Worship from Home | St. John's Church

Worship at Home Service for Deliverance from the Coronavirus

The Second Sunday of Easter

April 27, 2025

Welcome

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there in the midst of them"

MATTHEW 18: 31-46

We continue to be in extraordinary times, but St. John’s is committed to acting with care for each other. Our online worship provides music and prayers which are up-dated weekly. We hope our online worship inspires you and helps you to feel united in spirit as we seek God.

Opening Sentence

Have you believed, Thomas, because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe

John 20: 29

Gathering the Community

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you 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.

Opening Hymn

'Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks to the Risen Lord'

2074501_inblo2816_2-1-16df3e6d446746c7be9230112e093eac.jpg

Collect for the Second Sunday of Easter

Almighty and eternal God, the strength of those who believe and the hope of those who doubt, may we, who have not seen, have faith and receive the fullness of Christ's blessings, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever Amen.

Hymn

'Sing Out an Easter Song'

The Word of God

John 20: 19-31

Homily

Silence for Reflections

Prayers of the People

Let us who have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection, pray for the church, the world, and all in need, saying, “God of love, hear our prayer.”

In these troubling and challenging times, we pray for peace in the world. We pray for all nations and their leaders that they may be given guidance to work together peaceably. We pray especially for the people of Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza. We pray for an end to all wars and violence.

R- God of love, hear our prayer.

We pray for churches around the world, that they may be strengthened and seen as beacons of hope during these trying times. We pray especially for the late Pope Francis and the Catholic Church as they mourn the loss of a great and humble leader.

Rest eternal be granted to Francis and may light perpetual shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

R- God of love, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are facing challenges. May they feel God’s constant presence. We pray for our friends and our families, for the sick and the dying, for all who are healing, for all who are in hospital and for all who are mourning the loss of loved ones. To-day we especially remember the English family as they mourn the loss of George, Ruth, Enid, Audra, Joan B.(in coma), Mary, Mattagan & Carol, Jan, Treavor, Bill, Wilson, Sheila and John, Joan & Max, Janet and family.

R- God of love, hear our prayer.

Closing Prayer: Holy and mighty God, your Son’s triumph over sin and death has opened to us the gate of eternal life. Purify our hearts that we may follow where he has gone and share in the radiance of his glory. We ask this for the sake of our risen Lord. Amen.

Diocese of Niagara Prayer (Corona Virus)

Loving God, whose peace passes all our understanding; as we face this present pandemic, and experience fear and anxiety, may we hear your voice, bringing calm to the storms of our time.

Strengthen those who work to limit the spread of infection, and those who seek to care for the sick, and keep us mindful of those most vulnerable.

May we shape our living to protect one another, and may our changing habits, practices and sacrifices, be for the greater love of our community and all your people. Amen

Doxology

Glory to God, whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church, and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen

Blessing

May Eternal God and Father, by whose power we are created and by whose love we redeemed: guide us and strengthen us by his Spirit, that we may give ourselves to your service, and live this day in love to one another and to you.

Go in peace as a sign of hope for all people by showing forth the living presence of God in this world and may the blessing of God almighty the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always. Amen.