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THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
FAMILY SERVICE
Holy Eucharist - Rite I (Year C)
May 4, 2025 9:30 AM
THE ENTRANCE RITE
(In preparation for worship, please be seated and remain in silent meditation, ensuring that all mobile devices are silenced.)
PRAISE AND WORSHIP
‘Hallelujah you’re worthy to be praised’
Hallelujah you’re worthy to be praised. (Repeat 8X)
I lift my hands; I praise you Lord, I bow my head; I honor you, Lord. (Repeat 2X)
Hallelujah you’re worthy to be praised. (Repeat 4X)
I lift my hands; I praise you Lord, I bow my head; I honor you, Lord. (Repeat 2X)
Hallelujah you’re worthy to be praised. (Repeat 4X)
Hallelujah you’re worthy, hallelujah we praise your name, hallelujah so worthy, hallelujah, Lord, we lift you up. (Repeat 3X)
Lord we lift you up. (Repeat 6X)
Hallelujah you’re worthy, hallelujah we praise your name, hallelujah so worthy, hallelujah, Lord, we lift you up. (Repeat 2X)
Lord we lift you up. (Repeat 6X)
‘The Anthem’
By His stripes, we are healed, by His nail-pierced hands, we’re free, by His blood, we’re washed clean, now we have the victory, the power of sin is broken, Jesus overcame it all, he has won our freedom, Jesus has won it all. Hallelujah, you have won the victory. Hallelujah, you have won it all for me, death could not hold you down, you are the risen King seated in majesty, you are the risen King. (Repeat)
Seated in majesty, you are the risen King, our God is risen, He is alive.
He won the victory, He reigns on high, our God is risen, He is alive. (Repeat 3x)
He won the victory; He reigns on high. Hallelujah, you have won the victory. Hallelujah, you have won it all for me, death could not hold, you down, you are the risen King, seated in majesty, you are the risen King. Hallelujah, you have won the victory. Hallelujah, you have won it all for me, death could not hold You down, you are the risen King, seated in majesty, you are the risen King.
Opening Sentence and Prayer
Entrance Hymn (The Hymnal 1982, #460) ‘Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!’
Greeting and Easter Acclamation Prayer Book, page 299
Gloria in Excelsis (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #243) ‘Glory to God’
Prayer of the Day Prayer Book, page 224
O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles (9: 1 - 20) Joyce Sam-Jackson
1Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. 8Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so, they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. 10Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” 11The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, 12and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; 14and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.” 15But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; 16I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, 19and after taking some food, he regained his strength. For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, 20and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”
The Word of the Lord People Thanks be to God
Responsorial Psalm (30) Exaltabo te, Domine Xen Llewellyn
1 I will exalt you, O Lord, because you have lifted me up * and have not let my enemies triumph over me.
2 O Lord my God, I cried out to you, * and you restored me to health.
3 You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead; * you restored my life as I was going down to the grave.
4 Sing to the Lord, you servants of his; * give thanks for the remembrance of his holiness.
5 For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, * his favor for a lifetime.
6 Weeping may spend the night, * but joy comes in the morning.
7 While I felt secure, I said, “I shall never be disturbed. * You, Lord, with your favor, made me as strong as the mountains.”
8 Then you hid your face, * and I was filled with fear.
9 I cried to you, O Lord; * I pleaded with the Lord, saying,
10 “What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit? * will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness?
11 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me; * O Lord, be my helper.”
12 You have turned my wailing into dancing; * you have put off my sack‑cloth and clothed me with joy.
13 Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing; * O Lord my God, I will give you thanks for ever.
A Reading from the Revelation to John (5: 11 - 14) Athena Fleary
11I, John, looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12singing with full voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” 13Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing, “To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” 14And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the elders fell down and worshiped.
The Word of the Lord People Thanks be to God
Sequence Hymn (The Hymnal 1982, #561) ‘Stand up, stand up for Jesus’
GOSPEL REFRAIN (African American Heritage Hymnal, #642) (Sung thrice)
Halle, halle, halle - lujah, Halle, halle, halle – lujah.
Halle, halle, halle - lujah, Hallelujah, halle – lujah.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (21: 1 - 19)
1Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. 2Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. 3Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” 6He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So, they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. 7That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. 8But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off. 9When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. 10Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. 12Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. 13Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them and did the same with the fish. 14This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. 15When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” 19(He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”
Sermon
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM
Presentation and Examination of the Candidate Prayer Book, page 301ff
Celebrant Parents and Godparents, I now invite you to make the sign of the cross on Aurora Wynter’s forehead, as together we claim her as Christ’s own.
