Pentecost-20 (Yr C) October 26, 2025

 

 

 

The prelude is a time for preparation for worship.

 As we enter the sanctuary, let us prepare through quiet prayer and meditation.

 

 

 

The service is being livestreamed and recorded and will be available on our Facebook page and on YouTube.

The People’s responses are in bold type, and directions are italicized.

 

 

PRELUDE

“Morceau De Cocours”  (Flute & Organ)                                   Gabriel Fauré

 

 

WELCOME

Prayer Requests

Anniversary & Birthday Blessings

Announcements                                                                         

 

                                                          Please stand

 

PROCESSIONAL

“How lovely is thy dwelling-place”  (v. 1-3)                      The Hymnal 1982,  #517

 

1  How lovely is thy dwelling-place,

          O Lord of hosts, to me!

     My thirsty soul desires and longs

          within thy courts to be;

     my very heart and flesh cry out,

          O living God, for thee.

 

2  Beside thine altars, gracious Lord,

          the swallows find a nest;

     how happy they who dwell with thee

          and praise thee without rest,

     and happy they whose hearts are set

          upon the pilgrim’s quest.

 

3  They who go through the desert vale

          will find it filled with springs,

     and they shall climb from height to height

          till Zion’s temple rings

     with praise to thee, in glory throned,

          Lord God, great King of kings.

 

 

 

The Liturgy of the Word

 

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

People            And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever.  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.

 

Gloria                                                                                                  The Hymnal 1982,  #S280

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.

 

 

Collect of the Day

 

Celebrant             The Lord be with you. 

People                   And also with you.

 

Celebrant             Let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; 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

 

A Reading from the First Book of Joel.                               Joel (2:23-32)

 

O children of Zion, be glad and rejoice in the Lord your God; for he has given the early rain for your vindication, he has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the later rain, as before. The threshing floors shall be full of grain, the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.

 

I will repay you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent against you.

 

You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame. You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I, the Lord, am your God and there is no other. And my people shall never again be put to shame.

 

Then afterward I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female slaves, in those days, I will pour out my spirit.

 

I will show portents in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved; for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the Lord has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the Lord calls.

 

The Word of the Lord.

People          Thanks be to God.

 

 

A Reading from the Book of Psalms.                                            Psalm (65)

(Reader and People read responsively by whole verse.)

 

1   You are to be praised, O God, in Zion; *

     to you shall vows be performed in Jerusalem.

 

2   To you that hear prayer shall all flesh come, *

     because of their transgressions.

 

3   Our sins are stronger than we are, *

     but you will blot them out.

 

4   Happy are they whom you choose and draw to your courts to dwell there! *

     they will be satisfied by the beauty of your house, by the holiness of your temple.

 

5   Awesome things will you show us in your righteousness, O God of our salvation, *

     O Hope of all the ends of the earth and of the seas that are far away.

 

6    You make fast the mountains by your power; *

      they are girded about with might.

 

7   You still the roaring of the seas, *

     the roaring of their waves, and the clamor of the peoples.

 

8    Those who dwell at the ends of the earth will tremble at your marvelous signs; *

       you make the dawn and the dusk to sing for joy.

 

9   You visit the earth and water it abundantly; you make it very plenteous; *

     the river of God is full of water.

 

10 You prepare the grain, *

     for so you provide for the earth.

 

11 You drench the furrows and smooth out the ridges; *

    with heavy rain you soften the ground and bless its increase.

 

12 You crown the year with your goodness, *

     and your paths overflow with plenty.

 

13 May the fields of the wilderness be rich for grazing, *

     and the hills be clothed with joy.

 

14 May the meadows cover themselves with flocks, and the valleys cloak themselves    with grain; *

    let them shout for joy and sing.

 

 

A Reading from the Second Book of Timothy.                              2 Timothy (4:6-8, 16-18)

 

As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

 

At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

 

The Word of the Lord.

People      Thanks be to God.

