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
PRELUDE:
“Prelude: Variation on Sicilian hymn” B. Carr
Prayer Requests, Birthdays/Anniversaries and Announcements
PROCESSIONAL HYMN:
“Ye servants of God” The Hymnal 1982, #535
1 Christ for the world we sing!
The world to Christ we bring with loving zeal;
the poor, and them that mourn, the faint and overborne,
sin-sick and sorrow-worn, whom Christ doth heal.
2 Christ for the world we sing!
The world to Christ we bring with fervent prayer;
the wayward and the lost, by restless passions tossed,
redeemed at countless cost from dark despair.
3 Christ for the world we sing!
The world to Christ we bring with one accord;
with us the work to share, with us reproach to dare,
with us the cross to bear, for Christ our Lord.
4 Christ for the world we sing!
The world to Christ we bring with joyful song;
the new-born souls, whose days, reclaimed from error’s ways,
inspired with hope and praise, to Christ belong.
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:
“Glory to God” Enriching Our Music, #20
Glory to God in the highest!
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,
for 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
O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving-kindness; 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: Genesis 21:8-21
Reader A reading from the book of Genesis
The child grew, and was weaned; and Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned. But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, playing with her son Isaac. So she said to Abraham, “Cast out this slave woman with her son; for the son of this slave woman shall not inherit along with my son Isaac.” The matter was very distressing to Abraham on account of his son. But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed because of the boy and because of your slave woman; whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for it is through Isaac that offspring shall be named for you. As for the son of the slave woman, I will make a nation of him also, because he is your offspring.” So Abraham rose early in the morning, and took bread and a skin of water, and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, along with the child, and sent her away. And she departed, and wandered about in the wilderness of Beer-sheba.
When the water in the skin was gone, she cast the child under one of the bushes. Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about the distance of a bowshot; for she said, “Do not let me look on the death of the child.” And as she sat opposite him, she lifted up her voice and wept. And God heard the voice of the boy; and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Do not be afraid; for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. Come, lift up the boy and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make a great nation of him.” Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. She went, and filled the skin with water, and gave the boy a drink.
God was with the boy, and he grew up; he lived in the wilderness, and became an expert with the bow. He lived in the wilderness of Paran; and his mother got a wife for him from the land of Egypt.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
The Response: Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17
1 Bow down your ear, O Lord, and answer me, *
for I am poor and in misery.
2 Keep watch over my life, for I am faithful; *
save your servant who puts his trust in you.
3 Be merciful to me, O Lord, for you are my God; *
I call upon you all the day long.
4 Gladden the soul of your servant, *
for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, *
and great is your love toward all who call upon you.
6 Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer, *
and attend to the voice of my supplications.
7 In the time of my trouble I will call upon you, *
for you will answer me.
8 Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord, *
nor anything like your works.
9 All nations you have made will come and worship you, O Lord, *
and glorify your Name.
10 For you are great; you do wondrous things; *
and you alone are God.
16 Turn to me and have mercy upon me; *
give your strength to your servant; and save the child of your handmaid.
17 Show me a sign of your favor, so that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed; *
because you, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
Second Reading: Romans 6:1B-11
Reader A reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans
Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For whoever has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Please stand as you are able.
GRADUAL HYMN:
“I have decided to follow Jesus” LEVAS, #136
1 I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
No turning back, no turning back!
2 Though no one join me, still I will follow,
Though no one join me, still I will follow,
Though no one join me, still I will follow,
No turning back, no turning back!
3 The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me,
No turning back, no turning back!
The Gospel: Matthew 10:24-39
Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said to the twelve disciples, “A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household!
“So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
“Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household.
Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.”
Deacon The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Please be seated
The 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 Church of South India.
In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer we pray for St. Phillip in Columbus, and the LGBTQ+ Ministries Taskforce.
In our Parish Cycle of Prayer we pray for Barbara & David Acker-Mills; Amy & David Apple; and Joy & Larry Brown.
