25. Year A - Holy Trinity (First Sunday After Pentecost)

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VERSION: 29 April 2002

HOLY TRINITY

FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, YEAR A

In 2002: 26 May

In 2005: 22 May

In 2008: 18 May

In 2011: 19 Jun

In 2014: 15 Jun

- - -

LITURGY

SENTENCE

See the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Sentence', in the 'General and seasonal' folder for suggestions on using a Sentence.

Praise the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Praise and adore him forever.

Praise the Lord in the heights of heaven.

Praise and adore him forever.

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty.

Praise and adore him forever.

He was and is and is to come.

Praise and adore him forever.

OR

Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty,

who was and is and is to come. (Rev 4:8 NRSV)

OR

Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God of hosts.

All the earth is filled with his glory.  (Isa 6:3)

INTRODUCTION TO THE CONFESSION OF SINS

The call to confession may be introduced with the following words:

Friends in Christ:

God did not send the Son into the world

to condemn the world,

but to save the world through him.

THE TRISAGION

The 'Trisagion' (literally: 'Thrice holy'), in either of the following forms, may be used as a confessional response before the absolution. The first two shorter versions may be said or sung three times.

Holy God,

holy and mighty,

holy and immortal,

have mercy on us.

OR

O Lord God most holy,

O Lord most mighty,

O holy and most merciful God,

have mercy on us.

OR, this version from the Good Friday order:

O Lord God most holy,

O Lord most mighty,

O holy and most merciful God,

have mercy on us,

and do not condemn us to eternal death.

O Lord God most holy,

O Lord most mighty,

O holy and most merciful God,

have mercy on us,

and lead us through death to eternal life.

O Lord God most holy,

O Lord most mighty,

O holy and most merciful Saviour,

have mercy on us, and never abandon us.

LORD, HAVE MERCY

Although the 'Lord, have mercy' is essentially christological, it has often been interpreted in a trinitarian sense because of the threefold repetition. Hymn 897 in the Supplement, 'Kyrie, God, Father in heaven above', is a good example of this. Here is another trinitarian kyrie, adapted from a version in Lˆhe's Agenda.

Lord and Father, source of all goodness:

have mercy on us.

Lord, you sent your Son for the salvation of the world:

have mercy on us.

Lord, you give the seven gifts of the Spirit, filling heaven and earth:

have mercy on us.

Christ, only Son of the Father, foretold by prophets and born of a virgin:

have mercy on us.

Christ, ruler of the kingdom of heaven, the angels sing of your glory:

have mercy on us.

Christ, you intercede for us at the right hand of the Father:

have mercy on us.

Lord, Spirit, you flow from the Father and the Son, and are one with them:

have mercy on us.

Lord, you baptised Christ in the Jordan, and appeared as a dove:

have mercy on us.

Lord, fire divine, you make our hearts burn with love and praise:

have mercy on us.

The following christological version of the 'Lord, have mercy' may be also used.

Lord Jesus Christ, begotten not created, hear our prayer and save us.

Lord, have mercy. OR Kyrie, eleison.

Lord Jesus Christ, true God from true God, hear our prayer and help us.

Christ, have mercy. OR Christe, eleison.

Lord Jesus Christ, one with the Father, hear our prayer and give us peace.

Lord, have mercy. OR Kyrie, eleison.

PRAYER OF THE DAY (COLLECT)

Traditional

Almighty and eternal God,

since you have given us grace,

by the confession of the true faith,

to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity,

and to worship the Unity

by the power of your divine majesty:

Keep us firm in this faith,

and defend us forever from all evil;

for you live and reign,

one God, now and forever.

Amen.

OR, modernised traditional

Almighty and eternal God,

you have given us faith

to affirm the glory of the eternal Trinity

and to worship you as One.

Keep us firm in this faith

and safe with you forever.

For you live and reign, one God,

now and forever.

Amen.

OR, new (revised alternative)

(Let us pray for faith in the Triune God. [silence])

Eternal God,

you have revealed yourself

as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

and you live in the perfect unity of love.

Give us a sure faith in you,

so that we share in your holy fellowship and life

as three Persons in one God,

now and forever.

Amen.

FIRST READING

Genesis 1:1 - 2:4a The Triune God creates the world through his word

PSALM

Psalm 8

Antiphon:

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

(Ps 8:1a NIV)

SECOND READING

2 Corinthians 13:11-13(14) The apostolic blessing in the name of the Triune God

(Note: Do not omit verse 14 if the translation you are using includes it. Verse 14 is in brackets simply because the numbering of the verses in chapter 13 differs from translation to translation. The NRSV and TEV versions end with verse 13 and the NIV and KJV end with verse 14. The reading is intended to go to the very end of the chapter, as the final verse contains the focal theme for this day.)

ALLELUIA VERSE

Alleluia.

Glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.

Alleluia.

OR

Alleluia, alleluia.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,

baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Alleluia.

GOSPEL

Matthew 28:16-20  The great commission in the name of the Triune God

PRAYER AFTER THE GOSPEL

This is the gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

Lord Jesus Christ, thank you that we are yours

through baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Be with us always.

Amen.

ATHANASIAN CREED

The Athanasian Creed is one of the three ecumenical creeds of Christendom. It is included in the Book of Concord among the Lutheran confessions. It may therefore be used in worship, along with the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed. In fact, it has traditionally been used in some Lutheran congregations on Trinity Sunday.

However, there are problems with using this creed in congregational worship: it is long; it is difficult to understand; it is difficult to read it in unison; the versions generally available have not been in inclusive language; and the condemnatory sentences ('Whoever does not keep it whole and inviolate will doubtless perish eternally' etc) can be a stumblimg block to some worshippers unless explained - which is difficult in the context of worship.

The Department of Liturgics suggests ways of using this creed which avoid some of these problems. See the document 'The Athanasian Creed in worship' in the 'Rites and services' folder.

OFFERING PRAYER

Loving Triune God,

teach us, your children,

to praise and glorify you with our lives

and all that we have,

by serving others.

Amen.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Call to prayer

God our Father has created us. In his love, he sent his Son to redeem us. Now he gathers together his holy people by the power of his Spirit. Let us come to him in the Spirit, through the name of Jesus, and ask him for all we need.

The regular response, OR:

Blessed are you, Lord God, King of the universe.

Blessed be Father, Son, and Holy Spirit forever and ever.

Suggested intercessions

Concluding prayer

Lord God, you are the ground of our existence and the foundation of our faith. Support us in this faith as we live in your name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

OR

Call to prayer

God our Father has created us. In his love, he sent his Son to redeem us. Now he gathers together his holy people by the power of his Spirit. Let us come to him in the Spirit, through the name of Jesus, and ask him for all our needs.

Suggested intercessions

For all you have made, for the earth and the sea and all their creatures,

and the universe of space and stars, planets and moons,

and for the world of spirits and angels,

blessed are you, Lord God, King of the universe.

Blessed be Father, Son, and Holy Spirit forever and ever.

For all humankind, made in your image,

male and female, adult and child, husband and wife,

and people of every tribe, nation, race and language,

blessed are you, Lord God, King of the universe.

Blessed be Father, Son, and Holy Spirit forever and ever.

For your gift of community:

families and friends, towns and cities, states and nations,

reflecting the communal love of the Trinity,

blessed are you, Lord God, King of the universe.

Blessed be Father, Son, and Holy Spirit forever and ever.

For your holy name made known through Jesus Christ our Lord,

and given to all who believe through the power of the Spirit,

blessed are you, Lord God, King of the universe.

Blessed be Father, Son, and Holy Spirit forever and ever.

For your holy catholic church

where many are made one,

just as you are the Three-in-One,

blessed are you, Lord God, King of the universe.

Blessed be Father, Son, and Holy Spirit forever and ever.

For all who have been baptised in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

as they witness to your love and action in the world,

and for all parents who teach the true faith to their baptised children,

blessed are you, Lord God, King of the universe.

