United in God’s Love, Empowered to Serve, Welcoming All The photo above, of dawn, evokes the hymn- When morning gilds the sky

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THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

May 3, 2026

11:00 AM

Today’s PRESIDER & PREACHER: The Rev. Steven Metcalfe

MUSIC DIRECTOR and ORGANIST: Stephen Kennedy

VANDELINDER FELLOW and ASSISTANT ORGANIST: Jimmy Jeffery

VANDELINDER FELLOW and ORGANIST: Dominic Fiacco

We seek to serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves.
We strive for justice and peace among all people,
respecting the dignity of every human being.

Welcome

We seek to mirror the love of God and the hospitality of Jesus in our worship and our service to others. We are a community welcoming all races, ethnicities, faiths, genders, orientations, and abilities. Our worship is open to all, and every person is invited to receive communion.

CHRIST CHURCH OFFICE HOURS – TELEPHONE: 585.454.3878

TUESDAYS - 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS - 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

THURSDAYS - 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

VOLUNTARY Fugue in A Major, BWV 536/ii | Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750).

At the ringing of the bell, all who are able, stand.

INTROIT Cantate Domino

HYMN 518 Christ is made the sure foundation

At the ringing of the bell, all who are able, stand.

THE WORD OF GOD

OPENING ACCLAMATION

Celebrant: 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.

SONG OF PRAISE GLORIA IN EXCELSIS

Presider: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Presider: Let us pray.

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

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.

THE FIRST READING: Acts 7:55-60

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Stephen gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then 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. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then 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

Gradual Psalm

GRADUAL Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 In te, Domine, speravi

Observing a longer pause at the asterisk.

Cantors: 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.

THE SECOND LESSON 1 Peter 2:2-10

Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like 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. For 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.”

To 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”,

and

“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. 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 marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

ALLELUIA VERSE Dextera Dei

Gospeler: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

GOSPEL John 14:1-14

Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In 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? And 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. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus 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’? Do 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. Believe 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. Very 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. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.”

Gospeler: The Gospel of the Lord

People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

SERMON The Rev. Steven Metcalfe

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.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE form VI

The Leader and People pray responsively

In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.

Silence

For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.

For this community, the nation, and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.

For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.

For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.

For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.

For Sean our Presiding Bishop, and Kara our Bishop; and for all bishops and other ministers;
For all who serve God in his Church.

For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.

Silence The People may add their own petitions

Hear us, Lord; For your mercy is great.

We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.

Silence The People may add their own thanksgivings

We will exalt you, O God our King;
And praise your Name for ever and ever.

We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.

Silence The People may add their own petitions

Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;
Who put their trust in you.

We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.

Silence may be kept. Leader and People

  Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father;
  in your compassion forgive us our sins,
  known and unknown,
  things done and left undone;
  and so uphold us by your Spirit
  that we may live and serve you in newness of life,
  to the honor and glory of your Name;
  through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Celebrant concludes with an absolution or a suitable Collect.

THE PEACE

Presider: The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People: And also with you.

Parish announcements and offertory sentence

OFFERTORY- To donate electronically, please scan this QR code.

Your monetary offering- whether given in the offering plate or by online donation- supports the worship, pastoral care, and outreach of Christ Church as we seek to love and serve God and our neighbors. Thank you for your generosity.

PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE HOLY COMMUNION

HYMN 487 Come my Way, my Truth, my Life

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

The Great Thanksgiving Rite II Eucharistic Prayer B,

All who are able stand

SURSUM CORDA

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; But chiefly are we bound to praise you for the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed death, and by his rising to life again he has won for us everlasting life.

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:

SANCTUS

Celebrant and People:

We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.

On the night before he died for us, 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, according to his command, O Father,

Celebrant and People:

We remember his death,
We proclaim his resurrection,
We await his coming in glory;

The Celebrant continues:

And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.

We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him,
being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation. 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 BREAKING OF THE BREAD

A period of silence is kept.

FRACTION ANTHEM

(this or this one set to music as Stephen selects)

Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;

Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

Invitation to Communion

Presider: 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.

Everyone, without exception is welcome to receive Holy Communion.

If a gluten free wafer is better for you, please tell the minister when you come forward.

The bread and the cup are given with these Words:

The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven. Please respond: Amen.

The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation. Please respond: Amen.

Please stand, as able.

COMMUNION ANTHEM

Psalm 118 Benedictus (Commissioned for Christ Church of Rochester NY, 2025) Caleb Meyerhoff

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

We bless you from the house of the Lord.

The Lord is God, and he has given us light.

Bind the festal procession with chords up to the horns of the altar.

Thou art my God and I will praise Thee; I will exalt Thee.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his mercy endures forever.

HYMN 484 Praise the Lord through every nation

Post-Communion Prayer

Presider: Let us pray.

