St. Thomas and Over 225 Years of the Black Presence in the Episcopal Church

Like a Mighty Stream, Let Justice Roll. Absalom, Jehu and Beyond…

THE CELEBRATION OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST IN THANKSGIVING FOR THE FOUNDING OF THE AFRICAN EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF ST. THOMAS AND OVER 225 YEARS OF THE BLACK PRESENCE IN THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

7:00 P.M. TUESDAY, JULY 25, 2017 THE AFRICAN EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF ST. THOMAS 6361 LANCASTER AVE, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19151

AFRICAN DESCENT LUTHERAN ASSOCIATION & THE UNION OF BLACK EPISCOPALIANS Welcome…

On the behalf of all the members of the Union of Black Episcopalians and African Descent Lutheran Association through the world, we bid you welcome.

We are gathered in this space as a one people reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. We gather to celebrate the many traditions and heritages of our Episcopal/Lutheran identity. We come from intimate rural parishes and sprawling urban ones, as longtime church members and newcomers to the faith. As we gather, we bring our diverse gifts: gifts of music, dance, prophecy, teaching, preaching, and friendship. We present these gifts in the form of our most precious offering to God, our very selves, that all that we do may be for God’s glory in the unity of Christ’s church.

We “gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God” as we are united one to another in stream of baptism. As we come together at the font and renew our baptismal vows, we affirm the promise of our faith: that we are made in God’s image to do God’s work, that we are members of Christ’s one body, and that, empowered by the Spirit, we are participants in a divine mystery. The covenant that we remember today is a sign of God’s unfailing love for all creation, as well as a call to take our part in God’s transforming work.

On this joyful occasion, we invite all present in this place, to pray for guidance for our two denominations, our Presiding Bishops, African Descent Lutherans and the Union of Black Episcopalians as we seek to envision the reign of God in our midst. May our celebration today unite us as a sacramental community, and may we leave this place filled with new energy for God’s work in the world.

THE HOLY EUCHARIST PAGE 2

WE GIVE THANKS for the work and ministries of the descendants of the African Diaspora in Episcopal

Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church as we worship together “in the beauty of holiness”.

Today we gather to commemorate and give thanks for the lives and ministries of pioneers in faith. The Reverend Absalom Jones and The Reverend Jehu Jones Jr.. Their lives and witness have brought us to this day as we celebrate our common heritage.

THE REVEREND ABSALOM JONES, PRIEST (November 7, 1746 – February 13, 1818) was an African-American abolitionist and clergyman. After founding, St. Thomas African Episcopal Church, a black congregation in 1792, he was the first African American ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church of the United States, in 1804. Absalom Jones and Richard Allen founded the Free African Society (FAS), first conceived as a non- denominational mutual aid society, to help newly freed slaves in Philadelphia. Jones and Allen later separated, as their religious lives took different directions after 1794 as discussed below, but they remained lifelong friends and collaborators. He is listed on the Episcopal calendar of saints and remembered liturgically on the date of his death, February 13, in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer as "Absalom Jones, Priest, 1818".

THE REVEREND JEHU JONES, JR., PASTOR (1786–1852) was a Lutheran minister who founded one of the first African- American Lutheran congregations in the United States, as well as actively involved in improving the social welfare of blacks. In 1832, Jones was ordained in New York as a missionary Pastor. The Lutheran Church in Philadelphia later appointed Jones as a missionary to the city's black population, which became St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Jones remained active in the Philadelphia African American congregation, as well as Pennsylvania politics and the national Colored Conventions Movement through at least 1851, the year before his death. In 1845, he helped organize a convention to unite freed blacks to petition for civil rights. Jones also founded Lutheran Churches (with congregations of all races) in Gettysburg and Chambersburg.

THE HOLY EUCHARIST PAGE 3

July 22, 2017

On the Occasion of the Gathering of the African Descent Lutheran Association and the Union of Black Episcopalians

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As you gather together for Like a Rolling Stream, Let Justice Roll, I give thanks for the transformative and live-giving work of the African Descent Lutheran Association and the Union of Black Episcopalians -work in the historic black church and wider Episcopal and Evangelical Lutheran communities that has been and will continue to be a witness to the movement that Jesus of Nazareth inaugurated.

