Pentecost-15 (Yr A) September 10, 2023

 

 

PRELUDE          “The Lord is my shepherd” (from 5 improvisaions)“           Alec Rowley

 

OPENING HYMN          “At the Lamb’s high feast we sing” Hymn                 #174

 

1  At the Lamb’s high feast we sing

     praise to our victorious King,

     who hath washed us in the tide

     flowing from his piercèd side;

     praise we him, whose love divine

     gives his sacred Blood for wine,

     gives his Body for the feast,

     Christ the victim, Christ the priest.

 

 

2  Where the Paschal blood is poured,

     death’s dark angel sheathes his sword;

     Israel’s hosts triumphant go

     through the wave that drowns the foe.

     Praise we Christ, whose blood was shed,

     Paschal victim, Paschal bread;

     with sincerity and love

     eat we manna from above.

 

 

3  Mighty victim from on high,

     hell’s fierce powers beneath thee lie;

     thou hast conquered in the fight,

     thou hast brought us life and light:

     now no more can death appall,

     now no more the grave enthrall;

     thou hast opened paradise,

     and in thee thy saints shall rise.

 

 

4  Easter triumph, Easter joy,

     these alone do sin destroy.

     From sin’s power do thou set free

     souls new-born, O Lord, in thee.

     Hymns of glory, songs of praise,

     Father, unto thee we raise:

     risen Lord, all praise to thee

     with the Spirit ever be.

 

 

Celebrant     Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

People     And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and forever. Amen

 

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

 

 

HYMN OF PRAISE                      “Glory to God”                               S278 Matthias

 

Glory to God in the highest,

and peace to his people on earth.

 

Lord God, heavenly King,

almighty God and Father,

we worship you, we give you thanks,

we praise you for your glory.

 

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the

            Father,

Lord God, Lamb of God,

you take away the sin of the world;

have mercy on us;

you are seated at the right hand of the Father;

receive our prayer.

 

For you alone are the Holy One,

you alone are the Lord,

you alone are the Most High,

     Jesus Christ,

with the Holy Spirit,

in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

 

 

Celebrant   The Lord be with you.

People   And also with you

 

Celebrant: Let us pray

Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.   Amen.

 

                    Please be seated for the lessons.

 

FIRST LESSON            Exodus 12: 1-14                        A Reading from the Book of Exodus

 

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household. If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbor in obtaining one; the lamb shall be di-vided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it. Your lamb shall be with-out blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs. You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the Lord. For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

 

This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance.

 

The Word of the Lord Response:  Thanks be to God.

 

 

PSALM                              Psalm 149                              Read responsively by whole verse.

 

1 Hallelujah! Sing to the Lord a new song; * sing his praise in the congregation of the faithful.

 

2 Let Israel rejoice in his Maker; * let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.

 

3 Let them praise his Name in the dance; * let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.

 

4 For the Lord takes pleasure in his people * and adorns the poor with victory.

 

5 Let the faithful rejoice in triumph; * let them be joyful on their beds.

 

6 Let the praises of God be in their throat * and a two-edged sword in their hand;

 

7 To wreak vengeance on the nations * and punishment on the peoples;

 

8 To bind their kings in chains * and their nobles with links of iron;

 

9 To inflict on them the judgment decreed; * this is glory for all his faithful people. Hallelujah!

 

 

Epistle                    Romans 13:8-14                         A Reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans

 

Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.

 

Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

 

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

The Word of the Lord Response:   Thanks be to God.

 

 

GRADUAL                  “Come with us O blessed Jesus”                            Hymnal #336

GOSPEL                        Matthew 18:15-20

 

Deacon or Priest: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew

 

People:  Glory to you Lord Christ.

 

Jesus said, “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have re-gained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three wit-nesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the of-fender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

 

The Gospel of the Lord. Response:    Praise to you Lord Christ

 

 

SERMON                                                                                                               The Rev. Cricket Park

 

 

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

 

The celebration continues with the Prayers of the People. The Leader and People

pray responsively.

 

In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.

Silence

 

For all people in their daily life and work;

For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.

 

For this community, the nation, and the world;

For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.

 

For the just and proper use of your creation;

For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.

 

For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;

For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.

 

For the peace and unity of the Church of God;

For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.

