10:00 AM Rite II
April 21, 2024
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
243 Barrow Street, Houma, LA 70360
www.stmatthewshouma.org
Church—985-872-5057
Fr. Jim’s contact information: 504-491-8686
jamesmorrison44@gmail.com
The Fourth Sunday of Easter
The Liturgy of the Word
Processional Hymn: I come with joy to meet the Lord Hymn 304
The Opening Acclamation
Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ is risen.
People: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Celebrant: There is one Body and one Spirit;
People: There is one hope in God’s call to us;
Celebrant: One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism;
People: One God and Father of all.
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
The Collect of the Day
O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
First Lesson
Acts 4:5-12
The rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is
`the stone that was rejected by you, the builders;
it has become the cornerstone.’
There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.”
Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd; *
I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures *
and leads me beside still waters.
3 He revives my soul *
and guides me along right pathways for his Name’s sake.
4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I shall fear no evil; *
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who
trouble me; *
you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over.
6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my
life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Second Lesson
1 John 3:16-24
We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us– and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?
Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him.
And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God
Cantor sings Alleluia, congregation repeats, cantor sings verse, congregation sings Alleluia
Priest: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to
John (10:11-18)
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”
Priest: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon The Rev. Jim Morrison
Litany of Baptism
Presentation and Examination of the Candidates
Logan Scrivner Son of Philip and Kathleen Scrivner
Celebrant: The Candidates for Holy Baptism will now be presented.
Parents and Godparents:
I present Logan Scrivner to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.
Celebrant: Do you desire to be Baptized?
Candidate: I do.
Celebrant:
Will you, his parents and Godparents, by your prayers and witness help Logan to grow into the full stature of Christ?
Parents and Godparents:
I will, with God’s help.
Then the Celebrant asks the following questions of the parents and godparents who speak on behalf of the infants and younger children
Question: Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces
of wickedness that rebel against God?
Answer: I renounce them.
Question: Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which
corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
Answer: I renounce them.
Question: Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from
the love of God?
Answer: I renounce them.
Question: Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your
Savior?
Answer: I do.
Question: Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?
Answer: I do.
Question: Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord?
Answer: I do.
Celebrant: Will you who witness these vows do all in your power
to support Logan in his life in Christ?
People: We will.
Celebrant: Let us join with those who are committing themselves to
Christ and renew our own baptismal covenant.
(All Stand)
The Baptismal Covenant
Priest: Do you believe in God the Father?
People: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Priest: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Priest: Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People: I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Priest: Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Priest: Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Priest: Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Priest: Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Priest: Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, And respect the dignity of every human being?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Prayers for the Candidates
The Celebrant then says to the congregation
Let us now pray for these persons who is to receive the Sacrament of new birth.
Leader: Deliver Logan O Lord, from the way of sin and death.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Open his heart to your grace and truth.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Fill Logan with your holy and life-giving Spirit.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Keep him in the faith and communion of your holy Church.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Teach him to love others in the power of the Spirit.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Send him into the world in witness to your love.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Bring Logan to the fullness of your peace and glory.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
The Celebrant says:
Grant, O Lord, that all who are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ your Son may live in the power of his resurrection and look for him to come again in glory; who lives and reigns now and for ever. Amen.
Thanksgiving over the Water
The Celebrant blesses the water, first saying:
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 him thanks and praise.
Celebrant
We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water.
Over it the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation. Through it you led the children of Israel out of their bondage in Egypt into the land of promise. In it your Son Jesus received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us, through his death and resurrection, from the bondage of sin into everlasting life.
We thank you, Father, for the water of Baptism. In it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit. Therefore in joyful obedience to your Son, we bring into his fellowship those who come to him in faith, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
At the following words, the Celebrant touches the water
Now sanctify this water, we pray you, by the power of your Holy Spirit, that those who here are cleansed from sin and born again may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Savior. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
All seated please
The Baptism
Each candidate is presented by name to the Celebrant, who then immerses, or pours water upon, the candidate, saying
Logan, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon this your servant the forgiveness of sin, and have raised him to the new life of grace. Sustain him, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give him an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen.
Then the Priest places a hand on the person’s head, marking on the
forehead the sign of the cross and saying
Logan, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own for ever. Amen.
When all have been baptized, the Celebrant says
Let us welcome the newly baptized.
Celebrant and People
We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood.
The Peace
Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.
Welcome and Announcements
The Holy Communion
The Offertory
Offertory Hymn: Shepherd of souls refresh and bless Hymn 343
Loving God, may this offering honor the work you have given us to do here in this place. Rooted in Abundance, Generosity, and Gratitude we offer these gifts for your honor and glory. Amen
Reception of Gifts
Eucharistic Prayer B
The people remain standing. The Celebrant faces them and sings or says
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 him thanks and praise.
Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and every-where to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
Preface of the Lord’s Day
For you are the source of light and life, you made us in your image, and called us to new life in Jesus Christ our Lord.
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.
Sanctus Hymnal S 129
Celebrant and People sing
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.
The people stand or kneel.
Then the Celebrant continues
We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
On the night before he died for us, 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, according to his command, O Father,
Celebrant and People
We remember his death,
We proclaim his resurrection,
We await his coming in glory;
The Celebrant continues
And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.
We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with our Blessed Mother Mary, St. Joseph, St. Matthew, all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.
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.
The Great Amen Hymnal S 146
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.
Fraction Anthem Hymnal S 164
The Breaking of the Bread
At St. Matthew’s we welcome all persons, regardless of denomination, who have been baptized with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit to share in the communion at this Altar. Those wishing to receive a blessing only may cross their hands over their heart.
Communion Hymn: The king of love my shepherd is Hymn 645
For the beauty of the earth Hymn 416
Post Communion Prayer
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.
Recessional Hymn: Savior, like a shepherd lead us Hymn 708
The Dismissal
Priest: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
This Sunday’s Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God and in celebration of the birthdays of Mia and Bill Fortier by Debby Fortier.
This Sunday we celebrate another tree in the St. Matthew’s Fruit Orchard, given to the glory of God by Lynn and Keri Kelley.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Week of 4/21-4/27: Oliver Lee-Fortier, Bill Fortier, Sandra Deroche
Watch over Your children, O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide them wherever they may be. Strengthen them when they stand; comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and in their heart may your peace which passes understanding abide all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Worship Team Schedule
Eucharistic Ministers Alex Ostheimer, Hildegard Blanchard, Emilie Daye
Altar Server Adriana Dehart
Lectors Sharon Pontiff, Doug Holloway
Organist John Barrilleaux
Ushers Karen Kelly
Vestry Member on Duty Keith Hampton
Altar Guild Gail Duhe’, Cathy Wiemann
Flower Guild Keri Kelley
Hospitality Hildegard Blanchard, Karen Kelly
PARISH PRAYER LIST
Andrèe, Jay, Norma, Lydicia, Jere, Lona & Sidney, Earl, Bob, Mattie, Randolph, JoAnne, Norma, Susan, Jeanette, Rita, Abigail, Mark, Marlene, Helen, Sue, Mike, Dawn, Ann, Michelle, Philip, Gerard, Penny, Tina, Virginia, Charles, Michael, Patsy, Margie, Linda, Megan, Beth, Rena, Liz, Sandra Lee, Gerald