Hymn – At the Name of Jesus Every Knee Shall Bow
- At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow,
every tongue confess Him King of glory now;
’tis the Father’s pleasure we should call him Lord,
who from the beginning was the mighty Word.
- Might and mysterious in the highest height
God from everlasting, very Light of light.
In the Father’s bosom, with the spirits blessed,
Love in love eternal, rest in perfect rest.
- Humbled for a season, to receive a name
from the lips of sinners, unto whom he came;
faithfully he bore it spotless to the last,
brought it back victorious when from death he passed;
- bore it up triumphant, with its human light,
through all ranks of creatures, to the central height,
to the throne of Godhead, to the Father’s breast,
filled it with the glory of that perfect rest.
- In your hearts enthrone him; there let him subdue
all that is not holy, all that is not true.
Look to him, your Saviour, in temptations’ hour;
let his will enfold you in its light and power.
- Christians, this Lord Jesus shall return again,
with his Father’s glory o’er the earth to reign;
for all wreaths of empire meet upon his brow,
and our hearts confess him King of glory now. (by Caroline Noel, 1870)
The Greeting
Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
All: And also with you
The Peace
We are the body of Christ.
In the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body
Let us then pursue all that makes for peace
and builds up our common life.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
All: And also with you.
Let us offer one another a sign of peace.
(Please turn to those around you, offering your hand, and say
‘The peace of the Lord be with you’)
Prayer of Preparation
All: Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom 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.
Prayer of Penitence
Our Lord Jesus Christ said: The first commandment is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our Cod is the only Lord. You shall love the Lord your Cod with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’
The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
All: Amen. Lord, have mercy.
God so loved the world
that he gave his only Son Jesus Christ
to save us from our sins,
to be our advocate in heaven,
and to bring us to eternal life.
Let us confess our sins in penitence and faith,
firmly resolved to keep God’s commandments
and to live in love and peace with all.
All: Father eternal, giver of light and grace,
we have sinned against you and against our neighbour,
in what we have thought,
in what we have said and done,
through ignorance, through weakness,
through our own deliberate fault.
We have wounded your love
and marred your image in us.
We are sorry and ashamed
and repent of all our sins.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
who died for us,
forgive us all that is past
and lead us out from darkness
to walk as children of light.
Amen.
Almighty God,
who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
Collect for the Fifth Sunday of Easter
Almighty God,
who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ
have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life:
grant that, as by your grace going before us
you put into our minds good desires,
so by your continual help
we may bring them to good effect;
through Jesus Christ our risen Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
All: Amen
Our First Reading is – 1 Peter Chap: 2
2 Be like newborn babies, always thirsty for the pure spiritual milk, so that by drinking it you may grow up and be saved.
3 As the scripture says, “You have found out for yourselves how kind the Lord is.”
4 Come to the Lord, the living stone rejected by people as worthless but chosen by God as valuable.
5 Come as living stones, and let yourselves be used in building the spiritual temple, where you will serve as holy priests to offer spiritual and acceptable sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ.
6 For the scripture says, “I chose a valuable stone, which I am placing as the cornerstone in Zion; and whoever believes in him will never be disappointed.”
7 This stone is of great value for you that believe; but for those who do not believe: “The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all.”
8 And another scripture says, “This is the stone that will make people stumble, the rock that will make them fall.” They stumbled because they did not believe in the word; such was God’s will for them.
9 But you are the chosen race, the King’s priests, the holy nation, God’s own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his own marvelous light.
10 At one time you were not God’s people, but now you are his people; at one time you did not know God’s mercy, but now you have received his mercy.
This is the word of the Lord
All: Thanks be to God.
Hymn – In heavenly love abiding
1 In heavenly love abiding,
no change my heart shall fear;
and safe is such confiding,
for nothing changes here:
the storm may roar without me,
my heart may low be laid;
but God is round about me,
and can I be dismayed?
2 Wherever he may guide me,
no want shall turn me back;
my Shepherd is beside me,
and nothing can I lack:
his wisdom ever waketh,
his sight is never dim,
he knows the way he taketh,
and I will walk with him.
3 Green pastures are before me,
which yet I have not seen;
bright skies will soon be o’er me,
where darkest clouds have been;
my hope I cannot measure,
my path to life is free;
my Saviour has my treasure,
and he will walk with me. (by Anna Letitia Waring-1823-1910)
Here the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ According to John Chap: 14
1 “Do not be worried and upset,” Jesus told them. “Believe in God and believe also in me.
2 There are many rooms in my Father’s house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. I would not tell you this if it were not so.
3 And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am.
4 You know the way that leads to the place where I am going.”
5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going; so how can we know the way to get there?”
6 Jesus answered him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one goes to the Father except by me.
7 Now that you have known me,” he said to them, “you will know my Father also, and from now on you do know him and you have seen him.”
