The Church of the Ascension DIOCESE of NIAGARA The ANGLICAN CHURCH of CANADA

64 Forest Ave. at John St, Hamilton, ON L8N1X1

(905) 527-3505 www.ascensionchurch.ca

The Third Sunday of Easter April 10th, 2016 10am Holy Eucharist

Welcome!

We are delighted that you are here this morning.

You are invited to join us in quiet and prayer before the service begins.

Prelude Prelude on hymn melody Vulpius Healey Willan

News of parish ministry

Processional hymn Good Christians all, rejoice and sing #211

Children’s focus

The Gathering of the Community bas 185

Alleluia! Christ is risen.

The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

May his grace and peace be with you.

May he fill our hearts with joy.

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Gloria bas 186

The collect of the day

O God, your Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread. Open the eyes of our faith, that we may see him in his redeeming work, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The FIRST READING Acts 9.1-6 Reader: Sue VanderBent

Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" He asked, "Who are you, Lord?"

The reply came, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do."

The word of the Lord Thanks be to God

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The psalm 30 Cantor: Nicole Smith

Refrain: You have brought me up, O Lord, from the dead. I will exalt you, O Lord, because you have lifted me up and have not let my enemies triumph over me. O Lord my god, I cried out to you, and you restored me to health. You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead; you restored my life as I was going down to the grave. R

Sing to the Lord, you servants of his; give thanks for the remembrance of his holiness. For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, his favour for a lifetime. Weeping may spend the night, but joy comes in the morning. R

While I felt secure, I said, "I shall never be disturbed. You, Lord, with your favour, made me as strong as the mountains." Then you hid your face, and I was filled with fear. R

I cried to you, O Lord; I pleaded with the Lord, saying, "What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit? will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness? Hear, O Lord and have mercy upon me; O Lord, be my helper." R

You have turned my wailing into dancing; you have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy. Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing; O Lord my God, I will give you thanks for ever. R

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The epistle Revelation 5.11-14 Reader: Randi Woods

Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing with full voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing!" Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing, "To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honour and glory and might forever and ever!" And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" And the elders fell down and worshipped.

The word of the Lord Thanks be to God

The gradual hymn We walk by faith, and not by sight #244

The choir will introduce this lesser known hymn by singing Verse 1 alone. Then congregation and choir will sing verses 1 – 4

The holy gospel Saint John 21.1-19

The Lord be with you And also with you The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to John Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ

After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went

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out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, you have no fish, have you?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off. When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you

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will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go." (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.)

After this he said to him, "Follow me."

The Gospel of Christ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ

The homily

The Apostles’ Creed bas 189

The PRAYERS of the PEOPLE

Confession and absolution bas 191

The peace

The Offertory hymn Jesus calls us! #432

The Prayer over the gifts

Creator of all, you wash away our sins in water, you give us new birth by the Spirit, and redeem us in the blood of Christ. As we celebrate the resurrection, renew your gift of life within us. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the risen Lord. Amen.

The Eucharistic prayer #5 bas 204

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The Lord’s Prayer bas 211

The breaking of the bread #8 BAS 213

Lord, we died with you on the cross. Now we are raised to new life.

We were buried in your tomb. Now we share in your resurrection.

Live in us, that we may live in you.

The communion

Choral Hymn Come, let us eat, for now the feast is spread

The great silence

When all have received communion, the presiding minister, other ministers and people keep silence for reflection.

The Prayer after Communion

Author of life divine, in the breaking of bread we know the risen Lord. Feed us always in these mysteries, that we may show your glory to all the world. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The doxology

The blessing

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Recessional hymn Christ the Lord is risen again (with Alleluias) #217

Dismissal

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Alleluia! Thanks be to God. Alleluia!

Postlude Rhapsody in D minor, Ralph Federer Joseph Arevalo (piano), John Laing (organ)

We welcome all visitors!

Please join us for coffee following the service, be sure to sign the Guestbook in the Narthex, and join us again soon!

Thank you to all those assisting in the service today

Greeters Sepideh Alavi, Sue Richardson / Projectionist Garry Brown Wardens Jeff Bonner, Dennis Goldsberry / Server Gail Andress

Intercessor Leonel Abaroa-Bolona / Readers Sue VanderBent, Randi Woods Chalice Bearers Jim Bell, Noreen Olton / Organist & Choir Director John Laing

Homilist & Presider The Rev’d Dianne Distler

The Flowers on the Altar

are to The Greater Glory of God and In Loving Memory of Frances & Wilfred Stewart

- Given by Susan and David MacLean –

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Those for whom we have been asked to pray

In our diocese, for the Parish of Saint Christopher’s, in Burlington, and the parish of St. Stephen, Hornby.

In the Diocese of Cuba: The mission of El Buen Pastor, in Guira de Macurijes; The Venerable Andreis Diaz Dorta, Rector, and the people of that parish.

For all refugees, in Canada and abroad.

For all people struggling with homelessness, in Canada and abroad.

