Please stand when the handbell rings and sing the hymn
Hymn 648ii – God of grace and God of glory (Westminster Abbey)
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever.
The Lord be with you
And also with you.
Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. Luke 18.17
Let us pray.
Please sit/kneel
Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
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.
The choir sings
Kyrie - Herbert Howells (1892-1983) Collegium Regale
Kyrie eleison Lord, have mercy
Christe eleison Christ, have mercy
Kyrie eleison Lord, have mercy
Confession and Absolution
‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ Jesus said: ‘This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: you shall love your neighbour as yourself.’
Silence
Let us confess our sins in penitence and faith, confident in God’s forgiveness.
Merciful God, our maker and our judge,
we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
and in what we have failed to do:
we have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves;
we repent, and are sorry for all our sins.
Father, forgive us.
Strengthen us to love and obey you in newness of life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The celebrant pronounces the Absolution
Almighty God,
who has promised forgiveness to all who turn to him in faith:
pardon you and set you free from all your sins,
strengthen you in all goodness
and keep you in eternal life,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The choir sings
Gloria - Howells Collegium Regale
Glory be to God on high,
and in earth peace, good will towards men.
We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee,
we give thanks to thee for thy great glory,
O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty.
O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesu Christ;
O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
Thou that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer.
Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us.
For thou only art holy;
thou only art the Lord;
thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost,
art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Collect
O God,
who alone can probe the depths of the heart,
you hear the prayer of the humble
and justify the repentant sinner:
grant us the gift of humility,
that, seeing our own faults clearly,
we may refrain from judging our neighbour
but rely solely upon your saving grace.
We make our prayer through your Son, our Saviour,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Please be seated.
First Reading Joel 2.23-32
A reading from the book of the prophet Joel.
O children of Zion, be glad
and rejoice in the Lord your God;
for he has given the early rain for your vindication,
he has poured down for you abundant rain,
the early and the later rain, as before.
The threshing-floors shall be full of grain,
the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.
I will repay you for the years
that the swarming locust has eaten,
the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter,
my great army, which I sent against you.
You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied,
and praise the name of the Lord your God,
who has dealt wondrously with you.
And my people shall never again be put to shame.
You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel,
and that I, the Lord, am your God and there is no other.
And my people shall never again
be put to shame.
Then afterwards
I will pour out my spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your old men shall dream dreams,
and your young men shall see visions.
Even on the male and female slaves,
in those days, I will pour out my spirit.
I will show portents in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved; for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the Lord has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the Lord calls.
Hear the word of the Lord,
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 65 Chant: George Garrett (1834-1897)
You are to be praised, O God, in Zion:
to you shall vows be paid, you that answer prayer.
To you shall all flesh come to confess their sins:
when our misdeeds prevail against us,
you will purge them away.
Blessed are those whom you choose and take to yourself
to dwell within your courts:
we shall be filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.
You will answer us in your righteousness with terrible deeds,
O God our saviour:
you that are the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the distant seas;
Who by your strength made fast the mountains:
you that are girded with power;
Who stilled the raging of the seas, the roaring of the waves:
and the tumult of the peoples.
Those who dwell at the ends of the earth are afraid at your wonders:
the dawn and the evening sing your praises.
You tend the earth and water it:
you make it rich and fertile.
The river of God is full of water:
and so providing for the earth, you provide grain for us all.
You drench its furrows, you level the ridges between:
you soften it with showers and bless its early growth.
You crown the year with your goodness:
and the tracks where you have passed drip with fatness.
The pastures of the wilderness run over:
and the hills are girded with joy.
The meadows are clothed with sheep:
and the valleys stand so thick with corn, they shout for joy and sing.
Second Reading 2 Timothy 4.6-8, 4.16-18
A reading from the second letter of Paul to Timothy.
As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
At my first defence no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Hear the word of the Lord,
Thanks be to God.
Please stand to sing the Gradual Hymn
Hymn 583 – Rejoice, O land, in God thy might (Wareham)
During the hymn, children are invited to gather at the rear of the nave in the centre aisle to listen to the Gospel together. After the Gospel they will follow the procession to the altar and then move to the Cynthia Poulton Hall for Cathedral Kids. They will return to the Cathedral in time for Holy Communion.
Gospel Acclamation
The choir sings the acclamation, which is repeated by the congregation
God in Christ was reconciling the world to himself, and he has entrusted to us that they are reconciled.
After the verse, the acclamation is sung again by all
The Gospel Luke 18.15-30
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
People were bringing even infants to him that Jesus might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. But Jesus called for them and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’
A certain ruler asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honour your father and mother.”’ He replied, ‘I have kept all these since my youth.’ When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ But when he heard this, he became sad; for he was very rich. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’
Those who heard it said, ‘Then who can be saved?’ He replied, ‘What is impossible for mortals is possible for God.’
Then Peter said, ‘Look, we have left our homes and followed you.’ And he said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not get back very much more in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
The organist plays as the procession returns to the altar. Cathedral Kids, please move towards the altar now. Please sit at the invitation of the preacher.
