The Gathering of the Community
Hymn: Blue #217 Christ the Lord is Risen Again
Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
All: And also with you
Leader: Almighty God,
All: to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. 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.
Collect of the Day
O God of peace,
who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ,
that great shepherd of the sheep,
by the blood of the eternal covenant,
make us perfect in every good work to do your will,
and work in us that which is well-pleasing in your sight;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Proclamation of the Word
First Reading: Acts 4:5-12
Second Reading: 1 John 3:16-24
Gradual Hymn: #226 Through the Red Sea Brought at Last
Gospel: JOHN 10:11-18
Sermon
The Nicene Creed
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 worshipped 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.
The Prayers of the People
In joy and hope let us pray to the Father. That our risen Saviour may fill us [and …] with the joy of his glorious and life-giving resurrection … we pray to the Father. Hear our prayer.
That isolated and persecuted churches may find fresh strength in the good news of Easter … we pray to the Father. Hear our prayer.
That God may grant us humility to be subject to one another in Christian love … we pray to the Father. Hear our prayer.
That he may provide for those who lack food, work or shelter … we pray to the Father. Hear our prayer.
That by his power war and famine may cease through all the world … we pray to the Father. Hear our prayer.
That he may reveal the light of his presence to the sick, the weak and the dying, to comfort and strengthen them … we pray to the Father. Hear our prayer.
That, according to his promises, all who have died in the faith of the resurrection may be raised on the last day … we pray to the Father. Hear our prayer.
That he may send the fire of the Holy Spirit upon his people, so that we may bear faithful witness to his resurrection, we pray to the Father. Hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, you have delivered us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of your Son: grant that, as his death has recalled us to life, so his continual presence in us may raise us to eternal joy; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Peace
Leader: The peace of the Risen Lord be always with you.
All: And also with you.
Offertory Hymn: Blue #520 The King of Love My Shepherd Is
The Holy Eucharist
A Prayer for Spiritual Communion
Leader: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
Leader: Jesus said, “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.” (John 6:54-58)
All: 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, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
All: Dear Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Holy Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I desire to possess you within my soul. And since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. I unite myself to you, together with all your faithful people gathered around every altar of your Church, and I embrace you with all the affections of my soul. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.
Concluding Prayer
God of steadfast love,
watch over the Church redeemed by the blood of your Son.
May we who share in these holy mysteries
come safely to your eternal kingdom,
where there is one flock and one shepherd.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the risen Lord. Amen.
Hymn: Blue #210 Yours Be the Glory, Risen, Conquering Lord
Leader: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
All: Thanks be to God.
Prayer Cycle
We pray for: Pushpa Shiri, Donald and Cathy Sturrock
Announcements
Welcome to Christ’s family!
It is a joy to welcome Glenn Kerrigan into the flock of Christ’s own lambs in baptism today. Thanks be to God! Please join us after the service to celebrate this great day with food and cheer.
Pub Night
Friday, April 26, 6:30 p.m. Meet at Noonan’s on the Danforth. Beer! Supper! Conversation! All welcome.
Farewell Luncheon
Sunday, May 5, 12 noon. Join Mtr Catherine and her family to celebrate ten wonderful years of serving Christ together with you here, and to wish them Godspeed as she and David set out into (at least a little!) retirement
St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Riverdale,
135 First Avenue, Toronto ON, M4M 1W9
416-463-9720
The Rev Dr Catherine Sider-Hamilton – Priest-in-charge: 416-463-9720
Please direct all enquiries to William Middleton, People’s Warden or Audrey Chan, Rector’s Warden
