Sunday Worship

Our Sunday services follow the liturgies found in the 1979 Episcopal Book of Common Prayer. Our main Eucharistic service takes place every Sunday at 11:00 in our main sanctuary at Sebastian-Rinz-Str. 19, 60323 Frankfurt.

All our welcome at the Church of Christ the King and everyone is welcome to receive Holy Communion.

Please join us for coffee and fellowship after the service in the Undercroft of the church.

SUNDAY’s ORDER OF SERVICE

Parts in bold are said by all.

PRELUDE 

HYMN The Hymnal 1982, 307

OPENING & WELCOME 

Alleluia! Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

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 The Hymnal 1982, S-278

COLLECTS OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you. And also, with you. Let us pray.

God of Creation, who molded humanity from the fertile earth: Grant that we, following the good examples of Queen Bertha and King Ethelbert, may gladly receive and fruitfully nurture the seed of the Gospel to the bounty of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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.

FIRST READING 

A reading from Acts:

With Paul and Silas, we came to Philippi in Macedonia, a Roman colony, and, as we were going to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners a great deal of money by fortune-telling. While she followed Paul and us, she would cry out, “These men are slaves of the Most High God, who proclaim to you a way of salvation.” She kept doing this for many days. But Paul, very much annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.

But when her owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the authorities. When they had brought them before the magistrates, they said, “These men are disturbing our city; they are Jews and are advocating customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to adopt or observe.” The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates had them stripped of their clothing and ordered them to be beaten with rods. After they had given them a severe flogging, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to keep them securely. Following these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them outside and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. At the same hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized without delay. He brought them up into the house and set food before them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God. (Acts 16:16-34)

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

 PSALM 97 sung by the choir

 1 The  Lord is King; let the earth rejoice; * let the multitude of the isles be glad.

2 Clouds and darkness are round about him, * righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne.

3 A fire goes before him * and burns up his enemies on every side.

4 His lightnings light up the world; * the earth sees it and is afraid.

5 The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the  Lord, * at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

6 The heavens declare his righteousness, * and all the peoples see his glory.

7 Confounded be all who worship carved images and delight in false gods! * Bow down before him, all you gods.

8 Zion hears and is glad, and the cities of Judah rejoice, *
because of your judgments, O  Lord.

9 For you are the  Lord, most high over all the earth; * you are exalted far above all gods.

10 The  Lord loves those who hate evil; * he preserves the lives of his saints and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

11 Light has sprung up for the righteous, * and joyful gladness for those who are truehearted.

12 Rejoice in the  Lord, you righteous, * and give thanks to his holy Name.

SECOND READING

A reading from Revelation:

At the end of the visions I, John, heard these words:

“See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates.

“It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.”
And let everyone who hears say, “Come.”
And let everyone who is thirsty come.
Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.

The one who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.”

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen. (Revelation 22:12-14,16-17,20-21)

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

THIRD READING 

The Hymnal 1982, 178 (Refrain only – sung twice)

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

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus prayed for his disciples, and then he said. “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

“Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”  (John 17:20-26)

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

SEROMN The Revd Phil Schmidt

ANTHEM “These are they which follow the lamb” – by J Goss (1800-1880)

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, 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, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped 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.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 

After each petition, you are invited to add your own prayers aloud or in the silence of your hearts.

Let us pray to God: our true mother and father; the eternal Word made flesh in Jesus; and the abiding, eternal and life-giving Spirit.

   Let us pray for the Church throughout the World.

Members of the community pray either aloud or in the silence of their hearts.

   Loving God: hear our prayer.

   Let us pray for the nation and all in authority.

Members of the community pray either aloud or in the silence of their hearts.

   Almighty God: hear our prayer.

Let us pray for the welfare of the world.

Members of the community pray either aloud or in the silence of their hearts.

   Just God: hear our prayer.

Let us pray for the concerns of the local community.

Members of the community pray either aloud or in the silence of their hearts.

   Gracious God: hear our prayer.

Let us pray for those who suffer and those in any trouble.

Members of the community pray either aloud or in the silence of their hearts.

