SAINT MICHAEL
and All Angels Episcopal Church
The Fourth Sunday of Easter April 26, 2026
9 AM TRADITIONAL Church
WELCOME
FROM THE RECTOR
The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata
Happy Easter! We’re so glad you’ve joined us at Saint Michael today. We’d love to get to know you better, so please take a moment to fill out the welcome card, either physically or digitally, that can be found on this page or in the pew back in front of you. Our Welcome Team members are in the hallways today to help you with anything you need.
As we continue the Great Fifty Days of Easter, I invite you to reflect on our Easter Season theme: “Receive.” By releasing control to God, we receive the transformative grace of new life. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds.
Please pick up a Sunday News handout if you haven’t already and join us for our special programming whenever you can. Please note that the Men of Saint Michael and the Women of Saint Michael will be holding their spring gatherings over the next few weeks. And don’t miss some of our special worship experiences, including tonight’s Choral Compline service at 7 p.m. in the Church!
As we prepare to worship together, I invite you to take a moment and center yourself on God’s presence. Worshiping, learning, and giving together help us grow closer to who God created us to be, and you’re part of that work. May God bless you today and every day, and I hope to see you again very soon!
CONNECT WITH US
Scan the QR Code to fill out the welcome card, sign up for emails, and register for Saint Michael 101. saintmichael.org/welcome
The Fourth Sunday of Easter
Holy Eucharist: Rite II
The service begins on page 355 of The Book of Common Prayer. Hymns may be found in the blue hymnal in the pew rack.
The Word of God
Prelude
Prelude and Fugue in A minor, BWV 543 Johann Sebastian Bach
Welcome
Entering Procession (standing, sung by all) Hymn 492
“Sing, ye faithful, sing with gladness” Finnian
The Opening Acclamation and Collect for Purity (standing)
Celebrant Alleluia. Christ is risen.
People The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Celebrant 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.
Song of Praise (standing, sung by all) Hymn S 278
“Glory to God in the highest”
The Collect of the Day (standing)
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.
O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The flowers adorning the altar are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for the wedding anniversary of Carolyn and Wyatt Rousseau.
The Prelude and Fugue in A Minor, BWV 543, dates to Bach’s early Weimar years (1708–1717), shortly after his visit to Dietrich Buxtehude. The rhapsodic Prelude opening and free Fugue close reflect Buxtehude’s influence, while the clear harmonic structure suggests the Italian concerto. The dramatic sweep and technical pedal demands remain unmistakably Bach’s.
Children ages three through eight are invited to meet a member of our ministry staff by the pulpit to be escorted to children’s chapel; they will return to the congregation following the Peace.
Chanted by the Choir to a psalm setting by Henry Walford-Davies.
Those who had been baptized devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and sig ns were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and g enerous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Lector The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
The Psalm (seated) Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd; * I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures * and leads me beside still waters. He revives my soul * and g uides me along right pathways for his Name’s sake. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; * for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; * you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over. Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, * and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Sequence Hymn (standing, sung by all)
“O sons and daughters, let us sing” O filii et filiae
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
O sons and daughters, let us sing!
The King of heaven, the glorious King, o’er death and hell rose triumphing. Alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
The Gospel (standing) John 10:1-10
Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and g o out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
Deacon The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon (seated) The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata
Parish Prayers of the People aa of April 15, 2026
James Albergo
John Aldridge
Rami Angir
Linda & Greg Austin
Larry Been
Barbara Hart Bell
Len Bourland
Lauren Brown
Linda Brown
Helen Bustamante
Darrell Calvin
Cosette “Coco” Cathey
Carolyn Cochran
The Nicene Creed (standing)
All 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: Form III (standing)
Celebrant Let us pray for the Church and for the world.
Lector Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
People That we all may be one.
Lector We give thanks for___. Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;
People That your Name may be glorified by all people.
Lector We pray for Sarah, Archbishop of Canterbury; for Sean, our Presiding Bishop; for Rob, our Bishop; and for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
People That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.
