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.
As a courtesy to others, please silence your cell phone.
The Hymnal 1982 is the blue hymnal; Wonder, Love, & Praise is the green hymnal; Lift Every Voice and Sing II is the red and black hymnal
Prayer Requests & Announcements
Processional Hymn: The Hymnal 1982, #205 Good Christians all, rejoice and sing!
1 Good Christians all, rejoice and sing!
Now is the triumph of our King!
To all the world glad news we bring:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
2 The Lord of life is risen today!
Sing songs of praise along his way;
let all the earth rejoice and say:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
3 Praise we in songs of victory
that love, that life which cannot die,
and sing with hearts uplifted high:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
4 Your Name we bless, O risen Lord,
and sing today with one accord
the life laid down, the life restored:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
5 To God the Father, God the Son,
to God the Spirit, always One,
we sing for life in us begun:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Celebrant Alleluia. Christ is risen.
People The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Celebrant Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hymn of Praise: LEVAS, #64 I Love to tell the story
1 I love to tell the story
Of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory,
Of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story,
Because I know it’s true;
It satisfies my longings
As nothing else would do.
I love to tell the story;
Twill be my theme in glory.
To tell the old, old story
Of Jesus and His love.
2 I love to tell the story,
For those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting
To hear it, like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory,
I sing the new, new song,
’Twill be the old, old story
That I have loved so long.
Refrain
The Collect of the Day
Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; 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.
First Reading: Acts 2:14a,22-32
Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd, “You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know—this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. For David says concerning him, ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken; therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will live in hope. For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One experience corruption. You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’ “Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying, ‘He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh experience corruption.’ This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses.”
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
The Response: Psalm 16
1 Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you; *
I have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord, my good above all other.”
2 All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land, *
upon those who are noble among the people.
3 But those who run after other gods *
shall have their troubles multiplied.
4 Their libations of blood I will not offer, *
nor take the names of their gods upon my lips.
5 O Lord, you are my portion and my cup; *
it is you who uphold my lot.
6 My boundaries enclose a pleasant land; *
indeed, I have a goodly heritage.
7 I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; *
my heart teaches me, night after night.
8 I have set the Lord always before me; *
because he is at my right hand I shall not fall.
9 My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; *
my body also shall rest in hope.
10 For you will not abandon me to the grave, *
nor let your holy one see the Pit.
11 You will show me the path of life; *
in your presence there is fullness of joy,
and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.
Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith– being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire– may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Please stand as you are able.
Gospel Procession: The Hymnal 1982, #209 We walk by faith, and not by sight
1 We walk by faith, and not by sight;
no gracious words we hear
from him who spoke as none e’er spoke;
but we believe him near.
2 We may not touch his hands and side,
nor follow where he trod;
but in his promise we rejoice,
and cry, “My Lord and God!”
3 Help then, O Lord, our unbelief;
and may our faith abound,
to call on you when you are near,
and seek where you are found:
4 that, when our life of faith is done,
in realms of clearer light
we may behold you as you are,
with full and endless sight.
The Gospel: John 20:19-31
Celebrant The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
Celebrant The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Please be seated.
Homily The Rev. Jean Vargo
Please stand as you are able.
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.
Prayers of the People
In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer we pray for The Anglican Church of Mozambique & Angola
In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer we pray for Christ Church Cathedral in Cincinnati, & the Faith in Life Committee
In our Parish Cycle of Prayer we pray for Jackie & Jim Hoskinson; Hayward Jones; and Susan Kendall
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: Ginny, Hayward, George, 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 Thanksgiving, blessing and praise be yours, God of the incarnation; because you care for us and for our prayer. May our love for you and our likeness to you be strengthened every time we pray. 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 Music: Savior, like a Sheperd, lead us arr. Robert D Vandall
Presentation Hymn: LEVAS, #105 I’m so glad Jesus lifted me
1 I’m so glad Jesus lifted me.
I’m so glad Jesus lifted me.
I’m so glad Jesus lifted me,
singin’ Glory, Hallelujah, Jesus lifted me!
2 Satan had me bound; Jesus lifted me.
Satan had me bound; Jesus lifted me.
Satan had me bound; Jesus lifted me,
singin’ Glory, Hallelujah, Jesus lifted me!
3 When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me.
When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me.
When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me,
singin’ Glory, Hallelujah, Jesus lifted me!
4 When I was a sinner, Jesus lifted me.
When I was a sinner, Jesus lifted me.
When I was a sinner, Jesus lifted me,
singin’ Glory, Hallelujah, Jesus lifted me!
The Holy Communion
The Great Thanksgiving
Eucharistic Prayer B BCP p. 367
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. But chiefly are we bound to praise you for the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed death, and by his rising to life again he has won for us everlasting life. 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 BCP p. 367
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Please kneel as you are able.
The Celebrant continues
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;
The Celebrant continues
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 you 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 BCP p.364
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread BCP p. 364
Celebrant Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
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.
Please stand or kneel
Communion Hymn: LEVaS #88 My faith looks up to thee
1 My faith looks up to thee,
Thou lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away;
O let me from this day
Be wholly thine.
2 May thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire;
As thou hast died for me,
O may my love to thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be
A living fire.
3 While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread,
Be thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn today,
Wipe sorrow’s tears away;
Pure, warm, and changeless be
A living fire.
4 When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove,
O bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul.
Post-Communion Prayer
Celebrant Let us pray.
Celebrant and People
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.
Blessing of the People
May Almighty God, who has redeemed us and made us his children through the resurrection of his Son our Lord, bestow upon you the riches of his blessing. Amen.
