Third Sunday of Easter - April 23, 2023

 The Liturgy of the Word 

Prelude Lonely People Imen Star (Chelsie Cree and Grace Mauk)

Opening Statement

Priest: Alleluia! Christ is risen!

People: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Welcome The Rev. Robert Gahler

Opening Hymn Wade in the Water LEVAS #143

Collect of the Day Prayers for an Inclusive Church

Priest: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Priest: Let us pray.

Lord of the gathering feast, you walk with usss on the shadowed road: burn our hearts with scripture’s open flame; unveil our darkened eyes as bread is torn and shared and from the broken fragments bless a people for yourself; through Jesus Christ, the host of the world. Amen.

The FIRST READING Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Reader: A reading from the Book of Acts.

Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd, “Let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.

Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

THE PSALM

Psalm 116: 1-3,10-17

Psalms for Praying

Please join in singing the Refrain each time it is repeated; the verses will be offered by the choir

REFRAIN

Receive my love, O Beloved, You who hear my voice and my supplication. You incline your ear to me, And I call upon You with trust both day and night.

What shall I render to You for all your goodness to me? I will drink the chalice of Love and praise You, who have done wondrous things; I will bear witness to You, O Bread of Life, in the presence of all the people.

REFRAIN

Precious to You are all whose will decreases, who abandon themselves into your Will. O Beloved, consider me your friend; I long to co-create with You, for You have loosed the bonds of fear in me.

I will offer to You the gift of gratitude and acknowledge your Loving Presence with joy. I will bear witness to You, O Giver of Life, in the presence of all the people, In the Sacred Altar of my heart, in your midst, O Beloved. Praises be to You! For You dwell within the heart of everything.

REFRAIN

The SECOND READING

Reader: A reading from First Peter.

1 Peter 1: 17-23

If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God.

Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.

Reader: The Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God.

Gradual Over My Head arr. Adam & Matt Podd

Over my head I hear music in the air (repeat x3)

There must be a joy somewhere

Over my head I hear singing everywhere (repeat x3)

Their must be a joy somewhere

Over my head I hear music in the air

Over my head I hear singing everywhere

Over my head I hear music in the air

There must be a joy, there must be a joy, there must be a joy somewhere

The Gospel Luke 24:13-35

Priest: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Luke. People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

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.

Priest: The Gospel of the Lord.

People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Sermon

George Benson Director of Community Engagement

Affirmation of FAITH From Shore to Shore

The congregation is invited to join.

We believe in God, the creator of all life and beauty, who blesses our journey.

We believe in Jesus Christ, who lived as a friend and savior to all he met as he traveled, and who ate and laughed, wept and celebrated with them in love.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, who rides on the gentle breeze, who strengthens our bindings, and who offers hope eternal.

We believe in the church, which stands open to all travelers, and bears witness to the everlasting love of God. Amen.

Prayers of the People

Intercessor: Gathered at the empty tomb, let us pray for the church, those in need, and all of God’s creation. God of Easter gladness, invigorate us with the good news of freedom to choosing a path of love and new life. Lord, in your mercy, People: hear our prayer.

Intercessor: God of Easter rebirth, renew creation with rain, warmth, wonder and a creator’s love. Lord, in your mercy,

People: hear our prayer.

Intercessor: God of Easter everywhere, charge and challenge leaders of all nations to be servants and peacemakers. Lord, in your mercy,

People: hear our prayer.

Intercessor: God of Easter joy, surprise, amaze, and comfort all who seek healing. Lord, in your mercy,

People: hear our prayer.

Intercessor: God of Easter people, hear the prayers of this community on this and every day. At this time, we invite your own prayers, silently or aloud. (silence) Lord, in your mercy,

People: hear our prayer.

Intercessor: God of Easter presence, protect those who serve and work in dangerous conditions at home and abroad. Lord, in your mercy, People: hear our prayer.

Intercessor: God of Easter promises, invite us into the hope and joy of eternal life. We celebrate the life and witness of all the saints you have called by name. Lord, in your mercy, People: hear our prayer.

Intercessor: Into your hands, gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your risen Son, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

THE PEACE

Priest: The peace of the Lord be always with you. People: And also with you.

Announcements

Offertory Invitation

To give online, visit www.trinitytoledo.org/online-giving, choose GIVE NOW, and Sunday, April 23.

Offertory

Praise His Holy Name

Keith Hampton

 The Liturgy of the Table 

The Great Thanksgiving

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.

All: And also with you.

Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.

All: We lift them to the Lord.

Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

All: It is right to give God thanks and praise.

A Wee Worship Book, Iona Community

We praise you, O God, whom eternity cannot contain, for coming to earth and entering time in Jesus. We praise you for his life which informs our living, for his compassion which changes our hearts, for his clear speaking which contradicts our harmless generalities, for his disturbing presence, his innocent suffering, his fearless dying, his rising to life breathing forgiveness and restoring us forever to you. For these gifts we praise and worship you.

