Worship – St. Mark's Episcopal Church

Pentecost-15 (Yr A) September 6, 2026

David Reuter — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 03:49:59 +0000

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:

Rhosymedre (“Lovely”) Ralph Vaughan Williams

Prayer Requests, Birthdays/Anniversaries and Announcements

PROCESSIONAL HYMN:

“At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing” The Hymnal 1982, #174

1 At the Lamb’s high feast we sing

praise to our victorious King,

who hath washed us in the tide

flowing from his piercèd side;

praise we him, whose love divine

gives his sacred Blood for wine,

gives his Body for the feast,

Christ the victim, Christ the priest.

2 Where the Paschal blood is poured,

death’s dark angel sheathes his sword;

Israel’s hosts triumphant go

through the wave that drowns the foe.

Praise we Christ, whose blood was shed,

Paschal victim, Paschal bread;

with sincerity and love

eat we manna from above.

3 Mighty victim from on high,

hell’s fierce powers beneath thee lie;

thou hast conquered in the fight,

thou hast brought us life and light:

now no more can death appall,

now no more the grave enthrall;

thou hast opened paradise,

and in thee thy saints shall rise.

4 Easter triumph, Easter joy,

these alone do sin destroy.

From sin’s power do thou set free

souls new-born, O Lord, in thee.

Hymns of glory, songs of praise,

Father, unto thee we raise:

risen Lord, all praise to thee

with the Spirit ever be.

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

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

Celebrant Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Gloria, The Hymnal 1982, #S280

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Collect of the Day

Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Please be seated.

First Reading: Exodus 12:1-14

Reader A reading from the book of Exodus

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household. If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbor in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs. You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the Lord. For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance.

Reader The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

The Response: Psalm 148

1 Hallelujah! Sing to the Lord a new song; *
sing his praise in the congregation of the faithful.

2 Let Israel rejoice in his Maker; *
let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.

3 Let them praise his Name in the dance; *
let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.

4 For the Lord takes pleasure in his people *
and adorns the poor with victory.

5 Let the faithful rejoice in triumph; *
let them be joyful on their beds.

6 Let the praises of God be in their throat *
and a two-edged sword in their hand;

7 To wreak vengeance on the nations *
and punishment on the peoples;

8 To bind their kings in chains *
and their nobles with links of iron;

9 To inflict on them the judgment decreed; *
this is glory for all his faithful people. Hallelujah!

Second Reading: Romans 13:8-14

Reader A reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans

Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.

Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Reader The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

Please stand as you are able.

GOSPEL HYMN:

“God is Love, and Where True Love is ” (refrain & v. 1) The Hymnal 1982, #577

God is love, and where true love is

God himself is there.

1 Here in Christ we gather, love of Christ our calling.

Christ, our love, is with us, gladness be his greeting.

Let us fear and love him, holy God eternal.

Loving him, let each love Christ in one another.

Refrain

The Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20

Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus said, “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

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 Episcopal/Anglican Province of Alexandria.

In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer we pray for St. Mary’s in Waynesville, and the DSO entity of Episcopal Seminaries.

In our Parish Cycle of Prayer we pray for Claudia & Steve Hurd; Jackie & Jim Hoskinson; and Hayward Jones.

Reader Let us pray for the Church and for the world. Grant, Almighty God, that all who confess your Name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.

Reader Lord, in your mercy,
People hear our prayer.

The Reader continues, and People respond every time Reader says “Lord in your mercy”.

Celebrant God of hope, you have always stood by your people and fulfilled your promises to them; stand with us now and answer our prayer as may be best for us and always to the fulfillment of your dreams and hopes for us; through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and always. 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.

Offertory Hymn:

“Love Divine, all Loves Excelling” The Hymnal 1982, #657

1 Love divine, all loves excelling,

joy of heaven, to earth come down,

fix in us thy humble dwelling,

all thy faithful mercies crown.

Jesus, thou art all compassion,

pure, unbounded love thou art;

visit us with thy salvation,

enter every trembling heart.

2 Come, almighty to deliver,

let us all thy life receive;

suddenly return, and never,

nevermore thy temples leave.

Thee we would be alway blessing,

serve thee as thy hosts above,

pray, and praise thee without ceasing,

glory in thy perfect love.

