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Pentacost 2020 at Guardian Angel Bulletin



Church of the Guardian Angel, Remington

Pentecost, May 31 2020 10am





Welcome to Church of the Guardian Angel online! In-person public gatherings have been suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic, but we are still connected, still church, and staying safe. Everything you need to follow the service is here. Please join in the prayers and responses printed in bold, and in the hymns and chants. We are glad you are with us today!

GATHERING

Leader: Come Holy Spirit
People: Come Holy Spirit
Leader: Move among us
People: Move among us
Leader: Spirit come
People: Spirit come

Opening Acclamation

Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ is risen.
People: Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia

Opening Hymn

If you believe, and I believe
And we together pray
The Holy Spirit will come down and set God’s people free
And set God’s people free, and set God’s people free,
The Holy Spirit will come down and set God’s people free (x2)

The Collect for Purity

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.

+Gloria

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For 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. Amen.

The Collect of the Day

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

Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

WORD


A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (2:1-21)

When the day of Pentecost had come, the disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs-- in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power." All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" But others sneered and said, "They are filled with new wine." But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: `In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord's great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'

Reader: This is the word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 104:25-35, 37

O Lord, how manifold are your works!*
in wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
Yonder is the sea, great and wide,
with its living things too many to number, creatures both small and great.

There move the ships,
and there is that Leviathan,* Which you have made for the sport of it.
All of them look to you,*
to give them their food in due season.
 

You give to them; they gather it;*
when you open your hand, and they are filled with good things.
You hide your face and they are terrified;*
you take away their breath, and they die and return to their dust.
 

You send forth your Spirit, and they are created;*
and so you renew the face of the earth.
May the glory of the Lord endure for ever;*
may the Lord rejoice in his works.
 

He looks on the earth and it trembles;*
who touches the mountains and they smoke.
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;*
 

I will praise my God while I have my being.
May may these words of mine please him;*
I will rejoice in the Lord.
Bless the Lord, O my soul.* Hallelujah!


A reading from the First Letter to the Corinthians (12:3b-13)

No one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses. For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body-- Jews or Greeks, slaves or free-- and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord People: Thanks be to God.

Sequence Hymn

Leader: Alleluia People: Alleluia

The Gospel

Deacon: The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to John (20:19-23).

People: Glory to you Lord Christ

When it was evening of the day of Resurrection, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Sermon: The Venerable Jane O’Leary

A time of silence is observed following the sermon.

The Nicene 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 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.

The Prayers of the People (Form IV)

Leader

Let us pray for the Church and for the world.

Grant, Almighty God, that all who confess your Name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.

Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer.

Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations, in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good.

Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer.

Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory.

Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer.

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 offer here the prayers for our community.

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 pray for everybody affected by Covid-19 and those who care for them.

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.

Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer.

Celebrant: Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit you have made us one with your saints in heaven and on earth: Mercifully accept the prayers of your people, and strengthen us to do your will, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

The Peace

Celebrant: The peace of Christ be always with you. People: And also with you.

Welcome & Announcements

TABLE


+Offertory Acclamation

Celebrant introduces the offertory and we say together:

All things come of thee O Lord and of thine own have we given thee. Amen

Offertory Hymn (505)

1 O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God, in every need thou bringest aid, thou comest forth from God’s great throne, from God, the Father and the Son; O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God.

2 O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God, increase our faith in our dear Lord; unless thy grace the power should give, none can believe in Christ and live; O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God.

3 O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God, make us to love thy sacred word; the holy flame of love impart, that charity may warm each heart; O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God.

4 O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God, enlighten us by that same word; teach us to know God's radiant love, and his dear Son, who reigns above; O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God.

Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you.

Celebrant: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them to the Lord.

Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give God thanks and praise.

Celebrant: 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. In fulfillment of his true promise, the Holy Spirit came down on this day from heaven, lighting upon the disciples, to teach them and to lead them into all truth; uniting peoples of many tongues in the confession of one faith, and giving to your Church the power to serve you as a royal priesthood, and to preach the Gospel to all nations. 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 Lord, God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of your glory, Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest.

Celebrant: Holy and gracious Father, in your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world. On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.” Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

Celebrant: We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify+ them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify+ us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom. All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Celebrant: And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray,

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 Breaking of the Bread

Celebrant Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;

People: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

Celebrant: The gifts of God for the people of God.

Post-Communion Chant

Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, you are here with us.

A Prayer for Spiritual Communion - Episcopal Prayer Book for the Armed Forces (1988 – adapted for Guardian Angel)

In union, O God, with your faithful people at every altar of your Church, where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, we desire to offer to you praise and thanksgiving. We remember your death, Lord Christ; we proclaim your resurrection; we await your coming in glory. And through this Sacrament of your Body and Blood celebrated for, and virtually with us, we beseech you to come spiritually into our hearts. Cleanse and strengthen us with your grace, Loving Savior, and let us never be separated from you. May we live in you, and you in us, in this life and in the life to come. Amen.

SENDING


Blessing

The Spirit of truth lead you into all truth, give you grace to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, and strengthen you to proclaim the word and works of God; and the blessing of God our Creator, our Redemeer, and our Sustainer be with you and those you love this day and forever more.

Final Hymn (551):

Dismissal

Deacon: Alleluia! Let us go forth to love and serve the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia!

