Holy Eucharist for the Second Sunday of Easter, April 24, 2022, 8:30 & 10:30 am Services

The Second Sunday of Easter
April 24, 2022
St. Titus’ Episcopal Church
400 Moline Street, Durham, NC 27707
http://www.sttitusdurham.org
st.titusepiscopal@gmail.com
(919) 682-5504

Welcome to St. Titus’ Episcopal Church

Whether you are here for the first time or your family has been part of St. Titus’ for generations, whether you’re here in person or watching online, the Holy Spirit has brought you to this place. We’re glad you’re here! Our Mission and Vision Statements are printed below. You can learn more about this faith community on our website, sttitusdurham.org. Our curate, Rev. Mawethu or our deacon, Rev. Sarah would be happy to talk with you about who we are and what we do at St. Titus’. We invite you to join us on our journey of faith.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

St. Titus’ is a diverse and growing community committed to walking with Christ by serving others, pursuing justice and welcoming all.

OUR VISION STATEMENT

God dreams for St. Titus’ to be sacred ground where all of God’s children experience the unconditional love of Jesus. In faithful response, we will offer Spirit-filled worship where people from diverse backgrounds encounter God. As an intergenerational community, we will deepen our faith through sharing scripture, Christian tradition and our own experience. We will be open and authentic with one another, and respond to the needs of our neighbors with compassion and creativity. Our passion for God’s justice and peace will compel us to become agents for social, political, and economic transformation. St. Titus’ will be Beloved Community.

Serving Today: April 24

Celebrant: The Rev. Mawethu Ncaca
Preacher: The Rev. Dr. Harmon Smith
Deacon: The Rev. Sarah Woodard
Curate: The Rev. Mawethu Ncaca
Eucharistic Minister: Mary Hawkins (8:30); Gloria Drew (10:30)
First Lesson: David Stanford (8:30); Pam Howard (10:30)
Epistle: Carolyn White (8:30); Hannah Skjellum (10:30)
Intercessor: Mary Hawkins (8:30); Gloria Drew (10:30)
Altar Guild: Alexine Miller, Patricia Valentine
Tech Team: Livio Carnera, Chuck Hennessee, Yvette Matthews
Ushers: Lisa Wilks & Brian Wilks

The Second Sunday of Easter
Holy Eucharist, Rite II
April 24, 2022 at 8:30 (no music) & 10:30 am

Pre-service Music

Opening Hymn

Officiant: Alleluia. Christ is risen.
People: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

The Officiant may say
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.

Glory to God [spoken without refrain at 8:30 am; sung at 10:30 am] LEVAS II #243

Refrain:
Glory, Glory, hallelujah,
Lord we praise your Holy name,
Glory, Glory hallelujah,
Lord we praise your Holy name.

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, Refrain

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. Refrain

Amen.

The Officiant says to the people
The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Officiant: Let us pray.

Collect for the Second Sunday of Easter

Celebrant: Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.
People: Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.

Let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Reading Acts 5:27-32

Reader: A Reading from Acts

When the temple police had brought the apostles, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”

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

Psalm 150 Laudate Dominum

1 Hallelujah!
Praise God in his holy temple; *
praise him in the firmament of his power.
2 Praise him for his mighty acts; *
praise him for his excellent greatness.
3 Praise him with the blast of the ram’s-horn; *
praise him with lyre and harp.
4 Praise him with timbrel and dance; *
praise him with strings and pipe.
5 Praise him with resounding cymbals; *
praise him with loud-clanging cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath *
praise the Lord. Hallelujah!

Second Reading: Revelation 1:4-8

Reader: A Reading from the Book of Revelation

John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

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

Sequence Hymn

Gospel John 20:19-31

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

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

After the Gospel the Deacon says
The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Sermon The Rev. Dr. Harmon Smith

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.

Prayers of the People

The Intercessor says
Grace to you and peace from Jesus Christ, the firstborn of the dead. The Lord has acted; let us rejoice and be glad, saying, “You are our God; and we thank you.”

Almighty God, you have given your Church the ministry of reconciliation: grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith.

[Silence]

You are our God;
And we thank you.

Ruler of the kings of the earth, Lord Jesus, your word is a word of peace: speak forth salvation in a weary world.

[Silence]

You are our God;
And we thank you.

All you do, O Lord, is marvelous in our eyes: give us a respect for all you have made.

[You may add your thanksgivings at this time.]

[Silence]
You are our God;
And we thank you.

Mighty Savior, raise up faithful witness in our community, that our neighbors might come to know that you love them and have freed them from the power of sin.

[Silence]

You are our God;
And we thank you.

O Lord, you are good; your mercy endures forever: be the strength of the weak and the song of those who mourn.

You may add your petitions and thanksgivings at this time. In addition, please read aloud the name from the St. Titus’ prayer list which is attached to your service bulletin.

[Silence]

You are our God;
And we thank you.

Alpha and Omega, you do not hand your beloved ones over to death, but promise life eternal to all those baptized into your Son: to you be glory and dominion forever.

[Silence]

You are our God;
And we thank you.

The celebrant adds a concluding collect.
Almighty and eternal God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth: Mercifully accept the prayers of your people, and strengthen us to do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The deacon says
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. [The people may stand or kneel.]

[Silence may be kept.]

Minister and People
Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in your will,
and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your Name. 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

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

The Ministers and People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.

Hymn for the Passing of the Peace Koinonia AAHH #579

How can I say that I love the Lord / whom I’ve never, ever seen before;
and forget to say that I love the one / whom I walk beside each and every day?
How can look upon your face and ignore GOD’s Love? / You, I must embrace!
You’re my brother; you’re my sister;
and I love you with the love of my Lord.

The Holy Communion

Offertory Hymn

As a COVID precaution we are not passing the plate for monetary offerings at this time. You may place your offering in the basket at the entrance to the worship space, or you may donate online at sttitusdurham.org.

The Great Thanksgiving (Eucharistic Prayer B)

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 everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. Through Jesus Christ our Lord;

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 (spoken at 8:30 a.m.)

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.

LEVAS II #255 (sung at 10:30 a.m.)

Holy, holy, holy, holy,
holy Lord God of hosts,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in
the name of the Lord, of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Hosanna in the highest.

Then the Celebrant continues
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.

At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it, or to lay a hand upon it; and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing wine to be consecrated.

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 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 Blessed Titus and 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.

The Lord’s Prayer

The Celebrant says
As our Savior Christ has taught us we are bold to say

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: Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People: Therefore let us keep the feast.

The Priest invites the people to Communion
The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

Communion Hymns

For those of you who are participating in this celebration of Holy Eucharist from a different location, we invite you to pray with these words during the distribution of the holy sacrament:

A Prayer for Spiritual Communion

In union, O Lord, with your faithful people at every altar of your Church, where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, I desire to offer to you praise and thanksgiving. I remember your death, Lord Christ; I proclaim your resurrection; I await your coming in glory. Since I cannot receive you today in the Sacrament of your Body and Blood, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. Cleanse and strengthen me with your grace, Lord Jesus, and let me never be separated from you. May I live in you, and you in me, in this life and in the life to come. Amen.

Post-communion Prayer

The celebrant says
Let us pray.

The celebrant and people say together
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.

Blessing

The Celebrant says
Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Recessional Hymn

Deacon: Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
People: Thanks be to God.

Announcements

Transition Update: Introducing Rev. Dr. Alicia Alexis, Interim Rector

Excerpt from a Letter from St. Titus’ Vestry:

The St. Titus’ Vestry is pleased to announce that the Rev. Dr. Alicia Alexis has accepted the call to be our Interim Rector. She will begin her ministry with us on May 1, 2022.

We are truly blessed that God has called Rev. Alicia to minister to us, and with us. Please join the Vestry in extending a warm St. Titus’ welcome to Rev. Alicia as she joins us as our Interim Rector.

Letter from Rev. Alicia Alexis April 5, 2022

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. To All Members of the Vestry and to the people of St. Titus Episcopal Church:

Your Vestry recently extended the call to invite me to join with you in ministry as your Intentional Interim Rector. I am delighted to be with your parish community in this role. My first day with you will be Sunday, May 1, 2022. I invite you to call or stop by during the week so we can become acquainted.

Who am I? I was born and raised in Trinidad, West Indies and now reside in Whitsett, North Carolina. My daughter, Mary lives in Olean, New York. You will be meeting her during our time together. She is excited to meet you in person as I am. Although we are not with you, please know that you are now with us in our thoughts and prayers.

This time between permanent rectors is a time that can be filled with uncertainty and anxiety, but it can also be a time of real growth. I am pleased to become a member of your leadership team to help navigate this turbulent time we live in. I look forward to walking with you and to assist in this time of transition. I am confident that God will guide us on our journey together.

I leave you with the words from the Prophet Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and future.”

Yours in Christ,
Alicia Alexis+
Rev. Alicia Alexis, Interim Rector

Pauli Murray Events

Rooted & Growing: Celebrating Our 1st Decade
Saturday, June 18th
906 Carroll Street
10 years ago, the Pauli Murray Center prevented Pauli Murray’s childhood home from being demolished. With your support, the Pauli Murray Center has grown into a space for gathering and learning. Join us to celebrate our anniversary, honor our community, and imagine our future!

Pauli Murray Pilgrimage Walk
Saturday, June 25th 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Participate in a journey through locations of importance to the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray. Along this self-guided walk, prayers, meditations, and conversation starters will be provided to encourage reflection and learning.

Support St. Titus’: If you would like to support our ministries you can make an online donation here by following the QR code or by visiting our homepage: sttitusdurham.org. You can also mail or hand-deliver a check to St. Titus’ at 400 Moline St., Durham, NC, 27707. Thank you
Stay in Touch: To receive weekly email announcements from St. Titus’, email Jack or sign up by following this link: http://eepurl.com/htIWIr .

Sign up for The Titusian, St. Titus’ monthly newsletter, on the St. Titus’ homepage: sttitusdurham.org, or by emailing Jack.

Subscribe to Please Note, a weekly update from the Diocese of North Carolina by following this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/QCPKOTo .

Clergy & Staff
The Rev. Mawethu Ncaca, Curate st.tituscurate@gmail.com
The Rev. Deacon Sarah Woodard sarah.woodard@duke.edu
Ramon Holloway, Music Director saintitusmusic@yahoo.com
Jack Peterson, Parish Administrator st.titussecretary@gmail.com (919) 682-5504