april 5, 2011 welcome to st paul’s anglican church … · 2012-04-06 · a new commandment i give...

April 5, 2011

S t P a u l ’ s A n g l i c a n C h u r c h , S a m f o r d


WELCOME

TO

St PAUL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH SAMFORD

Belong, Believe & Be

The Three Holy Days

Maundy Thursday

Agape Meal & The Commemoration of the Lord’s Supper with Foot Washing

5 April 2012 6:00pm

(Please feel free to take these booklets for further reading and prayer)

April 5, 2012 The Three Holy Days- Maundy Thursday


Maundy Thursday

The Thursday of Holy Week is remembered as the time Jesus ate a final meal together with the men who had followed him for so long. We do not have to solve the historical questions surrounding the event to remember and celebrate in worship what Jesus did and taught and modeled for us here, what God was doing in Jesus the Christ. And the questions should not shift our attention from the real focus of the story: the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Traditionally in the Christian Church, this day is known as Maundy Thursday. The term Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum (from which we get our English word mandate), from a verb that means "to give," "to entrust," or "to order." The term is usually translated "commandment," from John's account of this Thursday night. According to the Fourth Gospel, as Jesus and the Disciples were eating their final meal together before Jesus’ arrest, he washed the disciples' feet to illustrate humility and the spirit of servanthood. After they had finished the meal, as they walked into the night toward Gethsemane, Jesus taught his disciples a "new" commandment that was not really new (John 13:34-35):

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, you also ought to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

The colors for Maundy Thursday are usually the colors of Lent, royal purple or red violet. However, some use red for Maundy Thursday, the color of the church, in order to identify with the community of disciples that followed Jesus. Along the same line, some use this day to honor the apostles who were commissioned by Jesus to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world.

The sharing of the Eucharist, or sacrament of thanksgiving, on Maundy Thursday is the means by which most Christians observe this day. There is a great variety in exactly how the service is conducted, however. In some churches, it is traditional for the pastor or priest to wash the feet of members of the congregation as part of the service (John 13:3-15).

In some church traditions all of the altar coverings and decorations are removed after the Eucharist is served on Maundy Thursday. Psalm 22 is sometimes either read or sung while the altar paraments are being removed. Since the altar in these traditions symbolize the Christ, the "stripping of the altar" symbolizes the abandonment of Jesus by his disciples and the stripping of Jesus by the soldiers prior to his crucifixion. This, like the darkness often incorporated into a Good Friday service, represents the humiliation of Jesus and the consequences of sin as a preparation for the celebration of new life and hope that is to come on Resurrection Day.

Prayer Thought for Today

Do this in Memory of Me: When he celebrated the Passover Supper on the night before he died, Jesus transformed it’s meaning. No longer were disciples to celebrate the deliverance from Egypt by Moses through the Red Sea: now they were to keep festival in memory of Jesus the redeemer and his Passover through death to life. Thus the Eucharist was born: thus we celebrate it this eveving.



“Agape” is the New Testament Greek work for “self-giving love”. In the Christian tradition an “Agape” is also the name for informal meals and times of togetherness and mutual sharing which remind us of all those meals Jesus shared with his friends and the unity that his Spirit continues to give us.

Gathering

A member of the congregation says the welcome

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who on this night shared a final meal with his friends- I bid you welcome. Let this be a time of sharing; of sharing food and of sharing in the love we have for each other and for our Lord Jesus Christ. May the Lord give us a happy time together.

The Priest continues

Our Lord Jesus Christ said:

‘I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.’

In that love, we are the body of Christ. His Spirit is with us.

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

Exchange of peace with the people beside you.

Let us pray

This is the place and this is the time Here and now, God waits to break into our experience. To change our minds. To change our hearts. To change our ways. To make us see the world and the whole of life in a new light. To fill us with hope, joy and certainty for the future.

Here and now – let us praise God.

1. Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One, is here; come bow before Him now with reverence and fear: in Him no sin is found - we stand on holy ground. Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One, is here.



