HOLY WEEK & EASTER - Rainham Church · 2020-03-29 · 10 | Holy Week & Easter Holy Week & Easter | 11 We adore you, O Christ, we are going to die someday, then we will and we bless

F O R U S E W H E N U N A B L E T O A T T E N D T H E C H U R C H B U I L D I N G

H O LY W E E K & E A S T E R

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• The Liturgy of Palm Sunday with Holy Communion 5th April, 10.30am

• The Way of the Cross Wednesday 8th April, 8pm

• A Liturgy for Maundy Thursday 9th April, 8pm

• The Liturgy of Good Friday 10th April, 2pm

• Easter Sunday Communion Sunday 12th April, 10.30am

Contents & Timings

Revd Nathan WardVicar

Dear friends,

“We meet in the name of Christ.” These words are used in many of our Sunday services but this Lent and Easter we find ourselves physically isolated in our homes or hospital. However, the church exists not in a building but as a worldwide, and heaven wide, Communion of Saints, a living, spiritual temple in which nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, and in which the whole church is joined together in one body by His Spirit.

This Easter we will make our journey together, using this booklet either by ourselves, or watching a video or engaging with the livestream. The times of the services are as indicated on the inside front cover, though you can say them, or watch them at any time.

At the time of writing, it is expected that the peak of the epidemic will be around Easter, and there will inevitably be great sadness, tiredness and fear, in us, our families, community and nation. In this, we join with the disciples and Jesus himself, starting with a time of hope on Palm

Pastoral Letter

Sunday, moving to a time of concern Maundy Thursday, then fear on Thursday evening and ultimately horror on Good Friday. In all this, the bible story does not flinch from the realities of life and death. The writers do not paint the disciples as those who have such faith that they glide untroubled through the storm, but as weak, frightened and even disloyal. And neither do they portray Jesus as immune from pain, emotional distress or even loss of faith.

We do not serve a painted statue or a philosophical concept. We follow and serve the one who lived and died as one of us. But more than that, we follow the one who died that we might live, who rose from the dead that death might die, and who offers us a life in the Spirit that can never be ended by physical suffering or death.

Come and join us.

H O M E W O R S H I P | Page 3

Materials in this booklet are drawn from Common

Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England,

Common Worship: Pastoral Services, and Common

Worship: Daily Prayer, all of which are copyright ©

The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England.

Words to songs reproduced under CCLI License

Number 305113.


Hosanna to the Son of David, the King of Israel.Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.Hosanna in the highest.

T H E G R E E T I N GGrace, mercy and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with youAll and also with you.

I N T R O D U C T I O N

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, during Lent we have been preparing by works of love and self-sacrifice for the celebration of our Lord’s death and resurrection. Today we come together to begin this solemn celebration in union with the Church throughout the world.

Christ enters his own city to complete his work as our Saviour, to suffer, to die, and to rise again. Let us go with him in faith and love, so that, united with him in his sufferings, we may share his risen life.

The people hold up palms while this prayer is said

God our Saviour, whose Son Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem as Messiah to suffer and to die; let these palms be for us signs of his victory and grant that we who bear them in his name may ever hail him as our King, and follow him in the way that leads to eternal life;

who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

All Amen.

The Liturgy of Palm Sunday with Holy Communion

Hymn Ride on Ride on in Majesty

Ride on ride on in majesty, In lowly pomp ride on to dieO Christ Thy triumphs now begin O’er captive death and conquered sin

Ride on ride on in majesty, Hark all the tribes hosanna cryThine humble beast pursues his road with palms and scattered garments strowed

Ride on ride on in majesty, Thy last and fiercest strife is nighThe Father on His sapphire throne Expects His own anointed Son

Ride on ride on in majesty, In lowly pomp ride on to dieBow Thy meek head to mortal pain Then take O God Thy power and reign

Gordon Young | Henry Hart Milman

© Words: Public Domain

THE PALM GOSPEL – MATTHEW 21:1-11

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.All Glory to you, O Lord.

At the endThis is the Gospel of the Lord.All Praise to you, O Christ.


T H E C O L L E C T

Let us pray for a closer union with Christ in his suffering and in his glory.

Philippians 4.8-9

Silence is kept.

True and humble king, hailed by the crowd as Messiah:grant us the faith to know you and love you,that we may be found beside you on the way of the cross,which is the path of glory.All Amen.

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD READING – PSALM 118:19-24

At the end

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

THE PASSION READING – MATTHEW 26:14 – END OF 27

Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.Christ humbled himself and became obedient unto death,even death on a cross.Therefore God has highly exalted himand given him the name that is above every name.All Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

At the end This is the Passion of the Lord.

S E R M O N

DRAMA: MARY OF BETHANY: AFTER THE PALM PARADE (on video)

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

During the prayers, the following response will be used:

Let us pray to the Lord.All Lord, have mercy.

T H E L I T U R G Y O F T H E S A C R A M E N T

T H E P E A C E

Once we were far off, but now in union with Christ Jesus we have been brought near through the shedding of Christ’s blood, for he is our peace. The peace of the Lord be always with youAll and also with you.

