The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

 Almighty God, by whose providence your servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of your Son our Savior by preaching repentance: Make us so to follow his teaching and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and, following his example, constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth’s sake; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Second Sunday after Pentecost

 O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving-­kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Sunday after Pentecost Trinity Sunday

 Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Saint Barnabas the Apostle

 Grant, O God, that we may follow the example of your faithful servant Barnabas, who, seeking not his own renown but the well­being of your Church, gave generously of his life and substance for the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Day of Pentecost

Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

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We are the church. And the ball is in our court.

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Prayers of the People

In the power of the spirit who aids us in our weakness and teaches us to pray, let us offer to God our intercessions, thanksgivings, and the deep yearnings of our hearts, saying: Come Holy Spirit. 

For the church, for bishops, for clergy, and for all the people of God, especially today we give thanks for our ministry of music in organ, song, and guitar, for the Altar Guild, for the Wardens and Vestry, for our clergy, for those who visit the nursing homes, for all our ministries may they be made whole and free by the Spirit, and bear witness to every aspect of life to the full force of Christ's resurrection, we pray: Come Holy Spirit 

For our world in its brokenness, that the peace of the risen Christ heal the wounds of all victims of injustice and exploitation, and transform the hearts of those who lead the nations and who make public policy, that they may truly become makers of peace we pray: Come Holy Spirit. 

That liberal and conservative may be drawn together in truth by the Spirit and come to rejoice in their different gifts and points of view, we pray, Come Holy Spirit. 

For those weighed down by despair, suffering from addiction or burdened by illness, especially we remember all those on our prayer list today, that they experience the freedom which the Spirit gives to the children of God, we pray: Come Holy Spirit. 

We remember the departed, we give thanks for their witness of faith. We pray: Come Holy Spirit. 

Gracious God, receive our prayer, hear our hearts' deep yearnings, yet to be formed into words. Give us the courage to yield ourselves, all that we are and have yet to become, to the transforming motive of your Holy Spirit, and carry out in us and through us your work of new creation. This we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, the risen and living one. Amen.

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God of abundance, you have fed us with the bread of life and cup of salvation; you have united us with Christ and one another; and you have made us one with all your people in heaven and on earth. Now send us forth in the power of your Spirit, that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world and continue for ever in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen. 

St Paul's Cemetery

At our most recent Sunday service Junior Warden Jeffrey Reise remarked that the St Paul's Cemetery was looking especially wonderful this year. Additionally he noted how peaceful and relaxing it was when walking quietly about the grounds. He invited us to share that wonder and peace.

Seventh Sunday of Easter

 O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

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 Holy God, we give you thanks for the gift of yourself in our lives. As we have received your holy food to nourish our lives, bless us as we seek to serve the world in your name. We give you thanks and praise for our restored, forgiven and renewed life through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 Father in heaven, by your grace the virgin mother of your incarnate Son was blessed in bearing him, but still more blessed in keeping your word: Grant us who honor the exaltation of her lowliness to follow the example of her devotion to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Ascension Day

 Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

 O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Pentecost Sunday Cookout on June 8

On Pentecost Sunday June 8th we will be celebrating the Church's birthday with a cookout! Yes, there will be cake! And music!  And gifts for the Church which you can choose from the bulletin board suggestions at the back of the church.

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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 In today's homily Rev. Marilyn looked into the meaning of Love. In her discussion she revisited the history of the phrase "What Would Jesus Do?" and suggested we need to also understand and consider "What Did Jesus Do?". She then challenged us to determine "What Will We do?". Amen.

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 Holy God, we give you thanks for the gift of yourself in our lives. As we have received your holy food to nourish our lives, bless us as we seek to serve the world in your name. We give you thanks and praise for our restored, forgiven and renewed life through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Fourth Sunday of Easter

 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.

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 For our Nation 

O God, to whom all time, space, power, and authority belong; grant to the leaders of this nation the wisdom to govern with justice and mercy, that your people may live in peace and harmony, without fear or threat. Open our hearts to provide homes for the homeless, food for the hungry, rest and protection for the weary, hope for the poor, relief for the addicted, and compassion for the needs of all. Amen.

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 For Mother's Day 

On this Mother's Day, we give thanks to God for the divine gift of motherhood in all its diverse forms. Let us pray for all the mothers among us today; for our own mothers, those living and those who have passed away; for the mothers who loved us and for those who fell short of loving us fully; for all who hope to be mothers someday and for those whose hope to have children has been frustrated; for all mothers who have lost children; for all women and men who have mothered others in any way - those who have been our substitute mothers and we who have done so for those in need; and for the earth that bore us and provides us with our sustenance. We pray this all in the name of God, our great and loving Mother. Amen.

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 Holy God, we give you thanks for the gift of yourself in our lives. As we have received your holy food to nourish our lives, bless us as we seek to serve the world in your name. We give you thanks and praise for our restored, forgiven and renewed life through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Third Sunday of Easter

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 for ever. Amen. 