All that is spectacular, all that is plain have their origin in you. All that is lovely, all who are loving, point to you as their fulfillment. Therefore we gladly join our voices to the song of the Church on earth and in heaven:

Sanctus

Grayson Warren Brown

Jesus was always the guest. In the homes of Peter and Jairus, Martha and Mary, Joanna and Susanna, he was always the guest. At the meal tables of the wealthy where he pled the case of the poor, he was always the guest. Upsetting polite company, befriending isolated people, welcoming the stranger, he was always the guest.

But here, at this table, he is the host. Those who wish to serve him must first be served by him. Those who want to follow him must first be fed by him. For this is the table where God intends us to be nourished.

This is the time when Christ can make us new. So come, you who hunger and thirst for a deeper faith, for a better life, for a fairer world. Jesus Christ, who has sat at our tables, now invites us to be his guests.

On their last night together, and as they were sitting at a meal, Jesus gave thanks, took a piece of bread and broke it. He gave it to the disciples saying, “This is my body. It is broken for you. Do this to remember me.”

Later, after they had eaten, he took a cup of wine, gave thanks and said, “This cup is the new relationship with God made possible because of my death. Drink this all of you, to remember me.”

So now we do as Jesus did.

We offer this bread and this wine to each other, and proclaim the mystery of faith:

Celebrant and People

Christ has died.

Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

We ask that these signs of your love be filled with the fullness of Jesus. Let that same love rest on us, converting us from the patterns of this passing world, until we conform to the shape of him whose food we now share. Amen.

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we now New Zealand Prayerbook pray this version of the Lord’s Prayer:

Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver, Source of all that is and that shall be, Father and Mother of us all, Loving God, in whom is heaven: The hallowing of your name echo through the universe! The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world! Your heavenly will be done by all created beings! Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth. With the bread we need for today, feed us. In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us. In times of temptation and test, strengthen us. From trials too great to endure, spare us. From the grip of all that is evil, free us. For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and forever. Amen.

The Fraction: Breaking of the Bread Enriching Our Worship

Celebrant: We break this bread to share in the Body of Christ. People: We who are many are one body, for we all share in the one bread.

Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the people of God; holy food for holy people.

Invitation to Communion

Please be seated until you are invited to come forward to receive communion. Please let us know if you would like the bread brought to you or if you would like a gluten free option.

The Post Communion Prayer (Please stand as you are able.)

Celebrant: Let us pray.

Jesus, we have feasted on the bread of life. Together we have tasted the love of your kin-dom here on earth. In your risen power you have united us with all of those who have come before, with those gathered today, and with those yet to find their way to this table of love set and ready to welcome all. May the sense of a new heaven and a new earth strengthen and renew us today and in the days to come. Now, send us out into the world to do the work you have given us to do offering your fearless love and priceless peace to all we meet in the name of our loving, liberating life-giving God. Amen.

Blessing

Sending Hymn

Emmaus-Bound on Easter Day Carolyn Winfrey Gillette (tune O WALY WALY or “Though I May Speak”)

Emmaus-bound on Easter Day, Two travelers walked along the way. They'd once had hope, but hope had died When you, O Lord, were crucified.

When you appeared beside the two, They could not see that it was you; But as they talked and shared their pain, You gave them hope and joy again.

For as you spoke to them God's word, Explaining all they'd seen and heard, They understood what God had done And that a new day had begun.

They shared their home; you broke the bread. They saw you, risen from the dead! That moment's grace helped them to see The gift of God's eternity.

In scripture and at table, too, O Risen Lord, may we know you. And may your presence give us grace To share God's love in every place.

Dismissal

Priest: Alleluia! Alleluia! Let us go forth in the power of the Risen Christ! People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Trinity Episcopal Church

Vestry Leadership

Donna Steppe, Sr. Warden, Jeffrey Albright, Jr. Warden

Karen Keune, Clerk, Dennis Degnan,

Becky Koskinen, Fritz Hany,

Leah Reed & Jamie Paul

(Margaret Baehern, Treasurer)

Parish Staff

The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray, Rector

The Rev. Dcn. Meribah Mansfield, Deacon

The Rev. Robert Gahler, Assisting Priest, Retired

Heather Meyer, Director of Operations and Community Development

George Benson, Director of Community Engagement

Chelsie Cree, Director of Music and the Arts

Grace Mauk, assistant Director of Music and the Arts

Brian Buckner, Trinity@Home Accompanist

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & COPYRIGHT INFO:

Collect of the Day: Prayers for an Inclusive Church, Steven Shakespeare.

Readings and Gospel from: Revised Common Lectionary

Psalm: From Psalms for Praying © 2007 Nan C. Merrill, Reprinted with permission of the publisher

The Great Thanksgiving: A Wee Worship Book, Iona Community.

Lord’s Prayer: New Zealand Prayerbook.

Bulletin Image: Photo shared by The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray.

Fraction, Breaking of the Bread: Enriching Our Worship.

All printed music from The Hymnal 1982, Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing, My Heart Sings Out, Wonder, Love, and Praise was used by permission through purchase of riteseries.org.

All other printed music permission through purchase of CCLI Copyright license #20577215 Size B

Streaming License #20577284 Size B

Secular music permission through purchase of CCS WORSHIPcast Copyright license #13190

All printed music from Gather permission through purchase of onelicense.net License # A-700000