It is fitting that you are meeting in Philadelphia this summer, we celebrate the city’s African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas’ 225th anniversary. This parish, of which The Episcopal Church is justly proud, has a long legacy of raising up all of God’s children with the calling of Absalom Jones to be the Episcopal Church’s first black priest, historic connections to the Underground Railroad in the city, and the fight for Civil Rights. In fact, because of St. Thomas’ commitment to raising up leaders for communities of the African diaspora, the Rev. William Levington was sent from the parish to Baltimore, founding St. James’ Church, where I would (much later) serve as rector. St. Thomas’ legacy, build on the gospel of Jesus, is an excellent foundation for our future work.

It is also my privilege and joy to see this gathering take place this year, when we commemorate the 500th Anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. It is altogether appropriate for our two churches, united by our Call to Common Mission and firm reliance on the Lord, to celebrate Luther’s opening of the Reformation -an event which would change and inspire the Church, and eventually bear out our own traditions and Communions. As we remember these momentous events, may we all recommit ourselves to speaking truth to power, immersing ourselves in Scripture, and telling out the gospel message that God’s grace is, through Jesus, given freely to all people. This is Good News indeed! I remain,

Your brother in Christ,

The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry Presiding Bishop and Primate The Episcopal Church

THE HOLY EUCHARIST PAGE 4

July 22, 2017

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

My prayers have been with you in your planning and preparations for this historic joint meeting of the African Descent Lutheran Association and the Union of Black Episcopalians, Like a Rolling Stream, Let Justice Roll. It is with joy and thanksgiving that I join you here in Philadelphia for this special occasion and celebration of the 225th anniverary of The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas.

I give thanks to God for your witness and transformative work within The Episcopal Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, as part of the historic black church tradition, and together as ecumenical partners. In our full communion agreement, Called to Common Mission, we claimed that “our search for a fuller expression of visible unity is for the sake of living and sharing the gospel. Unity and mission are at the heart of the church’s life.” Together you are living and sharing the gospel, giving fuller expression to our unity in Christ.

We know that we cannot discern God’s future for us without knowing and commemorating our past. On the occasion of the 500th anniverary of the Reformation, it is fitting that we join together in honoring the history of those Episcopalians and Lutherans of African Desecent who are our foremothers and forefathers in the faith, including the Rev. Absalom Jones and the Rev. Jehu Jones, Jr., and countless others, named and unnamed. Their lives and ministries are an essential part of the history of the Protestant Reformation, and therefore, inform our lives together today.

In reflecting on your theme, I went back to the words of the Prophet Amos. In chapter 5, verse 21 – just two verses before the verse we know so well, we read, “I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.” We are reminded, therefore, of our charge to bear God’s justice and Christ’s righteouness. Without it, our celebrations ring empty. So, dear sisters and brothers, let us recommit ourselves to let justice roll – in us, and through us, so that together we may bear witness to the One who is the most righteous, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Your sister in Christ,

The Rt. Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton Presiding Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

8765 West Higgins Road  Chicago, Illinois 60631-4101  773-380-2700  800-638-3522  ELCA.org  LivingLutheran.com

THE HOLY EUCHARIST PAGE 5

Union of Black Episcopalians

July 25, 2017

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

On behalf of the UBE National Board, I am pleased to extend greetings to you as we commemorate this important milestone, the 225th anniversary of the Black presence within the Episcopal Church, with the founding of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia by the Rev. Absalom Jones, the first priest of African descent.

As modeled by Reverend Absalom, the mission of UBE continues to be forwarding the Gospel of Jesus Christ within the Church and the world – a gospel of justice, liberty and reconciliation.

We further celebrate the historic collaboration of the UBE and the African Descent Lutheran Association (ADLA) at this week’s conference and tonight’s service and most importantly the presence of our Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Michael Curry and the Presiding Bishop of the Evangelic Lutheran Church in America, the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton. We also offer congratulations to our Lutheran brothers and sisters as they honor the 500th Observance of the Protestant Reformation.