2. Be still, for the glory of the Lord is shining all around; He burns with holy fire, with splendour He is crowned: how awesome is the sight - our radiant King of light! Be still, for the glory of the Lord is shining all around.

3. Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place: He comes to cleanse and heal, to minister His grace - no work too hard for Him. In faith receive from Him. Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place.

David J Evans © 1986 Thankyou Music

Used by permission. CCL Licence No 79896

A reading from the Gospel of John

Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.

Hear the word of the Lord Thanks be to God

Setting the Table

Please Stand as the Priest says:

On the table in the midst of this community with whom Christ is present we set symbols to remind us of His promises to us:

A candle is placed on the centre table and the following is said:

A candle, to remind us of Jesus who said, “I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life”.

Some bread is placed on the centre table and the following is said:

Bread, symbol of Jesus who said, “I am the bread of life. The bread that I shall give is myself for the life of the world”.



The Priest takes the bread and says:

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, you bring forth bread from the earth to sustain us. Blessed is your name for all the life and food we share this night, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Wine is placed on the centre table and the following is said:

Wine, symbol of Jesus who said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.”

The Priest takes the wine and says:

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, you create the fruit of the vine. Blessed is your name for refreshing our lives from the cup of life and salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A cross is placed on the centre table and the following is said:

A cross, to remind us that Jesus said, “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another”.

The gathered community says together

Lord, we welcome your presence with us. May the food and companionship we share Nourish our bodies, hearts and minds. And may our spirits be refreshed As we live in the light of your presence With us now, and at all times and places. Amen.



The Meal

A member of the congregation says:

I now invite you to sit and enjoy the following meal. Let it be for us a reminder of the community and love that we share in the name of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.

During the meal the following may be read- Isaiah 25:6-9; 1 John 4:7-21, Colossians 3:12-17

After the meal we continue

The Gathering of Symbols and Procession

The Priest says:

Come, let us gather these symbols of Christ together and proceed to the Altar of the Lord.

The congregation proceeds to the church in silence carrying the symbols to the Altar. Once the symbols have been placed on the Altar and all are seated the service continues with the Foot Washing.

The Priest then addresses the people in these or similar words.

Tonight we have begun the Great Three Days of our Lord’s passion, death and resurrection, the journey from the supper table to the cross, from the cross to Easter dawn. We are followers in his way, exploring his truth, encountering his life.

This is the night when Christ the Lamb of God gave himself into the hands of those who would betray him. This is the night when Christ gathered with his disciples in the upper room. This is the night when Christ our Lord gave us this holy feast, that as we break the bread and drink the cup we may here proclaim his holy sacrifice, and come at the last to his table in heaven. This is the night when Christ took a towel and washed the disciples’ feet, showing us how to honour and serve one another in love. This is the night for watching and prayer.

We give ourselves freely to the demands of these great days, confident that those who die in Christ will surely live with him.

The liturgical Assistant continues

God shows great love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.

Silence is kept for a moment

Lets us confess our sins in penitence and faith

Lord Jesus, you are the firstborn of the dead; Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you bore our sins in your body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; Christ have mercy. Christ have mercy



Lord Jesus, you call us to deny ourselves, take up the cross and follow you; Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

The priest pronounces God’s forgiveness

We have turned our hearts to God in repentance and our sins are laid bare before the cross of Jesus Christ. In the name of the living God, your sins are forgiven.

We receive God’s mercy and take hold of our forgiveness. Lead us, Holy Spirit, to walk again in the light of Christ. Amen.

The Trisagion is said together

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us.

Collect

O God, your love was embodied in Jesus Christ, who washed the disciples’ feet on the night of his betrayal: wash us from the stain of sin, so that, in hours of danger, we may not fail, but follow your Son through every trial, and praise him always as Lord and Christ, to whom be glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Please be seated for the readings

A reading from the Book of Exodus Chapter 12 - beginning at verse 1 (NRSV)

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household. If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbor in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Do not



eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs. You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the Lord. For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgements: I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance.

Hear the word of the Lord, thanks be to God.

Psalm 116

Said Together

1. I love the Lord, for he has heard the voice of my supplication; because he inclined his ear to me on the day I called to him.