T H E E U C H A R I S T I C P R AY E R

The Eucharistic Prayer may be found at the end of this booklet.

During the Prayer, the President uses this Preface:

And now we give you thanks because, for our salvation, he was obedient even to death on the cross. The tree of shame was made the tree of glory; and where life was lost, there life has been restored.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Silence is kept.

Lord Jesus Christ, you humbled yourself in taking the form of a servant,and in obedience died on the cross for our salvation:give us the mind to follow you and to proclaim you as Lord and King,to the glory of God the Father. All Amen.

T H E D I S M I S S A L

Hymn: There is a Redeemer

There is a Redeemer, Jesus, God’s own Son, Precious Lamb of God Messiah, Holy One.

Chorus

Thank You O my Father, For giving us Your Son, And leaving Your Spirit Till the work on earth is done.

Jesus my Redeemer, name above all names, Precious Lamb of God Messiah, O for sinners slain.

When I stand in glory, I will see His face, And there I’ll serve my King forever, In that holy place.

Melody Green © 1982 Universal Music - Brentwood

Benson Publishing (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson

Music Publishing, Inc.)

Birdwing Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

Ears To Hear (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

T H E B L E S S I N G

May the Father, who so loved the world that he gave his only Son, bring you by faith to his eternal life. All Amen.

May Christ, who accepted the cup of sacrifice in obedience to the Father’s will, keep you steadfast as you walk with him the way of his cross.

All Amen.

May the Spirit, who strengthens us to suffer with Christ that we may share his glory, set your minds on life and peace.

All Amen.

And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.

All Amen.

Go in the peace of Christ.

All Thanks be to God.

The ministers and people depart.

T U R N PA G E >


T U R N PA G E >

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.All Amen.

Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.’ Matthew 16.24,25

Once we were far off, but now in union with Christ Jesus we have been brought near through the shedding of Christ’s blood, for he is our peace. Ephesians 2.13,14

Wednesday Evening - The Way of The Cross

T H E C O L L E C T

Let us pray.

A brief moment of silence follows.

Almighty and everlasting God, who in your tender love towards the human racesent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to take upon him our fleshand to suffer death upon the cross:grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility,and also be made partakers of his resurrection;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.

All Amen.

All Holy God, holy and strong, holy and immortal,have mercy upon us.

Let us prayerfully reflect on the Stations of the Cross.

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We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you,

All because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, the one thing of which we are sure is that one day we shall die. We know our birthdays. We also have death days, but we do not know which day it is. If we will remember that

we are going to die someday, then we will live every day as precious and unrepeatable, with the gifts and graces given us today, and every day until we die. Help us to live well.

All Amen.

All Holy God, holy and strong, holy and immortal, have mercy upon us.

T U R N PA G E >

THE FIRST STATION: JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH (JOHN 19:14-16)

THE FIRST STATION: JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH (JOHN 19:14-16)



Prayer: Lord, you take upon yourself the burden of the cross and all that weighs us down. Give us the strength to walk onward, uncrushed by whatever is placed on our shoulders. May we help others to endure in the trials and suffering of their lives, with joy undefeated.

All Amen.





Prayer: Jesus, when we fall and feel discouraged, may we know that you are especially close to us then, bearing our shame and giving us the strength to stand up on our feet and begin to walk

again. Make our hearts tender toward all those who fall under the weight of this cross. Grant us renewed charity and unity. May the desire for holiness burn within us.

All Amen.


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THE THIRD STATION: JESUS FALL FOR THE FIRST TIME (ISA 53:5)

THE FOURTH STATION: JESUS IS MET BY HIS BLESSED MOTHER (ISA 66:13)



Prayer: All suffering is embraced by God when Jesus and his mother meet on the way of the cross. Jesus is every child lost prematurely; Mary is every parent grieving for his or her child. Lord be close to all who lose or become distant from people they love. During this pandemic draw families closer together; let barriers fall down and closer relationships form.

All Amen.





Prayer: Lord Jesus, may I be unashamed to accept help when I need it, and may I be eager to offer it when others have needs. May our mutual dependence be

a source of joy and an occasion of grace, knitting us together in the community of your love.

All Amen.


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THE FIFTH STATION: SIMON OF CYRENE HELPS JESUS TO CARRY HIS CROSS (LUKE 23:26)

THE SIXTH STATION: VERONICA WIPES THE FACE OF JESUS (MARK 14:6-9)



Prayer: Lord Jesus, may I see with your compassion and smile with your radiance, so that your unfailing tenderness is made flesh and blood in me. May I always be alert to those who feel invisible and despised. May I help them to recognize that they are your brothers and sisters sharing in your dignity. We implore special graces for families, children, elderly, sick.

All Amen.





Prayer: Lord Jesus, lift me to my feet when I feel that I can go no further. When I feel battered by the storms of life, with neither the energy nor the strength to

carry on, then may I know that you, the strong Son of God, will bear me onward until I arrive at home in God.

