WEDNESDAY morning at CEC

IN PERSON AND VIA LIVE STREAM
AT 11:00 A.M. ON WEDNESDAYS

The service will be live streamed as well. You may access the live stream two ways: through the Live Stream Link on this website or via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ChristChurchSATX

The bulletin below will be updated weekly by Tuesday afternoon.

Wednesday, MAY 15, 2024
11:00 aM Holy Eucharist, Rite II
11:30 AM PRAYER SERVICE FOR OUR TRANSITION

Service from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP)  Congregational participation in bold

To be prayed at your seat, silently in prepartation for worship:

O Almighty God, who pours out on all who desire it the spirit of grace and of supplication: Deliver us, when we draw near to You, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affections we may worship You in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Opening Hymn, all standing

“This is my Father’s world”1

This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears
all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; his hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world. O let us not forget
that though the wrong seems great and strong, God is the ruler yet.
He trusts us with his world, to keep it clean and fair
All earth and trees, all skies and seas, all creatures everywhere.


Opening Acclamation BCP 355

Allelua. Chrst is risen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Collect of Purity

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.

“Christ our Passover” WLP 880, Pascha nostrum

God’s Paschal Lamb is sacrificed for us;
Therefore with joy we keep the Easter feast;
forsaking sin, we share the bread of truth.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

Now Christ is raised and will not die again;
death has no more dominion over him;
Through him we die to sin and live to God.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

In Christ we see the first fruits of the dead:
though Adam’s sin had doomed all flesh to die,
in Christ’s new life shall all be made alive.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

Collect of the Day BCP 357

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.  Let us pray. 

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.

Hymn, all standing

“Hail the day that sees Him rise” Hymn 214: 1-2

Hail the day that sees him rise, Alleluia!
glorious to his native skies; Alleluia!
Christ, awhile to mortals given, Alleluia!
enters now the highest heaven! Alleluia!

There the glorious triumph waits; Alleluia!
lift your heads, eternal gates! Alleluia!
Wide unfold the radiant scene; Alleluia!
take the King of glory in! Alleluia!

The Gospel

Luke 24:50-53

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Sermon: Justin Lindstrom

After the sermon, the preacher will lead us in prayer. 

The peace of the Lord be always with you. 
And also with you.

Offertory Sentence BCP 376

O Lord our God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power; because you have created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.  Revelation 4:11

Offertory Music

Presentation of gifts, all standing Lasst Uns Erfreuen

Praise God from whom all blessings flow, 
praise him all creatures here below!
O praise him, alleluia!
Praise him above ye heavenly host,
praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!
O praise him, O praise him,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

The Great Thanksgiving BCP 361

The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Here a proper preface is said.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

“Holy, holy, holy” S-125

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heav’n and earth are full of your glory. 
Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest. 
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest. 

Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.

He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.

Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
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, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

Distribution and Healing Prayers

All baptized Christians are welcome at the Communion table. At the time of the distribution of the sacrament, please come forward as the ushers direct, and kneel or stand at the altar rail. Hold out both hands to receive the Bread. If you choose to receive the Wine, help the Eucharistic Minister guide the chalice to your lips. If you wish to intinct or dip the Bread, hold it prominently, and the intinction cup will be offered to you. Know that receiving one or both elements is fully participating in Communion. If you are not receiving the sacrament, you are invited to come forward to the altar, cross your arms over your chest or put a hand over your heart, and the clergy will give you a blessing.

After communion if you would like to receive private prayer for healing from the preacher of the day, please go to the Bishops Chapel.

Communion Music

“All to Us” Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Matt Redman, and Matt Maher2

Precious cornerstone, sure foundation, You are faithful to the end.
We are waiting on You, Jesus. We believe You’re all to us.

Let the glory of Your name be the passion of the Church.
Let the righteousness of God be a holy flame that burns.
Let the saving love of Christ be the measure of our lives.
We believe You’re all to us.

Only Son of God, sent from heaven, hope and mercy at the cross.
You are ev’rything, You’re the promise. Jesus, You are all to us. (chorus)

When this passing world is over, we will see You face to face,
and forever we will worship. Jesus, You are all to us. Jesus, You are all to us.


After Communion, the Celebrant says

Let us pray. BCP 366

Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food  of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son,  and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

The Blessing

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace, this day and forever more. Amen.

Closing Hymn, all standing

“All my hope on God is founded” Hymn 665: 1, 3

All my hope on God is founded; he doth still my trust renew,
me through change and chance he guideth, only good and only true.
God unknown, he alone calls my heart to be his own.

God’s great goodness e’er endureth, deep his wisdom passing thought:
splendor, light, and life attend him, beauty springeth out of nought.
Evermore from his store newborn worlds rise and adore.

The Dismissal 

Alleluia, alleluia. Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit. 
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.

