AN AGAPE LITURGY FOR SUNDAYS · 2020-06-11 · AN AGAPE LITURGY FOR SUNDAYS By the Rev. Deon K. Johnson Christians have, from the first Easter morning, gathered on Sunday, the ord’s

AN AGAPE LITURGY FOR SUNDAYS By the Rev. Deon K. Johnson

Christians have, from the first Easter morning, gathered on Sunday, the Lord’s Day, to celebrate the resurrection

of Jesus Christ from the dead and, through Holy Baptism, be united with one another as the Body of Christ. In

vast cathedrals and small rural churches, in living rooms and coffee shops, Christians have stood with Mary

Magdalene to proclaim, “I have seen the Lord!”

The Holy Eucharist, the liturgies of the Word and Table, has always been central to the celebration of the Lord’s

Day. In those times when the Holy Eucharist could not be safely celebrated, the people of God gathered to feast

on the Word; to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the sacred stories of God’s presence in the world.

During this time while it is not safe for the Body of Christ to gather in our buildings as is customary, the work and

worship of the Church continues. The liturgy below is intended to be used for in-person, online or as a hybrid

worship. This liturgy takes its central meaning from Agape Meals celebrated in the Early Church and revived in

the Book of Occasional Services of the Episcopal Church.

Prepare a sacred space with the following items:

A cross, a bible candles, stones, breads, wine or grape juice, a simple meal and additional prayer aids (prayer

beads, icons etc.).

A vessel containing water may be kept in or added to the sacred space as a reminder of our baptism. On special

days and Feasts of the Church, the Thanksgiving for the Gift of Water (page 4) may be added.

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GATHERING: LITURGY OF THE WORD The people of God gather together. Instrumental music may be played or appropriate songs/hymns may be sung.

OPENING RITE: LITURGY OF LIGHT All stand, and the Officiant greets the people with these words.

Officiant Dear friends in the risen Christ, we gather today to celebrate the Lord’s Day, and for a time to be united in prayer and praise with each other and those who have gone before us. Sunday has been called the Lord’s Day because it was on this day that Jesus conquered sin and death and rose to new life. As we gather [in-person and/or online], let us be united in the spirit of Christ with the Church around the world and celebrate our redemption in Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection. Silence may be kept for a time.

Officiant Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord. People Thanks be to God. One or more of the following passages of Scripture may be read.

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. Genesis 1:1-6 Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one lights a lamp to put it under a bucket, but on a lamp-stand where it gives light for everyone in the house. And you, like the lamp, must shed light among your fellow men, so that they may see the deed you do, and give glory to your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16 It is not ourselves that we proclaim; we proclaim Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants, for Jesus' sake. For the same God who said, "Out of darkness let light shine," has caused his light to shine within us, to give the light of revelation—the revelation of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:5-6

PRAYER FOR CHRIST’S LIGHT Candles may now be lit using one of the following prayer.

Officiant O God, we give thanks for the gift of your light —shining on the first day of creation, guiding us through the wilderness, leading us to the land of promise.

People You sent Jesus, light of the world, to be our way of truth and life. Help us to follow him each day and rest in him each night until at last we come to live with you in endless light. Through Jesus Christ our Lord and with the Holy Spirit we give you honor and glory, now and always. Amen.

Or

Officiant May the light of Christ gloriously risen dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds. People May this simple flame of love and hope be found still burning by the Morning Star; the one

Morning Star who never sets, Christ your Son, who, coming back from death’s domain, has shed his light on humanity, and lives and reigns for ever and ever. Alleluia! Amen.

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THE CONFESSION As we worship we ask God’s forgiveness for things done and things left undone and things done on our behalf so that we are reconciled to God and each other.

Officiant Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbors.

Silence is kept for a time.

Officiant Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed; By what we have done, and by what we have left undone.

People We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.

Officiant For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; People That we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Officiant Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life.

People Amen. Music may be played or a hymn sung

OPENING ACCLAMATION The Officiant then says.

Officiant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

Or

Officiant Blessed be the one, holy, and living God. People Glory to God for ever and ever. Amen.

Or

Officiant Blessed be our God. People Now and forever. Amen. Other seasonal acclamations may be used. The Officiant may add

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.

SONG OF PRAISE A song of praise may be prayed or sung.

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THE COLLECT OF THE DAY Officiant The Lord be with you. Or God is with you. People And also with you. And also with you.

Officiant Let us pray. The Officiant continues with the prayer appointed for the day called the collect. The collect is written to go along with both the season of the church year and the readings of the day. It summarizes the attributes of God as revealed in the scripture of the day.

THE READINGS We hear the stories of the experience of God from our spiritual ancestors. Reading and commenting on scripture goes back to the earliest services of Christianity. Following the pattern of Jewish synagogue worship, readings follow a set pattern for what will be read when. One or two Lessons, as appointed, are read, the Reader first saying

A READING FROM THE HEBREW BIBLE. At the end of the reading the Reader says.

