Holy Communion

Sun 18th September 2022
10:45 am

Welcome

Today we gather for the service of Holy Communion. It is sometimes known as ‘The Lord’s Supper,’ ‘The Eucharist,’ or simply as ‘Mass’ but whatever name is used it is the central act of worship for the Christian Community.

If you are a visitor here today we hope you feel at home. The stewards wearing rainbow lanyards, will be happy to help you. Please introduce yourself. If you receive communion in any church you are welcome to receive the bread and wine here. If you need a gluten free wafer or wish to receive communion in your seat please let one of the stewards know.

Our services are usually live streamed, so those at home can worship with us. If you wish to ensure you are not seen on camera please sit on the right hand side of the church as you enter, please ask a steward if you are unsure. The cameras do not film people coming up for communion.

Children are always welcome in church and we understand that they do not always find it easy to be quiet! Please move around as you need to with them and if toddlers need a wander that is fine as long as they remain under your supervision. Church buildings are great places to explore but please be mindful of uneven floors, sharp edges and candles. Most weeks during term time Children’s Church takes place in Fearon Hall and families re-join us in the church building in time for communion.

We are part of the Inclusive Church network and as such we seek to challenge the church where it continues to discriminate against people on grounds of disability, economic power, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neurodiversity, or sexuality. We believe in a Church which welcomes and serves all people in the name of Jesus Christ; which is scripturally faithful; which seeks to proclaim the Gospel afresh for each generation; and which, in the power of the Holy Spirit, allows all people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Jesus Christ.

We are a work in progress and welcome anyone who wishes to journey with us.

Before the service begins there is an informal welcome. Once the service starts please join in with the words in bold type. The parts in red are instructions or an indication of what is happening. You will find throughout the service there are notes to stand, sit or kneel. These are invitations not commands, so please do whatever helps you to worship.

  The Gathering

The choir may sing an Introit a piece of choral music reflecting the theme of the service or the music group may play a song that similarly leads us into worship.

Processional Hymn: We Plough the Fields and Scatter

All stand to sing the hymn as the music begins and the servers and ministers process.

         We plough the fields, and scatter
               the good seed on the land,
          but it is fed and watered
               by God's almighty hand:
          he sends the snow in winter,
               the warmth to swell the grain,
          the breezes, and the sunshine,
               and soft, refreshing rain.

                  All good gifts around us
                       are sent from heaven above;
                   then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord,
                            for all his love.

         He only is the maker
               of all things near and far;
          he paints the wayside flower,
               he lights the evening star;
          the winds and waves obey him,
               by him the birds are fed;
          much more to us, his children,
               he gives our daily bread.

         We thank thee then, O Father,
               for all things bright and good,
          the seed-time and the harvest,
               our life, our health, our food.
          Accept the gifts we offer
               for all thy love imparts,
          and, what thou most desirest,
               our humble, thankful hearts.

The Greeting

Grace, mercy and peace

from God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ

be with you.

and also with you.

Additional words of welcome from the president may be given and the theme of the service introduced.

Prayers of Penitence

The deacon or lay assistant invites us to confess our sins using this prayer or with other words and the responses that follow. You may wish to kneel.

Most merciful God,

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

we confess that we have sinned

in thought, word and deed.

We have not loved you with our whole heart.

We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves.

In your mercy

forgive what we have been,

help us to amend what we are,

and direct what we shall be;

that we may do justly,

love mercy,

and walk humbly with you, our God.

Amen.

Lord have mercy

Lord have mercy

Christ have mercy

Christ have mercy

Lord have mercy

Lord have mercy

The president says words of forgiveness in a prayer of absolution.

Amen.

Gloria in Excelsis by Margaret Rizza

We stand to sing this ancient hymn of praise together using either this setting with the choir or the one opposite with the music group.

Gloria in Excelsis by John Foley

Give glory to God in the highest,

and peace to his people on earth.

(Repeat)

Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father,

we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.

Give glory to God in the highest,

and peace to his people on earth.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God,

you take away the sin of the world: have mercy upon us;

you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.

Give glory to God in the highest,

and peace to his people on earth.

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.

Give glory to God in the highest,

and peace to his people on earth.

(Repeat)

 The Collect

The president introduces a period of silent prayer with the words ‘let us pray’. All remain standing for the period of silence and the collect - the special prayer for the day - and all respond.

Amen.

The Liturgy of the Word

Readings

We sit to listen to one or two readings appointed for the day taken from the Christian scriptures, the Bible. Usually this will be one reading from the Old Testament or Hebrew Scriptures as it is also called, and then the second from the New Testament which is mostly made up of letters sent to some of the earliest churches.

At the end of each reading the following is said:

Here ends the reading

Thanks be to God.

