Readings for Good Friday - April 03rd, 2015

Acts 10: 34-43; Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-24; 1 Corinthians 15: 1-11; John 20: 1-18

St. Stephen’s Rule of Life † STUDY the Scripture every day. In light of what I have read, what is God calling me to be or to do today?

† PRAY at least three times a day [Please add to your prayers]

† GIVE regularly to support the Church’s ministry [envelopes, gifts, talents and time]

† LIVE for God, our Church and others [be just, loving, peaceful and caring]

Readings for

Maundy Thursday

Apr. 02nd

Exodus 12: 1 - 14;

Psalm 116: 10 - 17;

I Cor. 11: 23 - 26;

John 13: 1-17, 31b-35

This Week’s Readings for Daily Devotion

Mon. – Ps. 51; Phil. 3: 1 - 14; Jn. 12: 9 - 19

Tue. – Ps. 6 & 12; Phil. 3: 15 - 21; Jn. 12: 20 - 26

Wed. – Ps. 55; Phil. 4: 1 - 13; Jn. 12: 27 - 36

Thu. – Ps. 102; 1 Cor. 10:14-17, 11:27-32; Jn. 17: 1 - 11

Fri. – Ps. 22 & 95; 1 Pet. 1: 10 - 20; Jn. 13: 36 - 38

Sat. – Ps. 88 & 95; Heb. 4: 1 - 16; Rom. 8: 1 - 11

Thought for the

Week

House- bound

George Barnett, Dophne Bolden, Irene Canfield, Beulah Grey & Dophnia Lindsay.

Sick & Recovering

Olive Arnold, Sonia Bartley, Harold Beharry, Courtney Bolden*, Daisy Browne, Coralee Campbell**, Ezekiel Ekeh, Rueben Grant,

Lily Griggs, Andrew Gunraj, Albert Jeffries, Rita John, Felicia McCalla, Perlina Pitter, Doreen Russel, Joan Singh & Rema Yellery.

(*Etobicoke General, **Humber Hospital, Church St.)

College & University Students

Zachary & Zyreeta Allder, Kristen Allicock, Ellen Asiedu, Allan Austin, Aliecia Brissett, Neion George, Fenton Jagdeo Jnr.,

Shalon Jeffers, Banria & Brian John, Lauren Linton, Ethel & George Quarcoo, Carlitha Shortte-Letts, Dylan Telfer, Natasha Thompson,

Chrystal Walker & Shanice Wright.

Readings for Easter Day - April 05th, 2015

Acts 10: 34-43; Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-24; 1 Corinthians 15: 1-11; John 20: 1-18

CCHURCHHURCH OFOF SSTT. S. STEPHENTEPHEN, D, DOWNSVIEWOWNSVIEW

Palm/Passion Sunday

March 29, 2015

An extract from ‘Through The Bible Through The Year’ by John Stott.

“His Final Surrender Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

When he had said this, he breathed his last. (Luke 23:46) None of the evangelists says that Jesus “died”. They seem deliberately to avoid the word. They do not want to give the impression that in the end death claimed him and that he had to yield to its authority. Death did not claim him as its victim; he seized it as its victor.

Between them the evangelists use four different expressions, each of which places the initiative in the process of dying in Jesus’s own hands.

Mark says he “breathed his last” (Mark 15:37), and

Matthew that he “gave up his spirit” (Matt. 27:50), while

Luke records, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46).

But John’s expression is the most striking, namely that “he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (John 19:30).

Jesus himself, handing over his spirit to the Father and his body to death. Notice that before he did this he “bowed his head”. It is not that he first died, and then his head fell forward onto his chest. It was the other way around. The bowing of the head was his final act of surrender to the will of his Father. So by word and deed (bowing the head and declaring that was handing over his spirit), Jesus indicated that his death was his own voluntary act.

Jesus could have escaped death right up to the last minute. As he said in the garden, he could have summoned more than twelve legions of angels to rescue him. He could have come down from the cross, as his mockers challenged him to do. But he did not. Of his own free will and deliberate choice he gave himself up to death. It was he who determined the time, the place, and the manner of his departure.

The last two words from the cross (“It is finished” and “I commit my spirit”) proclaim Jesus as the conqueror of sin and death. We must come humbly to the cross, deserving nothing but judgment, pleading nothing but mercy and Christ will deliver us from the guilt of sin and the fear of death.”