3 Finish then thy new creation;

pure and spotless let us be;

let us see thy great salvation

perfectly restored in thee:

changed from glory into glory,

till in heaven we take our place,

till we cast our crowns before thee,

lost in wonder, love, and praise.

The Offertory: The ushers collect the offering at this time.

Please stand as you are able.

Post Offertory Hymn:

“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” The Hymnal 1982, #43

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

A Prayer over the Gifts Received for the Children of CARE House

Celebrant Lord Jesus, who took the children into your arms and embraced them with your love, receive these gifts for the children of CARE House. Through the power of your Spirit, may these offerings and the offering of all our ministries to them, bring them comfort and healing. May they come to know and feel in their hearts and in their souls the fullness of life and of love given to all of us by our one God and Father. In your holy name we pray. Amen.

THE HOLY COMMUNION

Eucharistic Prayer B (The Book of Common Prayer, page 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. 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, #S125

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:

“Jesu, Jesu, Fill us with your Love” LEVAS, #74

Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love,

show us how to serve the neighbors

we have from you.

1 Kneels at the feet of his friends,

silently washes their feet,

Master who acts as a slave to them.

Refrain

2 Neighbors are rich and poor,

neighbors are black and white,

neighbors are near and far away.

Refrain

3 These are the ones we should serve,

these are the ones we should love;

all these are neighbors to us and you.

Refrain

4 Loving puts us on our knees,

serving as though we are slaves,

this is the way we should live with you.

Refrain

5 Kneel at the feet of our friends,

silently washing their feet,

this is the way we should live with you.

Refrain

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

CLOSING HYMN:

“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” The Hymnal 1982, #376

1 Joyful, joyful, we adore thee,

God of glory, Lord of love;

hearts unfold like flowers before thee,

praising thee, their sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;

drive the dark of doubt away;

giver of immortal gladness,

fill us with the light of day.

2 All thy works with joy surround thee,

earth and heaven reflect thy rays,

stars and angels sing around thee,

center of unbroken praise.

Field and forest, vale and mountain,

blooming meadow, flashing sea,

chanting bird and flowing fountain,

call us to rejoice in thee.

3 Thou art giving and forgiving,

ever blessing, ever blest,

well-spring of the joy of living,

ocean-depth of happy rest!

Thou our Father, Christ our Brother:

all who live in love are thine;

teach us how to love each other,

lift us to the joy divine.

Dismissal

People Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE:

“Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” arr. by Don Hustad

Thank you for joining us in worship.

Please know that your participation with us today,

in person or online, has been a blessing.

Readings & Ministry Schedule

September 6, 2026:

The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Holy Eucharist at 11:30am

Readings:

Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 149;

Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20

Celebrant: The Rev. Jean Vargo

Deacon: The Rev. George Snyder

Guest Organist: Cara Whitby

Acolytes: TBD

Lay Readers: Laura Leach, Jim Rudd

Chalicists: Kendall Rubino, Carol Williamson

Tech & Facebook Live: Gary Welch, Katherine Wagner

Ushers: Wayne Harper, Jim Rudd

Counters: Jim Rudd, Gary Welch

Open/Close: Wagner/Welch

August Altar Guild: Carol Williamson & Kendall Rubino

September 13, 2026:

The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Holy Eucharist at 11:30am

Readings:

Exodus 14:19-31; Psalm 114

Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35

Celebrant: The Rev. Jean Vargo

Deacon: The Rev. George Snyder

Guest Organist: Percy Jones, Jr.

Acolytes: Stephanie Welch

Lay Readers: Rene Meadors, Gabe Walch

Chalicists: Don Nancarrow, Elizabeth Wagner-Weber

Tech & Facebook Live: TJ Walch, Katherine Wagner

Ushers: Dave Reuter, Tony Rubino

Counters: Dave Reuter, Gary Welch

Open/Close: Wagner/Welch

August Altar Guild: Carol Williamson & Kendall Rubino

Candle: TBD

Altar Flowers: Wagner

Coffee Hour: TBD

Announcements for the week of September 6

The Candle in the Sanctuary Lamp is given by Rommell Festus- Abibo, forever in loving memory of Eugenia I. Kalio.

The Altar Flowers are given by Mary-Anna and Gary Welch, in celebration of their 35th wedding anniversary.