                                            

Please stand

 

GRADUAL  HYMN                      

“O God, our help in ages past”     (v. 1-3)                            The Hymnal 1982, #680

 

1  O God, our help in ages past,

          our hope for years to come,

     our shelter from the stormy blast,

          and our eternal home:

 

2  under the shadow of thy throne

          thy saints have dwelt secure;

     sufficient is thine arm alone,

          and our defense is sure.

 

3  Before the hills in order stood,

          or earth received her frame,

     from everlasting thou art God,

          to endless years the same.

 

 

THE GOSPEL

 

Celebrant       The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.                     Luke (18:9-14)

People             Glory to you, Lord Christ.

 

Jesus told his parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.

 

I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”

 

The Gospel of the Lord.

People      Praise to you, Lord Christ.

 

 

Please be seated

 

 

THE SERMON                                                                                                             The Rev. Jean Vargo

 

Please stand

 

 

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

 

In the Anglican cycle of prayer, we pray for The Church in Wales.

 

In the Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for In the Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for Grace in Pomeroy, St. John in Worthington, and Trinity in Hamilton.

 

In our Parish cycle of prayer, we pray for Laura, Ian, Annabelle & Ainsley Leach; Juanita Limes; and Jack, René, Rosalia, & Holly Meadors.

 

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 all bishops, priests, and deacons;

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

 

We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world;

That there may be justice and peace on the earth.

 

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 on our Parish Prayer List: Patricia, Jim, Mary-Anna, Wayne, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Susan, and the Darnell family; and for all 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.

 

Celebrant        Almighty and eternal God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth: Mercifully accept the prayers of your people, and strengthen us to do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

THE CONFESSION

 

Celebrant     Let us confess our sins to God and our neighbors.

 

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by 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.

 

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.

People             And also with you.

 

                                                 Please be seated

 

 THE OFFERTORY

The Ushers collect the offering at this time

 

OFFERTORY

“Humbly I adore thee/Canon in D”     (Flute & Organ)             arr. Robert Lau

 

Please stand as the offerings are brought to the altar.

 

THE DOXOLOGY  (v.3)                                                           The Hymnal 1982, #380

 

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 Liturgy of the Table

 

God’s Table is open to all, as God’s Love is open to all.

  

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.

 

Celebrant          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 you are the source of light and life; you made us in your image, and called us to new life in Jesus Christ our Lord. 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:

 

THE SANCTUS                                                                                The Hymnal 1982, #S129

 

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

Heaven and earth are filled with your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest.

 

                                (Please stand or kneel)

 

Celebrant     We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world.

 

In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.

On the night before he died for us, 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, according to his command, O Father,

 

Celebrant and People

We remember his death,

We proclaim his resurrection,

We await his coming in glory;

 

Celebrant    And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.

 

We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with St. Mark and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.

 

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.   AMEN. 

 

THE LORD’S PRAYER

 

All       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.

 

 

Celebrant      Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;

People            Therefore let us keep the feast.

 

 

FRACTION ANTHEM

“My flesh is food indeed”                                                                The Hymnal 1982, #S169

 

My flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed, says the Lord.

My flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed, says the Lord.

Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood dwell in me, and I in them.

My flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed, says the Lord.

 

 

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

 

Celebrant       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.

 

What we celebrate is not The Episcopal Church’s Supper, but The Lord’s Supper.  All are welcome at the Lord’s Table for Communion; those not partaking are invited to come forward, cross your arms over your chest, and receive a blessing.

 

 Please stand

 

COMMUNION HYMN  

“Humbly I adore thee”     (v. 1-2, 4)                                                The Hymnal 1982, #314

        

1  Humbly I adore thee, Verity unseen,

    who thy glory hidest ’neath these shadows mean;

    lo, to thee surrendered, my whole heart is bowed,

    tranced as it beholds thee, shrined within the cloud.

 

 2  Taste and touch and vision to discern thee fail;

    faith, that comes by hearing, pierces through the veil.

