CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL Sunday, May 10th, 2020

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Liturgical Colour: White

Happy Mother’s Day

DEAN AND RECTOR:

The Very Rev’d. Harry Bain 242-727-1544

ASSISTANT CURATE:

Rev’d. Chitan Thompson 242-436-4102

The Collects

Fifth Sunday of Easter: Almighty God, whom truly to

know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your

Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that

we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to

eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who

lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one

God, for ever and ever. Amen.

For Mother’s Day – Lord Jesus Christ, who was born of a human mother, and cared

for her on the Cross: We commend to You the mothers of our nation. May their children be

nurtured in Your discipline and instruction, and may their homes be havens of peace

and love, made fragrant with Your presence; who with the Father and Holy Spirit

lives and reigns one God, forever and ever. Amen.

The First Lesson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acts 7:55-60

(A deacon of the church, Stephen, preaches salvation history before the high priest and the council, culminating in a vision of Jesus standing at God’s right hand. Those gathered are so provoked by this testimony that, enraged, they drag him from the city and stone him to death. Those stoning Stephen lay their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul, who will later become the apostle Paul. Stephen prays to God to forgive those putting him to death, as did Jesus from the cross.)

A Reading from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, the 7th Chapter, beginning at the 55th Verse.

55But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the

right hand of God. 56‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at

the right hand of God!’ 57But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together

against him. 58Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses

laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59While they were stoning Stephen, he

prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ 60Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice,

‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he died.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD

Easter: Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed. Come, let us adore Him. Alleluia!

1

Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16

(A psalm of trust by one who looks to the Lord for mercy and protection)

1 In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; *deliver me in your righteousness.

2 Incline your ear to me; *make haste to deliver me.

3 Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe, for you are my crag and my stronghold; *for the sake of your Name, lead me and guide me.

4 Take me out of the net that they have secretly set for me, *for you are my tower of strength.

5 Into your hands I commend my spirit, *for you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth.

15 My times are in your hand; *rescue me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.

16 Make your face to shine upon your servant, *and in your loving-kindness save me.”

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit* as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be forever. Amen.

2

(This reading presents a series of images from the Old Testament, describing Christians as a chosen people called by God to God’s service. It is possible that the passage was once used during an Easter season baptismal liturgy. Newborn disciples are to purify themselves and, as living stones, to join themselves to Jesus, the rejected one, who now is the cornerstone of the spiritual temple. They are the new Israel, called out of darkness into light.) A Reading from the First Letter of Peter, the 2

nd Chapter, beginning at the 2nd Verse.

2Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow

into salvation— 3if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4 Come to him, a

living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight,

and 5like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to

offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6For it stands in

scripture: ‘See, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious; and

whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.’ 7To you then who believe, he is

precious; but for those who do not believe, ‘The stone that the builders rejected has

become the very head of the corner’, 8and ‘A stone that makes them stumble, and a

rock that makes them fall.’ They stumble because they disobey the word, as they

were destined to do. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,

God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called

you out of darkness into his marvellous light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you

are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received

mercy.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

The Epistle

1 Peter 2:2-10

3

(In our gospel passage Jesus speaks with his disciples shortly before his passion and tells them that he is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the way because he himself is going the way of the sacrifice of his death, so to prepare a place for his disciples. In this way followers will discover the truth that Jesus so intimately reflects the character of God that those who have seen him have seen the Father. All who come to the Father through Jesus will find true life.) A reading from the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ, according to John, the 14th Chapter, beginning at the 1st Verse.

Glory to Christ our Saviour.

14‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s

house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I

go to prepare a place for you? 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come

again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 4And you

know the way to the place where I am going.’ 5Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do

not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ 6Jesus said to him, ‘I

am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through

me. 7If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and

have seen him.’8 Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.’ 9Jesus

said to him, ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know

me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? 10Do

you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say

to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his

works. 11Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not,

then believe me because of the works themselves. 12Very truly, I tell you, the one who

believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works

than these, because I am going to the Father. 13I will do whatever you ask in my

name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If in my name you ask me for

anything, I will do it.

The Gospel of Christ. Praise to Christ our Lord.

