1405 Bushwick Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
October 18, 2009
Mission Statement
St. Thomas Episcopal Church is a Christian community, called and gathered, where we communicate God’s love to young and old, well-to-do and struggling, and celebrate diverse backgrounds. We are committed to being a sign to our city of God’s work of justice, peace, and love.
St. Thomas Episcopal Church Of the Diocese of Long Island (est. 1872) 1405 Bushwick Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207
Mission Statement
St. Thomas Episcopal Church is a Christian community, called and gathered, where we communicate God’s love to young and old, well-to-do and struggling, and celebrate diverse backgrounds. We are committed to being a sign to our city of God’s work of justice, peace, and love.
St. Thomas Episcopal Church Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
October 18, 2009
8:00 A.M. EUCHARIST AND SERMON Service begins on pg 355 Hymns: 7, 592, 60 (LEVAS), 392, 699 Lectors: Yvonne Cole, Pauline Brown, Glen Paul
10:00 A.M EUCHARIST AND SERMON THE ENTRANCE
The Hymn: Glorious Things Of Thee Are spoken (#522, The Hymnal 1982)
Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
ALL: And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. AMEN.
The Collect for Purity (Book Of Common Prayer, Pg. 355) The Gloria (BCP, Pg. 356) The Collect of the Day (INSERT)
The Prayer for the Parish ALL: Almighty and ever living God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth: hear our prayers for this parish family of St. Thomas. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy church, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD The Lesson: The Book of Job, Ch. 38: Vs. 1-7, (34-41) Paul Jeremie
The Psalm: Psalm 104:1-9, 25, 37c The Epistle: The Letter to Hebrews Ch. 5: Vs. 1-10 Prince Edward Akom-Ofori
The Hymn: You Call Us, Lord, To Be You call us, Lord, to be a people set apart, to feel with thoughtful mind, and think with tender heart.
Refrain: Thus chosen, now, O Lord, we ask for faith in your unfailing grace to make us equal to the task.
You call us, Lord, to care for self and neighbor too, to take the risk, and dare to show what love can do.
You call us, Lord, to be good stewards of the earth; to tend it as a place of blessedness and worth.
You call us, Lord, to serve: to die that we may live, to know we best receive, when joyfully we give.
The Gospel: The Gospel According to St. Mark Ch. 10: Vs. 35– 45
The Hymn: Brother, Sister, Let Me Serve You Brother, sister, let me serve you, let me be as Christ to you; Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too.
We are pilgrims on a journey, fellow trav’llers on the road; We are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load.
I will hold the Christ -light for you in the night-time of your fear; I will hold my hand out to you, speak the peace you long to hear.
I will weep when you are weeping; when you laugh, I’ll laugh, with you. I will share your joy and sorrow till we’ve seen this journey through.
When we sing to God in heaven, we shall find such harmony, born of all we’ve known together of Christ’s love and agony.
Brother, sister, let me serve you, let me be as Christ to you; pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too.
The Sermon The Rev. Mthr. Kassinda R. T. Ellis
THE LITURGY OF PRAYER The Nicene Creed (BCP, Pg. 358)
The Prayers of the People (Form I) (BCP, Pg. 383) Matthew Parris
The Confession and Absolution (BCP, Pg. 360) The Peace (BCP, Pg. 360)
THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST The Hymns: How Great Thou Art! #60, Lift Every Voice And Sing Hymnal
O Worship The King #388, The Hymnal 1982
The Great Thanksgiving Eucharistic Prayer A (BCP, Pg. 361)
The Hymns: #488, 592 (The Hymnal 1982), #165 (LEVAS) The Post Communion Prayer (BCP, Pg. 365) The Blessing/Announcements The Rev. Mthr. Kassinda Ellis
The Hymn: All Things Bright And Beautiful #405, The Hymnal 1982
The Dismissal The Rev. Mthr. Kassinda Ellis
Bless the LORD, O my soul; O LORD my God, how excellent is your greatness! you are clothed with majesty and splendor. You wrap yourself with light as with a cloak and spread out the heavens like a curtain. (Psalm 104: Vs. 1 – 2)
THE SANCTUARY LAMPS Burn to the honor and glory of Almighty God, And in loving memory of Akim Michael Anthony Gibbs (10/05) Given by his parents, Michael and Patricia Gibbs, and grandparents, Jerome and Lynette Joseph and family
And in thanksgiving for the birthday of Earl Anthony Farrell from his sisters, Kennisha and Letisha, and mom and pops, Leticia and Guillermo Pond
THE OBLATION BEARERS Earl Farrell, Lavarn Blyden Reid, Arthur Lindsay
THANK YOU The Episcopal Charities thanks our parish family for their generosity of $324.45 (Special Collection) on October 4, 2009 for the Annual Episcopal Charities Appeal.
PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR Winston Blyden, Solomon Chester
THE ANNOUNCEMENTS Episcopal Community Services of Long Island (formally known as Family Consultation Service) is the social service agency of the Diocese of Long Island with offices and programs in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk. Professional/confidential counseling is available for problems experiences by individuals, couples, and families. Consultations are provided on a sliding scale by appointment. For Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens, call (631) 665-7701; for Brooklyn, call Al Rosenvinge at (718) 284-5352.
Registrations for Sunday School and Confirmation Class are now being accepted. Please see Ms. Edwards for Sunday School and Mother Ellis for Confirmation Class.
All Soul’s Memorials: Envelopes are available in the church vestibule. Please return completed envelopes to Karine Williams Barnwell, Altar Guild Directress and church office by Sunday, October 25, 2009. In order to be included in the Bulletin for Sunday, November 1, 2009.
The Fellowship Hour for the month of October is sponsored by The Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
October 25: Annual Gospel Concert of the Brooklyn Assembly of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew
October 25: Anniversary of the Independence of St. Vincent
October 30: Halloween – Youth Group
November 1: All Saints Day, ONE SERVICE at 9:00 a.m.
November 1: Anniversary of the Independence of Panama, Daylight Savings Time ends
November 7: Atlantic City Trip – Episcopal Church Women
November 21: Decorate Church for Harvest – Episcopal Charities
November 22: Sale of Harvest Goods – Episcopal Charities
November 26: Thanksgiving Day
November 29 Advent, Anniversary of the Independence of Barbados
I HONOR GOD’S PRESENCE
I honor the Presence of God. His beauty is in rose-tinted dawn, in the glow of the evening sunset, and in the rose. In the mountains, I see his strength. Throughout the night, I know that this Presence overshadows all; therefore, I sleep in peace and wake in joy and live in a consciousness of good. I feel I see God in others, and enter into companionship with the Divinity in all people. In the outstretched hand, in the smile of recognition, in the warm embrace of friends I feel the one power and the one life. With a song in my heart and with unspeakable joy, I give thanks to this Presence. May I evermore embrace and be embraced by the love, the beauty, and the goodness of God.
YOUR PRAYERS ARE REQUESTED FOR THE SICK AND SHUT-IN OF OUR PARISH
Margaret Wilson 575 Chester St., Bklyn, NY 347-663-9392
Cynthia Wright 120-55 232nd St. Cambria Hgts., 11411, 718-978-6239
YOUR PRAYERS ARE REQUESTED FOR RELATIVES OF MEMBERS WHO ARE SICK
Locksley Craig, (Mercel Hall’s brother), Ernest Franklin, Clifford Jeremie, Dieuveuil Jeremie, Lennox Vandecruise, and Sheila Pearce (son and sister of Dorothy Peters), Mary Robinson, Edward Grenardo, Jose Ramos, (brother of Maria Ramos of the Duncan Genns Apartments) Cleveland Blake, Levi Anthony, Delmas Robinson, Aubrey Walker, Edith Dascosta (relatives of Lucinda Robinson), and Evangeline Younge at Bishop Hucles Nursing Home.
PRAY FOR: The Diocese of The Gulf (Pakistan)
St. Thomas Episcopal Church 1405 Bushwick Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11207 Office: (718) 452-2332/Fax: (718) 452-1355
www.stthomasepiscopalbrooklyn.org
The Rev. Mthr. Kassinda R.T. Ellis, Priest-In-Charge Kurt C. Daisley, Director of Music Lorena Graham, Office Administrator
Sunday Services Holy Baptism, First Sunday of the Month 8:00 AM, Said Mass With Hymns 9:15 AM, Sunday School 10:00 AM, Choral Eucharist
Weekday Services 9:30 AM, Tuesday Mass at Duncan Genns Apartments 725 Evergreen Avenue. Brooklyn, NY 11207-1141 7:00 PM, Wednesday Bible Study at Duncan Genns Apartments 9:30 AM, Saturday Morning Prayer in the Church
The Vestry 201020112012 Hazel Small (Warden) William Fenton (Warden) Karine Williams Barnwell Jenice Edwards Grace Akom-Ofori Jillian Joseph Wendy Gilgeous Robert Ferryman Hamilton Simpson Chinweike Ukaegbu Yvonne Ridgard Abrahams
St. Thomas Episcopal Church Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost September 13, 2009 9:00 A.M. SAID EUCHARIST WITH HYMNS
THE ENTRANCE The Hymn: Come Down, O Love Divine #516, The Hymnal 1982
Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit ALL: And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. AMEN.
The Collect for Purity (Book Of Common Prayer, Pg. 355) The Gloria (BCP, Pg. 356)
The Collect of the Day (INSERT)
The Prayer for the Parish
ALL: Almighty and ever living God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth: hear our prayers for this parish family of St. Thomas. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy church, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
The Lesson: The Book of Proverbs, Ch. 1: Vs. 20 - 33 Hamilton Simpson
The Psalm Psalm 19 The Epistle: The Letter to James Ch. 3: Vs. 1-12 Alexis Noel The Hymn: Thou Art The Way #457, The Hymnal 1982
The Gospel: The Gospel According to St. Mark Ch. 8: Vs. 27-38
The Hymn: Take Up Thy Cross, The Savior Said #675, The Hymnal 1982
The Sermon The Rev. Mthr. Kassinda R. T. Ellis
THE LITURGY OF PRAYER The Nicene Creed (BCP, Pg. 358)
The Prayers of the People (Form II) (BCP, Pg. 385) Pauline Brown The Confession and Absolution (BCP, Pg. 360)
The Peace (BCP, Pg. 360)
THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
The Hymns: The Heavens Declare Thy Glory, Lord
The heavens declare thy glory, Lord, in every star thy wisdom shines but when our eyes behold thy Word, we read thy Name in fairer lines.
Sun, moon, and stars convey thy praise round the whole earth, and never stand: so when thy truth begun its race, it touched and glanced on every land.
Nor shall thy spreading Gospel rest till through the world thy truth has run, till Christ has all the nations blest that see the light or feel the sun.
Great Sun of Righteousness, arise, bless the dark world with heavenly light; thy Gospel makes the simple wise, thy laws are pure, thy judgments right.
