2/18/26

Lent 1 St. Paul’s Church, Charlottetown, PEI February 22, 2026, 10:00 am

Lent 1
St. Paul’s Church, Charlottetown, PEI
February 22, 2026, 10:00 am
 
Preludes: Lord, Have Mercy J.S. Bach; Prelude on ’Tallis’s Ordinal’ Christopher Tambling
 
67 God of All Time, All Seasons of Our Living
 
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.
 
Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins.
His mercy endures for ever.
 
Almighty God,
to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. 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.
 
The Word of God: 1 John 1.8–9
A reading from The First Letter of John.
 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
 
Confession and Absolution
Dear friends in Christ,
God is steadfast in love and infinite in mercy;
he welcomes sinners
and invites them to his table.
Let us confess our sins,
confident in God’s forgiveness.
 
Silence is kept.
 
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.
 
614 Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive (vs. 1)

The Collect of the Day
Let us pray,
Almighty God, whose Son fasted forty days in the wilderness, and was tempted as we are but did not sin, give us grace to discipline ourselves in submission to your Spirit, that as you know our weakness, so we may know your power to save; through Jesus 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
First Reading: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, "You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die." Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God say, 'You shall not eat from any tree in the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.' "But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.
For the Word of God in scripture, among us and with us.
Thanks be to God.
 
PSALM 32
Refrain: You surround me with shouts of deliverance, O Lord.
Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, and whose sin is put away! Happy are they to whom the Lord imputes no guilt, and in whose spirit there is no guile! R While I held my tongue, my bones withered away, because of my groaning all day long. For your hand was heavy upon me day and night; my moisture was dried up as in the heat of summer. R Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and did not conceal my guilt. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord." Then you forgave me the guilt of my sin. R Therefore all the faithful will make their prayers to you in time of trouble; when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach them. You are my hiding-place; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. R "I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go; I will guide you with my eye. Do not be like horse or mule, which have no understanding; who must be fitted with bit and bridle, or else they will not stay near you." R Great are the tribulations of the wicked; but mercy embraces those who trust in the Lord. Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the Lord; shout for joy, all who are true of heart. R
 
170 The Glory of These Forty Days
 
The Holy Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11
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.
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." But he answered, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'" Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour; and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'" Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.
The Gospel of Christ.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
 
Sermon
 
Anthem: Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley/Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen
 
Prayers of the People – Lent
With confidence and trust let us pray to the Lord, saying, “hear our prayer.”
 
For the one holy catholic and apostolic Church throughout the world, for all the clergy and people, that by self-examination we acknowledge the need for greater courage to give more of our selves to your will in the world, as it is in heaven. God of love.
hear our prayer.
For the mission of the Church, that in faithful witness we may preach the gospel to the ends of the earth, and that in repentance we may come to know the need for us to be a people of love and justice. God of love.
hear our prayer.
For this Parish, that you will guide us in today’s annual meeting, that all that we say and all that we decide will be in accordance of your will, that your Holy Spirit will continue to guide us as we show the transforming love and justice you call the world to. God of love.
hear our prayer.
For peace in the world, that a spirit of respect and reconciliation may grow among nations and peoples, that through fasting and self-sacrifice we can achieve an end to violence and war. God of love.
hear our prayer.
For the poor, the persecuted, the sick, and all who suffer; for refugees, prisoners, and all in danger; that they may be relieved and protected, that by the giving of our treasure our church and associated aid agencies will be empowered with the resources needed to make a difference. God of love.
hear our prayer.
For those who are ill at home or in hospital: especially those known to us…
-
And others we may name out loud or in our hearts…
-
… that in our prayer we trust that you will deliver them and keep them in your love. God of love.
hear our prayer.
For all those who have died in the peace of Christ, and for those whose faith is known to you alone, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom, especially,
-
… and be a comfort to those who mourn. God of love.
hear our prayer.
For the just and proper use of your creation; that by reading and meditating on your word we will strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and respect, sustain and renew the life of the Earth. God of love.
hear our prayer.
God our Father, in your love and goodness you have taught us to come close to you in penitence with prayer, fasting and generosity; accept our Lenten discipline, and when we fall by our weakness, raise us up by your unfailing mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
The Peace
The peace of the Lord be always with you
and also with you.
 