I pray that this commemoration will inspire and embolden us to vigilant work towards the eradication of contemporary overt and covert racism and challenge us to use the spiritual and physical resources we have for the advancement of social justice.

Yours in Christ,

Canon Annette L. Buchanan UBE National President

THE HOLY EUCHARIST PAGE 6

THE HOLY EUCHARIST PAGE 7

23 July 2017

Greetings My Dearest Brothers and Sisters,

Grace and Peace to you:

It is my great honor and pleasure to welcome you to the historic city of Philadelphia, the city of “Firsts”: the birthplace of our great nation, and; the city of “brotherly love and sisterly affection.”

As the Rector of the historic African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, I am humbled as we gather this week with our Lutheran brothers and sisters to commemorate the 500th observance of the Protestant Reformation and the 225th Anniversary of the birth of St. Thomas’ Church and more than 225 years of the Black Presence in the Episcopal Church. To God be the glory!

I am reminded of these words from one of my favorite hymns: “We’ve Come This Far By Faith, Leaning on the Lord.”

I pray that our time together this week may be filled with Spiritual renewal, rebirth and rejuvenation. I pray that each one of us leaves differently than when one arrived………..feeling more empowered and encouraged.

May this week be filled with an abundance of prayer, worship, fellowship, growth and enjoyment.

I Remain,

Faithfully Yours,

The Very Rev. Canon Martini Shaw 17th Rector

THE HOLY EUCHARIST PAGE 8

THE GATHERING OF GOD’S PEOPLE

MINISTERS: ALL OF US! PRESIDER: THE RT. REV. ELIZABETH EATON, PRESIDING BISHOP EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF AMERICA PREACHER: THE MOST REV. MICHAEL B. CURRY, PRESIDING BISHOP & PRIMATE OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

GATHERING MUSIC

LEVAS II 141 “SHALL WE GATHER AT THE RIVER”

1. Shall we gather at the river, Where bright angel feet have trod; With its crystal tide for ever Flowing by the throne of God?

REFRAIN Yes, we'll gather at the river, 3. Ere we reach the shining river, The beautiful, the beautiful river; Lay we ev'ry burden down; Gather with the saints at the river Grace our spirits will deliver, That flows by the throne of God. And provide a robe and crown. REFRAIN

2. On the margin of the river, 4. Soon we'll reach the shining river, Washing up its silver spray, Soon our pilgrimage will cease, We will walk and worship ever, Soon our happy hearts will quiver All the happy golden day. REFRAIN With the melody of peace. REFRAIN

“REVIVE US AGAIN”

THE HOLY EUCHARIST PAGE 9

Like a mighty stream…

PROCESSIONAL HYMN: “WE ARE MARCHING IN THE LIGHT OF GOD”

THE HOLY EUCHARIST PAGE 10

THE GATHERING RITE All standing, the Presiding Bishops of the Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church, along with the Rector of St. Thomas gather at the Columbarium of St. Thomas’ Church, close to the remains of Blessed Absalom Jones.

Presider Dear friends in the risen Christ, we gather in this sacred space, hallowed by the prayers, tears and praises of our ancestors, holy women and holy men who now stand in a nearer presence of the Eternal One. Like them we gather with the echoes of the past in our ears and hope of the future on our lips.

Rector In celebration with Absalom and Jehu, we pause to remember the life, work and ministry of Jesse F. Anderson, priest and sometime rector of this parish and past President of the Union of Black Episcopalians, who now rests with the saints and angels in eternal light.

Silence is kept for a time.

Presider Christ the Victorious, give to your servant Jesse rest with your saints in the regions of light. All Grief and pain ended, and sighing no longer, there may he find everlasting life.

Silence is kept for a time. The bells of the church are rung in remembrance. The Choir sings “Christ the Victorious.”