Thy noblest wonders here we view in souls renewed and sins forgiven; Lord, cleanse my sins, my soul renew, and make thy word my guide to heaven.
The Spacious Firmament On High #409, The Hymnal 1982
The Great Thanksgiving Eucharistic Prayer B (BCP, Pg. 367)
The Hymns: 310 & 658 (The Hymnal 1982), 69 & 141 LEVAS The Post Communion Prayer (BCP, Pg. 365)
The National Anthems Of Honduras, Nicaragua & Costa Rica The Blessing/Announcements The Rev. Mthr. Kassinda Ellis
The Hymn: When Morning Guilds The Skies #427, The Hymnal 1982
The Dismissal The Rev. Mthr. Kassinda Ellis Organ Postlude: Allegro in G Minor – G. F. Handel
THE SANCTUARY LAMPS
Burn to the honor and glory of Almighty God And in thanksgiving for the birthday of Eileen Odle Given by her son Stanton, and grandsons Andrew, John, and Tony
And in thanksgiving for the 1st birthday of Ava Alli Rousseau Given by her loving grandmother Cora Harewood.
THE EUCHARISTIC CANDLES
Burn to the honor and glory of Almighty God And in thanksgiving for the birthday of Leanora Blyden
Given by her loving family
THE OBLATION BEARERS
Leonora Blyden, Maria Castro and Eileen Odle
CONGRATULATIONS
To the Republics of Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica on their 188th anniversaries of independence
THANK YOU
The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) sincerely thanks our parish family and friends for their support of the brunch held on Sunday September 6, 2009
PLEASE PRAY FOR
Solomon Chester and Albert Reid
THE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Episcopal Community Services of Long Island (formally known as Family Consultation Service) is the social service agency of the Diocese of Long Island with offices and programs in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk. Professional/confidential counseling is available for problems experiences by individuals, couples, and families. Consultations are provided on a sliding scale by appointment. For Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens, call (631) 665-7701; for Brooklyn, call Al Rosenvinge at (718) 284-5352.
Our Summer Schedule continues through, and including, Homecoming Sunday, September 27, 2009 with one Mass at 9:00AM. As is our custom, parishioners are invited to share food and other items representing their respective countries of origin.
On October 4th we return to our regular Sunday schedule with Said Mass at 8:00 a.m. and Choral Mass at 10:00 a.m.
Registration for Sunday School and Confirmation Class is now open. Please see Ms. Edwards for Sunday School and Mother Ellis for Confirmation Class.
The Fellowship Hour for the month of September is sponsored by The Rector’s Guild.
· September 20: Anniversary of independence of Belize
· September 27: Homecoming Sunday
· October 4: Episcopal Charities Collection, Nigeria Independence
· October 18: Gospel Brunch & Show at The Cotton Club sponsored by the Vestry
· October 24: Fall Dance sponsored by the Rector’s Guild
· October 25: St. Vincent Independence
· October 31: Halloween – Youth Group
THE CONSECRATION OF THE REV. LAWRENCE C. PROVENZANO AS BISHOP COADJUTOR OF THE DIOCESE OF LONG ISLAND
Saturday, September 19th, at 11:00 a.m.
Tilles Center for the Performing Arts 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville, New York Reception immediately following.
Come Down O Love Divine is a hymn to the Holy Spirit usually sung at Pentecost, but it is also a prayerful reflection on our Collect for today. The verses that comprise this hymn are a translation by Richard Littledale from a poem written by Bianco da Siena, a Christian mystic who lived in the 15th century. The poem began with the words Discendi, Amor Santo and originally ran to eight verses. Although he wrote a total of 92 hymns, very little is known about Bianco. The 20th century composer Ralph Vaughan Williams rewrote a lot of the music for the hymns in The Hymnal. Two of his most popular tunes are Sine Nomine which we sing to the hymn “For All The Saints,” and Down Ampney, which is the tune we sing to “Come Down, O Love Divine.”
YOUR PRAYERS ARE REQUESTED FOR THE SICK AND SHUT-IN OF OUR PARISH
Cynthia Wright 120-55 232nd St. Cambria Hgts., 11411, 718-978-6239
YOUR PRAYERS ARE REQUESTED FOR RELATIVES OF MEMBERS WHO ARE SICK
Ernest Franklin, Clifford Jeremie, Dieuveuil Jeremie, Lennox Vandecruise, and Sheila Pearce (son and sister of Dorothy Peters), Mary Robinson, Edward Grenardo, Jose Ramos, (brother of Maria Ramos of the Duncan Genns Apartments) Cleavland Blake, Levi Anthony, Delmas Robinson, Aubrey Walker, Edith Dascosta (relatives of Lucinda Robinson), and Evangeline Younge at Bishop Hucles Nursing Home.
PRAY FOR: The Diocese of Southern Highlands (Tanzania)
St. Thomas Episcopal Church 1405 Bushwick Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11207 Office: (718) 452-2332/Fax: (718) 452-1355 www.stthomasepiscopalbrooklyn.org
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The Rev. Mthr. Kassinda R.T. Ellis, Priest-In-Charge Kurt C. Daisley, Director of Music Lorena Graham, Office Administrator
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Sunday Services Holy Baptism, First Sunday of the Month 8:00 AM, Said Mass With Hymns 9:30 AM, Sunday School 10:00 AM, Choral Eucharist
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Weekday Services 9:30 AM, Tuesday Mass at Duncan Genns Apartments 725 Evergreen Avenue. Brooklyn, NY 11207-1141
7:00 PM, Wednesday Bible Study at Duncan Genns Apartments
THE ENTRANCE The Hymn: The Church’s One Foundation (#525, The Hymnal 1982)
Celebrant: Alleluia! Christ is risen ALL: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
The Collect for Purity (BCP, Pg. 355) The Gloria in Excelsis (BCP, Pg. 356)
The Collect of the Day (INSERT)
The Prayer for the Parish ALL: Almighty and ever living God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth: hear our prayers for this parish family of St. Thomas. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy church, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD The Lesson First Book of Samuel, Ch. 15: Vs. 34 – Ch. 16: Vs. 13 Matthew Parris The psalm Psalm 20
The Epistle: Second Letter to the Corinthians, Ch. 5: Vs. 6 – 17 Madison Franklin
The Hymn: We Plow The Field And Scatter (#291, The Hymnal 1982) The Gospel: The Gospel According to St. Mark Ch. 4: Vs. 26– 34 The Hymn: I Come To the Garden Alone (#69, LEVAS)
The Sermon The Rev. Mthr Kassinda Ellis THE LITURGY OF PRAYER The Nicene Creed (BCP, Pg. 358)
The Prayers of the People (Form V) (BCP, Pg. 389) Winston Sampson The Confession and Absolution (BCP, Pg. 360) The Peace (BCP, Pg. 360)
THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST The Hymns: Hail To The Lord’s Annointed (#616, The Hymnal 1982) O Day Of God, Draw Nigh (#601, The Hymnal 1982)
The Great Thanksgiving Eucharistic Prayer A (BCP, Pg. 361)
The Hymns: #206 LEVAS, #194 LEVAS, #184 The Post Communion Prayer (BCP, Pg. 365) The Blessing/Announcements The Rev. Mthr Kassinda Ellis
The Hymn: The Kingdom Of God Is Justice And Joy
The kingdom of God is justice and joy, for Jesus restores what sin would destroy; God’s power and glory in Jesus we know, and here and hereafter that kingdom shall grow.
The kingdom of God is mercy and grace, the lepers are cleansed, the sinners find place, the outcast are welcomed God’s banquet to share, and hope is awakened in place of despair.
The kingdom of God is challenge and choice, Believe the good news, repent and rejoice! His love for us sinners brought Christ to his cross, our crisis of judgment for gain or for loss.
God’s kingdom is come, the gift and the goal, in Jesus begun, in heaven made whole; the heirs of the kingdom shall answer his call and all things cry "Glory!" to God all in all.
The Dismissal The Rev. Mthr Kassinda Ellis
Organ Postlude: Fugue in C minor (BWV 549) J.S. Bach
BIENVENUE - WELCOME - BEINVENIDOS
A warm welcome is extended to all who are visiting with us today. We hope that you enjoyed our service. If you are seeking a Parish Home, please speak to the clergy. Please sign our Visitor’s Book located in the church vestibule.
THE SANCTUARY LAMPS Burn to the honor and glory of Almighty God And in thanksgiving for the life of Roberto Castro Given by the Castro family.
And in thanksgiving for the birthday of Kennisha Farrell Given with love from ‘Mom’ & ‘Pops’, Leticia & Guillermo Pond.
THE EUCHARISTIC CANDLES Burn to the honor and glory of Almighty God And in loving memory of Roberto Castro on the 24th anniversary of his passing Given by the Castro family.
And in thanksgiving for the birthday of Kennisha Farrell Given by her loving family
May God continue to guide her and shine light on her as her days increase beginning a new year of life.
THE BREAD AND WINE Are given today in thanksgiving for the graduation of Jason E. Jones from the United States Capitol Police Academy, Washington, DC Given by Letisha Farrell and the Farrell-Pond family
And in thanksgiving, and for God’s continued blessings on Bertilda Mitchell on her birthday
And in thanksgiving for God’s blessings, and for the continuing recovery of Rhyanna Maria Cash
Given by Cash and Griffith family
THE BULLETINS Are given today in thanksgiving for the birthday of Kennisha Farrell Given by her sister, Letisha, and brother, Earl
THE FLOWERS AT THE SHRINE Are given today in thanksgiving for the 6th birthday of Tatiana Collins Given by her loving family
THE OBLATION BEARERS Tatiana Collins, Kennisha Farrell, Cora Harewood
THANK YOU The Altar Guild thanks Kenneth C. (K.C.) and Blanche Thorbourne for their generous donation toward the repair and refinishing of Communion Vessels.
CONDOLENCES To Kurt Daisley and family on the death of his uncle, Hollis A. Loney.
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THE ANNOUNCEMENTS Episcopal Community Services of Long Island (formally known as Family Consultation Service) is the social service agency of the Diocese of Long Island with offices and programs in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk. Professional/confidential counseling is available for problems experiences by individuals, couples, and families. Consultations are provided on a sliding scale by appointment. For Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens, call (631) 665-7701; for Brooklyn, call Al Rosenvinge at (718) 284-5352.
Confirmation Classes began on May 3, 2009, at 1:00 p.m., those still interested in being confirmed should speak to Mthr. Kassinda Ellis. The Diocesan Service of Confirmation will be held on June 27th at the Cathedral of the Incarnation.
June 26th at 7:00 pm, there will be a “Get to know each other” meeting with Mother Ellis for youths ages 12 to 17. Refreshments will be served. Arrangements will be made to ensure that everyone who attends arrives safely home.