All Amen.


THE SEVENTH STATION: JESUS FALLS FOR THE SECOND TIME (HEB. 2:17-18)



Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me a new heart of flesh so I may rejoice with those who rejoice and share sorrow with those who are saddened. Peel away the shell of my

selfishness that holds others at a distance, so I may be one with their lives, free to act with your own spontaneous generosity.

All Amen.


THE EIGHTH STATION: JESUS MEETS THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM (HEB. 2:17-18)




Prayer: Lord Jesus, after so many falls, let me not lose hope for happiness and holiness. If you are with me, then I am not doomed to be stuck in the endless repetition of my failures. May your grace

arise in the wilderness of my heart. Grant a new beginning even today. Help your people to arise beyond what is physical to see the spiritual dynamic at work in our midst.

All Amen.


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THE NINTH STATION: JESUS FALLS FOR THE THIRD TIME (2 COR 12:8-9)



Prayer: Lord Jesus, I fear to be seen as I am, with my foolish fears and hidden failures. I would be ashamed and wish to hide, like Adam and Eve. But for us, you have been stripped naked and borne the

jeers of the world. Comfort those who feel despised. Clothe me with your love, please. Clothe humanity in your garment of love.

All Amen.


THE TENTH STATION: JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS (PS 22:19-19)




Prayer: Lord Jesus, your life had seemed so full of promise, and yet it ended in the disgrace of the cross. Embrace all those who seem to be utter failures. And as you are close to us in these dark moments,

so may we share with you in the radiance of your resurrection. As we journey our way of the cross now, help us to focus on the light at the end of the tunnel—resurrection.

All Amen.


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THE ELEVENTH STATION: JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS (LUKE 23:33)

THE TWELFTH STATION: JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS (MATT 27:46; MARK 15:34)



Prayer: Jesus, be with us in the hour of our death. May those who feel abandoned by God know that he is closer than we can imagine. May those who feel that there is no God at all discover his intimate presence. Before our death, inspire us to offer reparation for our sins that we may be well prepared for our particular judgment.

All Amen.





Prayer: Lord Jesus, now you are lowered from the cross into the hands of those who loved you and who stayed by your side to the end. May we have the courage to remain faithful to you when it is costly.

Grant, us to be faithful to all those whom we love, even when you receive nothing in return.

All Amen.


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THE THIRTEENTH STATION: JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS (JOHN 19:31)



Prayer: Lord Jesus, now you are laid to rest in the tomb. May we rest in your love, confident that even when the future is obscure, we nestle in your Father’s care. Grant us patient endurance until we

hear your final summons to the fullness of life. Graciously calm our fears, and increase faith, hope, and love.

All Amen.


THE FOURTEENTH STATION: JESUS IS PLACED IN THE TOMB (MATT 27:59-60)


T H E G R E E T I N GThe president greets the peopleThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,the love of God,and the fellowship of the Holy Spiritbe with youAll and also with you.

A Liturgy for Maundy Thursday

Let us pray for the coming of God’s kingdom in the words our Saviour taught us.

The Lord’s Prayer is said (see back page)

Most merciful God,

who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ delivered and saved the world: grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross we may triumph in the power of his victory; 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. All Amen.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us a kingdom of priests to stand and serve before our God;

All to him who sits upon the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour, glory and might, for ever and ever. Amen.

DRAMA: MARA: THE LAST SUPPER AND REVERSING THE CURSE (ON VIDEO)

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P R AY E R S O F P E N I T E N C E

A minister uses this Invitation to Confession or other suitable words

Our Lord Jesus Christ says:

‘If you love me, keep my commandments.’ ‘Unless I wash you, you have no part in me.’ Let us confess to almighty God our sins against his love, and ask him to cleanse us.

Silence is kept.

Have mercy on us, O God, in your great goodness; according to the abundance of your compassion blot out our offences. Lord, have mercy.

All Lord, have mercy.

Against you only have we sinned and done what is evil in your sight. Christ, have mercy.

All Christ, have mercy.

Purge us from our sin and we shall be clean; wash us and we shall be whiter than snow. Lord, have mercy.

All Lord, have mercy.

T H E C O L L E C T

The president introduces a period of silent prayer with the words

Let us pray that we may love one another as Christ has loved us.

Silence is kept.

God our Father, your Son Jesus Christ was obedient to the end and drank the cup prepared for him: may we who share his table watch with him through the night of suffering and be faithful.

All Amen.

T H E L I T U R G Y O F T H E W O R D

Reading Psalm 116: 1-17

At the end

This is the word of the Lord.


G O S P E L R E A D I N G

This acclamation may herald the Gospel reading

Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory. I give you a new commandment, says the Lord: Love one another as I have loved you. All Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.

When the Gospel is announced the reader says

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

All Glory to you, O Lord.

John 13.1-17, 31b-35

At the end

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

All Praise to you, O Christ.