Presider We like Absalom, Mary-King, Jehu and Jesse share in one faith, one hope, one baptism which unite us one to another as the Body of Christ Jesus our Savior. Therefore let us join the praises of the saints past, and saints yet to come. Giving thanks to Almighty God for the countless lives shaped and transformed by the 225 years of ministry and service that this community of St. Thomas has offered, and we celebrate the black presence within the church catholic.

THE HOLY EUCHARIST PAGE 11

Deacon Let us be reminded of our baptism into the life, death and resurrection of Christ and humbly beseech the Lord our God to bless this water, which will be sprinkled on us as a memorial of our baptism. May God help us by grace to remain faithful to the spirit we have received in the waters of rebirth.

Presider Let us give thanks to God. All It is right to offer thanks and praise. Presider We thank you God for your love in all creation, especially for your gift of water to sustain, refresh and cleanse all life. We thank you that through the waters of baptism you cleanse us, renew us by your Spirit and raise us to new life. In the new covenant we are made members of your Church and share in your eternal kingdom.

Presider We pray that all who have passed through the waters of baptism may continue for ever in the risen life of Christ. Therefore we pray you by the power of the Spirit, to + bless and sanctify this water. Through Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all praise and thanks be yours, Redeemer God, now and for ever. All Amen The congregation is then sprinkled.

ANTHEM: “LET IT RAIN” The Gospel Choir of St. Thomas African Episcopal Church The renewal of baptism is concluded with the following prayer. Presider God our creator, the rock of our salvation, we thank you for our new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, for the forgiveness of our sins, and for our fellowship in the household of faith with all those who have been baptized in your name; keep us faithful to the calling of our baptism, now and for ever. All Amen

HYMN: “COME ALL YOU PEOPLE, COME PRAISE YOUR MAKER”

THE HOLY EUCHARIST PAGE 12

THE GREETING Presider Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe, All Who was and is and is to come. Amen. Presider There is one Body and one Spirit; All There is one hope in God’s call to us; Presider One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism; All One God and Creator of all. Presider Everliving God, through your Holy Spirit you unite us in baptism with Jesus your Son and name us beloved. Cleanse our hearts, purify our minds and refine our wills, that following the example of Jesus our Savoir we may worship you in sincerity and truth to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

GLORIA The Gospel Choir of St. Thomas African Episcopal Church

Glory to God in the Highest, and peace to people on earth. Lord God, Heavenly King, Almighty God And Father. We worship You, we Give You thanks, we praise Your name. For Your glory, lord Jesus Christ, the only Son, Lord God, Oh Lamb. You take away the sin of the world. Have mercy on us. You are seated at the right hand of the Father. Receive our prayer. You alone are the Holy One, You alone are the Lord. You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Composer: Waltier Blocker

COLLECT Presider Adonai has claimed us in love. All We are God’s beloved. Presider God is with you. All And also with you. Presider Let us pray. All O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Presider Takatifu Mulunguo*, who through the voices of the prophets call your people to hunger and thirst after righteousness and in our own time gave us the example of Absalom and Jehu, pioneers and defenders of justice and truth. So guide and inspire our hearts as we seek your kingdom, that all your people may find their security in that love which casts out fear and in the fellowship revealed to us in Jesus Christ our Savior, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. *Mulunguo is the most ancient Swahili word for “God”. Takatifu is Swahili for “holy”

WE HEAR THE SACRED STORIES

FIRST READING: A READING FROM THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET JERIMIAH 45:1-5 The word that the prophet Jeremiah spoke to Baruch son of Neriah, when he wrote these words in a scroll at the dictation of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of King Jehoiakim son of Josiah of Judah: Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, to you, O Baruch: You said, ‘Woe is me! The Lord has added sorrow to my pain; I am weary with my groaning, and I find no rest.’ Thus you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: I am going to break down what I have built, and pluck up what I have planted—that is, the whole land. And you, do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for I am going to bring disaster upon all flesh, says the Lord; but I will give you your life as a prize of war in every place to which you may go.’

Reader Hear what the Holy Spirit is telling God’s people. All Thanks be to God.

