Advent-3 (Yr A) December 14, 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

“Veni, Emmanuel”                                                                                                   P. Manz

 

 

WELCOME

Prayer Requests

Anniversary & Birthday Blessings

Announcements                                                                         

 

                                                          Please stand

 

PROCESSIONAL

“On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry”                                               The Hymnal 1982,  #76

 

1  On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry

   announces that the Lord is nigh;

   awake and hearken, for he brings

   glad tidings of the King of kings.

 

 2  Then cleansed be every breast from sin;

   make straight the way for God within,

   and let each heart prepare a home

   where such a mighty guest may come.

 

 3  For thou art our salvation, Lord,

   our refuge, and our great reward;

   without thy grace we waste away

   like flowers that wither and decay.

 

 4  To heal the sick stretch out thine hand,

   and bid the fallen sinner stand;

   shine forth, and let thy light restore

   earth’s own true loveliness once more.

 

 5  All praise, eternal Son, to thee,

   whose advent doth thy people free;

   whom with the Father we adore

   and Holy Spirit evermore.

 

 

 

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

“People look east”        (v. 5)                                                                                         WLP,  #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.

We praise you, O God, for this victory wreath that marks our days of preparation for Christ’s advent. As we light the candles on this wreath, strengthen our hearts as we await the Lord’s coming in glory. Enlighten us with your grace, that we may serve our neighbors in need.  Grant this through Christ our Lord, whose coming is certain and whose day draws near.

Amen.

 

Please be seated

 

A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah (35:1-10)

 

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.

 

Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.”

 

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God’s people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

 

The Word of the Lord.

People          Thanks be to God.

 

 

A Reading from the Book of Psalms (146:4-9)

(Reader and People read responsively by whole verse.)

 

4 Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help! *
whose hope is in the Lord their God;

 

5 Who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them; *
who keeps his promise for ever;

 

6 Who gives justice to those who are oppressed, *
and food to those who hunger.

 

7 The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind; *
the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;

 

8 The Lord loves the righteous; the Lord cares for the stranger; *
he sustains the orphan and widow, but frustrates the way of the wicked.

 

9 The Lord shall reign for ever, *
your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. Hallelujah!

 

 

A Reading from the Book of James (5:7-10)

 

Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

 

The Word of the Lord.

People      Thanks be to God.

                                            

Please stand

 

GRADUAL  HYMN                      

“Rejoice! rejoice, believers”                                                                          The Hymnal 1982, #68

 

1 Rejoice! rejoice, believers,

      and let your lights appear!

   The evening is advancing,

      and darker night is near.

   The Bridegroom is arising,

      and soon he will draw nigh;

   up, watch in expectation!

      at midnight comes the cry.

 

 2 See that your lamps are burning,

      replenish them with oil;

   look now for your salvation,

      the end of sin and toil.

   The marriage-feast is waiting,

      the gates wide open stand;

   rise up, ye heirs of glory,

      the Bridegroom is at hand!

 

 3 Our hope and expectation,

      O Jesus, now appear;

   arise, thou Sun so longed for,

      above this darkened sphere!

   With hearts and hands uplifted,

      we plead, O Lord, to see

   the day of earth’s redemption,

      and ever be with thee!

 

 

THE GOSPEL

 

Celebrant       The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (11:2-11)

People             Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

 

When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”

 

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,

 

‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’

 

“Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

 

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

“Light One Candle”                                                                                                      N. Sleethe

 

Light one candle for HOPE, One bright candle for HOPE!
He brings HOPE to every heart, He comes, He comes!

 

Light one candle for PEACE, One bright candle for PEACE!
He brings PEACE to every heart, He comes, He comes!

 

Light one candle for JOY! One bright candle for joy! 

Ev’ry nation will find salvation in Bethlehem’s baby boy.

 

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 Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil.

 

In the Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for All Saints in New Albany, St. Alban in Bexley, and St. Matthew in Westerville.

 

In our Parish cycle of prayer, we pray for Gary, Mary-Anna, & Stephanie Welch, Carol Williamson, and Dave & Amy Apple.

 

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      Creator God, we praise you for your love in coming to us, unworthy though we are.  Give us grace to accept the Christ who comes in your name, and the courage to see your Christ in all who suffer, to be hands to the helpless, food for the hungry, and rescue for the oppressed.  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

“When will He Come?”                                                               N. Price and D. Besig

                                                                                                          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 all 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.”

 

With this bread and cup we remember your Word, Jesus Christ, dwelling among us, full of grace and truth. We remember our new birth in Christ’s death and resurrection. We look with hope for his coming.

 

All     Come, Lord Jesus.

 

Celebrant

Holy God, we long for your Spirit. Come among us. Bless this meal. May your Word take flesh in us. Awaken your people. Fill us with your light. Bring the gift of peace on earth.

 

All     Come, Holy Spirit

 

Celebrant      Blessing, praise and thanks to you, holy God, through Christ Jesus, by your Spirit, in your church, world without end

 

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  

“Come, thou long expected Jesus”                                                  The Hymnal 1982, #66

        

1  Come, thou long-expected Jesus,

        born to set thy people free;

    from our fears and sins release us,

        let us find our rest in thee.

 

 2  Israel’s strength and consolation,

        hope of all the earth thou art:

    dear desire of every nation,

        joy of every longing heart.

 

 3  Born thy people to deliver,

        born a child, and yet a king,

    born to reign in us for ever,

        now thy gracious kingdom bring.

 

 4  By thine own eternal Spirit

        rule in all our hearts alone;

    by thine all-sufficient merit

        raise us to thy glorious throne.

 

 

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

“Watchman, tell us of the night”                                                     The Hymnal 1982, #640

 

1  Watchman, tell us of the night,

          what its signs of promise are.

     Traveler, o’er yon mountain’s height,

          see that glory-beaming star.

     Watchman, does its beauteous ray

          aught of joy or hope foretell?

     Traveler, yes; it brings the day,

          promised day of Israel.

 

 2  Watchman, tell us of the night;

          higher yet that star ascends.

     Traveler, blessedness and light,

          peace and truth its course portends.

     Watchman, will its beams alone

          gild the spot that gave them birth?

     Traveler, ages are its own;

          see, it bursts o’er all the earth.

 

 3  Watchman, tell us of the night,

          for the morning seems to dawn.

     Traveler, darkness takes its flight,

          doubt and terror are withdrawn.

     Watchman, let thy wanderings cease;

          hie thee to thy quiet home.

     Traveler, lo! the Prince of Peace,

          lo! the Son of God is come!

 

 

DISMISSAL

People       Thanks be to God.

 

 

      Please exit quietly or remain quietly listening during the Postlude.

 

POSTLUDE

“Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers”                                                                        arr. P. Manz

 

 

THE CANDLE IN THE SANCTUARY LAMP is given by Katherine Wagner in celebration of Jamie’s fourth birthday.

 

COFFEE HOUR is hosted by The Meadors.

 

 

 

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 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

Candle: The Wagners

Coffee Hour: The Meadors

 

 

December 21, 2025: Advent 4

 Holy Eucharist at 11:30 AM

Hunger Sunday

 

        Readings:

Isaiah 7:10-16

Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18

Romans 1:1-7

Matthew 1:18-25

 

Celebrant:  The Rev. Jean Vargo

Organist: Barbara Acker-Mills

Acolyte: Will Day, Jackie Hoskinson

Lay Readers: Jackie Hoskinson, Jim Rudd

Chalicists:  Don Nancarrow, Judy Rudd

Tech & Facebook Live:  Dave Reuter

Ushers:   Dave Reuter, Wayne Harper

Counters: Tony Rubino, Gary Welch

Open/Close: Wagner/Rubino

December Altar Guild: The Welch Family, Janet Reuter

Altar Flowers: Adam Holmes

Candle: The Wagners

Coffee Hour: TBD

 

 

——————————

 

 

Prayers for the Week of December 14

 

For those struggling with food insecurity.

For those suffering with unjust laws.

For those struggling to find their way on their faith journey.

For those whose holidays may not be so ‘merry’

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 Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil.

 

In the Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for All Saints in New Albany, St. Alban in Bexley, and St. Matthew in Westerville.

 

In our Parish cycle of prayer, we pray for Gary, Mary-Anna, & Stephanie Welch,  Carol Williamson, and Dave & Amy Apple.

 

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; Emily, Ann Phillips’ niece;  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 14

 

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

 

 

CHRISTMAS FLOWER OFFERINGS: Christmas flowers are a lovely way to celebrate or remember someone special. If you would like to make a donation toward our beautiful Christmas flowers, please donate no later than DEC. 21 for names to be listed in the Christmas Eve bulletin.

 

Next week is HUNGER SUNDAY…and our neighbors are hungry. Due to the decreasing amount of food assistance, what food banks really need are financial donations so they can purchase quantities in bulk.  Your canned goods are always welcome: shelf-stable items, spices, pet food, diapers & wipes, feminine hygiene supplies, can openers, and kitchen paper products are needed items.  Thank you for whatever you can give!

 

OFFERING ENVELOPES FOR 2026 will soon be available in the Narthex!

 

WEATHER-RELATED CANCELLATIONS

If church leadership determines it’s necessary to cancel Sunday services, we’ll provide that information as quickly as possible:

*on our phone message (937-256-1082)

*on Facebook (St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Dayton Ohio)

*via email OR The Lion’s Tale (Titled “URGENT MESSAGE”)

 

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!

 

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!

 

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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.

 

Hannah Summers – Parish Assistant – Bulletin

Dave Reuter – Webmaster

 

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