A Service of Holy Communion Sixth Sunday of Easter 05.06.2018

You are welcome here today and every day! The people of Trinity Church gather around a table piled high with spiritual food, and there is a place for you and everyone at the table, whatever your religious practice may be. Please feel free to receive communion and participate in the service as fully as you want to. Trinity Church is a metropolitan house of prayer, a community of worship and spiritual inquiry, welcoming all people. Recognizing our common brokenness, yet rejoicing in the reconciling love of God through Jesus Christ, we nurture one another in our spiritual life together. If you would like to receive more information about Trinity Church, please sign our guest book located near the entrance. Please join us after worship for refreshment and conversation. Trinity Church is an Episcopal Church and a member parish of the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York of the Episcopal Church in the United States, and is a part of the Anglican Communion, which is based in England, but found worldwide. Name tags are not required, but they sure help! You’ll find sticky tags and markers on a table in the red carpet area near the entrance. Children are a beloved part of the Trinity Community. If you have children, they are welcome to participate in any of several ways: They can stay quietly occupied with you in the pew; join the 5-12 year olds “Under the Tent” for the Creator Quest program; utilize the professionally staffed nursery for infants up to 5 years old; hang out with you in the red carpet area, or any combination.

Prelude

"Romance from Eine kleine Nachtmusik” by W.A. Mozart

Centering Prayer

This centering prayer is by John Philip Newell from Praying With The Earth, (Eerdmans, 2011.)

Cover image: Westfield Falls, near Middletown, CT. By Matt Lincoln.

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We wake to the forgiveness of a new day. We wake to the freedom to begin again. We wake to the mercy of the sun’s redeeming light. Always new, always gift, always blessing. We wake to the forgiveness of this new day. Amen.

Opening Hymn

First Reading

P

“In Christ there is no East or West”

Acts 10:44-48

eter had not finished speaking these words when the Holy Spirit descended upon all who were listening to the message. The Jewish believers who had accompanied Peter were surprised that the gift of the Holy Sprit had been poured out on the Gentiles also, whom they could hear speaking in tongues and glorifying God. Then Peter asked, "What can stop these people who have received the Holy Spirit, even as we have, from being baptized with water?" So he gave orders that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. After this was done, they asked him to stay on with them for a few days.

Both Bible readings are taken from The Inclusive Bible: The First Egalitarian Translation by Priests for Today.

Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people. Thanks be to God.

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Echo

"Alleluia” Mairare

This echo is by Abraham Mairare, from Zimbabwe.

The Middle Reading fills the role of a Bible reading, but it doesn't come from the Bible. It is our way of trying to listen for God's ongoing word as it is spoken by God outside the limits of the Bible. Most often, we turn to contemporary poets for this reading.

Middle Reading Don’tsay, don’t say there is no water to solace the dryness at our hearts. I have seen the fountain springing out of the rock wall and you drinking there. And I too before your eyes found footholds and climbed to drink the cool water.

Denise Levertov (1923 – 1997) was English born and emigrated to the US in 1947. Here she published more than 20 volumes of poetry. In the 1960s, Levertov was active in the anti-war movement in the United States. Additionally, she worked as a poetry editor of the The Nation in the ‘60s and for Mother Jones in the ‘70s.

The woman of that place, shading her eyes, frowned as she watched—but not because she grudged the water, only because she was waiting to see we drank our fill and were refreshed. Don’t say, don’t say there is no water. That fountain is there among its scalloped green and gray stones, it is still there and always there with its quiet song and strange power to spring in us, up and out through the rock. Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people. Thanks be to God.

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"The Fountain” by Denise Levertov

Echo

Gospel Reading

A

“Alleluia” Mairare

John 15:9-17

s my Abba has loved me, so have I loved you. Live on in my love. And you will live on in my love if you keep my commandments. I tell you all this that my joy may be yours, and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. And you are my friends, if you do what I command you. I no longer speak of you as subordinates, because a subordinate doesn't know a superior’s business. Instead I call you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have learned from Abba God. It was not you who chose me; it was I who chose you to go forth and bear fruit. Your fruit must endure, so whatever you ask of Abba God in my name God will give you. This command I give you: that you love one another. Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people. Thanks be to God.