THE HOLY EUCHARIST PAGE 13

PSALM OF THE DAY: Psalm 7:1-10 ANTIPHON

Voice 1 O Lord my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me; Voice 2 lest like a lion they tear me in pieces and snatch me away with none to deliver me. Voice 1 O Lord my God, if I have done these things; if there is any wickedness in my hands, Voice 2 if I have repaid my friend with evil, or plundered anyone who without cause is my enemy; then let my enemy pursue and overtake me, trample my life into the ground, and lay my honor in the dust.

ANTIPHON

Voice 1 Stand up, O Lord, in your wrath; rise up against the fury of my enemies. Awake, O my God, decree justice. Voice 2 Let the assembly of the peoples gather round you. Be seated on your lofty throne, O Most High. Voice 1 O Lord, judge the nations. Give judgment for me according to my righteousness, O Lord, and according to my innocence, O Most High. Voice 2 Let the malice of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous; for you test the mind and heart, O righteous One.

ANTIPHON

SECOND READING: A READING FROM THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 11:27-12:3 At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine over all the world; and this took place during the reign of Claudius. The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea; this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul. About that time King Herod laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He had James, the brother of John, killed with the sword. After he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the festival of Unleavened Bread.

At the end of the reading the reader says: Reader Hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to the church. All Thanks be to God.

THE HOLY EUCHARIST PAGE 14

ALLELUIA

REFRAIN:

CHOIR: Praise God in this holy place, every nation every race, come make joyful music to the Lord. Sound the trumpet sound it clear Sound it for the world to hear. Come make joyful music to the Lord. REFRAIN

CHOIR: Everything that breathes now praise, let voices raise. Come make joyful music to the lord. Play the cymbals, play the lute; play the timbrel, play the flute. Come make joyful music to the Lord. REFRAIN

THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL: Matthew 20:20-28 Deacon God is with you. All And also with you. Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Matthew. All Glory to you, O Christ.

The mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favor of him. And he said to her, ‘What do you want?’ She said to him, ‘Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.’ But Jesus answered, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?’ They said to him, ‘We are able.’ He said to them, ‘You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.’ When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.’

At the end of the Gospel the Presider says Presider The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON THE MOST REVEREND MICHAEL B. CURRY, PRESIDING BISHOP AND PRIMATE OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

THE HOLY EUCHARIST PAGE 15

HYMN OF THE DAY: “THEY DID NOT BUILD IN VAIN”

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE The Choir introduces the sung response. (LEVASII 117) Presider Abba, you bind the baptized as one people, formed in Christ the cornerstone; in your mercy abide with us as we together pray, that built upon the foundation of the saints we may ask what you desire and live what you command.

All I’m gonna pray when the Spirit says pray. I’m gonna pray when the Spirit says pray. I’m gonna pray when the Spirit says pray and obey the Spirit of the Lord.

Voice 1 Come, Holy Spirit, come from the four winds O Breath of God, and fill your people gathered here. Voice 2 Lift every voice and sing the praises of our God, who has led us through the places watered with the blood and tears of our ancestors. Come Holy Spirit.

THE HOLY EUCHARIST PAGE 16

Voice 1 Come, Holy Spirit, lead your church to unity and peace, that together, inspired by Christ, we may see more clearly a vision of God’s reign of love. Voice 2 On Christ the solid rock we stand, help us to stand together, to pray together, to love together, to be the people you call us to be.

All I’m gonna love when the Spirit says love. I’m gonna love when the Spirit says love. I’m gonna love when the Spirit says love and obey the Spirit of the Lord.

Voice 1 Come, Holy Spirit, come rekindle, refresh and renew your people. Voice 2 Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on your people, melt us, mold us, fill us, use us to tell the Good News of salvation to every village and hamlet, every city and town. Voice 1 Come, Holy Spirit, strengthen us as you have strengthened our ancestors in ages past. Voice 2 Revive us again, fill each heart with your love, that following the example of Absalom, Mary-King and Jehu we may be pioneers of your reign.