The Apostles Saint Philip and Saint James

 Almighty God, who gave to your apostles Philip and James grace and strength to bear witness to the truth: Grant that we, being mindful of their victory of faith, may glorify in life and death the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Saint Mark the Evangelist

 Almighty God, by the hand of Mark the evangelist you have given to your Church the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God: We thank you for this witness, and pray that we may be firmly grounded in its truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Second Sunday of Easter

 Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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 Prayers of the People 

Joyful in the light of your love and your invitation to abundant life in Christ, we offer to you now the prayers of our deepest longings and hopes saying, Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Lord, give us hands that reach out to the poor, the imprisoned, the hungry, the homeless, the sinful, the undesirable in the spirit of your love. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Lord, give us voices to proclaim the good news of your justice to all the persecuted and persecutors of the world. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Lord, we ask you to bless the work of your church here at St. Paul's and in all places where the Good News of Christ is being proclaimed. Bless our leaders: Sean and Nicholas. Bless our clergy here, Marilyn and Elizabeth. Bless this congregation and the service the lay people offer in your name. In our Diocese we remember the Ministry of St. Mark's church in Warwick. 

Lord, give us churches that welcome all your beloved and strive to walk your way of love. Help our desire to care. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Lord, give us leaders in our community and our country that work toward justice and life for all people and all nations. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, give us bodies, minds, and spirits that are hopeful and healthy. Help our sickness and our faith. especially we pray for healing for: Kate, Mike, Lamy, Mary Jane, Ashley+, Bill H., Rita, Scott, Antonio, Tony, Kay, Ernest; George, Richard, Adrienne, Zachary. We pray for strength and guidance for: Marianne, Michael, Carol, Linda, Stephen, Elizabeth, Seamus, Scott, Becky, Felicia, and Daron. We pray for those we know living in nursing homes: Linda, Karen, and David. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

The flowers at the altar today are given in memory of: Mary Fernandez, Mary York, Helen and John Oliveria. Lord, we pray for all who have died that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Heavenly Father, you desire nothing but life in abundance for us. Give us the courage to claim that life, and the conviction to proclaim your goodness in all we do. We ask this through your Son, our risen Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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 Holy God, we give you thanks for the gift of yourself in our lives. As we have received your holy food to nourish our lives, bless us as we seek to serve the world in your name. We give you thanks and praise for our restored, forgiven and renewed life through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Saturday in Easter Week

 We thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered us from the dominion of sin and death and brought us into the kingdom of your Son; and we pray that, as by his death he has recalled us to life, so by his love he may raise us to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Friday in Easter Week

 Almighty Father, who gave your only Son to die for our sins and to rise for our justification: Give us grace so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may always serve you in pureness of living and truth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Thursday in Easter Week

 Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Wednesday in Easter Week

 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 for ever. Amen.

Tuesday in Easter Week

 O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that we, who have been raised with him, may abide in his presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise for ever and ever. Amen.

Monday in Easter Week

 Grant that we pray, Almighty God, that we who celebrate with awe the Paschal feast may be found worthy to attain to everlasting joys; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Easter Day

O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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Easter Prayers of the People 

Gracious God whose love defeated even death, hear and answer our deepest hopes and needs as you did for the women who discovered the empty tomb and hear our prayers as we say, Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Your church is the Body of Christ, constituted and empowered to continue to proclaim Christ's resurrection, strengthen and embolden us to be persistent in our proclamation. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Our world still falls short of the full blossoming of human potential. Open the eyes and hearts of the world's leaders to pursue peace and human thriving for all people. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Help us to see the risen Christ in the world around us. Guide us into the work you have given us to do so that the ministries of Jesus might continue, that the world might know his healing and love through our actions. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

You have placed us in a glorious creation and charged us with its care. Grant us wisdom and a willingness to protect our environment so that future generations might know the fullness of its beauty and abundance. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Bring healing and wholeness to our lives and to all who suffer in any way. Grant that they might feel Christ's caring touch on their hurts. Especially we pray for peace and healing for: Marilyn, Kate, Mike, Larry, Mary Jane, Ashley+, Bill H., Rita, Scott, Antonio, Tony, Kay, Ernest, George, Richard, Adrienne, Zachary, and Elizabeth. We pray for strength, support, and guidance for: Marianne, Michael, Carol, Linda, Stephen, Elizabeth, Seamus, Scott, Becky, Felicia, and Daron. For residents in nursing homes: especially for: Linda, Karen, and David. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Christ's resurrection opened for us the way to eternal life. Grant that we all may continue on Christ's pathway and enter into your eternal reign and rise again with all the saints who have gone before. We especially remember today, all those in whose memory the flowers have been given. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Glorious Lord, you have promised to be with us always. Fulfill now your promises for us and grant our prayers as may be best for us and always in accord with your will. All this we ask through our advocate and redeemer, Christ Jesus who lives with you and the Holy Spirit, eternally one God. Amen.

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Holy God, we give you thanks for the gift of yourself in our lives. As we have received your holy food to nourish our lives, bless us as we seek to serve the world in your name. We give you thanks and praise for our restored, forgiven and renewed life through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Holy Saturday

O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so may we await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Good Friday

Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Maundy Thursday

 Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Wednesday in Holy Week

Lord God, whose blessed Son our Savior gave his body to be whipped and his face to be spit upon: Give us grace to accept joyfully the sufferings of the present time, confident of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Tuesday in Holy Week

O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Monday in Holy Week

 Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.