Coffee Hour will be hosted by Claudia & Steve Hurd.

Today is CARE House Sunday, and they can use our help! Snack suggestions include individually-wrapped 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.

Parish Picnic: Mark your calendars for Sunday, Sept.13 as we kick off the new program year with our annual Praise and Picnic at St. Mark’s. We’ll worship in the church, then gather for food and fellowship on the lawn. The church will provide sandwiches (no lettuce this year!), paper products, and drinks. There is a signup sheet outside the office for folks to bring sides/salads/desserts.

Diocesan Convention Nominations are now open! Many current Dayton members will conclude their terms soon, and your willingness to serve will help ensure our region is not once again underrepresented. Please prayerfully consider standing for election so our region remains active and engaged. More info is available at the diocesan website: DiosOhio.org.

Coffee Hour, Altar Flowers, and the Sanctuary Lamp all have open dates on the bulletin board outside the Office. Coffee Hour hosts are especially needed – share fellowship with our parish family before worship. The Sanctuary Lamp may be dedicated for $7.50 per week, and Altar Flowers for $40 per week (and may be taken home afterward). All dedications will be printed in the bulletin.

JOINT Worship Services/Events for St. Mark’s and St. Paul’s

Sunday, Oct 4 – Outdoor Worship service & Pet Blessing at St. Paul’s starting at 10am. We will gather on the green space near the fire pit. Please bring your own lawn chair for seating. Coffee hour will follow outdoors. If weather is inclement, the service will move to the Parish Hall.

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.

Pentecost-14 (Yr A) August 30, 2026

David Reuter — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 01:34:34 +0000

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:

Rhosymedre (“Lovely”) Ralph Vaughan Williams

Prayer Requests, Birthdays/Anniversaries and Announcements

PROCESSIONAL HYMN:

“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” The Hymnal 1982, #450

1 All hail the power of Jesus’ Name!

Let angels prostrate fall;

bring forth the royal diadem,

and crown him Lord of all!

2 Crown him, ye martyrs of our God,

who from his altar call:

praise him whose way of pain ye trod,

and crown him Lord of all!

3 Hail him, the Heir of David’s line,

whom David Lord did call,

the God incarnate, Man divine,

and crown him Lord of all!

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

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

Gloria, The Hymnal 1982, #S280

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Collect of the Day

Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; 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: Exodus 3:1-15

Reader A reading from the book of Exodus

Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. Then Moses said, “I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up.” When the Lord saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” He said further, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.

Then the Lord said, “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the country of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them. So come, I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.”

But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” He said, “I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain.” But Moses said to God, “If I come to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” He said further, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘I am has sent me to you.’“ God also said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you’:

This is my name forever, and this my title for all generations.

Reader The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

The Response: Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c

1 Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name; *
make known his deeds among the peoples.

2 Sing to him, sing praises to him, *
and speak of all his marvelous works.

3 Glory in his holy Name; *
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

4 Search for the Lord and his strength; *
continually seek his face.

5 Remember the marvels he has done, *
his wonders and the judgments of his mouth,

6 O offspring of Abraham his servant, *
O children of Jacob his chosen.

23 Israel came into Egypt, *
and Jacob became a sojourner in the land of Ham.

24 The Lord made his people exceedingly fruitful; *
he made them stronger than their enemies;

25 Whose heart he turned, so that they hated his people, *
and dealt unjustly with his servants.

26 He sent Moses his servant, *
and Aaron whom he had chosen.

45 Hallelujah!

Second Reading: Romans 12:9-21

Reader A reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Reader The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

Please stand as you are able.

GOSPEL HYMN:

“Take my Life, and Let it be” The Hymnal 1982, #707

1 Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee;

take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of thy love;

take my heart, it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne.

2 Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King;

take my intellect, and use every power as thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it thine; it shall be no longer mine.

Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee.

The Gospel: Matthew 16:21-28

Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?

“For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

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.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

Prayers of the People

In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer we pray for The Church in the Province of the West Indies.

In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer we pray for St. Timothy’s in Anderson Township, and St. John’s in Cambridge.

In our Parish Cycle of Prayer we pray for Rommel Festus-Abibo, Gail & Wayne Harper, and Adam Holmes.

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 — Ann, 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.

