Holy Cross Day

 Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

 O God, because without you we are not able to please you mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

 Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

 Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Saint Bartholomew the Apostle

 Almighty and everlasting God, who gave to your apostle Bartholomew grace truly to believe and to preach your Word: Grant that your Church may love what he believed and preach what he taught; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

 Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

 Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Saint Mary the Virgin: Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ

 O God, you have taken to yourself the blessed Virgin Mary, mother of your incarnate Son: Grant that we, who have been redeemed by his blood, may share with her the glory of your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

 Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according 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.

The Transfiguration of Our Lord

O God, who on the holy mount revealed to chosen witnesses your well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistening: Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may by faith behold the King in his beauty; who with you, O Father, and you, O Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

 Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Saint James the Apostle

 O gracious God, we remember before you today your servant and apostle James, first among the Twelve to suffer martyrdom for the Name of Jesus Christ; and we pray that you will pour out upon the leaders of your Church that spirit of self-denying service by which alone they may have true authority among your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Saint Mary Magdalene

 Almighty God, whose blessed Son restored Mary Magdalene to health of body and of mind, and called her to be a witness of his resurrection: Mercifully grant that by your grace we may be healed from all our infirmities and know you in the power of his unending life; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

 Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know our necessities before we ask and our ignorance in asking: Have compassion on our weakness, and mercifully give us those things which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask; through the worthiness of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

 O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole heart, and united to one another with pure affection; 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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 A Prayer for our Country 

 Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech you that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought here out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in your Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. In times of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in you to fail; all which we ask though Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Book of Common Prayer, p.820

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 The Prayers of the People 

 In peace, we pray to you Lord God. 

 For all people in their daily life and work; For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone. 

 For this community, the nation, and the world; For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace. 

 For the just and proper use of your creation; For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression. 

 For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble; For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy. 

 For the peace and unity of the Church of God; For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth. 

 For Sean our Presiding Bishop, for Nicholas our Bishop and for Marilyn and Elizabeth the clergy at St. Paul's; and for all bishops and other ministers; For all those who serve God in God's Church. 

 For the special needs and concerns of this congregation. Hear us Lord; For your mercy is great. 

 On the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, We pray for our Episcopal Conference Center in Pascoag - for the summer Campers, the Counselors, and the Staff. 

 The Altar Flowers are given in loving memory of Alice Peckham and Phyllis Sherman. May they, and all the faithful departed, rest in peace.  

 We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life. We will exalt you, O God our saviour: And praise your Name for ever and ever. 

 We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom. Lord let your loving-kindness be upon them; Who put their trust in you.

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 Postcommunion Prayer 

 Gracious and loving God, you have made us one in the body of Christ, and nourished us at your table with holy food and drink. Now send us forth to be your people in the world. Grant us strength to persevere in resisting evil, and to proclaim in all we say and do your Good News in Christ Jesus our Savior. Amen.

Independence Day

 Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Saint Peter and Saint Paul

 Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you by their martyrdom: Grant that your Church, instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Third Sunday after Pentecost

 Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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.

Holy Week Schedule after Palm Sunday

April 17 - Maundy Thursday soup and worship 6:00 PM

April 18 - Good Friday Liturgy 12:00 Noon

April 20 - Easter Day Service at 10:00 AM

Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday

 Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Fifth Sunday in Lent

 Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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Prayers of the People 

Let us pray for the whole state of Christ's Church and the world. 

Almighty and everliving God, who in your holy Word has taught us to make prayers, and petitions, and to give thanks for all people: Receive these our prayers which we offer to your divine Majesty, beseeching you to inspire continually the Universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord; and grant that all those who do confess your holy Name may agree in the truth of your holy Word, and live in unity and godly love. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all bishops and other ministers, especially for Sean, our Presiding Bishop, and Nicholas, the Bishop of Ril, that they may, both by their life and doctrine, set forth your true and lively Word, and rightly and duly administer your holy Sacraments. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

On our diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for Creation Care Ministry and stewardship of the earth. And to all your people give your heavenly grace, and especially to this congregation; that, with meek heart and due reverence, they may hear and receive your holy Word, truly serving you in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

We beseech you also so to rule the hearts of those who bear the authority of government in this and every land especially the president, vice-president, congress, and the courts, that they may be led to wise decisions and right actions for the welfare and peace of the world. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

Open, O Lord, the eyes of all people to behold your gracious hand in all your works, that, rejoicing in your whole creation, they may honor you with their substance, and be faithful stewards of your generosity. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

And we most humbly beseech you, of your goodness, O Lord, to comfort and help all those who, in this transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity, especially, we pray, for those on our parish prayer list. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

And we also bless your holy Name for all your servants departed this life, especially Patty. We humbly ask you to grant them continual growth in your love and service; and to grant us grace so to follow the good examples of St. Paul and of all your saints, that with them we may be partakers of your heavenly kingdom. 

Grant these our prayers, O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

Holy Week Schedule

+Palm Sunday, April 13th. 10:00 AM 

+Maundy Thursday April 17th. Soup Supper and worship 6:00 PM 

+Good Friday, April 18th Noon Good Friday Liturgy

Fourth Sunday in Lent

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

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Prayers of the People 

Let us pray for the whole state of Christ's Church and the world. 