The Baptismal Covenant Prayer Book, page 304ff
Prayers for the Candidate Austin Bovell Prayer Book, page 305ff
Hymn (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #134) ‘Take me to the water’
Thanksgiving over the Water Prayer Book, page 306ff
The Baptism
(Pouring of the water of Holy Baptism)
Aurora Wynter, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(Anointing with Sacred Chrism)
Aurora Wynter, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own forever. Amen.
(Blessing with water and salt)
Aurora Wynter, may God who is gracious, open your eyes so that you may see Him in the world, open your ears so that you may hear His voice and open your mouth that you may proclaim His mighty deeds. Amen.
(The Baptismal Candle is lit from the Paschal Candle)
Aurora Wynter, receive the light of Christ, and walk as a child of light. Amen.
Prayer of Consecration and Welcome
All Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon your servant, the forgiveness of sin, and have raised her to the new life of grace. Sustain her O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give Aurora Wynter 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.
Celebrant Let us welcome the newly baptized.
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.
Gesture of Peace ‘Let there be peace on earth’
THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
Offertory Hymn ‘Lord, I lift your Name on high’
Lord, I lift your name on high, Lord, I love to sing your praises. I’m so glad you’re in my life, I’m so glad you came to save us.
You came from heaven to earth, to show the way, from the earth to the cross, my debt to pay, from the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky, Lord I lift your name on high.
You came from heaven to earth, to show the way, from the earth to the cross, my debt to pay, from the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky, Lord I lift your name on high.
Lord, I lift your name on high. Lord, I lift your name on high. Lord, I lift your name on high.
Doxology (African American Heritage Hymnal, #651)
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING (Eucharistic Prayer B) (Stand or kneel) Prayer Book, page 367
Sanctus and Benedictus (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #255)
Memorial Acclamation (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #260)
The Great Amen (Lift Evry Voice and Sing II, #233)
The Lord’s Prayer (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #264)
Agnus Dei (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #270)
Hymns during the Administration of Holy Communion
(Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #152) ‘Let us break bread together’
(African American Heritage Hymnal, #256) ‘The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power’
The blood that Jesus shed for me, way back on Calvary; The blood that gives me strength from day to day, it will never lose its pow’r.
Refrain
It reaches to the highest mountain, it flows to the lowest valley; The blood that gives me strength from day to day, it will never lose its pow’r.
It soothes my doubts and calms my fears, and it dries all my tears; The blood that gives me strength from day to day, it will never lose its pow’r. (Refrain)
Prayer after Communion (Stand or kneel) Prayer Book, page 366
The Easter Blessing
Welcome / Announcements (Blessings: Birthday, Travel, Children, Other)
Mission Hymn (African American Heritage Hymnal, #283) ‘Christ Arose’
Low in the grave He lay, Jesus, my Savior! Waiting the coming day, Jesus, my Lord!
Refrain
Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o’er His foes; He arose a victor from the dark domain, and He lives forever, with His saints to reign;
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!
Vainly they watch His bed, Jesus, my Savior! Vainly they seal the dead, Jesus, my Lord! (Refrain)
Death could not keep his prey, Jesus, my Savior! He tore the bars away, Jesus, my Lord! (Refrain)
Organ Postlude
(Please remain seated until the Postlude ends, and the candles are extinguished. Be mindful of those who have stayed behind for prayer.)
WELCOME * BIENVENIDOS * BIENVENUE
The Clergy, Wardens, and Vestry of our Parish welcome all visitors and members who have joined us in celebrating God in Christ Jesus.
We hope that you have had a rewarding spiritual experience, and we pray that you will come again. If you are looking for a spiritual home, we invite you to join our fellowship and worship. Please speak with the Priest or one of the Ushers.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS: MAY - JUNE
Holy Eucharist, Sundays, 9:30 am (Sanctuary / Online)
(Facebook / YouTube / Zoom ID: 970 3502 6969 / Passcode: 026667)
Bereavement Ministry, Sundays, 1 pm (Cry Room)
Episcopal Youth Fellowship (EYF), Sundays, 1pm (Conference Room)
Holy Eucharist or Morning Prayer, Wednesdays, 10 am (Sanctuary / Zoom ID: 953 4196 0007 / Passcode: 025388 / Telephone: 1.646.876.9923 / ID: 953 4196 0007)
Wednesday, May 7, 7:30pm, Bible Study (Zoom ID: 953 4196 0007 / Passcode: 025388)
Sunday, May 11, Fellowship Hour (Brotherhood of St. Andrew) / 4pm - 10pm, ‘An Afternoon of Elegance’ (Trinidad and Tobago Organization)
Thursday, May 29, 10 am, Feast of the Ascension (Sanctuary/Zoom)
Sunday, June 8, 9:30 am, Feast of Pentecost
Sunday, June 15, 9:30 am, Feast of the Holy Trinity
Father’s Day Celebration (Episcopal Church Women)
Saturday, June 21, Sight and Sound ‘Noah’ (Ushers’ Guild)
Sunday, June 29, 9:30 am, Honoring our Graduates
(Christian Formation and Youth)
Today, through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, we welcome Aurora Wynter Smith, daughter of Cynthia Conde and Jahlornie Smith, into the fellowship of Christ’s Body, the Church. Aurora’s godparents are Fitzroy Nurse, Sheniqua Smith, and Stephanie Conde. We pray for Aurora, her parents and godparents, as they take on the responsibility of ‘seeing that the child they present is brought up in the Christian faith and life.’