    I believe whate’er the Son of God hath told;

    what the Truth hath spoken, that for truth I hold.

 

 4  Jesus, whom now hidden, I by faith behold,

    what my soul doth long for, that thy word foretold:

    face to face thy splendor, I at last shall see,

    in the glorious vision, blessed Lord, of thee.

 

 

POST COMMUNION PRAYER

 

Celebrant    Let us pray. 

All       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 BLESSING

 

 

RECESSIONAL

“How firm a foundation”                        (v. 1-3)                    The Hymnal 1982, #636

 

1  How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,

     is laid for your faith in his excellent word!

     What more can he say than to you he hath said,

     to you that for refuge to Jesus have fled?

 

 

2  “Fear not, I am with thee; O be not dismayed!

     For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;

     I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,

     upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

 

 

3  “When through the deep waters I call thee to go,

     the rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;

     for I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,

     and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

 

 

DISMISSAL

People       Thanks be to God.

 

 

Please exit quietly or remain quietly listening during the Postlude.

 

POSTLUDE

“Sonata in S” (Mvt. III)  (Flute & Organ)                                               Georg Telemann

 

 

THE ALTAR FLOWERS and THE CANDLE IN THE SANCTUARY LAMP are given in honor of Brent Philip’s Birthday.

 

COFFEE HOUR is hosted by the Sunday School Class as a fundraiser for Episcopal Relief and Development.

 

 

 

Thank you for joining us in worship.

Please know that your participation with us today,

 in person or online, has been a blessing.

 

 

 

 

READINGS  and  MINISTRY SCHEDULE

 

October 26, 2025: Pentecost 20

 Holy Eucharist at 11:30 AM

 

        Readings:

Joel 2:23-32
Psalm 65
2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18
Luke 18:9-14

 

Celebrant:  The Rev. Jean Vargo

Organist: Percy Jones

Flautist: Sarah Robertson

Acolytes: Lizzy Reuter

Lay Readers: Don Nancarrow, Carol Williamson

Chalicists:  Kendall Rubino, Carol Williamson

Tech & Facebook Live:  Gary Welch, Katherine Wagner

Ushers:   Dave Reuter, Ginny Tuxhorn

Counters:  Kendall Rubino, Gary Welch

Open/Close: Wagner/Rubino

October Altar Guild: Katherine Wagner & Elizabeth Wagner-Weber

Altar Flowers and Candle: In loving memory of Brent Phillips

Coffee Hour: Sunday School Class Fundraiser for ERD

 

 

November 2, 2025: Pentecost 21

 Holy Eucharist at 11:30 AM

 

        Readings:

Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
Psalm 119:137-144
2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12
Luke 19:1-10

 

Celebrant:  The Rev. Jean Vargo

Organist: Barbara Acker-Mills

Acolytes: Jackie Hoskinson, Will Day

Lay Readers: Gabriel Walch, Jim Rudd

Chalicists:  Kendall Rubino, Elizabeth Wagner-Weber

Tech & Facebook Live:  TJ Walch, Katherine Wagner

Ushers:   Wayne Harper, Dave Reuter

Counters:  Carol Nancarrow, Tony Rubino

Open/Close: Wagner/Rubino

October Altar Guild: Norma Peachy & Ginny Tuxhorn

Altar Flowers and Candle: The Welch Family

Coffee Hour: TBD

 

 

——————————

 

 

Prayers for the Week of October 26

 

For those affected by the government shutdown

For all victims in Gaza

For those we have lost to death, suicide, addiction, or politics.

For those who struggle with finding asylum in loving, welcoming lands; with losing necessary services in this changing political climate; with unexpected job losses.

For those serving in the military, in public service, in political leadership, and political reform.

For our enemies, foreign and domestic.

 

 

For those in our prayer cycles:

In the Anglican cycle of prayer, we pray for The Church in Wales,

 

In the Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for Grace Church in Pomeroy, St. John in Worthington, and Trinity in Hamilton.