Almighty and everliving God, who in your holy Word has taught us to make prayers, and petitions, and to give thanks for all people: Receive these our prayers which we offer to your divine Majesty, beseeching you to inspire continually the Universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord; and grant that all those who do confess your holy Name may agree in the truth of your holy Word, and live in unity and godly love. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all bishops and other ministers especially for Sean, our Presiding Bishop, and Nicholas, the Bishop of RI, that they may, both by their life and doctrine, set forth your true and lively Word, and rightly and duly administer your holy Sacraments. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

On our diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for our Finance Committees, Standing Committees and Treasurers. And to all your people give your heavenly grace, and especially to this congregation; that, with meek heart and due reverence, they may hear and receive your holy Word, truly serving you in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

We beseech you also so to rule the hearts of those who bear the authority of government in this and every land especially the president, the vice-president, the congress, and the courts, that they may be led to wise decisions and right actions for the welfare and peace of the world. Lord, in your mercy.... Hear our prayer. 

Open, O Lord, the eyes of all people to behold your gracious hand in all your works, that, rejoicing in your whole creation, they may honor you with their substance, and be faithful stewards of your generosity. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

And we most humbly beseech you, of your goodness, O Lord, to comfort and help all those who, in this transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity, especially, we pray, for those on our parish prayer list. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

And we also bless your holy Name for all your servants departed this life. We humbly ask you to grant them continual growth in your love and service; and to grant us grace so to follow the good examples of St. Paul and all your saints, that with them we may be partakers of your heavenly kingdom. Grant these our prayers, O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen. 

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Today we celebrated our nonagenarians – Rev. Marilyn and August Miller - with a big standing room only Potluck Birthday Party following the service❣️🎈🥳 Fun - fun - fun, with musical entertainment, a great meal, laughs and yummy birthday cake! There were candles...lots of candles! 

The Annunciation of Our Lord

 Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought to the glory of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Third Sunday in Lent

 Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Saint Joseph

 O God, who from the family of your servant David raised up Joseph to be the guardian of your incarnate Son and the spouse of his virgin mother: Give us grace to imitate his uprightness of life and his obedience to your commands; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Second Sunday in Lent

 O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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 "On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram ..." Genesis 15:18a 

Rev. Liz thoughtfully reviewed the significance of covenants in our religious history, particularly focusing on Abraham’s covenant with God, which established monotheism and is considered the foundation of Christianity and Islam. She emphasized the importance of understanding and maintaining a covenant relationship with God, highlighting the role of individuals like Abraham, Noah, Moses, David, Mary and Jesus. Lastly Rev. Liz asked us to do our part; to reflect and act on the relevance of our ongoing covenant with Jesus.

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 Prayers of the People 

Let us pray for the whole state of Christ's Church and the world.

Almighty and everliving God, who in your holy Word has taught us to make prayers, and petitions, and to give thanks for all people: Receive these our prayers which we offer to your divine Majesty, beseeching you to inspire continually the Universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord; and grant that all those who do confess your holy Name may agree in the truth of your holy Word, and live in unity and godly love. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all bishops and other ministers, especially for Sean, our Presiding Bishop, and Nicholas, the Bishop of RI, that they may, both by their life and doctrine, set forth your true and lively Word, and rightly and duly administer your holy Sacraments. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

We pray for our diocesan cycle of prayer. And to all your people give your heavenly grace, and especially to this congregation; that, with meek heart and due reverence, they may hear and receive your holy Word, truly serving you in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

We beseech you also so to rule the hearts of those who bear the authority of government in this and every land, especially the president, vice-president, congress, and the courts, that they may be led to wise decisions and right actions for the welfare and peace of the world. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

Open, O Lord, the eyes of all people to behold your gracious hand in all your works, that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may honor you with our substance, and be faithful stewards of your generosity. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

And we most humbly beseech you, of your goodness, O Lord, to comfort and help all those who, in this transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity, especially, we pray, for those on our parish prayer list. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

And we also bless your holy Name for all your servants departed this life. We humbly ask you to grant them continual growth in your love and service; and to grant us grace so to follow the good examples of St. Paul and of all your saints, that with them we may be partakers of your heavenly kingdom. 

Grant these our prayers, O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

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 Lord, we give you thanks that you have nourished us with fellowship, prayer, music, scripture, and holy Eucharist; 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. Amen

First Sunday in Lent

 Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; 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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 “You are my refuge and my stronghold, * my God in whom I put my trust.” Psalm 91 

 Rev. Marilyn urged us to understand that the underlying message is clear, refuge is not only a physical place, but also a moral imperative, a tangible expression of God's covenant with God's people. This covenant is characterized by promises of protection and provision, reinforcing that the idea of refuge is both physical and spiritual, and is a divine gift. How comforting is it to know that somewhere there is a refuge for the sinner, for the one who has made the mistake. How comforting is it to know that our God cares enough about each one of God's children to provide for them for each one of according to their need. 

 We were asked to sing. “And He will raise you up on angel’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His Hand.” Additionally we each received an envelope with a Lenten "Prayer Partner” so that we might throughout the week also provide comfort through prayers for others in our parish.

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 And of course we got Pretzels for Lent: The common pretzel was originally designed for use during Lent. Sometime during the Middle Ages, when Lent was accompanied by strict bans on dairy products and meat, people subsisted largely on breads, pastries, soups and vegetables. Bakers in Germany decided to create a food that would even look religious - the pretzel. The crossed arms of a pretzel represent a Christian in prayer. Place the palm of each hand on the opposite shoulder, so that your forearms cross. That's the shape of a pretzel.

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 At the end of today's service a new St Paul's Directory was distributed to all.