THE HOLY GOSPEL

John 14:1-14

4

A Message From The Dean Mother’s Day Gifts

Today is the day set aside each year to pay tribute to Mothers, a sometimes thankless and difficult job. I want to encourage and commend all Mothers for the great work they do in and for their families. We know that you have a twenty-four-hour-a-day job, one which demands not only all your time, but also all of your attention and energy. Because of that realization, we salute you today, in the fashion that we should honor you every day - for all you do for us and for all you give to your family. Few of us show our mothers the depth of love, honour, and respect that we should. We know we don't, and we feel guilty about it. So on Mother's Day, we try to make up for our failure by giving MOM gifts to symbolize our true feelings of affection and appreciation. We give all sorts of gifts which range from the extravagant to the simple, from store-bought to the homemade, from fancy flowers to fattening foods. We should shower Mother with gifts, for indeed she needs to be reminded of our love and gratitude for all she has done. My chief concern is that this gift-giving not be relegated to just one day a year. We should give to Mother each day. On this Mother’s Day 2020, I want to suggest several gifts of a non-materialistic, noncommercial nature, that are neces-sary in the Christian family and should be given each day. Honour

Let me begin by speaking to you Sons and Daughters. Children, no matter what age you are, from nine months to ninety years, no matter how many children of your own you have, the Bible says that the gift you should give your Mother every day is honor! One of our Ten Commandments says, "Honor your Father and Mother ..." That means that we children are to treat our mothers with great respect, in how we act toward them and in the way we speak to them. Did you realize that in ancient Israel, if a child cursed his mother, he was to be stoned to death? (Exodus 21:17) They took God's law very seriously.

Nothing disturbs me more than to hear children speak sarcastically, hatefully, or sharply to their mothers. That is contrary to God's will! The Lord demands that you speak with utmost love and respect to your Mother. She is the instrument through which God gave you life. She put her life in jeopardy in order to give you birth. She has sacrificed many of the luxuries of life in order to feed, clothe and educate you. So you must never be dishonorable to your mother in the way that you speak to her or about her. You must offer her the gift of honor in what you say. You must also give her honor in the way you live. Whether we want it to be this way or not, the way we live is a reflection upon our parents. So, if you really want to honour your mother, you should live in a way that she will be proud of. You must live an honourable life.

5

A child's life-style reflects on his parents. Children, if you want to give honor to your mother, then live an honorable life. When you're out with your friends, having the time of your life, far from your parents' eyes, ask yourself, "Would my mother be proud of what I am doing? Are my actions honoring her?" The way you go about your school work, the way you conduct yourself in your profession, how faithfully you exercise your spiritual life - all those things can bring honour or shame to your parents. God says that you should honor your mother. Has your life-style done that? The first and greatest thing that all children should give their mothers is the gift of honour - through what we say and how we live. Well now, we have seen that all children, no matter what age we are, should give honour to our mothers. Now I want us to look briefly at the other side of the coin and examine Mother's responsibility. Mother, you are not only the recipient of gifts, but you also have a responsibility to offer gifts to your children on this "great day" as well as on every day. Exemplary Life

The first gift you must present to your children is to be the kind of person you want them to be! You must give them a Christian example in what you say and do. Notice how a little girl mimics her mother. If Mom wears high heels, she will slip into them also. She will stand before the mirror and pretend to put on makeup. The child wants to be like Mother in every way. For this reason, Mother, it is your sacred duty to live an exemplary life in word and deed. You have the power to influence your child for good or evil, so you must be a Christian example in your home. It is sad, but true, a negative example can come simply through carelessness. One day in Sunday School little Susie was asked to read from the Bible. She told the teacher that she didn't like to read the Bible anymore, because she was "grown up now." The teacher did not understand Susie's attitude and she told her how important it was to read the Bible. Susie replied, "I've never seen my mother read the Bible, so it must not be as important as you say."

Mother, you are one of the most powerful influences on your child's life through your words and deeds. Are you giving them a Christian example? Do they see you pray and read the Scripture? Do they hear you witness to your love for Christ? Do they see you serve him in the way you live? If they do, your children will grow up to call you "blessed," as we read in Proverbs 31. Mother, are you giving your children a Christian example in the way you talk to them and pray with them? Are you presenting a Christian example in how you love their father and in how you love the Lord and his Church? Do they see Christ in your unending love, your patience, your concern for others, and your encouragement of them? One of the greatest gifts you can offer your children is to be the kind of person you want them to be.

