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Our Sunday service of Eucharist is below.
Click here to see this Sunday’s service, HYMNS AND BIBLE READINGS for today
Church of the Holy Ghost:
Sunday Eucharist 2023
The Liturgy of the Word
The opening hymn is sung as the ministers enter. The people stand.
The Priest says:
Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you!
People and also with you.
The Priest says:
Let us confess our sins in penitence and faith.
The Priest introduces the confession.
All say: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we have sinned against you and against our neighbour in thought and word and deed, through negligence, through weakness, through our own deliberate fault. We are truly sorry and repent of all our sins. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who died for us, forgive us all that is past and grant that we may serve you in newness of life to the glory of your name.
Amen
The Priest says
Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
All stand and sing:one of the following versions of Gloria in excelsis Deo
Said
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father.
Amen.
Or sung
Gloria, Gloria in excelsis Deo! (Sung twice)
Lord God, heavenly King, peace you bring to us,
we worship you, we give you thanks, we sing our song of praise. (Refrain)
Jesus Saviour of all, Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away our sin, O Lord: have mercy on us all. (Refrain)
At the Father’s right hand, Lord, receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One and you alone are Lord. (Refrain).
Glory, Father and Son, glory, Holy Spirit.
To you we lift our hands up high; we glorify your name. (Refrain).
In Advent and Lent instead of the Gloria, we say or sing:
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
The Collect
The Priest says to the people
Let us pray
The Priest says the Collect. At the end all say: Amen.
The Readings
The people sit.
The reader announces: A reading from the book of …
After the reading the reader says: This is the word of the Lord.
All Thanks be to God.
There may be a time of silence after the reading.
All stand to sing: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
A minister reads the Gospel beginning with these words:
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to …
All Glory to you, O Lord.
At the end of the reading the minister says: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
All Praise to you, O Christ.
The Sermon
After this all stand and say The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God, begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
The prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
¶ The Church of Christ
¶ Creation, human society, those in authority
¶ The local community
¶ Those who suffer
¶ The communion of saints
These responses may be used
Lord, in your mercy
All : hear our prayer.
And at the end
Merciful Father,
All accept these prayers for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
The Peace
All stand: The Priest introduces the Peace and says
The peace of the Lord be always with you
People and also with you.
Let us offer one another a sign of peace.
All may exchange a sign of peace.
Preparation of the Table
Taking of the Bread and Wine
A hymn is sung.
The gifts of the people are gathered and presented.
The table is prepared and bread and wine are placed upon it. A prayer may be said.
The Priest takes the bread and wine, saying these words.
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation:
through your goodness we have this bread to set before you,
which earth has given and human hands have made.
It will become for us the bread of life.
All Blessed be God for ever.
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation:
through your goodness we have this wine to set before you,
fruit of the vine and work of human hands.
It will become for us the cup of salvation.
All Blessed be God for ever.
The Prayer of Thanksgiving
(If a long Preface is used, it replaces all words between the opening dialogue and the Sanctus.)
Priest: The Lord is here.
All: His Spirit is with us.
Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All: It is right to give thanks and praise.
Father, we give you thanks and praise through your beloved Son Jesus Christ, your living Word, through whom you have created all things; who was sent by you in your great goodness to be our Saviour. By the power of the Holy Spirit he took flesh; as your Son, born of the blessed Virgin, he lived on earth and went about among us; he opened wide his arms for us on the cross; he put an end to death by dying for us; and revealed the resurrection by rising to new life; so he fulfilled your will and won for you a holy people.
(A short Preface may be inserted here)
Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we proclaim your great and glorious name, for ever praising you and saying:
All: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Lord, you are holy indeed, the source of all holiness; grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit, and according to your holy will, these gifts of bread and wine may be to us the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ; who, in the same night that he was betrayed, took bread and gave you thanks; he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, after supper he took the cup and gave you thanks; he gave it to them, saying: Drink this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.
Great is the mystery of faith:
All Christ has died:
Christ is risen:
Christ will come again.