Announcements
 
SNC 85 God of the Bible
 
The Celebration of the Holy Eucharist
Prayer Over the Gifts
Let us pray,
God our refuge and our strength, receive all we offer you this day, and through the death and resurrection of your Son transform us to his likeness. We ask this in his name. 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, because you bid your faithful people to cleanse their hearts and to prepare with joy for the paschal feast; that reborn through the waters of baptism and renewed in the eucharistic mystery, we may be more fervent in prayer and more generous in the works of love.
 
Therefore we raise our voices to you in 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
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.
 
Breaking of the Bread - 7 Lent and Holy Week
We break this bread,
Communion in Christ’s body once broken.
Let your Church be the wheat
which bears its fruit in dying.
If we have died with him,
we shall live with him;
if we hold firm,
we shall reign with him.
 
Giving of Communion
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
SNC 32 When at This Table
PB 227 Such Love
 
The Sending Forth of the Community
PB 227 Such Love
 
Prayer after Communion
All your works praise you, O Lord.
And your faithful servants bless you.
 
Gracious God we thank you for feeding us with the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ. May we, who share his body, live his risen life; we, who drink his cup, bring life to others; we, whom the Spirit lights, give light to the world. Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us, so that we and all your children shall be free, and the whole earth live to praise your name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
Blessing (Lent)
May the God of mercy transform you by his grace,
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
 
352 Amazing Grace
 
Dismissal
Go forth in the name of Christ.
Thanks be to God.

2/11/26

Transfiguration The Last Sunday after the Epiphany, PEI February 15, 2026, 10:00 am

Transfiguration
The Last Sunday after the Epiphany
St. Paul’s Church, Charlottetown, PEI
February 15, 2026, 10:00 am
 
Preludes: Prelude and Fugue in G Minor John Stanley; Chorale Prelude on ’Nicea’ Healey Willan
 
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.
 
Almighty God,
to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. 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.
 
1 Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty
 
The Collect of the Day
Let us pray,
Almighty God, on the holy mount you revealed to chosen witnesses your well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured: mercifully deliver us from the darkness of this world, and change us into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus 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
First Reading: Exodus 24:12-18
A Reading From The Book Of Exodus
The Lord said to Moses, "Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction." So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. To the elders he had said, "Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them." Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.
For the Word of God in scripture, among us and with us.
Thanks be to God
 
Psalm 99
The Lord is king; let the people tremble; *
he is enthroned upon the Cherubim; let the earth shake.
The Lord is great in Zion; *
he is high above all peoples.
Let them confess his name, which is great and awesome; *
he is the Holy One.
“O mighty King, lover of justice, you have established equity; *
you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.”
Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God and fall down before his footstool; *
he is the Holy One.
Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among those who call upon his name, *
they called upon the Lord, and he answered them.
He spoke to them out of the pillar of cloud; *
they kept his testimonies and the decree that he gave them.
“O Lord our God, you answered them indeed; *
you were a God who forgave them, yet punished them for their evil deeds.”
Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God and worship him upon his holy hill; *
for the Lord our God is the Holy One.
 
169 Jesus, On the Mountain Peak
 
The Holy Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9
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.
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!" When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid." And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, "Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."
The Gospel of Christ.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
 
Sermon
 
The Prayers of the Community
O God, as your Son drew apart to be in prayer with you, we offer our prayers for the transformation of the world and the church. In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ, we pray saying, hear our prayer.
 
Lord of glory, it is good that we are here. In peace we make our prayer to you. In trust we confirm our faith in you, that this Parish of St. Paul’s may shine before others as a beacon of love and justice and give you glory. Help us to set our faces steadfastly to where you would have us go. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
Lord of glory, look with favour on your Church, proclaiming your beloved Son to the world and listening to the promptings of his Spirit. We pray for Shane our Primate, Sandra our bishop and all who minister in your name, may your Spirit renew us in holiness that we may reflect your glory. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
Lord of glory, look with favour on the nations of the world, scarred by hatred, strife and war. May world leaders be inspired to seek peace and mercy. We pray for peace in all places of war and violence. May we all be healed by the touch of your hand. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
Lord of glory, look with favour on those in need and distress, suffering as your Son has suffered and waiting for the salvation you promise. May we know the power of reconciliation. Wherever there is division between us and others, because of our race or ethnicity, we pray that we may all be led to reconciliation. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
Lord of glory, look with favour as we prepare to enter the holy season of Lent, make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our brokenness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
Lord of glory, look with favour on all who are ill, at home or in hospital, and those in need of our prayers, remembering especially,
- …
And others we may name aloud or in our hearts.
-
that they may know the peace and hope of abundant life in Christ. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
Our hearts go out to all the victims of the shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., we pray for them and for their families and friends. We pray for healing of their grief and pain; that they will find the support they need…
 
