We are so glad you chose to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with us this morning. Our worship is a balance of Scripture, Spirit and Sacrament. It is our prayer that you will experience an authentic connection to the Lord today. HEARING RECEIVERS AVAILABLE. PLEASE SEE USHER FOR ASSISTANCE. Church Information Address: 701 Kensington Drive, Rockwall, TX 75032 Phone: 972-772-5525 Website: www.transformationac.org Hours: 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday 1
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER April 29, 2018 Gather in the Lord s Name Ephesians 3:14-21 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Procession into the Church Praise and Worship Ministry of the Word of God The Acclamation Celebrant Alleluia! Alleluia! Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia! Alleluia! The Collect for Purity Celebrant & Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires are 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. 2
The Summary of the Law Celebrant Jesus said: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 22:37-40 The Collect of the Day Celebrant The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. Celebrant Let us pray. Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. The Lessons Epistle (Sit) Acts 8:26-40 Reader A reading from Acts. 26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, Go over and join this chariot. 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, Do you understand what you are reading? 31 And he said, How can I, unless someone guides me? And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, 3
so he opens not his mouth. 33 In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth. 34 And the eunuch said to Philip, About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized? 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea. Reader The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. (Silence for meditation on the scripture.) Psalm 22:25-31 25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will perform before those who fear him. 26 The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord! May your hearts live forever! 27 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you. 28 For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations. 29 All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, even the one who could not keep himself alive. 30 Posterity shall serve him; 4
it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation; 31 they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he has done it. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. (Silence for meditation on the scripture.) New Testament (Sit) 1 John 4:7-21 Reader A Reading from 1 John. 7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. 13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot [a] love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. Reader The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. (Silence for meditation on the scripture.) 5
Gospel Hymn Holy Gospel John 15:1-8 Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. John. Glory to you, Lord Christ. I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. Deacon The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ. (Children, 4 years old through 6 th grade, please come to the Altar for a Children s Church blessing.) Gospel Hymn The Sermon (Sit) Nicene Creed Celebrant Let us confess our faith in the words of the Nicene Creed: Celebrant & We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, visible and invisible. 6
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 worshiped 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 the Celebrant Let us pray for the Church and for the world, saying, Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer. For the peace of the whole world, and for the well-being and unity of the people of God, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, in your mercy. For our archbishop, Foley Beach; for our bishop, Bill Atwood; for all the clergy and people of our diocese, especially this week, All Diocesan Licensed Clergy & Staff; and for our own congregation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, in your mercy. For all those who proclaim the Gospel at home and abroad, and for all who teach and disciple others, including our 7
missionaries, especially this week: Susan Meeder/Haiti Ministry, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, in your mercy. Together, let us pray: Lord, your Word teaches us that when we give, you will open the windows of heaven and pour down a blessing until there is no need. We ask you to help each of us to meet the financial needs of this church. Lord, in your mercy. For our brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted for their faith, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, in your mercy. For our nation, for those in authority and for all in public service, especially those in the US military, and for all first responders: police officers, fire fighters, and medical personnel. Lord, in your mercy. For all the blessings of this life, let us pray to the Lord. We invite your thanksgivings at this time (people may share here) Lord in your mercy. For all those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity, let us pray to the Lord. We invite your petitions at this time (people may share here) Lord, in your mercy. For all those who departed this life in the certain hope of the resurrection, in thanksgiving let us pray to the Lord. Lord, in your mercy. 8
Celebrant Heavenly Father, grant these our prayers for Jesus Christ s sake, our only Mediator and Advocate, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen. The Confession and Absolution of Sin Celebrant All who truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and seek to be reconciled with your neighbors, and intend to lead the new life, following the commandments of God, and walking in his holy ways: draw near with faith and make your humble confession to Almighty God. Silence; people sit or kneel Celebrant & Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen. Celebrant Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who in his great mercy has promised forgiveness of sins to all those who sincerely repent and with true faith turn to him, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our blessing time today is for each of you who have been a part of our New Building process. Prayer of Blessing The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Amen. 9