And so, Father, calling to mind his death on the cross, his perfect sacrifice made once for the sins of the whole world; rejoicing in his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension, and looking for his coming in glory, we celebrate this memorial of our redemption. As we offer you this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, we bring before you this bread and this cup and we thank you for counting us worthy to stand in your presence and serve you. Send the Holy Spirit on your people and gather into one in your kingdom all who share this one bread and one cup, so that we, in the company of (St N. and) all the saints, may praise and glorify you for ever, through Jesus Christ our Lord; by whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory be yours, almighty Father, for ever and ever.
All Amen.
Breaking bread and sharing in Communion
The Priest says
Let us pray as our Saviour has taught us.
All: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
The Priest breaks the consecrated bread, saying:
We break this bread to share in the body of Christ
All: Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread.
All: Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, mercy on us. (said twice)
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, grant us peace.
Priest: Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Blessed are those who are called to his supper.
All Lord, I am not worthy to receive you,
but only say the word, and I shall be healed.
Or from Easter to Pentecost
Alleluia! Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us,
All: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!
Or during Christmastide and on other special occasions
God’s holy gifts for God’s holy people.
All Jesus Christ is holy,
Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
The ministers receive the Sacrament in both kinds, then distribute it to the people.
All who have been confirmed in the Church of England, or who belong to other Christian traditions and are used to receiving communion in their own church, are welcome to share in the bread and wine. Those who wish to receive a blessing are asked to come forward carrying their order of service, so that the ministers can recognise them.
The bread and cup are offered to the communicants with these words:
The Body (Blood) of Christ. [Amen.]
During the distribution of Communion hymns and Psalms may be sung.
After the Communion the Priest says: Let us pray and may say a prayer.
All may say:
Almighty God, we thank you for feeding us with the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ.
Through him we offer you our souls and bodies to be a living sacrifice.
Send us out in the power of your Spirit to live and work to your praise and glory. Amen.
A hymn is sung.
The Priest blesses the people in these or other suitable words,
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.
Amen.
A minister says
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
All In the name of Christ. Amen.
Or in Eastertide
Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia!
All Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia!
Common Worship, material from which is included in this service, is copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2000-2006.
You may use this QR code to download the service.
Common Worship, material from which is included in this service, is copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2000-2006.
Sunday’s Hymns and Readings
Church of the Holy Ghost, Genoa: Mothering Sunday: Eucharist with Holy Baptism
Entry hymn
1 Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord:
unnumbered blessings, give my spirit voice;
tender to me the promise of his word;
in God, my Saviour shall my heart rejoice.
2 Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his name:
make known his might, the deeds his arm has done;
his mercy sure, from age to age the same;
his holy name, the Lord, the mighty one.
3 Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his might:
pow’rs and dominions lay their glory by;
proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight,
the hungry fed, the humble lifted high.
4 Tell out, my soul, the glories of his word:
firm is his promise, and his mercy sure.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord
to children’s children and for evermore.
The Greeting
The president says
Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you
All and also with you.
Introduction
The president may use these or other words.
Our Lord Jesus Christ has told us that to enter the kingdom of heaven we must be born again of water and the Spirit, and has given us baptism as the sign and seal of this new birth. Here we are washed by the Holy Spirit and made clean. Here we are clothed with Christ, dying to sin that we may live his risen life. As children of God, we have a new dignity and God calls us to fullness of life.
The Collect
God of love, passionate and strong, tender and careful: watch over us and hold us all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
First Reading Exodus 2:1-10
Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid him for three months. When she could hide him no longer she got a papyrus basket for him, and plastered it with bitumen and pitch; she put the child in it and placed it among the reeds on the bank of the river. His sister stood at a distance, to see what would happen to him. The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her attendants walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to bring it. When she opened it, she saw the child. He was crying, and she took pity on him. ‘This must be one of the Hebrews’ children,’ she said. Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, ‘Shall I go and get you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?’ Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Yes.’ So the girl went and called the child’s mother. Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages.’ So the woman took the child and nursed it. When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and she took him as her son. She named him Moses, ‘because’, she said, ‘I drew him out of the water.’
At the end the reader says
This is the word of the Lord.
All Thanks be to God.
The Psalm Psalm 127:1-4
Refrain: The Lord shall keep watch over your going out and your coming in.
The Lord shall keep watch over your going out and your coming in.
1 Unless the Lord builds the house, ♦ those who build it labour in vain.
2 Unless the Lord keeps the city, ♦ the guard keeps watch in vain.
3 It is in vain that you hasten to rise up early and go so late to rest, eating the bread of toil, ♦
for he gives his beloved sleep.
