In today’s Gospel the risen Christ appears to the disciples and offers them the gift of peace. Even amid doubts and questions, we experience the resurrection in our Sunday gathering around word and meal, and in our everyday lives. Throughout the coming Sundays of Easter, the first two readings will be from the Acts of the Apostles and the first letter of Peter. Even as the early Christians proclaimed the resurrection, we rejoice in the new birth and living hope we receive in baptism.
The people’s responses are given in bold.
PRELUDE
Nun bitten wir den heiligen Geist Dieterich Buxtehude (1637-1707)
ENTRANCE HYMN
The people are invited to stand as they are able as the choir and sacred ministers enter the church from the west door.
That Eastertide With Joy Was Bright LASST UNS ERFREUEN CP 231
1 That Eastertide with joy was bright;
the sun shone out with fairer light,
alleluia, alleluia!
when, to their longing eyes restored,
the apostles saw their risen Lord.
Alleluia, alleluia,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
2 He bade them see his hands, his side,
where yet the glorious wounds abide;
alleluia, alleluia!
the tokens true which made it plain
their Lord indeed was risen again.
Alleluia, alleluia,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
3 From every weapon death can wield
thine own redeemed forever shield:
alleluia, alleluia!
O Lord of all, with us abide
in this our joyful Eastertide.
Alleluia, alleluia,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
4 Jesus, the king of gentleness,
do thou thyself our hearts possess,
alleluia, alleluia!
that we may give thee all our days
the tribute of our grateful praise.
Alleluia, alleluia,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Text: Latin (Aurora lucis utilat, part 3, c. 5th cent.); tr. John Mason Neale (1818-1866), alt.
Music: Melody Geistliche Kirchengesänge, Köln, 1623l adapt. Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958), © Oxford University Press; harm. Derek Holman (b. 1931) ©.
WELCOME AND TERRITORIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As we are welcomed to the worship service, we acknowledge that the sacred place we gather is located on the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Remembering this history, and our place within it, is part of the work of reconciliation we are committed to as a community of faith.
THE GREETING
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
May his grace and peace be with you.
And also with you.
GLORIA IN EXCELSIS
We share in the song of God’s angels.
Glory be to God on high,
and in earth peace, good will towards men.
We praise thee, we bless thee,
we worship thee, we glorify thee,
we give thanks to thee for thy great glory,
O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father almighty.
O Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ;
O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
that takest away the sin of the world,
have mercy upon us.
Thou that takest away the sin of the world,
receive our prayer.
Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father,
have mercy upon us.
For Thou only art holy;
thou only art the Lord;
thou only O Christ, with the Holy Ghost,
art most high in the glory of God the Father.
Amen.
‘Gloria In Excelsis,’ John Merbecke (c. 1510-1585); arr. and organ acc. Healey Willan (1880-1968). Arr. and organ acc. © Estate of Healey Willan. Used by permission.
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
The collect is the prayer appointed for the day that reflects the theme of the day or season, and which celebrates the attributes of God revealed in the readings of the day.
Almighty and eternal God,
the strength of those who believe
and the hope of those who doubt,
may we, who have not seen, have faith
and receive the fullness of Christ's blessing,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The people may be seated.
DISMISSAL OF THE CHILDREN
The children are invited to make their way to Children’s Church with their leaders. The children return to the full assembly before the Offertory.
THE FIRST READING Acts 2. 14a, 22–32 Genevieve De Carcenac
After the Holy Spirit comes to the apostles on Pentecost, Peter preaches the gospel to the gathered crowd. He tells them that Jesus, who obediently went to his death according to God’s plan, was raised from the dead by God. Finally, he appeals to scripture, quoting Psalm 16:8-11, to show that Jesus is the Messiah: though crucified, the risen Jesus is now enthroned.
But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say.
‘You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know— this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. For David says concerning him,
“I saw the Lord always before me,
for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken;
therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
moreover, my flesh will live in hope.
For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
or let your Holy One experience corruption.
