St. John’s Episcopal Church
Helena, Arkansas
Second Sunday of Easter
April 24, 2022
THE HOLY EUCHARIST RITE TWO
Entrance Rite, Eucharistic Prayer A
The Word of God
ENTRANCE RITE
Entrance Hymn He is risen, he is risen (H 180)
Opening Acclamation
The people standing, the Celebrant says
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Celebrant |
Alleluia. Christ is risen. |
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People |
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia. |
The Celebrant 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.
Opening Anthem or Song of Praise
The following is sung, all standing
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,
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. Amen.
The Collect of the Day
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Celebrant |
The Lord be with you. |
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People |
And also with you. |
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Celebrant |
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.
THE LESSONS
First Reading Acts 5:27-32
The people sit.
A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
27When [the captain and the temple police] had brought [the apostles,] they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, 28saying, “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.” 29But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”
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Reader |
The Word of the Lord. |
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People |
Thanks be to God. |
Psalm Psalm 118:14-29
Remain seated and read responsively by whole verse
14The Lord is my strength and my song, *
and he has become my salvation.
15There is a sound of exultation and victory *
in the tents of the righteous:
16“The right hand of the Lord has triumphed! *
the right hand of the Lord is exalted!
the right hand of the Lord has triumphed!”
17I shall not die, but live, *
and declare the works of the Lord.
18The Lord has punished me sorely, *
but he did not hand me over to death.
19Open for me the gates of righteousness; *
I will enter them;
I will offer thanks to the Lord.
20“This is the gate of the Lord; *
he who is righteous may enter.”
21I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *
and have become my salvation.
22The same stone which the builders rejected *
has become the chief cornerstone.
23This is the Lord‘s doing, *
and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24On this day the Lord has acted; *
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
25Hosanna, Lord, hosanna! *
Lord, send us now success.
26Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; *
we bless you from the house of the Lord.
27God is the Lord; he has shined upon us; *
form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar.
28“You are my God, and I will thank you; *
you are my God, and I will exalt you.”
29Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *
his mercy endures for ever.
Second Reading Revelation 1:4-8
The people sit.
A Reading from the Revelation of John.
4John 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, 5and 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, 6and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7Look! 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. 8“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
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Reader |
The Word of the Lord. |
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People |
Thanks be to God. |
Sequence Hymn Jesus is Lord of all the earth [Alleluia! Give thanks to the risen Lord] (H 178)
All stand.
Gospel John 20:19-31
All stand.
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Priest |
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. |
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People |
Glory to you, Lord Christ. |
19When 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.” 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
24But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25So 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.”
26A 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.” 27Then 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.” 28Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
30Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. 31But 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.
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Priest |
The Gospel of the Lord. |
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People |
Praise to you, Lord Christ. |
The Sermon Rev. Teresa Cantrell
Doxology
The Creed
All stand.
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.
The Prayers of the People
People may stand or kneel.
Father, we pray for your holy catholic Church;
That we all may be one.
Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;
That your Name may be glorified by all people.
We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.
We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world; We especially pray for peace in Ukraine.
That there may be justice and peace on the earth.
Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
That our works may find favor in your sight.
Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble; especially the people of Ukraine, those who suffer from Covid –19, and all those who are alone or afraid.
That they may be delivered from their distress.
Give to the departed eternal rest; remembering especially today Nina & Elmer Hornor and Nina Jane & George Schneider.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.
We praise you for St. Mark and all your saints who have entered into joy;
May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.
Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.
LEM continues.
O God, who has blessed and sustained us through the years; we ask that you continue to lead us, stretch us, and direct us, in our search for a new rector. Raise for us, we pray, a priest and pastor who will boldly proclaim your Gospel, faithfully administer your sacraments, and serve your people with love and compassion, that we may continue to grow in the likeness of Christ and be a beacon of love and hope to our community and the world. To the glory of your holy Name. Amen
The People may add their own petitions.
The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.
Lord, hear the prayers of your people; and what we have asked faithfully, grant that we may obtain effectually, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Confession of Sin
The Celebrant says
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
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
All stand.
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Celebrant |
The peace of the Lord be always with you. |
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People |
And also with you. |
Then the Ministers and the People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.
Announcements and birthday and anniversaries.
The Holy Communion
Offertory Sentence
The Celebrant says
Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God.
Offertory Music
DOXOLOGY
The Great Thanksgiving
The People remain standing.