May God, who through the water of baptism has raised us from sin into newness of life, make you holy and worthy to be united with Christ for ever. Amen.
May God, who has brought us out of bondage to sin into true and lasting freedom in the Redeemer, bring you to your eternal inheritance. Amen.
And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.
Recessional Hymn: The Hymnal 1982, #188 Love’s redeeming work is done
1 Love’s redeeming work is done;
fought the fight, the battle won:
lo, our Sun’s eclipse is o’er,
lo, he sets in blood no more.
2 Vain the stone, the watch, the seal;
Christ has burst the gates of hell;
death in vain forbids his rise;
Christ has opened paradise.
3 Lives again our glorious King;
where, O death, is now thy sting?
dying once, he all doth save;
where thy victory, O grave?
4 Soar we now where Christ has led,
following our exalted Head;
made like him, like him we rise;
ours the cross, the grave, the skies.
5 Hail the Lord of earth and heaven!
Praise to thee by both be given:
thee we greet triumphant now;
hail, the Resurrection Thou!
The Dismissal
Celebrant Let us go forth in the name of Christ, alleluia, alleluia.
People Thanks be to God, alleluia, alleluia.
+++++++++
Thank you for joining us in worship.
Please know that your participation with us today,
in person or online, has been a blessing.
April 12, 2026, 2026
Easter-2
Holy Eucharist
Readings:
Celebrant: The Rev. Jean Vargo
Pianist: Laura Leach
Acolyte: Stephanie Welch
Lay Readers: Elizabeth Wagner-Weber, Gary Welch
Chalicists: Carol Williamson, Don Nancarrow
Tech & Facebook Live: Gary Welch, Katherine Wagner
Ushers: Wayne Harper, Jim Rudd
Counters: Pam Kulhanek, Jim Rudd
Open/Close: Wagner/Reuter
Altar Guild: Norma Peachey & Ginny Tuxhorn
Candle: Shines brightly in our church!
Coffee Hour: Steve Hurd
April 19, 2026
Easter-3
Holy Eucharist at 11:30am
Readings:
Acts 2:14a,36-41; Psalm 116:1-3,
10-17; 1 Peter 1:17-23; Luke 24:13-35
Celebrant: The Rev. Jean Vargo
Organist: Barbara Acker-Mills
Acolyte: Elizabeth Wagner-Weber
Lay Readers: Gabriel Walch, Judy Rudd
Chalicists: Elizabeth Wagner-Weber, Jim Rudd
Tech & Facebook Live: TJ Walch, Katherine Wagner
Ushers: Dave Reuter, Ginny Tuxhorn
Counters: Katherine Wagner, Dave Reuter
Open/Close: Wagner/Reuter
Altar Guild: Norma Peachey & Ginny Tuxhorn
Candle: Rommel Festus-Abibo
Coffee Hour: TBD
Announcements for the Week of April 12
-
- THE CANDLE in the Sanctuary Lamp shines brightly over St. Mark’s Parish
- COFFEE HOUR is hosted by Steve Hurd
- TODAY!!! Hope4Riverside Ministry – In the past, St. Mark’s participated in a mentoring program with Kemp Elementary School. One of St. Mark’s long-term goals is to establish a mentoring program with Mad River Local Schools. Chad Wyan, Superintendent of Mad River Local Schools, will describe such a program during coffee hour at 10:30 a.m. Please plan on attending to learn more about this potential new outreach ministry.
- HUNGER SUNDAY is next week! Due to the continuing decrease 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.
- VESTRY MEETING NEXT SUNDAY— Our vestry meetings are held on the third Sunday of each month, after the worship service. All parishioners are welcome to attend, and will have seat and voice, but no vote on issues that require one. Questions? Check with wardens or vestry members!
- COFFEE HOUR is a hallmark of the Episcopal Church, considered by some to be the Third Sacrament (or Eighth, depending on how you count.) It’s a chance to mingle, chat, get caught up, celebrate, and enjoy snacks and coffee (of course.) Sign up outside the office; if you have questions, please check with Claudia.
- FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON: St. Paul’s, St. Mark’s and the Lutheran Church of our Savior will have a Fellowship Luncheon at St. Paul’s on Saturday, May 30 from 11:00am to 1:30pm. The goal is to have 20 tables with seven people per table. Each table will have a host or hostess that will provide food (e.g., finger sandwiches, salad, fruit, etc.) for that table. Drinks (e.g., coffee, tea, juice, water etc.) and desserts (e.g., ice cream, chocolates, cookies, etc.) will be provided. The suggested donation is $15/person. The hostesses for St. Mark’s are Judy Rudd, Carol Nancarrow, and Pam Kulhanek. Sign-up sheets for their tables are posted on the bulletin board outside the church office. Please come share a fun-filled time of socializing, enjoying deliciously prepared food, trivia food facts, and music.
Prayers for the Week of April 12
For all who long for peace and safety, especially those in places of conflict and all who serve in harm’s way. May the Risen Christ bring protection, courage, and the hope of new life.
For all who seek justice, mercy, and belonging—migrants, refugees, and any who feel far from home. May the light of Easter open paths of welcome and renewal.
For all who carry burdens of grief, illness, fear, or uncertainty. May the promise of the Resurrection strengthen them, heal divisions in our communities, and kindle hope where it feels lost.
For those on our parish prayer list: Ginny, 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; 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; Fr. John, friend of the parish; Katie, friend of the Reuters; Luann, Sean Weber’s mother; Mary, friend of the Wagners; 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
