Year A / Año A

19 April 2026    19 de abril 2026

St. Peter's Episcopal Church
402 Lincoln St, Santa Maria, Ca.
P.O. Box 1868, Santa Maria, Ca 93456

The Rev. Courtney A. U. Tan, Priest-in-Charge

[Image: Colorful expressionist painting of a dramatic sky with swirling clouds in reds, blues, and oranges; three small silhouetted figures walk along the horizon — Daniel Bonnell, The Road to Emmaus, © Bonnellart.com]


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.

[Map: Floor plan of St. Peter's Church buildings. Along Cook Street: Chancel, Sacristy, Sanctuary, Narthex. Central: Back Door, Men's Restroom, Women's Restroom, Closet, Vestry Office, Furnace, Vesting Sacristy, Parish Office, Priest's Office, Front Door, Courtyard, Entrance. Right side: Meeting Room 2, Meeting Room 1, Nursery, Guild, Kitchen, Parish Hall, Library, Children's Area, Storage. Parking is along the top and right. Lincoln Street runs along the bottom.]

¡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

Senior Warden / Guardián mayor Marty Durrett (2026)
Junior Warden / Guardián menor Marianne Converse (2026)
Dawn Jimenez (2027)
Bob Norwood (2027) (Clerk / secretario)
Terri Oneschuck (2028)
Lisa Ziemba (2028)
Treasurer / Tesorero Joe Ardizzone
Camera / Cámara Tony Norwood
Counters / Contadores Nancy Johnson
Lectors / Lectores Mary Gears, Bob Norwood
LEM / Acolyte / acólito Anne Lathouwers
Musician / Músico Joe Ardizzone
Prayers / Oraciones Martha Martel, Daughters of the King
Ushers / Acomodadores Marci Fast, Chris Fast
Vestry Rep. / Representante del Comité Parroquial Lisa Ziemba

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 o 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   Morning has broken

Morning has broken like the first morning,
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird.
Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning!
Praise for them, springing fresh from the Word

Sweet the rain's new fall sunlit from heaven,
Like the first dewfall on the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden,
Sprung in completeness where God's feet pass.

Mine is the sunlight! Mine is the morning
Born of the one light Eden saw play!
Praise with elation, praise every morning,
God's recreation of the new day!

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   Glorify Thy Name

Father, we love You
We worship and adore you
Glorify Thy Name
Glorify your name in all the earth

Chorus: Glorify your name
Glorify your name
Glorify your name in all the earth

Jesus, we love You
We worship and adore You
Glorify your name in all the earth
Chorus:

Spirit, we love You
We worship and adore You
Glorify your name in all the earth
Chorus:

Collect of the Day

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

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

The First Lesson Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Lector: A reading from the Book of Acts.

Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd, "Let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified."

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?" Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him." And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.

Lector: Hear what the Spirit is saying to God's people.
People: Thanks be to God.

The Psalm 116:1-3, 10-17, Dilexi, quoniam

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

1 I love the Lord, because he has heard the voice of my supplication, *
    because he has inclined his ear to me whenever I called upon him.
2 The cords of death entangled me;
    the grip of the grave took hold of me; *
    I came to grief and sorrow.
3 Then I called upon the Name of the Lord: *
    "O Lord, I pray you, save my life."
10 How shall I repay the Lord *
    for all the good things he has done for me?
11 I will lift up the cup of salvation *
    and call upon the Name of the Lord.
12 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord *
    in the presence of all his people.
13 Precious in the sight of the Lord *
    is the death of his servants.
14 O Lord, I am your servant; *
    I am your servant and the child of your handmaid;
    you have freed me from my bonds.
15 I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving *
    and call upon the Name of the Lord.
16 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord *
    in the presence of all his people,
17 In the courts of the Lord's house, *
    in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.
Hallelujah!

The Epistle 1 Peter 1:17-23

Lector: A reading from the first letter of Peter.

If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God.

Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.

Lector: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Churches.
People: Thanks be to God

Sequence Hymn   Surely the Presence

Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.
I can feel His mighty power and His grace.
I can hear the brush of angels' wings.
I see glory on each face
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.

The Gospel Luke 24:13-25

Celebrant: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Now on that same day two of Jesus' disciples were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?" They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?" He asked them, "What things?" They replied, "The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him." Then he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?" Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?" That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

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, Larry, Lena, Maggie, Carrie, Dawna, Anita, Nat, Bev, Kirk, Michael, Alex, Pam, Jim, Marty, Judy, Roberta, Brad, Nancy, Kit, Bob, Joyce, Erin, 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…..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…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, was 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)

Offertory Hymn   I am the Bread of Life

I Am the Bread of Life
They who come to me shall not hunger,
They who believe in me shall not thirst.
No one can come to me
Unless the Father draw them.