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: Jim H., Hayward, George, Patricia, Jim T., 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 Confession of Sin
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 BCP p. 360
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.
The Offertory – The ushers collect the offering at this time
Offertory music:
“Offertory: Air“ S. Wesley
Please stand as you are able.
PRESENTATION HYMN:
“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” LEVAS #56
THE HOLY COMMUNION
Eucharistic Prayer B (The Book of Common Prayer, page 372)
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. It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
SANCTUS: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord” The Hymnal 1982, #S128
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 stand or kneel
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;
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 BCP p. 364
As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray,
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
FRACTION ANTHEM:
“Christ our Passover” The Hymnal 1982, # S154
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
therefore let us keep the feast.
Alleluia, alleluia, 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 be seated.
ALL are welcome to the table of the Lord. If you choose not to receive Holy Communion and wish to receive a blessing please cross your arms over your chest. Come to the Great Eucharist thanking God for all he has done and will do for us.
COMMUNION HYMN:
“Surely it is God who saves me” The Hymnal 1982, #679
-
-
- Surely it is God who saves me;
I shall trust and have no fear.
For the Lord defends and shields me
and his saving help is near.
So rejoice as you draw water
from salvation’s healing spring;
in the day of your deliverance
thank the Lord, his mercies sing.
- Surely it is God who saves me;
-
-
-
- Make God’s deeds known to the peoples:
tell out his exalted Name.
Praise the Lord, who has done great things;
all his works God’s might proclaim.
Zion, lift your voice in singing;
for with you has come to dwell,
in your very midst the great and
Holy One of Israel.
- Make God’s deeds known to the peoples:
-
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.
The Blessing
RECESSIONAL:
“Take up your cross the savior said” (v. 1, 2, 5) The Hymnal 1982, #675
1 Take up your cross, the Savior said,
if you would my disciple be;
take up your cross with willing heart,
and humbly follow after me.
2 Take up your cross, let not its weight
fill your weak spirit with alarm;
his strength shall bear your spirit up,
and brace your heart, and nerve your arm.
3 Take up your cross, heed not the shame,
and let your foolish heart be still;
the Lord for you accepted death
upon a cross, on Calvary’s hill.
4 Take up your cross, then, in his strength,
and calmly every danger brave:
it guides you to abundant life
and leads to victory o’er the grave.
5 Take up your cross, and follow Christ,
nor think till death to lay it down;
for only those who bear the cross
may hope to wear the glorious crown.
Dismissal
People Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE:
“Postlude: Trumpet voluntary” S. Stubley
Thank you for joining us in worship.
Please know that your participation with us today,
in person or online, has been a blessing.
June 21, 2026
Pentecost-4
Readings:
Genesis 21:8-21; Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17;
Romans 6:1b-11; Matthew 10:24-39
Celebrant: The Rev. Jean Vargo
Organist: Barbara Acker-Mills
Acolyte: Gabriel Walch
Lay Readers: Carol Williamson, Don Nancarrow
Chalicists: Don Nancarrow, Elizabeth Wagner-Weber
Tech & Facebook Live: TJ Walch, Katherine Wagner
Ushers: Tony Rubino, Dave Reuter
Counters: Carol Williamson, Janet Reuter
Open/Close: Wagner/Nancarrow
June Altar Guild: Katherine Wagner, Elizabeth Wagner-Weber
Altar Flowers: TBD
Candle: Adam Holmes
Coffee Hour: Claudia Hurd
June 28, 2026
Pentecost-5
Joint Worship & Picnic with St. Paul’s
Delco Park, Shelter #3 at 10:00 AM
Readings:
Genesis 22:1-14 Psalm 13
Romans 6:12-23 Matthew 10:40-42
Celebrant: The Rev. Jean Vargo
Guitarist: The Rev. Greg Sammons
Lay Readers: Elizabeth Wagner-Weber, Gabe Walch, Diana Uhlman,
Kathleen Walters
Chalicists: Jim Rudd, Judy Rudd
Ushers: Wayne Harper, Jim Rudd, Margaret Sampson, Diane Labrie
Counters: Kendall Rubino, Sandy Bultman
June Altar Guild: Katherine Wagner, Elizabeth Wagner-Weber
Picnic Potluck: Claudia Hurd, Pam Kulhanek, Cheryl Strine
+++++++++
Announcements for the Week of June 21
The CANDLE in the Sanctuary Lamp is given by Adam Holmes for Chelsea’s birthday
COFFEE HOUR is hosted by Claudia Hurd
HUNGER SUNDAY is today! 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
ACOLYTES NEEDED! Are you looking for a new and different ministry to serve? Come join the St. Mark’s Acolyte Corps who assist the priest or worship leader at all services. Questions? Contact Acolyte Director Elizabeth Wagner-Weber.