   Compassionate God: hear our prayer.

Let us pray for the departed.

Members of the community pray either aloud or in the silence of their hearts.

   Death-conquering God: hear our prayer.

Let us offer our thanksgivings and praises.

Members of the community pray either aloud or in the silence of their hearts.

   Life-giving God: hear our prayer.

Let us join with the online community as they offer their prayers and praises.

The members of the congregation who are joining us online offer their prayers and prayers.

   Triune God: hear our prayer.

Let us confess to God our sins against God’s majesty, against God’s will for our lives, against our neighbors, against the beauty that God has created us to be, and against God’s creation.

The members of the congregation confess their sins to God in silence.

   Merciful God: hear our prayer and forgive us sinners.

The prayers of the people continue with the following anthem by Anselm of Canterbury (1033/4–1109)

We pray together:

Jesus, as a mother you gather your people to you; *

you are gentle with us as a mother with her children.

Often you weep over our sins and our pride, *

tenderly you draw us from hatred and judgment.

You comfort us in sorrow and bind up our wounds, *

in sickness you nurse us and with pure milk you feed us.

Jesus, by your dying, we are born to new life; *

by your anguish and labor we come forth in joy.

Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness; *

through your gentleness, we find comfort in fear.

Your warmth gives life to the dead, *

your touch makes sinners righteous.

Lord Jesus, in your mercy, heal us; *

in your love and tenderness, remake us.

In your compassion, bring grace and forgiveness, *

for the beauty of heaven, may your love prepare us. Amen.

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.

PEACE

The Peace of the Lord be with you. And also with you.

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

OFFERTORY SENTENCE

HYMN The Hymnal 1982, 341

PRAYERS OVER THE GIFTS

Let us pray:

Source of all joy, receive our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Keep us in the love of Christ and bring us to the vision of his glory; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, in this sacrament you give yourself for the healing of our bodies, minds, and souls and for the healing of the nations. Fill those who now will partake of your body and blood with the fullness of the grace of this mystery and bless also those who cannot now receive. Guard and guide us all: give us the strength and courage to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with you, our God. In your name we pray. Amen.

EIUCHARISTIC PRAYER

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.  

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth through your dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord. After his glorious resurrection he openly appeared to his disciples, and in their sight ascended into heaven, to prepare a place for us; that where he is, there we might also be, and reign with him in glory.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

Sanctus, The Hymnal 1982, S-125

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

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

On the night before he died for us, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said,

“Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said,

“Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant,

which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

Therefore, according to his command, O Father,

We remember his death,

We proclaim his resurrection,

We await his coming in glory;

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

We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with the Blessed Virgin and God-bearer Mary and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.

By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.

LORD’S PRAYER

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say in a language of our choice:

English and German versions:

FRACTION The Hymnal 1982, 417:2,4,5

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

COMMUNION

HYMN The Hymnal 1982, 513

 POST-COMMUNION PRAYER 

Let us pray:

Almighty and everliving God,

we thank you for feeding us

with the spiritual food

of the most precious Body and Blood

of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ;

and for assuring us in these holy mysteries

that we are living members of the Body of your Son,

and heirs of your eternal kingdom.

And now, Father,

send us out to do the work you have given us to do,

to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.

To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit,

be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

BLESSING

God the Father, who has given to his Son the name above

every name, strengthen you to proclaim Jesus the Christ, the Son of God. Amen.

God the Son, our great high priest, who has passed into the

heavens, clothe you with power from on high. Amen.

God the Holy Spirit, who pours out abundant gifts upon

the Church, make you faithful followers of the risen Christ.

Amen.

And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and

the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.

Amen.

HYMN The Hymnal 1982, 493

DISMISSAL

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

 Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!

POSTLUDE

Copyrighted Words and Music are reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-738089.All rights reserved.  Permission to stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE #A-738089 and Songs of Fellowship. All rights reserved. Text sources: The Book of Common Prayer, The Book of Occasional Services, Enriching our Worship. Bible texts from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible

All services are held in our church at Sebastian-Rinz-Straße 19, Frankfurt am Main.