Echo

Sermon Musical Reflection

“Alleluia” Mairare

The Rev. Matt Lincoln

Nobody set out to write The Bible. The Hebrew Scriptures were created over many centuries by many people to record the Jewish People’s experience of God. The same is true of the Christian Scriptures, some of which were letters written to a specific audience in response to specific needs – and were then found to be helpful to the faithful even after fulfilling their original purpose.

The four Gospels hold the core of Christian spiritual wisdom, reflecting the earliest stories and images of Jesus. Like all Scripture, they are not definitive prescriptions but narrative stories requiring endless interpretation.

The sermon invites your curiosity and thoughtfulness about the theme of worship, and is intended to evoke your thoughts rather than direct them. An audio recording of the sermon is posted to the parish website each week, usually by Monday or Tuesday.

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Community Prayer

These prayers are an effort to pray with one voice even though we have a diversity of needs and hopes. The were created here at Trinity. The refrain is taken from Paul's letter to the Romans.

The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. Gracious God, you are a lover of souls and the very presence of all we hold dear: We bring before you today our hopes and fears, our needs and desires, our ordinary concerns that keep us from hearing your prayers for us. And we affirm our trust: neither death, nor life, nor rulers, nor powers, nor anything else in all creation, can separate us from your love, O God. Beloved, from the origin of our species, you fitted us with a grand vision for abundant life and community that most often exceeds our grasp: We bring before you today our desire for peace, our confession of neglect, and our promise to uphold the dignity of every human being. And we affirm our trust: neither things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, can separate us from the love of God. Gracious God, your intimate presence and the depth of your love have the power to heal us: We bring before you today our grief and sorrow, our illness and wounds, our addictions and compulsions, and a host of needs we dread to mention. And we affirm our trust: neither death, nor life, nor rulers, nor powers, nor anything else in all creation, will separate us from your love, O God. Beloved, we know that you have a dream for us, and that when we are living into it, the abundance of your grace is palpable: Grant us open hearts and open minds to know that what was old is being made new, what was locked away is being released, and what was cast down is being raised up. And we affirm our trust: neither things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, can separate us from the love of God. Amen.

Affirmation of Faith Please stand in spirit or in body.

We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God's work. Nothing we do is complete, which is another way of saying It helps, now and that the kingdom always lies beyond us. then, to step back

and take the long view. The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts, it is beyond our vision. This creed is adapted from a prayer by Oscar Romero, El Salvador.

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No statement says all that could be said. No prayer fully expresses our faith. No confession brings perfection. No pastoral visit brings wholeness. No program accomplishes the church's mission. No set of goals and objectives includes everything.

This is what we are about: We plant seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development. We provide yeast that produces effects beyond our capabilities. We cannot do everything and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something, and to do it very well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for God's grace to enter and do the rest. We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker. We are workers, not master builders, ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own. Amen.

The Peace The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you.

The Liturgy of the Table Offertory Anthem

"O Love” by Elaine Hagenberg

Although it looks a lot like an intermission, passing the peace is actually one of the earliest spiritual practices of Christian worship. By greeting one another in the assurance of God’s peace, we all share in creating hospitality, and we represent to each other God’s reconciling love.

O Love, that will not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee, I give Thee back the life I owe, that in Thy ocean depths Its flow may richer, fuller be. O Joy, that seeks me through the pain, O I cannot close my heart to Thee; I trace the rainbow through the rain and feel the promise is not in vain That morn shall tearless be.

Sharing the Open Table

All are welcome to receive Communion at Trinity Church. No Exceptions!

May God be with you. And also with you. Open your hearts. We open them to God and one another. Let us give thanks to God. It is right to give God thanks and praise.

The Communion Prayer is adapted from Eucharistic Prayer IV, The Scottish Liturgy 1982 in the book Gleanings.

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It is right and a good and joyful thing to live openly in the presence of God and one another as grateful people. Splendor and honor are yours God of all being. Your power sustains, your endless love restores this broken world. Always present with us, you bring patterns to the chaos, and fill our emptiness. Resurrection brings the dawn of hope. The light of Christ kindles life in us, and leads us to walk in your light. Your Holy Spirit is fire in us, your breath warms our hearts to love. As children of your redeeming purpose, freed when Christ burst from the tomb, we offer you our praise with Angels and Archangels, and all the company of heaven, singing your eternal glory:

On the night before Jesus was given up to death, knowing that his hour had come, and having loved his own, he loved them to the end. At supper with the disciples Jesus took bread, offered thanks to you, broke it, gave it to his friends and said: “Take, eat: this is my Body given for you.” After supper he took the cup, offered thanks, he gave it to them and said, “This is my Blood of the new Covenant poured out for you, and for all. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the first light of Easter, glory broke from the tomb, and the women's sorrow changed to joy. In the garden Mary found the truth: the One whom they had loved and lost was restored to them in every place and for ever. So Christ renewed the promise of his presence: Known in the breaking of the bread, bringing peace to fearful hearts, the risen Christ proclaimed new birth in the Spirit and consecrated your people to freedom.