THINK ON THESE THINGS

From Fr. Kenute’s Desk

The Church of St. Stephen The Church of St. Stephen (Downsview)(Downsview) Established in 1953

2259 Jane Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3M 1A6 Telephone: Office - (416) 241-4639 Rectory - (647) 344-4187 Cell.: - (647) 382-4596

Fax: Office - (416) 248-5415

Church Email: office@saintstephensdownsview.com

Fr. Kenute: rector@saintstephensdownsview.com

The Wardens: warden@saintstephensdownsview.com

Website: www.saintstephensdownsview.com

Let’s Communicate, Connect and Collaborate

Annual Easter Egg Hunt: We are asking for donations to support the annual Easter egg hunt on April 05. Monetary donations or wrapped chocolate will be accepted. Please speak to a Sunday School Teacher- Fanella, Iris or Nadeen. Thanks for your support.

Flowers & Candles for Easter: Would you like to donate flowers or Candles in memory or celebration of loved ones or blessings received? Sign up sheets are available from ushers.

Good Friday Fish Fry: Sign up sheet is at the back of the church. Today is the order deadline. Orders will be ready for pick up on Good Friday. For any questions or to relay particular preferences please speak to Monica Herman.

Tea Party: It’s always tea time in Wonderland, so take a trip down the rabbit hole and join the Hatter in the parish hall for a spot of tea on May 02nd from 3-6pm. Tickets: $15 (adult), $10 (youth 6-16yrs), free (children under 5). First 50 tickets sold will be entered in a draw for a prize. Save the date, don’t be late!

York Credit Valley Town Hall Meeting: Please join Archbishop Johnson and Diocesan Staff for a Synod Town Hall on Sat. April 25th at 1:00pm at St. Stephens, Downsview. The focus of the Town Hall meeting is to present the proposed revisions to The Constitution and Canons and to provide an opportunity for Synod members to have their questions answered in a smaller setting. The intention is to provide a full and open process for obtaining feedback on the proposed changes before they are presented to Diocesan Council for recommendation to Synod.

Healing Conference - Jamaica

Healing Conference has been scheduled for May 29-31, 2015 at Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, Montego Bay, Jamaica. It opens on Friday evening and ends after lunch on Sunday afternoon. This means that overseas visitors would normally be

expected to spend three nights at the hotel. Hotel & Conference Fee:

Single Occupancy - US$500, Double - US$335 & Triple - US$300

All those interested, please speak to Fr. Kenute.

ATTENDANCE 140

BUDGET $2,500

YTD $26,337

OFFERINGS $2,259

Last Week’s Statistics

A warm welcome to all parishioners, visitors & friends.

We invite visitors to sign our visitors book. If you do not have a Church home we invite you to make the Church of St.

Stephen your spiritual haven.

We extend a special welcome to Bishop Philip Poole and thank him for being with us and presiding at our service this morning. It is indeed an honour to

have him here today as we celebrate Palm/Passion Sunday.

We also extend a warm welcome to Jan Morgan on Trumpet. We thank him for being here and adding sweet sounds to the heavenly music.

WELCOME

Tue. Mar. 31st @ 7:00pm - Stations of the Cross & Communion

Wed. Apr. 1st @ 12:00noon - Stations of the Cross & Eucharist @ 7:30pm - Choir Rehearsal

Thu. Apr. 2nd @ 7:30pm - Maundy Thursday Liturgy (with washing of the feet)

Fri. Apr. 3rd @ 12:00 noon - Good Friday Liturgy

Sun. Apr. 5th Easter Day @ 9:00am - Holy Eucharist @ 10:30am - Sung Eucharist

This Week At St. Stephen’s

Allan Austin (29th) & Nicole DaCosta (31st) Birthdays

Warden on Duty: Fanella Hodge

Ushers: Maraval Odlum, Kendra Morrissey & Wendy Cottle

Chalice: Hilton Ramessar & Cerlene Walker

Readers: Chinereh Nwosu and Rhona McColman

Gospeller: Nadeen Murray

Intercessor: Maraval Odlum

Altar Guild: Wendy Cottle and Tellece Woodbine-James

Counters: Dwight RoseGreen, Pauline Stewart, Wendy Cottle & Orphtee Quarcoo

Today’s Ministers

St. Stephen’s Activity Corner

Across 2. LIFTED 3. ANGEL 5. VOICE 7. JESUS 10. DEATH

Down 1. ALL 4. GLORIFY 6. CROWD 8. EARTH 9. DRAW

Last

Week’s

Answers

GATHERING OF THE COMMUNITY

Liturgy of the Palms:

Celebrant: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. All: Hosanna in the highest.

Celebrant: Dear friends in Christ, during Lent we have been preparing for the celebration of our Lord’s paschal mystery. On this day our Lord Jesus Christ entered the holy city of Jerusalem in triumph. The people welcomed him with palms and shouts of praise, but the path before him led to self-giving, suffering, and death. Today we greet him as our King, although we know his crown is thorns and his throne a cross. We follow him this week from the glory of the palms to the glory of the resurrection by way of the dark road of suffering and death. United with him in his suffering on the cross, may we share his resurrection and new life. Let us pray. Assist us mercifully with your help, Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy into the celebration of those mighty acts whereby you give us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen.