2. The snares of death encompassed me; the pains of hell took hold of me; by grief and sorrow was I held.

11. I will lift up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.

12. I will fulfil my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.

13. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.

14. O Lord, I am your servant, your servant, the child of your handmaid; you have freed me from my bonds.

15. I will offer to you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call upon the name of the Lord.

16. I will fulfil my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people,

17. In the courts of the house of the Lord, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Alleluia.

Glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit; as in the beginning, so now and for ever. Amen.



A reading from Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians Chapter 11 - beginning a verse 23 (NRSV)

I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Hear the word of the Lord, thanks be to God.

Gradual Hymn (Sung Twice)

A new commandment I give unto you that you love one another as I have loved you, that you love one another as I have loved you. By this will others know that you are my disciples if you have love one for another. By this will others know that you are my disciples if you have love one for another.

Arrangement © Australian Hymn Book Co Reproduced with permission

Gospel Acclamation

Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus Christ! I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you. Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John Chapter 13 - beginning at verse 1 (NRSV)

Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him,



“Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.” After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

This is the gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

All sit for the Sermon

The Foot Washing

At the place where the foot washing is to take place the Priest says:

Beloved in Christ, we have heard that, on the night before his death, Jesus set and example for his disciples by washing their feet, an act of humble service.

I therefore invite you who share in the royal priesthood of Christ to take part in this recollection of this act, that we may recall whose servants we are, remembering his teaching that what is done for us is also to be done for others.

The priest washes the feet of the people. After the washing of feet the Priest ends with this prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us that what we do for the least of our brothers and sisters we do also for you: give us the will to be the servant of others as you were the servant of all, and gave up your life and died for us, but are alive and reign, now and forever. Amen.



After the foot washing we sing:

1. Come as you are: that’s how I want you. Come as you are; feel quite at home, close to my heart, loved and forgiven. Come as you are: why stand alone?

2. No need to fear, love sets no limits; no need to fear, love never ends; don’t run away shamed and disheartened, rest in my love, trust me again.

3. I came to call sinners, not just the righteous; I came to bring peace, not to condemn. Each time you fail to live by my promise, why do you think I’d love you the less?

4. Come as you are; that’s how I love you; come as you are, trust me again. Nothing can change the love that I bear you; all will be well, just come as you are.’

Deirdre Browne 1936– Words and music by permission Spectrum Publications, Melbourne

Reproduced with permission

The Liturgical Assistant continues

Merciful God, on this, the night he was betrayed, your Son Jesus Christ washed his disciples’ feet. As we commit ourselves to following his example of love and service, teach us humility.

God of grace, hear our prayer.

On this night, Jesus prayed for his disciples to be one. As we grieve for the divisions in the church, unite us.


On this night, Jesus prayed for those who would come to believe through the disciples’ message. As we take up the mission of the church, renew our zeal.


On this night, Jesus commanded his friends to love, but he suffered rejection himself. As we open our hearts to the rejected and the unloved, fill us with your love.


On this night, Jesus reminded his people that, if the world hated them, it had hated him first. As we face our own fears, we pray for those who are persecuted for their faith; give us your peace.




On this night, Jesus loved his friends to the very end. As we open our hearts to all who face darkness tonight, we pray for the sick, those who mourn, those trapped by violence, addiction, or pain: give healing and hope.


Faithful God, these are the prayers of your Church. We offer them trusting and hoping in you. Hear and help us, challenge and change us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Jesus said: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.’

Let us pray We do not presume to come to your table, merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under your table. But you are the same Lord whose nature is always to have mercy. Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of your dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.

All stand as the altar is prepared in silence

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

We participate by watching and listening as the Priest sings or says the first part of the Great Thanksgiving. This prayer is seasonal and concludes with these or similar words:

Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we proclaim your great and glorious name, for ever praising you and singing:



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. The Eucharistic Prayer continues. After the words of consecration all acclaim what Jesus has accomplished.

Let us proclaim the mystery of faith.

