The First Sunday after Christmas St. Paul’s Church, Charlottetown, PEI December 31, 2023, 10:00 am

 
The First Sunday after Christmas
St. Paul’s Church, Charlottetown, PEI
December 31, 2023, 10:00 am
 
Preludes: Chorale Prelude on ‘Quem Pastores' Healey Willan; In Dulci Jubilo. J.S. Bach
 
The Gathering of the Community
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with you all.
And also with you.
Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Thanks be to God.
 
153 Good Christians All, Rejoice
 
The Collect of the Day
Let us pray
Almighty God, you have shed upon us the new light of your incarnate Word. May this light, enkindled in our hearts, shine forth in our lives; 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.
 
The Proclamation of the Word
Reading: Galatians 4:4-7
A Reading From The Letter Of Paul To The Galatians
When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church
Thanks be to God
 
Psalm 148
Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights. Praise him, all you angels of his; praise him, all his host. Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars.
Hallelujah!
Praise him, heaven of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the Lord; for he commanded, and they were created. He made them stand fast for ever and ever; he gave them a law which shall not pass away.
Hallelujah!
Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea-monsters and all deeps; Fire and hail, snow and fog, tempestuous wind, doing his will; Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars; Wild beasts and all cattle, creeping things and winged birds;
Hallelujah!
Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the world; Young men and maidens, old and young together. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name only is exalted, his splendour is over earth and heaven.
Hallelujah!
He has raised up strength for his people and praise for all his loyal servants, the children of Israel, a people who are near him.
Hallelujah!
 
256 Yours the Hand That Made Creation
 
The Gospel: Luke 2:22-40
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, Jesus' parents brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons." Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, "Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed and a sword will pierce your own soul too." There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.
The Gospel of Christ.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
 
Sermon:
 
Reading: Charlotte Massey
 
A Confession of Faith based on the Beatitudes
Let us confess our faith
We believe that Jesus came to show us:
in his words and in the manner of his life; a different, truer pattern of human life.
 
We believe that we are called to share the spirit of the poor:
the spirit of those who mourn for the pain of our world;
the spirit of the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart;
the spirit of those who hunger and thirst for justice;
the spirit of all who strive for peace amidst violence and anger;
the spirit of all who suffer persecution and hardship for their commitment to God’s values.
 
We believe that is what it means to be a disciple of Christ:
may he make us willing and worthy of our calling. Amen.
 
Prayers of the People
As we join with angels, shepherds, and magi in celebration and joy for the birth of Jesus Christ, let us offer prayers to God who shines the light of Christ on all creation, saying: Hear our prayer.
 
For the Church in all places, remembering our bishops and the clergy of this parish, that our worship and praise may give glory to you, and our witness and ministry bring new hope to many. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
 
For this Parish, that we like the angels, may announce the good news of your saving love and be instruments of peace to all who walk the human journey with us. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
 
For people of faith everywhere, that your Holy Spirit will open new pathways of peace and hope to all who live in danger and fear. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
 
For those who live in places of war and conflict, especially for the people of Ukraine and the Holy Land, that the Prince of Peace will guide all hearts to strive for peace and justice. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
 
For all those who are caring for others this Christmas season, that you will strengthen and protect healthcare workers, public safety and utility workers, and those who care for the poor and vulnerable. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
 
For all who find Christmas difficult, for those whose lives are touched by fear, anxiety, or depression, and for all those who are ill at home or in hospital, especially,  
-
… and other’s we may name in our hearts or out loud,
-
that Christ will bring healing light and hope to their hearts. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
 
For all the blessings you have given us, that we may receive them thankfully and rejoice that Christ is born again in our hearts and lives. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
 
For those who have died, remembering especially,
-
… that they may rejoice in the light of your incarnate Word. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
 
Lifting our voices with all creation, with Mary the God-bearer, and with all the heavenly host, let us offer ourselves and one another to the living God through Christ. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
 
Source of light and gladness, accept the prayers we offer on this joyful feast. May the Rising Sun of Christ spread across the world and brighten all humanity. Glory to God in the Highest and peace among those whom God favors. In Christ’s name and for his sake we pray. Amen.
 
Confession and Absolution
Let us confess our sins, confident in God’s forgiveness.
 
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. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us, that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen.
 
Almighty God have mercy upon you,
pardon and deliver you from all your sins,
confirm and strengthen you in all goodness,
and keep you in eternal life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
The Peace
The peace of the Lord be always with you
and also with you.
 
Announcements
 
317 Praise the Lord, Sing Hallelujah
 
The Celebration of the Holy Eucharist
Prayer Over the Gifts
Let us pray,
God of light, in the birth of your Son we see your glory. May we who share in this mystery grow daily in your love. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
 
Eucharistic Prayer 3
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 our thanks and praise.
 
Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; you have revealed your eternal plan of salvation, and have shown your Son Jesus Christ to be the light of all peoples. Therefore with angels and archangels we raise our voices in joyful praise to proclaim the glory of your name.
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
 
We give thanks to you, Lord our God, for the goodness and love you have made known to us in creation; in calling Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus your Son.
 
For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Saviour and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
 
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, a death he freely accepted, 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, Father, according to his command,
we remember his death,
we proclaim his resurrection,
we await his coming in glory;
and we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.
 
We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts, that they may be the sacrament of the body of Christ and his blood of the new covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we, made acceptable in him, may be sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
 
In the fullness of time, reconcile all things in Christ, and make them new, and bring us to that city of light where you dwell with all your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation;
 
by whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory are yours, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.
 
The Lord’s Prayer
Rejoicing in the presence of God here among us,
as our Saviour taught us, so we pray
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.
 
Breaking of the Bread
We break the bread of life,
and that life is the light of the world.
God here among us,
light in the midst of us,
bring us to light and life.
The gifts of God for the People of God.
Thanks be to God.
 
Lamb of God
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world
grant us your peace.
 
Hymns-during-communion
563 In God alone my soul can find rest and peace (repeated)
PB 68 In His Presence (verses 1, 2, repeated)
 
The Sending Forth of the Community
PB 68 In His Presence (verses 1, 2, repeated)
 
Prayer After Communion
Let us pray,
Source of truth and joy, may we who have received the gift of divine life always follow the way of your Son. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
 
The doxology
Glory to God,
whose power, working in us,
can do infinitely more
than we can ask or imagine.
Glory to God from generation to generation,
in the Church and in Christ Jesus,
for ever and ever. Amen.
 
The Blessing
May the God of infinite goodness
scatter the darkness of sin
and brighten your hearts with holiness;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
 
394 Eternal, Unchanging
 
The Scattering (Mark 4:20)
Go forth into the world,
rejoicing in the birth of our Saviour.
Thanks be to God.
 

Christmas Eve 2023 St. Paul’s Church, Charlottetown, PEI 4:00 pm & 7:00 p

 
Christmas Eve 2023
St. Paul’s Church, Charlottetown, PEI
4:00 pm & 7:00 pm
 
PRELUDES: From Heaven Above J.G. Walther; Praise to God in the Highest F.W. Zachau; Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying Flor Peeters; Meditation on ’Silent Night’ Gilbert Martin; Now Come, Saviour J.S. Bach
 
Clergy & Choir in their place AND THE lights are dimmed.
 
Short Lesson of Scripture: John 1:1-5
 
Lighting of the Altar & Wreath
The Prayer for Light [Presider]
Let us pray.
Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; 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.
 
During the hymn, the candles at the altar and wreath are now lighted.
 
118 O Come, All Ye Faithful (v 1-5)
 
The Gathering of the Community
 
The Collect
Let us pray,
O God our Father, whose Word has come among us in the Holy Child of Bethlehem, may the light of faith illumine our hearts and shine in our words and deeds; through him who is Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
 
The Proclamation of the Word
Reading: Titus 3:4-7 [@ 7:00 pm only]
A Reading From The Letter Of Paul To Titus
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
Thanks be to God.
 
Psalm 97 [@ 7:00 pm only]
Refrain: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of the isles be glad. Clouds and darkness are round about him, righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne. R.
A fire goes before him and burns up his enemies on every side. His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees it and is afraid. R. The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory. R.
Confounded be all who worship carved images and delight in false gods! Bow down before him, all you gods. Zion hears and is glad, and the cities of Judah rejoice, because of your judgements, O Lord. R. For you are the Lord, most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. The Lord loves those who hate evil; he preserves the lives of his saints and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. R. Light has sprung up for the righteous, and joyful gladness for those who are truehearted. Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name. R.
 
The Holy Gospel: Luke 2:8-20
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!" When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
The Gospel of Christ.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
 
4:00 p.m., Winter Carol Sherri Porterfield, sung by Katherine Lowings
7:00 p.m., Anthem: Arise! Joseph M. Martin
 
Sermon:
 
126 Away in a Manger
 
The Prayers of the Community
God of love.
Hear our prayer.
 
Confession and Absolution
The Peace
Announcements
 
154 Joy to the World
 
The Celebration of the Holy Eucharist
The Prayer Over the Gifts
Let us pray,
Generous Creator, in faith and joy we celebrate the birth of your Son. Increase our understanding and our love of the riches you have revealed in him, who is Lord now and for ever. Amen.
 