S E R M O N

T H E WA S H I N G O F F E E TYou are invited to wash your own feet or if with others’ wash each others feet during which ‘Ubi Caritas’ will be played on the live stream.

English Translation

Where charity and love are, God is there.Love of Christ has gathered us into one.Let us rejoice in Him and be glad.Let us fear, and let us love the living God.And from a sincere heart let us love one another.Where charity and love are, God is there.At the same time, therefore, are gathered into one:Lest we be divided in mind, let us beware.Let evil impulses stop, let controversy cease.And in the midst of us be Christ our God.Where charity and love are, God is there.At the same time we see that with the saints also,Thy face in glory, O Christ our God:The joy that is immense and good, Unto theWorld without end. Amen.

The washing of feet may end with this prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,you have taught usthat what we do for the least of our brothers and sisterswe do also for you:give us the will to be the servant of othersas you were the servant of all,and gave up your life and died for us,but are alive and reign, now and for ever.All Amen.

T U R N PA G E >

Latin Text

Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor.Exsultemus, et in ipso jucundemur.Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum.Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero.Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.Simul ergo cum in unum congregamur:Ne nos mente dividamur, caveamus.Cessent iurgia maligna, cessent lites.Et in medio nostri sit Christus Deus.Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.Simul quoque cum beatis videamus,Glorianter vultum tuum, Christe Deus:Gaudium quod est immensum, atque probum,Saecula per infinita saeculorum. Amen.


P R AY E R S O F I N T E R C E S S I O NIn the power of the Spirit let us pray to the Fatherthrough Christ the saviour of the world.Father,on this, the night he was betrayed,your Son Jesus Christ washed his disciples’ feet.We commit ourselves to follow his example of love and service.Lord, hear usAll and humble us.

On this night, he prayed for his disciples to be one.We pray for the unity of your Church.Lord, hear usAll and unite us.

On this night, he prayed for those who were to believe through his disciples’ message.We pray for the mission of your Church.Lord, hear usAll and renew our zeal.

On this night, he commanded his disciples to love, but suffered rejection himself. We pray for the rejected and unloved. Lord, hear us All and fill us with your love.

On this night, he reminded his disciples that if the world hated them it hated him first. We pray for those who are persecuted for their faith. Lord, hear us

All and give us your peace.

On this night, he accepted the cup of death and looked forward to the new wine of the kingdom. We remember those who have died in the peace of Christ. Lord, hear us

All and welcome all your children into paradise.

T U R N PA G E >

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:12-13)

Father God we lift to you all those working in healthcare. You see the challenges they face far more than we do. Surround them with your love that their practical and emotional needs are met.

For their grace, humility and love,

All Lord bless them

Prayers for the NHSFor all the patients who are unable to see their relatives, sustain the healthcare workers as they provide the support that is needed both physically, emotionally and spiritually. Journey with those staff who comfort dying patients.


All Lord bless them

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God of infinite wisdom and love, be with those staff who have to make difficult decisions. Give them wisdom and courage to do what is right at this time.


All Lord bless them

We pray that all staff may have the right amount of personal protective equipment so that when they look after patients they are not fearful but full of peace.


All Lord bless them

Your peace transcends all understanding. Grant all those in the NHS your peace as they go on their shifts, look after patients and return home to their families.


All Lord bless them

As they become tired and weary, Father God, give them strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.


All Lord bless them

T H E S T R I P P I N G O F T H E S A N C T U A RYThe holy table and the sanctuary may be stripped bare.

How lonely sits the city that once was full of people! How like a widow she has become, she that was great among the nations! She weeps bitterly in the night, with tears on her cheeks; among all her lovers she has no one to comfort her.

All Jerusalem, Jerusalem, return to the Lord your God.

The roads to Zion mourn, for no one comes to the festivals; all her gates are desolate, her priests groan; her young girls grieve, and her lot is bitter. Her children have gone away, captives before the foe. Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow.


From on high he sent fire; it went deep into my bones; he spread a net for my feet; he turned me back;


It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for one to bear the yoke in youth, to sit alone in silence when the Lord has imposed it, to put one’s mouth to the dust (there may yet be hope), to give one’s cheek to the smiter, and be filled with insults. For the Lord will not reject for ever.


T H E D I S M I S S A LWhen the disciples had sung a hymn they went out to the Mount of Olives. Jesus prayed to the Father, ‘If it is possible, take this cup of suffering from me.’ He said to his disciples, ‘How is it that you were not able to keep watch with me for one hour? The hour has come for the Son of Man to be handed over to the power of sinners.’

Christ was obedient unto death. Go in his peace.

The ministers and people depart.

he has left me stunned, faint all day long. For these things I weep; my eyes flow with tears; for a comforter is far from me, one to revive my courage; my children are desolate, for the enemy has prevailed.


All who pass along the way clap their hands at you; they hiss and wag their heads at daughter Jerusalem; ‘Is this the city that was called the perfection of beauty, the joy of all the earth?’ The thought of my affliction and homelessness is wormwood and gall.