The Sermon The Rev’d Canon Jenny Wilson
Following the sermon, a brief period of silence may be kept to aid reflection.
Please stand
The Nicene Creed
Let us together affirm the faith of the Church.
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,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit
and the virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The Prayers of the People
Let us pray for the world and for the church.
Please sit/kneel
The prayers conclude
Accept our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord, who taught us to pray,
The Lord’s Prayer is sung.
Notices may be given before the Greeting of Peace.
Please stand
Greeting of Peace
We are the body of Christ.
His Spirit is with us.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
Please remain standing to sing the Offertory Hymn
Hymn 238 – Come down, O love divine (Down Ampney)
During this hymn a collection is taken to support the work of the Cathedral. Online giving options are available. Many choose to make regular donations electronically or by using envelopes. Complete a Planned Giving form to become a regular and faithful financial supporter of the ministry of the Cathedral.
Remain standing
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation.
Through your goodness we have these gifts to share.
Accept and use our offerings for your glory
and for the service of your kingdom.
Blessed be God for ever.
The Great Thanksgiving
The following is said or sung
It is right to praise you, faithful God,
always and everywhere,
for with your only begotten Son
and life-giving Spirit,
you are the one true God from everlasting to everlasting.
At the dawn of time you wrought from nothing
a universe of beauty and splendour,
bringing light from darkness
and order from chaos.
You formed us, male and female, in your image,
and endowed us with creative power.
We turned away from you but you did not abandon us.
You called us by name and searched us out,
making a covenant of mercy,
giving the law, and teaching justice by the prophets.
And so we praise you,
joining with your faithful people of every time and place,
singing the eternal song:
The choir sings
Sanctus and Benedictus - Howells Collegium Regale
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts,
heaven and earth are full of thy glory:
Glory be to thee, O Lord most High. Amen.
Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
The celebrant continues
When the fullness of time was come,
you sent your Son to be born of Mary.
Bright image of your glory,
he learnt obedience to you in all things,
even to death on a cross,
breaking the power of evil,
freeing us from sin, and putting death to flight.
You raised him from death,
exalting him to glory,
and the new day dawned.
On the night he was betrayed
your Son Jesus Christ shared food with his friends,
his companions on the way.
While at table he took bread,
blessed, and broke it,
and giving it to them, said:
'Take, eat; this is my body.'
He took a cup of wine,
and, giving thanks, he gave it to them, and said,
'This is my blood of the covenant,
which is poured out for many.
Do this in remembrance of me.'
Therefore, living God, as we obey his command,
we remember his life of obedience to you,
his suffering and death,
his resurrection and exaltation,
and his promise to be with us for ever.
With this bread and this cup
we celebrate his saving death until he comes.
Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died;
Christ is risen;
Christ will come again.
Accept, we pray, our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving,
and send your Holy Spirit upon us and our celebration
that all who eat and drink at this table
may be strengthened by Christ's body and blood
to serve you in the world.
As one body and one holy people,
may we proclaim the everlasting gospel
of Jesus Christ our Lord,
through whom, with whom, and in whom,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory is yours, eternal God, now and for ever.
Blessing and honour and glory and power
are yours for ever and ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread and Communion
We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
We who are many are one body,
for we all share in the one bread.
The gifts of God for the people of God.
Come let us take this holy sacrament of the body and blood of Christ in remembrance that he died for us, and feed on him in our hearts by faith with thanksgiving.
The choir sings
Agnus Dei - Howells Collegium Regale
O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world, grant us thy peace.
Motet - Charles H H Parry (1848-1918) My soul, there is a country
My soul, there is a country
Far beyond the stars,
Where stands a winged sentry
All skilful in the wars:
There, above noise and danger
Sweet Peace sits crowned with smiles
And One, born in a manger
Commands the beauteous files.
He is thy gracious friend
And, O my soul, awake!
Did in pure love descend
To die here for thy sake.
If thou canst get but thither,
There grows the flow'r of Peace,
The Rose that cannot wither,
Thy fortress and thy ease.
Leave then thy foolish ranges,
For none can thee secure
But One who never changes,
Thy God, thy life, thy cure.
Baptised and communicant Christians of all denominations are welcome to come forward and receive Holy Communion. Gluten free bread is available on request. If you do not wish to receive Holy Communion, you may like to come forward to receive a blessing (simply bow your head as a signal to the priest).
Post Communion Prayer
Gracious God,
we thank you that in this sacrament
you assure us of your goodness and love.
Accept our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving
and help us to grow in love and obedience
that we may serve you in the world
and finally be brought to that table
where all your saints feast with you for ever.
Most loving God,
you send us into the world you love.
Give us grace to go thankfully and with courage
in the power of your Spirit.
Please stand to sing the Post-Communion Hymn
Hymn 300 – Glory to you, O God (Harewood)
Blessing
The peace of God which passes all understanding
keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God,
and of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be upon you and remain with you always. Amen.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.
Remain standing as the clergy depart.
After this, you are invited to sit to listen to the organ postlude.
Georgi Mushel (1909-1989) Toccata