First Reading: Deuteronomy 26.1-11

26 When you have entered the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance and have taken possession of it and settled in it, 2 take some of the first fruits of all that you produce from the soil of the land the Lord your God is giving you and put them in a basket. Then go to the place the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name 3 and say to the priest in office at the time, “I declare today to the Lord your God that I have come to the land the Lord swore to our ancestors to give us.” 4 The priest shall take the basket from your hands and set it down in front of the altar of the Lord your God. 5 Then you shall declare before the Lord your God: “My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down into Egypt with a few people and lived there and became a great nation, powerful and numerous. 6 But the Egyptians mistreated us and made us suffer, subjecting us to harsh labor. 7 Then we cried out to the Lord, the God of our ancestors, and the Lord heard our voice and saw our misery, toil and oppression. 8 So the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with signs and wonders. 9 He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey; 10 and now I bring the first fruits of the soil that you, Lord, have given me.” Place the basket before the Lord your God and bow down before him. 11 Then you and the Levites and the foreigners residing among you shall rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household.

Here ends the reading

Thanks be to God.

Second Reading: Phillippians 4.4-9

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Here ends the reading

Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading

We stand and sing together Alleluia as the Gospel book is carried to the middle of the church and the congregation turns to face the reader. The Gospels are the books of the Bible which contain the stories and words of Jesus hence we stand to show how important they are to us.

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

Glory to you, O Lord.

The Gospel for the day is proclaimed.

 Gospel Reading: John 6.25-35

25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”

26 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

30 So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’]”

32 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

34 “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.”

35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

We sing Alleluia as the gospel is carried back. We sit after the preacher offers an introductory prayer.

Sermon

After the sermon an anthem, song or piece of music may be played or there is a brief pause for reflection and then all stand to declare the faith of the Church either in the words of the Creed or the Affirmation of Faith on page 10.

The Creed

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 our salvation he came down from heaven,

was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and 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,

who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified,

who 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.

Affirmation of Faith

Let us declare our faith in God.

We believe in God the Father,

From whom every family

In heaven and on earth is named.

We believe in God the Son,

Who lives in our hearts through faith,

And fills us with his love.

We believe in God the Holy Spirit,

Who strengthens us

With power from on high.

We believe in one God;

Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Amen

Prayers of Intercession

All kneel for the prayers, which are led by a member of the congregation, sometimes from the back of the church or from their seat. One of the following responses may be used or another response may be given.

Lord in your mercy

hear our prayer.

Lord hear us

Lord graciously hear us

The prayers may conclude with these words:

Merciful Father,

accept these prayers

for the sake of your Son,

our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen.

The Liturgy of the Sacrament

The Peace

We stand. The president introduces the peace with some appropriate words and then says:

The peace of the Lord be always with you

and also with you.

Let us offer one another a sign of peace

Members of the congregation turn to one another and greet their neighbours by saying ‘peace be with you’ and making a sign of peace.

Offertory Hymn: From the highest of heights

During this hymn bread and wine are brought forward and the altar-table is prepared. The offertory plate is presented, symbolic of the financial gifts of the people, and the president gives thanks for these while the deacon or lay assistant is laying up the altar-table.

Verse 1

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creations revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming

Chorus

Indescribable, uncontainable
You placed the stars in the sky
And You know them by name
You are amazing, God

All powerful, untameable
Awestruck, we fall to our knees
As we humbly proclaim
You are amazing, God

Verse 2

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go?
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light?
Yet, conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom

Chorus x2

Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart
And You love me the same
You are amazing, God
You are amazing, God

Giving financially at All Saints

There is no charge for coming to church, everyone is welcome whatever your

circumstances

however, as a charity, we rely on the generosity of both occasional and

regular givers to fund the mission and ministry of the church and to ensure the upkeep of this historic building. Giving

generously is also part of our response to God, an expression of our worship.

If All Saints is your church please consider signing up to give regularly through your bank, if you are able, via the Parish Giving Scheme. Details of this are available from a steward.

Alternatively, you can make a one off gift today via the plate or card machine at the back of church or use this link.

Taking of the Bread and Wine

When the altar-table is prepared the president offers this prayer.

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation:

through your goodness we have this bread to set before you,

which earth has given and human hands have made.

It will become for us the bread of life.

Blessed be God for ever.

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation:

through your goodness we have this wine to set before you,

fruit of the vine and work of human hands.

It will become for us the cup of salvation.

Blessed be God for ever.

The president washes their hands symbolising our desire to come together at the Lord’s table with pure hearts and minds.

The Eucharistic Prayer

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 thanks and praise.

The president praises God for His mighty acts and all respond by singing one of the two settings below.