The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’ The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him.


The ministers enter in silence.

All may kneel for a time of silent prayer.

T H E C O L L E C TAll stand and the president says the Collect

Almighty Father, look with mercy on this your familyfor which our Lord Jesus Christ was content to be betrayed

The Liturgy of Good Friday O L D T E S TA M E N T R E A D I N G

Isaiah 52.13–end of 53

At the end



Silence is kept.

P S A L M 2 2 : 1 - 1 1

1. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me, and are so far from my salvation, from the words of my distress?

2. O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you do not answer; and by night also, but I find no rest.

3. Yet you are the Holy One, enthroned upon the praises of Israel.

4. Our forebears trusted in you; they trusted, and you delivered them.

5. They cried out to you and were delivered; they put their trust in you and were not confounded.

6. But as for me, I am a worm and no man; scorned by all and despised by the people.

7. All who see me laugh me to scorn; they curl their lips and wag their heads, saying,

8. ‘He trusted in the Lord; let him deliver him; let him deliver him, if he delights in him.’

9. But it is you that took me out of the womb and laid me safe upon my mother’s breast.

10. On you was I cast ever since I was born; you are my God even from my mother’s womb.

11. Be not far from me, for trouble is near at hand and there is none to help.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning, is now and shall be forever. Amen

N E W T E S TA M E N T R E A D I N G

Hebrews 10.16-25

At the end



Silence is kept.

and given up into the hands of sinners and to suffer death upon the cross;who is alive and glorified with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.All Amen.

DRAMA: JUDAS: GREAT EXPECTATIONS AND MISSED OPPORTUNITY (ON VIDEO)

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H Y M N T H E R E I S A G R E E N H I L L FA R AWAY

There is a green hill far awayOutside a city wallWhere the dear Lord was crucifiedWho died to save us all

We may not know we cannot tellWhat pains He had to bearBut we believe it was for usHe hung and suffered there

He died that we might be forgiv’nHe died to make us goodThat we might go at last to heav’nSaved by His precious blood

There was no other good enoughTo pay the price of sinHe only could unlock the gateOf heav’n and let us in

O dearly dearly has He lovedAnd we must love Him tooAnd trust in His redeeming bloodAnd try His works to do

Cecil Frances Humphreys Alexander

| William Horsley

© Words: Public Domain

Music: Public Domain

T H E PA S S I O N R E A D I N G

The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.John 18.1–end of 19

At the end

This is the Passion of the Lord.Silence is kept.

S E R M O N

A wooden cross may be brought in and placed in the sight of the people.

The cross of Christ.All The cross on which the Saviour of the world was hung.

Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by?Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrowwhich was brought upon me,which the Lord inflicted on the day of his fierce anger.All Holy God, holy and strong, holy and immortal,

have mercy upon us.O my people, O my Church, what have I done to you,or in what have I offended you? Testify against me.I led you forth from the land of Egypt,and delivered you by the waters of baptism,but you have prepared a cross for your Saviour.All Holy God, holy and strong, holy and immortal, have mercy upon us.

I gave you a royal sceptre, and bestowed the keys of the kingdom,but you have given me a crown of thorns.I raised you on high with great power, but you have hanged me on the cross.All Holy God, holy and strong, holy and immortal, have mercy upon us.

My peace I gave, which the world cannot give,and washed your feet as a sign of my love,but you draw the sword to strike in my name, and seek high places in my kingdom.I offered you my body and blood, but you scatter and deny and abandon me.All Holy God, holy and strong, holy and immortal, have mercy upon us.

I sent the Spirit of truth to guide you,and you close your hearts to the Counsellor.I pray that all may be one in the Father and me,but you continue to quarrel and divide.I call you to go and bring forth fruit, but you cast lots for my clothing.All Holy God, holy and strong, holy and immortal, have mercy upon us.

I came to you as the least of your brothers and sisters;I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,I was a stranger and you did not welcome me,naked and you did not clothe me,sick and in prison and you did not visit me.All Holy God, holy and strong, holy and immortal, have mercy upon us.

I led you through the desert forty years, and fed you with manna.I brought you through tribulation and penitence,and gave you my body, the bread of heaven,but you prepared a cross for your Saviour.


What more could I have done for you that I have not done?I planted you, my chosen and fairest vineyard,I made you the branches of my vine;but when I was thirsty, you gave me vinegar to drink,and pierced with a spear the side of your Saviour.


I went before you in a pillar of cloud,and you have led me to the judgement hall of Pilate.I scourged your enemies and brought you to a land of freedom,but you have scourged, mocked and beaten me.I gave you the water of salvation from the rock,but you have given me gall and left me to thirst.


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T H E P R AY E R S O F I N T E R C E S S I O N The president introduces the prayers

God sent his Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Therefore we pray to our heavenly Father for people everywhere according to their needs.