In our community, we pray for

Angela Khan, Daphne Harper, Catherine Ronalds, Charlie Sullivan, Ethel MacDonald, George and Pat, Hollie, Jake Evans, Mikaela Fraser,

Nancy Ribeiro-Doyle, Patricia Corbett, Sharon, Sonia Dias, Steven Newbury, The Reverend James and Mrs. Rosemary Styles,

Vince Moses, Winston Riley Karmody

At home / in care facilities Gene Codd

Anniversaries David Leslie, John Laing, Cameron Atkison,

Karen Denny, John Pike

Notices of death Evelyn Grace (Stan’s aunt)

Doreen Mundy (John Laing’s aunt) Rest In Peace

The Prayers of the People list starts anew every three months. April starts a new cycle. Please provide new and carry forward names to Margaret Gibbs.

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News of Parish Ministry

Parish Events during the Week at the Church of the Ascension

Monday 11 Social Media Group Tuesday 12 Bible Study, 10:30 am Parish Council, 7:30 pm Wednesday 13 10 am Worship Service / Evening Bible Study, 7 pm Pastoral Team Meeting, 10:30 am, HA Thursday 14 Christian Book Discussion, 10 am – 12 noon Centering Prayer, 7 pm – 8 pm

Today, the parish lunch group will gather at The Pheasant Plucker. All are welcome. See Sandra Boulter for details.

Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund: Information has been included in the bulletin during the Lenten Season about the PWRD Fund. This year the focus is on “Food Security”. Envelopes are available for your donations to this worthwhile cause.

FundScrip Gift Cards: Order forms are available at the back of the church. Please deliver your order in person (with a cheque payable to the Ascension) directly either to Nicole or Sandra after the service. This month's deadline for ordering is April 10. Thanks for your support.

Teaching Cooking to Refugees: From our visioning process and a partnership possibility with another volunteer group, we may be nearly ready to go ahead with a special opportunity for refugee families to learn more about cooking from Canadian foods and understanding Canadian culture better.

Christian-themed Discussions continue: Dennis Goldsberry is continuing Ronda's discussion of religious themes in literature each Thursday at 10 in the church. The discussion is of a new short story each week. If you are interested in this group, speak to him: 905 540 4923 or deronda_ca@yahoo.ca

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Bishop Terry has begun a Confirmation Class for the Undermount Region Confirmation scheduled for Sunday, June 12th at 4:00 pm at Christ's Church Cathedral, Hamilton. We already have three candidates. If you have never been confirmed and wish to be so, please speak with Bishop Terry.

Drivers Needed: The Achievement Breakfast Club Program requires drivers to take the baked muffins to Queen Victoria Elementary School every other Wednesday, anytime between 12 noon and 2pm. I would like 3-4 drivers on a rotating schedule. This is not a big commitment of time. Please see Jean LePan.

Refugee Sponsorship Support: The Church of the Ascension and Christ Church, Flamborough, with the financial support of several other Hamilton Anglican parishes, are planning to sponsor a Syrian refugee family. Pledge cards are available at the back table if you wish to help out. If you believe you can financially support this endeavour, please indicate the amount and put in the collection place or return to the church office next week. All of the money will be kept in the parish to support the family and a tax receipt will be given.

Our Spring Silent Retreat, "Light From Darkness", Saturday, May 14th, from 12:30 pm to 5 pm. All are warmly invited to our final retreat before the summer break which includes a brief initial meditation, labyrinth walk, a written reflection guide to follow if desired, and ample time and space to pray, think, journal, and rest. Our chaplain will be Dianne Distler. Light refreshments will be available. There is no cost, and no need to contribute food. To sign up, let Nicole Smith know you are interested or leave a message at the parish office."

A Big thank you to all the volunteers who came to help with the Lenten Refreshments this year. There were many hands that came forward when the request was made for help for this yearly ministry. Thank you to Margaret Gibbs, Ruth and Jack Faulks, Trudy Hall, Sandra Boulter, Alex VanNostrand for supplying the jams, Diane Crocker for the abundance of muffins. You all made the Lenten Service and fellowship time following the service a special time for us all. Jean LePan co-ordinator of Lenten Refreshments.

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Worship at the Church of the Ascension

Sundays: 10am Choral Eucharist (3rd Sunday: 8.30am Said Eucharist, 10am Choral Matins. 4th Sunday 7pm Taize)

Wednesdays: 10am Said Eucharist \

Children’s Church: On Sundays, children participate from both our service and their own time of Learn and Play. If you have any questions, please see Janice Maloney-Brooks or Bishop Terry.

Accessibility: The church is accessible by the John St door. There are accessible washrooms in the main floor. Also, hearing devices are available. For any concern about navigating our church space, please inquire from the Greeters. Thank you!

Parish Learning Groups

Tuesdays 10.30am Bible Study. Examining the Sunday Lectionary, both as a group and after the lead of guest speakers. Coordinated by Will Thwaites.

Wednesdays 7pm Bible Study. Learning about the history of the Church, its context and impact, in ages past and today. Coordinated by Stan Bowers.

Thursdays 7pm Centering Prayer. Exploring spiritual awakening through Christian meditation and contemplation. Coordinated by Nicole Smith.

The Church of the Ascension

Is a Parish in the Diocese of Niagara, The Anglican Church of Canada

People’s Warden Garry Brown / Rector’s Warden Nicole Smith Deputy People’s Warden Stan Bowers / Deputy Rector’s Warden Jeff Bonner

Treasurer Cameron Atkison / Room Rentals Ruth Faulks Sunday School Coordinator Janice Maloney-Brooks

Parish Secretary Marie Leone / Associate Priest Dianne Distler Organist & Music Director John Laing / Bishop-in-Charge Terry Brown