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

The priest continues the Eucharistic Prayer. The prayer concludes with these or similar words:

…..with whom, and in whom, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, we worship you, Father, in songs of never-ending praise: Blessing and honour and glory and power are yours for ever and ever. Amen

As our Saviour Christ has taught us, we are confident to pray,

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies it bears much fruit. If we have died with him, we shall live with him.

Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on us. Jesus, bearer of our sins, have mercy on us. Jesus, redeemer of the world, grant us your peace.

The Chalice and bread are lifted



Behold, this is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world Happy are those who are called to his supper.

Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word, and I shall be healed.

So, come, let us take this holy sacrament of the body and blood of Christ in remembrance that he died for us, and feed on him in our hearts by faith with thanksgiving.

The sacrament is given. A time of silence and quiet prayer will take place during the Communion

After Communion

Jesus said, ‘If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.’ John 13.14

Let us pray

Holy God, source of all love, on the night of betrayal Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another as he loved them. We thank you for feeding us in this supper. Give us the will to serve others as he was servant of all. Amen

The Transfer of the Sacrament to the Chapel

The Most Holy Sacrament (the consecrated bread) is now transferred to a Chapel of the Watch for the giving of communion on Good Friday. The Church does not “celebrate” the Eucharist on Good Friday because we cannot celebrate the day of our Lord’s terrible death. However, we can receive the benefits of his Passion by receiving the Sacrament consecrated at this service.

As the sacrament is transferred the following may be sung in quiet contemplation.

1. Abide with me; fast falls the eventide: the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide: when other helpers fail, and comforts flee, help of the helpless, O abide with me.

2. Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day; earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away. change and decay in all around I see: O thou who changest not, abide with me.

3. I need thy presence every passing hour; what but thy grace can foil the tempter’s power? Who like thyself my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.



4. I fear no foe with thee at hand to bless; ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness. Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if thou abide with me.

5. Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes; shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies: heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Henry Francis Lyte 1793–1847 alt.

Reproduced with permission

The Stripping of the Altar

The next part of the service is the Stripping of the Altar and taking out of the furnishings, only what is needed for the Liturgy for Good Friday remains. This practical requirement has evolved into a ceremony of identification with the lonely desolation of our Lord. During the Stripping of the Altar Psalm 22 is recited. This psalm is the one, which our Lord quoted on the cross.

Once the sanctuary has been cleared the altar is washed by the Priest.

When this is completed we leave the church building in silence. It is important to try and observe discipline as silence preserves in the heart the spirit of the worship. Idle chatter destroys it.

We gather again the next day in silence to continue this service in The Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion.



For further reflection……….

Exodus

What do you find noteworthy about this observance of Passover? Find other instance of the Passover in the Old Testament and determine if these something significant about them?

Regarding the Passover commemoration, for whose benefit does God institute the feast on the same night that he passes over the Egyptians? What does this have in common with its Christian counterpart- the Holy Communion?

How do these feast both speak to identity? John

What is the significance of Jesus’ washing of the disciple’s feet? Is it a nice gesture or does it have deeper meaning?

How does Jesus challenge their ideas of what it means to be the chief followers of the Messiah? What role reversals do you see here and how are they significant for our ministries?

Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. Liturgical resources are from A Prayer Book for Australia which is copyright 1995, The Anglican Church of Australia Trust Corporation, and published under the imprint Broughton Books. Reproduced with permission. Broughton Publishing License 2011/344. Common Worship: Times and Seasons (2006) material from which is included in this service, is copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2006. CRI/Voice, Institute, Dennis Bratcher, from which information appears in this service, Copyright © 2009 CRI/Voice, Institute. Hymns The Australian Hymn Book Pty. Ltd., from Together in Song, published by William Collins Publishers, Pty. Ltd. Reproduced with permission under Licence No. AUS20-10123Y-3318Q7 (Licensed to Rev. Cameron Freese). All other music used under CCLI licesne No: 79896 & Licesing License No: A1208

april 5, 2011 welcome to st paul’s anglican church … · 2012-04-06 · a new commandment i give...

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