8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father; that is all we need.”
9 Jesus answered, “For a long time I have been with you all; yet you do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. Why, then, do you say, “Show us the Father’?
10 Do you not believe, Philip, that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I have spoken to you,” Jesus said to his disciples, “do not come from me. The Father, who remains in me, does his own work.
11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. If not, believe because of the things I do.
12 I am telling you the truth: those who believe in me will do what I do – yes, they will do even greater things, because I am going to the Father.
13 And I will do whatever you ask for in my name, so that the Father’s glory will be shown through the Son.
14 If you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon for the Fifth Sunday of Easter 3rd May 2026
What makes a real-life superhero?
- Often, a picture of strength, bravery, maybe even someone who seems almost untouchable.
- But when you strip all that back, real-life heroes are usually something quite different.
- Not all heroes wear capes
- So today, in our reading, we meet Stephen.
- isn’t introduced as someone powerful in the usual sense.
- he’s described earlier in Acts, with a different kind of strength.
- full of the Holy Spirit. He is wise. He is full of faith, full of God’s grace and power.
- He speaks with conviction and clarity.
- These are his “superpowers.”
- Not dramatic or attention-seeking, but deeply rooted in God.
- Yet, Stephen’s story takes a very hard turn.
- Because his faith and his courage bring him into conflict.
- People oppose him. They argue with him.
- And eventually, they drag him out and stone him.
- It’s a shocking scene. And it forces us to face something we might prefer to avoid: following Jesus has never been the easy option.
- Jesus himself made that clear. He told his followers that they would face opposition.
- And Stephen is one of the first to experience that in its most extreme form.
- Today, in different parts of the world, there are still Christians who face imprisonment or death for their faith.
- For most of us, it’s not like that.
- But that doesn’t mean there’s no pressure. It can be more subtle. Faith can make us feel out of step. It can bring questions, scepticism, and sometimes even quiet ridicule.
- There are cultural pressures, intellectual challenges, and the constant pull to keep our beliefs private and unobtrusive.
- So the question is a real one: why would anyone choose this path? Why “sign up” to follow Jesus, knowing that it may be costly?
- That’s where our Gospel reading speaks so powerfully.
- John 14, Jesus says to his disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” And then he gives them a promise: “I am going there to prepare a place for you… I will come back and take you to be with me.”
- These are not empty words. They are words of deep reassurance. Jesus is saying that this life is not the whole story. There is a future. There is a home. There is a place with God that is secure and certain.
- That hope changes how we live now.
- Stephen held onto that hope. And we see it most clearly at the very moment of his death. As the stones are thrown, he looks up and sees the glory of God—and Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father.
- That detail matters. Most of the time, the risen and ascended Jesus is described as sitting at God’s right hand. But here, he is standing—as if to welcome Stephen, to receive him, to honour him.
- In that moment, Stephen knows that what Jesus promised is true.
- And what’s even more remarkable is how Stephen responds. As he is dying, he prays, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And then he says, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
- Those words should sound familiar. They echo the words of Jesus on the cross. Even in the face of violence and injustice, Stephen shows forgiveness. He reflects the character of Christ.
- That is what makes him a true hero of faith.
- But here’s the important thing: this isn’t just about Stephen.
- Because the call to follow Jesus is the same for all of us.
- We may not be called to face what Stephen faced.
- But we are called to live with the same kind of faith. The same trust. The same willingness to follow Jesus, even when it’s difficult or costly.
- Being a “superhero” in God’s kingdom isn’t about doing extraordinary things. It’s about everyday faithfulness.
- It’s about choosing to stand firm when it would be easier to stay quiet.
- It’s about showing kindness when others don’t.
- It’s about forgiving when it hurts. It’s about holding onto hope when life feels uncertain.
- And the good news is: we don’t do this on our own.
- Jesus says, “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
- In other words, God equips us. He gives us strength. He gives us his Spirit. The same Spirit who filled Stephen is at work in us, helping us to live as followers of Christ.
- So yes, there are challenges. Following Jesus may not always be comfortable. But there are also deep and lasting blessings: knowing God, walking with Christ, and living with the sure hope of eternal life.
- Stephen’s story reminds us to take the long view. This life, with all its struggles and pressures, is not the end of the story. There is more to come. A place prepared. A welcome waiting.
- So what makes a real-life superhero?
- Not fame. Not power.
- But faith. Courage. Love.
- A willingness to trust God, whatever the cost.
- That was true for Stephen.
- And it is true for us.
Amen
Prayers of Intercession
During the intercession this response is used:
Lord, m your mercy
All: Hear our prayer.