Your Time

The second thing you must give your child is your time! Each one of us knows how hectic life is these days. There are more demands on us and our time than ever before. And the sad result of all the time-consuming activity in our society is that we leave such precious little time for our children.

6

As Psalm 127 says, "Children are a gift from the Lord." They are a gift which must be nourished, cared for, trained, and disciplined. And that takes time - lots of time. Children must take priority over social engagements, clubs, adult activities, and in some cases, even work. Your children need you more than they need clothes. They need you more than they need a cellphone or more toys. They need you - your time, your attention, and your affection - more than they need any other thing on earth. Motherhood, as well as fatherhood, is a full-time job - a full-time opportunity, one which demands many sacrifices. One of the finest things you can possibly give your children, Mother, is your time, because in giving your time, you give yourself. Conclusion So we see that this special day demands special gifts. All of us children should give honour to our mothers in what we say and do. Mom, your children will be looking for you to show them the kind of person they should be - and to give them your time. These are just some of the most precious gifts of Mother's Day. Mothers, we thank God for you, for all that you do, for the kindness you show, for the love you give, and for the example you are. We love you with all our hearts! May God bless you on this, your special day! On my behalf and that of Reverend Chitan, Happy Mother’s Day to you all! We love and miss seeing you. Keep safe and hopefully we will be together physically soon with Gods help.

Your Dean and Rector

2020

7

A Prayer in Gratitude for Our Mothers: Good and Gentle God, we pray in gratitude for our mothers and for all the women of theory who have joined with you in the wonder of bringing forth new life. You who became human through a woman, grant to all mothers the courage they need to face the uncertain future that life with children always brings. Give them the strength to live and to be loved in return, not perfectly, but humanly. Give them the faithful support of husband, family and friends as they care for the physical and spiritual growth of their children. Give them joy and delight in their children to sustain them through the trials of mother-hood. Most of all, give them the wisdom to turn to you for help when they need it most. Amen.

A Prayer for Mother’s Day: On this special day set aside to honour mothers we ask for a special touch from the Lord for each and every one of them. May each mother be granted a special blessing, and may all of the work of her hands not be forgotten in Your sight. Let her example to her children be a guiding force in their lives, and may wisdom be passed down to the next generation of mothers. Amen

For people who are infected with COVID-19 or facing quarantine: Jesus, during Your ministry on Earth You showed Your power and caring by healing people of all ages and sta-tions of life from physical, mental, and spiritual ailments. Be present now to people who need Your loving touch because of COVID-19. May they feel Your power of healing through the care of doctors and nurses. Take away the fear, anxiety, and feelings of isolation from people receiving treatment or under quarantine. Give them a sense of purpose in pursuing health and protecting others from expo-sure to the disease. Protect their families and friends and bring peace to all who love them. Amen.

For medical professionals, caregivers, and researchers responsible for fighting the new coronavirus: God, as more people get sick, healthcare workers and first responders are working longer hours with fewer supplies and with more risk of contracting the new coronavirus themselves. Renew their energy and sustain them on long shifts. Bring Your protection upon them as they work with patients. Multiply their supplies so they have the protective items needed to stay safe on the job. Inspire and invigorate the re-search doctors developing better tests to diagnose the virus, create vaccines to prevent it, and identify protocols to eliminate the disease’s spread. Amen.

For leaders responsible for making decisions about the new coronavirus: Father, we seek Your wisdom daily. Be with people making decisions that affect the lives and futures of our families, communities, countries, and the wider world. We pray that they communicate clearly, truthfully, and calmly — with each other and with the public — and that their messages are received and heeded. May truth and empathy be the touchstones of people setting policies for our protection. Amen.

For essential workers: Lord, we are so grateful for all the people who continue to work each day so that people are able to meet their basic needs. We ask that You bless and protect them as they serve. Give them grace to han-dle disgruntled citizens. Keep their bodies healthy as they labour. And please protect them all from contracting the new coronavirus. Amen.