All I’m gonna preach when the Spirit says preach. I’m gonna preach when the Spirit says preach. I’m gonna preach when the Spirit says preach and obey the Spirit of the Lord.

Voice 1 Come, Holy Spirit, come with healing in your wings for the broken, the hurting and the lost. Voice 2 O Lord our God, when we in awesome wonder consider your love in sending Christ to be our healer and guide, grant us to be messengers of wholeness and healing to…names may be offered silently or aloud. Voice 1 Come, Holy Spirit, receive the souls of your faithful people, who now find rest in the regions of light. Voice 2 Soon we’ll reach the shining river, soon our pilgrimage will cease and we will join the glorious band of saints in light. Yes we will gather at the river with… names may be offered silently or aloud…at the river that flows by the throne of God.

All I’m gonna rise when the Spirit says rise. I’m gonna rise when the Spirit says rise. I’m gonna rise when the Spirit says rise and obey the Spirit of the Lord.

Voice 1 Come, Holy Spirit, fill us with thankfulness and praise for the gifts of the sons and daughters of Africa’s soil. Voice 2 We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, to stand on the shoulders of greatness. Voice 1 Come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with song and our steps with grace as we celebrate the 225 years of witness in this community. Voice 2 Lead us, guide us along the way, for if you lead us we cannot stray from the places our God where we met you.

All I’m gonna shout when the Spirit says shout. I’m gonna shout when the Spirit says shout. I’m gonna shout when the Spirit says shout and obey the Spirit of the Lord.

Presider Living God, whose Spirit enlivens the whole creation, hear the prayers of your people as we cry to you. Send us the gift of your Holy Spirit that we may proclaim your marvelous works as revealed in Jesus Christ your Son; who is a live and reigns with you, One God, now and for ever. Amen.

EXCHANGE OF THE PEACE Presider We are the body of Christ knit together by the one Spirit in Baptism. All Let us then pursue the things that make for peace and build up the common life. Presider The peace of Christ be always with you. All And also with you. The people greet each other with a sign of Christ’s peace.

OFFERTORY ANTHEM The Gospel Choir of St. Thomas African Episcopal Church

THE HOLY EUCHARIST PAGE 17

GATHERING AT CHRIST’S TABLE Presider Blessed are you, God of all creation; through your goodness we have these gifts to share; this bread, this wine, this money. Accept and use our offerings for your glory and for the service of your kingdom. People Blessed be God for ever and ever. Amen.

Presider God is with you. People And also with you. Presider Lift up your hearts. People We lift them to the Lord. Presider Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People It is right to give thanks and praise.

Presider Renewing God, you called forth the cosmos in all its intricacies and fashioned stars and moons, galaxies and planets to reflect that vastness of your love. In time Your Spirit hovered over the face of the earth and breathed the breath of life into us mortals, formed of the dust to mirror your image. In Abraham and Sarah you number your people with the stars and summon us to be a holy people, a royal priesthood. But time and time again we broke your heart and wandered away from your love. All Bless and sanctify your people in faith.

Presider Through the voices of prophets and pioneers, judges and rulers, sages and poets, you call us again and again to return to covenant with you. Then in Jesus the Anointed One you made yourself fully known to us, and in his death, resurrection and ascension you healed our past and reconciled us to you and to one another. In the power of the Holy Spirit you called us to be your church, never closer to you than when we gather at this table of blessing. All Bless and sanctify your people in joy.

Presider Therefore we praise you, joining our voices in praise and song with angels and archangels, matriarchs and patriarchs and the whole company of heaven, in endless songs of praise:

SANCTUS: The Gospel Choir of St. Thomas African Episcopal Church Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of Your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He, He who comes, come’s in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Composer: Waltier Blocker

Presider Hosanna is our cry, Transforming God, for in Jesus you show us that whoever wishes to be great must be a servant and whoever wishes to be first must serve others in your name. Strengthen your people to strive for greatness through humble service and self-giving love, teach us to follow the example of your servant James that we may spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to places that are far off and places that are near. Sustain us by the power of your Holy Spirit that we may continue the good work of those holy women and holy men who have gone before, transforming struggle into strength, rejection into rejoicing and persecution into praise. All Bless and sanctify your people in hope.

