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
I Have Decided to Follow Jesus (Simon Marak)

I have decided to follow Jesus.
I have decided to follow Jesus.
I have decided to follow Jesus.
No turning back, no turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me
The world behind me, the cross before me
The world behind me, the cross before me
No turning back, no turning back.

Though none go with me, still I will follow.
Though none go with me, still I will follow.
Though none go with me, still I will follow.
No turning back, no turning back.

Song of Praise
God’s Highway (Sandra McCracken, Thad Cockrell)

I believe in the love of God
It is an orphan's wildest dream
It is a narrow little road
It is an ever-widening desert stream

Oh I, and I
I will leave this road
For the narrow

It is portrayed in the bread and wine
Let it fortify my bones
It is more than just a sign
It is the fountain from that desert stone

Oh I, and I
I will leave this road
For the narrow

It is the path where the humble go
It is the narrow not the broad
It is the pathway down the hill
To the graveyard of the living God

Oh I, and I
I will leave this road
For the narrow

The love of God is the hymn of hope
Let the needy join the throng
Let the widow hear and cope
Let the crippled rise to sing this song

Oh I, and I
I will leave this road
For the narrow

The Collect of the Day from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002)
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Risen Christ, companion on the way: break through the disillusionment and despair which cloud our vision, so that we may find our way and journey on as messengers of your good news.
Amen.

First Lesson Acts 2:14a, 36-41

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them,

“Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.

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

Psalm 116

I love the Lord, for he heard my *voice;
He heard my cry for *mercy.
Because he turned his ear to *me,
I will call on him as long as I *live.

The snares of death en*compassed me,
The anguish of the grave came *over me;
I was over*come
By distress and *sorrow.

Then I called on the name of the *LORD,
"O LORD, I pray, save my *life!"
What shall I return to the *LORD
for all his bounty *to me?

I will lift up the cup of sal*vation
And call upon the name of the *Lord.
I will fulfill my vows to the *Lord
In the presence of all his *people.

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 1 Peter 1:17-23

Since you call upon a Father who judges all people according to their actions without favoritism, you should conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your dwelling in a strange land. Live in this way, knowing that you were not liberated by perishable things like silver or gold from the empty lifestyle you inherited from your ancestors. Instead, you were liberated by the precious blood of Christ, like that of a flawless, spotless lamb. Christ was chosen before the creation of the world, but was only revealed at the end of time. This was done for you, who through Christ are faithful to the God who raised him from the dead and gave him glory. So now, your faith and hope should rest in God.

As you set yourselves apart by your obedience to the truth so that you might have genuine affection for your fellow believers, love each other deeply and earnestly. Do this because you have been given new birth—not from the type of seed that decays but from seed that doesn’t. This seed is God’s life-giving and enduring word.

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

Gospel Acclamation

I have decided to follow Jesus.
No turning back, no turning back.

The Gospel Reading Luke 24:13-35

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

On that same day, two disciples were traveling to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking to each other about everything that had happened. While they were discussing these things, Jesus himself arrived and joined them on their journey. They were prevented from recognizing him.

He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk along?” They stopped, their faces downcast.

The one named Cleopas replied, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who is unaware of the things that have taken place there over the last few days?”

He said to them, “What things?”

They said to him, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth. Because of his powerful deeds and words, he was recognized by God and all the people as a prophet. But our chief priests and our leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the one who would redeem Israel. All these things happened three days ago. But there’s more: Some women from our group have left us stunned. They went to the tomb early this morning and didn’t find his body. They came to us saying that they had even seen a vision of angels who told them he is alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women said. They didn’t see him.”

Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! Your dull minds keep you from believing all that the prophets talked about. Wasn’t it necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then he interpreted for them the things written about himself in all the scriptures, starting with Moses and going through all the Prophets.

When they came to Emmaus, he acted as if he was going on ahead. But they urged him, saying, “Stay with us. It’s nearly evening, and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. After he took his seat at the table with them, he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts on fire when he spoke to us along the road and when he explained the scriptures for us?”

They got up right then and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying to each other, “The Lord really has risen! He appeared to Simon!” Then the two disciples described what had happened along the road and how Jesus was made known to them as he broke the bread.

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

Gospel Acclamation

I have decided to follow Jesus.
No turning back, no turning back.

Homily

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 Time For Flowers (Emily Scott Robinson)

I went walking down the road
with a heavy heart and miles left to go
when I came upon a woman in a field on her knees
singing ancient songs and sowing wildflower seeds

tell me what's the point in planting pretty things
in these days of darkness and disease
the world is burning have you not heard
she smiled and said honey I've lived long enough to learn

the time for flowers will come again
maybe in one year, maybe in ten
there are days despair will win
the time for flowers will come again

I have witnessed funerals and wars
worried mothers empty shelves and empty stores
the storms will rage and the winds will blow
and you are gonna find out that you're stronger than you know

and the time for flowers will come again
maybe in one year maybe in ten
there are days despair will win
but the time for flowers will come again

and when I woke up this morning something deep had shifted
the sun was coming out and the clouds had finally lifted
it's time to fix whats broken all the willing and the able
and when our honest work is done we'll gather round the table
we'll hold each other's babies and pour each other's wine
promise to remember that your fate's bound up in mine
the skies are clear now the moon is new
let's raise a glass my friends, we made it through

and the time for flowers has come again
I know it seemed the world would end
there were days despair did win
but the time for flowers has come again
but the time for flowers has come again

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
Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!

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
Slow Me Down (The Porter’s Gate)

Oh, good shepherd, would you teach me how to rest
I'm rushing on, will you make me to lie down
Will you build a fold by the waters that refresh
Will you call my name and lead me safely out

From my anxious drive to labor on and on
From the restless grind that has put my mind to sleep
Will you call me back and gently slow me down
Will you show me now what to lose and what to keep

Oh, good shepherd, oh, good friend
Slow me down, slow me down
Oh, good shepherd, oh, good friend
Slow me down, slow me down

When my table's bent with only greed and gold
And my grasping hands are afraid you won't provide
Will you pour the wine that loosens up my hold
Set your table here with what truly satisfies

Oh, good shepherd, oh, good friend
Slow me down, slow me down
Oh, good shepherd, oh, good friend
Slow me down, slow me down

From the busy streets trying to make myself a name
If the work is yours, there is nothing I can claim
Will you lead me home to the pastures of your peace
And the house is yours, I'm sitting at your feet

Oh, good shepherd, oh, good friend
Slow me down, slow me down
Oh, good shepherd, oh, good friend
Slow me down, slow me down

Slow me down, slow me down

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (Joachim Neander, Catherine Winkworth)

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near;
Praise Him in glad adoration

Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
Who with His love doth befriend thee.

Ponder anew
The wings of His mercy will shade you
Ponder anew
His Spirit uplifts and sustains you, oh

Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again,
Gladly forever adore Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again,
Gladly forever adore Him

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
Be Thou My Vision (Mary Elizabeth Byrne and Eleanor Henrietta Hull)

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that thou art
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light

Be Thou my wisdom, and thou my true word;
I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great father, I thy true son,
Thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one

Riches I heed not nor man’s empty praise;
Thou mine inheritance now and always;
Thou and thou only, first in my heart,
High king of heaven, my treasure thou art.

High king of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heav’n’s son!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.

The Dismissal

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