Welcome to St Stephen’s

BELVEDERE

During my life I have been cared for by a number of women — some older, some the same age or younger; some I knew well, some I knew only for a moment; some with children of their own and some without.

These women exhibited characteristics of nurturing, warmth, and affection as well as encouraging growth, strength, resilience, and independence. On this Mother’s Day, I am reminded of their compassion and comfort, grateful for an occasion to celebrate their impact on my life. Whatever our relationships with our own biological mothers, all of us need to be held sometimes in our vulnerability, embraced in calm, capable arms when life gets to be too much. The mothers we seek out and choose can fill these needs of care and connection.

Welcome to St Stephen’s, a community offering hospitality, love, and embrace, even while we are apart, through care and connection.

To our visitors, newcomers, and seekers:

9th May 2021 | The Sixth Sunday of Easter | Mother’s Day

nIf you’re new via the livestream, please email office@ststephenschurch.org to let us know who you are, to ask questions, or to make comments. nDonations and Contributions can be made online at https://www.ststephenschurch.org/give/nIf you are ready to inquire about membership. want us to pray for you or someone you name, or you’d like a call from one of our priests, please email office@ststephenschurch.org.nAll currently available Livestream links, Christian Education forums, and classes can be accessed on the church website St Stephen’s Calendar page.

— Altar Flowers —

The flowers at the altar today are given by Martha & Dave Irmer to the Glory of God

and in loving memory of their mothers,Jane Brutton Cardon and Margaret Grace Patterson,

and David’s sisters, Carol Irmer Noydand Connie Irmer Neese.

Serving at the Altar Today

Reader (Acts & 1 John lessons] The Clergy

Soprano Judith Ward Hall

Alto Karen Clark

Tenor Douglas Mandell

Bass Wilford Kelly

Director of Parish Music John Karl Hirten

Stream Team Oliver Dugan, Ciara Hall, Alec Marasa, Kelly Perasso,Jack Putney, Phoebe Putney, Jack Sciarillo, Madeline Thiara

Virtual Coffee Hosts Team 3 Barbara Berling

Preacher The Rev’d Phillip C. Ellsworth, Jr.

Celebrant The Rev’d Christine Trainor

ST STEPHEN’S CHURCHBELVEDERE

THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

9th May 2021 | 10:00 AM

Holy Eucharist, Rite II

Worship is a verb. from the Altar of this sacred space to the altar of your heart in the sacred space of your home. We welcome you to join us in the active worship of God. This service is based on the Holy Eucharist: Rite II, Eucharistic Prayer A, in the Book of Common Prayer, page 361.

For ease of us, this leaflet contains the live stream congregation portions of the liturgy, service music, and hymn lyrics.

At the ProcessionHymn 713 Christ is arisen CHRIST IS ARISEN

Sung four times, the first time alone, the rest in canon.

Christ is arisen. Alleluia, alleluia!Alleluia, alleluia!Christ is arisen. Christ is arisen.

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

The Easter Acclamation (Repeated twice after the first time.)

Celebrant Alleluia! Christ is risen!People The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

The Collect for Purity Said by all. BCP 355

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.

Canticle Troparian John Karl Hirten (b. 1956)

Christ is risen from the dead. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.Trampling down death by death. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.And on those in the tomb bestowing life. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

The Collect for the Sixth Sunday of Easter

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

O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things,

may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The people sit.

The First Reading Acts 10. 44 – 48

While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.

Reader The Word of the LordPeople Thanks be to God

Psalm 98. 5 – 10 Cantate Domino Plainsong

Antiphon Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands.

Shout with joy to the LORD, all you lands; * lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.

Sing to the LORD with the harp, * with the harp and the voice of song.

With trumpets and the sound of the horn * shout with joy before the King, the LORD.

Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, * the lands and those who dwell therein.

Let the rivers clap their hands, * and let the hills ring out with joy before the LORD, when he comes to judge the earth.

In righteousness shall he judge the world * and the peoples with equity.

Antiphon Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands.

The Epistle Reading 1 John 5. 1 – 6

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth.

Reader The Word of the Lord.People Thanks be to God.

The people stand and remain standing for the Holy Gospel.

The Sequence Celtic Alleluia Fintan O’Carroll (1922 – 1981)

Repeat refrain after cantor the first time.

The right hand of God raised me up.The hand of the Lord has triumphed.I shall never die, I shall live, telling God’s deeds. Refrain [r]

The Holy Gospel John 15. 9 – 17

Gospeller The XHoly Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus said to his disciples, “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.”

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.”

Gospeller The Gospel of the Lord.People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The preacher says a prayer and then bids the people to sit.

