This festival, which originated in the fourth century, celebrated the triumph of the cross. Paul reminds us that Christ crucified is the power and wisdom of God. As Moses put a serpent on a pole to be a source of healing for the Israelites, we lift high the cross as the sign of our health and salvation. Each time we make the sign of the cross we remember our baptism into the death and resurrection of Christ.
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
We share in the Apostolic Greeting.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
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 God, whose Son our Saviour Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself, may we who rejoice in the mystery of our redemption have grace to take up our cross and follow him, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The people may be seated.
THE FIRST READING Numbers 21. 4b–9 Reader
When people spoke against God and Moses, the Lord sent poisonous snakes against them. Moses interceded for the people, and the Lord ordered him to erect a serpent of bronze on a pole. All who looked at it after having been bitten by a serpent would live.
From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. The people spoke against God and against Moses, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.’ Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, ‘We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us.’ So Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.’ So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM Psalm 98. 1–6 Cantate Domino.
The Psalms form the ancient songbook of God’s people.
1 O SING unto the Lord a new song; * for he hath done marvellous things.
2 With his own right hand, and with his holy arm, * hath he gotten himself the victory.
3 The Lord hath declared his salvation: * his righteousness hath he openly shown in the sight of the nations.
4 He hath remembered his mercy and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel; * and all the ends of the world have seen the salvation of our God.
5 Show yourselves joyful unto the Lord, all ye lands: * sing, rejoice, and give thanks.
6 Praise the Lord upon the harp: * sing to the harp with a psalm of thanksgiving.
THE SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 1. 18–24 Reader
At the heart of the Christian message is the word of the cross. This proclamation seems foolish to many because it reveals true divine power in the absolute weakness of Christ’s crucifixion. True wisdom understands how ours is a God who suffers for and with humankind in the cross.
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,
‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.’
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling-block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
THE HOLY GOSPEL John 3. 13–17
Jesus’ ongoing presence with the disciples will be made known through the coming Spirit who will guide them and communicate to them Jesus’ will and glory.
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.
No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
‘Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
The Gospel of Christ.
Praise be to thee, O Christ.
THE SERMON The Reverend Canon Dr. Patrick Patterson
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 Intercessor
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.
Gracious God, we come to you in prayer for the church, the world, and all in need.
A brief silence.
Sustaining God, guide your church on the way. We especially pray for the worldwide Anglican Communion, and in our cycle of prayer, for The Anglican Church of South America. In our Diocese of Niagara, we pray for In the Niagara Diocese: St. Columba, St. Catharines, The Reverend William Alakas, Rector; and the people of that parish. We pray for Susan and Colin our bishops; David, Sarah, and Patrick our priests, for our other parish leaders and all the people. Give us patience in our journey and protect us from division and doubt. May we look to the cross and live. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
Creator God, renew the earth. Heal our planet from the venom of greed and exploitation, and direct us to respect all life as a gift from you. May we look to the cross and live. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
God of wisdom, grant discernment to those in authority. We pray for Charles our King and all in authority under him. We pray for the leaders of nations and those who suffer war and violence. We pray for Palestine, Israel, Ukraine, Russia, Myanmar, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thwart the plans of the proud, bring low the mighty, and uphold those who work for peace. May they seek the way of the cross and live. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
God of grace, alleviate suffering. Comfort the sick and the grieving. Come to the aid of those who are hungry or needing shelter. We pray for all those who have requested our prayers: Bruce, Kevin, Eileen, Marlene, Moira, Madison, Brooke, Kathryn, Peter, Luis and family, Jas, Isabel, John, Jerry, Bud, Pam, Cheryl, Mary, David H, Gerald, Barence, and Walter. May they find hope in the cross and live. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
Good Shepherd, guide your flock. Protect us from the world’s lies and lead us in the way of truth. Strengthen us in our faith and inspire us to serve others. May we follow you to the cross and live. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
Merciful God, you receive into your loving embrace those who have died. This morning, we give thanks for the life of Mike Say and pray for those who mourn. We also remember Midge & Peter Downe and Larry & Gerry Wilson in whose memory flowers have been given. Giving thanks for them, may we find comfort in the cross and live in the hope of resurrection. Bring us with all the faithful departed, St. Jude, and all the saints to the fullness of your kingdom. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
We entrust these prayers to you, O God, in the name of Jesus Christ, our redeemer and friend. Amen.
CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION
Ye that do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbours, and intend to lead the new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways: draw near with faith, and take this holy sacrament to your comfort; and make your humble confession to almighty God.
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things and judge of all people: We acknowledge and confess our manifold sins and wickedness, Which we from time to time most grievously have committed, By thought, word and deed, Against thy divine majesty. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; For thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, Forgive us all that is past; And grant that we mayever hereafter Serve and please thee In newness of life, To the honour and glory of thy name; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all them that with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him: have mercy upon you; pardon and deliver you from all your sins; confirm and strengthen you in all goodness; and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE PEACE
As forgiven and reconciled people we exchange words of peace with one another.
Once we were far off, but now in union with Christ Jesus we have been brought near through the shedding of Christ’s blood, for he is our peace.
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
Merciful God, through the death of your beloved Son you transformed an instrument of shame into a sign of hope and glory. Receive all we offer you this day, and renew in us the mystery of his love; through the same Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 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. For the redemption of the world by the death and passion of our Saviour Christ, both God and Man; who did humble himself, even to the death upon the Cross for us sinners, who lay in darkness and the shadow of death; that he might make us the children of God, and exalt us to 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.
Almighty God, we give thanks that you have made us partakers of the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who took our nature upon him and suffered death upon the cross for our redemption; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Glory to God,
whose power, working in us,
can do infinitely 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
Christ crucified draw you to himself, to find in him a sure ground for faith, a firm support for hope, and the assurance of sins forgiven; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among 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.
Go in peace. Proclaim Christ crucified, the power of God and the wisdom of God.
Thanks be to God.
As you are able, please remain standing as the sacred ministers make their way from the church.
Today’s Ministers. Presiding Celebrant and Preacher: The Reverend Canon Dr. Patrick Patterson, Priest Assistant. Assisting Minister: The Reverend Sarah Grondin, Priest Associate. Reader & Greeter: Roger Beach. Altar Guild: Esmae Tennison and Gloria Busse.
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 Prayers of the People’ are adapted from Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress, © 2025, used by permission. ‘Collect for Creation,’ is from a Creationtide resource of the Episcopal Church (USA). This liturgy is used at St. Jude’s Church by permission of the Bishop of Niagara.
Altar Flowers
The flowers in the reredos are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Midge & Peter Downe, given by the family.
The flowers on the stands are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Larry & Gerry Wilson, given by the family.
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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, Priest Associate grondin@stjudeschurch.net
The Reverend Canon Dr. Patrick Patterson, Priest Assistant pat.macrae.pat@gmail.com
Sebastian Moreno, Director of Music choir@stjudeschurch.net
Dr. Andrei Streliaev, Associate Organist
Grace D’Mello, Choral Scholar
Carmen Almeida, Coordinator of Youth and Children’s Ministry carmen@stjudeschurch.net
Robert Clarence, Parish Operations Manager manager@stjudeschurch.net
Amanda Judd, Administrative Secretary office@stjudeschurch.net
Churchwardens
Kevin Coleman, People’s Warden peopleswarden@stjudeschurch.net
Nancy Coombs, Rector’s Warden rectorswarden@stjudeschurch.net
Martha Denning, Deputy People’s Warden
Henry Popp, Deputy Rector’s Warden
Nick Choules-Burbidge, Treasurer nwrburbidge@gmail.com