You have made known to me the ways of life;
you will make me full of gladness with your presence.”
‘Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying,
“He was not abandoned to Hades,
nor did his flesh experience corruption.”
This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM Psalm 16
The Psalms form the ancient songbook of God’s people.
The people are invited to join in singing the Psalm as indicated.
1 Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you; * I have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord, my good above all other.”
2 All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land, * upon those who are noble among the people.
3 But those who run after other gods * shall have their troubles multiplied.
4 Their libations of blood I will not offer, * nor take the names of their gods upon my lips. ℟
5 O Lord, you are my portion and my cup; * it is you who uphold my lot.
6 My boundaries enclose a pleasant land; * indeed, I have a goodly heritage.
7 I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; * my heart teaches me, night after night.
8 I have set the Lord always before me; * because he is at my right hand I shall not fall. ℟
9 My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; * my body also shall rest in hope.
10 For you will not abandon me to the grave, * nor let your holy one see the Pit.
11 You will show me the path of life; * in your presence there is fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore. ℟
Psalms for the Church Year, Gordon Johnson © 2008; Novalis, 2008.
THE SECOND READING 1 Peter 1. 3–9 Genevieve De Carcenac
This epistle was written to encourage Christians experiencing hardships and suffering because of their faith in Christ. The letter opens by blessing God for the living hope we have through Christ’s resurrection even amid difficult circumstances and surroundings.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed. Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
The people may stand for the Gospel.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Have you believed, Thomas, because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.
THE HOLY GOSPEL John 20. 19–31
The risen Jesus appears to his disciples, offering them a benediction, a commission, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. But one of their number is missing, and his unbelief prompts another visit from the Lord.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint John.
Glory to you, Lord Jesus 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.
The Gospel of Christ.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
THE SERMON The Reverend Sarah Grondin
The sermon follows the readings and reflects on one or more the readings, relating them to our Christian discipleship and daily life.
The people are seated.
Baptism is the sign of new life in Christ. Baptism unites Christ with his people. That union is both individual and corporate. Christians are, it is true, baptized one by one, but to be a Christian is to be part of a new creation which rises from the dark waters of Christ’s death into the dawn of his risen life. Christians are not just baptized individuals; they are a new humanity. Christian baptism is administered with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The bond which God establishes in baptism is indissoluble.
HYMN FOR BAPTISMAL PROCESSION
We Know That Christ Is Raised ENGELBERG
We know that Christ is raised and dies no more.
Embraced by death, he broke its fearful hold,
and our despair he turned to blazing joy.
Hallelujah!
We share by water in his saving death.
Reborn, we share with him an Easter life,
as living members of our Saviour Christ.
Hallelujah!
The Father's splendour clothes the Son with life.
The Spirit's fision shakes the church of God.
Baptized wee live with God the Three in One.
Hallelujah!
A new creation comes to life and grows
as Christ's new body takes on flesh and blood.
The universe restored and whole will sing:
Hallelujah!
Text: John Geyer (b. 1932).
Music: Charles V. Stanford (1852-1924).
THE PRESENTATION AND EXAMINATION OF THE CANDIDATES
The following candidates for baptism are presented: Caroline Langton Cornelissen, Margaret Isobel Cornelissen and Georgia Kathryn Hawkins.
The candidates for Holy Baptism will now be presented.
The candidates are presented individually by their parents and sponsors as follows:
We present (Caroline Langton, Margaret Isobel, Georgia Kathryn) to receive the sacrament of baptism.
The celebrant asks each candidate when presented,
Do you desire to be baptized?
I do.
The officiant asks the following questions of the candidates.
Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?
I renounce them.
Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
I renounce them.
Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God?
I renounce them.
Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Saviour?
I do.
Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?
I do.
Do you promise to obey him as your Lord?
I do.
The officiant addresses the congregation, saying,
Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ?
We will.