The Homily Phil Ellsworth

After the homily, the people stand to say the Nicene Creed.

The Nicene Creed Standing

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 againin accordance with the Scriptures;

he ascended into heavenand 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 Xresurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Prayers of the People Form II, BCP 385

In the course of the silence after each bidding, the People offer their own prayers, either silently or aloud.

I ask your prayers for the poor, the sick, the hungry, the oppressed, and those in prison. Pray for those in any need or trouble, including Liz, Peggy, Carolyn, Carol, and Wyatt.

I ask your prayers for the departed, including Martha Cogswell Auld, Sue Curry, Peggy Perry, Jeanie Sauers, Loretta Ruth Clark, and John Alton Stolte. Pray for those who have died.

And on their Year’s Mind, we remember and pray for Beatrice de Jung Rice, Lorraine A. Daly, Andrew Hoybach, Marcella Buller, and LA Wurl.

The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.

The Peace

Welcome and Announcements

Offertory Sentence

Please remember to support the church financially through your pledge or contribution, which you can send by mail to St Stephen’s Episcopal Church, PO Box 97, Belvedere, CA 94920 or donate online by way of St Stephen’s Paypal account button at https://www.ststephenschurch.org/give/.

THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

At the Offertory Cantate Domino Hans Leo Hassler (1564 – 1612)

Let all the earth sing God a new song. Sing to God and bless God’s name; proclaim salvation from day to day. Declare the glory of God among the nations and God’s wonders among all peoples.

— Psalm 95. 1 – 3

The Doxology The people stand and sing. GELOBT SEI GOTT

The Great Thanksgiving: Eucharistic Prayer A BCP 361

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 God thanks and praise.

Celebrant

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Easter Preface

But chiefly are we bound to praise you for the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed death, and by his rising to life again he has won for us everlasting life.

The Celebrant Proceeds

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your name:

Sanctus Rose Hill Mass John Karl Hirten (b. 1956)

The people remain standing and sing.

The people stand or kneel.

The Celebrant continues.

Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.

He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “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. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Celebrant and People

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.

Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.

And now, as our Savior Christ hath taught us, we are bold to say,

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.

At the Breaking of the Bread Plainchant adapted by Mason Martens (1933 – 1991)Repeat refrain after cantor the first time.

The bread which we break, alleluia, is the communion of the body of Christ. [r]

One body are we, alleluia, for though many we share one bread. [r]

At the Communion

How will I receive the Sacrament if not by mouth? By faith. The Church has been through pestilence and passed its wisdom down to us in the Book of Common Prayer. Here’s the rubric [instruction] from the 1689 Prayer Book translated into contemporary Californian: “But if a person, either by reason of extremity of sickness or . . . by any other just impediment, cannot receive the Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood: the Clergy shall instruct them that if they repent of their sins, and believe that Jesus Christ has suffered death upon the Cross for them, and shed his Blood for their redemption, earnestly remembering the benefits they have received thereby . . . they eat and drink the Body and Blood of our Savior Christ profitably to their soul’s health, although they do not receive the Sacrament with their mouth.”

Via live stream you will receive what Tradition calls Spiritual Communion. Inclining your hearts, you will eat and drink the Body and Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ to your soul’s health, although you do not receive the Sacrament with your mouth.

People can contact christine@ststephenschurch.org if they would like to arrange for communion from the reserve sacrament.

Communion Music

The people sit and sing.

Hymn 456 O love of God, how strong and true. DETAR

O love of God, how strong and true, eternal and yet ever new; uncomprehended and unbought, beyond all knowledge and all thought.

O wide-embracing, wondrous Love, we read thee in the sky above; we read thee in the earth below, in seas that swell and streams that flow.

We read thee best in him who came to bear for us the cross of shame, sent by the Father from on high, our life to live, our death to die.

We read thy power to bless and save e’en in the darkness of the grave; still more in resurrection light we read the fullness of thy might.

— Horatius Bonar (1808 – 1889)

The Post-Communion Prayer The people stand.

After Communion, the Celebrant says Let us pray.

Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

The Benediction The people remain standing and respond Amen at the conclusion.

Celebrant

Life is short, and we do not have too much time to gladden the hearts of those who travel with us, so be quick to love and make haste to be kind. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you and those you love this day and always. Amen.

At the Retiring Procession The people remain facing the Altar.

Hymn 529 In Christ there is no East or West McKEE

In Christ there is no East or West, in him no South or North, but one great family bound by love throughout the whole wide earth.

Join hands disciples of the faith, what e’er your race may be!Who serves my Father as his child is surely kin to me.

In Christ now meet both East and West, in him meet South and North, all Christly souls are one in him, throughout the whole wide earth.

