Holy  Eucharist  The  Fourth  Sunday  in  Lent    

Sunday,  March  31,  2019,  10:00  am        

                   

St.  Stephen's  Episcopal  Church  Traditional  Faith  for  Turbulent  Times  

  Today Next Week: April 7th Celebrant Robert M. Lewis Robert M. Lewis Preacher Robert M. Lewis Pr. Jim Fruehling Musician Emily Roemmich Jim Fruehling Verger Ryan Jepson Acolytes Raegen Hillman & Bennett Korensky Collin Jepson Altar Guild Jenny Hanisch Sandy Fowler Lector Sue Clement Bennett Korensky Prayers Kaeleigh Post Raegen Hillman Subdeacon Kiley Keck Ryan Hillman Ushers Mike Timmerman & Volunteer Charlee & Kaylee Condy Counters Mike & Donna Weaver Smith Mike & Donna Weaver Smith Vestry Mike Smith Jenny Hanisch Sandwich Crew E.C.W. & Volunteers Youth Coffee Hour Volunteers Needed Youth Cleaners Bennett Korensky Colton & Chloe

   

422  W.  2nd  Street,    Grand  Island,  Nebraska  Mailing  Address:    P.  O.  Box  2317,  68802-­‐2317  

FrRobert@ststephengi.org                              308-­‐382-­‐4961                              www.ststephengi.org    Music reprinted by copyright license CCLI#  1054482  

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Please silence all electronic devices and maintain an atmosphere of quiet prayer before the service starts. If you are hearing impaired, and would like a remote amplifying unit, please ask an usher.

Processional Hymn Celebration 302 Lamb of God

Celebrant Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins. People: His mercy endures for ever.

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The Celebrant says

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

Kyrie Eleison

The Collect of the Day

Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you Celebrant Let us pray. Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lessons

A Reading from the Book of Joshua (5:9-12)

The Lord said to Joshua, "Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt." And so that place is called Gilgal to this day. While the Israelites were camped in Gilgal they kept the passover in the evening on the fourteenth day of the month in the

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plains of Jericho. On the day after the passover, on that very day, they ate the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. The manna ceased on the day they ate the produce of the land, and the Israelites no longer had manna; they ate the crops of the land of Canaan that year. The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. Psalm 32

1 Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, * and whose sin is put away! 2 Happy are they to whom the Lord imputes no guilt, * and in whose spirit there is no guile! 3 While I held my tongue, my bones withered away, * because of my groaning all day long. 4 For your hand was heavy upon me day and night; * my moisture was dried up as in the heat of summer. 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, * and did not conceal my guilt. 6 I said," I will confess my transgressions to the Lord." * Then you forgave me the guilt of my sin. 7 Therefore all the faithful will make their prayers to you in time of trouble; * when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach them. 8 You are my hiding-place; you preserve me from trouble; * you surround me with shouts of deliverance. 9 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go; * I will guide you with my eye. 10 Do not be like horse or mule, which have no understanding; * who must be fitted with bit and bridle, or else they will not stay near you." 11 Great are the tribulations of the wicked; * but mercy embraces those who trust in the Lord. 12 Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the Lord; * shout for joy, all who are true of heart. A Reading from Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians (5:16-21)

From now on, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.

The Gospel Lesson

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Sequence Hymn Celebration 184 Thy Word

Please stand The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. (15:1-3, 11b-32) People Glory to you, Lord Christ. All the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." So Jesus told them this parable: "There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.' So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands."' So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly, bring out a robe--the best one--and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate. "Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf,

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because he has got him back safe and sound.' Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, 'Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!' Then the father said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.'" The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Message Fr. Robert The Nicene Creed Please stand

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: by the power of the Holy Spirit

he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man.

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 and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He 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.