27th Annual Honoring of the Graduates will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2009 at
10:00 a.m. Eucharist. Graduation forms must be submitted to Karine Williams Barnwell by Sunday, June 14, 2009.
The Fellowship Hour for the month of June is sponsored by the Youth Group.
· June 21: Father’s Day Celebration – Sponsored by the Christian Education Department
· June 27: STEPS Fund Raising
· June 28: 27th Annual Honoring of Graduates
· July 4 : Trip sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women
· July 5: First Sunday of Summer Schedule – One Mass at 9:00AM
· July 11: Annual Boat Ride – sponsored by the Rector’s Guild
YOUR PRAYERS ARE REQUESTED FOR THE SICK AND SHUT-IN OF OUR PARISH NURSING HOME & HOSPITAL Ruby Wilmot Bishop Hucles 835 Herkimer Ave., Rm 408, 11233, 718-782-9495
Cynthia Wright 120-55 232nd St. Cambria Hgts. 11411, 718-978-6239
YOUR PRAYERS ARE REQUESTED FOR RELATIVES OF MEMBERS WHO ARE SICK Ernest Franklin, Wilfred Harris (Brother and Uncle of the Harris family), Bert Johnson (Dad of Shellon and Shevon Johnson) Clifford Jeremie, Dieuveuil Jeremie, Inez King, Lennox Vandecruise and Sheila Pearce (son and sister of Dorothy Peters), Mary Robinson, Edward Grenardo, Jose Ramos, (brother of Maria Ramos of the Duncan Genns Apartments) Cleavland Blake, Levi Anthony, Delmas Robinson, Aubrey Walker, Edith Dascosta (relatives of Lucinda Robinson), Margaret Wilson, mother of Mosley Wilson, and Evangeline Younge at Bishop Hucles Nursing Home.
PRAY FOR: Jonathan Ridgard, Greene Correctional Facility, The Diocese of Central Philippines (The Philippines)
St. Thomas Episcopal Church 1405 Bushwick Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11207 Office: (718) 452-2332/Fax: (718) 452-1355 www.stthomasepiscopalbrooklyn.org
---------------- The Rev. Mthr. Kassinda R.T. Ellis, Priest-In-Charge Kurt C. Daisley, Director of Music Lorena Graham, Office Administrator
------------------- Sunday Services Holy Baptism First Sunday of the Month 8:00 a.m. Said Mass 9:30 a.m. Sunday School & Morning Prayer 10:00 a.m. Sung Mass
Weekday Services 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Mass at Duncan Genns Apartments 725 Evergreen Avenue. Brooklyn, NY 11207-1141 7:00 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study at Duncan Genns Apartments 9:30 a.m. Saturday Morning Prayer
THE ENTRANCE The Hymn: Come Down, O Love Divine (#516, The Hymnal 1982)
Celebrant: Alleluia! Christ is risen
ALL: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
The Collect for Purity (BCP, Pg. 355)
The Gloria in Excelsis (BCP, Pg. 356) The Collect of the Day (INSERT)
The Prayer for the Parish ALL: Almighty and ever living God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth: hear our prayers for this parish family of St. Thomas. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy church, through Jesus Christ
our Lord. AMEN
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
The Lesson The Book of Acts Ch. 2: Vs. 1 –21 Jillian Joseph The Psalm Psalm 104: 25-35, 37b
The Epistle The Letter to Romans Ch. 8:Vs. 22 – 27 Alexis Noel
The Hymn: O Thou Who Camest From Above (#704, The Hymnal 1982)
The Gospel: The Gospel According to St. John Ch. 15: Vs. 26– 27; 16:4b-15
The Hymn: Revive Us Again (#157, The LEVAS)
The Sermon The Rev. Antonio Martin
THE LITURGY OF PRAYER The Nicene Creed (BCP, Pg. 358) The Prayers of the People (Form III) (BCP, Pg. 387) Kevin Baird
The Confession and Absolution (BCP, Pg. 360) The Peace (BCP, Pg. 360)
THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST The Hymns: God Himself Is With (#475, The Hymnal 1982)
Creator Spirit, By Whose Aid (#500, The Hymnal 1982) The Great Thanksgiving Eucharistic Prayer A (BCP, Pg. 361) The Hymns: #508 (The Hymnal 1982), #119 LEVAS, #114 LEVAS
The Post Communion Prayer (BCP, Pg. 365)
The Blessing The Rev. Antonio Martin
Announcements The Warden
The Hymn: Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove (#512, The Hymnal 1982)
The Dismissal The Rev. Antonio Martin
Organ Postlude: Prelude in D minor (from the ‘Eight Little) J.S. Bach
BIENVENUE - WELCOME - BEINVENIDOS
A warm welcome is extended to all who are visiting with us today. We hope that you enjoyed our service.
If you are seeking a Parish Home, please speak to the clergy. Please sign our Visitor’s Book located in the church vestibule.
THE EUCHARISTIC CANDLES
Burn to the honor and glory of Almighty God and in loving memory of the birthday of Nelly Enid Henry Given by Hazel Small And in thanksgiving for the birthday of Prince Edward Akom-Ofori And for God’s richest blessing on the wedding anniversary of Randall and Jillian Joseph Given by their loving family
THE BREAD AND WINE Are given today in thanksgiving for the birthday of Lavarn Reid-Blyden Given by her loving parents, Winston and Leanora Blyden
THE FLOWERS AT THE ALTAR Reminding us of the flame of FIRE recorded in Acts of the Apostles – are symbolic of the fire of God’s Holy Spirit strengthening the “good” in our lives
WELCOME To The Reverend Antonio Martin, our guest celebrant
THE OBLATION BEARERS Lavarn Reid-Blyden, Jillian Joseph, Randall Joseph
THANK YOU The Rector’s Guild thanks our parish family and friends for your support of their Memorial weekend trip
THE ANNOUNCEMENTS Episcopal Community Services of Long Island (formally known as Family Consultation Service) is the social service agency of the Diocese of Long Island with offices and programs in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk. Professional/
confidential counseling is available for problems experiences by individuals, couples, and families. Consultations are provided on a sliding scale by appointment. For Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens, call (631) 665-7701; for Brooklyn, call Al Rosenvinge at (718) 284-5352.
The Capital Campaign is ongoing. Your donations toward the repairs to the parish hall are welcomed and appreciated.
Additional Communion Vessels require repair and refinishing. Anyone interested in donating to this endeavor, please contact Karine Williams Barnwell, Altar Guild Directress, for additional information.
Confirmation Classes began on May 3, 2009, at 1:00 p.m., those still interested in
being confirmed should speak to Mthr. Kassinda Ellis. The Diocesan Service of Confirmation will be held on June 27th at the Cathedral of the Incarnation.
June 26th at 7:00 pm, there will be a “Get to know each other” meeting with Mother Ellis for youths ages 12 to 17. Refreshments will be served.
27th Annual Honoring of the Graduates will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Eucharist. Graduation forms must be submitted to Karine Williams Barnwell by Sunday, June 14, 2009.
The Fellowship Hour for the month of June is sponsored by the Youth Group.
June 13: Annual Corporate Communion Breakfast, sponsored by the Brotherhood of St. Andrew
June 21: Father’s Day Celebration – Sponsored by the Christian Education Department
June 27: STEPS Fund Raising
June 28: 27th Annual Honoring of Graduates
July 4 : Trip sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women
YOUR PRAYERS ARE REQUESTED FOR THE SICK AND SHUT-IN OF OUR PARISH
Cynthia Wright 120-55 232nd St. Cambria Hgts. 11411, 718-978-6239
YOUR PRAYERS ARE REQUESTED FOR RELATIVES OF MEMBERS WHO ARE SICK Ernest Barnwell (husband of Karine Barnwell), Ernest Franklin, Bert Johnson (Dad of Shellon and Shevon Johnson) Clifford Jeremie, Dieuveuil Jeremie, Inez King, Lennox Vandecruise and Sheila Pearce (son and sister of Dorothy Peters), Mary Robinson, Edward Grenardo, Jose Ramos, (brother of Maria Ramos of the Duncan Genns Apartments) Cleavland Blake, Levi Anthony, Delmas Robinson, Aubrey Walker, Edith Dascosta (relatives of Lucinda Robinson), Margaret Wilson, mother of Mosley Wilson, and Evangeline Younge at Bishop Hucles Nursing Home.
PRAY FOR: Jonathan Ridgard, Greene Correctional Facility, The Diocese of York - Beverley (York, England)
SPEAKING IN TONGUES (adapted from a November 2006 New York Times article)
Many say that the passionate, rhythmic, language-like patter reflects a state of mental possession. Now they have some neuroscience to back them up. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania took brain images of five women while they spoke in tongues and found that their frontal lobes — the thinking, willful part of the brain through which people control what they do — were relatively quiet, as were the language centers. The regions involved in maintaining self-consciousness were active. The women were not in blind trances, and it was unclear which region was driving the behavior.
The images, appearing in the current issue of the journal Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, pinpoint the most active areas of the brain. The images are the first of their kind taken during this spoken religious practice, which has roots in the Old and New Testaments and in Pentecostal churches established in the early 1900s. The women in the study were healthy, active churchgoers.
“The amazing thing was how the images supported people’s interpretation of what was happening,” said Dr. Andrew B. Newberg, leader of the study team, “The way they describe it, and what they believe, is that God is talking through them,” he said. Dr. Newberg is also a co-author of Why We Believe What We Believe. In the study, the researchers used imaging techniques to track changes in blood flow in each woman’s brain in two conditions, once as she sang a gospel song, and again while speaking in tongues. By comparing the patterns created by these two emotional, devotional activities, the researchers could pinpoint blood-flow peaks and valleys unique to speaking in tongues.
Studies suggest that people who speak in tongues rarely suffer from mental problems. A recent study of nearly 1,000 evangelical Christians in England found that those who engaged in the practice were more emotionally stable than those who did not. Researchers have identified at least two forms of the practice, one ecstatic and frenzied, the other subdued and nearly silent. The new findings contrasted sharply with images taken of other spiritually inspired mental states like meditation, which is often a highly focused mental exercise, activating the frontal lobes.
The scans also showed a dip in the activity of a region called the left caudate. “The findings from the frontal lobes are very clear, and make sense, but the caudate is usually active when you have positive affect, pleasure, positive emotions,” said Dr. James A. Coan, a psychologist at the University of Virginia. “So it’s not so clear what that finding says” about speaking in tongues.
The caudate area is also involved in motor and emotional control, Dr. Newberg said, so it may be that practitioners, while mindful of their circumstances, nonetheless cede some control over their bodies and emotions.
Easter Day April 12, 2009 at 10:00am
St. Thomas Episcopal Church Easter Day April 12, 2009 at 10:00am
Priest: Alleluia, alleluia. Let us go forth in peace. ALL: Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Hymn: Jesus Christ
THE ENTRANCE Is Risen Today
Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia! Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia! Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia! Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!
Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Alleluia! Christ hath burst the gates of hell, Alleluia! Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia! Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!
Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia! unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia! who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia! Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!
But the pains which he endured, Alleluia! Our salvation have procured, Alleluia! Now above the sky he's King, Alleluia! Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!
Sing we to our God above, Alleluia! Praise eternal as his love, Alleluia! Praise him, all ye heavenly host, Alleluia! Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!
The Station At The Font Priest: Let us pray.
Father, we thank you that through the waters of Baptism we die to sin and are made new in Christ. Grant through your Spirit that those baptized here may enjoy the liberty and splendor of the children of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. ALL: AMEN
The Hymn: Come, Ye Faithful Raise The Strain Come, ye faithful, raise the strain of triumphant gladness! God hath brought his Israel into joy from sadness: loosed from Pharaoh’s bitter yoke Jacob's sons and daughters, led them with unmoistened foot through the Red Sea waters.
'Tis the spring of souls today: Christ hath burst his prison, and from three days' sleep in death as a sun hath risen; all the winter of our sins, long and dark, is flying from his light, to whom we give laud and praise undying.
Now the queen of seasons, bright with the day of splendor, with the royal feast of feasts comes its joy to render; comes to glad Jerusalem, who with true affection welcomes in unwearied strains Jesus' resurrection.
Neither might the gates of death, nor the tomb's dark portal, nor the watchers, nor the seal hold thee as a mortal: but today amidst the twelve thou didst stand, bestowing that thy peace which evermore passeth human knowing.
Alleluia now we cry to our King Immortal, who triumphant burst the bars of the tomb's dark portal; alleluia, with the Son God the Father praising; alleluia yet again to the Spirit raising.
The Station At The Paschal Candle Priest: Let us pray.
God who made us to shine with the glory of the Lord's resurrection: Stir up in your Church that the Spirit of adoption which is given to us in Baptism, that we, being renewed both in body and mind, may worship you in sincerity and truth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. ALL: AMEN
The Hymn: The Day Of Resurrection The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad; the Passover of gladness, the Passover of God. From death to life eternal, from earth unto the sky, our Christ hath brought us over, with hymns of victory.
Our hearts be pure from evil, that we may see aright the Lord in rays eternal of resurrection light; and listening to his accents, may hear so calm and plain his own "All hail!" and, hearing, may raise the victor strain.
Now let the heavens be joyful! Let earth her song begin! The round world keep high triumph, and all that is therein! Let all things seen and unseen their notes in gladness blend, for Christ the Lord hath risen, our joy that hath no end.
Priest: Alleluia. Christ is risen ALL: The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia.
Priest: 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 ever more live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever ALL: AMEN
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
The Lesson: The Acts of the Apostles Ch.10: Vs. 34 – 43 Hamilton Simpson
The Easter Canticle Cantor: Christ has been raised from the dead. Alleluia, Alleluia. ALL: Christ has been raised from the dead. Alleluia, Alleluia.
Cantor: Alleluia, Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the feast. Not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth, Alleluia.
ALL: Christ has been raised from the dead. Alleluia, Alleluia.
Cantor: Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death that he died, he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives, he lives to God.
ALL: Christ has been raised from the dead. Alleluia, Alleluia.
Cantor: So also consider yourselves dead to sin, and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord, Alleluia. Christ has been raised from the dead; the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
ALL: Christ has been raised from the dead. Alleluia, Alleluia.
Cantor: For since by a man came death. By a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die; so also in Christ shall all be made alive, Alleluia.
The Epistle: The First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians Ch.15: Vs. 1 – 11 Mavis Dixon
The Hymn: Sing The Joy Of Easter Day
Sing the joy of Easter Day, the Easter triumph tell. Jesus rose on Easter Day, the Lord Who loves us well.
Good Joseph had a garden; Close by that sad green hill Where Jesus died a bitter death to save mankind from ill.
There came the holy women with spices and with tears; The angels tried to comfort them, but could not calm their fears.
Came Mary to that garden and sobbed with heart forlorn; She thought she heard the gardener ask, “Whom seekest thou this morn?”
She heard her own name spoken, and then she lost her care; All in His strength and beauty; the risen Lord stood fair!
The Gospel: The Gospel According to St. John Ch.20: Vs. 1 – 18
The Hymn: He Lives
I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today; I know that He is living, whatever men may say. I see his hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer and, just the time I need Him, He's always near.
Refrain: He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way. He lives, He lives salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.
In all the world around me I see His loving care, And tho' my heart grows weary, I never will despair. I know that He is leading thro' all the stormy blast; The day of His appearing will come at last. Refrain
Rejoice, rejoice, O Christians, lift up your voice and sing eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King! The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find, None other is so loving, so good and kind. Refrain
The Homily: The Rev. Mthr Kassinda R. T. Ellis
THE LITURGY OF PRAYER
The Nicene Creed Pg. 358
The Prayers Of The People: BCP, Page 385 (Form II) Karine Williams Barnwell (the list of memorials begins on Page 14 of the bulletin)
Confession Pg. 360
Peace Pg. 360
THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
The Offertory Hymns: At The Lamb’s High Feast We Sing
At the Lamb's high feast we sing praise to our victorious King, who hath washed us in the tide flowing from his pierced side; praise we him, whose love divine gives his sacred Blood for wine, gives his Body for the feast, Christ the victim, Christ the priest.
Where the Paschal blood is poured, death's dark angel sheathes his sword; Israel's hosts triumphant go through the wave that drowns the foe. Praise we Christ, whose blood was shed, Paschal victim, Paschal bread; with sincerity and love eat we manna from above.
Mighty victim from on high, hell's fierce powers beneath thee lie; thou hast conquered in the fight, thou hast brought us life and light: now no more can death appall, now no more the grave enthrall; thou hast opened paradise, and in thee thy saints shall rise.
Easter triumph, Easter joy, sin alone can this destroy; from sin's power do thou set free souls newborn, O Lord, in thee. Hymns of glory and of praise, Risen Lord, to thee we raise; Holy Father, praise to thee, with the Spirit, ever be.
The Holy City St. Thomas Episcopal Pan Symphony Steel Orchestra
The Hymn Jesus Lives! Thy Terrors Now
Jesus lives! thy terrors now can no longer, death, appall us; Jesus lives! by this we know thou, O grave, canst not enthrall us. Alleluia!
Jesus lives! henceforth is death but the gate of life immortal; this shall calm our trembling breath when we pass its gloomy portal. Alleluia!
Jesus lives! for us he died; then, alone to Jesus living, pure in heart may we abide, glory to our Savior giving. Alleluia!
Jesus lives! our hearts know well nought from us his love shall sever; life, nor death, nor powers of hell tear us from his keeping ever. Alleluia!
Jesus lives! to him the throne over all the world is given: may we go where he has gone, rest and reign with him in heaven. Alleluia!
The Great Thanksgiving: Eucharistic Prayer A, BCP, Page 361
The Hymn Alleluia, Alleluia! Give Thanks To The Risen Lord
Refrain: Alleluia, Alleluia! Give thanks to the risen Lord Alleluia, Alleluia! Give praise to his name. Jesus is Lord o’er all the earth. He is the King of creation.
Refrain Spread the good news o’er all the earth: Jesus has died and has risen.
Refrain We have been crucified with Christ. Now we shall live forever.
Refrain Come let us praise the living God, joyfully sing to our Savior.
Refrain
The Hymns In The Garden
I come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses And the voice I hear falling on my ear the Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own; And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice Is so sweet the birds hush their singing, And the melody that He gave to me within my heart is ringing.
I’d stay in the garden with Him though the night around me be falling, But He bids me go; through the voice of woe his voice to me is calling.
They Crucified My Savior
They crucified my Savior and nailed Him to the tree. (3) And the Lord will bear my spirit home.
He rose, he rose, he rose from the dead,(3) And the Lord will bear my spirit home.
Then Joseph begged His body and laid it in the tomb. (3) And the Lord will bear my spirit home. CHORUS
Mary, she came running, a-looking for my Lord. (3) And the Lord will bear my spirit home. CHORUS
An angel came from heaven and rolled the stone away. (3) And the Lord will bear my spirit home. CHORUS
The Post Communion Prayer
Priest: Let us pray. (Please stand.)
ALL: Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. AMEN
Priest: The Lord be with you.
ALL: And also with you.
Priest: May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord!
And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.
ALL: AMEN.
THE DISMISSAL
The Recessional Hymn The Strife Is O’er
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
The strife is o'er, the battle done, the victory of life is won; the song of triumph has begun. Alleluia!
The powers of death have done their worst, but Christ their legions hath dispersed: let shout of holy joy outburst. Alleluia!
The three sad days are quickly sped, he rises glorious from the dead: all glory to our risen Head! Alleluia!
He closed the yawning gates of hell, the bars from heaven's high portals fell; let hymns of praise his triumphs tell! Alleluia!
Lord! by the stripes which wounded thee, from death's dread sting thy servants free, that we may live and sing to thee. Alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Priest: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia.
ALL:Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.
Postlude: We’re Marching To Zion St. Thomas Episcopal Pan Symphony Steel Orchestra
A warm welcome is extended to all who are visiting with us today. We hope that you enjoyed our service, and if you are looking for a Parish Home, please speak to the clergy.
Please do not forget to sign the Visitor's Book.
We rejoice with the parents of Rashida Anise Davis, Sarae Anise Cloe Jeremie, and Skyla O’Donna Kirton who were baptized yesterday at The Easter Vigil.
THE SANCTUARY LAMPS Burn to the Honor and Glory of Almighty God And in loving memory of Earl Wesley Dixon, Earl Vincent Dixon, and Joslyn Wright Given by Mavis Dixon
And in loving memory of Derrick Jefferson Given by his parents Peggy and Stephen Jefferson
And in loving memory of George Small and Nelly Enid Henry Given by Hazel Small
And in loving memory of George Taitt and Valerie Adinah Taitt Given by the Taitt daughters and grandchildren
And in loving memory of Mosley Wilson and Nisha Kaci Wilson Given by Mosley, Jr. and Martha Wilson
And in thanksgiving for the birthday of Lionel Yarde Given by his loving wife, children, and grandchildren
THE BREAD AND WINE Is given today in loving memory of Thelma Adele Williams Gay Given by Karine Williams Barnwell and Irving Grant Gay
FLOWERS AT THE ALTAR STEPS Are given in thanksgiving for the 10th wedding anniversary of Michael and Betty Charles
Are given in thanksgiving to God by Hazel Small in celebration of her birthday “For length of days, and long life, and peace shall He add to me”
The Painting Of The Church Floors And Station Trims was donated in loving memory of Esmee Keeling, and the departed members of the Mitchell family, by Lucilda Mitchell Robinson and Ms. Keeling’s nephew, George Wiley
NOTICES: The Fellowship Hour is sponsored by the Altar Guild for the month of April.
