Seventh Sunday of Easter - May 21, 2023

 The Liturgy of the Word 

Prelude Glory Bound Ruth Moody (Kim Buehler, Melissa Toth, Chelsie Cree, Grace Mauk and John Kneip)

Welcome The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray

Opening Hymn He Has Made Me Glad Leona Von Brethorst Repeat twice. arr. David Shipps

Opening Statement & Collect of the Day

Priest: Alleluia! Christ is risen!

People: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Priest: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Priest: Let us pray.

Prayers for an Inclusive Church

God unheld by word or wall; power of love beyond all lords of war: lift us from dullness and cynical contempt; make us ready for your Spirit of transforming fire; and turn our hearts to the mending of the world; through Jesus Christ, the name above all names. Amen.

The FIRST READING Acts 1:6-14

Reader: A reading from the book of Acts.

When the apostles had come together, they asked Jesus, “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.”

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.

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

THE PSALM

Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35

Psalms for Praying

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

REFRAIN

Bless the Beloved, Heart of our hearts, let the sound of our praises be heard. You keep us attuned to life and guide our feet on solid ground. For You, O Love, have tested us; You have tried us as silver is tried.

You have allowed us to fall into the net; You have watched us reap all that we have sown; we went through fire and through water, Yet You have brought us through out pain and into your indwelling place.

I enter your Heart surrendered to Love; I commend my soul into your keeping; all that my lips uttered, all that my mouth promised when I was in trouble and pain, I offer up to You; I abandon myself into your hands.

REFRAIN

Come and hear, all you who reverence the Most High, and I shall tell what the Beloved has done for me. I cried aloud to the Silent Watcher of my life; from my tongue came forth words of praise.

Had I cherished greed and power, I would have separated myself from Love; the voice of my prayer was heard. Blessed be the holy Name of the Beloved, Loving Companion Presence, who embraced me, and renewed my life.

REFRAIN

The SECOND READING 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11

Reader: A reading from First Peter.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.

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

Gradual Over My Head

Over my head I hear music in the air

Over my head I hear music in the air

Over my head I hear music in the air

There must be a joy somewhere

Over my head I hear singing everywhere

Over my head I hear singing everywhere

Over my head I hear singing everywhere

There 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

arr. Matt and Adam Podd

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

Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.

“I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.”

Deacon: 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

Deacon: 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 today’s date.

Offertory

Agnus Dei

Kristina Vasiliaukaite (Trinity Choir)

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

Communion Song This is My Mother’s World Worship and Rejoice #21

Lyrics edited by Chelsie Cree

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

May the rain fall off your shoulders when you’re caught in a storm. When the frost comes a callin’ may it find you safe and warm. May your place be set, and may your promises be kept. And may you never forget that you are loved.

Sending Hymn

I’ll Fly Away Traditional

Some bright morning when this life is o’er, I’ll fly away To that home on God’s celestial shore, I’ll fly away

REFRAIN: I’ll fly away, o Glory, I’ll fly away (in the mornin’) When I die hallelujah by and by I’ll fly away

When the shadows of this life have gone, I’ll fly away Like a bird from prison bars has flown, I’ll fly away

REFRAIN

Oh, how glad and happy when we meet I’ll fly away No more cold iron shackles on my feet I’ll fly away

REFRAIN

Just a few more weary days and then I’ll fly away Just a few more weary days and then I'll fly away

REFRAIN

Dismissal

Deacon: Alleluia! Alleluia!

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

Vestry Leadership

Trinity Episcopal Church

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

Karen Keune, Clerk, Dennis Degnan, Becky Koskinen, Fritz Hany, Gary Franklin, 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

George M. 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 Images: Photos 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