Minister

Let us pray for the Church of God throughout the world: for unity in faith, in witness and in service, for bishops and other ministers, and those whom they serve, for James, our bishop, and the people of this diocese, for all Christians in this place, for those to be baptized, for those who are mocked and persecuted for their faith, that God will confirm his Church in faith, increase it in love, and preserve it in peace.

Silence is kept.

Lord, hear us.

All Lord, graciously hear us.

President Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified: hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people, that in their vocation and ministry they may serve you in holiness and truth to the glory of your name; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

All Amen.

Minister

Let us pray for the nations of the world and their leaders:for Elizabeth our Queen and the Parliaments of this land,for those who administer the law and all who serve in public office,for all who strive for justice and reconciliation,that by God’s help the world may live in peace and freedom.

Silence is kept.

Lord, hear us.All Lord, graciously hear us.

President Most gracious God and Father, in whose will is our peace, turn our hearts and the hearts of all to yourself, that by the power of your Spirit the peace which is founded on justice may be established throughout the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All Amen.

Minister

Let us pray for God’s ancient people, the Jews, the first to hear his word:for greater understanding between Christian and Jew,for the removal of our blindness and bitterness of heart,that God will grant us grace to be faithful to his covenantand to grow in the love of his name.Silence is kept.


All Amen.

Minister

Let us pray for all those who suffer: for those who are deprived and oppressed, for all who are sick,for those in darkness, in doubt and in despair, in loneliness and in fear,for prisoners, captives and refugees,for the victims of false accusations and violence,for all at the point of death and those who watch beside them,that God in his mercy will sustain them with the knowledge of his love.Silence is kept.


President Almighty and everlasting God, the comfort of the sad, the strength of those who suffer: hear the prayers of your children who cry out of any trouble, and to every distressed soul grant mercy, relief and refreshment, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All Amen.

Minister

Let us commend ourselves and all God’s children to his unfailing love,and pray for the grace of a holy life,that, with all who have died in the peace of Christ, we may come to the fullness of eternal life and the joy of the resurrection.Silence is kept.Lord, hear us.

President Lord God of Abraham, bless the children of your covenant, both Jew and Christian; take from us all blindness and bitterness of heart, and hasten the coming of your kingdom, when the Gentiles shall be gathered in, all Israel shall be saved, and we shall dwell together in mutual love and peace under the one God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

All Amen.

Minister

Let us pray for those who do not believe the gospel of Christ:for those who have not heard the message of salvation,for all who have lost faith, for the contemptuous and scornful,for those who are enemies of Christ and persecute those who follow him, for all who deny the faith of Christ crucified,that God will open their hearts to the truthand lead them to faith and obedience Silence is kept.


President Merciful God, creator of all the people of the earth, have compassion on all who do not know you, and by the preaching of your gospel with grace and power, gather them into the one fold of the one Shepherd; Christ our Lord.

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President

O God of unchangeable power and eternal light,look favourably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery,and by the tranquil operation of your perpetual providencecarry out the work of our salvation: and let the whole world feel and seethat things which were cast down are being raised upand things which had grown old are being made newand that all things are returning to perfectionthrough him from whom they took their origin,even Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you,in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.All Amen.

T H E L O R D ’ S P R AY E RStanding at the foot of the cross, as our Saviour taught us, so we prayAll Our Father in heaven …(See back page)

T H E C O N C L U S I O N Silence is kept.

Most merciful God, who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christdelivered and saved the world:grant that by faith in him who suffered on the crosswe may triumph in the power of his victory;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.All Amen.

The cross used in the Proclamation of the Cross may be carried out.

The ministers depart in silence.

T H E G AT H E R I N G

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All Amen.

The Lord be with you

All and also with you.

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

All He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

A Mid-Morning Eucharist on Easter Day


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P R AY E R S O F P E N I T E N C EChrist our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us.Let us therefore rejoice by putting away all malice and eviland confessing our sins with a sincere and true heart.Silence is kept.

Like Mary at the empty tomb, we fail to grasp the wonder of your presence. Lord, have mercy.All Lord, have mercy.

Like the disciples behind locked doors,we are afraid to be seen as your followers. Christ, have mercy.All Christ, have mercy.

Like Thomas in the upper room, we are slow to believe.Lord, have mercy.All Lord, have mercy.

May the God of love and power forgive you and free you from your sins,heal and strengthen you by his Spirit, and raise you to new life in Christ our Lord.All Amen.

G L O R I A I N E X C E L S I SAll 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.

D R A M A : P E T E R : M A R V E L L I N G AT W H AT Y O U S E E ( O N V I D E O )

T H E C O L L E C TLet us pray that we may reign with the risen Christ in glory.Silence is kept.

Lord of all life and power, who through the mighty resurrection of your Sonovercame the old order of sin and death to make all things new in him:grant that we, being dead to sin and alive to you in Jesus Christ,may reign with him in glory; to whom with you and the Holy Spiritbe praise and honour, glory and might, now and in all eternity.All Amen.