· April 19 – Second Sunday Of Easter, Mass at 8:00AM & 10:00AM · April 25 – Sunday School Annual Tea Party · May 2 – Archdeaconry Meeting, St. Mary’s 10:00 a.m. · May 3: Episcopal Charities Appeal “Kick-Off” Collection · May 10: Mother’s Day Luncheon sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women. · May 23-25: Memorial Weekend Trip sponsored by the Rector’s Guild · May 31: The Day of Pentecost, Guyana Independence
· The Episcopal Church Women thanks our parish family and friends for the support of their Palm Sunday Brunch and Bake Sale. · Thank you to our parish family and friends for your generosity for the Easter Memorials and Thank Offerings.
· FAMILY CONSULTATION SERVICE is the social service agency of the Diocese of L.I. with offices and programs in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk. Professional/confidential counseling is available for problems experienced by individuals, couples and families. Consultations are provided on a sliding scale by appointment. Telephone number for Nassau, Suffolk and Queens is (631) 665-7701. For Church Based Counseling, In Brooklyn, (718) 284-5352 Al Rosenvinge.
· Applications for Connie Brown Scholarship are available from the church office. Deadline for submission is April 24, 2009.
· The Capital Campaign is ongoing. Your donations toward the repairs to the parish hall are welcomed and appreciated.
· Additional Communion Vessels require repair and refinishing. Anyone interested in donating to this endeavor, please contact Karine Williams Barnwell, Altar Guild Directress, for additional information.
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THE VOTIVE CANDLES AT THE SHRINE OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS burn in memory of our departed members and benefactors who have served this church faithfully through the years: Constance Alexander, Robert Allen, Hugh Anglin, Leona C. and David Amers, Lavenia Antrobus, Olivia Applewhite, Irvine Atwell, Nena May Beckford, John Bennett, Yvonne Bennett, Philip Blake, Vincent Blyden, Mavis Virginia Francis Bowen, George Winston Braithwaite, Rosalie, Bijou Brown, Connie W. Brown, John Lee Brown, Eileen Agatha Lambert-Brown, Carmen St. Helena Bryan, Doris Burke, Joan Beverley Chase, Bertha Chatwin, Arthur and Violet Chilcott, Denise Chilcott, Richard Chilcott, Mavis Clare, Agnnes Joyce Cooper, Chesterfield Cumberbatch, Wilfred DaCosta, Sheila Agatha D’Anjou, Marie Davis, Earl Vincent Dixon, Earl Wesley Dixon Sr., Percy Alexander Douglas, Telma Hicela Downing, Catherine Edwards, Mable Edwards, Paula M. E. Edwards, Margaret Farquhar, Shirley Janet Fenty, Vivian Fernandez, Ines A. Fisher, Joseph Alexander Fortune, Darnley Foster, The Reverend Duncan McPherson Genns, Estelle Gill, Egbert Gittens, Norma Gittens, Vernell Pringle Glynn, Alma Wilson Grant, Beryl Dora Grant, Millicent Griffin, Kenneth Astor Griffith, Vernal Grimes, Francis Cyril Hall, Rashad Ali Hall, Delevan Halloran, Mildred Halloran, Gwendolyn Delores Hart, Muriel Louise Hart, Pearl Hart, Daisy Hassocks, Larry George Hendricks, Nelly Enid Henry, Joyce Gloria Hewett, Norma Elveta Hewitt, George Bryant Hill Sr., Ancil Holder, Amy Elizabeth Humphrey, Adlyn Mary Irwin, Oswald Isaacs, Barbara C. James, Eileen Edna Jeffers, Macle Johnson, Gloria A. Hilliard-Jones, Lena Jones, Marion Jones, Ruby Jones, Anthony Keeling, Esmee Harris Keeling, Amy Knight, Hyacinth Eulee Latham, Olga Lattimer, Amy Blanche Lennan, Francis P. McClean, Ulvine Iline Miller, Gladys Munroe, Annie Norris, Hilda Ottey, Louise Palmer, Clarice Parker, Emmanuel C. Parris, Antha Thompson Payne, Jack JohnPeddy, Bert Clement Peters, Iris Philpotts, Carlton Pryce, The Reverend Leonard and Grace Rasmusson, Ethel Ramsey, Juanita Reed, Joseph Reid, Carmen Albina Richards, Ernest Richards, Earl Ridgard, Roosevelt Earl Ridgard, Vera Ridgard, Duncan D. Riley Sr., Ursula Claudia Roberts, Delmas J. Robinson Jr., Mabel Clarice Rogers, Margery Naiomi Russell, Elida Frett Rymer, Alexandrina Sabido, Cyril Samuels, Orma Samuels, James Sargeant, Fanny and Theodore Schafenberg, Hannah Simmons, Gloria Meheta Simpson, Louis Simpson, Lucy Boyd Simpson, Rita Abida Simpson, Kathleen Ingrid Smartt, Olga Eleanor Smartt, Catherine Cleopatria Smith, Daniel Ezekiel Smith, Doris Smith, Lionel Smith, Ronald Smith, Stella AgathaSmith, Victor Theophilus Smith Sr., George Taitt, Iris Taitt, Valerie A. Taitt, Miriam Trowers, Mable Gloria Robinson-Vaughn, Daphne Vaz, Edgar J. Walcott, Augustus Walters, Aldwin Rupert Welch, Lucille Icilda Welch, William Wayne White, Daislyn Williams, Joslyn F. Wright, Felicidad E. Wynter, Wendy Yates.
THE VOTIVE CANDLES AT THE SHRINE OF THE BLESSED MOTHER burn as a special intercession for our sick and shut-in members.
EASTER MEMORIALS 2009
In the holy sacrifice of the Mass, on Easter Day, please remember the souls of:
Kenneth Neville Hooper, given by Grace Akom-Ofori.
Paul Anderson, Donald Sharpe, Esmee Keeling, and Mavis White given by Dorothy Anderson.
Ettleton Seymour Williams, Amy Amanda Williams, Yvette Margarita Williams, Paul Leslie Williams, Beryl Rhoden Gibson, Thelma Adele Williams Gay, Marie Wilson, Sybil Joshua McCarthy, and Calvin Seymour Williams, given by Karine Williams Barnwell.
Edna Gordon, Sidney Gordon, Orlando Gordon, Ricardo Gordon, and Amelia Fields, given by Yvonne Cole
Ross Elliott, Jr., Rosalio Inojosa and Ana Delgado De Inojosa, given by Ross Elliott, III and Rosalio Inojosa Delgado
Inez Chase given by Wendy Gilgeous
Akim Gibbs given by his parents and grandparents
Derrick Jefferson given by parents Peggy and Stephen Jefferson
Kenneth Fitzroy Morris given by Rita Malcolm.
Charles Mitchell, Isabela Mitchell, Lorna Milkson, Darnley Milkson, Rosey Milkson, Ruby Bain, Adina Roberts, Albert Ashbey, Wotley Ashbey, Gemma Gittens, Felix Hunte, Maurice Roberts, Ralf Charles, Winston Gibbs, Reginal McLeod, George Anderson, Leanora Benjamin, Iona Rogers, Vibert Fletcher and Sheila Roberts given by Tracy Mitchell.
Sheila Agatha D’Anjou and Hamidian Khan given by Jacqueline D’Anjou- Parchment and Armand Parchment.
Julia Dyer, Richard Dyer and Jack Peddy given by Gloria Peddy
Vera Ridgard and Gladstone Ridgard given by Carmen Ridgard.
Joseph Joseph and Elizabeth Joseph given by Samuel and Margaret Ridgard and family
Sarah Samuel, Wilton Gaynes, Rita Gaynes, and Wilemena Small given by Joyce Samuel
Luris Taitt, Gregory Taitt, Archie Simmons and Marcellino Sinclair, Jr. given by The Taitt daughters and grandchildren
Marcia Thom, Sherwin Thom and Leandre Thom given by Barbara Thom
Jonathan W. Uanserume and Christiana A. Uanserume given by Clara O. Uanserume
EASTER THANK-OFFERINGS 2009
Oblation Bearers: Sylvia Haynes, Belinda Maria Taitt, Hazel Small
In thanksgiving for our daughter Lesley Barclay given by Randolph and Joan Barclay.
In thanksgiving for God’s blessings on the Blyden family given by Leanora Blyden
In thanksgiving for God’s blessings on Pauline Brown
In thanksgiving for God’s blessings on Hyacinth Hall
In thanksgiving for God’s blessings on Mercell Hall and family
In thanksgiving for God’s blessings on Sylvia Haynes
In thanksgiving for God’s blessings on Doris Prince
In thanksgiving for God’s blessings on Joyce Thomas
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YOUR PRAYERS ARE REQUESTED FOR THE SICK AND SHUT-IN OF OUR PARISH NURSING HOME & HOSPITAL
Cynthia Wright 120-55 232nd St. Cambria Hgts. 11411 718-978-6239
YOUR PRAYERS ARE REQUESTED FOR RELATIVES OF MEMBERS WHO ARE SICK
Ernest Franklin, Bert Johnson (Dad of Shellon and Shevon Johnson) Clifford Jeremie, Dieuveuil Jeremie, Inez King, Lennox Vandecruise and Sheila Pearce (son and sister of Dorothy Peters), Mary Robinson, Edward Grenardo, Jose Ramos, (brother of Maria Ramos of the Duncan Genns Apartments) Cleavland Blake, Levi Anthony, Delmas Robinson, Aubrey Walker, Edith Dascosta (relatives of Lucinda Robinson), Margaret Wilson, mother of Mosley Wilson, and Evangeline Younge at Bishop Hucles Nursing Home.
PRAY FOR Jonathan Ridgard, Greene Correctional Facility
RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES OF EASTER http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter
Easter is an important annual religious feast in the Christian liturgical year. According to Christian scripture, Jesus was resurrected from the dead three days after his crucifixion. Many Christian denominations celebrate this resurrection on Easter Day or Easter Sunday[3] (also Resurrection Day or Resurrection Sunday), two days after Good Friday. The chronology
of his death and resurrection is variously interpreted to be between A.D. 26 and 36.
Easter also refers to the season of the church year called Eastertide or the Easter Season. Traditionally the Easter Season lasted for the forty days from Easter Day until Ascension Day but now officially lasts for the fifty days until Pentecost. The first week of the Easter Season is known as Easter Week or the Octave of Easter. Easter also marks the end of Lent, a season of prayer and penance.
Easter is a moveable feast, meaning it is not fixed in relation to the civil calendar. Easter falls at some point between late March and late April each year, following the cycle of the Moon. After several centuries of disagreement, all churches accepted the computation of the Alexandrian Church (now the Coptic Church) that Easter is the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon, which is the first moon whose 14th day (the ecclesiastic "full moon") is on or after March 21 (the ecclesiastic "vernal equinox").
