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510 Belknap Place
San Antonio, TX, 78212
United States

2107363132

Christ Episcopal Church is a loving and welcoming church family, centrally located in the historic Monte Vista District of San Antonio, Texas. Our sanctuary is one of the most peaceful and beautiful churches in the country, but the real beauty of our church is our people. We are a large church, but with a small, familial feel and lots of ways to become involved.

Sunday Morning

Sunday at CEC





This page is updated weekly by Thursday afternoon

Sunday, May 5, 2024
Sixth Sunday of Easter
9:00 & 11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite Two

Service from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP)  Congregational participation in bold

Prelude

Opening Prayer

Gathering Music

All who hunger, gather gladly” WLP 761*

All who hunger, gather gladly; holy manna is our bread.
Come from wilderness and wandering. Here, in truth, we will be fed.
You that yearn for days of fullness,  all around us is our food.
Taste and see the grace eternal. Taste and see that God is good.

All who hunger, never strangers; seeker, be a welcome guest.
Come from restlessness and roaming. Here, in joy, we keep the feast.
We that once were lost and scattered in communion’s love have stood.
Taste and see the grace eternal. Taste and see that God is good.

All who hunger, sing together;  Jesus Christ is living bread.
Come from loneliness and longing. Here, in peace, we have been led.
Blest are those who from this table live their lives in gratitude.
Taste and see the grace eternal. Taste and see that God is good.



Welcome & Announcements

Processional Hymn

“All creatures of our God and King” Hymn 400: 1, 3, 5

All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voices, let us sing:
Alleluia, alleluia!
Bright burning sun with golden beams, pale silver moon that gently gleams,

O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Swift flowing water, pure and clear, make music for your Lord to hear,
Alleluia, alleluia!
Fire, so intense and fiercely bright, you give to us both warmth and light,

All you with mercy in your heart, forgiving others, take your part,
O sing now: Alleluia!
All you that pain and sorrow bear, praise God, and cast on him your care:

9 a.m.:

Alleluia. Christ is risen. BCP 355
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.


“All creatures of our God and King” Hymn 400: 7

Let all things their creator bless, and worship him in humbleness,
O praise him, Alleluia!
Praise God the Father, praise the Son, and praise the Spirit, Three in One:

O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

11 a.m.:

Alleluia. Christ is risen. BCP 413
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia

There is one Body and one Spirit;
There is one hope in God’s call to us;
One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism;
One God and Father of all.


Collect of the Day

The Lord be with you. And also with you. 

Let us pray.

O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.


The Lessons, all seated           BCP 357

Acts 10:44-48


Psalm 98

1 Sing to the Lord a new song, *
for he has done marvelous things.
2 With his right hand and his holy arm *
has he won for himself the victory.
3 The Lord has made known his victory; *
his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.
4 He remembers his mercy and faithfulness 
to the house of Israel, *
and all the ends of the earth
have seen the victory of our God.
5 Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands; *
lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.
6 Sing to the Lord with the harp, *
with the harp and the voice of song.
7 With trumpets and the sound of the horn *
shout with joy before the King, the Lord.
8 Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, *
the lands and those who dwell therein.
9 Let the rivers clap their hands, *
and let the hills ring out with joy before the Lord,
when he comes to judge the earth.
10 In righteousness shall he judge the world *
and the peoples with equity.


1 John 5:1-61


Gospel Hymn, all standing

“Lord, whose love through humble service” Hymn 610: 1

Lord, whose love through humble service 
bore the weight of human need,
who upon the cross, forsaken, 
offered mercy’s perfect deed,
we, your servants, bring the worship 
not of voice alone, but heart,
consecrating to your purpose 
every gift that you impart.


The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. John. 
Glory to you, Lord Christ.

John 15:9-17

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to you, Lord Christ.


“Lord, whose love through humble service” Hymn 610: 4

Called by worship to your service, 
forth in your dear name we go,
to the child, the youth, the aged 
love in living deeds to show;
hope and health, good will and comfort, 
counsel, aid, and peace we give,
that your servants, Lord, in freedom 
may your mercy know and live.


Sermon, Bishop Gary Lillibridge

  • Presentation and Examination of the Candidates BCP 415

    The Bishop says
    The Candidates will now be presented.
    Presenters I present these persons for Confirmation. Presenters I present this person to be received into this Communion. Presenters I present these persons who desire to reaffirm their baptismal vows.
    The Bishop asks the candidates Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil?
    Candidate I do.
    Bishop Do you renew your commitment to Jesus Christ? Candidate I do, and with God’s grace I will follow him as my Savior and Lord.