Ministry of the Sacrament The Peace Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. And with your spirit. [Please exchange the peace with those immediately around you as an act of worship; the Sanctus bells will be rung to signal the end of this time.] Pew Books: VISITORS AND MEMBERS, please be sure you fill the pew book out completely with address, zip code, etc.; without this information we have no way of welcoming visitors and making address changes for members. Prayer Request: If you wish, you may complete the Thanksgivings and Prayers form inserted in this bulletin for inclusion in our Corporate Prayers at the Offertory and our Intercessory Prayer time during the week. The Offertory (Sit) Celebrant And the King will answer them, Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me. Matthew 25:40 We encourage you to use offering envelopes for tax purposes. If you do not currently have offering envelopes or have forgotten to bring same, please ask an usher for one. Call 972-772-5525 if you would like a set of numbered envelopes. Offertory Anthem (Sit) Ensemble (Food offerings may be brought to the front of the Church.) Doxology The Sursum Corda Celebrant The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. Celebrant Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is just and right so to do. 10
Celebrant It is right and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty. 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 forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name: The Sanctus Celebrant and The Prayer of Consecration Celebrant (Sit) Lord God our Father: When we had sinned against you and become subject to evil and death, you sent your only Son into the world for our salvation; by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary he became flesh and dwelt among us. On the cross he offered himself once for all as our Redeemer, that by his suffering and death we might be saved. By his resurrection he broke the bonds of death, trampling Hell and Satan under his feet. After he ascended to your right hand in glory, you sent your Holy Spirit, that we might become your holy people. On the night that he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given 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. After supper, Jesus took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink this, all of you; for 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 in remembrance of me. Now sanctify these gifts that they may become for us the Body and 11
Blood of your Son, Jesus Christ. Sanctify us also, that we may be filled with your Holy Spirit and manifest your presence and power in the world. Therefore, heavenly Father, as we joyfully proclaim our Lord s life, death, and resurrection, we offer ourselves, our souls and bodies, as a living sacrifice. Grant that we who partake of this Holy Communion may receive the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ, and be made one body with him, that he may dwell in us, and we in him. At the last day bring us with all your saints into the fullness of your heavenly kingdom, where we shall see our Lord face to face. 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 forever. Amen. And now as our Savior Christ taught us, we are bold to sing: The Lord s Prayer The Fraction The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept. Celebrant Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia. Celebrant 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. The Agnus Dei All Baptized Christians are invited to communion. Please extend both hands to receive the bread and assist the server by guiding the chalice to your lips. If you do not desire the cup, leave the bread in your hand. The server will dip it in the wine and return it to you. For those not receiving communion, you are welcome to come for a blessing by crossing your arms over your heart as you come before the priest. Gluten-free wafers are available upon request. PRAYER MINISTRY: After receiving communion, Prayer Teams are available through the door to the right of the altar. Communion Music 12
The Post Communion Prayer Celebrant Let us pray. Celebrant & Heavenly Father, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious body and blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ: and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal Kingdom. And now Father, send us out into the world to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen. Celebrant [FATHER, anoint our Visitation Communion Ministry. LORD JESUS, bless those who will receive your body and blood. HOLY SPIRIT, empower those who administer this sacrament. Amen.] The Blessing Celebrant May God, who has redeemed us and made us his children through the resurrection of his Son our Lord, bestow upon you the riches of his blessings; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen. Recessional The Dismissal Deacon Alleluia! Alleluia! Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia! Ministers - Congregation The Most Rev. Foley Beach, Archbishop The Rt. Rev. Dr. Bill Atwood, Bishop The Rev. Don McLane, Pastor The Rev. Bob Hackendorf, Assisting Priest The Rev. Bill Schulgen, Deacon STAFF John Shaver, Executive Director of Ministries Randy Wills, Music Director Jennifer Horan, Nursery Director Anne Horan, Parish Administrator 13
ADVISORY COUNCIL Jim Blevins, Rick Maneval, Tom Ryan; Sharon Figueroa, Senior Advisor; Dan Liane, Treasurer SCHEDULE OF SERVICES AND EVENTS Week of April 29, 2018 TODAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY SATURDAY 10:30 a.m...worship Service* 11:45 a.m.new Building Celebration Reception 10:00 a.m...intercessory Prayer 9:30 a.m..women s Bible Fellowship-Crolls 7:30 a.m...men s Bible Fellowship Please call the Church office for more information regarding these meetings. *Nursery/Preschool Provided PROPERS FOR SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2018 Epistle Acts 10:44-48 Psalm 98 NT 1 John 5:1-6 Gospel John 15:9-17 TAC Building Celebration Today, we are having our official celebration of this incredible facility and God s providence! We will take special time during the service to thank Him and so many of you who helped us reach this point. Then, our celebration will continue with a reception in the parish hall after worship. Please join us! First Sunday Celebration for May Mark your calendars! We will have a 1 st Sunday Celebration on May 6 following the worship service. Bring your favorite food to share! 14
TAC Concert Series Our Concert Series will begin on Saturday, May 19 th. This 4-part concert series developed by our Music Director, Randy Wills, is scheduled for the 3rd Saturday of each month from 6:00 8:00 p.m. The first offering will bring us Classical Music with a string quartet, a classical pianist, a classical guitarist, and a special appearance from our own Carrie Jones and Dawn Wills. Each concert will be followed by coffee and treats. This is a great outreach opportunity! 15