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St Lucy Parish Church Diocese of Barbados Nestfield, St. Lucy

FESTAL EVENSONG, SERMON & PROCESSION “Renewed by the Word” 4th October 2026 Rector: The Rev’d Hugh Sandiford Deacon: The Rev’d Sharon King Preacher: The Rev’d Suzette Archer Seminarian: Antione Coakley Church Wardens: Justice Anthony Blackman Mr. William Yearwood Organist: Mr. Matthew Banfield Sexton: Mrs. Jacqueline Ellis (Acting) Our Vision: To be an authentic community where all are accepted, loved and disciples are formed! CONTACT US:

Telephone/Whatsapp: 572-5336/230-9405 Email: stlucychurch1627@yahoo.com A Address: Nesfield, Saint Lucy, Barbados

ORDER OF SERVICE OPENING PRAYER INTROIT HYMN: 729 - Christ is our corner-stone 1

Christ is our cornerstone, on him alone we build; with his true saints alone the courts of heaven are filled: on his great love our hopes we place of present grace and joys above.

O then with hymns of praise these hallowed courts shall ring; our voices we will raise the Three in One to sing; and thus proclaim in joyful song, both loud and long, that glorious name.

Here, gracious God, do thou for evermore draw nigh; accept each faithful vow, and mark each suppliant sigh: in copious shower on all who pray each holy day thy blessings pour.

Here may we gain from heaven the grace which we implore; and may that grace, once given, be with us evermore, until that day when all the blest to endless rest are called away.

PRESIDENT: O Lord, open thou our lips. ALL: And our mouth shall shew forth thy praise. PRESIDENT: O God, make speed to save us ALL: O Lord, make haste to help us. PRESIDENT: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; ALL: As it was in the beginning, it’s now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen. PRESEDENT: Answer:

Praise ye the Lord. The Lord's Name be praised.

PSALM 119:105-112 105.

Thy word is a lantern unto my feet: and a light unto my paths.

106.

I have sworn, and am stedfastly purposed: to keep thy righteous judgements.

107.

I am troubled above measure: quicken me, O Lord, according to thy word.

108.

Let the free-will offerings of my mouth please thee, O Lord: and teach me thy judgements.

109.

My soul is alway in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.

110.

The ungodly have laid a snare for me: but yet I swerved not from thy commandments.

111.

Thy testimonies have I claimed as mine heritage for ever: and why? they are the very joy of my heart.

112.

I have applied my heart to fulfil thy statutes alway: even unto the end.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. FIRST LESSON: Nehemiah 8:1-12 READER: A Reading from the Word of God, written in the book of Nehemiah, chapter eight beginning at the first verse.

All the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had given to Israel. Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that had been made for the purpose, and beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam on his left hand. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, "Amen, Amen," lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah helped the people to understand the law, while the people remained in their places. So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep." For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. READER: The word of the Lord. ALL: Thanks be to God. OFFICE HYMN: 501 - I will sing the wondrous story 1

I will sing the wondrous story of the Christ who died for me — how he left the realms of glory for the cross on Calvary.

Yes, I’ll sing the wondrous story of the Christ who died for me — sing it with his saints in glory, gathered by the crystal sea. 2

I was lost: but Jesus found me, found the sheep that went astray, raised me up and gently led me back into the narrow way. Days of darkness still may meet me, sorrow’s path I oft may tread; but his presence still is with me, by his guiding hand I’m led.

He will keep me till the river rolls its waters at my feet: then he’ll bear me safely over, made by grace for glory meet. Yes, I’ll sing the wondrous story of the Christ who died for me — sing it with his saints in glory, gathered by the crystal sea.