Blessed be Father, Son, and Holy Spirit forever and ever.

For the faithfulness of the church over two thousand years,

and for the guidance of your Spirit in the way of truth,

blessed are you, Lord God, King of the universe.

Blessed be Father, Son, and Holy Spirit forever and ever.

Concluding prayer

Lord God, you are the ground of our existence and the foundation of our faith. Support us in this faith as we live in your name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

SEASONAL PREFACE

It is indeed right and good,

Lord God, holy Father,

that we should at all times and in all places

give thanks to you,

through Jesus Christ our Lord;

who with you and the Holy Spirit is one God, one Lord,

whom we confess as the only true God

and worship as the eternal Trinity,

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

And so, with angels and archangels,

and with all the company of heaven,

we adore and praise your glorious name:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

See below under 'Hymns and songs', 'Holy, holy, holy', for some suggestions.

COMMUNION INVITATION

Through Christ Jesus we have access to the Father by one Spirit.

(Thanks be to God.)

Come, everything is ready.

OR

The holy things of God

for the holy people of God.

(Thanks be to God.)

Come, everything is ready.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

The third prayer of the day (as listed above) may be used at this point. It may be modified as follows.

Eternal God,

you have revealed yourself to us today

in word and sacrament

as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

and you live in the perfect unity of love.

Give us a sure faith in you,

so that we share in your holy fellowship and life

as three Persons in one God,

now and forever.

Amen.

SEASONAL BLESSING

This seasonal blessing is used together with (ie before) the usual blessing in the order of service.

(May) God the holy Trinity,

who has created, redeemed, and sanctified you,

bring you to know and adore him as one God; . . .

DISMISSAL

Go in the peace of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Thanks be to God. OR In the name of Christ. Amen.

HYMNS AND SONGS

FOR THE READINGS

Please note:        * =        Modernised version available

      G3, G4 . . . =        Guitar chords available in the Music Package 3, 4 . . .

      GS =        Guitar chords in the Supplement to LH

First reading: Genesis 1:1 - 2:4a

LHS

AT

TIS

Second reading: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13(14)

LHS

AT

TIS

Also: Note the sung blessing in Worship Today: 'The grace . . . '

Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20

LHS

AT

TIS

OTHER HYMNS FROM THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL WITH SUPPLEMENT

Any hymns from the Trinity sections of the Lutheran Hymnal (135-142) or Supplement (776-779) are suitable for this day. The following may also be considered suitable:

* modernised version available

OTHER SONGS FROM THE 'ALL TOGETHER' BOOKS

OTHER SONGS FROM TOGETHER IN SONG

See lists under 'Trinity' on page 1082 and under 'Trinity Sunday' on page 1092 in the indexes of the harmony edition of TIS.

SONG FROM SING TO JESUS

TAIZE SONGS SUITABLE FOR TRINITY

Volume one

Credo I

Kyrie eleison IX

Alleluias IVI

Sanctus Dominus

Cantate Domino (using words of 'Glory to the Father . . . ')

Credo II

Tibi Deo

Volume two

Credo III

Gloria Patri et Filio I

Gloria Patri et Filio II

Sanctus Dominus II

There is one Lord

IONA COMMUNITY SONGS SUITABLE FOR TRINITY

Here are some songs from the Iona Community suitable for Trinity.

Note that the Iona Community is willing to allow a church or worship assembly to reproduce the words only of a song from these publications on a service sheet or overhead transparency that is to be used once only on a non-commercial basis, provided that the title of the song and the name of the copyright holder is clearly shown.

John L Bell & Graham Maule, Wild Goose Songs vol. 1 Heaven shall not wai

John L Bell & Graham Maule, Wild Goose Songs vol. 3 Love from below

PSALM 8

For musical settings of Psalm 8, see Music Packages 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8.

Versions of Psalm 8 may also be found in TIS, 3 Lord, our Lord, your glorious name, and 4 O Lord, our Governor.