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And so we proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. One in Christ, we offer you these gifts, and with them ourselves, a holy, living sacrifice. Hear us, merciful God: send your Holy Spirit on us and on this bread and wine that they may be the Body and Blood of Christ; kindle in us the fire of your love, renew us for the service of your kingdom. Help us live and work in gratitude to you; that we may grow together in unity and love until, at last, in your new creation, we enter into the company of the apostles and prophets and of all our sisters and brothers, the living and the dead; through Jesus Christ by whom, with whom, and in whom in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory are yours throughout all ages, now and for ever. Amen.

*Jesus revealed a new, personal sense of relationship with God by addressing God as something like “Papa.” Always feel free to use your most meaningful name for God in saying the Lord’s Prayer. This version of the Lord’s Prayer is by Monica Furlong (Jan. 17, 1930 – Jan. 14, 2003) who was a British author, journalist, and activist.

The Lord’s Prayer Now, as Christ has taught us, we are bold to say: God who cares for us,* The wonder of whose presence fills us with awe. Let kindness, justice and love shine in our world. Let your secrets be known here as they are in heaven. Give us the food and the hope we need for today. Forgive us our wrongdoing as we forgive the wrongs done to us. Protect us from pride and from despair and from the fear and hate which can swallow us up. In you is truth, meaning, glory and power, while worlds come and go. Amen.

We are following a pattern of using an alternative interpretation of the Lord’s Prayer for a few weeks and then using the traditional prayer book version for a week or two, and then going to a different interpretation for a few weeks, then the prayer book version for a week or two, etc.

At the breaking of the bread God of promise, you have prepared a banquet for us. Happy are those who are called to the Supper of the Lamb.

Receiving Communion We gather in a big circle all around the altar. Follow the people ahead of you and spread out around the perimeter of the rugs on on either side of the altar. If you wish to kneel to receive, use the kneelers which are located near the pulpit and lectern. Gluten-free bread is available upon request. Should you choose not to receive the wine, fold your arms across your chest to let the chalicer know that you do not wish to receive. Ministers of Healing are available to pray with you near the side chapel during communion.

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Music During Communion

"One bread, one body”

As you come or go from communion, feel free to take a moment to light a votive candle to add this symbol of hope to your prayers. Also ask the Healers to pray with you for burdens that feel too heavy to carry alone or for thanksgivings that are too joyful to be contained by one person. The Healers are available near the chapel to the north side of the altar.

Prayer for the Road

Let us pray: God of all Creation, we thank you for breaking through the wall of death and This Prayer for the releasing us into the fullness of life. We thank you for welcoming us to this Road is by Matt table and letting us glimpse the heavenly banquet where all shall feast for Lincoln. ever. Let this foretaste draw us out of the small spaces of our timid hopes to feel your laughter and live your pleasure here in this world, which you love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Blessing

Life is short. We do not have too much time to gladden the hearts of those who make the journey with us. So be swift to love. Make haste to be kind. And may the blessing of God, who made us, who loves us, and who travels with us be with you now and always. Amen.

Hymn

This blessing is based on the words of Henri Frederic Amiel (1821-1881)

“Joyful, joyful, we adore thee”

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Our spiritual practice is renewed as we leave here and begin again to work the promises of the covenant.

Dismissal Go now, carrying the new life given you by the resurrection. Alleluia, alleluia! Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia!

Postlude

“I Thought About You” by Jimmy Van Heusen

If you are visiting today, please stay for refreshments and fellowship after the service is over. Don’t be surprised if someone introduces themselves to you and welcomes you to Trinity, but don’t feel you need to wait for someone to do so either! Introduce yourself to anyone nearby. They will be glad to share any knowledge of the Trinity community that they can. In the red carpet area near the door, there is a table where you’ll find a place to sign in and leave your name, address, phone number and email address. Please sign in so we can keep you up to date on all the latest information about Trinity.