Chorus: And I will raise them up,
And I will raise them up,
And I will raise them up on the last day.

The bread that I will give
Is My flesh for the life of the world,
And they who eat of this bread,
They shall live forever,
They shall live forever.
Chorus:

Unless you eat
Of the flesh of the Son of Man
And drink of His blood,
And drink of His blood,
You shall not have life within you.
Chorus:

I am the Resurrection,
I am the Life,
They who believes in Me
Even if they die,
They shall live forever.
Chorus:

Yes, Lord, we believe
That You are the Christ,
The Son of God
Who has come
Into the world.
Chorus:

Doxology   Give thanks with a grateful heart.

Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give Thanks
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son

Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say, "I am strong"
Let the poor say, "I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us"
Give Thanks ….. Give Thanks
Give Thanks ….. Give Thanks

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:

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 Michael 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.

Fraction Anthem

The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.

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.

All are welcome at God's table.
All baptized persons are welcome to receive the Eucharist in the Episcopal Church.
If you would prefer a blessing, please indicate this by crossing your hands across your chest.
Gluten-free wafers are available, please indicate your preference when receiving the sacrament.
Please note, the Communion wine contains alcohol;
receiving the sacrament in only one kind, i.e. bread is valid.

The Presider and people receive communion.

Communion Hymns   Let us break bread together

Let us break bread together on our knees.
Let us break bread together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me.

Let us drink the wine together on our knees.
Let us drink the wine together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me.

Let us praise God together on our knees.
Let us praise God together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me.

Seek Ye First

Seek ye first the Kingdom of God
And His righteousness
And all these things shall be added unto you
Allelu Alleluia
Al - le - lu - ia, Al - le - luia
Al - le - lu - ia, Allel-lu, Allelu-ia

Ask and it shall be given unto you
Seek and ye shall find
Knock and the door shall be opened unto you
Allelu Alleluia
Al - le - lu - ia, Al - le - luia
Al - le - lu - ia, Allel-lu, Allelu-ia

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   Here I am Lord

I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin, My hand will save.
I, who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?

Chorus: Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart

I, the Lord of snow and rain, have borne my people's pain.
I have wept for love of them, They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone. Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my words to them. Whom shall I send?
Chorus:

I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will send the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them, My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide, 'Til their hearts be satisfied
I will give my life to them, Whom shall I send?
Chorus: x 2

Dismissal

Celebrant: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia!
People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia!

[Illustration: Pen and ink sketch of three figures walking together on the road — Daniel Bonnell, The Road to Emmaus, © Bonnellart.com]


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: Daniel Bonnell, The Road to Emmaus, © Bonnellart.com

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.

  • The Altar Flowers today are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for the birthday of Riko Rivera.
  • Book Group: Meets on Mondays at 2:00 p.m. in the Guild Room. Current Book, The Cost of Discipleship by Deitrich Bonhoffer.
  • Bell Choir Meets on Monday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. All are welcome to join. If you are interested, please contact the Parish Office or Marianne Converse (805-406-8196) for details.
  • Bible Study: A look at the lessons and themes of the day's readings and how they are at work in our own lives. Wednesdays at 11-ish, following the service. It is not necessary to attend the Wednesday service to attend, just show up around 11 a.m. We meet in the Guild Room. Coffee and snacks served.
  • First Sunday Brunch every first Sunday of each month. Please join us in the parish hall following the service.
  • Vestry Meetings: The Vestry (Parish Council) customarily meet on the third Tuesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. Next Meeting: April 21st.
  • Men's Group Meets on the third Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. in the parish hall. Next Meetings April 18th and May 16th. We will be reflecting on the book "Walk in Love; Episcopal Beliefs and Practices"
  • Daughters of the King – Meet on the third Sunday of each month at 11:15 a.m. in the Guild Room. Please help yourself to coffee and join us in the guild room or multi use room. Contact Martha Martel for details. Next meeting April 19th.
  • STUFFED DOLL (Or Other Cuddly Toy) Ministry: Dolls are given to children undergoing treatment at the hospital. If you would like to participate in this project, please speak to Jan Lavelle, Rev. Courtney or the Parish Office.
  • Martha's Market Food Pantry: Every Thursday, beginning at 7:30 am, food distribution to those in need. Volunteers welcome: Many Hands make light work!
  • Martha's Market Resurrection Collection: The Red Wagon is in the Narthex. Every item helps. Suggested items: cereal, crackers, pop-top canned fruits, pop-top or key opening meats and fish like corned beef, spam, mackerel, sardines, tuna. Toiletries: toothbrushes, floss, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also welcome if you have too many or are leaving on holiday! Thank you for your generous donations so far.

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: this year will focus on nature; creation, growth and gardens and include art, movement, crafts, 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.
  • 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.