 

For Michael our Presiding Bishop, and Wayne, Ken, Nedi, and Wendall our Bishops; and for all bishops and other ministers;

For all who serve God in the Church.

 

For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
Silence The People may add their own petitions

 

Hear us, Lord;

For your mercy is great.

 

We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
Silence The People may add their own thanksgivings

 

We will exalt you, O God our King;

And praise your Name for ever and ever.

 

We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.
Silence The People may add their own petitions

 

Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;

Who put their trust in you.

 

Celebrant: O merciful Creator, your hand is open wide to satisfy the needs of every living creature: Make us always thankful for your loving providence; and grant that we, remembering the account that we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your good gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever.   Amen.

 

THE CONFESSION

Deacon/Celebrant:   Let us then confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

 

Most merciful God: We confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

 

THE ABSOLUTION

 

Celebrant:  Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.   Amen.

 

 

THE PEACE

Celebrant:     The Peace of the Lord be always with you.

Response:      And also with you.

 

Please greet one another with a sign of peace.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

OFFERTORY/ANTHEM                   “I sing the mighty power of God”

 

PRESENTATION OF GIFTS

 

At this time the ushers will bring up the offering of money and any pantry items. As they do this, please stand and sing the following:

 

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God all creatures here below;

Praise God above ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

 

 

THE HOLY COMMUNION

 

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.

 

The Celebrant continues, with the congregation joining in the words in bold type.

 

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

 

For by water and the Holy Spirit you have made us a new people in Jesus Christ our Lord, to show forth your glory in all the world.

 

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                                                                                                                     HYMN S128

 

All: 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.

 

 

Then the Celebrant continues

 

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 forever.   AMEN.

 

As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray,

 

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever.  Amen

 

THE FRACTION/THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD

Celebrant:   Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;

People:        Therefore let us keep the feast.

 

INVITATION TO COMMUNION:

 

Celebrant:   The Gifts of God for the People of God.

 

Everyone is welcome to come forward for communion or a blessing.

 

 

COMMUNION HYMN       “Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love”                     LEVAS #74

 

Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love,

              show us how to serve the neighbors

              we have from you.

 

1  Kneels at the feet of his friends,

     silently washes their feet,

     Master who acts as a slave to them.

 

     Refrain

 

2  Neighbors are rich and poor,

     neighbors are black and white,

     neighbors are near and far away.

 

     Refrain

 

3  These are the ones we should serve,

     these are the ones we should love;

     all these are neighbors to us and you.

 

     Refrain

 

4  Loving puts us on our knees,

     serving as though we are slaves,

     this is the way we should live with you.

 

     Refrain

 

5  Kneel at the feet of our friends,

     silently washing their feet,

     this is the way we should live with you.

 

     Refrain

 

 

POST COMMUNION PRAYER

Celebrant:  Let us pray.

People:
Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom.

 

And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever.  Amen.

 

 

THE BLESSING

May the peace of God that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of God’s son, Jesus Christ our Lord. And the Blessing of God: Father, Son, Holy Spirit, be with you now and remain with you always.

 

RECESSIONAL HYMN             “Joyful Joyful we adore Thee”                           Hymn #376

 

1  Joyful, joyful, we adore thee,

          God of glory, Lord of love;

     hearts unfold like flowers before thee,

          praising thee, their sun above.

     Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;

          drive the dark of doubt away;

     giver of immortal gladness,

          fill us with the light of day.

 

 

2  All thy works with joy surround thee,

          earth and heaven reflect thy rays,

     stars and angels sing around thee,

          center of unbroken praise.

     Field and forest, vale and mountain,

          blooming meadow, flashing sea,

     chanting bird and flowing fountain,

          call us to rejoice in thee.

 

 

3  Thou art giving and forgiving,

          ever blessing, ever blest,

     well-spring of the joy of living,

          ocean-depth of happy rest!

     Thou our Father, Christ our Brother:

          all who live in love are thine;

     teach us how to love each other,

          lift us to the joy divine.

 

 

DISMISSAL

 

The congregation is dismissed.

People    Thanks be to God.

 

POSTLUDE                            “Allegro moderato”                              Edwin Lemare

 

 

Please join us for the parish picnic in the courtyard!