Reader The Word of the Lord. Or Reader Hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to God's people. People Thanks be to God. People Thanks be to God.

THE PSALM OF THE DAY The psalms are a part of the poetry of the Hebrew people. They express joy and sadness, loneliness and thanksgiving as part of the human longing to be united with God.

THE SECOND READING A READING FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT WRITINGS. At the end of the reading the Reader says.

Reader The Word of the Lord. Or Reader Hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church.

People Thanks be to God. People Thanks be to God. A hymn or instrumental music may be played.

THE GOSPEL Officiant The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to _______. People Glory to you, O Christ.

At the end of the Gospel the Officiant says

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

THE SERMON Having someone comment on the scriptures goes back to the earliest days of Christianity and to the Jewish Synagogue worship which preceded it. Here an online sermon or a reflection on the Gospel appointed for the day may be viewed or read.

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THANKSGIVING FOR THE GIFT OF WATER When there are occasions for a reminder of our Baptism (birthdays, anniversaries, Major Feasts of the church etc.) the following may be added. The bowl of water is placed next to the lit candles. The water is a reminder of our Baptism into the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Officiant Let us now call to mind our baptism into Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. People We thank you O God for your love in all creation, especially for your gift of water to sustain,

refresh and cleanse all life. We thank you that through the waters of baptism you cleanse us, renew us by your Spirit and raise us to new life. In the new covenant we are made members of your Church and share in your eternal kingdom. We pray that all who have passed through the waters of baptism may continue for ever in the risen life of Christ. Through Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all praise and thanks be yours, Redeemer God, now and for ever. Amen.

The water may now be used to make the sign of the cross as a reminder of our baptism.

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH. Originally the entire service was viewed as our confession of faith. However, since the Sixth Century, the church has recited either the Nicene Creed or the Apostle’s Creed at the Eucharist. The word creed comes from the Latin credo for “I believe” or “I lend my heart to.”

Either the Nicene, or the Apostle’s Creed or the following may be used.

Officiant Let us affirm our faith. Do you believe in God?

People We believe in God the Father the almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Officiant Do you believe in Jesus Christ? People We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son our Lord, who 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 God. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Officiant Do you believe in the Holy Spirit? People We believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgive-

ness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Prayer changes people. Prayer is not about changing God but about changing us more into the likeness of God. Collectively and individually we offer the hopes and desires of our hearts to God.

Suitable prayers may be offered at this time for: The Universal Church, its members, and its mission The Nation and all in authority The welfare of the world The concerns of the local community Those who suffer and those in any trouble The departed (with commemoration of a saint when appropriate)

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During the prayers the community is invited to hold a stone, prayer beads or other prayer aids as a physical reminder that all our lives are filled with prayer. The Prayers conclude with the following or other suitable prayer.

Officiant God of love, our refuge and our strength, hear the prayers of your Church, and grant us today what we ask of you in faith. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER Officiant Let us pray in the way that Christ taught us. People 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.

Or

People OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.

THE AGAPE While sharing a common Eucharistic celebration is not possible at this time, this liturgy expresses our longing for a time when we can once more share and gather together at the Eucharistic table. This practice of giving thanks for bread, wine and food is ancient, going back to the hospitality our ancestor Abraham showed to his visitors. While not the full celebration of the Holy Eucharist, there is a relationship, in much the same way that giving thanks over water is a reminder of our Baptism. Instrumental music may be played or a hymn sung. A suitable space is prepared with wine, bread, and other foods. The Officiant and people give thanks for the gift of wine. Officiant Blessed are you, O Lord our God, Ruler of the universe. People You create the fruit of the vine; we long for the day when you will once again refresh us with

the cup of salvation in the Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Glory to you for ever and ever. Amen. The Officiant and people give thanks for the gift of our daily bread. Officiant Blessed are you, O Lord our God, Ruler of the universe.

People You bring forth bread from the earth; we long for the day when we may once again partake of the bread of life the Body of your Son Jesus Christ. As grain scattered upon the earth is gathered into one loaf, so gather your Church in every place into the kingdom of your Son. To you be glory and power forever and ever. Amen.

The Officiant and people give thanks for the gift of food.

Officiant Blessed are you, O Lord our God, Ruler of the universe.

People You have blessed the earth to bring forth food to satisfy our hunger. Let this food strengthen us in the Eucharistic fast that is before us, that following our Savior in the way of the cross, we may come to the joy of his resurrection. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, now and for ever. Amen.

The wine, bread and food may be consumed after the liturgy.

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THE CONCLUSION Officiant God of all creation, we gather on this first day of the week made holy by the resurrection of

Christ, your Son. In the waters of baptism we were buried with him so that we might also rise with him and so share his victory over sin and death.

