Opening Acclamation
Let us hear our Lord’s blessing on those who follow him:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Blessed are those who weep, for they shall be consoled.
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after justice, for they shall be satisfied.
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Blessed are those who suffer persecution for the sake of justice, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Collect for Purity
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Processional
Restless Weaver (O.I. Cricket Harrison)

Restless Weaver, ever spinning threads of justice and shalom;
Dreaming patterns of creation where all creatures find a home;
Gathering up life’s varied fibers——every texture, every hue:
Grant us your creative vision, with us weave your world anew.

Where earth’s fragile web is raveling, help us mend each broken strand.
Bless our urgent, bold endeavors cleansing water, air, and land.
Through the Spirit’s inspiration——offering health where once was pain——
Strengthen us to be the stewards of your world knit whole again.

Restless Weaver, still conceiving new life——now and yet to be——
Binding all your vast creation in one living tapestry:
You have called us to be weavers. Let your love guide all we do.
With your Reign of Peace our pattern, we will weave your world anew.

Song of Praise
In the Fields of the Lord (The Porter’s Gate)

In the fields of the Lord, our work is rest,
He is moving in our hands and feet to bless.
In the fields of the Lord, in the fields of the Lord,
In the fields of the Lord our work is rest.

In the vineyards of the Lord our work is light.
He is tending every leaf and every vine.
In the vineyards of the Lord, in the vineyards of the Lord,
In the vineyards of the Lord our work is light.

In the garden of the Lord our work is sound,
He is weaving every thorn into a crown.
In the garden of the Lord, in the garden of the Lord,
In the garden of the Lord our work is sound.

At the harvest of the Lord our hearts are free,
He will wipe away the tears for you and me.
At the harvest of the Lord, at the harvest of the Lord,
At the harvest of the Lord our hearts are free.
At the harvest of the Lord our hearts are free.

The Collect of the Day from the Revised Common Lectionary
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting.
Amen.

First Lesson Acts 1:1-11

Theophilus, the first scroll I wrote concerned everything Jesus did and taught from the beginning, right up to the day when he was taken up into heaven. Before he was taken up, working in the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus instructed the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he showed them that he was alive with many convincing proofs. He appeared to them over a period of forty days, speaking to them about God’s kingdom. While they were eating together, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for what the Father had promised. He said, “This is what you heard from me: John baptized with water, but in only a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

As a result, those who had gathered together asked Jesus, “Lord, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now?”

Jesus replied, “It isn’t for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by his own authority. Rather, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

After Jesus said these things, as they were watching, he was lifted up and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going away and as they were staring toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood next to them. They said, “Galileans, why are you standing here, looking toward heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you saw him go into heaven.”

This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm 47

Clap your hands, all you *peoples;
shout to God with loud songs of *joy.
For the Lord, the Most High, is *awesome,
a great king over all the *earth.

He subdued peoples under *us,
and nations under our *feet.
He chose our heritage for *us,
the pride of Jacob whom he *loves.

God has gone up with a *shout,
the Lord with the sound of a *trumpet.
Sing praises to God, sing *praises;
sing praises to our King, sing *praises.

For God is the king of all the *earth;
sing praises with a *psalm.
God is king over the *nations;
God sits on his holy *throne.

The princes of the peoples *gather
as the people of the God of *Abraham.
For the shields of the earth belong to *God;
he is highly *exalted.

Glory be to the Father, and to the *Son,
and to the Holy *Spirit.
As it was in the be*ginning,
is now, and ever shall be, world without end. A*men.

Second Lesson Ephesians 1:15-23

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may perceive what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation
I Am Sure I Shall See (Taizé)

I am sure I shall see
The goodness of the Lord in the land of living!
Yes, I shall see the goodness of our God;
Hold firm, trust in the Lord!

The Gospel Reading Luke 24:44-53

+ This is the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Luke.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised, so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple blessing God.

This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Gospel Acclamation
I Am Sure I Shall See (Taizé)

I am sure I shall see
The goodness of the Lord in the land of living!
Yes, I shall see the goodness of our God;
Hold firm, trust in the Lord!

Homily Rev. Danny Bryant

A Creed from the United Church of Canada
We are not alone, we live in God’s world.

We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God. 

We are called to be the Church: to celebrate God’s presence, to live with respect in Creation, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil,  to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope.

In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God.

The Prayers of the People
by Rev. Terri Pilarski

For all the blessings of this life, we give thanks to you, Creator God. For families, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and strangers, who nurture us, that the love of God may grow within. That your love, your Word, like a seed, may grow to produce in us, good fruit.
May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.

For the leaders of various nations and cities, that they may lead with strong hearts and gentle hands and generous spirits, with compassion and mercy, with wisdom and grace. May they reflect your will guiding all their actions and decisions.
May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.

For those who serve in harms way, those who live in dangerous places, those who live in areas of war and strife, those who live in fear, those who worry about employment, bills, food, and struggle just to find dignity in life. May your grace bring peace and safety to all people, one to another.
May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.

For those who suffer from any illness or dis-ease of mind, body, or spirit: Restore these, and all those we carry in our hearts, to fullness of health— health as only you, O God, can bring. May your mercy shower each of us with healing mercy and love.
May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.