Presider Send your Holy Spirit upon us now, that we may become holy, even as you are holy. Sanctify this bread and wine, that they may transform our hearts and minds and souls and voices as they become the body and blood of your blessed Son our Lord.

Presider Jesus, on the night before he died, at supper with his disciples, took bread, gave you thanks, broke the bread, and gave it to them saying “Take, eat: this is my bod which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

Presider After supper he took the cup of wine. Again he gave you thanks, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “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. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

THE HOLY EUCHARIST PAGE 18

Presider Great is the mystery of faith. All Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.

Presider God our Deliverer, you lead your people out of the wilderness of despair into the bright valley of hope and in Jesus you show the extent of your eternal love. Embolden your church in this sacred meal to be a voice for the voiceless and a hope for the hopeless, that with Blessed Mary the Godbearer, blessed Thomas, blessed James and the countless women and men who have pioneered and persisted we may serve humbly in your name. All Bless and sanctify your people in service.

Presider Protect us, empower us, inspire us, persevere with us, that we may each find our calling in the mission of your church, and your church may discover anew its purpose in witness and service to your world. Raise up those whose gifts have been suppressed, neglected, ignored or rejected. Renew your people through humble service and prophetic witness; that your name may be made known in the face of injustice, poverty and tyranny. Show your glory through agents of healing and learning, and shower your people with your love, until the day comes when every eye beholds you, full of grace and truth. All Bless and sanctify your people in love.

Presider All this we ask in your most holy name, through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory are yours Almighty God, now and for ever. AMEN!

THE LORD’S PRAYER Presider The Risen Christ is in our midst, and so standing with our sisters and brothers before us and behind us, let us pray in the way our Savior taught us.

The Lord’s Prayer is Sung.

THE HOLY EUCHARIST PAGE 19

THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD The Presider breaks the consecrated bread. Presider Look, the Body of Christ is broken for the healing of the nations. All Amen. Blessing and honor, and glory, forever and ever. The Fraction anthem is sung. The deacon prepares the Altar for the distribution of the consecrated elements.

SONG: TASTE AND SEE

1. I will bless the Lord at all times. Praise shall always be on my lips; my soul shall glory in the Lord for God has been so good to me.

Taste and see...

2. Glorify the Lord with me. Together let us all praise God's name. I called the Lord who answered me; from all my troubles I was set free.

Taste and see...

3. Worship the Lord, all you people. You'll want for nothing if you ask. Taste and see that the Lord is good; in God we need put all our trust.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION Presider God’s holy gifts, for God’s holy people.

Deacon The table of Christ’s body and blood is now made ready. It is the table of company with Jesus. It is the table of sharing with the poor and lowly of the world, with whom Jesus identified.

Presider So come to this table you who have much faith or your who would like to have more; you who have been here often and you who have not been here in a long time. Come. It is Christ who invites you to meet him here. All Amen. As the bread and wine we now eat are transformed, may we be changed into the likeness of Christ; bone of his bone, flesh of his flesh, loving and caring for the world.

THE HOLY EUCHARIST PAGE 20

SHARING THE SACRED MEAL

COMMUNION MUSIC Music & Hymns: The St Thomas Gospel Choir

Once the Altar is cleared the assembly stands and sings:

LEVAS II 1 “Lift Every Voice and Sing” 1. Lift every voice and sing, till earth and Heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of liberty; Let our rejoicing rise, high as the listening skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won.

2. Stony the road we trod, bitter the chastening rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, have not our weary feet, Come to the place for which our fathers sighed? We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered; Out from the gloomy past, till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

3. God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou Who hast brought us thus far on the way; Thou Who hast by Thy might, led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray. Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee. Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee. Shadowed beneath Thy hand, may we forever stand, True to our God, true to our native land.