People You have transformed our lives into the living stones that form your Church with Christ as the foundation stone. Strengthen our community’s bond of communion and peace and deepen our solidarity with your Church throughout the world.

Officiant Rekindle within us this Sabbath day the vision of your kingdom so that our daily concerns and

labor may find their proper perspective. People Fill our homes with the spirit of the Gospel and give us the grace to see the face of Christ in the

people with whom we live. We raise our voices in praise and thanksgiving to you, O God; that we who have celebrated Christ’s resurrection this day share in his eternal glory where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

THE PEACE The Peace is then exchanged.

Officiant The peace of Christ be always with you. People And also with you. We greet each other in the name of the risen Christ.

A hymn or song may be sung.

THE SENDING Officiant The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,

be with us all evermore. People Amen. [Alleluia!] Officiant Let us bless the Lord. [Alleluia. Alleluia!] People Thanks be to God. [Alleluia. Alleluia!] A simple meal may now be shared.

Prelude “Trumpet Tune” Charles Callahan Processional Hymn #686 Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing Hymn of Praise #377 All People that on Earth Do Dwell The First Reading: Genesis 18:1–15

The LORD appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat

at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. He said, “My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your serv-ant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest your-selves under the tree. Let me bring a little bread, that you may re-fresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on — since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes.” Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate.

They said to him, “Where is your wife Sarah?” And he said, “There, in the tent.” Then one said, “I will surely return to you in due sea-son, and your wife Sarah shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the man-ner of women. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I have

The Holy Eucharist Christ Episcopal Church • Cape Girardeau, Missouri

8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. services

June 14, 2020

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?” The LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too wonderful for the LORD? At the set time I will return to you, in due season, and Sa-rah shall have a son.” But Sarah denied, saying, “I did not laugh”; for she was afraid. He said, “Oh yes, you did laugh.”

Lector: The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

The Response: Psalm 116:1, 10–17

1 I love the LORD,

because he has heard the voice of my supplication, * because he has inclined his ear to me whenever I called upon him.

10 How shall I repay the LORD * for all the good things he has done for me?

11 I will lift up the cup of salvation * and call upon the Name of the LORD.

12 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD * in the presence of all his people.

13 Precious in the sight of the LORD * is the death of his servants.

14 O LORD, I am your servant; * I am your servant and the child of your handmaid; you have freed me from my bonds.

15 I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving * and call upon the Name of the LORD.

16 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD * in the presence of all his people,

17 In the courts of the LORD's house, * in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Hallelujah!

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The Epistle: Romans 5:1–8

Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through

our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our suf-ferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endur-ance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the un-godly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person — though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sin-ners Christ died for us.

Lector: The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

The Gospel: Matthew 9:35 – 10:8

Celebrant: The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. All: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their syna-

gogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and cur-ing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thad-

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daeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who be-trayed him.

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samari-tans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out de-mons. You received without payment; give without payment.

Celebrant: The Gospel of the Lord. All: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Sermon Joshua Smith

The Prayers of the People

Bound together in Christ in the communion of the Holy Spirit, let us pray with one heart and mind to our God, saying: Holy Trinity, hear us.

That the love which passes ceaselessly between the Father and the Son in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit may renew and deepen the life of each Christian and draw us all gathered here into your un-ending life, we pray: Holy Trinity, hear us.

For the leaders of the church (especially our Bishop-elect Deon), and for the leaders of the nations (especially our President Donald Trump), that they may discern the ways to overcome divisions and mistrust, and may reflect your unity in every aspect of common life, we pray: Holy Trinity, hear us. That your self-disclosure in Christ and your enduring presence among us as Spirit may help us to understand both you and our-selves, made in your image and likeness, we pray: Holy Trinity, hear us.

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For our families, our households, and our communities, that they may be places of communion and mutual support, which build us up and strengthen us in grace and truth, we pray: Holy Trinity, hear us.

Thankful for our world which you made through Christ, and re-newed in the power of his resurrection, that we may be wise and careful stewards of creation, we pray: Holy Trinity, hear us.

In the power of the Spirit who joins our prayer to Christ’s endur-ing intercession, we pray for the sick, the suffering, and all who stand in need, especially . . . . For healing for all the world we pray: Holy Trinity, hear us.

For those who have asked for our prayers, and for those whose bur-den is too deep for words, especially . . . . , we pray: Holy Trinity, hear us.

Gracious God, whom Jesus called Abba, Father, accept our prayers this morning. By the inner workings of your Spirit, deepen our communion with you, the source and goal of our life, and make us more and more signs of your enduring love. This we pray through Christ, who lives and works with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Recessional Hymn #541 Come Labor On Postlude “March” David Johnson