SPECIAL OFFERINGS AND INTENTIONS
ANGLICAN CYCLE OF PRAYER: The Church of Ireland; Northern Michigan, The Episcopal Church; Western Michigan, The Episcopal Church; Missionary District of Micronesia, The Episcopal Church; Milwaukee, The Episcopal Church; Minna, The Church of Nigeria; Minnesota, The Episcopal Church.
BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY
Candles and flowers are offered to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for Carletta Mazyck, Donna Greene, Maritza Douglas, Michelle Douglas, and Karen Douglas as they celebrated their birthday in the month of April. Given with love by Carlyle, Roger and Paula Douglas, with wishes for all God’s blessings of good health, happiness and prosperity.
Flowers are given by Claudette Wilkinson in thanksgiving for her daughter Shelly-Ann Wilkinson as she celebrated her birthday on April 20. May the Lord continue to bless and keep her in His grace.
Candles and flowers are offered by Shelly-Ann Wilkinson as she celebrated her birthday (April 20). May God continue to guide and bless her, this day and forevermore.
BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY: Elrid Holder (4), Winslow Wilson (5), Annette Tull (7), Phillip Millington (8), Veronica DeGroot (9), Austin Daly (10).
DIOCESAN CYCLE OF PRAYER: Trinity Church, Roslyn; Holy Trinity, Greenport; All Altar Guilds; Saint Peter’s, Rosedale; Parish Administrators Exchange; Saint John’s Episcopal Hospital, Far Rockaway; Saint George’s, Hempstead.
HEALING PRAYERS for SICK and SHUT-IN MEMBERS: Joan Abrams, Nola Archer-Springer, Claudette Baptiste, Janet Beaton, Orion Best, Gwendolyn Blackett, Joyce Bourne, Stella Brown-Pilgrim, Margaret Burke, Beverly Clark, Marie Clarke, Andria Clarke-Worrell, Ena Dixon, Ruby Doris, Dorothy Drakes, Harris Edwards, Esther Elder, Kenneth Fleary, Pearl Fox, Dolsy Greaves-Prince, Lindora Hall, Ruby Jean Harper-Niles, Nerissa Hawker-King, Alice Herbert, Lynette Hunte, Monica Jones, Mavis King, Emmie Lambert, Germaine Mascoll, Leslin Maynard, Raymond Maynard, Norma McKenzie, Deborah McPherson, Lynette Neptune, Ashton Parris, Lucille Peters, Miriam Prince, Erene Radix, Ursula Richards, Gene Richardson, Edgar Roper, Kathleen Rose, Barbara Sammerson, Deonne Squires-Gilbert, Frederica Smith, Jean Soso, Ivonne Waldron, Winslow Wilson, Ines Wyatt.
HEALING PRAYERS for SICK and SHUT-IN RELATIVES and FRIENDS: Jennifer Allen, Sandra Alleyne, Adrian Garner, Carmen Baez, Manuela Blot, Richard Boyce, Cheryl Clarke, Tiffany Clarke, Patrick Codrington, Gilberto Donaldson, Brenda Elbers, Cleve Esson, Sonia Estrada, Raymond Fenty, Celia Fikes, Denise Flatts, Zie Garraway, Hazel Gittens, Avril Green, Al Shura Hayden, Anthony Hayden, Antonette Hayden, Vernice Hinds, Myrna Johnson, Edward Jones, Elizabeth Kane, Colleen Kane, Cyril Kane, Ika Kane, Thelma Kane, Vilima Kane, Carol Kane-Hicks, Syrrea Kane-Price, Cedric Layne, Adrienne Le’Blanc, Maureen Lewis, Mildred Liburd, Dalila Narcisse, Igor Nelubin, Princess O’Garro, Paul Oseni, Jeannine Pierre-Louis, Margaret Roach, Pheobe Roberts, Joan Scott, Gamal Steele, Alana Tompkins, Philip Tudor, Ann Walker, Mary Forde-Walters, Bryon Wilson, Lemar Wynn, June Yanok.