R E A D I N G S• Genesis 1:1-2:4• Isaiah 55:1-11• Exodus 14:10-end; 15:20-21

At the end of each

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

and the living one;I was dead, and behold I am alive for evermore.All Alleluia.Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.All Glory to you, O Lord.At the endThis is the Gospel of the Lord.All Praise to you, O Christ.

S E R M O N

R E N E WA L O F B A P T I S M A L V O W SThe Ministers take a bowl of water.

The congregation are invited to do the same.

As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, we remember that through the paschal mystery we have died and been buried with him in baptism.In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light. To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life in him. Therefore I ask:

Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?All I reject them.Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?All I renounce them.Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?All I repent of them.Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?All I turn to Christ.

H Y M N T H I N E B E T H E G L O RYThine be the glory,Risen, conquering Son,Endless is the victoryThou o’er death hast won;Angels in bright raimentRolled the stone away,Kept the folded grave clothesWhere Thy body lay.

Thine be the glory,Risen, conquering Son,Endless is the victoryThou o’er death hast won.

Lo! Jesus meets us,Risen from the tomb;Lovingly He greets us,Scatters fear and gloom.Let the church with gladnessHymns of triumph sing,For her Lord now liveth;Death hath lost its sting.

No more we doubt thee,Glorious Prince of life!Life is nought without thee:Aid us in our strife.Make us more than conqu’rorsThrough Thy deathless love.Bring us safe through JordanTo Thy home above.

G O S P E L R E A D I N G – M AT T H E W 2 8 : 1 - 1 0Alleluia, alleluia. I am the first and the last, says the Lord,

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Do you submit to Christ as Lord?

All I submit to Christ.

Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?

All I come to Christ.

May God, who has given you the desire to follow Christ, give you the strength to continue in the Way.

P R AY E R O V E R T H E WAT E RPraise God who made heaven and earth,

All who keeps his promise for ever.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

All It is right to give thanks and praise.

The congregation are invited to hold their bowl of water up.

Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ was baptized in the river Jordan,we thank you for the gift of water to cleanse us and revive us.We thank you that through the waters of the Red Seayou led your people out of slavery to freedom in the promised land.We thank you that through the deep waters of death you brought your Son, and raised him to life in triumph.Bless this water, that your servants who are washed in itmay be made one with Christ in his death and in his resurrection,to be cleansed and delivered from all sin.Send your Holy Spirit upon them,bring them to new birth in the household

of faith,and raise them with Christ to full and eternal life;for all might, majesty, authority, and power are yours, now and for ever.All Amen.

P R O F E S S I O N O F FA I T HThe president addresses the congregation

Brothers and sisters, I ask you to profess the faith of the Church.Do you believe and trust in God the Father?All I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ?All I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit?All I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

That he may provide for those who lack food, work or shelter …we pray to the Father.All Hear our prayer.

That by his power war and famine may cease through all the world …we pray to the Father.All Hear our prayer.

That he may reveal the light of his presence to the sick,the weak and the dying, to comfort and strengthen them …we pray to the Father.All Hear our prayer.

That, according to his promises, all who have died in the faith of the resurrectionmay be raised on the last day …we pray to the Father.All Hear our prayer.

That he may send the fire of the Holy Spirit upon his people,so that we may bear faithful witness to his resurrection,we pray to the Father.All Hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father,you have delivered us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of your Son:grant that, as his death has recalled us to life,so his continual presence in us may raise us to eternal joy;through Christ our Lord.All Amen.

The congregation are invited to dip a finger into the bowl and make the sign of the cross on their foreheads. We then pray:

All Almighty God, we thank you for our fellowship in the household of faith - with all who have been baptized in your name.Keep us faithful to our baptism, and so make us ready for that daywhen the whole creation shall be made perfect in your Son,our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith,that you may be rooted and grounded in loveand bring forth the fruit of the Spirit.All Amen.

P R AY E R S O F I N T E R C E S S I O NIn joy and hope let us pray to the Father.That our risen Saviour may fill us and our nation with the joy of hisglorious and life-giving resurrection … we pray to the Father.All Hear our prayer.That isolated and persecuted churchesmay find fresh strength in the good news of Easter … we pray to the Father.All Hear our prayer.

That God may grant us humilityto be subject to one another in Christian love …we pray to the Father.All Hear our prayer.

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T H E L I T U R G Y O F T H E E U C H A R I S TT H E P E A C EThe president says

The risen Christ came and stood among his disciples and said,‘Peace be with you.’Then were they glad when they saw the Lord. Alleluia.Alleluia. The peace of the risen Christ be always with youAll and also with you. Alleluia.

In quiet, we pray for peace – in our families, our church, our community and our nation

H Y M N T O G O D B E T H E G L O RYTo God be the glory! great things he has done;So loved he the world that he gave us His Son;Who yield-ed his life an atonement for sin, And o-pened the life-gate that all may go in.

Chorus

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord! Let the earth hear his voice; Praise the Lord, praise the Lord! Let the people rejoice: O come to the Fa-ther, through Je-sus the Son, And give Him the glo-ry; great things He has done!