    After all have been presented, the Celebrant addresses the congregation, saying
    Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ? People We will.

    The Celebrant then says these or similar words
    Let us join with those who are committing themselves to Christ and renew our own baptismal covenant.

    The Baptismal Covenant BCP 416

    Do you believe in God the Father?
    I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

    Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
    I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He 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, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

    Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
    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.

    Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
    I will, with God’s help.

    Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
    I will, with God’s help.

    Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
    I will, with God’s help.

    Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
    I will, with God’s help.

    Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
    I will, with God’s help.

    Prayers for the Candidates BCP 417

    The Celebrant then says to the congregation Let us now pray for these persons who have renewed their commitment to Christ.
    Deliver them, O Lord, from the way of sin and death.
    Lord, hear our prayer.
    Open their hearts to your grace and truth.
    Lord, hear our prayer.
    Fill them with your holy and life-giving Spirit.
    Lord, hear our prayer.
    Keep them in the faith and communion of your holy Church.
    Lord, hear our prayer.
    Teach them to love others in the power of the Spirit.
    Lord, hear our prayer.
    Send them into the world in witness to your love.
    Lord, hear our prayer.
    Bring them to the fullness of your peace and glory.
    Lord, hear our prayer.

    Then the Bishop says

    Almighty God, we thank you that by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ you have overcome sin and brought us to yourself, and that by the sealing of your Holy Spirit you have bound us to your service. Renew in these your servants the covenant you made with them at their Baptism. Send them forth in the power of the Spirit to perform the service you set before them; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

    The Bishop lays hands upon each one and says

    For Confirmation
    Strengthen, O Lord, your servant N. with your Holy Spirit; empower him/her for your service; and sustain him/her all the days of his/her life. Amen.

    For Reception
    N., we recognize you as a member of the one holy catholic and apostolic Church, and we receive you into the fellowship of this Communion. God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you. Amen.

    For Reaffirmation
    N., may the Holy Spirit, who has begun a good work in you, direct and uphold you in the service of Christ and his kingdom. Amen.

    The Bishop concludes with this prayer
    Almighty and everliving God, let your fatherly hand ever be over these your servants; let your Holy Spirit ever be with them; and so lead them in the knowledge and obedience of your Word, that they may serve you in this life, and dwell with you in the life to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

11 a.m. scroll down to The Peace
9 a.m. continues here


Nicene Creed, all standing BCP 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 of the People, all standing

Lord Jesus Christ, when you rose from the dead,You conquered evil and set the whole creation free from death. We will praise your name:  Alleluia!

Lord, holdfast to us so that we may be anchored in your love.  May we have a heart of compassion and mercy as people of the resurrected Savior. Risen Lord, in your mercy…  Hear our prayer.

For the men and women of our Armed Forces and for the and for the people of Ukraine, the Holy Land, and all war-torn places, who are in harms way, For our President, the members of Congress, and our judges, for all in authority, Risen Lord, in your mercy…  Hear our prayer.

For those who don’t have what is needed to live: Homes, and food, and clean water.  For children who are neglected, abused or enslaved, for those who suffer persecution for their faith, Risen Lord, in your mercy…  Hear our prayer.

Let us pray for the sick, the bereaved, and the lonely. That God will heal them and bring them the joy of restored health and wholeness, Risen Lord, in your mercy...  Hear our Prayer.

For the Body of Christ around the world especially for the Anglican Communion and the Episcopal Church. For our bishops, David and Rayford, For the Body of Christ, The Church, wherever it is set. Risen Lord, in your mercy...  Hear our Prayer.

For this congregation and for all who confess Jesus Christ as Lord, That we will shine brightly and proclaim life into a dark world. We pray that God will bless and watch over our missionaries here and around the world, Risen Lord, in your mercy...  Hear our prayer.

With thanksgiving for those who have served God in this life, Who now serve Him in heaven, and that we, too, having been forgiven for our sins by Christ and set aright by the Holy Spirit, will be prepared to enter the nearer presence of Christ, our Savior. Risen Lord, in your mercy...  Hear our prayer.

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence is kept, all kneeling.

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.  We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins  through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.