Prayers for King Charles
Through this tritium of prayer we ask God’s continuing blessing on our new King Charles
Prayer
O God, to whom every human power is subject,
grant to your servant our sovereign Charles
success in the exercise of his high office,
so that, always revering you and striving to please you,
he may constantly secure and preserve
for the people entrusted to his care
the freedom that comes from civil peace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
All: Amen
Prayer for the Royal
Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness,
we humbly beseech thee to bless
Queen Camilla, William Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales, and all the
Royal Family:
Endue them with thy Holy Spirit; enrich them with thy heavenly
grace; prosper them with all happiness;
and bring them to thine everlasting
kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ, let us pray to the Father.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father,
you promised through your Son Jesus Christ to hear us when we pray in faith
Strengthen all your Church in the service of Christ, that those who confess your name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.
Bless and guide Charles our King; give wisdom to all in authority; and direct this and every nation in the ways of justice and of peace; that we may honour one another, and seek the common good.
Give grace to us, our families and friends, and to all our neighbours, that we may serve Christ in one another, and love as he loves us.
Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; give them courage and hope in their troubles and bring them the joy of your salvation.
Hear us as we remember those who have died in the faith of
Christ……; according to your promises,
grant us with them a share in your eternal kingdom.
Rejoicing in the fellowship of St. Laurence, St. John, St. Wilfred, St. Michel and all your saints, we commend ourselves and the whole creation to your unfailing love.
Merciful Father,
All: Accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Heavenly Father,
you have promised through your Son Jesus Christ, that when we meet in his name, and pray according to his mind, he will be among us and hear our prayer: m your love and mercy fulfil our desires, and give us your greatest gift, which is to know you, the only true God, and your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
Hymn – Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
The Eucharistic Prayer
The Lord is here.
All: His Spirit is with us.
Lift up your hearts,
All: We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All: It is right to give thanks and praise.
It is indeed right,
it is our duty and our joy,
at all times and in all places
to give you thanks and praise,
holy Father, heavenly King,
almighty and eternal God,
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.
For he is your living Word;
through him you have created all things from the beginning, and formed us in your own image.
All: To you be glory and praise for ever.
Through him you have freed us from the slavery of sin, giving him to be born of a woman and to die upon the cross;
You raised him from the dead and exalted him to your right hand on high.
All: To you be glory and praise for ever.
Through him you nave sent upon us your holy and life-giving Spirit, and made us a people for your own possession.
All: To you be glory and praise for ever.
Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we proclaim your great and glorious name, for ever praising you and saying:
All: Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Accept our praises, heavenly Father,
through your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ,
and as we follow his example and obey his command,
grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit
these gifts of bread and wine
may be to us his body and his blood;
who, in the same night that he was betrayed,
took bread and gave you thanks;
he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you;
do this in remembrance of me.
In the same way, after supper he took the cup and gave you thanks; he gave it to them, saying: 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.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.
All: To you be glory and praise for ever.
Therefore, heavenly Father, we remember his offering of himself made once for all upon the cross; we proclaim his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension; we look for the coming of your kingdom, and with this bread and this cup
we make the memorial of Christ your Son our Lord.
All: Christ has died: Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Accept through him, our great high priest, this our sacrifice of thanks and praise, and as we eat and drink these holy gifts in the presence of your divine majesty, renew us by your Spirit, inspire us with your love and unite us in the body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: To you be glory and praise for ever.
Through him, and with him, and in him, m the unity of the Holy Spirit,
with all who stand before you in earth and heaven, we worship you, Father almighty, in songs of everlasting praise;
All: Blessing and honour and glory and power be yours for ever and ever.
Amen.
Let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us
The Lord’s Prayer
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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Breaking of the Bread
We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
All: Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread.
All: Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world.
Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,
Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,
Grant us peace.
Giving of Communion
Draw near with faith
Receive the body of our Lord Jesus Christ
which he gave for you,
and his blood which he shed for you-
Eat and drink
in remembrance that he died for you,
and feed on him in your hearts
by faith with thanksgiving.
Amen
Post Communion Prayer
All: Lord God,
the bright splendour whom the nations seek:
may we who with the wise men have been drawn by your light
discern the glory of your presence in your Son,
the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Blessing
The God of peace,
who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
that great shepherd of the sheep,
through the blood of the eternal covenant,
make you perfect in every good work to do his will,
working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight;
and the blessing of our Lord
and the love of God
be with you now and ever more
All: Amen.
Hymn – Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus
- Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
Ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner,
It must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory
His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished,
And Christ is Lord indeed.
- Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
The trumpet call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict,
In this His glorious day.
Ye that are brave now serve Him
Against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger,
And strength to strength oppose.
- Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
Stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you,
Ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the Gospel armour,
Each piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls or danger,
- Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
The strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle,
The next the victor’s song.
To him who over-cometh
A crown of life shall be;
They with the King of Glory
Shall reign eternally (by George Duffield, Jr.- 1818–1888)
Final Prayers and the Dismissal
Go in faith to love the Lord.
All: In the Name of Christ
Amen
© 702211