—John Oxenham (1852 – 1941)

The Easter Dismissal

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

Happy Mother’s Day to All!

And thank you to Barbara Berling & Barbara Garcia-Romero

from the Altar Guild for flowers for mothers attending today’s outdoor service.

— Regathering for In-Person Indoor Worship for Pentecost — 23rd May, 10:00a

The Regathering Team comprised of Philip Norris, John Egstrom, Diana Long, Jennie Taylor, Chris Mudge, Ted Lynch, and the clergy submitted a regathering plan to the diocese this week on Thursday for the resumption of indoor worship. We anticipate that on Pentecost Sunday, May 23rd, in

addition to gathering for live worship in the Memorial Garden at 8 am, we will gather in person for live worship at 10 am INSIDE the church at 50%

capacity, for a eucharistic service that will also be livestreamed. Please mark your calendars and plan to wear red. Reservations will not be required.

<See your Tidings for the extended article.>

BYO PicnicSt Stephen's plans to have a BYO pack-in food for your family, and pack-

out, picnic in the courtyard following the 10a Pentecost Indoor service. The kitchen will not be available for use. Save the date and get your vaccination.

— Music Notes —

Hans Leo Hassler was the first in a line of German born composers to study in Italy. At the age of 20, he went to Venice to study with Andrea Gabrieli, the music director at the cathedral there. When he crossed back over the Alps several years later, he brought with him Italian sensibilities as a composer and used many of the new techniques the they had developed, such as an expanded harmonic palette and a refined rhythmic style that prefigured the Baroque era. He spent the remainder of his life working in prestigious positions at Nuremburg and then Dresden, where he would be succeeded by the likes of Michael Praetorius and Heinrich Schütz.

The tune sung during Communion, DE TAR, was written by Calvin Hampton (1938 – 1984), who spent most of his career in Manhattan, where he served as Director of Music at Calvary Church in the Gramercy Park area. His “Fridays at Midnight” organ recital series there was a fixture in the NYC classical music scene. A respected church musician as well as an iconoclastic composer, many of his hymn tunes appear in our hymnal. DE TAR was named for Vernon De Tar, who served as Professor of Organ at the Juilliard School and the Director of Music at Manhattan’s Church of the Ascension. Like all of Hampton’s music, his hymn tunes are both quirky and memorable at the same time and, for some, they are an acquired taste, but most find it well worth the appreciation.

The text “In Christ there is no east or west” was written by John Oxenham (pen name for William Arthur Dunkerley, 1852 –1941) for a presentation by the London Missionary Society entitled, “The Pageant of Darkness and Light.” He later included it in a book of his poems with the wonderful title Bees in Amber. The music was adapted from what was thought to be an African American spiritual “I know the angel’s done changed my name,” which was popularized in the nineteenth century by the Jubilee Singers of Fisk University. Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, the British composer of African descent, arranged the song in a set of piano pieces, but he was told by Charles Stanford that the tune originated in Ireland and was taken to America by immigrants. The truth will never be known.

— Join the Coffee Hour Today Following the Service —Now hosted by your Coffee Connection Teams:

This Sunday: Virtual Coffee Hosts Team 3. Leader, Barbara Berling

Please use this NEW Coffee Zoom link from this day forward:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86788238127?pwd=dHZidGozUEFVQW44UXNPeGloa0RRZz09

Meeting ID: 867 8823 8127

Passcode: 768934

— Children and Youth Christian Education —

Family Chapel Service

This brief service of prayer, light, and a bible lesson posts on our YouTube channel on Sundays at https://www.youtube.com/ststephensbelvedereas they become available. We appreciate your patience as we figure out how best to produce this offering.

Sunday School Gospel Lesson Sheets PDFS are available to download in the Saturday 6a Tidings.

Teen Girls are pursuing Christian studies with Victoria Ellsworth. Next session is 16th May, 4p on the deck of the Rectory. Email the office@ststephenschurch.org if your teen girl is interested in this fellowship.

ConfirmationLessons continue via Zoom, with the Rector and Associate Rector. Classes continue on consecutive Sundays at 5p.

— Announcements —

For all St Stephen’s live streams and virtual offerings including Bible Studies, and Sunday Forums, please go to the ST STEPHEN’S Calendar page on our website at https://www.ststephenschurch.org/calendar/.

Sunday Forum Book Discussions with Karl Belgum once a month at 9a; Slow Religion Foundations of Faith classes on most Wednesdays at 4p, or Thursdays at 5p [New Times] Contact Joe Jennings if interested, Recurring Zoom link on the website and in Tidings. Next class 12th May; Teen Girl studies with Victoria Ellsworth on Sundays twice a month at 4p; next one is 16th May; Rector’s Study Continues 13th May — 24th June, 4:30p; Confirmation Classes with Clergy for several weeks in the Spring currently in session on Sundays at 5p, Adult Reception, and Counseling with Clergy available by appointment are all offered at St Stephen’s during Covidtide via Zoom. Check the website calendar via the link above.