Lord of glory, look with favour on all who have died, remembering especially,
-
that they may be raised with Christ; and we pray for all who mourn, that they may be strengthened in their faith. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
According to your promise help us see Christ in all his majesty with our own eyes and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory. To him be praise, dominion and worship now and for all eternity. 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
 
SNC 86 You Are Holy
 
The Celebration of the Holy Eucharist
Prayer Over the Gifts
Let us pray,
Holy God, receive all we offer you this day, and bring us to that radiant glory which we see in the transfigured face of Jesus Christ our 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.
 
It is indeed right and good, our duty and our joy, always and everywhere to give you thanks, holy Father, almighty and eternal God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. For he revealed his glory before his chosen witnesses and filled with divine splendour the human flesh in which he is one with us. So he prepared his disciples to bear the scandal of the cross and showed that in the Church, his body, the same glory would be fulfilled that shone forth from him, its head.
 
And so with joyful hearts we echo on earth the song of heaven, praising your glory without end:
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.
 
Breaking of the Bread
“I am the bread which has come down from
heaven,” says the Lord.
Give us this bread for ever.
 “I am the vine, you are the branches.”
May we dwell in him, as he lives in us.
 
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
The gifts of God for the People of God.
Thanks be to God.
 
Hymns-during-communion
56 I Am the Bread, the Bread of Life
PB 181 Give Thanks
 
The Sending Forth of the Community
PB 181 Give Thanks
 
Prayer after Communion
Let us pray,
Holy God, we see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ. May we who are partakers of his table reflect his life in word and deed, that all the world may know his power to change and save. We ask this in his name. 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 Christ Jesus, the splendour and the image of God,
draw you into deeper relationship with him
that you may live in his light and share his glory;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
 
312 Sing a New Song unto the Lord
 
The Dismissal
Go forth into the world,
rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
Thanks be to God.
 
Make Ashes

2/3/26

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany, February 8, 2026, 10:00 am

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
St. Paul’s Church, Charlottetown, PEI
February 8, 2026, 10:00 am
Preludes: Toccata in E Minor Johann Pachelbel; Gavotte Matthew Camidge; Rondo Henry Purcell
 
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.
 
The Collect for Purity
Almighty God,
to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. 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.
 
645 Come Down, O Love Divine
 
Summary of the Law
Our Lord Jesus Christ said: The first commandment is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is the only Lord. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
 
The Collect of the Day
Let us pray,
Merciful Lord, grant to your faithful people pardon and peace, that we may be cleansed from all our sins and serve you with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
 
The Proclamation of the Lord
First Reading: Isaiah 58:1-9a
A Reading From The Book Of Isaiah
Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins. Yet day after day they seek me and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that practised righteousness and did not forsake the ordinance of their God; they ask of me righteous judgements, they delight to draw near to God. "Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice?" Look, you serve your own interest on your fast day, and oppress all your workers. Look, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to strike with a wicked fist. Such fasting as you do today will not make your voice heard on high. Is such the fast that I choose, a day to humble oneself? Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush, and to lie in sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am.
For the Word of God in scripture, among us and with us.
Thanks be to God.
 
Psalm 112:1-9
Hallelujah! Happy are they who fear the Lord and have great delight in his commandments! Their descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches will be in their house, and their righteousness will last for ever.
Happy are they who have given to the poor.
Light shines in the darkness for the upright; the righteous are merciful and full of compassion. It is good for them to be generous in lending and to manage their affairs with justice.
Happy are they who have given to the poor.
For they will never be shaken; the righteous will be kept in everlasting remembrance. They will not be afraid of any evil rumours; their heart is right; they put their trust in the Lord.
Happy are they who have given to the poor.
Their heart is established and will not shrink, until they see their desire upon their enemies. They have given freely to the poor, and their righteousness stands fast for ever; they will hold up their head with honour.
Happy are they who have given to the poor.
 