MAGNIFICAT My soul doth magnify the Lord: and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded: the lowliness of his hand-maiden. For behold, from henceforth: all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath magnified me: and holy is his Name. And his mercy is on them that fear him: throughout all generations. He hath shewed strength with his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away. He remembering his mercy, hath holpen his servant Israel: as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed, forever. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

SECOND LESSON: LUKE 8:4-15 READER: A Reading from the Word of God, written in Gospel according to Luke, chapter eight beginning at the fourth verse. When a great crowd gathered and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable: ‘A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell on the path and was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered for lack of moisture. Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. Some fell into good soil, and when it grew, it produced a hundredfold.’ As he said this, he called out, ‘Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’ Then his disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, ‘To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but to others I speak in parables, so that “looking they may not perceive, and listening they may not understand.” ‘Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones on the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe only for a while and in a time of testing fall away. As for what fell among the thorns, these are the ones who hear; but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. But as for that in the good soil, these are the ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance. READER: The word of the Lord. ALL: Thanks be to God. NUNC DIMITTIS Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace: according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen: thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared: before the face of all people; To be a light to lighten the Gentiles: and to be the glory of thy people Israel. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

THE APOSTLES’ CREED I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried, He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead, He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; The Holy Catholic Church; The Communion Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body, And the life everlasting. Amen. PRESIDENT: The Lord be with you. ALL: And with thy spirit. PRESIDENT: Let us pray. ALL:

Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us.

Our Father; which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come: Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil. Amen. PRESIDENT: O Lord, shew thy mercy upon us. ALL: And grant us thy salvation.

PRESIDENT: O Lord, save our nation. ALL: And mercifully hear us when we call upon thee. PRESIDENT: Endue thy Ministers with righteousness. ALL: And make thy chosen people joyful. PRESIDENT: O Lord, save thy people. ALL: And bless thine inheritance. PRESIDENT: Give peace in our time, O Lord. ALL: Because there is none other that fighteth for us, but only thou, O God. PRESIDENT: O God, make clean our hearts within us. ALL: And take not thy Holy Spirit from us. COLLECTS On the Anniversary of the Dedication of a Church

(BCP page 199)

PRESIDENT: Almighty God, to whose glory we celebrate the dedication of this house of prayer: we give you thanks for the fellowship of those who have worshipped in this place, and we pray that all who seek you here may find you, and be filled with your joy and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Second Collect at Evening Prayer PRESIDENT: O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed; Give unto thy servants that peace which the world cannot give; that both our hearts may be set to obey thy commandments, and also that by thee we being defended from the fear of our enemies may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. The Third Collect at Evening Prayer PRESIDENT: Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

V. R.

The Lord be with you. And with thy Spirit.

V. R.

Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercies of God rest in peace. Amen.

WELCOME AND NOTICES HYMN BEFORE THE SERMON: 935 (SH) - The God of love my shepherd is 1

The God of love my shepherd is, and he that doth me feed; while he is mine and I am his, what can I want or need?

He leads me to the tender grass, where I both feed and rest; then to the streams that gently pass: in both I have the best.

Or if I stray, he doth convert, and bring my mind in frame, and all this not for my desert, but for his holy name.

Yea, in death's shady black abode well may I walk, not fear; for thou art with me, and thy rod to guide, thy staff to bear.

Surely thy sweet and wondrous love shall measure all my days; and, as it never shall remove, so neither shall my praise.

SERMON OFFERTORY HYMNS: 940 (SH), 397 HYMN 940 (SH) - Tell me the old, old story 1

Tell me the old, old story, Of unseen things above, Of Jesus and His glory, Of Jesus and His love; Tell me the story simply, As to a little child, For I am weak and weary, And helpless and defiled. Refrain Tell me the old, old story, Tell me the old, old story, Tell me the old, old story, Of Jesus and His love.

Tell me the story slowly, That I may take it in— That wonderful redemption, God’s remedy for sin; Tell me the story often, For I forget so soon, The “early dew” of morning Has passed away at noon. Refrain

Tell me the story softly, With earnest tones and grave; Remember I’m the sinner Whom Jesus came to save; Tell me the story always, If you would really be, In any time of trouble, A comforter to me. Refrain

Tell me the same old story, When you have cause to fear That this world’s empty glory Is costing me too dear; Yes, and, when that world’s glory Shall down upon my soul, Tell me the old, old story: Christ Jesus makes thee whole! Refrain

HYMN: 397 - Lord, thy word abideth 1

Lord, thy word abideth, and our footsteps guideth; who its truth believeth light and joy receiveth.

