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.
ENTRANCE PROCESSION
The people are invited to stand as they are able as the sacred ministers enter the church from the south-east door.
THE GREETING
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
May Christ’s grace and peace be with you.
May he fill our hearts with joy!
THE COLLECT FOR PURITY
Almighty God,
unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hid:
Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
GLORIA IN EXCELSIS
Glory be to God on high,
and in earth peace, good will towards all.
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.
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.
THE PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD
THE FIRST READING Acts 2. 14a, 22–32 Roger Beach
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.
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.
THE SECOND READING 1 Peter 1. 3–9 Roger Beach
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.
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 with thy spirit.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint John.
Glory to thee, O Lord.
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 be to thee, O 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.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Nicene Creed
Let us confess the faith as we say,
I believe in one God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
and of all things visible and invisible;
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of the Father before all worlds,
God, of God; Light, of Light; very God, of very God;
begotten, not made; being of one substance with the Father;
through whom all things were made:
who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven,
and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man,
and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.
He suffered and was buried, and the third day he rose again
according to the scriptures, and ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of the Father.
And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead:
whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceedeth from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified,
who spake by the prophets.
And I believe one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins.
And I look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The people may be seated for the prayers.
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Roger Beach
We pray for the Church throughout the world; the flourishing of creation; the nation, our King and all in authority under him; the needs of the world, the concerns of our community of faith, especially those who have requested our prayers; and for the departed.
The people are seated.
Trusting in the power of Christ’s resurrection to heal and redeem our broken world, let us pray for the needs of all creation.
A brief silence.
Almighty God, you give life to the dead and call into existence things that do not exist. We pray for your Church throughout the world: for Leo of Rome, Bartholomew of Constantinople, and Sarah of Canterbury. In the worldwide Anglican Communion we pray today for The Anglican Church of Mozambique and Angola (Igreja Anglicana de Moçambique e Angola). In our Diocese of Niagara, we pray for St. Aidan’s, Oakville; The Reverend Fran Wallace, Priest-in-Charge; The Reverend Canon Marni Nancekivell, Honorary Assistant; and the people of that parish. We pray for Susan and Colin our bishops; David, Sarah, and Patrick our priests, Adedayo Olomodosi our student minister, and for our other parish leaders and all the people. Breathe your Spirit upon us, that our faith may be renewed day by day. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Maker of heaven and earth, your mercies are new every morning. Open us to the wonders of creation, from the beauty of flowers to the complexity of subatomic particles. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
God of peace, in every place where conflict rages, sow seeds of calm and openness to reconciliation. We pray for Charles our king and all in authority under him; for Mark, the Prime Minister of Canada; Doug, the Premier of Ontario; Gary, the Chair of Halton Regional Council; and Rob, the Mayor of Oakville. We pray for peace among nations and peoples, especially for an end to war with the United States, Israel and Iran, and throughout the Middle East; between Ukraine and Russia; Afghanistan and Pakistan; and in Myanmar and Sudan. Strengthen the resolve of leaders and citizens to work for peace in their nations. Merciful God,
Healing God, come alongside all who are doubting, fearful, or suffering in any way, especially those who have requested our prayers, Bruce, Kevin, Marlene, Moira, Brooke, Kathryn, Peter, Jas, Isabel, Eileen, Madison, Pam, Mary, Cheryl, Scott M, Cam, Freda, Melissa, Carter, Sylvia, Andreas, Barence, Chris D and Sandi. Reveal to them your presence and assure them of the inheritance you have prepared for them. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Giver of joy, let this assembly be a place of genuine love and mutual affection. Deepen our care for one another and help us to embody your forgiving and sacrificial love. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Eternal One, we give thanks for saints who were faithful unto death and have joined the church triumphant. Inspire us by their witness and bring us with them into your glorious presence. Today we remember Nora L. Balders, Jeremy Michael, Marjorie Anne, Shirley William Choules and Albert Burbidge. Bring us together with them, St. Jude, and all the saints to feast with you in the fullness of your new creation. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
God of resurrection power, use us and these prayers to proclaim the good news of new life to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our risen Saviour. Amen.
THE PEACE
As forgiven and reconcile people we exchange words of peace with one another.
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 with thy spirit.
The people are invited to share words of peace with one another.
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
The Lord be with you.
And with thy spirit.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up unto the Lord.
Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.
It is meet and right so to do.
It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, creator and preserver of all things, through Jesus Christ our Lord, but chiefly are we bound to praise thee for the glorious resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the very Paschal Lamb, which was offered for us, and hath taken away the sin of the world; who by his death hath destroyed death, and by his rising to life again hath restored to us everlasting life. Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name; evermore praising thee and saying:
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.
Blessing and glory and thanksgiving be unto thee, almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of thy tender mercy didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to take our nature upon him, and to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption; who made there, by his one oblation of himself once offered, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memorial of that his precious death, until his coming again.
Hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly beseech thee; and grant that we receiving these thy creatures of bread and wine, according to thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ’s holy institution, in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers of his most blessed body and blood; who, in the same night that he was betrayed, took bread; and, when he had given thanks, he brake it; and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you: Do this in remembrance of me.”
Likewise after supper he took the cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink ye all, of this; for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins: Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.”
Wherefore, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, we thy humble servants, with all thy holy Church, remembering the precious death of thy beloved Son, his mighty resurrection, and glorious ascension, and looking for his coming again in glory, do make before thee, in this sacrament of the holy bread of eternal life and the cup of everlasting salvation, the memorial which he hath commanded:
We praise thee, we bless thee, we thank thee,
and we pray to thee, Lord our God.
And we entirely desire thy fatherly goodness mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, most humbly beseeching thee to grant, that by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we and all thy whole Church may obtain remission of our sins, and all other benefits of his passion; And we pray that by the power of thy Holy Spirit, all we who are partakers of this holy communion may be fulfilled with thy grace and heavenly benediction; through Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end.
Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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.
BREAKING OF THE BREAD
We do not presume to come to this thy table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy: grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.
FRACTION ANTHEM Agnus Dei
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.
THE COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE
All people who seek to follow Jesus are welcome to receive the Holy Communion. The Holy Communion is distributed at the altar rail. 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.
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
If it is needful that any announcements concerning the life and work of the church be made, they are given at this time.
DISMISSAL
The assisting minister dismisses the people to go forth to share in God’s mission in the world.
Alleluia! Go in peace. Share the good news.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
As you are able, please remain standing as the sacred ministers make their way from the church.
TODAY’S MINISTERS. Presiding Celebrant: The Reverend Canon Dr. David Anderson, Rector. Preacher: The Reverend Sarah Grondin, Priest Associate. Reader & Greeter: Roger Beach. Altar Guild: Jane Bowden, Betty Cook.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This liturgy is in the tradition of the Book of Common Prayer (Canada, 1962), and is adapted from the Book of Alternative Services, The General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada (1984), and from other sources as follows. ‘The Collect of the Day’ is from Alternative Collects, The General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada (2019). ‘The Prayers of the People’ are adapted from Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress, © 2026, used by permission. This liturgy is used at St. Jude’s Church by authority of the Bishop of Niagara.
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 Choules-Burbidge 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.
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.
St. Jude’s Church
www.stjudeschurch.net
office@stjudeschurch.net
905-844-3972
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 Choules-Burbidge, Treasurer nwrburbidge@gmail.com
We’d love to stay connected with you.
ANNOUNEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS
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.
Questions? Please contact Sally or Jenny.
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 life-changing friendship that opens the door to courage, connection, and new beginnings~
Coffee and tea will be served. Feel free to bring a snack!