SNC 2 Longing for Light
 
The Gospel: Matthew 5:13-20
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.
Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
The Gospel of Christ.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
 
Sermon
 
Anthem: Let the Praise Go ‘Round.  William Boyce, arr. Hal Hopson
 
Prayers of the People
We trust in your love, O God, which is like a spring of water, that never fails, receive our prayers as may be best for us and this world, as we say: hear our prayer.
 
For the Church, that in our vocation and ministry we may truly, devoutly and courageously serve you and we pray especially for Shane our Primate, and Sandra our bishop. Help us to choose an acceptable fast: to loosen the bonds of injustice, to let the oppressed go free, to share bread with the hungry, to house the homeless; to clothe the naked, and to see ourselves as kin to one another. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
For this Parish of St. Paul’s, let our light shine before others, that they may see your good works of love and justice in all that we do, and give you glory. Deepen our trust in you, restoring our saltiness, sparking your light within us. Help us keep your commandments to love you with our whole being and to love our neighbours as ourselves. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
For Heart month, for those who strive for life-saving medical breakthroughs, advocate for better health, and bring together skilled people to improve diagnosis, care and support. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
For those whose lives are bound together in mutual love, for those who are lonely, for our families and friends and those who live in celibacy: be their joy and their strength, give them satisfaction in all that they do. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
For world leaders, that they may be inspired to make new efforts to seek peace, and eliminate strife, famine, disease, poverty, and oppression, from all corners of the earth. We pray for peace in all places of war and violence. Enable us to see the reality of racism and bigotry, and free us to challenge and uproot it from ourselves, our society and our world. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
For those who are ill, at home or in hospital, and those in need of our prayers, remembering especially,
-
… and others we may name aloud or in our hearts.
-
that they may know the peace and hope of abundant life in Christ. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
For those who have died, remembering especially,
-
that they may be raised with Christ; and we pray for all who mourn, that they may be strengthened in their faith. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
O God of light, your searching Spirit reveals and lights up your presence in creation. Shine your radiant holiness into our lives, that we may offer our hands and hearts to your work: to heal and shelter, to feed and clothe, to break every yoke and silence misguided voices. In Christs’ name 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 & the Birthday Song
 
502 You Are Salt for the Earth
 
Prayer Over the Gifts
Let us pray,
God of compassion and forgiveness, receive our offering this day, and make us one with him who is our peace, Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
 
The Great Thanksgiving – Eucharistic Prayer 1
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.
 
It is indeed right that we should praise you, gracious God, for you created all things. You formed us in your own image: as your children you created us. When we turned away from you in sin, you did not cease to care for us, but opened a path of salvation for all people. You made a covenant with Israel, and through your servants Abraham and Sarah gave the promise of a blessing to all nations. Through Moses you led your people from bondage into freedom; through the prophets you renewed your promise of salvation.
 
Therefore, with them, and with all your saints who have served you in every age, we give thanks and raise 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.
 
Holy God, source of life and goodness, all creation rightly gives you praise. In the fullness of time, you sent your Son Jesus Christ, 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 healed the sick and ate and drank with outcasts and sinners; he opened the eyes of the blind and proclaimed the good news of your kingdom to the poor and to those in need. In all things he fulfilled your gracious will.
 
On the night he freely gave himself to 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.”
 
Gracious God, his perfect sacrifice destroys the power of sin and death; by raising him to life you give us life for evermore.
 
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith.
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
 
Recalling his death, proclaiming his resurrection, and looking for his coming again in glory, we offer you, Father, this bread and this cup. Send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts, that all who eat and drink at this table may be one body and one holy people, a living sacrifice in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
 
Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory is 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.
 
Breaking of the Bread
“I am the bread of life,” says the Lord.
“Whoever comes to me will never be hungry;
whoever believes in me will never thirst.”
Taste and see that the Lord is good;
happy are they who trust in him!
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
PB 99 Great Is the Lord
PB 91 Let There Be Love
 
The Sending Forth of the Community
PB 91 Let There Be Love
 
Prayer After Communion
Let us pray,
Eternal God, in you we find peace beyond all telling. May we who share in this heavenly banquet be instruments of your peace on earth, 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 God grant that, as we proclaim the Gospel of love,
all people will know the power of love at work in the world.
And may the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
 
575 Let Streams of Living Justice
 
The Dismissal
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.