POST COMMUNION At the invitation of the Presider all who are able stand. Presider God is with you. All And also with you. Presider Let us pray. All O God of our ancestors, God of our people, before whose face the human generations pass away: We thank you that in you we are kept safe for ever, and that the broken fragments of our history are gathered up in the redeeming act of your dear Son, remembered in this holy sacrament of his body and blood. Now send us out in the power of your Holy Spirit to live and work for your praise and glory, now and forever. Amen.

THE HOLY EUCHARIST PAGE 21

SENDING FORTH OF A.D.L.A & COMMISSIONING Presider Dear friends in Christ, over the past few days the Union of Black Episcopalians and African Descent Lutherans have gathered in prayer and fellowship, in celebration and song. We come now to the end of our time together and we send forth our sisters and brothers renewed for the service of God’s reign. Therefore let us offer our prayers of blessing as we return once more to our communities of faith.

Representatives from ADLA along with the ADAL President stand before the Presider.

President Loving God, we thank you for hearing our prayers, feeding us with your word, and encouraging us in our meeting together.

Members Take us and use us to love and serve you, and all people, in the power of your Spirit and in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Presider Send them forth O God that in the power of the Holy and Life-giving Spirit, every breath maybe a thanksgiving, every thought wrapped in compassion, every word filled with kindness, every deed a channel of love. May they be makers of peace and agents of hope and through your grace, may all our lives become a living prayer, in Christ Jesus our hope. Amen.

The Presider then addresses the whole assembly. Presider Having together been illumined by God's word and nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ at table; let us renew our commitment to serve the world in Christ's name, to spread the gospel in word and deed, and to make known the abiding love of God found in Jesus the Christ.

Presider Will you make the love of Christ known? All With God's help, I will work towards the spread of the Good News of Jesus Christ in word and deed.

Presider Will you seek to draw all people together in Christ? All With God's help, I will seek after justice and pursue the reconciliation of all God's people.

Presider Will you, empowered by the Holy Spirit, use your gifts in the service of Christ? All With God's help, I will use my gifts for the building up of the Body of Christ where ever I may be.

Presider May God who has equipped you with every good gift, give you the strength, courage and will to be the presence of Christ to a world in need. All Amen.

THE BLESSING The Presider blesses the people as a reminder of God’s extravagant love.

CLOSING HYMN: “COME WE THAT LOVE THE LORD” (REPRINTED ON THE NEXT PAGE)

THE SENDING Deacon Our worship has ended. Our service in the world now begins. Go forth in the Name of Christ. Go into your own neighborhoods. Go into unknown lands and places. Go where God's name is well known and where it has yet to be known. Go to those who welcome you and to those who reject you. Go forth into the world and share the Good News of God's love. Go in peace, serve the Lord. Alleluia! Alleluia! All Thanks be to God.

THE HOLY EUCHARIST PAGE 22

CLOSING HYMN: LEVASII 12 “COME WE THAT LOVE THE LORD”

THE HOLY EUCHARIST PAGE 23

A VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO: Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, ELCA Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, TEC The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America The Episcopal Church African Descent Lutheran Association The Union of Black Episcopalians

The Rector, Clergy and People of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas for their gracious hospitality and warm welcome. African Descent Lutherans and the Union of Black Episcopalians are eternally grateful for the 225 years of public witness and leadership at St. Thomas.

MUSIC COPYRIGHTS

SIYAHAMBA: “We Are Marching In the Light of Christ” Tune: SIYAHAMBA, Irregular; South African © 1984, Peace of Music Publishing AB, admin. by Walton Music Corp Text: South African; tr. hymnal version. All rights reserved.

“Come All You People” Tune: © 1994, Wild Goose Resource Group, Iona Community, GIA Publications, Inc., agent. Text: © 1994, Wild Goose Resource Group, Iona Community, GIA Publications, Inc., agent. All rights reserved.

Reprinted under ONE LICENSE #E-803754

Original parts of this liturgy were created by the Rev. Deon K. Johnson. For permission to use or reproduce please email: deonjohnson@gmailcom

THE HOLY EUCHARIST PAGE 24