The Easter festival is kept in many different ways among Western Christians. The traditional, liturgical observation of Easter, as practised among Roman Catholics and some Lutherans and Anglicans/Episcopalians begins on the night of Holy Saturday with the Easter Vigil. This, the most important liturgy of the year, begins in total darkness with the blessing of the Easter fire, the lighting of the large Paschal candle (symbolic of the Risen Christ) and the chanting of the Exultet or Easter Proclamation attributed to Saint Ambrose of Milan. After this service of light, a number of readings from the Old Testament are read; these tell the stories of creation, the sacrifice of Isaac, the crossing of the Red Sea, and the foretold coming of the Messiah. This part of the service climaxes with the singing of the Gloria and the Alleluia and the proclamation of the Gospel of the resurrection. A sermon may be preached after the gospel. Then the focus moves from the lectern to the font. Anciently, Easter was considered the most perfect time to receive baptism, and this practice is alive in Roman Catholicism, as it is the time when new members are initiated into the Church, and it is being revived in some other circles. Whether there are baptisms at this point or not, it is traditional for the congregation to renew the vows of their baptismal faith. This act is often sealed by the sprinkling of the congregation with holy water from the font. The Catholic sacrament of Confirmation is also celebrated at the Vigil.
The Easter Vigil concludes with the celebration of the Eucharist (or 'Holy Communion'). Certain variations in the Easter Vigil exist: Some churches read the Old Testament lessons before the procession of the Paschal candle, and then read the gospel immediately after the Exsultet. Some churches prefer to keep this vigil very early on the Sunday morning instead of the Saturday night, particularly Protestant churches, to reflect the gospel account of the women coming to the tomb at dawn on the first day of the week. These services are known as the Sunrise service and often occur in outdoor setting such as the church's yard or a nearby park.
The first recorded "Sunrise Service" took place in 1732 among the Single Brethren in the Moravian Congregation at Herrnhut, Saxony, in what is now Germany. Following an all-night vigil they went before dawn to the town graveyard, God's Acre, on the hill above the town, to celebrate the Resurrection among the graves of the departed. This service was repeated the following year by the whole congregation and subsequently spread with the Moravian Missionaries around the world. The most famous "Moravian Sunrise Service" is in the Moravian Settlement Old Salem in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The beautiful setting of the Graveyard, God's Acre, the music of the Brass Choir numbering 500 pieces, and the simplicity of the service attract thousands of visitors each year and has earned for Winston-Salem the soubriquet "the Easter City."
Additional celebrations are usually offered on Easter Sunday itself. Typically these services follow the usual order of Sunday services in a congregation, but also typically incorporate more highly festive elements. The music of the service, in particular, often displays a highly festive tone; the incorporation of brass instruments (trumpets, etc.) to supplement a congregation's usual instrumentation is common. Often a congregation's worship space is decorated with special banners and flowers (such as Easter lilies).
In predominantly Roman Catholic Philippines, the morning of Easter (known in the national language as "Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay" or the Pasch of the Resurrection) is marked with joyous celebration, the first being the dawn "Salubong," wherein large statues of Jesus and Mary are brought together to meet, imagining the first reunion of Jesus and his mother Mary after Jesus' Resurrection. This is followed by the joyous Easter Mass.
In Polish culture, The Rezurekcja (Resurrection Procession) is the joyous Easter morning Mass at daybreak when church bells ring out and explosions resound to commemorate Christ rising from the dead. Before the Mass begins at dawn, a festive procession with the Blessed Sacrament carried beneath a canopy encircles the church. After the Blessed Sacrament is carried around the church and Adoration is complete, the Easter Mass begins. This custom is celebrated not only in Poland, but also in the United States by Polish-Americans.
ST. THOMAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH The Sunday Of The Passion (Palm Sunday) April 5, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
THE LITURGY OF THE PALMS The congregation assembles at Duncan Genns Apartments The Hymn: Lead Me To Calvary
King of my life, I crown Thee now,Thine shall the glory be; Lest I forget Thy thorn crowned brow, lead me to Calvary.
CHORUS: Lest I forget Gethsemane, lest I forget Thine agony; Lest I forget Thy love for me, lead me to Calvary. Show me the tomb where Thou wast laid, tenderly mourned and wept; Angels in robes of light arrayed guarded Thee whilst Thou slept.
CHORUS Let me like Mary, through the gloom, Come with a gift to Thee; Show to me now the empty tomb, lead me to Calvary.
CHORUS May I be willing, Lord, to bear Daily my cross for Thee; Even Thy cup of grief to share, Thou hast borne all for me.
Celebrant: Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord. ALL: Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
Assist us mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
ALL: AMEN. The Lesson: The Gospel According to Mark Ch. 11: Vs. 1 – 11 The Blessing:
INSERT Processional music provided by the Panamanian Drum & Bugle Corp
At the church entrance Celebrant: Let us go forth in peace.
ALL: In the name of Christ. AMEN.
The Hymn: All Glory, Laud, And Honor
Refrain: All glory, laud, and honor to thee, Redeemer, King! to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring. Thou art the King of Israel, thou David's royal Son, who in the Lord's Name comest, the King and Blessed One.
Refrain The company of angels are praising thee on high; and mortal men and all things created make reply.
Refrain The people of the Hebrews with palms before thee went; our praise and prayer and anthems before thee we present.
Refrain To thee before thy passion they sang their hymns of praise; to thee, now high exalted, our melody we raise.
Refrain Thou didst accept their praises; accept the prayers we bring, who in all good delightest, thou good and gracious King.
Refrain The Hymn: Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates; behold the King of glory waits! The King of kings is drawing near; the Savior of the world is here.
O blest the land, the city blest, where Christ the ruler is confessed! O happy hearts and happy homes to whom this King of triumph comes! Fling wide the portals of your heart; make it a temple, set apart from earthly use for heaven's employ, adorned with prayer and love and joy.
Redeemer, come, with us abide; our hearts to thee we open wide; let us thy inner presence feel; thy grace and love in us reveal. Thy Holy Spirit lead us on until our glorious goal is won; eternal praise, eternal fame be offered, Savior, to thy Name!
Ride On, King Jesus (arr. Hall Johnson) Juanita Faulkner
Celebrant: Let us pray. Almighty and ever-living 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, forever and ever. ALL: AMEN.
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD The First Lesson The Book of Isaiah, Ch. 50: Vs. 4 – 9a Karine Williams Barnwell The Psalm Psalm 31:9 – 16 The Epistle The Letter to the Philippians, Ch. 2: Vs. 5 – 11 Sybil Perryman Hope
The Hymn: Glory Be To Jesus
Glory be to Jesus, who in bitter pains poured for me the life blood from his sacred veins! Grace and life eternal in that blood I find, blest be his compassion, infinitely kind! Blest through endless ages be the precious stream which from endless torment doth the world redeem! Abel's blood for vengeance pleaded to the skies; but the blood of Jesus for our pardon cries. Oft as earth exulting wafts its praise on high, angel hosts, rejoicing, make their glad reply. Lift ye then your voices; swell the mighty flood; louder still and louder praise the precious blood.
The Gospel: The Passion Gospel According to St. Mark Ch. 15: Vs. 1 – 47
The Hymn: I Love To Tell The Story I love to tell the story of unseen things above Of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love I love to tell the story, because I know it’s true; It satisfies my longings as nothing else would do.
I love to tell the story. ‘twill be my theme in glory, To tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love. I love to tell the story, For those who know it best Seem hungering and thirsting to tell it like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song, ‘Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long. I love to tell the story. ‘twill be my theme in glory, To tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love.
The Sermon: The Rev. Mthr. Kassinda R. T. Ellis
The Nicene Creed (BCP, Pg. 358) The Prayers of the People Joan Barclay
Leader: Our Lord comes to us humbly, riding a donkey, and proclaiming a message of peace. Let us pray to the Lord, saying: Lord hear our prayer
Leader: That Christians everywhere heed and proclaim the Good News as true disciples, we pray:
ALL: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: That the words of the king of peace resound throughout the world, we pray:
ALL: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: That the leaders of the world do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly, we pray:
ALL: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: That those who see the cross revealed in their lives draw strength from the One whose Name is above every name, we pray:
ALL: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: That we, who hope to greet our Lord when he comes again, be ever vigilant and ever joyful, we pray:
ALL: Lord, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions, silent or spoken, may be offered.
Celebrant: God our Creator, you show us the way to freedom through the gentle obedience of your Son Jesus Christ. Grant our petitions, as we seek, by your grace, to follow his example; through Jesus Christ, our Lord
ALL AMEN. The Peace (BCP, Pg. 360)
THE HOLY COMMUNION
The Hymns: I Love Thee, Lord, But Not Because
I love thee, Lord, but not because I hope for heaven thereby, nor yet for fear that loving not I might for ever die; But for that thou didst all the world upon the cross embrace; for us didst bear the nails and spear, and manifold disgrace,
And griefs and torments numberless, and sweat of agony; e'en death itself; and all for one who was thine enemy. Then why, most loving Jesus Christ, should I not love thee well, not for the sake of winning heaven, nor any fear of hell;
Not with the hope of gaining aught, nor seeking a reward; but as thyself hast loved me, O ever loving Lord! E'en so I love thee, and will love, and in thy praise will sing, solely because thou art my God and my eternal King.
There Is A Green Hill Far Away, There is a green hill far away, outside a city wall, where our dear Lord was crucified who died to save us all. We may not know, we cannot tell, what pains he had to bear, but we believe it was for us he hung and suffered there.
He died that we might be forgiven, he died to make us good, that we might go at last to heaven, saved by his precious blood. There was no other good enough to pay the price of sin, he only could unlock the gate of heaven and let us in.
O dearly, dearly has he loved! And we must love him too, and trust in his redeeming blood, and try his works to do.
The Great Thanksgiving Eucharistic Prayer A (BCP, Pg. 361)
The Hymn: What Wondrous Love Is This
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul! What wondrous love is this, O my soul! What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss to lay aside his crown for my soul, for my soul, to lay aside his crown for my soul.
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing, to God and to the Lamb, I will sing. To God and to the Lamb who is the great I AM, while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing, while millions join the theme, I will sing.
And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on, I'll sing on, And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on. And when from death I'm free I'll sing and joyful be, and through eternity I'll sing on, I'll sing on, and through eternity I'll sing on.
The Hymn Down At The Cross Where My Savior Died
Down at the cross where my Savior died, Down where for cleansing from sin I cried, There to my heart was the blood applied; Glory to His Name!
Refrain: Glory to His Name, glory to His Name: There to my heart was the blood applied; Glory to His Name!
I am so wondrously saved from sin, Jesus so sweetly abides within; There at the cross where He took me in; Glory to His Name! Refrain.