PRAYERS FOR THE CANDIDATES
The officiant then says to the congregation,
Let us now pray now for the mission and witness of the church and for these persons who are to receive the sacrament of new birth.
The intercessor leads the following litany. Martha Denning
We pray for the church around the world. Make us servants to one another for the sake of the gospel.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for the nations of the world and for Charles our King and those in authority under him. We pray for peace in the world, peace in our nation, peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for those to receive the sacrament of baptism. Deliver them, O Lord, from the way of sin and death.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Open their hearts to your grace and truth.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Fill them with your holy and life-giving Spirit.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Teach them to love others in the power of the Spirit.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Send them into the world in witness to your love.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Bring them to the fullness of your peace and glory.
Lord, hear our prayer.
The intercessor concludes,
Grant, O Lord, that all who are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ your Son may live in the power of his resurrection and look for him to come again in glory; who lives and reigns now and for ever. Amen.
THANKSGIVING OVER THE WATER
The officiant pours the water into the font and then blesses the water with these words.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water. Over water the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation. Through water you led the children of Israel out of their bondage in Egypt into the land of promise. In water your Son Jesus received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us, through his death and resurrection, from the bondage of sin into everlasting life.
We thank you, Father, for the water of baptism. In it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit. Therefore in joyful obedience to your Son, we bring into his fellowship those who come to him in faith, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Now sanctify this water by the power of your Holy Spirit, that those who are here cleansed from sin and born again, may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Saviour. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honour and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
THE BAPTISMAL COVENANT
Let us join with those who are committing themselves to Christ and renew our own baptismal covenant.
Do you believe in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
I believe in God the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the
prayers?
I will, with God’s help.
Will you persevere in resisting evil and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
I will, with God’s help.
Will you proclaim by word and example the good news of God in Christ?
I will, with God’s help.
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbour as yourself?
I will, with God’s help.
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human
being?
I will, with God’s help.
Will you strive to safeguard the integrity of God's creation, and respect, sustain and renew the life of the Earth?
I will, with God’s help.
Will you strive to safeguard the integrity of God’s creation, and respect, sustain and renew the life of the Earth?
I will, with God’s help.
THE BAPTISM
Each candidate is presented by name to the officiant who then pours water upon, the candidates, saying,
N, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The officiant makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of the newly baptized using chrism, saying to each,
I sign you with the cross and mark you as Christ’s own for ever.
The officiant prays over all the newly baptized, saying,
Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon these your servants the forgiveness of sin, and have raised them to the new life of grace. Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give them an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen.
THE GIVING OF THE LIGHT
The officiant may then give to each of the newly baptized a lighted candle, saying,
Receive the light of Christ, to show that you have passed from darkness to light.
Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Let us welcome the newly baptized.
We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood.
The newly baptized may be welcomed with applause. Please remain standing as the baptismal procession returns to the front of the church.
THE PEACE
The people may remain standing.
On the day of resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples, saying, “Peace be with you.”
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
The people are welcome to share words of peace with one another.
THE OFFERTORY
Having listened to the Word of God, affirmed our faith, and shared in the peace, we are prepared for the drama and miracle of the Holy Communion. At the offertory, we gratefully and symbolically offer back to God some of what God has given us, as we offer the bread and wine, and the money we give.
OFFERTORY HYMN
Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove EISENACH CP 644
Come, gracious Spirit, heavenly dove,
with light and comfort from above.
Come, be our guardian, thou our guide;
o'er evry thought and step preside.
The light of truth to us display
and make us know and choose thy way;
plant holy fear in every heart,
that we from God may ne'er depart.
Lead us to Christ, the living way,
nor let us from his pastures stray.
lead us to holiness, the road
that we must take to dwell with God.
Lead us to heaven, that we may share
fullness of joy forever there;
lead us to God, our final rest,
to be with him forever blest.
Text: Simon Browne (16801732), alt.
Music: Melody, Das ander Theil, 1605; adapt. Johann Hermann Schein (15861630), alt.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
The people may stand through the ‘Sanctus’.