Lector We pray for Donald, our President; for Greg, our Governor; for Eric, our Mayor; and for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world;
People That there may be justice and peace on the earth.
Lector Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
People That our works may find favor in your sight.
Lector We pray for those on the Saint Michael prayer list, and for___. Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;
People That they may be delivered from their distress.
Lector We remember those who have died, especially___. Give to the departed eternal rest;
People Let light perpetual shine upon them.
Jean Coleman
Elise Connelly
Hudson Dozier
Charlene Strange Edwards
Kristen Ewing
Jean Fuller
Brooke Garcia
Jane Greene
Jody Guenther
Roberto Hernandez
Josh Hight
Mason Holmes
Barbara Hornback
Lynne Kent
Julie Kenrick
John Khoury
Danny Landeros
John Levens
Rusty Lawley
Tom Luce
Margie McCummins
Dimitri Margetis
Thomas Martin
Michael Matamoras
Tink Moir
Heather Nemec
Sue Patton
Mikel Reynolds
Jim Riggert
Celso Rocha
Nancy Saustad
Neal Sautbine
Arden Showalter
Hank Showalter
Brad Smith
Chad Smith
Dianne Smith
Bryan Stringer
Fadey Suleiman
Byrd Teague
Tom Tierman
Renee Torres
Travion Waites
Keller Webster
Mary Wolf
During the season of Easter, we omit the Confession as a way of celebrating Christ’s triumph over sin and the assurance of salvation and new life for all who are joined with him in his death and resurrection.
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Gustav Holst’s “Turn back, O man” is a choral motet setting a text by English poet Clifford Bax, written during the upheaval of World War I as a plea for humility and a better world. Bax’s poem first appeared in The Motherland Song Book (1919) and was later published in his collection Farewell, My Muse (1932). Holst sets the text to the sixteenthcentury melody
“Old 124th” from the Genevan Psalter, whose plain, dignified character supports the text’s call for reflection and moral renewal
Lector We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy.
People May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom. Lector Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.
Silence
Celebrant O Lord our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies, look with compassion upon us and all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O lover of souls, and to you we g ive glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
The
Peace (standing)
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.
Announcements (please be seated)
The Holy Communion
Offertory Anthem (sung by the Saint Michael Choir)
Turn back, O man Gustav Holst Turn back, O man, forswear thy foolish ways. Old now is Earth, and none may count her days, Yet thou, her child, whose head is crowned with flame, Still wilt not hear thine inner God proclaim “Turn back, O man, forswear thy foolish ways!”
Earth might be fair and all men glad and wise. Age after age their tragic empires rise. Built while they dream, and in their dreaming weep. Would man but wake from out his haunted sleep Earth might be fair and all men glad and wise,
Earth shall be fair, and all her people one, Nor till that hour shall God’s whole will be done. Now, еven now, once more from еarth to sky
Peals forth in joy man’s old, undaunted cry
“Earth shall be fair, and all her folk be one!”
- Clifford Bax (1919)
Presentation Hymn (standing, sung by all) Hymn 380, v. 3
“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow” Old 100th
The Great Thanksgiving: Eucharistic Prayer B (standing)
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 him thanks and praise.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to g ive thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
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 and Benedictus (standing, sung by all) Hymn S 128
“Holy, holy, holy”
Please remain standing as you are able.
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
All baptized persons of any age regardless of their denomination and tradition are welcome to share in the banquet of the Lord’s Supper.
Here a Proper Preface is sung or said on all Sundays, and on other occasions as appointed.
At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it, or lay a hand upon it; and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing wine to be consecrated.
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 g ave 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, All 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 g ifts 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 Saint Michael and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the first born 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.
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
All 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.
The Breaking of the Bread (sung by all) Hymn S 154
“Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia”
Celebrant 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.