Oh, precious fountain that saves from sin, I am so glad I have entered in; There Jesus saves me and keeps me clean; Glory to His Name! Refrain.
Come to this fountain so rich and sweet, Cast thy poor soul at the Savior’s feet; Plunge in today, and be made complete; Glory to His Name! Refrain.
The Hymn At The Cross Alas! and did my Savior bleed and did my Sovereign die? Would He devote that sacred head for sinners such as I?
Refrain: At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight, And now I am happy all the day! Was it for crimes that I had done he groaned upon the tree? Amazing pity! grace unknown! And love beyond degree!
Well might the sun in darkness hide and shut his glories in, When Christ, the mighty Maker died, for man the creature’s sin. Thus might I hide my blushing face while His dear cross appears, Dissolve my heart in thankfulness, and melt my eyes to tears.
But drops of grief can ne’er repay the debt of love I owe: Here, Lord, I give myself away ’tis all that I can do.
The Holy City (Stephen Adams) Juanita Faulkner The Post Communion Prayer (BCP, Pg. 365)
The Blessing (BCP, Pg. 366) Greetings/Announcements The Rev. Mthr. Kassinda R. T. Ellis
The Hymn: O Sacred Head, Sore Wounded
O sacred head, sore wounded, defiled and put to scorn; O kingly head surrounded with mocking crown of thorn: What sorrow mars thy grandeur? Can death thy bloom deflower?
O countenance whose splendor the hosts of heaven adore! Thy beauty, long-desirèd, hath vanished from our sight; thy power is all expirèd, and quenched the light of light.
Ah me! for whom thou diest, hide not so far thy grace: show me, O Love most highest, the brightness of thy face. In thy most bitter passion my heart to share doth cry, with thee for my salvation upon the cross to die.
Ah, keep my heart thus moved to stand thy cross beneath, to mourn thee, well-beloved, yet thank thee for thy death. My days are few, O fail not, with thine immortal power, to hold me that I quail not in death's most fearful hour; that I may fight befriended, and see in my last strife to me thine arms extended upon the cross of life.
Celebrant: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. ALL: Thanks be to God.
Organ Postlude: Fugue in C Minor BWV 549(‘Arnstadt’) J.S. Bach
BIENVENUE v WELCOME v BEINVENIDOS
A warm welcome is extended to all who are visiting with us today. We hope that you enjoyed our service. If you are looking for a Parish Home, please speak to the wardens or the clergy. Please also sign our Visitor’s Book.
THE EUCHARISTIC CANDLES
Burn to the honor and glory of Almighty God And in thanksgiving for the birthday of Isaiah Brockenbaugh Given by his godparents Leticia Pond, Earl Farrell, and Kevin Baird
And in thanksgiving for the birthday of Hazel Small Given by the Farrell and Pond families
THE BREAD AND WINE
Are given today in thanksgiving for the 2nd birthday of Isaiah Brockenbaugh, Given by his godfather Kevin Baird
May he live to see many more!
And in thanksgiving for the birthday of Lucilda Robinson
And for God’s blessings on Francis Grigsby as she relocates, and in thanksgiving for her years of faithful service Given by the Altar Guild
OBLATION BEARERS
Yvonne Ridgard-Abrahams, Jan Potter, Lucilda Robinson
PLEASE SUPPORT TODAY
Palm Sunday Brunch, sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women
THANK YOU
The Rector’s Guild thanks our parish family and friends for their support of the Brunch on Sunday, March 29, 2009
THE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Family Consultation Service is the social service agency of the Diocese of Long Island with offices and programs in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk. Professional/confidential counseling is available f or problems experiences by individuals, couples, and families. Consultations are provided on a sliding scale by appointment. For Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens, call (631) 665-7701; for Brooklyn, call Al Rosenvinge at (718) 284-5352.
Additional Communion Vessels require repair and refinishing. Anyone interested in donating to this endeavor, please contact Karine Williams Barnwell, Altar Guild Directress, for additional information.
2009PLEDGE ENVELOPES at the entrance of the church.
TAX REFUND ELECTRONIC FILING. St. Julian Perkins is offering his services for a fee to anyone interested. A discount will be given to anyone referred by the church. Call 718 629.2332 for information.
EASTER MEMORIAL AND THANK OFFERINGS: Kindly submit names to be included in the bulletin on Easter Day, Sunday, April 12, 2009 no later than Palm Sunday, April 5, 2009 to Karine Williams Barnwell or Church Office.
Applications for Connie Brown Scholarship are available from the church office. Deadline for submission is April 24, 2009.
PLEASE NOTE: The Archival Room will be open on Sundays following 10:00AM Mass. Please visit and inform yourself about our church’s history.
The Fellowship Hour for the month of April is hosted by The Altar Guild.
Today Is the Annual Corporate Communion for the Altar Guild
UPCOMING EVENTS · April 9 – Maundy Thursday, 7:00PM
· April 10 – Good Friday, 12:00PM (Noon)
· April 11 – Preparation for Easter by Altar Guild; The Great Vigil Of Easter, 7:00PM,
· April 12 – Sunday Of The Resurrection Of Our Lord (Easter Day) 10:00 AM Eucharist
· April 19 – Second Sunday Of Easter, Mass at 8:00AM & 10:00AM
· April 25 – Sunday School Annual Tea Party
· May 2 – Archdeaconry Meeting, St. Mary’s 10:00 a.m.
How can death lead to life, and defeat to glory? Jesus described his approaching death on the cross as his “hour of glory” (John 12:23) when he would be “lifted up from the earth” and would “draw all men to himself” (John 12:32). Jesus saw his death on the cross as triumph over the powers of sin and darkness. Jesus drew an illustration of the “grain of wheat” to show how this principle works in God’s kingdom. Seeds cannot produce new life by themselves. They must first be planted in the earth before they can grow and produce fruit. What is the spiritual analogy which Jesus alludes to? Is this simply a veiled reference to his own impending death on the cross and resurrection? Or does Jesus have another kind of "death and rebirth" in mind for his disciples? Jesus, no doubt, had both meanings in mind. Jesus’ obedience and death on the cross obtain for us freedom and new life in the Holy Spirit. His cross frees us from the tyranny of sin and death and shows us the way of perfect love.
If we want to experience the new life which Jesus offers, then the outer shell of our old, fallen nature, must be broken and put to death. In Baptism our “old nature” enslaved by sin is buried with Christ and we rise as a “new creation” in Christ. This process of death to the “old fallen self” is both a one-time event, such as occurs in Baptism, and a daily, on-going cycle in which God buries us more deeply into Jesus’ death to sin so we might rise anew and bear fruit for God. There is a great paradox here. Death leads to life. When we "die" to ourselves, we "rise" to new life in Jesus Christ.
What does it mean to "die" to oneself? It certainly means that what is contrary to God's will must be "crucified" or "put to death." God gives us grace to say "yes" to his will, and to reject whatever is contrary to his loving plan for our lives. Jesus also promises that we will bear much "fruit" for him, if we choose to deny ourselves for his sake. Jesus used forceful language to describe the kind of self-denial he had in mind for his disciples. What did he mean when he said that one must hate himself? The expression “to hate” something often meant “to prefer less.” Jesus says that nothing should get in the way of our preferring him and the will of our Father in heaven. Our hope is not earth-based but heaven-bound. St. Paul reminds us that "what is sown in the earth is subject to decay, what rises is incorruptible" (1 Corinthians 15:42). Do you hope in the Lord, and follow joyfully the path he has chosen for you?
"Lord, let me be wheat sown in the earth, to be harvested for you. I want to follow wherever you lead me. Give me fresh hope and joy in serving you all the days of my life."
AIDS is now celebrating its 20th successful year, The Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, is a week of HIV/AIDS education and awareness highlighting the important role churches play in addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis. Each year a growing number of Black congregations are supporting and caring for persons living with HIV/AIDS, developing AIDS prevention outreach programs, setting up HIV/AIDS ministries in the church and in the community, and establishing HIV testing facilities complete with staff and counselors knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS.
The Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, the flagship program of The Balm In Gilead, calls upon Black faith communities worldwide to command accessible services and resources for people who are infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS.
We believe that prayer is an action verb and know that, united with dedication, commitment and work, prayer changes things!
BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT HIV/AIDS What is AIDS? HIV/AIDS is a disease that destroys the body's ability to protect itself from getting sick. HIV is the name of the virus that causes AIDS. AIDS is a combination of symptoms that can be fatal. If you contract HIV, you may not have any symptoms. This means you could pass the disease to someone else and not even know it. On the other hand, HIV can produce many symptoms, such as a cold or flu that never goes away. A person with HIV is called "HIV-positive." The only way to know if you are HIV-positive is to get tested. Most cities have public testing sites where you can be tested for free. You may call your health department or the hotline run by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at 1-800-342-AIDS for more information.
How is AIDS spread? HIV/AIDS can be spread by having the blood of an infected person enter your body. This happens when drug users share needles. In fact, drug use is the number one cause of the spread of HIV in Black communities. HIV/AIDS can be spread through sexual intercourse with a person who has HIV/AIDS. This includes vaginal, oral or anal sex between a man and a woman, or between two men, or between two women. A mother who is HIV-positive can transmit the disease to her unborn child. However, medical treatment during pregnancy can nearly eliminate the risk of this.
AIDS is NOT spread by: § Touching, kissing, coughing, sneezing, tears or sweat. § Drinking from the Communion Cup after an HIV-positive person. § Sitting next to a positive person in church or Sunday School. § Sharing cups, plates, forks or a meal with an HIV-positive person. § Touching toilet bowls or doorknobs used by a person with HIV
ABOUT GOD'S LOVE WE DELIVER God's Love We Deliver (GLWD), a New York City-based, not-for-profit, nonsectarian organization, is the metropolitan area's leading provider of life-sustaining nutritional support services for people living with HIV/AIDS. Our mission is three-fold, first and foremost is our commitment to preparing and delivering two well-balanced meals, each weekday, to people who, because of their illness, are unable to provide and prepare meals for themselves. Our second organizational goal is to provide culturally appropriate nutrition education and counseling to people living with HIV, their families, and care providers. The third aspect of our mission is to offer an opportunity for volunteer service to people who seek to respond directly and effectively to the AIDS crisis.
GLWD traces its beginnings to the summer of 1985, when a hospice volunteer discovered that New Yorkers confined to their homes by AIDS-related illness were starving-simply because they were too weak or too tired to purchase and prepare food. Enlisting the help of New York City restaurants, she boldly pledged that no homebound person with AIDS within her reach would ever be forced to go hungry. The number of clients requesting her help quickly grew, and the following year, God's Love We Deliver was incorporated.
GLWD has delivered more than 4 million meals throughout the city's five boroughs and in nearby Hudson County, New Jersey. Recognizing that good nutrition is an effective co-therapy for people with AIDS, GLWD has provided nutrition counseling and education to more than 28,000 HIV-positive people and/or their care providers, helping individuals to optimize the medical treatment of HIV disease through dietary management. In addition, GLWD's Client Ombuds Service assists Clients and others affected by HIV/AIDS by helping them to access social services in the communities.