 

In our Parish cycle of prayer, we pray for Laura, Ian, Annie, & Ainsely Leach; Juanita Limes; and René, Jack, Rosalia, & Holly Meadors.

 

For those on our parish prayer list: Patricia, Jim, Mary-Anna, Wayne, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Susan, and the Darnell family.

 

 

For those who suffer from illness, grief, or any other adversity:

Akiko, friend of Jim Tallman; Andrew, the Tallman’s son-in-law; Blaze, the Tallman’s grandson; Chip, Jim Rudd’s step-mother; Chris & family, friends of the Reuters; Clara, Pat Tallman’s cousin; Crystal, friend of the Rubinos;  Emma, Lowell, & the Burton Family,  friends of Juanita Limes and the Darnells; Katie, friend of the Reuters; Luann, Sean Weber’s mother; Natasha, the Tallman’s granddaughter; Patti, Norma Peachey’s daughter-in-law; Regina, Mary-Anna Welch’s sister; Renea, friend of Juanita and Lisa; Roberta, Tracey Swartz’s mother; Steve, friend of the Hoskinsons; Tonia, Juanita Limes’ daughter-in-law; Tony, Judy Rudd’s brother; the Younge Family, friends of Jackie Hoskinson.

 

 

For the mission work of this congregation: CARE House, Canterbury Court, St. Paul’s UMC Food Pantry, Hope4Riverside, Neighborhood Bridges, and for the seven non-profit groups who use our Community Building.

 

 

For our Diocesan Bishop: The Rt. Rev. Kristin White

For our Assisting Bishops: The Rt. Rev. Wendell Gibbs,

The Rt. Rev. Nedi Rivera, and The Rt. Rev. Kenneth Price

For our Presiding Bishop: The Most Rev. Sean Rowe

 

 

 

Announcements for the Week of October 26

 

The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated weekly at both parishes.

 

 St. Paul’s

8:45 AM Coffee and Fellowship

9:30 AM Holy Eucharist

 

 St. Mark’s

10:30 AM Education and Fellowship

11:30 AM Holy Eucharist

 

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL START TIMES

High School 10:30 AM

Elementary 11:15 AM

Pre-K – 1st grade 11:15 AM

 

 

STEWARDSHIP : We are asked to use our abundant gifts with which we have been blessed to do God’s work in this world.  We are expected to grow those gifts and use them wisely as we attend to the needs of those less fortunate than ourselves.  During this Stewardship Campaign, may we give in worship and appreciation to God for our many blessings and as a statement of our faith that He will continue to provide for our own needs.  Next Sunday, Nov. 2, we will gather the pledges of financial support for our Parish for 2026 and submit them as an offering during our worship service on that day.

 

MOVIE NIGHT AT ST. PAUL’s OCT 30:  “When Harry Met Sally” (1989) starring Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan and Carrie Fisher, this flick has been described as a “timeless romance.” Join us for dinner at 6:00 PM, movie at 6:30 and popcorn throughout.

 

ALL SAINTS DAY, Nov. 2: We include in the Eucharistic Prayer the names of our parishioners, relatives, and friends who have died during the past year.         If you have loved ones whose names you would like included , please email the office by TOMORROW.

 

DAY OF CHANGE, Nov. 2! It’s time to gain an hour: remember that when we “fall back”, we take up a special donation for the Food Pantry at St. Paul’s UMC.  So as you change your clocks, please bring in your change (or checks, or folding money!) and place it in the specially marked baskets in the nave.  Everything from pennies to $100.00 bills are welcome!

 

MILITARY SUNDAY,  Nov. 9 we will honor our military: the active, the veteran, the deceased. Please email names and branch of service to st_marks@ameritech.net.

 

LOOK BACK LOOK FORWARD

Mark your calendars for this all-congregational event at St Mark’s on Nov. 2 and St. Paul’s on Nov. 9.  More information coming on how YOU can help determine where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’d like to be. YOUR input is desired and needed! 