Communion Hymn (sung by all) Hymn 646
“ The King of love my shepherd is” Dominus regit me
All are invited to come forward to the Communion rail at the direction of our ushers. Stand or kneel at the rail as you are able, and receive the wafer in the palm of your outstretched hands. If you desire a gluten-free wafer, clasp your hands in front of you with your palms down. Receive the wine by drinking from the chalice as it is offered to you, or by retaining the wafer, to dip lightly into the chalice for yourself. If you are not receiving, you may cross your arms over your chest and receive a blessing. If you are unable to physically come to the rail, please indicate to an usher that you would like to receive Communion at your seat.
Tomás Luis de Victoria’s motet celebrates the saints who have found rest with Christ in heaven. The rising opening chords evoke parting clouds. Listen for rich, flowing motion in the lower voices as the treble voices float above on “gaudent,” contrasted with the tender moment describing robes of white. Victoria allows the voices to follow each other throughout, as the saints follow Christ in heaven.
Carson Cooman is Composer-inResidence at Memorial Church, Harvard University. Exaltations (2011) is a threemovement work, each movement inspired by a different biblical passage on “exaltation.” It features recurring textures, notably thick harmonies built note by note. The opening movement contrasts jubilant “herald fanfares” with slower, more solemn sections.
Streamed with permission under ONE LICENSE # M - 402151.
Communion Anthem (sung by the Saint Michael Choir)
O Quam Gloriosum
Tomás Luis de Victoria
O quam gloriosum est regnum, in quo cum Christo gaudent omnes Sancti!
Amicti stolis albis, sequuntur Agnum, quocumque ierit.
O how glorious is the kingdom, In which all the saints rejoice with Christ! Arrayed in robes of white, They follow the Lamb, wherever he goes.
- Revelations 7:9
The Post-Communion Prayer (standing, spoken by all)
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.
The Blessing (standing)
The Dismissal (standing)
Deacon Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia. People Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.
Departing Procession (standing, sung by all)
Hymn 478
“Jesus, our mighty Lord, our strength in sadness” Monk’s Gate
Postlude
Heralding from Exaltations, op. 252/1 Carson Cooman
7:30 AM
Traditional Saint Michael Chapel
9 AM Traditional Church
Joy! A Children’s Service
Saint Michael Chapel
10 AM Education for All Ages
11 AM Contemporary Church Traditional
Saint Michael Chapel
5:30 PM Traditional
Saint Michael Chapel
7 PM Compline Church
sunday at Saint Michael
EDUCATION CLASSES
Sundays | 10 a.m. | 2nd floor of the Education Wing
Please enter and exit the Education Wing from the south entrance on Colgate Ave.
Adults
Bible Series | Understanding the Culture of the Bible
Room 203 | Led by Dr. Tim Smith
Learn how cultural context shapes Scripture, moving beyond assumptions to grasp original meaning.
Faith & Practice | Easter People
Room 201 | Led by the Rev. Ken Brannon
Explore what resurrection means for everyday life, including building trust, leaning into community, finding your voice, and being brave.
Class for Parents | Move-Up Meeting
Room 212 | Led by Samuel Moore, Director of Youth Ministries
Find out what’s ahead next year—explore Sunday classes, serve as a family, and learn about the new Family Discipleship Plan.
Saint Michael 101 | Spotlight: Pastoral Care
Room 200 | Led by the Rev. Robin Hinkle
Those who are new to our church or interested in membership will learn about Saint Michael’s mission and purpose.
Youth
Middle School: 6th and 7th Grade | Youth Room A
Confirmation: 8th Grade | Youth Center
High School: 9th – 12th Grade | Youth Room B
Children
Godly Play: PreK – 1st Grade (Ages 3 – 7)
PreK (Room 213) | Kindergarten (Room 211) | 1st Grade (Room 208)
One Family of Faith: 2nd – 3rd Grade | Room 209
Launch 45: 4th – 5th Grade | Room 207
Nursery available in rooms 19 & 20 in school hallway. Enter through the Sunday Education Wing entrance. See map for details.