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood!To ev’ry believer the promise of God;The vilest offender who truly believes,That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Great things He has taught us,Great things He has done,And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;But purer, and higher, and greater will beOur wonder, our rapture, when Jesus we see.

Fanny Jane Crosby | William Howard Doane

© Words & Music: Public Domain

The table is prepared and bread and wine are placed upon it.

Be present, be present, Lord Jesus Christ,our risen high priest; and make yourself known in the breaking of bread.All Amen.

T H E E U C H A R I S T I C P R AY E RThe Prayer is found at the back of this booklet. This Preface is used:

And now we give you thanksbecause in his victory over the grave a new age has dawned,the long reign of sin is ended, a broken world is being renewedand humanity is once again made whole.

P R AY E R A F T E R C O M M U N I O NSilence is kept.

God of Life, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Sonto the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrectionhave delivered us from the power of our enemy:grant us so to die daily to sin,that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his risen life;through Jesus Christ our Lord.All Amen.


‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,Let angel minds enquire no more.

He left His Father’s throne aboveSo free, so infinite his grace;Emptied himself of all but love,And bled for Adam’s helpless race;‘Tis mercy all, immense and free;For O my God it found out meWhat mercy this immense and freeFor, O my God, it found out me.

Long my imprisoned spirit layFast bound in sin and nature’s night;Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray,I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;My chains fell off, my heart was free;I rose, went forth, and followed thee.

No condemnation now I dread;Jesus, and all in him, is mine!Alive in him, my living Head,And clothed in righteousness divine,Bold I approach the eternal throne,And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Charles Wesley

© Praise Trust

All Father of all, we give you thanks and praise,that when we were still far off you met us in your Son and brought us home.Dying and living, he declared your love,gave us grace, and opened the gate of glory.May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life;we who drink his cup bring life to others;we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world.Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us,so we and all your children shall be free,and the whole earth live to praise your name;through Christ our Lord.Amen.

T H E D I S M I S S A L

H Y M N A N D C A N I T B E

And can it be that I should gainAn interest in the Saviour’s blood?Died he for me, who caused His pain?For me, who Him to death pursued?A-mazing love! How can it beThat thou, my God, shouldst die for me?Amazing love! how can it beThat thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

‘Tis myst’ry all! th’ Immortal dies:Who can explore his strange design?In vain the first-born seraph triesTo sound the depths of love divine!

T U R N PA G E >


T H E B L E S S I N GAlleluia. Christ is risen.All He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

God the Father, by whose love Christ was raised from the dead,open to you who believe the gates of everlasting life.All Amen.

God the Son, who in bursting the grave has won a glorious victory,give you joy as you share the Easter faith.All Amen.

God the Holy Spirit, whom the risen Lord breathed into his disciples,empower you and fill you with Christ’s peace.All Amen.

And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,be among you and remain with you always.All Amen.

Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia.All Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia. T H E E U C H A R I S T I C P R AY E RThe Lord is here.All His Spirit is with us.

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

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.All 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 placesto give you thanks and praise, holy Father, heavenly King, almighty and eternal God, through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.

The Preface is inserted here

Father, you made the world and love your creation.You gave your Son Jesus Christ to be our Saviour.His dying and rising have set us free from sin and death.And so we gladly thank you,with saints and angels praising you, and saying:

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

We praise and bless you, loving Father, through Jesus Christ, our Lord; and as we obey his command, send your Holy Spirit, that broken bread and wine outpouredmay be for us the body and blood of your dear Son.On the night before he died he had supper with his friendsand, taking bread, he praised you.He broke the bread, gave it to them and saidTake, eat; this is my body which is given for you;do this in remembrance of me.When supper was ended he took the cup of wine.Again he praised you, 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.

G I V I N G O F C O M M U N I O NThe president says

Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.Blessed are those who are called to his supper.All Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word, and I shall be healed.

The President receives communion on behalf of all

T H E L O R D ’ S P R AY E RAs our Saviour taught us, so we prayAll Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as 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 the kingdom, the power,and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.So, Father, we remember all that Jesus did,in him we plead with confidence his sacrificemade once for all upon the cross.Bringing before you the bread of life and cup of salvation,we proclaim his death and resurrection until he comes in glory.Great is the mystery of faith:All Christ has died: Christ is risen: Christ will come again.

Lord of all life, help us to work together for that day when your kingdom comes and justice and mercy will be seen in all the earth.Look with favour on your people, gather us in your loving armsand bring us with all the saints to feast at your table in heaven.Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,all honour and glory are yours, O loving Father, for ever and ever.All Amen.

B R E A K I N G O F T H E B R E A DThe president breaks the consecrated bread.

Every time we eat this bread and drink this cup,All we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

50 | H o l y W e e k & E a s t e r

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HOLY WEEK & EASTER - Rainham Church · 2020-03-29 · 10 | Holy Week & Easter Holy Week & Easter | 11 We adore you, O Christ, we are going to die someday, then we will and we bless