Parish Church of St Alphege, Solihull

Choral Eucharist

25th July 2021 10.30am

Order of Service In Ordinary Time

St James the Apostle

Processional Hymn

The Gathering

The Greeting

President: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy

Spirit. All: Amen The Lord be with you and also with you. The president says a few words of welcome and introduces today’s service.

Sing for God's glory that colours the dawn of creation, racing across the sky,

trailing bright clouds of elation; sun of delight succeeds the velvet of night, warming the earth's exultation.

Sing for God's power that shatters

the chains that would bind us, searing the darkness of fear and despair that could blind us, touching our shame with love that will not lay blame, reaching out gently to find us.

Sing for God's saints who have travelled faith's journey before us, who in our weariness give us their hope to restore us; in them we see the new creation to be, spirit of love made flesh for us.

Words by Kathy Galloway Tune – LOBE DEN HERREN

Prayer of Preparation

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: 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.

Prayers of Penitence The saints were faithful unto death and now dwell in the heavenly kingdom for ever. As we celebrate their joy, let us bring to the Lord our sins and weaknesses, and ask for his mercy. Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we have sinned against you, through our own fault, in thought, and word, and deed, and in what we have left undone. We are heartily sorry, and repent of all our sins. For your Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may serve you in newness of life to the glory of your name. Amen.

Absolution Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy upon you,

✚ pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Gloria

Gloria in excelsis Deo et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis. Laudamus te, benedicimus te, adoramus te, glorificamus te, gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam, Domine Deus, Rex caelestis, Deus Pater omnipotens. Domine Fili unigenite, Iesu Christe, Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis; qui tollis peccata mundi, suscipe deprecationem nostram. Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, miserere nobis. Quoniam tu solus Sanctus, tu solus Dominus, tu solus Altissimus, Iesu Christe, cum Sancto Spiritu: in gloria Dei Patris. Amen.

Glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, Almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; You are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Music by Mozart

The Collect Merciful God, whose holy apostle Saint James, leaving his father and all that he had, was obedient to the calling of your Son Jesus Christ and followed him even to death: help us, forsaking the false attractions of the world, to be ready at all times to answer your call without delay; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Liturgy of the Word

First Reading Acts 11.27 – 12.2 At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine over all the world; and this took place during the reign of Claudius. The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea; this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul. About that time King Herod laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He had James, the brother of John, killed with the sword. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

The Gospel Please stand as able. The choir sings the Gospel Acclamation. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. I have called you friends, says the Lord, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord. Matthew 20: 20 – 28 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favour of him. And he said to her, ‘What do you want?’ She said to him, ‘Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.’ But Jesus answered, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?’ They said to him, ‘We are able.’ He said to them, ‘You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.’ When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.’ This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon

Creed Let us declare our faith in God.

We believe in God the Father,

from whom every family

in heaven and on earth is named.

We believe in God the Son,

who lives in our hearts through faith,

and fills us with his love.

We believe in God the Holy Spirit,

who strengthens us

with power from on high.

We believe in one God;

Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Intercessions Encouraged by our fellowship with all the saints, let us make our prayers to the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ. Father, your Son called men and women to leave the past behind them and to follow him as his disciples in the way of the cross. Look with mercy upon those whom he calls today, marks with the cross and makes his disciples within the Church… Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Your Son told his disciples not to be afraid and at Easter breathed on them his gift of peace. Look with mercy upon the world into which he sent them out, and give it that peace for which it longs… Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Your Son formed around him a company who were no longer servants but friends, and he called all those who obeyed him his brother and sister and mother. Look with mercy upon our families and our friends and upon the communities in which we share… Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Your Son sent out disciples to preach and heal the sick. Look with mercy on all those who yearn to hear the good news of salvation, and renew among your people the gifts of healing… Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Your Son promised to those who followed him that they would sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel and would share the banquet of the kingdom. According to your promise, look with mercy on those who have walked with Christ in this life and now have passed through death… Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Almighty God, Grant that your Church may faithfully hold and make known the faith that has come to us through the apostles, that with them and all your saints we may inherit the glories of eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. And at the end: Merciful Father, Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son our saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Liturgy of the Sacrament The Peace

May the God of peace sanctify you: may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before him at the coming of our Lord Jesus with his saints. The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you.

Offertory Hymn

From heaven you came, helpless babe, Entered our world, Your glory veiled; Not to be served but to serve, And give Your life that we might live. This is our God, the servant King, He calls us now to follow Him, To bring our lives as a daily offering Of worship to the servant King. There in the garden of tears, My heavy load He chose to bear; His heart with sorrow was torn, ‘Yet not my will but Yours,’ He said. This Is our God... Come, see His hands and His feet, The scars that speak of sacrifice, Hands that flung stars into space To cruel nails surrendered. This is our God... So let us learn how to serve, And in our lives enthrone him; Each other’s needs to prefer, For it is Christ we’re serving. This is our God...

Words and music by Graham Kendrick.

Prayer at the Preparation of the Table Wise and gracious God, you spread a table before us; nourish your people with the word of life and the bread of heaven. Amen.