The Sanctus by Margaret Rizza

The Sanctus by James Macmillan

Holy, holy, holy Lord

God of power and might

Heaven and earth are full of your glory

Hosanna in the highest

Blessed is he, Oh blessed is he

Who comes in the name of the Lord

Hosanna in the highest

Hosanna in the highest.

The president recalls the Last Supper and then this acclamation is used.

Great is the mystery of faith:

Christ has died:

Christ is risen:

Christ will come again.

The prayer continues leading into the final words of praise.

. . . in songs of everlasting praise:

Blessing and honour and glory and power

be yours for ever and ever. Amen.

. . . for ever and ever. Amen

We kneel or sit and observe a period of silence.

The Lord’s Prayer

We say this prayer together, each in whichever language is closest to our hearts.. It may be led by a member of the congregation using one of the global languages that make up our intercultural community.

As our saviour taught us, so we pray

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.

Breaking of the Bread

We break this bread

to share in the body of Christ.

Though we are many, we are one body,

because we all share in one bread.

While the ministers break the remaining consecrated bread and the communion assistants come to the front we sing together the ancient prayer known as the Agnus Dei.

Agnus Dei by Margaret Rizza

Agnus Dei by James Macmillan

Lamb of God you take away

The sins of the world

Have mercy on us.

Lamb of God you take away

The sins of the world

Have mercy on us.

Lamb of God you take away

The sins of the world

Grant us peace.

Giving of Communion

The president gives an invitation to communion.

This is the table, not of the Church but of Jesus Christ.

It is made ready for those who love God and who want to love God more.

So come you have much faith and you who have little, you who have been here often and you who have not been for a long time or ever before.

You who have tried to follow and all of who have failed.

These are the gifts of God for the People of God. Christ invites you to be known and fed here.

Please come forward when directed by the stewards. Christians of any church tradition are welcome to receive the bread and wine including children who have been admitted to communion, here or at another church. Alternatively you can come forward for a prayer of blessing, please indicate if this is your wish by crossing your arms across your chest.

As we share communion the choir or music group may sing an anthem or song and sometimes instrumental music will be played. We all join in singing the communion hymn(s) that follow, the number(s) for which can be found on the notice sheet and on the hymn board at the front of church.

Communion Hymns: One Bread One Body

           Glory to God, the source of all our mission;
               Jesus be praised, the Saviour, Lord and Son!
          Praise to the Spirit who confirms the vision;
               in all the world the will of God be done!

       Proud in our wealth, or destitute and broken,
               we cannot live by earthly bread alone;
          but by the word that God himself has spoken
               we are set free to make our Master known.

       Eastward or westward, northward, southward moving,
               finding new fields, new patterns and new role,
          Christ’s fellow-workers, all his goodness proving,
               see how our God is making people whole!

       Linked by the cross at which we are forgiven,
               joined by the love that came to find and save,
          one in the hope of God’s new earth and heaven,
               we love and give since he first loved and gave.

       Send us, Lord Christ, to serve at your direction,
               dying and living, yours in loss and gain,
          true to the gospel of your resurrection,
               working and praying till you come to reign.

Come to the Water

Prayer after Communion

A brief silence is kept. The president says the post communion prayer for the day before we say the following prayer together:

We thank you Lord,

that you have fed us in this sacrament,

united us with Christ,

and given us a foretaste of the heavenly banquet

prepared for all peoples.

Amen.

The Dismissal

Notices and publishing of the banns of marriage.

The Blessing

We stand for the president to give the blessing to which all respond.

Amen.

Recessional Hymn: O Lord my God, (How great thou art)

       O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
               consider all the works thy hand hath made,
          I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
               thy power throughout the universe displayed:

               Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to thee,
                   ‘How great thou art! How great thou art!’
               Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to thee,
                   ‘How great thou art! How great thou art!’

       When through the woods and forest glades I wander
               and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
          when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
               and hear the brook, and feel the gentle breeze:

       And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
               sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,
          that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
               he bled and died to take away my sin:

       When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
               and take me home — what joy shall fill my heart!
          Then shall I bow in humble adoration
               and there proclaim, ‘My God, how great thou art!’

As we sing our final hymn the servers and ministers process. Children are welcome to join the procession. Please turn to face the ministers for the dismissal.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord

In the name of Christ. Amen.

You are warmly invited to stay for refreshments which are served most weeks after the service.

August 2022

Published by:

The Parish Office

All Saints with Holy Trinity

Fearon Hall, Rectory Road

Loughborough

LE11 1PL

Tel: 01509 217029

email: [email protected]

www.allsaintsloughborough.org.uk

The choral communion setting is Mass of the Bread of Life by Margaret Rizza (b. 1929).

The alternative setting of the Gloria is from St Louis Jesuits Mass by John Foley (b.1939)

The alternative setting of the Sanctus and Agnus Dei is from St Anne’s Mass by James