St. Thomas Memorial Church
The Fifth Sunday of Easter
The Holy Eucharist – Rite II
April 28, 2024
Prelude “For the Beauty of the Earth” Bell Ringers hand bell choir
Processional Hymn #208 “Alleluia! The strife is o’er, the battle done”
Starting on Pg. 355 of the Book of Common Prayer (BCP)
Priest Alleluia. Christ is risen.
People The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Prayer for Purity
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.
Gloria—Hymn #S-236
Glory to you, Lord God of our fathers; you are worthy of praise; glory to you.
Glory to you, for the radiance of your holy Name; we will praise you and highly exalt you forever.
Glory to you, in the splendor of your temple; on the throne of your majesty, glory to you.
Glory to you, seated between the Cherubim; we will praise you and highly exalt you forever.
Glory to you, beholding the depths; in the high vault of heaven, glory to you.
Glory to you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit; we will praise you and highly exalt you forever.
Priest The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Priest Let us pray.
The Collect of the Day
The Reading of God’s Word
The First Lesson: Acts 8:26-40
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Psalm 22:24-30
The Second Lesson: 1 John 4:7-21
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Hymn #184 “Christ the Lord is risen again!”
Before the Gospel
Reader The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
The Holy Gospel: John 10:15:1-8
After the Gospel
Reader The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Sermon…………………………………………………………………………………..The Rev. Jeffrey D. Murph
(Please Stand)
The Nicene Creed (Pg. 358, BCP)
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 worshipped 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, Form V (Pg. 389, BCP)
Leader: In peace, let us pray to the Lord, saying, “Lord, have mercy”
For the holy Church of God, that it may be filled with truth and love, and be found without fault at the day of your coming, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For our Priests and for all bishops, especially Ketlen Solak, and other ministers, and for all the holy people of God, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For all who fear God and believe in you, Lord Christ, that our divisions may cease, and that all may be one as you and the Father are one, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For the mission of the Church, that in faithful witness it may preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For those who do not yet believe, and for those who have lost their faith, that they may receive the light of the Gospel, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the world, that a spirit of respect and forbearance may grow among nations and peoples, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For those in positions of public trust, that they may serve justice, and promote the dignity and freedom of every person, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For blessing upon all human labor, and for the right use of the riches of creation, that the world may be freed from poverty, famine, and disaster, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For favorable weather, temperate rains, and fruitful seasons, that there may be food and drink for all your creatures, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For your blessing upon the lands and waters, and all who work upon them to bring forth food and all things needful for your people, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For all who care for the earth, the water, and the air, that the riches of your creation may abound from age to age, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For the poor, the persecuted, the sick, and all who suffer; for refugees, prisoners, and all who are in danger; that they may be relieved and protected, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For our Outreach Ministries and Shepherd’s Heart and our Eucharistic ministry, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For the Pittsburgh Diocese, especially St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, Franklin Park, the Rev. Robin Jarrell, and the Rev. Deacon Darrell Johnson, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For this congregation [for those who are present, and for those who are absent], that we may be delivered from hardness of heart, and show forth your glory in all that we do, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For those who are celebrating their birthdays this week, especially Darla Stilley, Alexander Fusaro, Austin Hurd, Pat Phillips, Dana Phillips, and Janice Alcorn, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For those celebrating their wedding anniversaries this week, especially Jim & Tracy Fitzroy, and Mark & Katie Mazzarese, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For all who have commended themselves to our prayers; for our families, friends, and neighbors; that being freed from anxiety, they may live in joy, peace, and health, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For all who have died in the communion of your Church, and those whose faith is known to you alone, that, with all the saints, they may have rest in that place where there is no pain or grief, but life eternal, we pray to you, O Lord. Lord, have mercy.
Rejoicing in the fellowship of the ever-blessed Virgin Mary, blessed Thomas and all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life to Christ our God. To you, O Lord our God.
(Concluding prayer read by the celebrant.)
The Confession (Pg. 360, BCP)
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 Absolution
The Peace
Priest The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.
Announcements
The Holy Communion
Offertory
“Just As I Am”
Offered by the Bell Ringers hand bell choir
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him all creatures here below;
Praise him above ye heavenly hosts; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Offering of Bread, Wine and Alms
The Great Thanksgiving
Eucharistic Prayer A
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.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing…..Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. 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:
Hymnal S-130—Holy, holy, holy Lord Schubert
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might; Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might; Heaven and earth are full, full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest, Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest, Hosanna in the highest.