Eucharistic Prayer 3
The Lord’s Prayer
Breaking of the Bread
Lamb of God
 
Hymns-during-communion
148 See Amid the Winter’s Snow
122 In the Bleak Midwinter
135 Shepherds in the Field Abiding
137 What Child Is This
153 Good Christians All, Rejoice
 
The Sending Forth of the Community
138 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
 
Prayer after Communion
Let us pray,
Father of all, the child born for us is the Saviour of the world. May he who made us your children welcome us into your kingdom, where he is alive and reigns with you now and for ever. Amen.
 
The Blessing
The Scattering (Mark 4:20)
House lights are dimmed as before, and everyone has a candle lit.
 
Candle Lighting: Isaiah 9:2; John 8:12
 
119 Silent Night
Clergy process to the entrance.
Please extinguish your candle and you can place it in a basket near the church entrance.

Christmas Day at St. Paul's, Charlottetown PEI 2023

 
Christmas Day 2023
 
Preludes: Noël nouvelet arr. Nicki Iles; In the Bleak Midwinter arr. Nicki Iles; A Clifton Christmas Dean Perry
 
Christmas Responses
Unto us a child is born.
Unto us a Son is given.
O God, your love was so great for us that you gave us your Son to shine out in our darkness. Help us to make that love known to all the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
The Gathering of the Community
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with you all.
      And also with you.
 
Hymn 143: Angels from the Realms of Glory
 
The Collect of the Day
Let us pray.
Almighty God, you wonderfully created and yet more wonderfully restored our human nature. May we share the divine life of your Son Jesus Christ, who humbled himself to share our humanity, and now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
   
The Proclamation of the Word
A Reading From The Book Of Isaiah
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. 9:2-7
Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church
      Thanks be to God.
 
The Holy Gospel: Luke 2:1-20
The Lord be with you
      And also with you
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke
      Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!" When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
The Gospel of Christ
      Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ
 
Hymn: I Saw Three Ships
 
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day in the morning.
 
And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day?
And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas Day in the morning?
 
The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,
On Christmas Day in the morning.
 
O they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
O they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas Day in the morning.
 
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas Day in the morning. 
 
Carol-sing - see hymnal - 88-162
 
Prayers of the People
God of love.
      Hear our prayer.
 
Confession and Absolution
Let us confess our sins,
confident in God’s forgiveness.
 
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. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us, that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen.
 
Almighty God have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
The Peace
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
      And also with you.
 
136 While Shepherds Watched
 
The Celebration of the Holy Eucharistic
Prayer over the Gifts
Let us pray,
God of peace, your Son Jesus Christ has reconciled us to you. May all we offer you today renew us as members of your household. We ask this in his name. Amen.
 
Eucharistic Prayer (Prayer 3)
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 our thanks and praise.
 
Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth, because in the mystery of the Word made flesh you have caused a new light to shine in our hearts, to give knowledge of salvation in the face of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
 
Now with angels and archangels and the whole company of heaven, we lift our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
 
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
 
We give thanks to you, Lord our God, for the goodness and love you have made known to us in creation; in calling Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Saviour and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
 
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, a death he freely accepted, 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, Father, according to his command,
we remember his death,
we proclaim his resurrection,
we await his coming in glory;
and we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.
 
We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts, that they may be the sacrament of the body of Christ and his blood of the new covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we, made acceptable in him, may be sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
 
In the fullness of time, reconcile all things in Christ, and make them new, and bring us to that city of light where you dwell with all your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation; by whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory are yours, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.
 
The Lord’s Prayer
As our Saviour taught us, let us pray,
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 Breaking of the Bread – Incarnation
We break the bread of life,
and that life is the light of the world.
God here among us,
light in the midst of us,
bring us to light and life.
 
Lamb of God
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world - have mercy on us.
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world - have mercy on us.
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world - grant us your peace.
 
Giving of Communion
Christ is the true bread
which has come down from heaven.
      Lord, give us this bread always.
 
Hymns-during-communion
151 All Poor Folk and Humble
 
The Scattering (Mark 4:20)
 
Prayer after Communion
Let us pray,
Father of all, the child born for us is the Saviour of the world. May he who made us your children welcome us into your kingdom, where he is alive and reigns with you now and for ever. Amen.
 
The doxology
Glory to God,
whose power, working in us,
can do infinitely more
than we can ask or imagine.
Glory to God from generation to generation,
in the Church and in Christ Jesus,
for ever and ever. Amen.
 
Blessing
May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
 
153 Good Christians All, Rejoice
 
The Scattering
Alleluia! Go in peace.
Proclaim the Word made flesh.
      Glory, thanks and praise to God. Alleluia!