The Holy Eucharist The First After : Sunday

May 30, 2021 | 10 AM

THE WORD OF Voluntary Prelude in E-flat major, BWV 522a J.S. Bach

Opening Hymn Hymnal 362 “Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty” Nicaea The Opening Acclamation (BCP) 355 Celebrant: Blessed be God: most holy, glorious, and undivided Trinity. People: And blessed be God’s reign, now and for ever. Amen.

The 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 , that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Song of Praise Hymnal S-236 Benedictus es, Domine John Rutter The Collect of the Day Celebrant: God be with you. People: And also with you. Celebrant: Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The First Lesson: Isaiah 6:1-8 Thom Shelton In the year of the death of Uzziah, ruler of Judah I saw Yhwh seated on a high and lofty judgment seat in a robe whose train filled the Temple. Seraphs were stationed above; each of them had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. They would cry out to one another, “Holy! Holy! Holy is Yhwh Omnipotent! All the earth is filled with God’s glory!” The doorposts and thresholds quaked at the sound of their shouting, and the Temple kept filling with smoke. Then I said, “Woe is me, I am doomed! I have unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips! And my eyes have seen the Ruler, Yhwh Omnipotent!” Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding an ember which it had taken with tongs from the altar. The seraph touched my mouth with the ember. “See,” it said, “now that this has touched your lips, your corruption is removed, and your sin is pardoned.” Then I heard the voice of the Holy One saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” “Here I am,” I said, “send me!” Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people. People: Thanks be to God.

The Holy : John 3:1-17 The Holy Gospel of our Savior Christ according to John. People: Glory to you, Lord Christ. A certain Pharisee named , a member of the Sanhedrin, came to Jesus at night. “Rabbi,” he said, “we know you’re a teacher come from God, for no one can perform the signs and wonders you do, unless by the power of God.” Jesus gave Nicodemus this answer; “The truth of the matter is, unless one is born from above, one cannot see the kindom of God.” Nicodemus said, “How can an adult be born a second time? I can’t go back into my mother’s womb to be born again!” Jesus replied: “The truth of the matter is, no one can enter God’s kindom without being born of water and the Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh; what is born of the Spirit is Spirit. So don’t be sur- prised when I tell you that you must be born from above. Th e wind blows where it will. You hear the sound it makes, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” “How can this be possible?” asked Nicodemus. Jesus replied, “You’re a teacher of Israel, and you still don’t understand these matters? The truth of the matter is, we’re talking about what we know; we’re testifying about what we’ve seen—yet you don’t accept our testimony. If you don’t believe when I tell you about earthly things, how will you believe when I tell you about heavenly things? No one has gone up to heaven except the One who came down from heaven—the Chosen One. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so the Chosen One must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in the Chosen One might have eternal life. Yes, God so loved the world as to give the Only Begotten One, that whoever believes may not die, but have eternal life. God sent the Only Begotten into the world not to condemn the world, but that through the Only Begotten the world might be saved.” The Gospel of our Savior. People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Sermon The Rev. Horace L. Griffin A period of silence is kept.

The

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, was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. 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, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Prayers of the People Thom Shelton Celebrant God of Wisdom, you called forth creation from the void and poured out your wisdom to guide us; now manifest in us your concern for the whole universe. Draw near to us as we gather the world’s needs into our hearts and bring them before you.

Intercessor Creator of all: we pray that all your creatures may thank you and serve you. We pray for the church throughout the world, for Michael, our Presiding ; Rob, Don, and Paul, our ; for all priests and deacons, and for all who serve God’s people. God of love, God of wisdom, Hear our prayer.

God of the prophets, God of revelation, God of love, you have called Winnie Varghese as our next Rector to bring us your creative and redeeming Word. We pray for Winnie and Elizabeth in this time of transition. Abiding Spirit, meet us in this moment as St. Luke’s enters into a new era with anticipation and excitement. Grant us courage to turn our faces toward the work lies before us as we prepare ourselves for the arrival of our new Rector. Be with us as, with confidence and courage, we step into a new future together with grateful and joyful hearts. God of love, God of wisdom, Hear our prayer.

We praise you for the splendor of your whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love. Open our eyes to the joy and beauty of your creation, and to see your presence in all your works. God of love, God of wisdom, Hear our prayer.

Look with favor upon all who care for the earth, the water, and the air so the riches of your creation may abound for all your creatures, from age to age. God of love, God of wisdom, Hear our prayer.

We delight in the wonderful diversity of humanity created in your image: all nations, peoples tribes, clans and families. And we pray for those who must make challenging decisions that affect us all: for Joe, our President; Brian, our Governor, and Keisha, our Mayor, and for all in authority throughout the world. God of love, God of wisdom, Hear our prayer.

Renew in us our commitment to be faithful stewards of your creation, caring for the earth, air, seas, and all the creatures who live in them. Increase in us an awareness of our responsibility to all your creatures and to be faithful in caring for them. God of love, God of wisdom, Hear our prayer. Grant wisdom, insight, and compassion to scientists, doctors, and all those in public health who work to sustain the health of your people. God of love, God of wisdom, Hear our prayer.