A moment of silence is kept for the congregation to prepare for a time of prayer.

“Love divine, all loves excelling” Hymn 657: 1

Love divine, all loves excelling, joy of heaven, to earth come down,
Fix in us thy humble dwelling, all thy faithful mercies crown. 
Jesus, thou art all compassion, pure, unbounded love thou art;
Visit us with thy salvation, enter every trembling heart.

Prayers for our Parish Staff, please kneel or be seated

Blessed Jesus Christ, we thank you for the dedicated men and women who serve on our church staff. Use them mightily to fulfill your purposes and bring glory to your name. May the vision and direction of our church be aligned with your will, and may we see your kingdom advance through their faithful leadership, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Silence is kept.

We pray that our staff will find fulfillment in their dedication to You, O Lord, and in their ministry. 
Strengthen them, Lord Christ, With the humble power of Your Spirit.

We pray that our staff will find adequate rest, joy in leisure, time with family and friends, and deep connectedness to You, O Lord.
Strengthen them, Lord Christ, With the humble power of Your Spirit.

We pray that our staff will serve Your people with courage, creativity, and grace, constantly empowering others to share in Your ministry.
Strengthen them, Lord Christ, With the humble power of Your Spirit.

“Love divine, all loves excelling” Hymn 657: 2

Come, almighty to deliver, let us all thy life receive;
Suddenly return, and never, nevermore thy temples leave.
Thee we would be alway blessing, serve thee as thy hosts above,
Pray, and praise thee without ceasing, glory in thy perfect love.

Prayers for our Parish Clergy, please kneel or be seated

Blessed Jesus Christ, every good and perfect gift comes from You: Send down upon our parish clergy, and upon this congregation committed to their charge, the healthful Spirit of Your grace; and, that they may truly please You, pour upon them the continual dew of Your blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honor of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Silence is kept.

We pray for our Interim Rector, Bishop Gary, that he may guide us in this transition with grace and love, patience and faithfulness.
Fill him, Lord Christ, With Your grace and mercy.

We pray for Scott, Justin, Brien, and John, that they continue to serve Your church with humble hearts, faithful ministry, and enduring strength.
Fill them, Lord Christ, With Your grace and mercy.

We pray that together we would be the priesthood of all believers, carrying out the mission of the church, as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Fill us, Lord Christ, With Your grace and mercy.

“Love divine, all loves excelling” Hymn 657: 3

Finish then thy new creation; pure and spotless let us be;
Let us see thy great salvation perfectly restored in thee:
Changed from glory into glory, till in heaven we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love, and praise.

Prayers for the Search for a New Rector

Blessed Jesus Christ, who has blessed and sustained us through these 116 years; we ask that you continue to lead us, stretch us, and direct us in our search for a new rector. Raise for us, we pray, a priest and pastor who will boldly proclaim your Gospel, faithfully lead us into deeper discipleship, and serve your people with love and compassion, that we may continue to grow in the likeness of Christ and be a beacon of love and hope to San Antonio and the world. To the glory of your Holy Name. Amen.

Silence is kept.

We pray for Darrell Jones and each member of the Search Committee, that they be imbued with wisdom, fortitude, and vision as they seek the person of Your anointing.
Direct us, Lord Christ, Thy will be done.

We pray for Lisa Miller and each member of the Vestry, that they may faithfully guide us to discern Your will for the choice of our next rector and the steps we must take for the health of the parish.
Direct us, Lord Christ, Thy will be done.

We pray for the priests and their families whom we will visit, that they will be encouraged and uplifted by our Search Committee and better recognize their unique gifts for ministry.
Direct us, Lord Christ, Thy will be done.

Concluding Prayer

Blessed Jesus Christ, You hold the times and seasons, endings and beginnings, in Your hands. We give you thanks for our time together, for work accomplished, for joys and pains woven into the fabric of our common life. Grant to us all the guidance of your Holy Spirit, that fears and uncertainties about the future be transformed into the confidence that belongs to the children of God. May each day be received as a sacred trust and lived to Your glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The people depart in silence or remain to pray.

Hymns from Hymnal 1982 and LEVAS II reprinted under OneLicense.net. A-709130.   *CCLI Song # 1431  © 1984 Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) CCLI License # 352915

Thank you for the life of...

... William F. Johnson, 5/11/24, father of Beth Johnson.

Prayer List

Amy Noe, Neal Gray, JC Stromberger, Anne Burney, Edward Glassford, Marthe Curry, Betsy Hanzel

Please know if your name does not appear on our Sunday  prayer request at this time, you are still being prayed for by the Intercessory Prayer Group. We ask that those on the Prayer List keep us posted about your progress by contacting Karen Von Der Bruegge at karenv@cecsa.org or 210-736-3132

© Christ Episcopal Church, San Antonio, TX