 

 

————————————-

 

 

Welcome to St. Mark’s! During the service, please assume the postures of prayer and
devotion as best suits your ability. If you are able, please stand for the Gospel, singing
hymns, and the prayers. Kneeling and sitting are also appropriate for the prayers of
the people and the Eucharistic prayers. Remember, the posture of your heart is more
important to God than the position of your body.

 

 

Ministers for September 10, 2023

Organist: Donna Larsen Vocalist: Laura Leach

Acolytes: Elizabeth Wagner-Weber and Scott Kelly

Lay Readers: Susan Kendall and Judy Rudd

Chalice Bearers: Judy Rudd and Elizabeth Wagner-Weber

Tech Table: Gary Welch

Ushers: Dave Reuter

Counters: Dave Reuter and Gary Welch

Open/Close: The Reuters

Coffee Hour: Parish Picnic in the courtyard (weather permitting)

Thank you to Ginny Tuxhorn for donating the sanctuary lamp today.

 

Ministers for September 17, 2023

Organist: Donna Larsen Vocalist: Laura Leach

Acolytes: Jackie Hoskinson and Will Day

Lay Readers: Don Nancarrow and TJ Walch

Chalice Bearers: Jim Rudd and Don Nancarrow

Tech Table: TJ Walch

Ushers: Carol Williamson and Jim Rudd

Counters: Dave Reuter and Gary Welch

Open/Close: Reuter/Wagner

Coffee Hour: Please sign up!

 

 

Calendar items:

September 9—Confirmation and Newcomer class, 10am

September 10—Parish Picnic

September 15—First day of Hispanic History month

September 16—Confirmation and Newcomer class, 10am

September 17—Food Pantry collection day

September 17—Adult Education and Sunday School begins, 9:15am

September 23—Confirmation and Newcomer class, 10am

September 24—Adult Education and Sunday School, 9:15am

September 28—Vestry Meeting on Zoom, 7:00pm

September 30—Confirmation and Newcomer class, 10am

Blessing of the Animals, 4pm

October 1—CARE House collection day

October 1—Adult Education and Sunday School, 9:15am

October 7—Confirmation at Procter Conference Center, 2 pm

October 8—Adult Education and Sunday School, 9:15am

October 15—Food Pantry collection day

October 15—Adult Education and Sunday School, 9:15am

October 19—Vestry Meeting, 7:00pm

October 21—Valley Vineyards Dinner

October 22—Adult Education and Sunday School, 9:15am

October 29—Adult Education and Sunday School, 9:15am

October 31-November 2: All Hallow’s Eve, All Saints’, All Souls’

 

Inquirers Classes for Confirmands and Newcomers

Please join Rev. Cricket for 4 Saturday mornings in September (9, 16, 23, and 30) from 10am to Noon at the church.  We’ll discuss the beginnings of the Christian Church and our beliefs and the beginning of the Episcopal Church and our polity. These classes are required for all who wish to be confirmed or received.

 

The Rite of Confirmation will be celebrated on October 7th at Procter Conference Center in London, Ohio, at 2pm.

 

Special Electing Session Registration closes on September 22nd

The 149th Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio will take part in two sessions this fall: one in September and the other in November. Clergy and elected lay delegates are expected to participate in both sessions. Register at https://diosohio.org/convention-registration/

 

 

YEDI Fall Youth Retreat

A fall retreat for youth in 6th to 12th grades will be held October 13-15 at Procter Center.

 

Want to join us at Procter for the YEDI Fall Retreat? Sign up today to hold your
space:)

 

Price and registration coming soon. This is simply to hold your spot if space gets limited:) *Please know that by signing up here you are not obligated to pay or attend the retreat. This simply holds your spot and just as soon as we finalized details and registration we will email you all the details and you will have an opportunity to register first.

 

This retreat is open to current 6th-12th grade students. We will do some things together (like eating) and some things separately (like some games and programming). You will get time to get what you need! Sign up here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdC26QyVfHf6cp7VwFHhW18Q23wNMX1AOtUIKyBf9_ulaoHLQ/viewform?pli=1

 

For questions and details contact Adam Hayden at 812-430-4464 or ahayden@diosohio.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

St. Mark’s is a parish in the Diocese of Southern Ohio, which is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.