Source: xavier.edu worldvision.org

LET US PRAY

8

T

HE

S

IC

K

OF

OU

R

PA

RI

SH

A

N D

W

ID

ER

R E M E M B E R

C O M M U N I T Y

Naomi Bethel, Don Campbell,

Doreen Campbell,

Michael & Verona Cartwright,

Howard Darville, Ancilleno Davis Sr.,

Krystle Davis, Patricia Ferguson,

Gretal Ford, Clarice Granger,

Derek Griffiths, Hazel Halkitis,

Monique Hanna, Alice Jones,

Ernestine ‘Teenie’ Jones,

Andrea Knowles, Bertram Knowles,

Carrie Knowles, Jess Knowles,

Alaina Mortimer, Romaine Nixon,

Christopher & Nakeisha Pickstock,

Stella Pinder, Delglica Rahming,

Dave Roberts, Emerald Sands,

Henry Sawyer, Cmdr. (Ret.) Leon Smith,

Catechist Neville Smith,

Alma Thompson, Frankiemae Thompson,

Bishop Gilbert Thompson,

Paul Thompson Sr., Angela Treco,

Kyhiesha Treco and William Tizard.

CATHEDRAL LIFE

CONDOLENCES ARE EXTENDED TO: Lady

Sonya Longley, Cleopatra Christie and Jayme Gomez and

their families on the death of their aunt, Mrs. Noreen Major, who

died on Saturday, May 2nd;

Hazel Halkitis and family on the death of her nephew, Peter

Mayrhofer, who died in Leesburg, Florida on May 3rd.

Ancilleno Davis and family on the death of his brother,

Fredrick Pyfrom, who died in Freeport, Grand Bahama on

May 4th. Please remember these families in your prayers.

OFFICE HOURS: The Cathedral Office will be open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for those wishing:

֍ to donate items for Social Outreach

֍ to see Clergy regarding pastoral matters and social assistance

֍ to drop off stewardship contributions

֍ in any event, drive by just to give us a hail, we would love to see you. It is important for all of us who can to continue our financial contributions as we still have monthly commitments to meet. We know that these are difficult financial times for all of us. However, we thank you for your continued support. Let us continue to pray and not lose hope. As you may have noticed, the online database is missing a lot of numbers, emails and birthdays. Membership forms may be returned as well so that we can better keep in touch with members.

9

My brothers and sisters in Christ, to say that we miss corporate fellow-ship at church is an understatement. The stoppage of public gatherings to limit community spread of COVID-19 is one that affects both clergy and laity. However, we deem it an honour and a pleasure to serve as your priests.

This pandemic that we are challenged with worldwide continues to run rampant and for many the cry is as that of the Psalmist David “How long, O

Lord?” We do not know how long, but regardless of how long this storm lasts, we must not lose heart and we must not grow weary. We must continue to have faith and trust God, while taking care of ourselves and each other.

This too shall pass, but while we ride out this storm together, we must remember that the church’s operations and obligations remain the same. We know that you love your church and are committed to its mission and ministry. In that regard, we are proposing three options with regards to your financial support;

For those who wish to tithe electronically:

Online contributions can be sent to FCIB Christ Church Vestry Account #1247357; Transit #09120 (Branch - Parliament & Bay Streets)

●If you are a customer of FCIB, it will be a third party transfer. Any other bank, it will be a domestic transfer to FCIB Christ Church Vestry Account #1247357; Transit #09120

●Please select that you want the sender’s information to be shared so that our parish records can be updated as well.

For those who wish to pay over the counter: You can deposit over the counter to FCIB Christ Church Vestry Account #1247357; Transit #01920 (Branch - Parliament & Bay Streets)

If neither of these is possible: The office will be open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for any pastoral matter and to receive stewardship contributions.

Let us together continue to exercise committed and responsible Christian Stewardship in this matter. We continue to pray for an end to this pandemic and for our strength in the Lord as we navigate these unchartered waters.

We thank you for your loyalty and commitment to God’s church. Remember stewardship is a way of life and in all things we give God thanks. Let us continue to observe safe health practices and be constant in prayer as we seek God’s favour. Dean Harry Bain

UPDATED STEWARDSHIP MEMO

10

If you are not a FCIB Customer and do not have the option to share the sender’s information, kindly email a copy of your transaction or the details of the receipt to: christchurch_offering@yahoo.com Members, who have not received an email acknowledgement of their electronic Offering are asked to telephone the Parish Office.