The Lord shall keep watch over your going out and your coming in.
4 Children are a heritage from the Lord ♦
and the fruit of the womb is his gift..
The Lord shall keep watch over your going out and your coming in.
Gospel acclamation
O Lord, hear my prayer; O Lord, hear my prayer. When I call, answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer; O Lord, hear my prayer. Come and listen to me.
Gospel Reading John 19:25-27
The reader says
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
All Glory to you, O Lord.
Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.
At the end
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
All Praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon
¶ The Liturgy of Baptism
Presentation of the Candidates
The president addresses the whole congregation
Faith is the gift of God to his people. In baptism the Lord is adding to our number those whom he is calling. People of God, will you welcome Lois and uphold her in her new life in Christ?
All With the help of God, we will.
The president then says to the parents and godparents
Parents and godparents, the Church receives Lois with joy. Today we are trusting God for her growth in faith. Will you pray for her, draw her by your example into the community of faith
and walk with her in the way of Christ?
With the help of God,we will.
In baptism Lois begins her journey in faith. You speak for her today. Will you care for her,
and help her to take her place within the life and worship of Christ’s Church?
With the help of God,we will.
The Decision
children bring the water, the towel and the oil to the font
§ an older child lights the candle at the decision
A large candle is lit. The president addresses the candidate through her parents, godparents and sponsors
In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light. To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him.
Therefore I ask:
Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
I reject them.
Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
I renounce them.
Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
I repent of them.
Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
I turn to Christ.
Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
I submit to Christ.
Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?
I come to Christ.
Signing with the Cross
The president or another minister makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of the candidate, saying
Christ claims you for his own. Receive the sign of his cross.
The president may invite parents, godparents and sponsors to sign the candidate with the cross. When the candidate has been signed, the president says
Do not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified.
All Fight valiantly as a disciple of Christ against sin, the world and the devil, and remain faithful to Christ to the end of your life.
May almighty God deliver you from the powers of darkness, restore in you the image of his glory, and lead you in the light and obedience of Christ.
All Amen.
Prayer over the Water
Responsive Form
Praise God who made heaven and earth,
All who keeps his promise for ever.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All It is right to give thanks and praise.
Father, for your gift of water in creation,
All we give you thanks and praise.
For your Spirit, sweeping over the waters, bringing light and life,
All we give you thanks and praise.
For your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, baptized in the river Jordan,
All we give you thanks and praise.
For your new creation, brought to birth by water and the Spirit,
All we give you thanks and praise.
For your grace bestowed upon us your children, washing away our sins,
All we give you thanks and praise.
Father, accept our sacrifice of praise; may your holy and life-giving Spirit move upon these waters.
All Lord, receive our prayer.
Restore through them the beauty of your creation, and bring those who are baptized to new birth in the family of your Church.
All Lord, receive our prayer.
Drown sin in the waters of judgement, anoint your children with power from on high, and make them one with Christ in the freedom of your kingdom.
All Lord, receive our prayer.
For all might, majesty, dominion and power are yours, now and for ever.
All Amen and Amen
Profession of Faith
Let us affirm, together with these who are being baptized, our common faith in Jesus Christ.
Do you believe and trust in God the Father, source of all being and life, the one for whom we exist?
All I believe and trust in him.
Do you believe and trust in God the Son, who took our human nature, died for us and rose again?
All I believe and trust in him.
Do you believe and trust in God the Holy Spirit, who gives life to the people of God and makes Christ known in the world?
All I believe and trust in him.
This is the faith of the Church.
All This is our faith. We believe and trust in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Baptism
The president pours water on the candidate, saying
Lois, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All Amen.
The president says
May God, who has received you by baptism into his Church, pour upon you the riches of his grace, that within the company of Christ’s pilgrim people you may daily be renewed by his anointing Spirit, and come to the inheritance of the saints in glory.
All Amen.
Giving of a Lighted Candle
God has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and has given us a place with the saints in light. You have received the light of Christ; walk in this light all the days of your life.
All Shine as a light in the world to the glory of God the Father.
The president and those who have been baptized may return from the font.
Commission
Where the newly baptized are unable to answer for themselves, a minister addresses the congregation, parents and godparents.
