Philip Newell: Celebrating Casa Mateo • Two of the most celebrated authors and teachers of spirituality today will combine their insights and wisdom in a wide-ranging, lively, and hopeful conversation about some of the most vexing and challenging concerns facing humanity today. May 15, 7-9 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30). Space is limited. Registration required. Learn more at: www. christchurchcathedral.org/taylornewell
Spring Neighborhood Gatherings • Neighborhood Gatherings offer a fun evening of fellowship and offer a way to connect with new friends and learn more about our community. They are hosted in the homes of Cathedral members across Houston. Upcoming events will be April 27, and May 9 and 11. RSVP required. Contact Lisa Cantu at lcantu@christchurchcathedral.org.
Looking for Children’s Ministry • Follow Agnus to childcare for infants (6 weeks–5 years), or the Huffington Playground. Have questions? Contact KariAnn Lessner at kalessner@christchurchcathedral.org
For more information about these and other events at the Cathedral, visit www.christchurchcathedral.org/events.
After-Hours Emergency Pastoral Care Line • 713-826-5332
Welcome to Christ Church Cathedral!
We are blessed by your presence. If you are new to the Cathedral, please fill out the WELCOME card in your pew and put it in the offering plate or give it to an usher.
Tours of the Cathedral are available after the 5 p.m. service on the third Sunday every month. If you would like a tour, meet the tour guide by the eagle lectern.
Welcome Team members are in the Cathedral Bookstore after the service to visit with you and answer any questions you may have.
Portions of this service are adapted from the Iona Community Worship Book and the Prayer Books of the Church of Ireland, the Anglican Church of New Zealand, and the Northumbrian Community.
Please be advised that our services are Livesteamed to Vimeo and Facebook. Your participation in the service serves as your consent to the broadcast of your image and voice and to the broadcast of the image and voice of your participating minor children.
Pursuant to Section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with a concealed handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a concealed handgun. Pursuant to Section 30.07, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with an openly carried handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a handgun that is carried openly.