Easter Sunday - April 4, 2021

Easter Sunday Festival Holy Eucharist, Rite II

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Glenside, Pennsylvania April 4, 2021 at 10:00 A.M.

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A Word of Welcome Even now, in this time of global pandemic, the Gospel is unchanged. In our worship today we celebrate the Resurrection - Christ has died for us, and God has raised him in newness of life. In our baptism we are reminded that we all belong to God and continue to be raised with Christ to a life of grace, goodness and wholeness.

We gather virtually and in-person in thanksgiving and praise: to hear and reflect on God’s holy word, to lift our concerns and joys in prayer, to reaffirm our baptismal promises, and to share in the spiritual gift of renewal and strength found in Holy Communion. Your participation at home by singing and joining in the prayers is encouraged.

We may be physically distanced from one another; but we remain spiritually connected. Thank you for being with us on this festive occasion!

Please continue to join us in our weekly Evening Prayer services and on Sundays streaming live at.facebook.com/St.PetersEpiscopalChurchGlenside/.

May you find in this gathering the assurance that God is even now raising us all to new life.

Welcome to St. Peter’s!

Please wear your mask throughout the service.

Socially distance with your neighbors before, during and after worship.

Enjoy listening to the music. We ask that you do not sing the hymns.

The restrooms in the chapel hallway are available for use during the service.

Thank you.

Gathering in Joy Prelude

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Processional Hymn: 207, Jesus Christ is risen today

The Opening Acclamation (Said three times) 3

BCP 355

The Opening Acclamation

Said three times

Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ is risen!

People: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Hanging of the Alleluia Banner and Flowering of the Cross All are invited to come forward and decorate the wooden cross with the flowers we have available.

Hymn of Praise: WLP 880, Christ our Passover

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BCP 355

The Collect of the Day BCP 222 Celebrant: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Celebrant: Let us pray.

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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Listening for God’s Word The First Reading - Isaiah 25:6-9 On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear. And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death forever. Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

The Word of the Lord. Response: Thanks be to God. Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures for ever.

Let Israel now proclaim, "His mercy endures for ever."

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The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.

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There is a sound of exultation and victory in the tents of the righteous: 15

"The right hand of the Lord has triumphed! the right hand of the Lord is exalted! the right hand of the Lord has triumphed!"

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I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.

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The Lord has punished me sorely, but he did not hand me over to death.

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BCP 760

Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter them; I will offer thanks to the Lord.

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"This is the gate of the Lord; he who is righteous may enter."

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I will give thanks to you, for you answered me and have become my salvation.

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The same stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.

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This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.

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On this day the Lord has acted; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

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Gospel Hymn: 179, Welcome, happy morning!

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The Gospel Reading - John 20:1-18 The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

Response: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the 9

cloth that had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, `I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her. The Gospel of the Lord.

Response: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Sermon

The Rev. Emily Richards

The Renewal of the Baptismal Covenant Celebrant: Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?

People: I do.

Celebrant: Do you believe in God the Father?

People: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Celebrant: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? People: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the 10

Celebrant: People:

Celebrant: People: Celebrant: People: Celebrant: People: Celebrant: People: Celebrant: People:

right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?

I will, with God's help.

Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?

I will, with God's help.

Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?

I will, with God's help.

Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself ?

I will, with God's help.

Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?

I will, with God's help.

The Celebrant concludes the Renewal of Vows as follows May Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and bestowed upon us the forgiveness of sins, keep us in eternal life by his grace, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

The Sprinkling Rite The congregation is blessed with holy water from the font in recollection of our rebirth and renewal in baptism.

Musical Offering: Easter Joy

John A. Behnke St. Peter’s Bell Choir

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The Prayers of the People Intercessor: Alleluia to our God, who has given us life eternal.

O Lord, may we and the whole church rejoice in your victory, let us proclaim the Good News that death is defeated by the mercy of God. In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer we pray for the Peace of Jerusalem and the People of the Land of the Holy One. In our companion Diocese of Guatemala, we pray for Iglesia Episcopal San José el Exodo, (Church of St. Joseph of the Exodus), Guatemala City, The Rev. Deacon Rodolfo Saavedra. In our own Diocese, we pray for the Resolutions Committee. May we reflect your glory and the power of your resurrection.