God of grace,
you have freed us from our sins
and made us a kingdom in your Son
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Accept all we offer you this day,
and strengthen us in the new life you have given us,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
In the Great Thanksgiving, we do what Jesus himself asked us to do: to give thanks to God and remember all that God has done for us in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. We recall what Jesus did at the Last Supper with his friends, where he took, blessed, broke, and gave bread and wine as sacraments of his body and blood. We begin the Great Thanksgiving with the Sursum corda, meaning “Lift up your hearts.”
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; we give you thanks and praise for the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the true paschal lamb who has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he destroyed death, and by his rising to life again he has won for us eternal life. Therefore, joining our voices with the whole company of heaven, we sing our joyful hymn of praise to proclaim the glory of your name.
Sung by all.
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts
Heaven and earth are full of thy glory.
Glory be to thee, O Lord Most High.
Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord:
Hosanna in the highest.
‘Sanctus and Benedictus,’ St. Anne’s Mass, James MacMillan (b. 1959).
We give thanks to you, Lord our God, for the goodness and love you have made known to us in creation; in calling 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 Saviour 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.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, a death he freely accepted, 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, Father, according to his command,
we remember his death,
we proclaim his resurrection,
we await his coming in glory;
and we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, 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, made acceptable in him, may be sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, reconcile all things in Christ, and make them new, and bring us to that city of light where you dwell with all your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation; by whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory are yours, almighty Father, now and for ever.
Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
We join in the prayer that Jesus himself taught his followers to pray.
Rejoicing in God’s new creation and gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us pray as our Saviour taught us,
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,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
INVITATION TO SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
Many worshippers join us each Sunday by means of our livestream. Those who are not present inperson for the celebration of the Eucharist are welcome to partake in the communion in a spiritual manner.
I invite you in this moment to receive Christ, in communion with the saints,
and the gathering of God’s people, unseen and yet present with us now. In Christ’s body, many are made one.
We welcome your presence in us, and together proclaim our love for you.
With our hearts and minds, our souls and strength, we worship you.
With the saints and angels, we adore you.
With your whole church, we proclaim your reign.
Come to us, though many, and make us one in you. Amen.
BREAKING OF THE BREAD
Alleluia!
Lord, we died with you on the cross.
Now we are raised to new life.
We were buried in your tomb.
Now we share in your resurrection.
Live in us, that we may live in you.
Alleluia!
THE INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Alleluia!
The gifts of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God.
Alleluia!
FRACTION ANTHEM Agnus Dei
Sung by all.
O Lamb of God that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God that takest away the sin of the world, grant us thy peace.
‘Agnus Dei,’ St. Anne’s Mass, James MacMillan (b. 1959).
All people are welcome to receive the Holy Communion. The Holy Communion is distributed at the altar rail and the church greeters will invite people to come forward one row at a time. You are welcome to kneel or stand to receive. You may receive Holy Communion in either, or both the bread and the wine. Gluten free bread is available; if you prefer gluten free, please ask the priest distributing the bread. Receive the bread in your open and outstretched hands, responding, Amen. The wine is offered from a common cup. To receive please assist by helping guide the cup to your lips. If you prefer not to receive the cup, cross your arms across your chest. If you prefer to receive a blessing rather than the bread and wine of communion, again, cross your arms over your chest as the priest comes to distribute the bread and the priest will bless you.
COMMUNION HYMN
I Come with Joy LAND OF REST CP 60
1 I come with joy, a child of God,
forgiven, loved and free,
the life of Jesus to recall,
in love laid down for me.
2 I come with Christians far and near
to find, as all are fed,
the new community of love
in Christ's communion bread.
3 As Christ breaks bread, and bids us share,
each proud division ends.
The love that made us, makes us one,
and strangers now are friends.
4 The Spirit of the risen Christ,
unseen, but ever near,
is in such friendship better known,
alive among us here.
5 Together met, together bound
by all that God has done,
we'll go with joy, to give the world
the love that makes us one.
