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THE  FOURTH SUNDAY  OF  EASTER

GOOD SHEPERD SUNDAY

Holy Eucharist - Rite II (Year B)

April 21, 2024         9:30 AM

  This Bulletin, with Psalm and Prayers, is from the Book of Common Prayer, 1979. The Scripture Readings are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. All Hymns/Music are used with permission under Saint Gabriel’s Copyright License #21688433 and #21688440 from Christian Copyright Licensing International, Inc.

THE  ENTRANCE   RITE

(In preparation for worship, please be seated and remain in silent meditation, ensuring that all mobile devices are silenced.)

Opening Sentence and Prayer

Entrance Hymn  (The Hymnal 1982, #343)         ‘Shepherd of souls, refresh and bless’

Greeting and Easter Acclamation                                                Prayer Book, page 355

Hymn of Praise        ‘To God Be The Glory’

To God be the glory, great things he has done; so loved he the world that he gave us his Son, who yielded his life an atonement for sin, and opened the life-gate that all may go in.

Refrain
 Praise the Lord, praise the Lord; let the earth hear his voice! Praise the Lord, praise the Lord; let the people rejoice! O come to the Father through Jesus the Son and give him the glory; great things he has done.

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood, to every believer the promise of God; the vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives. (Refrain)

Great things he has taught us, great things he has done, and great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son; but purer and higher and greater will be our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see. (Refrain)

Prayer of the Day                                                                           Prayer Book, page 225

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.

THE  LITURGY   OF  THE  WORD 

A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles (4: 5 - 12)                                     Ashley Cox

⁵The rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, ⁶with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. ⁷When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” ⁸Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, ⁹if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, ¹⁰let 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. ¹¹This Jesus is ‘the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.’ ¹²There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.”

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

Psalm 23 (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #279)                                                            Choir

Refrain: The Lord is my Shepherd; there is nothing I shall want

1       The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2       He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still 

         waters. (Refrain)

3       He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his 

         name’s sake.

4       Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no 

          evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Refrain)
 5       Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou

          anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6       Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will 

         dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Refrain)

A Reading from the First Letter of John (3: 16 -24)                         Jean Cox-Dickson

¹⁶We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us-and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. ¹⁷How 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? ¹⁸Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. ¹⁹And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him ²⁰whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. ²¹Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; ²²and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him. ²³And 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. ²⁴All 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.

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

Sequence Hymn (Church in the Province of the West Indies Hymnal, #664)

‘Loving Shepherd of thy Sheep’ (Verse 1, 2, 4)

Loving Shepherd of thy sheep, keep thy lamb, in safety keep; nothing can thy power withstand, none can pluck me from thy hand. 

Loving Savior, thou didst give thine own life that we might live, and the hands outstretched to bless bear the cruel nails' impress. 

Loving Shepherd, ever near, teach thy lamb thy voice to hear; suffer not my steps to stray from the straight and narrow way.

GOSPEL REFRAIN (African American Heritage Hymnal, #642)

(Sung thrice, before and after the Gospel)

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 (10: 11 - 18)

¹¹Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. ¹²The 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. ¹³The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. ¹⁴I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, ¹⁵just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. ¹⁶I 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. ¹⁷For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. ¹⁸No 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.”

Homily                                                           

Profession of Faith (The Nicene Creed)                                       Prayer Book, page 358

Prayers of the People (Form III, as modified)      Nick Cox         Prayer Book, page 387

Confession of Sin and Absolution                                               Prayer Book, page 360

Gesture of Peace

THE   LITURGY  OF  THE  EUCHARIST

Offertory Hymn (The Hymnal 1982, #645)    ‘The King of Love my Sheperd is’ 

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING (Eucharistic Prayer A) (Stand or kneel)                             Prayer Book, page 361

The Preface of Easter                                                           Prayer Book, page 379

Sanctus and Benedictus (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #255)

Memorial Acclamation (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #259)

The Great Amen (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #233)

The Lord’s Prayer (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #265)

Agnus Dei (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #270)

Communion of the People

All baptized persons are invited to share in the Body and Blood of Christ including those of other Christian traditions. The Body of Christ will be placed on your open palm while you receive the Blood of Christ by drinking from the Chalice.

Persons who do not wish to receive may come forward for a blessing with their arms folded across their chest.

Hymns during the Administration of Holy Communion:

(The Hymnal 1982, #544) ‘Jesus shall reign where’er the sun’

(Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #99) ‘On Christ the Solid Rock’

Prayer after Communion (Stand or kneel)                                 Prayer Book, page 365

The Easter Blessing

Welcome / Announcements (Birthday, Travel, Blessing of the Children)

Mission Hymn    (The Hymnal 1982, #450) ‘All hail the power of Jesus’ Name!’

Organ Postlude (Please remain in your place until the Postlude is ended and the candles are extinguished. Be mindful of those who have stayed behind for prayer.)