Then the Celebrant continues
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself;….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….”Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Therefore, we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Priest and People
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
The Priest continues
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving……All this we ask for 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 forever. Amen.
And now, 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
Priest Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
The Invitation
Hymn S-164—Lamb of God (Angus Dei)
Jesus, Lamb of God: have mercy on us. Jesus bearer of our sins: have mercy on us.
Jesus, redeemer, redeemer of the world: give us your peace, give us your peace.
(All baptized persons are welcome to receive the sacrament at our altar rail.)
Communion Hymn “Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart”
- Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart, in my heart;
Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart, in my heart, in my heart,
Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart.
- Lord, I want to be more loving in my heart, in my heart;
Lord, I want to be more loving in my heart, in my heart, in my heart,
Lord, I want to be more loving in my heart.
- Lord, I want to be more holy in my heart, in my heart;
Lord, I want to be more holy in my heart, in my heart, in my heart,
Lord, I want to be more holy in my heart.
- I don’t want to be like Judas in my heart, in my heart;
I don’t want to be like Judas in my heart, in my heart, in my heart,
I don’t want to be like Judas in my heart.
- Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart, in my heart;
Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart, in my heart, in my heart,
Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart.
Arr. Edward C. Deas Copyright Sunday School Publishing Board
“Here I Am, Lord” Bell Ringers hand bell choir
After Communion the Priest says
Let us pray.
Priest 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.
The Blessing
Recessional Hymn #199 “Come, ye faithful, raise the strain”
Dismissal
Priest Alleluia! Let us go forth in the name of Christ/
People Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
Postlude “Let There be Peace on Earth” Bell Ringers hand bell choir
We at St. Thomas, members of the Body of Christ, are called by God to Grow;
Spiritually, in Parish Life, in Community Life, and as a Congregation.
SAINT THOMAS MEMORIAL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
378 Delaware Avenue
Oakmont, PA 15139
412-828-9680
www.st-tom.org
Email: sttomoakmont@gmail.com
The Rev. Jeffrey D. Murph, Rector
The Rev. Daniel J. Isadore, Associate Rector
Diocesan Resident Guy Brown, MDiv.
Mrs. Louise Lugar, Organist/Choir Director
St. Thomas’ Vestry
Matt Derby Paul Cammisa Lawrence Miguez Betti Rottschaefer
Sr. Warden Jr. Warden Vestry Clerk Treasurer
Shahnaz Alam-Denlinger, James Fischer, Theresa McClain, Lisa McClelland, John Westermann
UPCOMING / ONGOING EVENTS:
Monday—Thursday 9 am Morning Prayer in the Thomas House Chapel
Tuesdays at 11 am Bible Study in the Guild Room
Wednesdays at 10 am Healing Eucharist Service in the Thomas House Chapel
Sundays at 9:30 Adult Sunday School in the Guild Room
** Please welcome Roberta and Bob Erickson—the Bell Ringers hand bell choir, who have
graciously agreed to perform for us today.
** A generous donor has offered to match any contributions to the organ fund up to $8,000. If you haven’t already donated or would like to add to your donation, please consider doing so now, as essentially your donation would be doubled. We are less than $10,000 from our goal.
** St. Thomas will host a blood drive on May 26 from 8:30 am – 1 pm. Use the code UGoo50031 at vitalant.org, call 1-877-25VITAL or contact Wilma Gaughan at wmarieg@gmail.com to register.
2024: St. Thomas’ 150th Anniversary Celebration Remember ~ Rejoice ~ Renew
Participants for this service:
Acolytes: Shahnaz Alam-Denlinger, Kaitlin Marcus, Lauren Brown
1st Lesson: Lauren Brown
2nd Lesson: Sara Gildersleeve
Leader, Prayers of the People: Kristin Brown
Verger: Theresa McClain
Ushers: Dan Squire, Ted Denlinger
Coffee Hour Host/Hostess: Kyria McClain
** Denotes chalice bearer
Last week’s attendance: 8:00 26
10:30 50
Organ Fund Donations: $0 (amount doubled per match donation)
Total Donations: $1,830.00
