“Do not be afraid; you seek Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him.”

We welcome you to worship with us on this Easter morning!The readings, responses and hymn lyrics are all found in this bulletin.

Please join us in singing & praying from your home!

Easter Greeting

The Word of God

Please join in at homeEntrance Hymn 208, “Alleluia! The strife is o’er” Episcopal Church USA Virtual Choir Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!The strife is o'er, the battle done, the victo-ry of life is won; the song of triumph has begun. Alleluia!

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St. John’s Episcopal ChurchThe Holy Eucharist: Rite

TwoEaster Sunday

4 April 2021 10 a.m.

The powers of death have done their worst, but Christ their legions hath dispersed: let shout of holy joy outburst. Alleluia!The three sad days are quickly sped, he rises glorious from the dead: all glory to our risen Head! Alleluia!He closed the yawning gates of hell, the bars from heaven's high portals fell; let hymns of praise his triumphs tell! Alleluia!Lord! by the stripes which wounded thee, from death's dread sting thy servants free, that we may live and sing to thee. Alleluia!Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

The Celebrant saysAlleluia! Christ is risen!

People The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

The Collect for Purity

Please join us at homeGloria in excelsis, S 280 Maren Sugarman & St. John’s Virtual Choir

Glo-ry to God in the high - est, and peace to his peo-ple on earth. Lord God, heaven-ly King, al – migh-ty God and Fa - ther,we wor-ship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glo - ry.Lord Je-sus Christ, on-ly Son of the Fa - ther, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take a-way the sin of the world; have mer - cy on us; you are seat-ed at the right hand of the Fa-ther; re-ceive our prayer. For you alone are the Ho - ly One, you a-lone are the Lord,you a-lone are the Most High, Je - sus Christ, with the Ho - ly Spi - rit, in the glo - ry of God the Father. A - men.

The Collect of the DayThe Celebrant says to the people

The Lord be with you.People And also with you. Celebrant Let us pray.

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Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles Coleen Stevens Porcher

Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (10:34-43)Lector The Word of the Lord.People Thanks be to God.

Please join in at home Gradual Anthem 179, vv. 1-3, “‘Welcome, happy morning!’ age to age shall say”

Maren Sugarman & St. John’s Virtual Choir

"Welcome, happy morning!" age to age shall say:hell today is vanquished, heaven is won today!Lo! the dead is living, God forever more!Him their true Creator, all his works adore!"Welcome, happy morning!" age to age shall say.

Earth her joy confesses, clothing her for spring,all fresh gifts returned with her returning King:bloom in every meadow, leaves on every bough,Speak his sorrow ended, hail his triumph now."Welcome, happy morning!" age to age shall say.

Months in due succession, days of lengthening light,hours and passing moments praise thee in their flight.Brightness of the morning, sky and fields and sea,Vanquisher of darkness, bring their praise to thee."Welcome, happy morning!" age to age shall say.

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A Reading from Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians Susan Ripoll

If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. (15:19-26)Lector The Word of the Lord.People Thanks be to God.

Please join in at home—and don’t miss the pictures of St. John’s as the hymn ends!

Sequence Hymn 207, “Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!” Diocese of Newark Virtual ChoirJesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!who did once, upon the cross, Alleluia!suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!But the pains which he endured, Alleluia!our salvation have procured, Alleluia!now above the sky he’s king, Alleluia!where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!praise eternal as his love, Alleluia!praise him, all ye heavenly host, Alleluia!Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!

The Gospel: Mark 16:1-8People’s response before the Gospel Glory to you, Lord Christ.People’s response after the Gospel Praise to you, Lord Christ.When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was

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crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

The Sermon The Reverend Candace Sandfort, Rector

Please join us at homeThe Nicene Creed

page 358, BCP 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 s/he is worshiped and glorified.S/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

Please join with us at home

The Prayers of the People Susan Ripoll

The People respond to every petition with ‘Amen.’

Leader In peace, let us pray to the Lord.Almighty God, who has knit together your elect in one communion and

fellowship, in the mystical body of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord: Grant, we beseech you, to your whole

Church in paradise and on earth, your light and your peace. Amen.

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Grant that all who have been baptized into Christ's death and resurrection may die to sin and rise to newness of life, and that through the grave and gate of death we may pass with

him to our joyful resurrection. Amen.Grant to us who are still in our pilgrimage, and who walk as yet by faith, that your Holy Spirit may lead us in holiness and righteousness all our days. Amen.

Grant to your faithful people pardon and peace, that we may be cleansed from all our sins, and serve you with a quiet mind. Amen.Grant to all who are suffering a sure confidence in your fatherly care, that, casting all their burdens on you, they may know the consolation of you love. Amen.

Give courage and faith to those who grieve, that they may have strength to meet the days ahead in the comfort of a reasonable and holy hope, in the joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love. Amen.Help us, we pray, in the midst of things we cannot understand, to believe and trust in the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection to life everlasting. Amen.Grant that, increasing in knowledge and love of you, we may go from strength to strength in this life and in the life to come. Amen.

