[Image: Line art of figures carrying a cross]
Welcome to
Saint Francis by the Sea
Episcopal Church
May 17, 2026
The Seventh Sunday of Easter
The Sunday after the Ascension
The Prelude
Prelude on “Slane”
Gordon Young
The Processional Hymn 460
“Alleluia! sing to Jesus”
Omit verse 5.
Hyfrydol
[Image: Sheet music for Hymn 460 “Alleluia! sing to Jesus” (Hyfrydol)]
The Word of God
Celebrant: ALLELUIA. Christ is risen.
People: The Lord is risen indeed. ALLELUIA!
Celebrant and People:
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.
The Gloria S280
“Gloria in Excelsis”
Robert Powell
[Image: Sheet music for The Gloria S280 "Gloria in Excelsis" by Robert Powell]
The Collect of the Day
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
O GOD, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
The First Lesson
Acts 1:6-14
6So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
12Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. 13When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
The Psalm
Psalm 68:1-10, 33-36
1 Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered; *
let those who hate him flee before him.
2 Let them vanish like smoke when the wind drives it away; *
as the wax melts at the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
3 But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; *
let them also be merry and joyful.
4 Sing to God, sing praises to his Name; exalt him who rides upon the heavens; *
YAHWEH is his Name, rejoice before him!
5 Father of orphans, defender of widows, *
God in his holy habitation!
6 God gives the solitary a home and brings forth prisoners into freedom; *
but the rebels shall live in dry places.
7 O God, when you went forth before your people, *
when you marched through the wilderness,
8 The earth shook, and the skies poured down rain, at the presence of God, the God of Sinai, *
at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
9 You sent a gracious rain, O God, upon your inheritance; *
you refreshed the land when it was weary.
10 Your people found their home in it; *
in your goodness, O God, you have made provision for the poor.
33 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; *
sing praises to the Lord.
34 He rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; *
he sends forth his voice, his mighty voice.
35 Ascribe power to God; *
his majesty is over Israel; his strength is in the skies.
36 How wonderful is God in his holy places! *
the God of Israel giving strength and power to his people! Blessed be God!
The Second Lesson
1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11
12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 14If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. 6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
8Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.
10And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. 11To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
The Sequence Hymn 531
“O Spirit of the living God”
Melcombe
[Image: Sheet music for Hymn 531 “O Spirit of the living God” (Melcombe)]
The Gospel Lesson
John 17:1-11
Deacon: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
1After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. 5So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.
6”I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; 8for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. 10All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them.
11And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.
Celebrant: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon
The Reverend Chris Carlin
The Nicene Creed
Please stand, if able.
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
from “Hear our Prayer” by Jon White and Lisa Graves
The Deacon says: IN PEACE, we pray to you, Lord God.
LORD GOD who guides us and beckons us ever forward, hear now our prayers as we say. Christ has risen. Christ still rises.
Uphold and strengthen the church, reform what is amiss, bolster what is good, and keep us ever mindful of your charge to reflect your love for us into the world. Christ has risen. Christ still rises.
Grant wisdom and patience to those in authority in our lives, guide them to always put human life and wellness as their priority. Christ has risen. Christ still rises.
Give us courage to be engaged with, and working for, the welfare of our neighbors and the places we call home; help us to see more clearly how to be Christ to one another. Christ has risen. Christ still rises.
Open our eyes to the challenges and opportunities in dealing with global issues; give us perseverance and urgency as we develop new and more sustainable ways of being. Christ has risen. Christ still rises.
In our Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we pray for St. Timothy’s Church, Greenville, and St. John’s Church, Grifton. We also pray for Bishop Elect Sarah as she begins her ministry in our diocese this month. In our Ecumenical Cycle of Prayer, we give thanks for Atlantic Methodist Church, Atlantic, and Beaufort by the Sea Community Church, Beaufort. Christ has risen. Christ still rises.
Be present to all who suffer and all who serve them; bring your healing powers to bear and let them know peace and wholeness. Especially we pray for [today’s petitions]. Christ has risen. Christ still rises.
Welcome the dying, comfort the grieving, and let the hope of your promises be our consolation and inspiration. We remember, today, the lives of [today’s petitions]. Christ has risen. Christ still rises.
We give thanks today for all our blessings in life only made possible by You [today’s petitions]. Christ has risen. Christ still rises.
The Celebrant concludes with this collect:
LOVING GOD, you have given us the example of Christ’s life as the template for our own, and you have shown us, in his death and resurrection, the power of your promises to us. Be with us now and always as we strive to live in your kingdom every moment. All this we ask through our Lord and advocate, Jesus the Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
The Confession of Sin and Absolution
The Deacon says: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor:
People:
HAVE MERCY UPON US, most merciful Father; in your compassion forgive 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, 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: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: WALK IN LOVE, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God.
The Choral Anthem
“Christ Still Rises”
Benjamin Brody
CHRIST STILL RISES when fear grips our city,
when death takes no pity, when much is unknown.
CHRIST STILL RISES when friends are divided,
when joy feels misguided, when we are alone.
CHRIST STILL RISES when churches are shuttered,
when praises are muttered, when prayers go unsaid.
CHRIST STILL RISES when peace has all faded,
when we are most jaded, when faith turns to dread.
CHRIST STILL RISES when we give to neighbors,
when we share our labors, when strangers belong.
CHRIST STILL RISES when we come together,
when love is our tether, when hope is our song.
CHRIST STILL RISES when grieving is ended,
when bodies are mended, when beauty heals pain.
CHRIST STILL RISES when fear has retreated,
when death is defeated, and joy will remain.