WELCOME * BIENVENUE * BIENVENIDOS

The Priest, Wardens, and Vestry of our Parish welcome all visitors and members who have joined us in celebrating the Resurrection of God in Christ. 

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: APRIL - MAY

Holy Eucharist, Sundays, 9:30 am (Sanctuary/Online)

(Facebook / YouTube / Zoom ID: 970 3502 6969 / Passcode: 026667)

(Telephone: 1.646.876.9923 / ID: 970 3502 6969)

Sunday School (Golden Hall) 

Confirmation Class, Sundays, 1 pm

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)

Sunday, April 21, 1 pm, ‘Spring Fling, Lunch and Hat Show’ (Older Adult Center)

Wednesday, April 24, 7:30 pm, Bible Study: ‘Redemption: A happy ending’ 

(Ruth 4) 

Sunday April 28, 12 Noon, ‘Together in Prayer’ (Body and Soul Ministry)

Thursday, May 9, 10 am, Feast of the Ascension (Sanctuary/Zoom)

Sunday, May 12, Mother’s Day Celebration (Brotherhood of St. Andrew)

Saturday, May 18, Tea Party (Fund Raising Committee)

Sunday, May 19, 9:30 am, Feast of Pentecost

Saturday, May 25, Grab and Go Brunch (Episcopal Church Women)

Sunday, May 26, 9:30 am, Feast of the Holy Trinity

SPECIAL  OFFERINGS  AND   INTENTIONS

ANGLICAN CYCLE OF PRAYER: The Anglican Church of Australia; Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia; Dunkwa-on-Offin, West Africa; Durgapur, North India; Durham, England; Dutse, Nigeria; East Kerala Duk, South India.

BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY

Bread and wine is offered to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for Yvonne Barrow as she celebrated her birthday (April 12). Given by her 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. “May she live to see many more with health and prosperity . To God be the glory, great things he has done.”

Bread and wine is 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.

Bread and wine is offered in thanksgiving to God for Keith Williams who celebrated his birthday anniversary on April 13. May God continue to bless and keep him. Given by his wife, children and his entire family.

Candles are offered by Fay Hunt for God’s many blessing on her dear son, Nigel Escalona. “Wishing you God’s grace on your birthday (April 24). Love Always!”

Candles and flowers are offered to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for the birthday anniversary of our niece Danyelle Hershkopf (April 23). Given with love, by her Aunts Paula, Suzette and Gilda, together with her Mum and Dad, Ingrid and Todd Hershkopf, and other Family Members. “May God's blessings of good health, happiness and prosperity, continue to be always abundant in your life.” 

BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY THIS WEEK: Patrick Drakes, Jr. (21), Sonia Semper (23), Carol Williams (23), Matthew Sumner (23), Nigel Escalona (24), Alleyne Phillip (24), Gennel Loncke (27).

DIOCESAN CYCLE OF PRAYER: Saint Thomas, Brooklyn; Saint David's, Cambria Heights; Retired Bishop Suffragan; Acolytes and Lectors; Church of the Resurrection, Williston Park; Caroline Church, Setauket; Christ Church, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn.

HEALING PRAYERS for SICK and SHUT-IN MEMBERS: Nola Archer-Springer, Claudette Baptiste, Merle Beache, Janet Beaton, Velma Beckford, Orion Best, Gwendolyn Blackett, Joyce Bourne, Stella Brown-Pilgrim, Marie Clarke, Andria Clarke-Worrell, Ena Dixon, Ruby Doris, Dorothy Drakes, Kenneth Fleary, Amy Gibson, Dolsy Greaves-Prince, Lindora Hall, Nerissa Hawker-King, Lynette Hunte, Monica Jones, Meta Kane, Mavis King, Emmie Lambert, Germaine Mascoll, Leslin Maynard, Raymond Maynard, Deborah McPherson, Lynette Neptune, Ashton Parris, Lucille Peters, Miriam Prince, Erene Radix, Ursula Richards, Gene Richardson, Edgar Roper, Barbara Sammerson, Stanislaus Shortt, Deonne Squires-Gilbert, Hilda Small, Frederica Smith, Jean Soso, Izetta Thompson, Ivonne Waldron, Carol Williams, Denise Williams, Winslow Wilson, Ines Wyatt.

HEALING PRAYERS for SICK and SHUT-IN RELATIVES and FRIENDS: Jennifer Allen, Adrian Garner, Carmen Baez, Manuela Blot, Richard Boyce, Yvonne Callender, Cheryl Clarke, Tiffany Clarke, Patrick Codrington, Mayleen Cumberbatch, Gilberto Donaldson, Brenda Elbers, Sonia Estrada, Zie Garraway, Hazel Gittens, Avril Green, Myrna Johnson, Edward Jones, Dennis Joshua, Elizabeth Kane, Colleen Kane, Cyril Kane, Ika Kane, Thelma Kane, Vilima Kane, Carol Kane-Hicks, Syrrea Kane-Price, Shirley Lasley, Adrienne  Le’Blanc, Maureen Lewis, Mildred Liburd, Princess O’Garro, Jeannine Pierre-Louis, Pheobe Roberts, Monica Robinson-Khan, Joan Scott, Alana Tompkins, Philip Tudor, Mary Forde-Walters, Peter Williams, Bryon Wilson, Lemar Wynn, June Yanok.