We pray for the most vulnerable among us: those who are experiencing hunger, homelessness, un- employment, those who are in prison, and those who flee their home and country. Strengthen and surround them with your love. God of love, God of wisdom, Hear our prayer.

We are thankful for the blessing of family, friends, neighbors, for our friends at San Pablo in Cama- guey, Cuba and for all the loving care which surrounds us on every side. May we grow together in wisdom and grace. God of love, God of wisdom, Hear our prayer.

We delight in new life throughout our natural world. And we rejoice in the safe birth of Nina Gisela Traubert, grandniece of Kerry Traubert and John Raevuori; and for the birth of Mark Simon Bender, son of Isabelle Willson and Mark Bender and grandchild of Bill and Susan Willson. God of love, God of wisdom. Hear our prayer.

Heal and comfort those who are sick or in need, and those who have asked for our prayers, including Ed, Elizabeth, Randy, Ginna, and Thom, and for those who are caring for them. May they experience the healing power of Christ’s love. God of love, God of wisdom, Hear our prayer.

Raise to new life all those who have died, we pray today for Ben Jennings and for all the departed that they may live in the power of Christ’s victory over death. God of love, God of wisdom, Hear our prayer.

Concluding Prayer O heavenly Creator, you have filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to recognize your gracious hand in all your works, that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may learn to serve you with glad- ness; for the sake of the One through whom all things were made, Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen.

The Peace Celebrant: The peace of Christ be always with you. People: And also with you.

THE HOLY COMMUNION

Offertory Eucharistic Prayer 2 Enriching Our Worship (EOW) p. 60 Celebrant: God 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 our thanks and praise. We praise you and we bless you, holy and gracious God, source of life abundant. From before time you made ready the creation. Your Spirit moved over the deep and brought all things into being: sun, moon, and stars; earth, winds, and waters; and every living thing. You made us in your image, and taught us to walk in your ways. But we rebelled against you, and wandered far away; and yet, as a mother cares for her children, you would not forget us. Time and again you called us to live in the fullness of your love. And so this day we join with Saints and Angels in the chorus of praise that rings through eternity, lifting our voices to magnify you as we sing:

The Hymnal S-125 “Holy, holy, holy Lord” Richard Proulx

The Celebrant continues Glory and honor and praise to you, holy and living God. To deliver us from the power of sin and death and to reveal the riches of your grace, you looked with favor upon Mary, your willing servant, that she might conceive and bear a son, Jesus the holy child of God. Living among us, Jesus loved us. He broke bread with outcasts and sinners, healed the sick, and proclaimed good news to the poor. He yearned to draw all the world to himself yet we were heedless of his call to walk in love. Then, the time came for him to complete upon the cross the sacrifice of his life, and to be glorified by you. On the night before he died for us, Jesus was at table with his friends. He took bread, gave thanks to you, broke it, and gave it to them, and said: “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” As supper was ending, Jesus took the cup of wine. Again, he gave thanks to you, gave it to them, and said: “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.” Now gathered at your table, O God of all creation, and remembering Christ, crucified and risen, who was and is and is to come, we offer to you our gifts of bread and wine, and ourselves, a living sacrifice. Pour out your Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Body and Blood of Christ. Breathe your Spirit over the whole earth and make us your new creation, the Body of Christ given for the world you have made. In the fullness of time bring us, with all your saints, from every tribe and language and people and nation, to feast at the banquet prepared from the foundation of the world. Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to you be honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever. AMEN. And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

The Lord’s Prayer BCP 364

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.

At the Breaking of the Bread Celebrant: We break this bread to share in the Body of Christ. People: We who are many are one body, for we all share in the one bread.

Fraction Anthem Hymnal S-154 “Christ our passover” David Hurd

Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

Distribution of Communion The communion table at St. Luke’s is open to all regardless of faith background. During Communion Hymnal 387 “We sing of God, the mighty source” Magdalen College

The Prayer EOW p. 70 Celebrant: Let us pray. All: Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image and nourishing us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood. Now send us forth a people, forgiven, healed, renewed; that we may proclaim your love to the world and continue in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen. The Blessing May the blessing of the God of Abraham and Sarah, and of Jesus Christ born of our sister Mary, and of the Holy Spirit, who broods over the world as a mother over her children, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen.

Closing Hymn Hymnal 367 “Round the Lord in glory seated” Rustington

The Deacon: Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit. People: Thanks be to God.

Voluntary Fugue in E-flat major,BWV 522b J.S. Bach Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, St. Luke’s welcomes you!

The Rev. Ed Bacon Interim Rector The Rev. Elizabeth Shows Caffey Senior Associate Rector StLukesAtlanta.org The Rev. Horace L. Griffin Senior Associate Matthew M. Brown Director of Music Brian Strickland Cantor