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Celebrant |
The Lord be with you. |
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People |
And also with you. |
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Celebrant |
Lift up your hearts. |
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People |
We lift them to the Lord. |
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Celebrant |
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. |
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People |
It is right to give him thanks and praise. |
Facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
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
All sing.
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.
The People stand or kneel.
The Celebrant continues
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.
He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, 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 we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Celebrant and People
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
The Celebrant continues
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.
Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. 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
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
People and Celebrant
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,
forever and ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
Fraction Anthem
All sing
Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Invitation
The Celebrant says
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.
The ministers receive the Sacrament in both kinds, and then immediately deliver it to the people.
The Bread and the Cup are given to the communicants with these words
The Body (Blood) of our Lord Jesus Christ keep you in everlasting life. [Amen.]
Communion Music
Post-Communion Prayer
After Communion, the Celebrant says
Let us pray.
Celebrant and People
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.
May Almighty God, who has redeemed us and made us his children through the resurrection of his Son our Lord, bestow upon you the riches of his blessing. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Sone, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you now and forever.
Post-Communion Hymn Rejoice, the Lord is King (H 481)
Dismissal
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Celebrant |
Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia. |
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People |
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia. |
A Note on Today’s Readings
The Second Sunday of Easter—Year C
Welcome to our parish. Today we begin the second of the seven weeks of our celebration of Christ’s resurrection. This Sunday is always the time we hear the story of Jesus’ appearance to his disciples on Easter Day and then again on the following Sunday when Thomas (who had been absent the previous week) refused to believe them unless he saw the Lord with his own eyes and touched the scars from his crucifixion.
This account is packed with the signs of resurrection that still find expression in the liturgy and the life of the church. The Lord’s greeting, “Peace be with you,” is characteristic of most of his risen appearances. The gospel writers’ care in noting that these appearances were on the first day of the week reflects the early Church’s decision to move the day of worship to Sunday. Not only do the apostles see the risen Lord but also he gives the Holy Spirit to them, marking Sunday as the Spirit’s day. Above all, he passes on to them the power he received from his Father: the authority to forgive sins.
The other readings today are two different sorts of witness to the meaning of the resurrection: the first, from Acts, is Peter’s sermon about the resurrection when he is on trial before the council after being arrested for the very same sort of preaching he does here. John’s vision of the last days, in the Book of Revelation, begins with the salutation from the risen Lord who has made us his royal priesthood and the servants of God.
Our celebration of Christ’s victory over sin and death has only begun. Week after week, we will explore more deeply our new life as the baptized people of God. Week after week, the Lord will reveal himself to us in the breaking of the bread.
From The Rite Light: Reflections on the Sunday Readings and Seasons of the Church Year. Copyright © 2007 by Michael W. Merriman. Church Publishing Incorporated, New York.
Welcome to St. John’s. We are so glad you are here with us today.
Please keep the following in your prayers: Debra Richardson, Kathy Sullivan, Courtney Turner, Kathleen Gibson, Cole Jefferies, Carol Spencer, Bonnie & Charles Rowland, Jo Liddy, Janet Juengel, Jim Howe, Cliff Clark, Sylvia Ross, Linda Dowling, & Susan Taylor.
St. John’s continues to support the Angels of Grace and the Anchor Mission ministries.
Grace Food Pantry: plastic bags go in the labeled container in the narthex.
Thank you for your donations. They are all greatly appreciated and needed.
Contact info:
Email: rector@saintjohnshelena.org
St. John’s Church Office:
Phone: 870-338-8115
Email: office@saintjohnshelena.org
Mailing address: P.O. Box 770, Helena, AR 72342
Street address: 625 Pecan St., Helena, Arkansas
The Most Rev. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury
The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church
The Rt. Reverend Larry R. Benfield, Bishop of Arkansas
Rev. Teresa Cantrell
The Vestry of St. John’s Church, Helena
Allison Biederman, Senior Warden (2022)
Ed Pat Wright, Junior Warden (2023)
Brooke Tappan, Clerk (2023), Tap Jennings (2023)
Mark Rogers (2022), Susan Carter (2022)
West Hornor (2024), Ned Pillow (2024)
Walter Morris, Treasurer
Pianist –Dagmar Bergan
Organist – Dr. Gabriel Statom
Lay Eucharist Minister – West Hornor
Acolyte – West Hornor
Altar Guild – Carla Myers & Melody Rogers
Ushers – Ben Pittman & Lorraine Ferryman
Facebook Live – Julie Pittman
The flowers in the church today are given to the glory of God.
