Zion Episcopal Church

SCRIPTURE - TRADITION - REASON

  We promise to share the love of Christ with all of God’s children
in our worship, words and witness.


The Day of Pentecost                                                                             May 24, 2026

Year A                                                                                                             10:00 am

Holy Eucharist (Rite II)

Prelude                                                                    

Welcome & Announcements

 

Processional Hymn:  225                “Hail thee, festival day!”                        Blue Hymnal   

 

The Opening Acclamation              

Celebrant          

Alleluia. Christ is risen.           

People             

The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluiah.                                                                                 

The Celebrant says

 

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 Jesus Christ our Lord. 

 

Glory to God  S–278                      Gloria in excelsis                                           William Mathias

 

Collect of the Day

Officiant - The Lord be with you.

People - And also with you.

Officiant - Let us pray.

O God, who on this day taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 

First Reading:  Acts 2:1-21

When the day of Pentecost had come, the disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs-- in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power." All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" But others sneered and said, "They are filled with new wine."

 

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

`In the last days it will be, God declares,

that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.

Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
in those days I will pour out my Spirit;
and they shall prophesy.

And I will show portents in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood, and fire, and smoky mist.

The sun shall be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood,
before the coming of the Lord's great and glorious day.

Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' "

 

            The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

 

Psalm 104:25-35, 37

25 O Lord, how manifold are your works! *
in wisdom you have made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.

26 Yonder is the great and wide sea
with its living things too many to number, *
creatures both small and great.

27 There move the ships,
and there is that Leviathan, *
which you have made for the sport of it.

28 All of them look to you *
to give them their food in due season.

29 You give it to them; they gather it; *
you open your hand, and they are filled with good things.

30 You hide your face, and they are terrified; *
you take away their breath,
and they die and return to their dust.

31 You send forth your Spirit, and they are created; *
and so you renew the face of the earth.

32 May the glory of the Lord endure for ever; *
may the Lord rejoice in all his works.

33 He looks at the earth and it trembles; *
he touches the mountains and they smoke.

34 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; *
I will praise my God while I have my being.

35 May these words of mine please him; *
I will rejoice in the Lord.

37 Bless the Lord, O my soul. *
Hallelujah!

Second Reading:  1 Corinthians 12:3b-13

No one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body-- Jews or Greeks, slaves or free-- and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

 

            The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

 

 

Gradual Hymn: 511              “Holy Spirit, ever living”                              Blue Hymnal       

  

The Gospel:   John 7:37-39

 

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

 

People

           Glory to you Lord Christ.

On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

             The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

 

 

The Sermon  The Rev. Alexander Herasimtschuk

 

 

The Nicene 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:
    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

Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;

That we all may be one.

 

Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;

That your Name may be glorified by all people.

 

We pray for our Presiding Bishop, Sean; our Bishops, Matthew and Allen; for Alex, our Rector; for Michael, our Rector emeritus; and for all bishops, priests, and deacons;

That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.

 

We pray for Greg and Peggy, our wardens, and for the members of our vestry, that the Lord may guide them, and bless them with wisdom, patience and fortitude.

Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer

 

We pray for our President, Donald; our Governor, Kathy; and all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world;

That there may be justice and peace on the earth.

 

We pray for all victims of violence and terrorism.  We pray for all refugees and the countries who shelter them.  We pray for our brothers and sisters in the Armed Forces. Protect them and safely bring them home to their family and friends.  Comfort and sustain families and friends of those serving in the Armed Forces, and deliver them through this time of trial.  We pray for all people who are caught in the midst of war.  We pray for peace among the nations.  We pray for prisoners and their families, and those who minister to them.

           

Lord in your mercy.

Hear our prayer.

 

Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;

That our works may find favor in your sight.

 

 

Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;

That they may be delivered from their distress.

 

Give to the departed eternal rest;

Let light perpetual shine upon them.

 

We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy;

May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.

                                                                                                                        

Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.

 

Silence

The People may add their own petitions.

 

In the Interparish Council rota of prayer, we pray this week for: Christ Church, Poughkeepsie.

 

In the communion of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Margaret of Antioch and of all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life, to Christ our God.

To thee, O Lord our God.

 

The Celebrant adds a concluding collect

The Peace                        

 

Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People      And also with you.

