Welcome to The Episcopal Church

of The Ascension

Founded 1953 Vestavia Hills, AL

Morning Prayer The Seventh Sunday of Easter:

The Sunday after Ascension Day May 24, 2020

10:00 a.m.

Prelude Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word ….. J.S. Bach

Opening Hymn Hail, thou once despised Jesus Hymnal 495

Opening Sentence Book of Common Prayer 77

The Officiant says

Alleluia! Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Invitatory and Psalter Book of Common Prayer 80

Officiant Lord, open our lips. People And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Officiant and People

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia!

Christ our Passover Hymnal S 48

Psalm 47

Omnes gentes, plaudite

1 Clap your hands, all you peoples; *

shout to God with a cry of joy.

2 For the LORD Most High is to be feared; *

he is the great King over all the earth.

3 He subdues the peoples under us, *

and the nations under our feet.

4 He chooses our inheritance for us, *

the pride of Jacob whom he loves.

5 God has gone up with a shout, *

the LORD with the sound of the ram's-horn.

6 Sing praises to God, sing praises; *

sing praises to our King, sing praises.

7 For God is King of all the earth; *

sing praises with all your skill.

8 God reigns over the nations; *

God sits upon his holy throne.

9 The nobles of the peoples have gathered together *

with the people of the God of Abraham.

10 The rulers of the earth belong to God, *

and he is highly exalted.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Readings

A Reading from the Book of Acts 1:1-11

In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when

he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.

After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty

days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem,

but to wait there for the promise of the Father. "This," he said, "is what you have heard from me; for John

baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." So when they had

come together, they asked him, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?" He replied,

"It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive

power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and

Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a

cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men

in white robes stood by them. They said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This

Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."

Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. Canticle 9 The First Song of Isaiah Ecce, Deus Hymnal 679 Isaiah 12:2-6

A Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Ephesians 1:15-23

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease

to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father

of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your

heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious

inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according

to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and

seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and

above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under

his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills

all in all.

Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. Canticle 20 Glory to God Hymnal S 280

A Reading from Luke 24:44-53

Jesus said to his disciples, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you-- that everything

written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their

minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to

rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name

to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what

my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." Then he led

them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew

from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy;

and they were continually in the temple blessing God.

Reader The Word of the Lord People Thanks be to God.

The Sermon The Rev. Jack Alvey

Nicene Creed Book of Common Prayer 358 We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayers Book of Common Prayer 97-98

Officiant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Officiant Let us pray.

Officiant and People

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Officiant and People say responsively

V. Show us your mercy, O Lord; R. And grant us your salvation. V. Clothe your ministers with righteousness; R. Let your people sing with joy. V. Give peace, O Lord, in all the world; R. For only in you can we live in safety. V. Lord, keep this nation under your care;

R. And guide us in the way of justice and truth. V. Let your way be known upon earth; R. Your saving health among all nations. V. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; R. Nor the hope of the poor be taken away. V. Create in us clean hearts, O God; R. And sustain us with your Holy Spirit. Collect of the Day Book of Common Prayer 226 Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

A Collect for Sundays Book of Common Prayer 99 O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of you, that the week to come may be spent in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Collect for the Renewal of Life Book of Common Prayer 100 O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A Prayer for Coronavirus Outbreak Author Unknown May we who are merely inconvenienced Remember those whose lives are at stake. May we who have no risk factors, Remember those most vulnerable. May we who have the luxury of working from home Remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent. May we who have to cancel our trips, Remember those that have no place to go. May we who settle in for a quarantine at home Remember those who have no home. During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other, Let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors. Amen. For Recovery from Sickness (Coronavirus) Book of Common Prayer 458 O God of heavenly powers, by the might of your command you drive away from our bodies all sickness and all infirmity: Be present in your goodness with all those infected by the coronavirus, that their weakness may be banished and their strength restored; and that, their health being renewed, they may bless your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Medical Staff & Researchers From the Diocese of Exeter, England Gracious God, give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who are caring for the sick, and your wisdom to those researching for a cure. Strengthen them with your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Unemployed Book of Common Prayer 824 Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Memorial Day O God, we ask your strength, that we might dedicate ourselves to perfecting your kingdom of peace and justice among nations. Let us give thanks for the many blessings of freedom which we possess, purchased at the cost of many lives and sacrifices. Fill us with courage to fulfill our tasks and in no way break faith with the fallen. We commend these fallen to your mercy and ask that you give them eternal rest. This we ask and pray in your name. Amen. A Prayer for Attributed to St. Francis Book of Common Prayer 833 Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. Additional prayers of intercession and thanksgiving Book of Common Prayer 388-9

Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours, and grant that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as

he loves us. We pray for all members of the Anglican Communion around the world; for members of the Anglican

Consultative Council; for the staff of the Anglican Communion Office in London and the UN offices in Geneva and

New York. We remember especially our companion Diocese of the Virgin Islands and its bishop, Ambrose; Voices

for Alabama’s Children, YouthServe in Birmingham, GraceWorks in Birmingham, Sawyerville Commission and Day

Camps, Foothills Day Camp, Church of the Ascension in Birmingham, and Church of the Ascension in Montgomery.

We remember those celebrating birthdays including Sarah, Jeanie, Emily, John and those celebrating anniversaries

especially Kevin and Beth, and Jack and Jamie.

Silence Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer.

Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation. We remember especially those for whom intercessions have been requested: Lee, Ann, Stella, Bonnie, Pearl, Brian, Mary Ann, Arnold, Joy, Lucas, Harold, Annie and for those affected by the Coronavirus. Silence Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. We commend to your mercy all who have died that your will for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all your saints in your eternal kingdom. Silence Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. The General Thanksgiving (amended) Book of Common Prayer 101

Officiant and People

God of all mercies, we your children give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love

in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your presence, that as we lament our separation during this time of disease, we may continually show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen. Welcome and Announcements Good Morning and welcome! If you are visiting with us today, you can fill out a Visitor’s Card here. You are invited to make an offering online via tithe.ly. You can also text “Give” to 833.680.0369. Otherwise, you are welcome to mail a check to the church or drop it by the church office during regular business hours. Thank you for your continued support of God’s work through Church of the Ascension. Offertory Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee …. Michaela Parker, sop. ….. Arlen Clarke Blessing Closing Hymn Almighty Father, strong to save Hymnal 579

Scroll down for hymn

The Officiant Book of Common Prayer 102

Alleluia, Alleluia. God in peace to love and serve the Lord. People Thanks be to God. Alleluia, Alleluia.

Welcome

Welcome. Jesus prayed 2,000 years ago that all his followers would be one. Whatever our differences, we are united in him. Let us worship God together.

The Altar Flowers were given to the Glory of God by

Steve Wood and the Family of Elaine Wood In Loving Memory of Elaine.

We remember and honor on this Memorial Day weekend:

Jerry Burdette, National Guard Berlin Crisis

William J Burleigh, Major, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, WWII

Rod Davidson, Army and Coast Guard Auxiliary Dick Evans Vaughan Hudson, Air Force Henry Jeffrey, U.S. Army 24th Inf Div. 19th Regiment Korean War 1951-53 Jim Kemp, RAF and Royal Canadian Air Force

Robert N. Lockard, Navy. Served as Chaplain in Vietnam. Claude McLain, Navy from 1958-1978.Retired with a rank of Lt. Commander. Jim Mitchell, Army James K. Spader, Jr. Coast Guard WWII John Packard. US Navy from 1942-1954. Resigned as a flight surgeon (LT, MC, USN). Served in both WWII and the

Korean War. Tim Wuska Andrew T. (Tim) Wuska. WWII, France and Germany, US Army Air Corps Taylor Michael Santa Cruz, Coast Guard.

There are “poppies” in Terrill Foyer for anyone who would like to wear one tomorrow in memory of all our fallen

heroes.

And you may like to participate tomorrow in the National Moment of Silence. At 3:00pm local time all Americans

are encouraged to pause for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who died in service to our nation. --

“The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” P.L. 106-579,

CLERGY

The Right Reverend John McKee Sloan, Bishop of Alabama The Reverend Jack Alvey, Rector

The Reverend Jane F. Ellis, Deacon-Clergy Associate

VESTRY

Senior Warden – Kathy Lounsbury Junior Wardens – Roger Etherington and Sam Basu

Class of 2020 – Sue Busbin, Carl Carter, Kathy Lounsbury, Walker Sorrell Class of 2021 – Sam Basu, Diane Coffin, Roger Etherington, Alice LaGrone Class of 2022 – Anne Brisendine, Holly Goettge, Charley Grimes, Jim Loop

Treasurer – Len Skelton Clerk of the Vestry – Anna Colvin