Text: Brian Wren (b. 1936). © 1971, 1995 Hope Publishing Co.
Music: Melody, American trad.: coll. Annabel Morris Buchanan (18891983); harm. Charles H. Webb (b. 1933). Harm © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House.
CHORAL ANTHEM
O Praise the Lord William Boyce (17111799), arr. Alan Bullard
O praise the Lord, praise the Lord, the Almighty.
For you do not scorn the humble and poor.
For you do not hide your face from us,
But when we call unto you, you hear us.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
The people may stand.
Father,
we have seen with our eyes
and touched with our hands
the bread of life.
Strengthen our faith
that we may grow in love for you and for each other;
through Jesus Christ the risen Lord. Amen.
DOXOLOGY
Glory to God,
whose power working in us
can do more than we can ask or imagine.
Glory to God from generation to generation,
in the church and in Christ Jesus,
for ever and ever. Amen.
BLESSING
God the Holy Spirit,
who filled the disciples with the life of the risen Lord,
empower you and fill you with Christ’s peace,
and the blessing of God almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
rest upon you and remain with you always. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please join us for coffee, tea, and fellowship in the library following this service.
SENDING HYMN
The people may stand.
Good Christians All, Rejoice and Sing VULPIUS CP 211
1 Good Christians all, rejoice and sing!
Now is the triumph of our King!
To all the world glad news we bring:
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
2 The Lord of life is risen today!
Sing songs of praise along his way;
let all the earth rejoice and say:
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
3 Praise we in songs of victory
that love, that life which cannot die,
and sing with hearts uplifted high:
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
4 Your name we bless, O risen Lord,
and sing today with one accord
the life laid down, the life restored:
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Text: Cyril Argentine Alington (18721955), alt. © 1958, renewal 1986 Hope Publishing Co.
Music: Melody Melchior Vulpius (c. 15701516); harm. Ernest Campbell MacMillan (18931973). Harm. © estate of Sir Ernest Campbell MacMillan, Ross A. MacMillan, executor.
DISMISSAL
Alleluia! Go in peace. Share the good news.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
POSTLUDE
The people may remain standing while the choir and sacred minister depart from the church by the west door.
Toccata on ‘O filii et filiae’ Lynnwood Farnam (18851930)
TODAY’S MINISTERS. Presiding Celebrant: The Reverend Canon Dr. David Anderson, Rector. Preacher: The Reverend Sarah Grondin, Priest Associate. Assisting Minister: Adedayo Olomodosi, Student Minister. Reader: Genevieve De Carcenac. Intercessor: Martha Denning. Crucifer: Brian Toogood. Server: Judy Bindon. Acolyte: Martha Denning. Gospel Bearer: Barbara Caine. Greeters: Kevin Farrell, Sally McFadyen, Catherine Farrell. Livestream Technician: Dave Haslett. Altar Guild: Jane Bowden, Betty Cook. Children’s Church Leader: Carmen Almeida, Coordinator of Children’s, Youth, and Family Ministries. Choir Director: Sebastian Moreno, Director of Music. Organist: Dr. Andrei Streliaev, Associate Organist. Choral Lead: Corinne DeJong. The Gloria Singers.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. This liturgy is adapted from the Book of Alternative Services, The Anglican Church of Canada, 1984, with other sources as follows. ‘The Prayers of the People’ are adapted from Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress Press, 2026. This liturgy is authorised for use at St. Jude’s Church by the Bishop of Niagara. Copyrighted music is used by permission under license: OneLicense.net # A714967.
ALTAR FLOWERS
The flowers on the right stand are to the Glory of God in loving memory of Nora L. Balders, given by the family.
The flowers on the left stand are given by Nick ChoulesBurbidge to the Glory of God in loving memory of his son Jeremy Michael, his mother Marjorie Anne, his father Shirley William Choules and his stepfather Albert Burbidge.