+ IN MEMORIAM
Flowers are given by Claudette Wilkinson in loving memory of Don Wilkinson. May his soul continue to rest in peace and rise in glory.
Bread and wine is given to the glory of God and in loving memory of my sweetheart husband William N. Nyemah, who died on April 23, 2020. “Missing you. You will always be in our hearts. May your soul continue to rest in peace.” Given by your wife Izetta Thompson.
Candles and flowers are given in loving memory and thanksgiving to God for a special lady, our mother Sheila Undine Douglas who died on April 29, 2012. Given by her children, Carlyle, Donna, Errol, Karen and Renwick, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and daughter-in-law Paula Douglas. May her soul rest in peace and rise in glory.
Candles are given in memory of my mother Edna Bell and sister Lynette on the anniversary of their birthdate, May 1 and April 30, respectively. “Gone but not forgotten, your memories are cherished in our hearts. May your souls rest in peace and rise in glory. Love you both.” Given by Joycelyn Elbers and Family.
Bread and wine is given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Omar Smith, a dear son, father, nephew, uncle, cousin and friend, who died on May 4, 2022. “We love you.” May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory. Given by Mavis Francois.
Our prayers are asked for the repose of the soul of Bonnie Branch-Lincoln who died on April 16. Bonnie’s Funeral Service will be in the Sanctuary on Friday, May 9, Viewing at 5pm and Service at 6pm. We pray for her family as they mourn her death. May her soul rest in peace and rise in glory.
STUDENTS AT COLLEGE: Kesiena Gbidi (Medgar Evers College), Najite Gbidi (Kingsborough Community College), Malike O. Cummings (Queens College). Angelique Agard (Essex County College), Nyla Bartholomew (University of North Carolina), Amanda Drakes (Baruch College), Andrew Garvey (John Jay College), Desmond Jordan (Kingsborough Community College), Jayden Richardson (University at Albany), Marliah Samuels (Binghamton University), Cynnia Semper (Norfolk State University), Jada Skye Spencer (Clark Atlanta University), Saige Wilson (Fordham University).
UNITED STATES MILITARY: Bernard Abraham (Army, North Carolina), Bennett Barnes (Army, Poland), Kibwe Cummings (Coast Guard, Maryland), Keron Glasgow (Army, Fort Bliss, Texas), Alonso Hall (Air Force, Japan), Richard Hinds (Army, South Korea), Trevaughn Luncheon (Navy, Florida), Shequita and Nephi Marston (Air Force, Germany), Shaquan McKenzie (Navy), Ashley McKenzie (Navy), Tacoma Washington (Army).
Organ Prelude
FELLOWSHIP HOUR: If you would like to host on any given Sunday, please contact Glenna Bartholomew, Cynthia Daniel, Fay Hunt, Dianne Miller or Zelma Murray.
OFFERINGS: Please bring your offering to the Office, mail it to the Church, or send it via Zelle (SaintGabrielsBrooklyn@gmail.com). Please write checks to St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church.
OFFERING ENVELOPES 2025: Available in the Church Office. As you prepare your offering, please print your name on each envelope you use.
PRACTICE OF HOLY HABITS: As a Christian Steward, I affirm that I am tithing or have adopted a plan to work towards tithing as a minimum standard of giving, and if I am not already doing so, I am committed to giving priority to Corporate Worship, Personal Daily Prayer and Study and Sabbath Time in my life.
PRAYER BOOKS, BIBLES and HYMNALS are available for purchase. They are $30 each. Please visit the Office if you need any of these books.
READINGS: WEDNESDAY, May 7: Acts 8: 1b - 8 (Helen Walker); Psalm 66: 1 - 8; John 6: 35 - 40; Prayers of the People, Form V (Glenna Bartholomew). THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, May 11 (Mother’s Day): Acts 9: 36 - 43 (Leonid Chance); Psalms 23; Revelation 7: 9 - 17 (Ashley Cox); John 10: 22 - 30; Prayers of the People, Form VI (Jean Cox-Dickson).
SENIOR CHOIR: Sundays at 12pm. Please speak with the Organist and Music Minister, Christopher Bryant.
TREE OF LIFE: To memorialize your deceased loved ones, please call the Church Office for details.
WEEKLY BULLETIN: Please submit information for publication to the Office by noon on Wednesdays (stgabrielschurchbrooklyn@gmail.com)
Live Steaming
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