For those who are dying, and for those who have died: send forth your comforting love. Give solace to those who mourn. Console those who grieve. May your grace surround us like a mantle upon our heads,
a shawl upon our shoulders, a hand, to hold our hand.
May your love, be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.
Amen.

The Peace
Jesus said, A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. (John 13:34) The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.

Song of Preparation
The Risen Christ (Nigel Weaver)

The risen Christ, who walks on wounded feet
from garden tomb through darkened city street,
unlocks the door of grief, despair, and fear,
and speaks a word of peace to all who hear.

The risen Christ, who stands with wounded side,
breathes out his Spirit on them to abide
whose faith still wavers, who dare not believe;
new grace, new strength, new purpose they receive.

The risen Christ, who breaks with wounded hand
the bread for those who fail to understand,
reveals himself, despite their lingering tears,
enflames their hearts, then quickly disappears.

May we, Christ's body, walk and serve and stand
with those oppressed in this and every land,
till all are blessed and can a blessing be,
restored in Christ to true humanity.

Presentation Hymn
Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise him all creatures here below
Praise him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost
Amen

About Communion

On the night Jesus washed his disciples feet and promised to overcome the troubles of this world, he gave his friends a meal to remember their belonging to him and to one another. Friends of Jesus have continued to celebrate this communion meal since that night, and this table is open to all who desire the belonging and peace of Jesus.

Gluten free wafers and grape juice are available if you have those health needs. An usher will invite you to approach the kneelers to receive the meal. If for any reason you’re not prepared to join us, you’re welcome to remain in your seat. If coming to the front is physically difficult for you, please let an usher know and the elements will be brought to you. If you’d like to come up and simply receive a blessing, you can put your arms across your chest and a prayer of peace will be prayed over you.

Celebrating at the Lord’s Table
Be present, be present, Lord Jesus Christ our risen high priest; make yourself known in the breaking of bread.
Amen.

The Great Thanksgiving The Book of Common Prayer
The Lord be with you
and also with you.

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

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

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and every- where to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. But chiefly are we bound to praise you for the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed death, and by his rising to life again he has won for us everlasting life.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
+ Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.

He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me."

After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me."

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

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

Sanctify these gifts by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. + Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

As our Savior Christ has taught us, so we pray:

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is 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 yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo, santificado sea tu Nombre, venga tu reino, hágase tu voluntad, en la tierra como en el cielo. Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día. Perdona nuestras ofensas, como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden. No nos dejes caer en tentación y líbranos del mal. Porque tuyo es el reino, tuyo es el poder, y tuya es la gloria, ahora y por siempre. Amén.

The Breaking of the Bread
Aleluya. Cristo, nuestro Pascua, se ha sacrificado por nosotros.
Celebramos la fiesta. ¡Aleluya!

The Invitation
The Gifts of God for the people of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

Communion Music
The Universal Christ (Corey Kilgannon)

In Christ, all miseries met their match
The Son on whom no shadows cast
Sweet sting of death, a child’s laugh
Eternity when nothing lasts
And nobody is comin’ back

In time, forgiveness has her way
Joy for suffering exchanged
No wedding bells, no judgment day
No severance, no debt to pay
All grief and sorrow simply fades away

In life, we breathe through paradox
A God who deeply misses us
That doesn’t dare to interrupt
Despite our mess, will not give up
On giving us the joys to love

Now the Green Blade Riseth (J.M.C. Crum)

Now the green blade riseth from the buried grain,
Wheat that in the dark earth many days has lain;
Love lives again, that with the dead has been:
Love is come again, like wheat that springeth green.

In the grave they laid Him, Love Whom had been slain,
Thinking that He’d never wake to life again,
Laid in the earth like grain that sleeps unseen:
Love is come again, like wheat that springeth green.

Forth He came at Easter, like the risen grain,
Jesus who for three days in the grave had lain;
Quick from the dead my risen Lord is seen:
Love is come again, like wheat that springeth green.

When our hearts are wintry, grieving or in pain,
Jesus’ touch can call us back to life again;
Fields of our hearts that dead and bare have been:
Love is come again, like wheat that springeth green.
Love lives again, that with the dead has been:
Love is come again, like wheat that springeth green.

The Great Silence
When all have received communion, ministers and people keep silence for reflection.

Prayer After Communion
Let us pray.

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.

The Blessing

The Recessional
Only Ever Always (Sandra McCracken, Ellie Holcomb)

Draw me out with the morning stars
Wake me up with beauty
Sprout a daisy in the yard
Every day remind me

In your love we are satisfied
Only, ever always
In the morning, in the night
Only, ever always

You wrote the song that is in our hearts
Song of joy and wonder
Everyday is a brand new start
His love, it makes us younger

In your love we are satisfied
Only, ever always
In the morning, in the night
Only, ever always

You’re strong enough to take it slow
The sun, the moon so patient
We wait, we see your mercy flow
To every tribe and nation

See the beauty of the Lord
As the sun expires
In one day or a thousand years
His love, it never tires

In your love we are satisfied
Only, ever always
In the morning, in the night
Only, ever always

In your love we are satisfied
Only, ever always
In the morning, in the night
Only, ever always

Only, ever always
Only, ever always

The Dismissal

Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, Alleluia.