GLWD's industrial-sized kitchen in SoHo is open six days a week. Through the combined efforts of 1,320 dedicated volunteers, 88 full-time staff members, and a network of 54 community-based Neighborhood Meal Distribution Centers, we reach approximately 1,200 people with AIDS, every weekday, with two free, well-balanced meals each. All of our services are provided free of charge, without regard to age, religion, sex, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
St. Thomas Episcopal Church has been a source of outreach and involvement with "God's Love We Deliver" for over twelve years, delivering meals to individuals who are homebound with HIV/AIDS and other illnesses.
St. Thomas Episcopal Church, beginning in May 1996, has delivered for over over 11,000 meals to our clients. It is with great love and respect that we at God’s Love we Deliver thank you for your generous hearts!!
Thank You Pat Costello NMDC coordinator. dispatcher
CURRENT GOD'S LOVE VOLUNTEERS ARE: Junice Baptiste, Stanley Leigh
FACTS ABOUT AIDS AND AFRICAN AMERICANS § AIDS is the number one cause of death for Black men and women aged 25 to 44, before heart disease, cancer and homicide. It is the fifth leading cause of death for all Americans in this age group.
§ African Americans account for 13 percent of the US population. Yet, in 1998 they accounted for 45 percent of new AIDS cases and 49 percent of total AIDS deaths.
§ In terms of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, Black Americans were 57 percent of new cases reported in 1997.
§ One in 50 Black men is HIV-positive. One in 160 Black women is HIV positive.
§ African American women constituted 64 percent of female AIDS cases in 1998.
§ Black men were 50 percent of new AIDS cases among men.
§ Black youth ages 13 to 24 were 63 percent of adolescent HIV cases in 1997 but were only 15 percent of the adolescent population. Black children are 58 percent of pediatric AIDS cases.
§ Black senior citizens represent more than 50 percent of HIV cases among persons over age 55.
§ Intravenous drug use is fueling the epidemic in Black communities. It accounts for 43 percent of infections among Black women and 38 percent among Black men.
§ In addition, a significant portion of the 53 percent of Black women with AIDS who were infected through heterosexual sex contracted the virus through sex with a current or former drug user.
§ Increased advocacy on behalf of African Americans is necessary. While Blacks represented 43 percent of new AIDS cases in 1996, only 31 percent of the dollars allocated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the community planning process were targeted to serve African Americans.
§ AIDS is a global problem for Black People. Currently, over 22 million sub-Saharan African are estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS. Almost 12 million have already died in this region due to AIDS-related illnesses. In some countries, up to 25 percent of all adults are HIV-positive.
THE BALM IN GILEAD’S AFRICA HIV/AIDS FAITH INITIATIVE
Our Mission: The Balm In Gilead is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization with an international mission to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS throughout the African Diaspora by building the capacity of faith communities to provide services, HIV/AIDS education and to build support networks for all people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.
The Balm In Gilead’s pioneering achievements have enabled thousands of churches to become leaders in preventing the transmission of HIV by providing comprehensive educational programs and offering compassionate support to encourage those infected to seek and maintain treatment.
The Balm In Gilead, endorsed by over 17 major church denominations, caucuses, and coalitions as well as independent churches and mosques, spearheads a dynamic response to the HIV/AIDS crisis in the faith community. The Balm In Gilead has established, and continues to develop, educational and training programs specifically to meet the needs of churches and mosques that strive to become centers for HIV/AIDS ministry, education and compassion.
The Balm In Gilead is exclusively instituted to work with faith communities on HIV/AIDS. The Balm In Gilead is devoted to confronting the global crisis of HIV/AIDS among Africans across the Diaspora. HIV has devastated communities throughout the continent of Africa. In addition to continuing its programs in the United States, The Balm In Gilead works to mobilize and educate the faith communities of Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zimbabwe to appropriately and effectively respond to the severity of HIV/AIDS.
The Goals Of The Africa HIV/AIDS Faith Initiative § To build the capacity of the faith community in each country to: § Speak out against the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS; § Educate people about HIV/AIDS; § Support and provide interventions that prevent mother-to child HIV transmission; § Support and provide faith-based voluntary counseling and testing; § Provide effective HIV/AIDS prevention education to adolescents and youth; § Develop interventions that reduce high risk behaviors and zero-negative status; and § Provide long term care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS and children orphaned by the pandemic; § Advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS, including the rights of women, widows and orphans.
THE BLACK CHURCH WEEK OF PRAYER FOR THE HEALING OF AIDS Leader: O God, God of the joyful and God of those who mourn, People: God of the healthy and God of the sick, Leader: God of the wealthy and God of the poor, People: God of the gay and God of the straight, Leader: God of the weary and God of the strong, People: God of the sober and God of the addicted, Leader: God of the fearful and God of the trusting, People: God of the abused and God of the abuser, All: God of us all, Leader: Bring us each and all into the safe space of your presence People: For we need safe space in order to heal. Leader: Bring us into safe space, free from our judgments of others and of ourselves. People: Bring us into safe space, free to live without requiring lies of each other. Leader: Teach us to advocate for and protect each other. People: Teach us to hold each other up and calm each fear. Leader: Heal the wounds of distrust and betrayal. People: Heal the wounds of rejection and shame. Leader: Grant that we may be a people who trust in you People: And embrace each other in the name of Jesus the Christ. Leader: Grant that in this space, in our lives, and in community, People: The healing may begin. Leader: Grant that in this safe space the silence will be broken People: So that the healing of HIV and AIDS may begin. All: We pray in the strong name of Jesus who lives among us and in us and through us all. Amen. Leader: What will it take, O God, People: for us to see the vision fulfilled in the land of the living? Leader: What will it take, O God, People: for the change to come in our community, in our lives? Leader: What will it take, O God, People: for the scattered to be gathered that all may praise and dance together? Leader: What will it take, O God, to free our sisters and brothers from HIV and AIDS? People: What will it take, O God, for us, your church to be free from ignorance and fear? Leader: What will it take, O God, People: for us to recognize your Word become flesh living among us with AIDS? Leader: What will it take, O God, for the dance to begin and the deaths to end? Church, we are the Body of Christ People: The Body of Christ, living with AIDS
Leader: If we choose, we can make a difference. People: If we choose, we can contribute to the healing of AIDS. Leader: In our homes, in our church, in our community People: In our bodies, in our minds, in our spirit. Leader: Our sisters and brothers, our parents and children are i nfected with HIV. People: Our community is living and dying with AIDS. Leader: If we choose, the blocks to healing can be removed. People: We choose compassion. We choose to respond. Leader: Will you respond with your money, with your time, with your love? People: We are the Body of Christ. We choose to respond that AIDS may be healed. We pray and act for the healing of AIDS.
A PRAYER FOR THE HEALING OF AIDS God of us all, we pray for the unity of the Black Church, that we may find a unified way to fight this disease of HIV/AIDS. Lead the Church out of passivity and old-fashioned attitudes. Replace ignorance with education. Teach the young self-worth and strength, the strength of self-discipline. Teach the old, new ways of caring and compassion.
We pray for the commitment of time and money that will provide crisis intervention, professional guidance, community, seminars and outreach programs to provide alternatives to the harmful enticements of the streets.
Grant us, together, acknowledgment of what is and what is not, as well as a vision of what can be, in the name of Jesus the Christ. AMEN.
The temptations of Jesus in the desert probably reveal his human side as much as any other gospel story. Though scripture says he was “like us in all things except sin”, we tend to see Jesus unlike us: a miracle worker, an assured teacher, a master of circumstances, someone above it all. But look at him in the desert, weary, vulnerable, struggling for footing in a dangerous land. Was much of his life really like that? Think of the demands people made on him. The blind man shouting from the roadside, the paralytic lowered from the roof, the woman pleading for her daughter were just some of the many who pressed their cares on him at every turn. Did he tire of it all?
Is the Evil One’s first suggestion, that he turn stones into bread, a lifelong temptation Jesus had to lay down this everyday burden, the burden of doing good, and rest? And what of the other temptations in the desert? Think how pressured he was by the political and religious establishments of his day to conform to their standards and be quiet. Just go along, they said, and you have a place with us, even a place of honor. Jesus called those powerful people “children of the devil”. Yet was he tempted to conform and go along just the same?
Even his own disciples were his temptors. Listen to their advice to him: “Leave this place and go up to Judea, so that your followers will see the things you are doing. No one hides what he is doing if he is well known. Since you are doing these things, let the whole world know about you.” (Jn 7:3-5) Why waste time here in out-of-the-way Galilee? Use your spectacular power, they told him. You can be a world-wide success. He must have responded to them as he responded once to Peter: “Get behind me, Satan.”
The desert temptations must have been temptations Jesus faced everyday. If they are, how like us he is: tempted to give up under our daily burdens, tempted to compromise and follow the crowd, tempted to seek some extraordinary power rather than the quiet power found in ordinary life.
Can we be like him? Tempted, but still victorious? Will he not deliver us?
Americans have recognized black history annually since 1926, first as "Negro History Week" and later as "Black History Month." What you might not know is that black history had barely begun to be studied-or even documented-when the tradition originated. Although blacks have been in America at least as far back as colonial times, it was not until the 20th century that they gained a respectable presence in the history books.
Blacks Absent from History Books. We owe the celebration of Black History Month, and more importantly, the study of black history, to Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Born to parents who were former slaves, he spent his childhood working in the Kentucky coal mines and enrolled in high school at age twenty. He graduated within two years and later went on to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard. The scholar was disturbed to find in his studies that history books largely ignored the black American population-and when blacks did figure into the picture, it was generally in ways that reflected the inferior social position they were assigned at the time.
Established Journal of Negro History. Woodson, always one to act on his ambitions, decided to take on the challenge of writing black Americans into the nation's history. He established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now called the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History) in 1915, and a year later founded the widely respected Journal of Negro History. In 1926, he launched Negro History Week as an initiative to bring national attention to the contributions of black people throughout American history.
Woodson chose the second week of February for Negro History Week because it marks the birthdays of two men who greatly influenced the black American population, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. However, February has much more than Douglass and Lincoln to show for its significance in black American history. For example:
February 23, 1868: W. E. B. DuBois, important civil rights leader and co-founder of the NAACP, was born.
February 3, 1870: The 15th Amendment was passed, granting blacks the right to vote.
February 25, 1870: The first black U.S. senator, Hiram R. Revels (1822-1901), took his oath of office.
February 12, 1909: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded in New York City.
February 1, 1960: In what would become a civil-rights movement milestone, a group of black Greensboro, N.C., college students began a sit-in at a segregated Woolworth's lunch counter.