The monthly VESTRY MEETING has been moved to Thursday, June 25, at 6pm via Zoom. All are welcome to attend; contact Dave Reuter if you need the Zoom link.
MENTORING AND TUTORING PROGRAM – St. Mark’s is partnering with Mad River Local Schools to support 1st–4th graders at Saville Elementary through mentoring or tutoring. Please sign up on the bulletin board outside the church office for more information.
JOINT Worship Services/Events for St. Mark’s and St. Paul’s
June 24 Men’s Group – The Men’s Group is back! Join us Wednesday, June 24, from 6–8 PM. This is a relaxed, social gathering- no agenda, no pressure. Monthly meet ups will continue on the last Wednesday of each month. Location will be announced soon. Open to all men of St. Paul’s and St. Mark’s; friends welcome.
Sunday, Jun 28 WORSHIP and PICNIC at 10am! Delco Park Shelter #3 will be the location of our shared worship service and picnic with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Sign up outside the office to bring sides or salads. For more info, contact Claudia Hurd/Parish Life.
Sunday, Aug 2 – Outreach Project and Worship Service at St. Paul’s at 10am.The Outreach Committees at both parishes will work together to organize details for a joint outreach project.
Sunday, Oct 4 – Outdoor Worship service & Pet Blessing at 10am. Location TBD.
Prayers for the Week of June 21
For those we have lost to death, suicide, addiction, or politics.
For those living in fear and uncertainty in these turbulent days.
For those who struggle with the basic necessities of life after natural catastrophic events; 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 on our parish prayer list: Jim H., Ginny, Patricia, Jim T.,
Mary-Anna, Wayne, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Susan, and the Darnell family.
For those who suffer from illness, grief, or any other adversity:
Andrew; Blaze; Chip; Chris & family; Chuck; Clara; Crystal; Emily; Emma, Lowell, & the Burton Family; Fr. John; Fred; Katie; Luann; Mary; Natasha; Patti; Regina; Renea; Roberta; Steve; Tonia; Tony; the Younge Family.
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
A Holy Cycle
The transition process is a holy cycle.
It begins with discovering what God is already doing in our community. We observe, listen, and ask questions.
We look for the small and large ways God’s love is at work among our neighbors – whether they live next door or in the next town.
As we learn the needs of our community, we also pray and reflect on our own gifts and passions, both individually and as a parish. We remember Jesus’ call to go and make disciples and Isaiah’s promise that God is making all things new. Our passions, shaped by the Spirit, meet the needs of the world around us. This is where ministry begins.
To be the church is to participate in God’s work. It is less about filling pews or balancing budgets – important as those are – and more about living the gospel with compassion, mercy, and Christ-like love. It is being the hands and feet of Christ wherever we are.
As we shape our parish goals, we shape them for the sake of our neighbors. We offer our community a church that cares for them, prays for them, and is present with them. And as God continues to inspire us, the cycle begins again: discovering need, noticing God’s activity, and listening for the Spirit’s leading.
May the Spirit of God inspire and guide you.