§ an older child (or a parent) reads “The Commission” and gives the family
o the New Testament
o the certificates
o the candle
The following prayer is said
God of grace and life, in your love you have given us a place among your people; keep us faithful to our baptism, and prepare us for that glorious day when the whole creation will be made perfect in your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
All Amen.
The Welcome and Peace
There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism: Lois, by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body.
All We welcome you into the fellowship of faith; we are children of the same heavenly Father; we welcome you.
The congregation may greet the newly baptized.
The president introduces the Peace in these words.
Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given us access to his grace. The peace of the Lord be always with you
All and also with you.
A minister may say
Let us offer one another a sign of peace.
All may exchange a sign of peace.
Prayers of Intercession
Intercessions are led by the president.
The intercession may conclude with a Collect.
As a royal priesthood, let us pray to the Father through Christ who ever lives to intercede for us.
Reveal your kingdom among the nations; may peace abound and justice flourish.
Especially for …
Your name be hallowed.
All Your kingdom come.
Send down upon us the gift of the Spirit and renew your Church with power from on high.
Especially for …
Your name be hallowed.
All Your kingdom come.
Deliver the oppressed, strengthen the weak, heal and restore your creation.
Especially for …
Your name be hallowed.
All Your kingdom come.
Rejoicing in the fellowship of the Church on earth, we join our prayers with all the saints in glory.
Your name be hallowed.
All Your kingdom come.
¶ The Liturgy of the Eucharist
Offertory Hymn
1 Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,
Whose trust, ever child-like, no cares can destroy,
Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,
Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.
2 Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,
Whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe,
Be there at our labours, and give us, we pray,
Your strength in our hearts, Lord, at the noon of the day.
3 Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,
Your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace,
Be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,
Your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.
4 Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,
Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.
Preparation of the Table
children bring up the flowers with the offertory
Taking of the Bread and Wine
God of our journey, as we walk with you on your path of obedience, sustain us on our way and lead us to your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Eucharistic Prayer
The Lord is here
All His Spirit is with us.
Lift up your hearts.
All We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All It is right to give thanks and praise.
Lord of all life, you created the universe, where all living things reflect your glory. You give us this great and beautiful earth, to discover and to cherish.You give us your love, even when things go wrong. Jesus knew hurt and pain. Through him you wipe away our tears, and fill us with your peace. You made us all, each wonderfully different, to join with the angels and sing your praise:
All Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
We thank you, loving Father, because, when we turned away, you sent Jesus, your Son. He gave his life for us on the cross and shows us the way to live. Send your Holy Spirit that these gifts of bread and wine may be for us Christ’s body and his blood. On the night before he died, when darkness had fallen, Jesus took bread. He gave thanks, broke it, and shared it with his disciples, saying: ‘This is my body, given for you. Do this to remember me.’ After they had eaten, he took the cup of wine, gave thanks, and shared it with his disciples, saying: ‘This is my blood, poured out for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins.’ So Father, with this bread and this cup we celebrate his love, his death, his risen life. As you feed us with these gifts, send your Holy Spirit, and change us more and more to be like Jesus our Saviour. Help us, Father, to love one another, as we look forward to that day when suffering is ended, and all creation is gathered in your loving arms.And now with all your saints we give you glory, through Jesus Christ, in the strength of the Spirit, today and for ever.
All Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.
Breaking of the Bread
The priest breaks the bread, saying
Every time we eat this bread and drink this cup
All we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
While the bread is being broken, all say.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: grant us peace.
Giving of Communion
Prayer after Communion
the following is used
Loving God, as a mother feeds her children at the breast you feed us in this sacrament with the food and drink of eternal life: help us who have tasted your goodness to grow in grace within the household of faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All Amen.
Sending Hymn
1 Let all the world in every corner sing,
my God and King.
The heavens are not too high,
his praise may thither fly:
the earth is not too low,
his praises there may grow.
Let all the world in every corner sing,
my God and King.
2 Let all the world in every corner sing,
my God and King.
The church with psalms must shout,
no door can keep them out;
but above all the heart
must bear the longest part.
Let all the world in every corner sing,
my God and King.
The Blessing
God, who from the death of sin raised you to new life in Christ, keep you from falling and set you in the presence of his glory; 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
Go in the light and peace of Christ.
All Thanks be to God.