All remain standing for the Gospel.

Reader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you.

Reader: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark 11: 1 – 11 People: Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

After the reading of the Gospel.

Reader: The Gospel of Christ. People: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you.

Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Celebrant: It is right to praise you, almighty God, for the acts of love by which you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. The Hebrews acclaimed Jesus as Messiah and King, with palm branches in their hands, crying, Hosanna in the highest. May we also, carrying these emblems, go forth to meet Christ and follow him in the way that leads to eternal life; who lives and reigns in glory with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. People: Amen.

Celeberant: Let us go forth in peace. People: In the name of Christ. Amen.

Processional: 103BB - All Hail King Jesus

(During the singing of the song the congregation will process from Parish hall to the parking lot and then to the church via front door)

Introit Hymn: 449RB - Ride On! Ride On In Majesty!

The Collect: page 299

THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD

First Reading: Isaiah 50: 4 - 9a

Psalm: 31: 9 - 16

Second Reading: Philippians 2: 5 - 11

Choir: “Ride on King Jesus”

In God’s Garden: Rt. Rev. Philip Poole

Gradual Hymn: 324BB - When I Survey The Wondrous Cross

The Passion Narrative: Mark 14:1 - 15:47

Chorus: Lord I Lift Your Name On High

Sermon: Rt. Rev. Philip Poole

THE RESPONSE TO THE WORD

Prayers of the People:

Leader: Let us pray, Lord, we come to you as the church, the Body of Christ, the Anglican communion, the Diocese of Toronto, the church of St. Stephen. Bless our bishops, clergy and people. We are conscious that we are often broken by sin, divided by factions, weak in our mission, failing in holiness, neglectful in our prayers, insensitive to your presence, lacking in vision, and wavering in faith. We remember all who have broken faith, broken vows, broken commitments. Lord, broken on the cross, we come to you. All: Only you can make us whole.

Leader: We pray for our parish ministries especially The Members of the Altar Guild and for our parish families especially Shirma, Aliyah, Kevin, Kyle, Vernette & Samuel Sealey and George Sealy and for those celebrating birthday and other significant occasions especially Allan Austin and Nicole DaCosta. May we live the true message of the cross which is loving service. Lord, broken on the cross, we come to you. All: Only you can make us whole.

Leader: Lord, we remember today, those with broken hopes, broken dreams, broken relationships, broken hearts, broken promises and broken trust and those broken in body, mind or spirit especially parishioners who are sick, recovering or housebound. We come conscious that it is by your stripes we are healed. Lord broken on the cross, we come to you. All: Only you can make us whole.

Leader: God of all people everywhere, it is so easy, to get lost in the wilderness of pain and sorrow we see in the world around us. Our sight scans across the globe and we readily fixate on the ugliness: the expressions of hatred and prejudice, the violence of wars, the brokenness of relationships at the personal, national and global levels. Our gaze locks on Hungary, Greece, India, Israel, Iraq, the United States, Syria, Somalia, Sierra Leone - all places in which the darkness has taken hold, places in which the light of truth and justice seems but a flickering candle threatened by the winds of hopelessness. Lord broken on the cross, we come to you.

All: Only you can make us whole.

Leader: We remember all who have been killed through injustice, cruelty of carelessness, all who have died that others might live. We rejoice that now they know the wholeness and holiness of your kingdom. We pray all these in the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. All: Amen.

Confession & Absolution: page 191

THE LITURGY OF THE SACRAMENT

Offertory Hymn: 347BB - And Can It Be

Prayer over The Gifts: page 300

Eucharistic Prayer 1: page 194

Sanctus (Schubert)

Lord’s Prayer (West Indian Tune)

Communion Hymns: Trumpet & Organ - “O Love That Will Not...Go”

327BB - The Old Rugged Cross

330BB - Are You Washed In The Blood?

292BB - Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne

Ablutions: 170BB - Give Thanks

Prayer after Communion: page 300

The Blessing:

Bishop: Jesus calls us to take up our cross, All: In the cross be our glory forever.

Bishop: The Cross cannot be avoided, All: In the cross God transforms the worst events of life by His silent power.

Bishop: So go out into the world in peace, challenge the indifferent, encourage the timid, assist the weak, be patient with all, take up your cross daily and follow Christ, and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be with you now and forevermore. All: Amen! Amen! Amen!

Welcome & Announcements

Recessional Hymn: 730BB - Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus