Advent-2 (Yr A) December 7, 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

“Comfort, Comfort, Ye My People”                                                               arr. G. Boehm

 

 

WELCOME

Prayer Requests

Anniversary & Birthday Blessings

Announcements                                                                         

 

                                                          Please stand

 

PROCESSIONAL

“Prepare the way, O Zion”                   (v. 2&3)                       The Hymnal 1982,  #65

 

 2  He brings God’s rule, O Zion;

       he comes from heaven above.

   His rule is peace and freedom,

       and justice, truth, and love.

   Lift high your praise resounding,

   for grace and joy abounding.

 

          Oh, blest is Christ that came

          in God’s most holy Name.

 

3  Fling wide your gates, O Zion;

       your Savior’s rule embrace.

   His tidings of salvation

       proclaim in every place.

   All lands will bow before him,

   their voices will adore him.

 

   Refrain

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Song of Praise             (v. 5)                                                           Wonder Love and Praise,  #724

 

Angels, announce with shouts of mirth Christ who brings new life to Earth.

Set every peak and valley humming with the word, the Lord is coming.

People, look East and sing today: Love the Lord is on the way.

 

 

Collect of the Day

 

Celebrant             The Lord be with you. 

People                   And also with you.

 

Celebrant             Let us pray.

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

 

Please be seated

 

A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah (11:1-10)

 

A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.

 

He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins.

 

The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

 

On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.

 

The Word of the Lord.

People          Thanks be to God.

 

 

A Reading from the Book of Psalms (72:1-7, 18-19)

(Reader and People read responsively by whole verse.)

 

1  Give the King your justice, O God, *

    and your righteousness to the King’s Son;

 

2 That he may rule your people righteously *

   and the poor with justice;

 

3  That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, *

    and the little hills bring righteousness.

 

4  He shall defend the needy among the people; *

    he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor.

 

5  He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure, *

    from one generation to another.

 

6  He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, *

    like showers that water the earth.

 

7  In his time shall the righteous flourish; *

    there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.

 

18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, *

     who alone does wondrous deeds!

 

19 And blessed be his glorious Name for ever! *

    and may all the earth be filled with his glory.

Amen.  Amen.

 

 

A Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans (15:4-13)

 

Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name”; and again he says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people”; and again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him”; and again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

The Word of the Lord.

People      Thanks be to God.

                                            

Please stand

 

GRADUAL  HYMN                      

“Comfort, comfort ye my people”                                                               The Hymnal 1982, #67

 

1  Comfort, comfort ye my people,

       speak ye peace, thus saith our God;

   comfort those who sit in darkness

       mourning ’neath their sorrows’ load.

   Speak ye to Jerusalem

   of the peace that waits for them;

   tell her that her sins I cover,

   and her warfare now is over.

 

2  Hark, the voice of one that crieth

       in the desert far and near,

   calling us to new repentance

       since the kingdom now is here.

   Oh, that warning cry obey!

   Now prepare for God a way;

   let the valleys rise to meet him

   and the hills bow down to greet him.

 

3  Make ye straight what long was crooked,

       make the rougher places plain;

   let your hearts be true and humble,

       as befits his holy reign.

   For the glory of the Lord

   now o’er earth is shed abroad;

   and all flesh shall see the token

   that the word is never broken.

 

 

THE GOSPEL

 

Celebrant       The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (3:1-12)

People             Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

 

In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’” 

 

Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

 

But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

 

“I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

 

The Gospel of the Lord.

People      Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

 

 

Please be seated

 

 

THE SERMON                                                                                                             The Rev. Jean Vargo

 

THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

 

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 of Bangladesh.

 

In the Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for All Saints in Cincinnati, Church of the Redeemer in Hyde Park, and St. Mary’s in Waynesville.

 

In our Parish cycle of prayer, we pray for Katherine & Mike Wagner; Elizabeth Wagner-Weber & Sean Weber; and TJ, Jenna, Gabriel, & Wesley Walch.

 

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.

 

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

May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.

 

Give to the departed eternal rest;

Let light perpetual shine upon them.

 

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

 

Celebrant     

Almighty God, you sent your servant John the Baptist to prepare the way for the coming of your Son.  Grant that those who proclaim your word may so guide our feet into the way of peace that we may stand with confidence before him when he comes in his glorious kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Judge and our Redeemer.  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 SOLO

“Advent Reflection”                                                                                    R.E. Schram

                                                                                                          Soloist: Laura Leach

 

                   Please stand as the offerings are brought to the altar.

 

 

PRESENTATION HYMN     (v.1)                                            The Hymnal 1982, #65

 

Prepare the way, O Zion , your Christ is drawing near!

Let every hill and valley a level way appear.

Greet One who comes in glory, foretold in a sacred story.

Oh, blest is Christ that came in God’s most holy name.

 

 

 

 

 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 indeed our joy, that we should at all times and in all places, give thanks and praise to you, gracious God, through our Saviour Jesus Christ.

 

You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer, through whom you will make all things new.

 

And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join in their unending hymn:

 

 

THE SANCTUS                                                                                The Hymnal 1982, #S124

 

Holy, holy, holy, holy, God of power and might.

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)

 

The Celebrant Continues

Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life:

Blessed are you for the birth of creation.

Blessed are you in the darkness and in the light.

Blessed are you for your promise made to your people.

Blessed are you in the prophets’ hopes and dreams.

Blessed are you for Mary’s openness to your will.

Blessed are you for your Son Jesus, the Word made flesh.

 

In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: “Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

 

Again, after supper, Jesus took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for ail to drink, saying “This cup is the new covenant in my blood shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.

 

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

“Agnus Dei”                                                                                                     The Hymnal 1982, #S161

 

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: grant us peace.

 

 

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  

“There’s a voice in the wilderness crying”                                          Hymnal 1982, #75

        

1  There’s a voice in the wilderness crying,

          a call from the ways untrod:

     Prepare in the desert a highway,

          a highway for our God!

     The valleys shall be exalted,

          the lofty hills brought low;

     make straight all the crooked places

          where the Lord our God may go!

 

 

2  O Zion, that bringest good tidings,

          get thee up to the heights and sing!

     Proclaim to a desolate people

          the coming of their King.

     Like the flowers of the field they perish,

          like grass our works decay,

     the power and pomp of nations

          shall pass like a dream away;

 

 

3  but the word of our God endureth,

          the arm of the Lord is strong;

     he stands in the midst of nations,

          and he will right the wrong.

     He shall feed his flock like a shepherd,

          the lambs he’ll gently hold;

     to pastures of peace he’ll lead them,

          and bring them safe to his fold.

 

 

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

“Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding”                                                  The Hymnal 1982, #59

 

1  Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding:

        “Christ is nigh,” it seems to say;

    “Cast away the works of darkness,

        O ye children of the day.”

 

2  Wakened by the solemn warning,

        from earth’s bondage let us rise;

    Christ, our sun, all sloth dispelling,

        shines upon the morning skies.

 

3  Lo! the Lamb, so long expected,

        comes with pardon down from heaven;

    let us haste, with tears of sorrow,

        one and all to be forgiven;

 

4  so when next he comes with glory,

        and the world is wrapped in fear,

    may he with his mercy shield us,

        and with words of love draw near.

 

5  Honor, glory, might, and blessing

        to the Father and the Son,

    with the everlasting Spirit

        while unending ages run.

 

 

DISMISSAL

People       Thanks be to God.

 

 

      Please exit quietly or remain quietly listening during the Postlude.

 

POSTLUDE

“Prepare the way, O Zion”                                                                           arr. P. Manz

 

 

THE ALTAR FLOWERS are given by the Wagner Family

 

THE CANDLE IN THE SANCTUARY LAMP is given by Adam Holmes – For the Congregation

 

COFFEE HOUR is hosted by Claudia & Steve Hurd

 

 

 

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

 

December 7, 2025: Advent 2

 Holy Eucharist at 11:30 AM

 

        Readings:

Isaiah 11:1-10

Romans 15:4-13

Matthew 3:1-12

Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

 

Celebrant:  The Rev. Jean Vargo

Organist: Barbara Acker-Mills

Acolyte: Elizabeth Wagner-Weber

Lay Readers: Don Nancarrow, Elizabeth Wagner-Weber

Chalicists:  Jim Rudd, Don Nancarrow

Tech & Facebook Live:  Gary Welch, Katherine Wagner

Ushers:   Dave Reuter, Wayne Harper

Counters: Dave Reuter, Tony Rubino

Open/Close: Wagner/Welch

December Altar Guild: The Welch Family, Janet Reuter

Altar Flowers: Wagner Family 

Candle: Adam Holmes

Coffee Hour: Claudia and Steve Hurd

 

 

December 14, 2025: Advent 3

 Holy Eucharist at 11:30 AM

 

        Readings:

Isaiah 35:1-10

Psalm 146:4-9

James 5:7-10

Matthew 11:2-11

 

Celebrant:  The Rev. Jean Vargo

Organist: Barbara Acker-Mills

Acolyte: Faggio Nocero-Sargent

Lay Readers: Gabriel Walch, Gary Welch

Chalicists:  Carol Williamson, Don Nancarrow

Tech & Facebook Live:  TJ Walch, Katherine Wagner

Ushers:   Ginny Tuxhorn, Tony Rubino

Counters: Janet Reuter, Kendall Rubino

Open/Close: Wagner/Welch

December Altar Guild: The Welch Family, Janet Reuter

Altar Flowers: TBD

Candle: The Wagners

Coffee Hour: The Meadors

 

 

——————————

 

 

Prayers for the Week of December 7

 

For those struggling with food insecurity.

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

For those who struggle with finding asylum in loving, welcoming lands.

 

 

For those in our prayer cycles:

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

 

In the Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for All Saints in Cincinnati, Church of the Redeemer in Hyde Park, and St. Mary’s in Waynesville.

 

In our Parish cycle of prayer, we pray for Katherine & Mike Wagner; Elizabeth Wagner-Weber & Sean Weber; and TJ, Jenna, Gabriel, & Wesley Walch.

 

For those ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons on Dec. 6:

MaryJane Plote and Thomas J. Tompkins

 

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

 

For those celebrating December birthdays: 12/3 Hayward Jones, 12/15 Janet Reuter, 12/21 Elizabeth Wagner-Weber, 12/26 Jim Hoskinson, 12/26 Sean Weber, 12/27 Jacqueline Hoskinson

 

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; Chuck, friend of Tony Rubino; 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; Taryn, the Phillips’ cousin; 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 December 7

 

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

 

 

Today, DEC. 7, is CARE House Sunday, and they can use our help filling their snack supplies! Suggestions include fresh fruit, string cheese, yogurt, applesauce; individual packs of almonds, pretzels, raisins, popcorn, granola bars, pb crackers. Huggable-size soft stuffed animals are always welcome, as are cash and gift cards.

 

CHRISTMAS PROJECT: WE RIDE TOGETHER

You should have received a letter from René Meadors, explaining the important (and delightful!) project St Mark’s and St. Paul’s will sponsor. Information available in this week’s Lion’s Tale, and on the bulletin board to the left of the Office.  Questions?? Ask René, Jim Rudd, or any vestry member!

 

CHRISTMAS FLOWER OFFERINGS: Envelopes are available in the pews for those who would like to make a donation toward the Christmas flowers in memory of a loved one or in thanksgiving for the blessings in their lives.

 

OFFERING ENVELOPES FOR 2026 will soon be available in the Narthex! Please note they do NOT have numbers assigned to each box as in the past; if you include cash in the envelope, you must put your name on the front or you won’t be credited for the contribution.

 

BIRTHDAYS: We’d love to add your birthday and/or anniversary to our celebrations list! Please contact the office with the information, and we’ll include you on those dates in the bulletin and Constant Contact.

 

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”.

 

 

                                                    ************************************

 

 

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!

 

************************************

 

 

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.

 

********************************************

 

 

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

 

————————————-

 

 

 

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.

 

Hannah Summers – Parish Assistant – Bulletin

Dave Reuter – Webmaster

 

——————————–