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Announcements Shoes for Growing Kids! Through our school partnership, Trinity has been asked to assist with the purchase of new girls’ and boys’ sneakers, children's shoe sizes 1-7 (which will fit kids in 2nd through 6th grades).  TODAY is the last day that we are collecting the sneakers, to be delivered to the school on Monday, May 7. Thank you for doing some children’s shoe shopping, and together let's give a bunch of kids some happy feet! Allentown Art Festival Trinity will open her doors for this year's Allentown Weekend, June 9 & 10 and we're looking for volunteers to oversee the event. Please sign up for a 1-hour slot in the red carpet area. Many thanks! Open Friday We have begun our "Open Fridays" at Trinity, 11:30 - 1:00. All are welcome to bathe in the light of our sanctuary for prayer and meditation. Bring your lunch, if you wish! Used Book Sale Last call for Used Books! All books on the carts are now half price and the remaining volumes will be donated to a worthwhile cause. Thanks for your support! Shop for Those Who Can't This week, when you go shopping, please consider buying additional items to give to our ongoing food drive effort. Deposit donated items in the yellow bin at the back of the church. Volunteers will take our contributions to a senior center, which distributes the food to families. Jung Center Buffalo "Exploring Our Dreams Together" A second six-part series is being held: Tuesdays, May 1 to June 5, 2018 7-8:30pm Trinity Church- Mission Room In this six-week workshop, Susan Stocks will guide us in sharing, discussing, and drawing our dreams to promote understanding, meaning, and insight. Cost for all six workshops: $72/ Seniors $58. Share your garden with Trinity As you begin to see early shoots poking their noses up in your gardens, and you feel a need to thin those perennial plantings, feel free to donate some baby hosta or whatever to Trinity. Our gardeners will gladly find a space for them here. Thank you! Summer goodies The Trinity Bakers will take a well-deserved break for the summer. If you would like to provide a tasty treat following a summer service, please sign up in the red carpet area. You may certainly bake/freeze ahead or purchase doughnuts! Thanks!

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Staff

Vestry

The Reverend Matthew R. Lincoln, Rector [email protected] 716-852-8314 ext. 14

David Devereux, Senior Warden Chris Schaeffer, Junior Warden Alison Mueller, Treasurer Timothy Lane, Clerk Judy Atkinson Miller Trey Bankhead Joe Chamberlain Susan Cosentino Jane Haenle Christina Kinney Anthony Shilen Carol Case Siracuse

Krista Seddon, Director of Ensembles; Pianist [email protected] www.kristaseddon.com Paul Cena, Organist and Choir Director [email protected] Gabrie’l Atchison, Congregational Development Director and Parish Administrator [email protected] 716-852-8314 ext. 10 Colleen O'Neill, Director of Children's Ministries [email protected] 716-852-8314 ext. 11 Grace Guercio, Child Care Worker Office Volunteers: Jennifer Frey & Joe Silvestri [email protected] 716-852-8314 ext. 19 Rich Mpelezos, Facility Manager [email protected] 716-852-8314 ext. 24 Cam Carson, Caretaker and Sexton [email protected] 716-852-8314 ext. 34 Trinity is an Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Western New York.

www.trinitybuffalo.org • 716-852-8314

Follow us on Twitter @trinitybuffalo www.facebook.com/TrinityBuffalo

Dale Worwa, Facility Cleaner

Today’s Worship Team Greeter: Counters: Chalicers: Readers: Altar Guild: Liturgist: Guest Musician

Choir Members Paul Cena, Director Laura Munson, Section Leader Cheryl Fisher Elaine Lodick Christina Kinney Beth Newton, Section Leader Sue Cosentino Sue Doherty Mimi Dow Carol Siracuse John Clayton, Section Leader Peter Dow Steve Shanley Ryan Kaminski, Section Leader Dwight Craig Tim Lane Tom Owen

Joanne Sundell Anthony Shilen, Christina Kinney Karen Hall, Ed Fries Ginx Graves, Catherine Carr Lincoln, John Fantini Phoebe McKay Sharon Rogers Janet Mitchell, vocals

Sunday @10:30am Sunday @7:00pm Wednesday @11am Thursday @7pm

Includes communion at an open table An encounter with God through poetry, jazz, and meditation Rite 2 communion and coffee 12steps@Trinity, based on 12-step spirituality