Lord, may we know you People: and the power of your resurrection.

Intercessor: We pray for all who are struggling for peace, all who are longing for new hope and new life. We pray for all who are seeking to rebuild communities and lives, all who are bringing new life and courage in their own neighborhoods and communities.

Lord, may we know you People: and the power of your resurrection.

Intercessor: Lord of all, we give you thanks for all of creation. Make us good stewards of the earth and its resources, that all may share in its bounty for years to come. As members of your creation, Lord, may we know you People: and the power of your resurrection.

Intercessor: Let the power of the resurrection be known in our neighborhoods and in our homes: in you, risen Lord, may relationships be strengthened and restored; may hurts be healed and well-being restored. In all the vows and promises we make, Lord, may we know you People: and the power of your resurrection.

Intercessor: We pray for all people in pain and distress, who walk in darkness, that they may find hope in you. We remember all on our parish prayer list, especially, Emily, Lynn, Mark, Debbie, Frances, Katie, Bob, Art, Doris, Warren, Mary, 12

Barbara, Linda, Rhonda, Ruth, those who have Covid, and for all we name now [names are spoken]; entrusting them to you, Lord, may we know you People: and the power of your resurrection.

Intercessor: We remember all who have lost loved ones, all who are deeply bereaved and in great sorrow. We pray for all who have died from Covid, all who are remembered with flowers this Eastertide, including our loved ones departed [names are spoken]; May we trust that they rejoice where sorrow and pain are no more. For eternal life, Lord, may we know you People: and the power of your resurrection.

Intercessor: Let our awareness of all the gifts and blessings you bestow make us a people of praise and thanksgiving. For family, friends, and for the gifts we name now [prayers are spoken]; we give you thanks, O God. In our gratitude, Lord, may we know you People: and the power of your resurrection.

Celebrant: In you is our hope, O Christ, who died and now is risen, and lives with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Celebrant ends with this prayer In you is our hope, O Christ, who died and now is risen, and lives with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Peace Please remain in your pews for this exchange.

Greet one another with a wave and words of peace.

Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People: And also with you.

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Celebrating Holy Communion The Offertory We offer to God gifts of bread and wine as fruits of our labor and the gift of money representing our lives offered for God’s service. As is our tradition at St. Peter’s, a portion of the Easter offering supports our parish's ministries and a portion supports a ministry beyond the walls of our church.

This year we are dedicating the latter portion to the ministry of Episcopal Community Services (ECS).

Please leave your offering in the plate by the lectern at the end of the service as you exit.

The Offertory: Jubilate Deo

Benjamin Britten

O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands: serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song.

Be ye sure that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his children and the sheep of his pasture.

O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him and speak good of his Name.

For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting, and his truth endureth from generation to generation.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

(Psalm 100, from The Book of Common Prayer)

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The Presentation Hymn: 174, At the Lamb’s high feast we sing

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The Great Thanksgiving Enriching Our Worship Celebrant: The Lord 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.

Celebrant: All thanks and praise are yours at all times and in all places, our true and loving God. And so as the morning stars sing your praises we join the heavenly beings and all creation as we shout with joy: Sanctus: S-128, Holy, holy, holy Lord

William Mathias

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The Celebrant continues Glory and honor are yours, Creator of all, your Word has never been silent. And so, remembering all that was done for us: the cross, the tomb, the resurrection and ascension, longing for Christ’s coming in glory, and presenting to you these gifts your earth has formed and human hands have made, we acclaim you, O Christ: Celebrant and People Dying, you destroyed our death.

Rising, you restored our life.

Christ Jesus, come in glory!

The Celebrant continues Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, we worship you our God and Creator in voices of unending praise. Blessed are you now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer 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.

The Breaking of the Bread The Celebrant breaks the consecrated bread. A period of silence is kept.

Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.

People: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

The Communion of the People When instructed, please come down the center aisle standing six feet apart from your neighbor. You will see tape on the floor marking safe distances. Proceed to the hand sanitizer station near the altar. After sanitizing your hands come forward to the altar to receive the wafer in the paper cup. Return to your pew with the paper cup.