Leader Let us pray for our own needs and those of others. Please unmute to add your own petitions from home, then re-mute.

The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect Grant us, with all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, to have our consummation and bliss in your eternal and everlasting glory, and, with all your saints, to receive the crown of life which you have promised to all who share in the victory of your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Please exchange the Lord’s peace with those listening with you at homeThe PeaceCelebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.People And also with you.

The Holy Communion

Offertory Anthem, 329, “Now, my tongue, the mystery telling” John SandfortNow, my tongue, the mystery tellingof the glorious body sing,

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and the blood, all price excelling,which the Gentiles' Lord and King,in a Virgin's womb once dwelling,shed for this world's ransoming.Given for us, and condescendingto be born for us below,he, with us in converse blending,dwelt the seed of truth to sow,till he closed with wondrous endinghis most patient life of woe.That last night, at supper lying,'mid the Twelve, his chosen band,Jesus, with the law complying,keeps the feast its rites demand;then, more precious food supplying,gives himself with his own hand.Word-made-flesh, true bread he makethby his word his flesh to be,wine his blood; which whoso takethmust from carnal thoughts be free:faith alone, though sight forsaketh,shows true hearts the mystery.Therefore we, before him bending,this great sacrament revere:types and shadows have their ending,for the newer rite is here;faith, our outward sense befriending,makes our inward vision clear.Glory let us give and blessingto the Father and the Son,honour, might, and praise addressing,while eternal ages run;ever too his love confessing,who, from both, with both is One. Amen.

Eucharistic Prayer B p. 367, BCP

The Celebrant says to the people

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 God thanks and praise.

All say

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Sanctus

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Celebrant & PeopleThe Acclamation

We remember his death ,We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory;

The FractionCelebrant Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;People Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!Celebrant The Gifts of God on behalf of the People of God.

All join in at home sayingThe Prayer for Spiritual Communion In union O Lord, with all the faithful, in our homes and at this and every altar of your Holy Church where your blessed Body and Blood is being offered on this Easter Day, we present to you our souls and bodies. And because we cannot all receive sacramentally, we ask that you come spiritually into our hearts. Cleanse and strengthen us with your grace Lord Christ and let us never be separated from you. May we live in you, and you in us, in this life and in the life to come. Amen.

All join in at home saying

The Postcommunion Prayer & Blessing Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image and nourishing us with spiritual food. Now send us forth a people, forgiven, healed, renewed; that we may proclaim your love to the world and continue in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen.

The Fourfold Easter BlessingMay Almighty God, who has redeemed us and made us his children, through the resurrection of his Son our Lord, bestow upon you the riches of God’s blessing. Amen.May God, who through the water of baptism has raised us from sin into newness of life, make you holy and worthy to be united with Christ for ever. Amen.May God, who has brought us out of bondage to sin into true and lasting freedom in the Redeemer, bring you to your eternal inheritance. Amen. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

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Closing Hymn: “The Blessing” from our Mother Church in the UK

DimissalCelebrant Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia!People Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia!

Today’s flowers are given to the glory of God by the Rev. Candace & John Sandfort

in gratitude for this amazing & loving community that is St. John’s

In-person Easter Communion!IMMEDIATELY AFTER TODAY’S SERVICE

Though there can’t be an in-person celebration of Easter with Essex County at “Very High Risk,” you can still watch the Consecration on Zoom/Facebook and come by the Church afterwards to receive the consecrated Host in-person. Rev. Candace will be on the Narthex Porch for one hour after the service—approximately 11-12:00—or until everyone has been served. Please wear a mask and stay in your car until it’s your turn. Communion is served contact-free and it may help you to know Rev. Candace has been double-vaccinated + two weeks. Come be fed rain or shine!

No Coffee Hour Today to Accommodate the After-Service In-Person Communion

An Easter Outreach “Thank You” & PreviewThe Outreach Committee thanks the people of St. John’s for continuing to support our outreach programs during the pandemic. There are hands-on opportunities to participate in outreach and each of the programs that we support has a champion. In addition, it is easy to contribute via the website with line items available for all of the programs. The collection of food for the Human Needs Pantry during Lent has been very successful as almost 60 bags of food have been left on the Rectory porch. Special thanks to Lorita and Dean for delivering the bags to the food pantry each week, and welcome to Anne Johnson for joining the team!

There are two new opportunities starting next week:

1. St. Paul’s Emergency Men’s Shelter: Sign up to provide one of the meal components for St. Paul’s on April 9th. Just click on the St. Paul’s sign up at the end of this email. A vegetable, sandwiches, dessert – choose just one item. It’s easy and very appreciated.

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2. North Porch: We will be collecting supplies for North Porch until Mother’s Day. See next week’s Staying Connected for details.

3. More to come as we feature the needs of other organizations during the summer.Again, thank you everyone for helping St. John’s stay connected

throughout every season of the year to the important ministries that we support.

The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

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