Holy Eucharist for the Third Sunday of Easter

Holy Eucharist Rite II

April 23, 2023

Opening Hymn:   O praise ye the Lord!                                     Hymnal 1982 #432

Celebrant       Alleluia. Christ is risen.

People The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

The Celebrant then continues

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                  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 celebrant says to the people

            The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.

Celebrant       Let us pray.

Collect of the Day

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

First Reading                                                                                             Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Reader            A reading from the Acts of the Apostles

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.

Psalm 116:1-3, 10-17    Dilexi, quoniam

1 I love the Lord, because he has heard the voice of my supplication, *
because he has inclined his ear to me whenever I called upon him.

2 The cords of death entangled me;
the grip of the grave took hold of me; *
I came to grief and sorrow.

3 Then I called upon the Name of the Lord: *
“O Lord, I pray you, save my life.”

10 How shall I repay the Lord *
for all the good things he has done for me?

11 I will lift up the cup of salvation *
and call upon the Name of the Lord.

12 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord *
in the presence of all his people.

13 Precious in the sight of the Lord *
is the death of his servants.

14 O Lord, I am your servant; *
I am your servant and the child of your handmaid;
you have freed me from my bonds.

15 I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving *
and call upon the Name of the Lord.

16 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord *
in the presence of all his people,

17 In the courts of the Lord’S house, *
in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.
Hallelujah!

Second Reading                                                       1 Peter 1:17-23

Reader            A reading from the first letter of Peter

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.

Sequence Hymn       Shepherd of souls, refresh and bless   Hymnal 1982 #343

Then, all standing as able, the Deacon reads the Gospel, first saying

Deacon           The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

The Gospel                                                                                                        Luke 24:13-35

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.

After the Gospel the deacon says

The Gospel of the Lord

People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Sermon                                                   The Rev. Sarah Woodard

The Nicene Creed  

[Please stand as you are able.]

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,

How shall we repay the Lord for all the good God has done? Let us offer the prayers of our hearts, saying,

“Stay with us, Lord Jesus;

            and set our hearts on fire.”

Lord Jesus Christ, you have ransomed us by your own precious blood. Once again, as a holy community, we place our faith and hope in you.

Silence

“Stay with us, Lord Jesus;

            and set our hearts on fire.”

Save us, O Lord, from corruption. Deliver the nations and peoples from greed and hatred. Place in your children hearts of repentance.

Silence

“Stay with us, Lord Jesus;

            and set our hearts on fire.”

O Lord, you are the giver of good things. We thank you for this planet; we thank you for its gifts. We pray a blessing on the seeds that were sown this spring that the harvest might be bountiful.

You are invited to add your thanksgivings, followed by silence.

“Stay with us, Lord Jesus;

            and set our hearts on fire.”

O Lord, you are made known in the breaking of bread and so we pray for all those who lack bread. We pray for the hungry. You feed us generously at your table. Help us to generously feed the world.

Silence

“Stay with us, Lord Jesus;

            and set our hearts on fire.”

Whenever we call upon you, gracious Lord, you incline your ear to us. We raise our voices for those for whom we care; those who are ill, those who are struggling, those who are in need of your mercy.

We pray for Ama, Dorothy, Lawrence, Ann, Murphy, Karen, Derek, Walter, Vivian, Danita, Lionell, Vincent, Howard, Sydney, Carol, Robert, Barton, Beverly, Harmon, Cedric, Allen and Damon, Chuck, Pam, and Denise.

You are invited to add your petitions, followed by silence.

“Stay with us, Lord Jesus;

            and set our hearts on fire.”

Precious in your sight, O Lord, is the death of your servants. We trust you with our dead and with our dying. Jesus, be gracious with them, we pray.

Silence

“Stay with us, Lord Jesus;

            and set our hearts on fire.”

A Prayer for a Rector Search

Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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 Peace

Celebrant       The peace of the Lord be always with you;

People             And also with you.

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

Welcome and Announcements

The Holy Communion

Offertory Sentence

Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God.

                                                                                      Ephesians 5:2

Offertory Hymn:    Sing, ye faithful, sing with gladness                        Hymnal 1982 #492

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  (spoken at 8:30, sung at 10:30)

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 Hymn       Jesus, the bread of life                             LEVAS #150

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

The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.

Recessional Hymn   Good Christians all, rejoice and sing!                    Hymnal 1982 #205

Deacon           Let us go forth in the name of Christ.

People Thanks be to God.

________________________________________

Announcements

Rector Search Update: the rector search committee met with Canon Massey and agreed to extend the end date for the St. Titus’ profile to May 15th. All applicants will be sent by the Diocese to the committee for review on May 16th. While we are waiting, the committee will begin to compile a list of interview questions for our upcoming Zoom and in-person interviews. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide our group and lead us to a new priest for St. Titus’.  

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 sign up to receive weekly email announcements from St. Titus’, email the parish administrator at st.titussecretary@gmail.com.

Have you been to St. Titus’ website lately? 
Come visit at sttitusdurham.org. You’ll find information about worship, our history, ministries, and opportunities to serve. St. Titus’ website parish calendar, viewable on the site, is being regularly updated now and includes St. Titus’ services and other happenings. If you have an event or meeting to schedule on the calendar, or an announcement you would like to post on the St. Titus’ website, please contact the parish administrator at st.titussecretary@gmail.com. And don’t forget to visit our Facebook page too! (You do not have to have a Facebook account to stop by.)

Join us Memorial Sunday Weekend at Chestnut Chapel: Mark your calendars! Rev. Alicia Alexis (to preach), Deacon Sarah (to serve), and the good people of St. Titus’ are invited to come to Chestnut Chapel at Topsail Island for Memorial Sunday Weekend Service, May 28, 2023. It has been St.Titus’ custom for the rector and parishioners to be a part of these annual services with opportunities for beach events. Wade Chestnut Memorial Chapel is an Episcopal Chapel in North Topsail Beach, NC of the Diocese of East North Carolina. The Chapel was named in memorial of Ocean City’s founder Wade H. Chestnut. All are welcome to attend, no exceptions. If you are interested in attending, please sign up on the signup sheet on the bulletin board in the narthex. You may also contact Rev. Alicia, or email Marguerite Peebles at peeblesmarguerit@bellsouth.net.

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

The Diocese has moved into Stage 4 of COVID precautions, but transmission rates are still high, and many in our community are vulnerable.  

  • Wearing a mask is now optional but encouraged. Wearing a mask is a means of health precaution. Masks are available in the narthex.
  • During the Passing of the Peace, please continue to remain in place and offer a sign of Peace to those around you.
  • Social distancing is no longer required; however, we ask you to be respectful of others who are at high risk for severe illness.
  • Hand Sanitizer is still available throughout the building.
  • If you are feeling unwell for any reason, please stay home and view the service on the Facebook live stream

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