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Communion Music The Post-Communion Prayer During a Time of Separation Celebrant: Let us pray.

People: Lord of the Feast, we thank you for gathering us as your people. We call to remembrance the many times we have been fed at your table and we lament our distance now. Be present Lord Jesus as you were present with your disciples, be known to us in the breaking of the bread, and may your Holy Spirit sustain us and all your Church until we can gather together again. We ask this for the sake of your love. Amen.

Sending Forth The Easter Blessing The Closing Hymn: 180, He is risen, he is risen! (found on page 19) Birthday & Anniversary Prayer

BCP 830

O God, our times are in your hand: Look with favor, we pray, on your servants as they begin another year. Grant that they may grow in wisdom and grace; and strengthen their trust in your goodness all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Announcements The Dismissal Celebrant: Let us go forth in the name of the risen Christ. Alleluia, Alleluia!

People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Choral Postlude: Hallelujah! from Messiah

George F. Handel

Hallelujah! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth!

The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ.

And He shall reign forever and ever, King of kings, and Lord of lords!

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The Closing Hymn: 180, He is risen, he is risen!

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The flowers this Easter have been given to the glory of God and in loving memory of: Bob McGrory by Carolyn McGrory Bruce Sibley, Richard Sibley and loved ones by Barbara Sibley Carol Barr and Mary Lou Richards by Daniel, Emily & Maggie Richards Eleanor and Thomas Reeves by Robin Reeves Zorthian Loved Ones by Shirley Smith and family Departed family and friends by Jeanne Robson Lois Sibley by Larry Sibley & Family Rich Lauer, Michael Lauer and Irene Foley by Rebecca Fellerman & Meg Lauer Tom Sayer, Betty Sayer, Leanne Sayer, Lillian & Thomas Sayer, Carl Collier, Herb Kemp and Brendan Mailey by Michael Sayer Joe and Cass Slobodzian and Charlie and Margaret Kress by Cathy & Ken Kress Amy Ironside and Sister Mary Willard Reagan by Nancy Ironside, George and Charlie Beall

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Announcements A special Thank you: is extended to all our incredible staff: Joyce Chen, Helen Collins, Kathy Flaherty, Patty McDonough, Laura Palmer and Tim Valera, who have worked throughout this week and this past year to keep us connected with one another both spiritually and socially and to keep us safe. None of us could have found our way to a joyous Easter without their dedication and service to our community.

Also…to Joe Mitros, our custodian, Kathy Flaherty, Meredith Flaherty, Tim Flaherty and Rachael Lipson, our soloists, our Bell Choir and Choir members for and all worship ministers who helped to create such a meaningful week for us all.

Finally, I am especially grateful to the work of our Tech team: Rick DeKalb, Mike Levin and PJ Linke. Their ministry has been invaluable to us throughout the pandemic! With gratitude, Emily Easter Eggstravagansa! Since we can’t be in person for our annual Easter egg hunt, we will be giving away Easter eggs after the Easter service for you to hide on your own. All are welcome to pick up eggs…kids of all ages!

Drive-thru Easter Blessings: Rev'd. Emily and Rev'd. Laura will be offering special Holy Water Blessings immediately following the service in the church parking lot.

Easter Offering: It is our tradition that a portion of our Easter offering is given to a ministry beyond our walls. In our effort to support anti-racism work in our wider community, this year we are giving to Episcopal Community Services which empowers individuals and families to determine and follow their own paths. It’s the best way to transform communities. On their website, ECS states, "Our mission is to challenge and reduce intergenerational poverty. We increase the ability of people to improve their lives and achieve economic independence. We call upon every person to participate in sustainable, positive change for our communities. We envision a world where the path to prosperity is available to all."

To learn more, go to https://ecsphilly.org/. Thank you for your generosity!

Office Closed: the office will be closed Easter Monday.

Next Sunday’s Service: Join us on Zoom for a Morning Prayer service. Deacon Donna Barr will be our guest preacher. The service will be live streamed on our Facebook page, as well.

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