An Easter Doxology
Lasst un erfreuen
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise Him above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! Amen.
The Eucharistic Prayer
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds:
ALL THANKS AND PRAISE are yours at all times and in all places, our true and loving God; through Jesus Christ, your eternal Word, the Wisdom from on high by whom you created all things. You laid the foundations of the world and enclosed the sea when it burst out from the womb; You brought forth all creatures of the earth and gave breath to humankind. Wondrous are you, Holy One of Blessing, all you create is a sign of hope for our journey; And so as the morning stars sing your praises we join the heavenly beings and all creation as we shout with joy:
The Sanctus S128
“Holy, Holy, Holy Lord”
William Mathias
[Image: Sheet music for The Sanctus S128 “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord” by William Mathias]
The Celebrant continues:
GLORY AND HONOR are yours, Creator of all, your Word has never been silent; you called a people to yourself, as a light to the nations, you delivered them from bondage and led them to a land of promise. Of your grace, you gave Jesus to be human, to share our life, to proclaim the coming of your holy reign and give himself for us, a fragrant offering. Through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, you have freed us from sin, brought us into your life, reconciled us to you, and restored us to the glory you intend for us.
We thank you that on the night before he died for us Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, gave it to his friends and said: “Take, eat, this is my Body, broken for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper Jesus took the cup of wine, said the blessing, gave it to his friends and said: “Drink this, all of you: this cup is the new Covenant in my Blood, poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.” And so, remembering all that was done for us: the cross, the tomb, the resurrection and ascension, longing for Christ’s coming in glory, and presenting to you these gifts your earth has formed and human hands have made, we acclaim you, O Christ: Celebrant and People:
Dying, you destroyed our death.
Rising, you restored our life.
Christ Jesus, come in glory!
The Celebrant continues
SEND YOUR HOLY SPIRIT upon us and upon these gifts of bread and wine that they may be to us the Body and Blood of your Christ. Grant that we, burning with your Spirit’s power, may be a people of hope, justice and love. Giver of Life, draw us together in the Body of Christ, and in the fullness of time gather us with blessed St. Francis, St. Clare, and all your people into the joy of our true eternal home.
Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, we worship you our God and Creator in voices of unending praise.
Celebrant and People:
Blessed are you now and for ever. Amen.
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray,
Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever.
Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
a period of silence is kept
The Fraction Anthem S154
“Christ our Passover”
This setting is not used in Lent.
David Hurd
[Image: Sheet music for The Fraction Anthem S154 “Christ our Passover” by David Hurd]
Celebrant continues: 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.
We invite all to join us and receive the Body and Blood of Christ at his table. If you desire to receive a blessing, please come to the altar with hands crossed over your chest. Gluten-free communion wafers are available upon request.
The Communion Response
“Prayer of St. Francis”
Sebastian Temple
Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there is hatred; let me bring your love,
where there is injury, your pardon, Lord,
and where there’s doubt, true faith in you.
Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope,
where there is darkness only light,
and where there’s sadness ever joy.
Oh, Master, grant that I may never seek
so much to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved, as to love, with all my soul.
Make me a channel of your peace.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
in giving of ourselves that we receive,
and in dying that we are born to eternal life.
After Communion, the Celebrant says: All stand. Let us pray together:
Celebrant and People:
GOD OF ABUNDANCE, you have fed us with the bread of life and cup of salvation; you have united us with Christ and one another; and you have made us one with all your people in heaven and on earth. Now send us forth in the power of your Spirit, that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world and continue for ever in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen.
The Blessing
The Recessional Hymn 214
“Hail the day that sees him rise”
Llanfair
[Image: Sheet music for Hymn 214 “Hail the day that sees him rise” (Llanfair)]
The Dismissal
Deacon: Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
People: Thanks be to God.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
The Postlude
“Postlude in a Classic Style”
Gordon Young
Reprint/podcast/streamed with permission
under One License #A-730274 and RitePlanning.
All rights reserved.
St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church Welcomes You
Happy Birthday: Lavonda Van Benthuysen (21st).
Welcome! If you are new to St. Francis or visiting for the first time, we especially welcome you to our community of faith. We ask that you sign our guest register located at the back of the church.
Worship Leaders
Rector: The Rev. Mary Kay Brown
Priest in Residence: The Rev. Chris Carlin
Deacon: The Rev. Deacon Robin Smith
Lector: Libba Shelton
Prayers for the People: Betsy Randall
Torchbearers: Kay Brackins, George Grigg
Altar Guild: Frances Jenkins
Sunday School: Vicki Blanchard, Martha Edwards
Music Director: Craig Everett
Bells: Libba Shelton
Audio: Stover Morris
Videographer: Skip Kemp
Chalice: Marian Goetzinger, Marion Morris
Crucifer: Tim Owens
Vestry of the Day: John Clarke
Coffee Hour: Daughters of the King
………………….
Vestry Members
Vestry Class of 2026
Pam Ball, Senior Warden
Sharon Birmingham
Terry Smith
Vestry Class of 2027
John Clarke, Junior Warden
Laura Leslie
Terry Parrish
Vestry Class of 2028
Kathy Driver
Bruce Jobe
Mary Kurek
[Image: Episcopal Church Shield]
Saint Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church
920 Salter Path Road ● Salter Path, NC 28512
(252) 240-2388 ● www.stfrancisbythesea.org ● stfrancisbts@gmail.com
A parish of the Diocese of East Carolina ● The Rt. Rev. Rob Skirving, Bishop
Follow us on Facebook: Saint Francis by the Sea
[Image: Recycle Logo]