St. Jude’s Church
www.stjudeschurch.net
office@stjudeschurch.net
9058443972
Clergy and Staff
The Right Reverend Dr. Susan J.A. Bell, Bishop of Niagara
The Reverend Canon Dr. David Anderson, Rector anderson@stjudeschurch.net
The Reverend Sarah Grondin, Assistant Curate grondin@stjudeschurch.net
The Reverend Canon Dr. Patrick Patterson, Priest Assistant pat.macrae.pat@gmail.com
Adedayo Olomodosi, Student Minister
Sebastian Moreno, Director of Music choir@stjudeschurch.net
Dr. Andrei Streliaev, Associate Organist
Corinne DeJong, Choral Lead and Youth Chorus Director choir@stjudeschurch.net
Grace D’Mello, Choral Scholar
Carmen Almeida, Coordinator of Youth and Children’s Ministry carmen@stjudeschurch.net
Amanda Judd, Operations Manager manager@stjudeschurch.net
Bharatie Malik, Parish Secretary office@stjudeschurch.net
Churchwardens
Kevin Coleman, People’s Warden peopleswarden@stjudeschurch.net
Nancy Coombs, Rector’s Warden rectorswarden@stjudeschurch.net
Dave Haslett, Deputy People’s Warden
Nick ChoulesBurbidge, Treasurer nwrburbidge@gmail.com
All are invited to make a gift to support
St. Jude’s ministry of sharing God’s love.
As the plate is passed or by scanning the QR code at the left or
online at stjudeschurch.net/give.
Thank you for your generosity.
We’d love to stay connected with you.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS
Join us for Coffee Hour!
After the 10:30 AM service, we’d love for you to stick around and join us for coffee, tea, and conversation in the library. It’s a great way to catch up, meet someone new, and share in fellowship. See you there!
Jazz Vespers: Today @ 4 PM!
Join us for music with a Jazz Quartet, evening prayers, readings, and a short reflection. A free will offering is received.
The lineup:
Kevin Barrett – Guitar
Alan Zemaitis Organ
Chris Banks – Bass
Tim Shia – Drums
Parish Lunch: Wednesday, April 15 @ 11:30 AM
Celebrate the joy of the Easter season and the arrival of spring with a relaxed midweek gathering.
For just $8, enjoy lunch, a sweet dessert, and a glass of wine. Coffee and tea will also be available.
Please register online or at the office.
Newcomers’ Lunch: Sunday, April 19 @ 12 PM
New here? We’d love for you to stay and connect!
Join us after the 10:30 AM service on April 19 for a light luncheon, a chance to meet a few friendly faces, and simply feel at home.
Be sure to register using the QR code, and pick up an info pamphlet from one of our greeters (if you haven’t received one already) to learn about our clergy, what Sundays look like, and ways to get involved in our community.
Spring Rummage Sale: Saturday, April 25
As you change over your closets for spring, please remember the Spring Rummage Sale! We welcome donations of clothing (women’s, men’s, children’s), shoes, accessories, household items, books (no textbooks), puzzles, games, sports equipment, luggage, artwork (no small frames), and small working electric appliances (no furniture, please).
Jewelry may be dropped off at the office anytime. All other items can be brought to Victoria Hall starting Sunday, April 19.
Men's Fellowship Breakfast Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 7:15 AM
Join us for a special breakfast featuring our guest speaker, Adedayo, as he shares how faith has shaped his life’s journey.
Holiday Inn, Oakville – Argus Room
Saturday, May 2, 2026
7:15 AM – Social Time | 7:45 AM – Breakfast & Program (ends at 9:00 AM)
$35 per person
Register online on our website or call office and collect your tickets!
Book Club Tuesday, May 5 at 12 PM
We will be discussing “Ellie and the Harpmaker” by Hazel Prior.
~ A chance meeting. A quiet craftsman. A lifechanging friendship that opens the door to courage, connection, and new beginnings~
Coffee and tea will be served. Feel free to bring a snack!