The Eucharistic Prayer The Lord is here. His Spirit is with us. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give thanks and praise. It is indeed right, it is our duty and our joy, at all times and in all places to give you thanks and praise, holy Father, heavenly King, almighty and eternal God, through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. And now we give you thanks that your glory is revealed in James, Alphege, Helen, Michael and all the saints. In their lives you have given us an example of faithfulness to Christ. In their holiness we find encouragement and hope. In our communion with them we share the unity of your kingdom.

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: Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Pleni sunt cæli et terra gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.

Music by Mozart Accept our praises, heavenly Father, through your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, and as we follow his example and obey his command, grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit these gifts of bread and wine may be to us his body and his blood; who, in the same night that he was betrayed, took bread and gave you 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. In the same way, after supper he took the cup and gave you thanks; he gave it to them, saying: 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. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.

Therefore, heavenly Father, we remember his offering of himself made once for all upon the cross; we proclaim his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension; we look for the coming of your kingdom, and with this bread and this cup we make the memorial of Christ your Son our Lord Great is the mystery of faith: Christ has died: Christ is risen: Christ will come again. Accept through him, our great high priest, this our sacrifice of thanks and praise, and as we eat and drink these holy gifts in the presence of your divine majesty, renew us by your Spirit, inspire us with your love and unite us in the body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, with all who stand before you in earth and heaven, we worship you, Father almighty, in songs of everlasting praise: Blessing and honour and glory and power be yours for ever and ever. Amen.

A bell is rung to signify the sacramental presence of Christ, followed by a moment of stillness.

The Lord’s Prayer Let us pray for the coming of God’s kingdom In the words our Saviour taught us. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Breaking of Bread

The celebrant breaks the consecrated bread. We break this bread to share in the body of Christ. Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread.

The Invitation Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Blessed 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. These or other words may be said to those watching the service. For most of us participating at home, it may feel strange to be invited to Communion, not through the physical bread and wine we can touch, but in a Spiritual Communion with God who always comes to meet us wherever we are.

There are no special words or prayers for this, all the Church has ever thought necessary is true desire, lively faith and genuine love. Come honestly before God the way you know how. You may like to pray quietly using this prayer to help you: Lord, you stand at the door of my heart and knock. You wait for me and only I can let you in. I believe and trust in you and ask you now to fill me with presence. Feed me with your body and unite me in your blood, that I may be your blessing to a world in need. Amen.

Confession of St Thomas Jn. 20:28

The celebrant raises the paten and chalice and says The Body and Blood of Christ. Amen.

The Giving of Communion

Only the celebrant receives Communion under both kinds. Others present receive under the form of the consecrated bread.

Communion Motet

Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and stand with fear and trembling, and lift itself above all earthly thought. For the King of kings and Lord of lords, Christ our God, cometh forth to be our oblation, and to be given for food to the faithful.

Before him come the choirs of angels, with every principality and power; the Cherubim with many eyes, and winged Seraphim, who veil their faces as they shout exultingly the hymn, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Words from the Liturgy of St James. Music by Edward Bairstow.

Communion Hymn

Peace, perfect peace, is the gift of Christ our Lord, Peace, perfect peace, is the gift of Christ our Lord. Thus, says the Lord, will the world know my friends, Peace, perfect peace, is the gift of Christ our Lord. Love, perfect love, is the gift of Christ our Lord, Love, perfect love, is the gift of Christ our Lord. Thus, says the Lord, will the world know my friends, Love, perfect love, is the gift of Christ our Lord.

Words and music by Kevin Mayhew.

Post Communion Prayer Lord God, the source of truth and love, keep us faithful to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, united in prayer and the breaking of bread, and one in joy and simplicity of heart, in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Lord, we have broken your bread and received your life. By the power of your Spirit keep us always in your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Dismissal

Notices

The celebrant will give the details of any particularly important notices and read any Banns of Marriage.

Final Hymn

1 O Jesus, I have promised To serve thee to the end; Be thou forever near me, My Master and my friend; I shall not fear the battle If thou art by my side, Nor wander from the pathway If thou wilt be my guide. 2 O let me feel thee near me! The world is ever near: I see the sights that dazzle, The tempting sounds I hear. My foes are ever near me, Around me and within; But, Jesus, draw thou nearer, And shield my soul from sin.

3 O let me hear thee speaking In accents clear and still, Above the storms of passion, The murmurs of self-will. O speak to reassure me, To hasten or control; O speak, and make me listen, Thou guardian of my soul. 4 O Jesus, thou hast promised To all who follow thee That where thou art in glory There shall thy servant be. And, Jesus, I have promised To serve thee to the end; O give me grace to follow, My Master and my friend.

Words by William Ferguson

Tune – WOLVERCOTE

The Blessing

God give you grace to follow his saints

in faith and hope and love;

and the blessing of God almighty,

✚ the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

Amen.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen. Organ Voluntary: Toccata-Prelude on ‘Pange Lingua’ by Bairstow