A paraphrased version of Psalm 8 from the Iona Community may be found in John L Bell, Psalms of patience, protest and praise on page 8.

The following paraphrase, by David Sch¸tz, is sung to the tune Portland, LHS 374. If reproducing this version, please put 'Words (c) David Sch¸tz' at the beginning or the end of the psalm.

O Lord, our Lord, in all the earth

your glorious name is ever praised.

Even on lips of infant babes

your song is raised.

When I look at the sun and moon,

the stars and all in heav'n above,

how is it that we humans know

your saving love?

How can it be that you should care

for us poor creatures of the dust?

Yet you have made us like yourself

and honoured us.

Over all creatures great and small

you let us share your power to reign.

O Lord, our Lord, in all the earth

we praise your name.

LORD, HAVE MERCY

The hymn 'Kyrie, God, Father in heaven above' (LHS 897) has an ancient use in the church. It may be used instead of the 'Lord, have mercy', but will probably need a choir to assist the congregation.

TRISAGION

There are several songs available based on the Trisagion. They may be found in the following resources:

As One Voice (Australian Roman Catholic songbook, available through Openbook)

With One Voice (American Lutheran supplement to Lutheran Book of Worship)

Gather (American Roman Catholic hymnal)

GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST

The hymn 'All glory be to God on high' (LH 136) is a paraphrase of the 'Glory to God' and may be used in its place. A modernised version may be found in the folder 'Modernised Lutheran Hymnal hymns'.

CREED

Naturally, several hymns and songs suggest themselves for use as creeds on this day. Traditionally, Lutherans sing Luther's hymn 'We all believe in one true God' LH 142*. Other alternatives are 'We all believe in one true God' LH 139*, 'We believe' ATA 155, and 'I believe' ATO 362.

* modernised version available

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

Luther's hymn 'Isaiah mighty seer' (LHS 896) could be sung by a choir either instead of the 'Holy, holy, holy', or during communion (as in Luther's German Mass).

OR

Two verses (modernised here) of the hymn 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almighty' (LH 140, TIS 132) could be sung instead of the 'Holy, holy, holy' in the liturgy:

Holy, holy, holy, all the saints adore you,

casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea,

cherubim and seraphim falling down before you;

you were and are and evermore will be.

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almighty!

All your works shall praise your name in earth and sky and sea;

holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty,

God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

OR

This verse adapted by David Schubert from verse 2 of LH 501 is another possibility for use as a 'Holy, holy, holy'. (Note that TIS 121 is a different translation from LH of this hymn, using mainly different verses.)

'Holy, holy, holy',

praises are ascending

saints' and angels' voices blending.

Lord God, filling all things

with your kingly glory,

we your people here adore you.

Christ, you come

in God's name:

hear the prayers and praises

that your church now raises.

OR, the following by John Kleinig and David Schubert may be sung to the tune of LH 131 or another suitable 77.77 tune:

Holy, holy, holy, Lord,

great and ever-present God.

Earth joins heaven as we sing:

Praise to our triumphant king.

In this place let us proclaim

Christ who comes in God's own name;

join with angels as we sing:

Glory to our holy king.

OR, for other suggestions see the document'General notes and resources', under 'Holy, holy, holy', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

NOTES ON THE READINGS

See the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Notes on the readings', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

GENESIS 1:1 - 2:4a: 'In the beginning God created' depicts the earth in its earliest created form, verses 1,2, not in its completed perfection (the process of which occupies the rest of the chapter). God confirmed this by his cessation from this work and his seventh day rest. The description of creation, with specific details of all that God brought into being out of nothing are itemised under the headings of the six days. While opinion is divided as to whether the days are meant to be arranged chronologically or according to differential topics, our interpretation needs always to be guided by how the remainder of Scripture treats these chapters. On Trinity Sunday this reading points to the mysterious all-powerful transcendent ownership of God over the whole creation and our consequent responsibility towards it.