 

Blessing of those celebrating Birthdays and Anniversaries

 

Offertory Sentence

 

Ascribe to the Lord the honor due his Name.  Bring offerings and come into His courts.

 

Offering: You may continue to bring your gift to the altar through the online payment application VANCO.

Offertory Hymn:  516               “Come down, O Love divine”      Blue Hymnal

 

The Liturgy of the Holy Communion

 Eucharistic Prayer A

The people stand.

Celebrant The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.

Celebrant Lift up you hearts.

People We lift them up to the lord

Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People It is right to give thanks and praise.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. In fulfillment of his true
promise, the Holy Spirit came down from
heaven, lighting upon the disciples, to teach them and to lead
them into all truth; uniting peoples of many tongues in the
confession of one faith, and giving to your Church the power
to serve you as a royal priesthood, and to preach the Gospel
to all nations.

 

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:

 

Holy, holy, holy Lord S-129                                                                                   

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.

The people stand or kneel.

Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us
for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become
subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus
Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human
nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the
God and Father of all.

He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself,
in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

 

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, 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 we proclaim the mystery of faith:

 

Celebrant and People

 

Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again         

The Celebrant continues

 

We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in
this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death,
resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.

Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the
Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new
and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully
receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy,
and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints
into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: 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. 

People Amen.

And now, as our Savior
Christ has taught us,
we are bold to say,

 

 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 Fraction

 

Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

Fraction Anthem S– 161                                                                                   

 

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.

 

The Distribution

 All baptized Christians are welcome at the Lord’s table.  Worshippers are welcome to receive the Eucharist in both kinds (bread and wine) or in one kind (bread only), as partaking in one kind is considered sufficient under certain circumstances, according to the Book of Common Prayer. If anyone receiving in one kind desires to reverence the holy chalice, please make the sign of St. Andrew’s cross. If anyone desires to receive a blessing instead of the Eucharist, please also make the sign of St. Andrew’s cross.  For those who are joining us in worship and prayer, but do not yet feel called to receive the Eucharist, you are welcome to sing our communion hymns, or to spend time in prayer and reflection. Gluten-Free host, as always, is available upon request. May God’s peace and blessings be with you all.

 

Communion Hymn: 505    “O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God”                    Blue Hymnal

Communion Hymn: 504   “Come Holy Ghost our souls inspire            Blue Hymnal

 

Let us pray.

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 Benediction

May the Spirit, who set the Church on fire upon the Day of Pentecost, bring the world alive with the love of the risen Christ; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father , the Son, and the Holy Spirit be among you, and remain with you always.  Amen.

 

Recessional Hymn: 718         "God of our fathers"”         Blue Hymnal

 

The Dismissal

       

Celebrant   Let us go forth in to the world rejoicing in the power of the spirit.  Alleluia, alleluia.

People       Thanks be to God.  Alleluia, alleluia.

                                   

 

Postlude                                              

 

You are encouraged to stay to listen to the postlude.

 

 

    

Ministers of the Liturgy

 

Celebrant                                 The Rev. Alexander Herasimtschuk

Organist                                 Gregory Citarella

Reader                                    John Singler

Crucifer                                  Leeann Haubrich

Torches                                   Joshua Roberts, Jody Fredeman

Thurifer                                    Doug McNeil

Lay Eucharistic Minister       Frank Mariani

Altar Guild                              Melanie Romano

Usher                                       Maya Hennebery

 

Wardens  

Greg Fredeman

Peggy Kelland

Treasurer

Maya Hennebery

Vestry

Barbara Clark

Phil Engle

Maya Hennebery

Wendy McNeil

Leo Ocola

Betty Oommen

Sylvia Propfe

 

Rector Emeritus                                                               The Rev. Michael B. Webber                   

Bishop                                                                The Rt. Rev. Matthew Heyd, Bishop of NY

Suffragan Bishop                                                                           The Rt. Rev. Allen K. Shin

 

Please remember Zion Episcopal Church of Wappingers Falls in your will so this magnificent church may be upkept and mission in the name of the Lord Jesus may continue after you have joined the Church Triumphant.

Limited Podcast / Streaming License, Category A average weekly attendance 1 to 25. M-400628 for Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 06, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zion Episcopal Church 

12 Satterlee Place, Wappingers Falls, New York

(845) 297-9797        

https://zionwappingersfalls.org