Postlude

Participating in the Service

All who are watching online – you are here with us! Celebrant: The Rev Barbara O’Sullivan Deacon & Preacher: The Venerable Jane O’Leary Director of Music: Noah Stone Reader & Intercessor: Jean Lafferty, Senior Warden Cantor: Craig Bettenhausen, Junior Warden Video: The Rev Vaughn Vigil

Donations: Paypal is guardianangelremington@gmail.com Address for cheques: 2629 Huntingdon Ave, Baltimore 21211


1 Rise up, ye saints of God! Have done with lesser things, give heart and soul and mind and strength to serve the King of kings.

3 Lift high the cross of Christ! Tread where his feet have trod; and quickened by the Spirit's power, rise up, ye saints of God!

2 Rise up, ye saints of God! His kingdom tarries long: bring in the day of brotherhood and end the night of wrong.

Steve Holt to serve as next Rector at the Church of the Guardian Angel




We are thrilled to announce that a new Rector will be coming to the Church of the Guardian Angel: Father Steve Holt.

Father Steve Holt is coming to us from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, where he has been serving as the Assistant Director for the Homelessness Solutions team. He is also the 1st Vice-President of the Ednor Gardens-Lakeside Civic Association, and has been active in Baltimore since moving here eight years ago. Previously, Steve was the Director of Community Engagement for Citizens Planning and Housing Association (CPHA), and a community organizer with Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice in Los Angeles, CA. He holds a Master of Divinity from Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, CA.

In addition to his clergy role, Father Steve will also serve as Director of our Food Pantry program, a new professional position at Guardian Angel that we are thrilled to have him inaugurate. Funding for this position is coming from a Community Development Block Grant from the US Department of Housing & Urban Development, administered by the City of Baltimore.

Guardian Angel has long been at the heart of the community here in Remington in addition to our role as a religious institution. Through the Food Pantry, community meals, Homework Club, AA meetings, community association (GRIA) meetings, and various workshops, we love providing a venue for the community to come together. We are excited about the skills and experience Father Steve will bring to that part of our mission as Food Pantry Director.

Steve will start at Guardian Angel no later than July 1st.

From Father Steve:

"I am incredibly excited to be joining your congregation, and to be a part of a church that already plays such an important role in its community. I look forward to getting to know all of you more and to working with each of you as we continue to show our neighborhood the love of Christ."

Our deepest thanks to everyone who has supported us over the past year since Pastor Alice's retirement. Please pray for Father Steve and his family as they prepare to join us. 


Be it ever so humble, there's no sewage in the Thrift Shop

There was a toilet. Then there was a hole in the ground.


This is not the exciting news some of you were told to expect this week. But it is still exciting! Working with Stephen J Tant Plumbing and with support from many of you in Remington and the wider Guardian Angel family, we now have backflow prevention valves on both of the main drain lines serving the church building and Kromer Hall.

This past fall, after 100 years with no record of sewage backups on the property, Guardian Angel experienced three major sewage floods within a couple of months. Thousands of gallons rushed up through the toilets from the sanitary sewer during heavy rainstorms, filling the Thrift Shop as deep as 5 inches in some places, as well as the green room of the Undercroft, the arts collective we're thrilled to host in our undercroft. The damage was more $30,000, though thankfully it was covered by our insurance other than a deductible, plumbing work, and some Thrift Shop items.

Department of Public Works crews, at the urging of City Council Rep Mary Pat Clarke, worked hard but struggled to find the underlying problem. After many attempts, a private crew hired by the city found a problem in the lines downstream of the Thrift Shop, under the street at the corner of Huntingdon and W. 27th. Between that and regular storm drain clearing, we've not had another incident. That was not a comforting resolution!

The junior warden's blood pressure went down when that part went in,
that's the backflow prevention valve.
But now we have one-way valves on both of the affected drain lines. In the Thrift Shop, they had to tear up the concrete men's room floor and move the toilet to make room for the backflow valve. But it's done, and we can now revel in the rain as a blessing from God instead of flinching and dreading our next visit after a storm.

In addition to Stephen Tant's crew, we'd also like to thank Metro Mechanical for their work on the Undercroft and gratefully acknowledge their donations made in connection with this project. We also thank the many people who donated to the Thrift Shop Restoration Fund; money from that fund paid for part of this work and for some replacement equipment for the Thrift Shop volunteers.

It remains a ... utilitarian space, the restroom. And we would love to renovate both bathrooms to modern standards of comfort. If that project strikes your fancy, it is still in the visioning stage and we would welcome your involvement. We also aspire to add air conditioning in the main thrift store space, an improvement we estimate at around $8,000.

Good as new? Perhaps not. Better than it was though? Yeah! And safe now. Safe is good.
The Thrift Shop is closed for the duration of the COVID-19 public health crisis. It will open back up when other retail opens, at the discretion of Sarah, Max, Val, Barb and the other volunteers. We are so grateful for all they do every saturday from 10am to 2pm, supporting the Food Pantry with their proceeds, providing affordable home goods and clothing to the neighborhood, as well as building and maintaining a loving community.

Remembering Pastor Alice

Today marks six months since our wonderful Pastor Alice died. We would love to invite her friends to walk the neighborhood, remembering the many places that were sacred to her, and which she made special by her presence. As we cannot meet together, please join us for this virtual walk from Palm Sunday 2017. Or, if you able, go for a walk today to celebrate Alice. Have a (take away) life-saving latte, say hello to a good doggie, give thanks for the wonders of creation, bless a stranger, keep the faith.