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

Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice for God. Ephesians 5:2

Choral Anthem, all seated

“Greater Love” Anne Dudley and Debbie Horsfield, Elia Contreras and Maximiliano Hinojosa, soloists

Greater love hath no man than he who for his friend lay down his life,
and his name shall forever beloved, and his sacrifice ever praised.
Though we may no longer behold him in our hearts liveth on,
and the light may grow dark, yet time will hold a flame forever more.

Greater hope have I none than to a state of grace I may return
and my trust shall be forever restored and the heart of me forever healed.
Though pass we through this vale of darkness as our faith begins to fail
yet the light will abide and guide us safely home now and forever more.

- adapted from John 15:13

Presentation of gifts, all standing OLD 100TH 

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise him, all creatures here below;
praise him above, ye heavenly host:
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

The Great Thanksgiving BCP 361

The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who was tempted in every way as we are, yet did not sin. By his grace we are able to triumph over every evil, and to live no longer for ourselves alone, but for him who died for us and rose again.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:


“Holy, holy, holy” S-129

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.


The Celebrant continues, all standing or kneeling...

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

The Celebrant continues...

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
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.

Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

All baptized Christians are welcome at the Communion table. At the time of the distribution of the sacrament, please come forward as the ushers direct, and kneel or stand at the altar rail. Hold out both hands to receive the Bread. If you choose to receive the Wine, help the Eucharistic Minister guide the chalice to your lips. If you wish to intinct or dip the Bread, hold it prominently, and the intinction cup will be offered to you. Know that receiving one or both elements is fully participating in Communion. If you are not receiving the sacrament, you are invited to come forward to the altar, cross your arms over your chest or put a hand over your heart, and the clergy will give you a blessing.


Communion Music

“Alleluia, alleluia!” Hymn 178

Alleluia, alleluia! Give thanks to the risen Lord.
Alleluia, alleluia! Give Praise to his Name.

Jesus is Lord of all the earth. 
He is the King of creation.

Spread the good news o’er all the earth: 
Jesus has died and has risen.

We have been crucified with Christ. 
Now we shall live for ever.

Come, let us praise the living God, 
joyfully sing to our Savior.


After Communion, the Celebrant says
Let us pray.

Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food  of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son,  and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.


Closing Hymn, all standing

“Earth and all stars” Hymn 412: 1, 3, 6

Earth and all stars, loud rushing planets, 
sing to the Lord a new song!
O victory, loud shouting army,
sing to the Lord a new song!

He has done marvelous things.
I, too, will praise him with a new song!

Trumpet and pipes, loud crashing cymbals,
sing to the Lord a new song!
Harp, lute, and lyre, loud humming cellos,
sing to the Lord a new song!

Knowledge and truth, loud sounding wisdom,
sing to the Lord a new song!
Daughter and son, loud praying members,
sing to the Lord a new song!

Alleluia, alleluia! Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia!

Hymns from Hymnal 1982, Lift Every Voice and Sing (LEVAS) II and Wonder, Love and Praise (WLP) are reprinted under OneLicense.net. A-709130. * Text: Silvia G. Dunstan, 1991 Tune: HOLY MANNA, from The Southern Harmony, 1835


Confirmed    

Marguerite Burton
Adair Griffin
Leita Hummel-Keller
Luke Kassahn
Ella Larkin
Johnny McLaughlin
Hannah Valenzuela
Jeremiah Valenzuela

Received   

Judith Ann Frymire Turlington

Reaffirmed 

Toy Eldon Brashier

The flowers on the altar are given to the Glory of God and ...

.. in In loving memory of Jamey Cooper by his family.

... in loving memory of Janet Francis by her family.

... in loving memory of Dick Creamer by his family.

... in celebration of my son, Zachary’s, 43rd birthday from his mother Halleta Heinrich.

... in loving memory of Dan G. Webster III by his family.


Thank you for the life of...

... Dr. Dick Creamer, 4/27/24, father of Charlotte Creamer, Carolyn Creamer Mayo, and John Bowen Creamer.

... Jerry Hanley, 4/30/24, brother of Robert Hanley.


Prayer List

Amy Noe, Neal Gray, JC Stromberger, Laura Nell Burton, Anne Burney, Edward Glassford

Flowers, Anniversaries, Birthdays, and Prayers

To make a flower dedication or to have your anniversary or birthday listed in the Sunday announcements, please contact Karen Von Der Bruegge  by the Sunday before.  We ask that those on the Prayer List keep us posted about your progress by calling Karen Von Der Bruegge. karenv@cecsa.org or 210-736-3132.

© Christ Episcopal Church, San Antonio, TX