 

 

On-line Giving to St. Mark’s

There are two easy ways to donate online!

 

Text “LIONGIVING” to 73256. 

 

Or click on the QR code and follow the link

                                     

 

 

Our Mission Statement:

“We gather for worship, education and mutual support;

welcome all people; and serve the community in God’s name”.

 

 

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THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND MUSIC

 

Have you ever noticed? Something incredible happens when we sing. You can feel it when you sing alone, but most especially when you sing as part of a community, a congregation in worship. Something awakens not only in the heart of each person but also in the collective heart of the body of Christ, connecting us to each other and to God in the deepest part of who we are.

 

Singing as a part of Christian worship is so much more than mere mental exercise. God created us to communicate with the very depths of our spirit, and singing is a way we can accomplish this in a profound and meaningful way.

 

Music in The Episcopal Church can be as diverse as its worship services. Although final authority over the music used in an Episcopal service is “the duty of every Minister” (Canon 24, Section 1), our hymnal draws all Episcopalians together musically in the same way that the Book of Common Prayer draws us together in prayer and liturgy.  It teaches the gospel, strengthens our connection to God, and unites the congregation in shared expression. The Episcopal Church has diverse music during worship, and the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music provides resources and resolutions related to music in worship.

 

Most recently revised in 1982, The Hymnal of The Episcopal Church offers 720 hymns in addition to liturgical music. While some of the hymns date back to monastic chants, the hymnal offers more modern music as well.

“The Hymnal 1982 retains the best of the past and sets forth many riches of our own time.  [The Standing Commission on Church Music] looked for theological orthodoxy, poetic beauty, and integrity of meaning. At the same time, the Commission was especially concerned that the hymnody affirm ‘the participation of all in the Body of Christ the Church, while recognizing our diverse natures of children of God.’ … Texts and music which reflect the pluralistic nature of the Church have been included, affording the use of Native American, Afro-American, Hispanic, and Asian material.”

 

                                           (Preface, The Hymnal 1982, Church Pension Fund, 1985)

 

Make a Joyful Noise!

 

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A prayer for St. Mark’s in a time of transition

Elizabeth Wagner-Weber

 

O Lord, Father of life and change, of new and old: You gifted us with abilities to speak and listen, to hear and decide, to choose and know. We thank you for teaching us how to use these abilities, though we must at times remember to combine them with patience. Remind us to speak with kindness, to listen to understand, to hear all voices, to decide on what is just and true, to choose the path of peace, and to know we are not alone. Be with us in this time of transition, that it is as effective as it is unsettling, as comforting as it is confusing. And never leave our side on the journey ahead, as we strive for an unknown destination. In the name of your Son Jesus, who walks alongside us, we pray. Amen.

 

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St. Mark’s is a parish in the Diocese of Southern Ohio,

which is part of the Worldwide Anglican Communion.

 

PARISH LEADERSHIP

 

Interim Rector: The Rev. Jean Vargo

Senior Warden: Jim Rudd

Junior Warden: Tony Rubino

Treasurer: Don Nancarrow

Recorder: Dave Reuter

 

Vestry:

Expiration

2026:   Elizabeth Reuter

              Jenna Walch

              Gary Welch

2027:   Jackie Hoskinson

2028    Faggio Nocero-Sargent

              Katherine Wagner

 

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St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

456 Woodman Drive

Dayton, Ohio 45431-2099

Email: st_marks@ameritech.net

Office Phone: 937-256-1082

Website:  stmarksdayton.org

 

Resources:

Website: https://stmarksdayton.org,

 

Facebook: St Mark’s Episcopal Church, Dayton OH

Instagram: St Mark’s Dayton

 

Liturgy from the Book of Common Prayer 1979

& The Hymnal 1982.

 

Readings from the New Revised Standard

Version of The Bible.

 

Music through One License #A-740839.

 

Katherine Wagner/Janet Reuter – Bulletin Editors

Dave Reuter – Webmaster

 

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