+ IN MEMORIAM

Our prayers are asked for the repose of the soul of Chester McArthur Roach, who died on Tuesday, April 9 in Jamaica, the West Indies. Chester is the brother of Canon Leys. Chester’s Funeral Service will be held on May 4. We pray for his family as they mourn his death. May Chester’s soul rest in peace and rise in glory.

Altar Flowers are given by the Wilkinson Family in loving memory of Dora Wilkinson on the anniversary of her death (April 14). “Forever in our hearts.” Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death. (Isaiah 57: 2)

Candles and Flowers are given in loving memory and on the anniversary of the death our dear mother, Dola Amelia Phillips, who died on April 15, 2020. Given with love by her daughters Paula, Suzette, Ingrid ,Gilda and granddaughter Danyelle, sons in-law Todd Hershkopf and Carlyle Douglas, and the Family. “Mum, we love you, miss you every day and you will remain in our hearts forever.” May your soul rest in peace and rise in glory.

Candles and Flowers are given in loving memory of my husband Ludovico A.B. Assanah, who died April 21, 2014, my aunt Malsey M. Duncan who died April 22, 2015, and my mother Unzel L. Simon who died April 24th, 2016. Given by Lola Simon-Assanah, and by their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great-grandchildren.

Candles are given in loving memory of William N. Nyemah, who departed this life on April 23, 2020. Given with love by his wife Izetta k. Thompson and Family. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

STUDENTS AT COLLEGE: Angelique Agard (Essex County College); Malike O. Cummings (Queens College); Amanda Drakes (Baruch College); Kesiena Gbidi (Medgar Evers College); Najite Gbidi (Kingsborough Community College); Andrew Garvey (John Jay College); Shekyah McKenzie (New York University); Marshal Neptune (Borough of Manhattan Community College); Saige Wilson (Fordham University); Coen Woodland (Belmont Abbey College, North Carolina).

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Candles are given in thanksgiving to God for the wedding anniversary of Michael and Joan King-Ashby (April 14). May God continue to bless their marriage. Given with love by their son, Michael, Jr.

UNITED STATES MILITARY: Bernard Abraham (Army, North Carolina); Bennett Barnes (Army, Poland); Kibwe Cummings (Coast Guard, Crisfield, Maryland); (Alonso Hall (Air Force, Japan); Richard Hinds (Army, South Korea); Trevaughn Luncheon (Navy, Florida), Shequita and Nephi Marston (Airforce, Germany), Shaquan McKenzie (Navy); Ashley McKenzie (Navy); Tacoma Washington (Army).

ANNOUNCEMNETS

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: If you would like to host on any given Sunday, please contact Jillian Gbidi at 1.718.219.0922.

OFFERINGS: Please bring your Offering to the Office, mail it to the Church, or send it in via Zelle (SaintGabrielsBrooklyn@gmail.com). Please write checks to St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church.

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. If not already doing so, I am committed to giving priority to Corporate Worship, Personal Daily Prayer and Study and Sabbath Time in my life.

READINGS FOR WEDNESDAY, April 24 (Genocide Remembrance): Isaiah 2: 2 - 5 (Edith Lewis); Psalm 70; Revelation 7: 13 - 17 (Gloria Miller); Prayers of the People, Form III (Lois Newland); Matthew 2: 13 - 18. READINGS FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, April 28: Acts 8: 26 - 40 (Carl Elbers); Psalm 22 24 - 30; 1 John 4: 7 - 21 (Nash Fraser); Prayers of the People, Form IV (Deborah Goddard); John 15: 1 - 8.

SECOND FLOOR LOAN: On Second Sundays, we will have a special offering for this loan before the Prayer after Communion. Thanks for your continued support.

THE PURPLE PANTRY: Please help replenish the ‘Pantry’ to assist those in need of non-perishable items in the community. Your kindness is appreciated.

Thank you.

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)

SAINT GABRIEL’S OLDER ADULT CENTER

1.718.773.4049

Sunday, April 21, 1 pm - 5 pm: Spring Fling Lunch and Variety Hat Show ($40 All inclusive)

Monday, April 22: CENTER CLOSED

Tuesday, April 23: Arts and craft / Exercise Class / Bingo

Wednesday, April 24: Computer Class / Elder Abuse Workshop / Bingo

Thursday, April 25: Arts and Craft / Hypertension Screening/ Tai Chi

Friday, April 26:  Meet and Greet/ Big Bingo / Exercise