When our foes are near us, then thy word cloth cheer us, word of consolation, message of salvation.

When the storms are o'er us, and dark clouds before us, then its light directeth, and our way protecteth.

Who can tell the pleasure, who recount the treasure by thy word imparted to the simple-hearted?

Word of mercy, giving succour to the living; word of life, supplying comfort to the dying!

O that we discerning its most holy learning, Lord, may love and fear thee, evermore be near thee.

HYMNS FOR THE PROCESSION: 728, 741, 395 HYMN 728 - Christ is made the sure foundation 1

Christ is made the sure foundation, Christ the head and cornerstone, chosen of the Lord, and precious, binding all the church in one, holy Sion's help for ever, and her confidence alone.

All that dedicated city, dearly loved of God on high, in exultant jubilation pours perpetual melody, God the One in Three adoring in glad hymns eternally.

To this temple, where we call thee, come, O Lord of Hosts, today; with thy wonted loving kindness hear thy servants as they pray; and thy fullest benediction shed within its walls alway.

Here vouchsafe to all thy servants what they ask of thee to gain, what they gain from thee for ever with the blessed to retain, and hereafter in thy glory evermore with thee to reign.

Doxology Laud and honour to the Father, laud and honour to the Son, laud and honour to the Spirit, ever Three, and ever One, consubstantial, co-eternal, while unending ages run.

HYMN: 741 - We love the place, O God 1

We love the place, O God, wherein thine honour dwells; the joy of thine abode all earthly joy excels.

It is the house of prayer, wherein thy servants meet; and thou, O Lord, art there thy chosen flock to greet.

We love the sacred font; for there the Holy Dove to pour is ever wont his blessing from above.

We love thine altar, Lord; O what on earth so dear? For there in faith adored, We find thy presence near.

We love the word of life, the word that tells of peace, of comfort in the strife, and joys that never cease.

We love to sing below for mercies freely given; but O, we long to know the triumph-song of heaven.

Lord Jesus, give us grace on earth to love thee more, in heaven to see thy face, and with thy saints adore.

HYMN: 395 - Give light, O Lord, that we may learn 1

Give light, O Lord, that we may learn the way that leads to thee, that where our hearts true joy discern, our life may be.

Give light, O Lord, that we may know thy one unchanging truth, and follow, all our days below, our Guide in youth.

Give light, O Lord, that we may see where wisdom bids beware, and turn our doubting minds to thee, in faithful prayer.

Give light, O Lord, that we may look beneath, around, above, and learn from nature's living book thy power and love.

Give light, O Lord, that we may read all signs that thou art near, and, while we live, in word and deed thy name revere.

Give light, O Lord, that we may trace in trial, pain, and loss in poorest lot, and lowest place, a Saviour's cross.

Give light, O Lord, that we may see a home beyond the sky, where all who live in Christ with thee shall never die.

FINAL PRAYER AND BLESSING

RECESSIONAL HYMN: 24 - Sweet Saviour, bless us ere we go 1

Sweet Saviour, bless us ere we go; Thy Word into our minds instil. And make our lukewarm hearts to glow With lowly love and fervent will. Through life’s long day and death’s dark night, O gentle Jesus, be our Light.

The day is done, its hours have run, And Thou hast taken count of all, The scanty triumphs grace hath won, The broken vow, the frequent fall. Through life’s long day and death’s dark night, O gentle Jesus, be our Light.

Grant us, dear Lord, from evil ways True absolution and release; And bless us, more than in past days, With purity and inward peace Through life’s long day and death’s dark night, O gentle Jesus, be our Light.

Do more than pardon; give us joy, Sweet fear, and sober liberty, And simple hearts without alloy That only long to be like Thee. Through life’s long day and death’s dark night, O gentle Jesus, be our Light.

For all we love, the poor, the sad, The sinful, unto Thee we call; O let Thy mercy make us glad: Thou art our Jesus, and our All. Through life’s long day and death’s dark night, O gentle Jesus, be our Light.

PRESIDENT: Go in peace and serve the Lord. ALL: In the name of Christ. Amen.

St. Lucy Parish Church – Schedule of Services for the Dedication Festival