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

BLESSING

DISMISSAL

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord Alleluia Alleluia

Thanks be to God Alleluia alleluia

ITE MISSA EST and DEO GRATIAS Mass VIII (De Angelis)Mode 5

CONCLUDING VOLUNTARY Prelude and Fugue in G Minor BWV 558 -- J.S. Bach (1685-1750)

Supply Clergy The Rev. Steven Metcalfe

Upcoming PARISH Events and Activities

DATE CHANGE!

PARTY PARTY PARTY- MAY 29th AND 30th!

Around the next corner is Christ Church’s annual event to dream, and plan our next year’s events. It all starts with a dreaming party. On Friday, MAY 29, at 6:00pm, we will gather for cocktails and mocktails, to be followed by a festive dinner. This time will include thought balloons, made of paper, to write your dreams for activities that tickle you, excite you, or intrigue you. After a lovely dessert, we end the first part of this event. Part two happens on Saturday morning, MAY 30, at 10am when we gather again, with coffee, tea, and donuts from Ridge Donuts. This is the planning part of this event. We take the things people have written down in the thought balloons and evaluate the support each idea generates. Then it becomes a reality, and we schedule it on the calendar for next year. Some ideas that we were interested in doing have become regular events, here at Christ Church, while others might find that this is their year! So set this time aside on your calendar, get out your magic idea generator, and join with us to make some magic in our world.

PARISH PRAYER LIST

Please keep these people and intentions in your prayers this week-

The wardens, vestry, search committee, and clergy of this parish. The sick and the suffering, Cora McCallum, Kevin Finnigan, Ellen Iaia (Steve’s mother), Antonio Taylor, Judy (Kevin Finnigan’s cousin), John Ford, David Tinkelman, Capt. Charles Lewis, deployed to the Middle East. In thanksgiving that Kristy’s Liddell’s mother, Kina Knight, has completed treatment and is in remission. For refugees and immigrants, those lacking housing, employment, and the necessities of life.

Those affected by recent storms, flooding, and wildfires.All those afflicted by poverty, bigotry, violence, war, and oppression. Those who have died, especially Patricia Knight, Kristy Liddell’s aunt, her family, and all those who mourn.

RRRN (Rochester Rapid Response Network) has a fund to support our immigrant neighbors in urgent need: things like grocery shopping, rent relief, and other things that cost money. This fund comes entirely from individual contributions via Venmo. If you would like to contribute, their Venmo handle is @rocrapidresponse.

+ + +

Every Sunday, after the 11am Mass, is LEGO® building club.

AND, Every Sunday night is Compline at 9pm.

Every Monday is ZOOM Morning Prayer. Go to the website for a link. (Services & Events)

Every Tuesday is Tuesday Pipes

Every Wednesday is ZOOM Evening Prayer. Go to the website for a link. (Services & Events)

CALENDAR FOR THIS WEEK

TODAY/TONIGHT

SUNDAY May 3

1:00- 3:00 pm LET’S BUILD TOGETHER

9:00 COMPLINE

MONDAY, May 4

10:00 am Zoom Morning Prayer

https://songforchristchurch.org/monday-morning-prayer

TUESDAY, May 5

Tuesday Pipes 12:10pm

WEDNESDAY, May 6

6:30 pm Last Choir rehearsal

7:00 pm Zoom Evening Prayer

https://songforchristchurch.org/wednesday-evening-prayer

Each Sunday, the Office of Compline is observed and performed by the Christ Church Schola

Cantorum at 9:00 PM in the church. All are welcome to attend this 30-minute candlelight liturgy each Sunday from October through April.

MUSIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Compline by the Schola Cantorum serves a nearly full church each Sunday night at 9:00 p.m. We therefore need more ushers and candlelighters. Please consider participating in what the City Newspaper branded as “the place to be on Sunday nights”.

Our Lectors today-

1st Reading- Emmarae Stein

2nd Reading- Joel Wilson

Prayers of the People- Doris Bailey-Gordon

the current lector/intercessor schedule

Vestry- Jeremy Cooney, Jim Ford, Jim Kurmis, Norma Hopcraft, Kristy Liddell,

Nancy Norwood, Shirley Ricker, Fred Scipione, Craig Smith,

Wardens- Valerie Jutsum & Deb VanderBilt

David Jutsum- Clerk of the Vestry

Organists

Stephen Kennedy, director of music and organist

Jimmy Jeffery, assistant organist

Dominic Fiacco, VanDelinder Fellow

David Higgs and William Porter, associate organists

Choral Scholars

Anna Bjerken

Amelia Harkey

Maya Watters

Mary Reins

Caroline Barata

Andrea McGaugh

Caleb Meyerhoff

Daniel Perez (ESM/CC Choral Scholar)

CHRIST CHURCH OFFICE HOURS &Staff -

The Rev. Steven Metcalfe- Supply Priest

Stephen Kennedy, Director of Music, stephenk@rochester.rr.com

Steve Iaia, Sexton, stepheniaia9@gmail.com

Lori Frank, Office Administrator, office@christchurchrochester.org.

Office Hours: