The Fourth Sunday of Easter

Year A / Año A — 26 April 2026 / 26 de abril 2026

[Image: Shepherd walking with a flock of sheep through a misty landscape with tall trees and rays of light]

Welcome / Bienvenidos

Welcome to St. Peter's. Please do not hesitate to ask anyone if you need directions or assistance. This Order of Service will guide you through the service. If you do not want to take it home, please leave it in your pew (seat) or on the table in the narthex (at the back of the church). If you have any questions, please ask someone.

We respectfully recognize that we are on traditional, ancestral territories of the Amuwu, Salinan, and Chumash Nations. We acknowledge their lasting impact and ongoing commitment to this area.

Thank you to everyone who makes this service possible – the Vestry, the Altar Guild, the musicians and all the volunteers.

Here is a handy map of the Church buildings to assist you in finding your way around.

¡Bienvenidos a la Iglesia de San Pedro! Si ocupan ayuda o direcciones, por favor pregunten a alguien. Aquí está un mapa de los edificios de la Iglesia para dirigirlos a los diferentes sitios. Este boletín le guiará a través del proceso de la misa. Si no se lo quiere llevar a casa por favor déjelo en la banca (asiento) o en la mesa en el nártex (en la parte trasera de la iglesia). Si tiene preguntas, pregúntele a alguien.

Reconocemos respetuosamente que estamos en territories tradicionales y ancestrales de las naciones Amuwu, Salinan y Chumash. Reconocemos su impacto duradero y su compromise continuo con esta área.

Gracias a todos que hacen este servicio posible – el Comité Parroquial, el Gremio de Altar, los músicos y todos los voluntarios.

The Vestry / El Comité Parroquial

Staff

Priest-in-Charge / Sacerdote a Cargo: The Reverend Courtney A.U. Tan
Phone / Teléfono: 408-431-6810   Email / Correo electrónico: priest@stpeterssm.org
Priest's Day of Rest / Sacerdote día de descanso: Friday / viernes.

Office / Oficina: Roberta Slosson, Ray Ayala (bilingual)
Parish Office Hours / Horas de oficina: 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Monday / Lunes – Thursday / Jueves
Office Phone / Teléfono de Oficina: 805-922-3575
Email / Correo electrónico: admin@stpeterssm.org

Pastoral Care: If you, or someone you know would appreciate a pastoral visit for any reason please contact Rev. Courtney in person, phone: 408-431-6810 or email: priest@stpeterssm.org

Visitas pastorales: Si usted o alguien quien conoces quieren una visita pastorales, por favor, contacta con la reverenda Courtney en persona, por teléfono ir correo electrónico: 408-431-6810 o priest@stpeterssm.org

Sunday Announcement submissions: All items for Sunday announcements should be sent to the Parish Office by 5 p.m. on the preceding Wednesday afternoon (in-person, e-mail: admin@stpeterssm.org, or phone: 805-922-3575.)

Envíos de Anuncios de domingo: Todos los artículos para los anuncios dominicales deben enviarse a la Oficina Parroquial antes de las 5 p.m. del miércoles por la tarde (en persona, correo electrónico: admin@stpeterssm.org, o teléfono: 805-922-3575).

The Service of the Word

Welcome

Processional

Crown Him with many crowns.

[Hymn: Crown Him with many crowns — musical score]

Salutation

Celebrant:

Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins.

People:

His mercy endures for ever.

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 his 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.

Collect of the Day

Celebrant:

The Lord be with you.

People:

And also with you.

Celebrant:

Let us pray.

O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

The First Lesson Acts 2:42-47

Lector: A reading from the Book of Acts.

Those who had been baptized devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Lector:

Hear what the Spirit is saying to God's people.

People:

Thanks be to God.

The Psalm 23, Dominus regit me.

Lector: Please join me in reverently praying the Psalm pausing briefly between the phrases,

1. The Lord is my shepherd; *
       I shall not be in want.
2. He makes me lie down in green pastures *
       and leads me beside still waters.
3. He revives my soul *
       and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.
4. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
       I shall fear no evil; *
       for you are with me;
       your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5. You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; *
       you have anointed my head with oil,
       and my cup is running over.
6. Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *
       and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

The Epistle 1 Peter 2:19-25

Lector: A reading from the first letter of Peter.

It is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God's approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."

When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

Lector:

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Churches.

People:

Thanks be to God

Sequence Hymn

All hail the power of Jesus' name.

[Hymn: All hail the power of Jesus' name — musical score]

The Gospel John 10:1-10

Celebrant:

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

People:

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus said, "Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers." Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

So again Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."

Celebrant:

The Gospel of the Lord

People:

Praise to you, Lord Christ

Sermon

After the Sermon there will be a moment of silence for reflection.

The Nicene Creed

Lay Eucharistic Minister or Deacon: Let us affirm our faith in the words of 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

Intercessor: O God, your Son remained with his disciples after his resurrection, teaching them to love all people as neighbors. As his disciples in this age, we offer our prayers on behalf of the universe in which we are privileged to live and our neighbors with whom we share it, saying: Christ, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Intercessor: For a new birth of peace on the earth among all human families and nations, that hatred and violence and war may cease; we pray:
People: Christ, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the whole body of Christ and all who bear his holy name, and for bishops, clergy, and all who offer ministries, that we may serve Christ with glad and generous hearts, we pray:
Christ, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For this nation and all nations of the world, that those who lead may know truth and practice integrity, that all peoples may grow together in concord, we pray:
Christ, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all in mental anguish and whose faith is racked by doubt, that they may be led with Thomas the apostle to cry out, "My Lord and my God," we pray:
Christ, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For those imprisoned unjustly by force, that they may be liberated and not be abandoned to the dominion of death, we pray:
Christ, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all gathered here out of love for Christ, or seeking a deeper truth, that we may know the gospel as an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, we pray:
Christ, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For those we find difficult to love; for those who have hurt us, those who have wronged us in any way, for our enemies, for those we have misjudged or harmed, we pray:
Christ, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For those who find it difficult to forgive themselves…for those who struggle with anxiety or shame…for those who cannot accept the mercy and forgiveness of God…we pray:
Christ, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all who are sick or in need of guidance, especially, Janet, Larry, Lena, Maggie, Carrie, Dawna, Anita, Nat, Bev, Kirk, Michael, Alex, Pam, Jim, Marty, Judy, Roberta, Brad, Nancy, Kit, Bob, Joyce, Erin, Karolin, Vivian, and Andy, and all those on the Daughters of the King Prayer List, and those we now name out loud or silently in our hearts…(pause)… May they, and those who care for them, know the healing power of God's love in their lives today and every day, we pray:
Christ, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For those having died in faith, and for those who mourn their loss…(pause)… May they and all those known to you alone, know the love of God:
Christ, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, make us worthy this day to serve our fellow man. Grant to all this day their daily bread and by our mutual understanding and love, grant them peace and joy.
Christ, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Presider: Open our hearts to your power moving around us and between us and within us, until your glory is revealed in our love of both friend and enemy, in communities transformed by justice and compassion, and in the healing of all that is broken. Amen.

The Confession and Absolution

Celebrant: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept.

Minister and People:

Lord Jesus Christ,
  you call on your church to be a place
    where we can find your forgiveness.
And in our in our doubting,
  in our unfaithfulness,
    you offer us renewal and a share in your resurrection life.
And so we come to you,
  with all our doubts, with all our faults
    and in silence ask to know of your presence
  forgiving each of us, as we forgive one another.

The Bishop, when present, or the Priest, stands and says,

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

Celebrant:

May the peace of the Lord be always with you.

People:

And also with you.

We greet each other in the name of Christ. You are invited to exchange a sign of peace with other members of the congregation, via handshake, bow or wave, as you are comfortable.

The Liturgy of the Table

The Offertory

Celebrant: God of mercy and compassion, your Word calls us home to faith and love. Accept all we offer you this day; in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. (CofE CW)

Doxology   Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow.   Hymn 380, v. 3 only

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God all creatures here below
Praise God above you heavenly host
Praise God; Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Eucharistic Prayer D

Celebrant:

The Lord is here

People:

God's Spirit is with us

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 thanks and praise

It is truly right to glorify you, Father, and to give you thanks; for you alone are God, living and true, dwelling in light inaccessible from before time and for ever. Fountain of life and source of all goodness, you made all things and fill them with your blessing; you created them to rejoice in the splendor of your radiance. Countless throngs of angels stand before you to serve you night and day; and, beholding the glory of your presence, they offer you unceasing praise. Joining with them, and giving voice to every creature under heaven, we acclaim you, and glorify your Name, as we sing/say:

Sanctus & Benedictus   Hymnal S-129

Celebrant and People

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
  Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of our God.
  Hosanna in the highest.

We acclaim you, holy God, glorious in power. Your mighty works reveal your wisdom and love. You formed us in your own image, giving the whole world into our care, so that, in obedience to you, our Creator, we might rule and serve all your creatures. When our disobedience took us far from you, you did not abandon us to the power of death. In your mercy you came to our help, so that in seeking you we might find you. Again and again, you called us into covenant with you, and through the prophets you taught us to hope for salvation.

Father, you loved the world so much that in the fullness of time you sent your only Son to be our Savior. Incarnate by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, he lived as one of us, yet without sin. To the poor he proclaimed the good news of salvation; to prisoners, freedom; to the sorrowful, joy. To fulfill your purpose he gave himself up to death; and rising from the grave, destroyed death, and made the whole creation new. And, that we might live no longer for ourselves, but for him who died and rose for us, he sent the Holy Spirit, his own first gift for those who believe, to complete his work in the world, and to bring to fulfillment the sanctification of all.

When the hour had come for him to be glorified by you, his heavenly Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end; at supper with them he 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."

Father, we now celebrate this memorial of our redemption. Recalling Christ's death and his descent among the dead, proclaiming his resurrection and ascension to your right hand, awaiting his coming in glory; and offering to you, from the gifts you have given us, this bread and this cup, we praise you and we bless you.

We praise you, we bless you,
  we give thanks to you,
    and we pray to you, Redeeming God.

Lord, we pray that in your goodness and mercy your Holy Spirit may descend upon us +, and upon these gifts +, sanctifying them and showing them to be holy gifts for your holy people, the bread of life and the cup of salvation, the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ.

Grant that all who share this bread and cup may become one body and one spirit, a living sacrifice in Christ, to the praise of your Name.

Remember, Lord, your one holy catholic and apostolic Church, redeemed by the blood of your Christ. Reveal its unity, guard its faith, and preserve it in peace. Remember Sean and John our bishops and all who minister in your Church. Remember all your people, and those who seek your truth. Remember all the newly baptized who seek your truth. Remember all who have died in the peace of Christ, and those whose faith is known to you alone; bring them into the place of eternal joy and light.

And grant that we may find our inheritance with the Blessed Virgin Mary, with patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, with Veronica and Mary Magdalene and all the saints who have found favor with you in ages past. We praise you in union with them and give you glory through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, all honor and glory are yours, Almighty God and Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. AMEN.

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.

The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.

Fraction Anthem

Lamb of God,
You take away the sin of the world,
Have mercy on us.

Lamb of God,
You take away the sin of the world,
Have mercy on us.

Lamb of God,
You take away the sin of the world,
Grant us peace

Facing the people, the Celebrant says the following invitation:

God's holy gifts for God's holy people.
Jesus Christ is holy, Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God. Amen.

The Presider and people receive communion.

Post-Communion Prayer

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.

Special Prayers and Blessings

You are invited to come forward for blessings and prayers for any significant event in your life or those close to you: Birthdays, Anniversaries, Sobriety Milestones, Travel/Safe Return, Graduations, etc.

Birthday Prayer BCP 51: Watch over thy children, O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide them wherever they may be. Strengthen them when they stand; comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and in their hearts may thy peace which passeth understanding abide all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Rev. Parke's Birthday Prayer: Many happy returns on the day of your birth, may sunshine and gladness be given. May God in his mercy prepare you on earth for a beautiful birthday in Heaven. Amen (Prayer written by a former rector of St. Peter's)

Blessing of Gifts Martha's Market Wagon, and/or any other in-kind gifts.

Announcements

Easter Blessing

The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.

Recessional Hymn   This little light of mine.

[Hymn: This little light of mine — musical score, Moderate gospel tempo]

This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
Oh, this little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
ev'ry day, ev'ry day. ev'ry day!

I've got the light of grace
I'm gonna let it shine
I've got the light of grace
I'm gonna let it shine
I've got the light of grace
I'm gonna let it shine
ev'ry day, ev'ry day. ev'ry day!

We've got the light of love
We're gonna let it shine
We've got the light of love
We're gonna let it shine
We've got the light of love
We're gonna let it shine
ev'ry day, ev'ry day. ev'ry day!

Dismissal

Celebrant:

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia!

People:

Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia!

Acknowledgements / Los reconocimientos

• Permission to stream the music in this service obtained from / Permiso para reproducir la música de este servicio obtenido One License with license #A-733989
• Illustration / Illustracion: Google Stock Photo: Shepherd and Sheep.
• Prayers of Intercession / Oraciones del pueblo: St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Easter2.pdf
• Confession: Rev. Peter W. Nimmo, Opening Prayers for the Second Sunday of Easter Year A (April 12 2026) | Rev Peter W Nimmo
• Book of Common Prayer / Libro de Oracion Comun; Episcopal Church, 1979
• The Book of Occasional Services / Libro de Ritos Ocasionales; 1994, Church Publishing Inc

Announcements

Weekly Service Times

• Sunday 8 a.m. Spanish
• Sunday 10 a.m. English
• Wednesday 10 a.m. Contemplative Service followed by Bible Study: coffee available, bring a snack or lunch if you would like.

Priest's Hours

Rev. Courtney will be at St. Peter's for Sunday's services and formation. In the office on Monday afternoons, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays and work from home on Thursdays. I remain available at all times by e-mail, text, or phone. My day of respite is Friday; I may be slow to respond to routine texts, e-mails or phone calls on Friday and Saturday.

Forthcoming Services and Events

• Formation: We will continue our Study of the book and supplemental video: If You Want To Walk On Water, You Have To Get Out of The Boat, after Easter on the fourth Sunday of each month at 11:30 a.m. in the parish hall.
• Children's Creativity Summer Camp: Blooming in God's Garden: will focus on nature; creation, growth and gardens and include art, movement, crafts, Taiko drumming, a balloon animal tutorial, and more! Mark your calendars for July 20th – 24th and please join us for our annual all-day children's Summer Camp from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. with lunch provided. The camp is a wonderful opportunity for children ages 6 to 15 to enjoy fun activities, make friends, and grow in faith in a safe and welcoming environment. If you are interested in helping, volunteering or leading please contact Rev. Courtney or the parish office. To register your child or grandchild, please ask for a form from the parish office.
• Parish Picnic: Please join us August 16th for our Annual Parish Picnic held at Orcutt Community Park. Bring your family, invite a friend, and enjoy delicious food, laughter, fellowship, and fun for all ages. Come relax, connect, and celebrate our wonderful church community together.