We will continue to have ONE DIOCESAN Sunday mass. The use of ZNS TV and Cable TV was our commitment for Mothering Sunday through Easter Day. It was an effort to be pastoral to the Diocese and to the nation in a new and difficult time. The curfew and lockdown were uncomfortable and still take some getting used to. We wanted to do our part to soften this blow. Though it costs to be on TV, we also wanted to reach as many people across the Diocese in the solemn time of Holy Week and Easter Sunday. We will now transition to use FaceBook and YouTube as the major portals to broadcast the Diocesan Mass each Sunday. This Sunday we join Fr. Hugh Bartlett and Rev’d. Willish Johnson.

In addition to your regular daily devotions, please do something extra every day at noon (or as close to that time as possible): PAUSE for “A Moment a Day for Jesus, Others and Me”. (a) pause from whatever you are doing for a few moments of devotion; (b) say or sing “Lord have mercy x3; Christ have mercy x3; Lord have mercy x3”; (c) say the Lord’s Prayer, and any other prayer(s) that you wish. This is meant to be a brief oasis in the middle of our day, to pause and focus on God. Every Anglican is encouraged to pause daily to do this. Let us continue in prayer and faithfulness to God.

Anglicans are asked to consider how best they can help their Parish and neighborhoods with their time, talent and treasure. Let us reach out to one another and share whatever we have because so many are in need NOW. Many persons need food and money; but some need someone to take an interest in them; some need friendship, companionship or a word of encouragement.

Jesus IS ALIVE!! God IS STILL God and we ARE STILL the Church!! Hallelujah!!

DIOCESAN NEWS

FROM BISHOP LAISH BOYD

11

MAY 10TH - MAY 16TH

Today: Dr. Beverton Moxey

Andre Aranha Kiarra Rodgers

May 11th: Georgette Humes

Brent McNeil

May 12th: Archibald Simms

May 14th: Hayden Bourne

May 15th: Colin Johnson

Shainu Pannarasan

Birthday Prayer: Watch over Your children, O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide them wherever they may be; strengthen them when they stand; comfort them when they are discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and in their hearts may Your peace which passes all understanding abide with them on the anniversary of their birth, and all the days of their lives, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

May 12th:

Franon & Shelly Wilson

Wedding Anniversary Prayer: O gracious and ever-living God, You have created us male and female in Your image: look mercifully upon this couple who have come to You seeking Your blessing and assist them with Your grace, that with true fidelity and steadfast love they may honour and keep the promises and vows they made; through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

12

May 11th – May 17th, 2020

Morning Prayer Evening Prayer Monday Psalms 56, 57 & 58 Psalms 64 & 65

Leviticus 16:1-19 Wisdom 9:1, 7-18 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Tuesday Psalm 61 & 62 Psalm 68:1-36 Leviticus 16:20-34 Wisdom 10:1-21 Matthew 6:7-15 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Wednesday Psalm 72 Psalm 119:73-96 Leviticus 19:1-18 Wisdom 13:1-9 Matthew 6:19-24 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

Thursday Psalms 70 & 71 Psalm 74 Leviticus 19:26-37 Wisdom 14:27-15:3 Matthew 6:25-34 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

Friday Psalm 106:1-18 Psalm 106:19-48 Leviticus 23:1-22 Wisdom 16:15-17:1 Matthew 7:1-12 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17

Saturday Psalms 75 & 76 Psalms 23 & 27 Leviticus 23:23-44 Wisdom 19:1-8, 18-22 Matthew 7:13-21 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18

Sunday Psalms 93 & 96 Psalm 34 Leviticus 25:1-17 Ecclesiasticus 43:1-12, 27-32 Luke 12:13-21 James 1:2-8,16-18

Readings: Sunday, May 17th, 2020

Sixth Sunday of Easter: Rogation Sunday Liturgical Colour - White

Acts 17:22-31 Psalm 66:7-18 1 Peter 3:13-22

John 14:15-21 13