2 CORINTHIANS 13:11-13(14): Christians, bonded together by saving faith in their Lord Jesus Christ, are to live and work together in peace and love. Where harmony and agreement are the shared outcome of faith, God can dwell in its midst. The trinitarian blessing with which Paul closes this letter presupposes that the grace which took Christ to the cross for all sinners truly introduces the love of God into hearts and lives. The Holy Spirit has brought this about by the work that establishes a fellowship between Christians, truly the work of God.

MATTHEW 28:16-20: The Lord's meeting with the disciples in Galilee was as previously directed (Matthew 28: 10). Having fulfilled his own mission he has now received full authority from the Father. He is therefore able to direct and commission not only his immediate followers, but the church after that to go out into all the world in his authority. He accompanies it when his command to baptise and to teach all of his commands are observed. The promise of his abiding and empowering presence gives the church its full credentials to act in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

VISUAL

COLOUR

The colour of the day is white. This colour does not extend throughout the rest of the week. The Monday after the festival returns to green.

FLOWERS

Three types of foliage could be used.

OR, white flowers could be used in one of the following arrangements:

ICONS

Rublev's icon of the holy Trinity (Three angels at the oak of Mamre) is a beautiful visual depiction of the trinitarian faith. This icon (or a colour transparency, banner or poster of it) may be displayed during the service. If an icon is available, it may be carried into the church in procession during the opening hymn.

VISUALS FOR THE READINGS

Pictures or symbols could be displayed on banners or the overhead screen during the readings. For instance, the first reading could be accompanied by pictures of each of the days of creation (see the illustration in the TEV Bible for Genesis 1:5, and also under 'Children' below); and a symbol of baptism or the Holy Trinity (see 'Symbols' below) may be displayed during the reading of the gospel.

SYMBOLS

Any of the following symbols of the Trinity could be displayed

Note that any of these could be enclosed in a circle, representing perfection and eternity.

OR

A design could be made by combining a symbol of the Father (eg hand of blessing), the Son (eg a lamb or cross), and the Holy Spirit (eg dove).

DRAMA

'MEGA DRAMA'

See a drama for the day in Mega Drama resources (Openbook Publishers), originally included in these worship resources when they were released on disks.

DRAMATISING THE READINGS

The readings can be read by more than one person to make the dramatic meaning of the text clearer. For instance, the first reading could be read by several readers (see also ideas under 'Children' below); and the gospel could be read by two readers: narrator and Jesus.

CHILDREN

SIGN OF THE CROSS

If the children were shown how to make the sign of the cross last week at the baptism font, reinforce this message by doing the same thing again today, emphasising that they wear God's name and sign on them like a name badge.

SYMBOLS OF THE TRINITY

The children could make and display symbols of the Trinity. In a talk with the children, these symbols may be used as a way of explaining the doctrine of God as three in one. Other possibilities are to use a clover leaf (St Patrick's illustration of the Trinity), or three candles all lit from the one flame. Some candle shops sell candles with three wicks. This may also be a good example, to show how the three flames are all the one candle. If the Rublev icon (see above under 'Visual', 'Icons'), or a picture of it, is available, an explanation of this icon could be given. An explanation may be found in the first chapter of Henri Nouwen's 'Behold the beauty of the Lord: praying with icons', published by Ave Maria Press.

GENESIS 1:1 - 2:4a

Children could assist in the reading of the first reading from Genesis. They may wish to draw illustrations of the story, which may then be made into slides or overhead projections to be projected onto the screen during the reading of the creation story. Alternatively, they may be dressed in costumes or large symbols (sun, moon, fish, bird, animals etc) and mime out the story as it is read.

'COME AND SEE JESUS'

The Come and See Jesus curriculum published by Openbook Publishers has a wealth of material and ideas that may be adapted for use in worship. Please note that a new edition of this material is now available for the Revised Common Lectionary.

The story for Trinity in year A is: 'The beginning of the world (Genesis 1:1 - 2:3)' (to be found in both the original edition and in the RCL edition Series A for Trinity).