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The Prayers of the People

The Deacon or other person appointed says Let us pray for the whole state of Christ's Church and the world. After each paragraph of this prayer, the People may make an appropriate response, as directed. Almighty and everliving God, who in your holy Word taught us to pray and interced for all your Creation: Receive our prayers which we offer to you our God and King, asking you to hold the Church you love with the spirit of truth, unity, and togetherness; and grant that all who do confess your holy Name may agree in the truth of your holy Word, and live in unity and godly love. Give grace, loving God, to all bishops and other clergy, especially Justin, the Archbishop of Canterbury; Michael, the Presiding Bishop; Scott, our Bishop; Robert, our Rector, Jim and Ibrahim our assisting priests, and Kaeleigh as she discerns her call to ministry, that they may, both by their life and doctrine, may rightly proclaim your Word and celebrate your sacraments. And to all your children grant your grace, and especially to those gathered here this morning; that, placing all their hope and trust in you, they may hear and receive your holy Word, truly serving you in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life. We intercede on behalf of those who bear the authority of government in this and every land especially Donald, our President, Pete, our Governor, Roger, our Mayor, our legislators and judges and all in authority, that they may be led to wise decisions and right actions for the welfare and peace of the world. Open, O Lord, the eyes of all people to behold your gracious hand in all creation, they may honor you with their inmost being, and be faithful stewards of all we have been entrusted. And we ask you, Loving God, to comfort and nourish all those who in this passing life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity, especially Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Dannebrog and Pastor Sheri, the Lynch family, Marla, Robin, Ellen, Jan, Cody, Jon & Heather, Travis, Abbi, Vera, Tom, Les, Anne, Jason, Deb, Kenny, Janelle, Lonnie, David, Maurie, Richard, Rick, Stacia, and Libi and those confined to their homes: Virginia, Bob & Marla, Mickey & Caryl, Vera, Audrey, Fran & George, Marge, Connie, Bob, Tom. Also, those who serve in the military: Cathleen, Dan, Jake, Lucas, Sean, Seth, Tim, and Tyler. Additional petitions and thanksgivings may be included here. And we also bless your holy Name for all your servants who have entered your nearer presence, and whom we love but see no longer [especially ]. We ask that they may go from strength to strength in your love and service; and to grant us grace to follow the good examples of Stephen and of all your saints, that with them we may find our rest in your heavenly kingdom. Grant these our prayers, Loving God, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen. Confession of Sin The Deacon or Celebrant says

You who truly and honestly repent of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking after the example of Jesus: Draw near with faith, and make your humble confession to Almighty God. Minister and People Almighty and most loving God, maker of all things, judge of all who you have created: We acknowledge and are grieved by our many sins and wickedness, which we from time to time most grievously have committed, by thought, word, and

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deed, against you our God and King, provoking most justly your wrath and frustration with us. We wholeheartedly repent, and are heartily sorry for all our misdoings; the remembrance of them grieves us, the burden of them is to much to bear. Have mercy upon us, Loving God; through Jesus who suffered for our sake, forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may serve and please you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our savior and friend. Amen. The Priest stands and says Almighty God, who of his great mercy promised forgiveness of sins to all those who with hearty repentance and true faith turn to him, have mercy on you, forgive you from all your sins, strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Hear the Word of God to all who truly turn to him. Come to me, all who labor and are beset with trouble, and I will refresh you. Matthew 11:28

Those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries are invited to come to the chancel steps.

The Peace

Please stand. Celebrant The peace of Christ be always with you. People And also with you. Then the Ministers and People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.

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The Holy Communion

Offertory Hymn Celebration 431 “Shine, Jesus, Shine”

   

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Shall We Gather at the River Doxology Hymn Celebration 814 Praise God from whom all blessings flow

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The Great Thanksgiving – Inclusive Language Rite 1

The people remain standing.

Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds

It is very proper, fitting, and our sacred duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks to you, almighty,

everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord; who was tempted in every way as we are, yet did not sin. By that grace we are able to triumph over every evil, and to live no longer for ourselves alone, but for him who died for us and rose again. Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we join in their unending hymn of praise,

Sanctus Celebrant and People

All glory is rightly yours, Almighty God, because of your tender mercy, you gave Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption; who made there, by his one offering of himself once completed, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, offering, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world; and instituted, and in his holy Gospel commanded us to continue, a perpetual memory of his precious death and sacrifice, until his coming again.

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For in the night in which Jesus was betrayed, he took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke 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 of this, all of you; this is my Blood of the New Testament, which is poured out for you, and for many, so that sins may be forgiven. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." Therefore most loving God, according to the institution of your beloved Son our Savior Jesus Christ, we, your humble servants, celebrate here before you our God and King, with these holy gifts, which we now offer you, the memorial your Son has commanded us to make; remembering his blessed passion and precious death, his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension; giving you most hearty thanks for its innumerable benefits freely given to us. And we humbly ask of you, Merciful God, to hear us; and, of your almighty goodness, descend to bless and sanctify, with your Word and Holy Spirit, these gifts and offerings of bread and wine; that we, receiving them according to Jesus Christ's holy institution, in remembrance of his death and passion, may receive his most blessed Body and Blood. And we earnestly desire your infinite goodness to accept our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; that, by the merits and death of Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we, and your whole Church, may receive forgiveness of our sins, and all other benefits of his passion. And here we offer and present to you, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be reasonable, holy, and living sacrifices to you; asking that we, and all others who will receive this Holy Communion, may be made worthy to receive the most precious Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, be filled with your grace and heavenly benediction, and made one body with your Son, that he may dwell in us, and we in him. And although we are unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer you any sacrifice, yet we ask you to accept our sacred duty and service, not counting the things we do that are right, but pardoning those we have done wrong, through Jesus Christ our Lord; By whom, and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory is yours, Almighty God, now and forever. Amen. And now as our savior Christ taught us, we are bold to say: People and Celebrant 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.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.

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For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread

The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept. Then may be sung or said

Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; Therefore let us keep the feast. We do not presume to come to your table, Loving God, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your manifold grace and mercy. We are not worthy to even gather the crumbs under your table, but you are a God whose nature is to be merciful. Grant us to eat the flesh of your Son and to drink his Blood that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, and our souls washed with his precious Blood and that we may always abide in him and he in us. Amen.

Facing the people, the Celebrant sings the following Invitation The gifts of God for the People of God. We enthusiastically invite all baptized Christians to receive our Lord’s Body and Blood in Holy Communion. (A gluten-free host is available; please ask at the altar rail.)

Communion Music Keyboard Selections  After Communion, the Celebrant says Let us pray.

Celebrant and People

Almighty and everliving God, we most heartily thank you for feeding us, in these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Savior; and for assuring us of your favor and goodness towards us; and that we are truly members of the mystical body of your Son, the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs, through hope, of your everlasting kingdom. And we humbly ask of you, Loving God, to assist us with your grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all good works as you have prepared for us to do; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

The Blessing Announcements

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Recessional Hymn Celebration 324 When I survey the wondrous cross

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Dismissal Deacon Let us bless the Lord. People Thanks be to God.

How’s Your Smile? If you can smile, shake hands, and be genuinely glad to see people come through the door on Sunday morning,

WE NEED YOU! Help build a greeters team by volunteering to Kiley

Keck. It’s a rewarding ministry with lasting results.

How about giving it a try?

Lenten Meal & Study We are enjoying Kaeleigh Post leading us in a study of theories of the atonement each Wednesday of Lent at 6:30 p.m. A meal precedes the study. Both activities will be held at Messiah.

Bishop’s Visit Bishop Barker will be with us on Sunday, May 5th. Anyone wishing to be confirmed or received should talk with Fr. Robert.

Finance Summary 3/24 Offering: $463.93 Expenses: $10,077.45 Fed at Sandwich Sunday: 19

On Our Prayer List This Week

Those celebrating birthdays: Ed Nilson, Charlee Condy, Tyler Cook, and Kathy Patton

Those celebration anniversaries: John & Deborah White

Those in need of healing or other concerns: Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Dannebrog and Pastor Sheri, the Lynch family, Marla, Robin, Ellen, Jan, Cody, Jon & Heather, Travis, Abbi, Vera, Tom, Les, Anne, Jason, Deb, Kenny, Janelle, Lonnie, David, Maurie, Richard, Rick, Stacia, and Libi

Those serving in the military: Cathleen, Dan, Jake, Lucas, Sean, Seth, Tim, and Tyler

Those who are homebound: Virginia, Bob & Marla, Mickey & Caryl, Vera, Audrey, Fran & George, Marge, Connie, Bob, and Tom

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Good Shepherd of the Plains, Harrisburg; St. Hilda’s, Kimball, The Rev. Caryl Miller; Christ Church, Sidney, Deacon Bob Cook; St. Peter and St. Paul Church and St. Ann Church in the Dominican Republic

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean, The Most Revd James Richard Wong Yin Song – Archbishop, Province of Indian Ocean & Bishop of the Seychelles

This Week’s Activities Today, Sunday, March 31 8:30 am Worship Service (Messiah) 10:00 am Holy Eucharist (Sanctuary) followed by Coffee Hour (Parish Hall) 11:30 pm Sandwich Sunday (Parish Hall) 1:00 pm Arabic Worship (Sanctuary) 6:30 pm NA (Messiah) Tomorrow, Monday, April 1 9 am & 5 pm Quilting (Messiah) 4:00 pm Girl Scouts Meeting (Parish Hall) 6:45 pm AA Study Group (Parish Hall) 8:15 pm AA Young Procrastinators (Parish Hall) Tuesday, April 2 9:00 am Holy Eucharist (Chapel) 10:00 am Office Staff Meeting (Undercroft) Wednesday, April 3 6:00 pm Soup Supper (Messiah) 6:30 pm Atonement Study (Messiah) 6:30 pm Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary) 8:15 pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting (Parish Hall) Thursday, April 4 9:45 am St. Mary’s Bible Study (Parish Hall) Friday, April 5 3:30 pm Good News Club (Dodge School) 8:15 pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting (Parish Hall) Saturday, April 6 10:00 am DioNeb Worshop (St. Luke’s, Kearney) 10:00 am Exercise (Messiah) 12:00 pm Sudanese Bible Study (Parish Hall) 4:30 pm Saturday Supper (Messiah Lutheran Church) Sunday, April 7 8:30 am Worship Service (Messiah) 10:00 am Holy Eucharist (Sanctuary) followed by Coffee Hour (Parish Hall) 11:30 am Sandwich Sunday (Parish Hall) 1:00 pm Arabic Worship (Sanctuary) 2:30 pm Holy Eucharist ( Riverside Lodge) 6:00 pm Youth Forum (Andersons) 6:30 pm NA (Messiah)