Currently at the Bishop’s direction, we are holding outdoor courtyard services. Registration not required. Please arrive by 8:00 am for check-in.

See your Tidings for an 8-session Rector Study on Strength in Weakness, that continues 13th May — 24th June, 4:30p. All are welcome to join the class anytime. Please sign up with Elizabeth.

Please make sure that St Stephen’s has your correct email and that you are currently receiving the weekly eNews [Tidings] from us. If you have updates to your contact information, please email Elizabeth Gravely, Rector’s Executive Assistant, as soon as possible: elizabeth@ststephenschurch. Don’t miss the Live stream Sunday Services, Zoom Bible Studies, and teleconference events that are available to you.

Photos for the online Directory: If you do not have a photo in the online Parish Directory, or would like your current photo updated, please send one to dee@ststephenschurch.org.

Clergy Pastoral Care | The clergy may be contacted at the office number: 415-435-4501 by leaving a voicemail. After hours, if you have a pastoral emergency, call or text the Clergy On Call number, 415-328-8812.

Check our YouTube page regularly for short videos, Family Chapel, and brief Feast Day video uploads, Holy Week Streams, and all Sunday Streams: https://www.youtube.com/ststephensbelvedere

Altar Flower Donations: Six slots left: 7.11, 7.18, 7.25, 8.29, 9.19, 1.9.2022, & multiple Christmas donations remain open. Sign up with this link: https://bit.ly/3iFUSgH

Those who are eligible, and those who are disabled or without an internet connection who need help with Covid vaccine appointments, please read your Tidings.

Live Stream | We seek your feedback on your experience with the quality of the livestream. Are you having technical difficulties with livestream sound? Video? Glitches? Please email Elizabeth Gravely to let us know.

• Go to https://www.youtube.com/ststephensbelvedere and save this in your browser favorites. If you have difficulty finding the livestream after the service, look for the ‘videos’ button, and look under ‘uploads’, then 'past videos’.

— Please Pledge today for 2021 —

The 2021 Pledge Appeal Campaign | St Stephen’s is at 95% of goal. Our goal is 100 % participation. Please support your church and get your pledge in today.

Pledge cards can be downloaded from the link at the bottom of your Tidings each week. You can fill out, scan, and email it to office[at]ststephenschurch.org or send by mail.

STST STEPHEN’SSTEPHEN’S CHURCHCHURCHSt Stephen’s 2021 Vestry

Phil Ellsworth, Rector Jock Putney, Senior WardenGeorge Brown Katherine “Kathy” Hill PerassoJanet Brown Paige PetersonHeather Findlay Christopher “Chris” PorterRod Hall John StewartSunny Lyrek Emory WilliamsAlexandra “Alex” Norris

Bob McCaskill, Treasurer David Patterson, Clerk

A Guide to St Stephen’sStaff Work at Home: Preference for quickest response is to email staff directly. St Stephen’s Church Office is closed to the public. Voicemail only (415) 435-4501 Clergy On Call (Pastoral Emergencies) (415) 328-8812The Rev’d Phillip C. Ellsworth, Jr., Rector (ext. 11) fr.ellsworth[at]ststephenschurch.orgThe Rev’d Christine Trainor, Assoc. Rector (ext. 12) christine[at]ststephenschurch.orgThe Rev’d Richard Schaper, Assisting Priest rlschaper[at]gmail.comThe Rev’d Zoila Schoenbrun, Assisting Priest dicknzoila[at]aol.comThe Rev’d Shari M. Young, Assisting Priest shariyoung37[at]gmail.comThe Venerable Dorothy Jones, Assisting Deacon office[at]ststephenschurch.orgJohn Karl Hirten, Music Director (ext. 17) johnkhirten[at]ststephenschurch.orgElizabeth Gravely, Rector’s Exec. Assistant (ext. 10) elizabeth[at]ststephenschurch.orgBetsy Menzel, Financial Accounts Mgr. (ext. 15) betsy[at]ststephenschurch.orgDee Bell-Becker, Communications Assoc. (ext. 23) dee[at]ststephenschurch.orgSally Burr (Lead), Ann Muengnoi Professional Caregivers, NurseryJoAnn Haseltine, Verger Roger Felton, SextonSatoko Boris, Spec. Events Mgr. (ext. 14) satoko[at]ststephenschurch.orgAmerican Bach Soloists, Artists in Residence (415) 621-7900