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 Hymn:

“Morning Has Broken” The Hymnal 1982, #8

1 Morning has broken

like the first morning,

blackbird has spoken

like the first bird.

Praise for the singing!

Praise for the morning!

Praise for them, springing

fresh from the Word!

2 Sweet the rain’s new fall

sunlit from heaven,

like the first dewfall

on the first grass.

Praise for the sweetness

of the wet garden,

sprung in completeness

where his feet pass.

3 Mine is the sunlight!

Mine is the morning

born of the one light

Eden saw play!

Praise with elation,

praise every morning,

God’s re-creation

of the new day!

Please stand as you are able.

PRESENTATION HYMN:

“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” The Hymnal 1982, #43

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

THE HOLY COMMUNION

Eucharistic Prayer B (The Book of Common Prayer, page 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.

SANCTUS: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord” The Hymnal 1982, #S125

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

Therefore, according to his command, O Father,

Celebrant and People

We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory;

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.

COMMUNION HYMN:

“What Wondrous Love is This ” The Hymnal 1982, #439

1 What wondrous love is this,

O my soul, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this,

O my soul!

What wondrous love is this

that caused the Lord of bliss

to lay aside his crown

for my soul, for my soul,

to lay aside his crown for my soul.

2 To God and to the Lamb,

I will sing, I will sing,

to God and to the Lamb,

I will sing.

To God and to the Lamb

who is the great I AM,

while millions join the theme,

I will sing, I will sing,

while millions join the theme I will sing.

3 And when from death I’m free,

I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,

and when from death I’m free,

I’ll sing on.

And when from death I’m free

I’ll sing and joyful be,

and through eternity

I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,

and through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on.

Post-Communion Prayer

Celebrant Let us pray.

Celebrant and People

The Blessing

CLOSING HYMN:

“Take up Your Cross, the Savior Said” 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:

“Sonata” Lidón

Thank you for joining us in worship.

Please know that your participation with us today,

in person or online, has been a blessing.

Readings & Ministry Schedule

August 30, 2026:

The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Holy Eucharist at 11:30am

Readings:

Exodus 3:1-15; Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c;
Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28

Celebrant: The Rev. Jean Vargo

Deacon: The Rev. George Snyder

Guest Organist: Cara Whitby

Acolytes: Will Day, Elizabeth Wagner-Weber

Lay Readers: Carol Williamson, TJ Walch

Chalicists: Elizabeth Wagner- Weber, Carol Williamson

Tech & Facebook Live: Dave Reuter, Katherine Wagner

Ushers: Dave Reuter, Tony Rubino

Counters: Carol Nancarrow, Katherine Wagner

Open/Close: Wagner/Welch

August Altar Guild: Norma Peachey, Ginny Tuxhorn

September 6, 2026:

The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Holy Eucharist at 11:30am

Readings:

Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 149;

Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20

Celebrant: The Rev. Jean Vargo

Deacon: The Rev. George Snyder

Guest Organist: TBD

Acolytes: TBD

Lay Readers: Laura Leach, Jim Rudd

Chalicists: Kendall Rubino, Carol Williamson

Tech & Facebook Live: Gary Welch, Katherine Wagner

Ushers: Wayne Harper, Jim Rudd

Counters: Jim Rudd, Gary Welch

Open/Close: Wagner/Welch

August Altar Guild: Carol Williamson & Kendall Rubino

Announcements for the week of August 30

The Candle in the Sanctuary Lamp and the Altar Flowers are given by Katherine Wagner in loving memory of Bettie Veazey Babcock.

Coffee Hour will be hosted by Dave & Janet Reuter in the Fellowship Room after service.

Next Sunday, Sept. 6, is CARE House Sunday, and they can use our help! Snack suggestions include individually-wrapped 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.

Diocesan Convention Nominations are now open, and Dayton area churches must be represented. Historically, diocesan committees were dominated by Cincinnati and Columbus, leaving Dayton under represented. Recent years have brought meaningful change, encouraged by Bishop White, and many current Dayton members will conclude their terms soon. Please prayerfully consider standing for election so our region remains active and engaged. More information is available at the diocesan website: DiosOhio.org.

JOINT Worship Services/Events for St. Mark’s and St. Paul’s

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.

May the Spirit of God inspire and guide you.

Pentecost-13 (Yr A) August 23, 2026

David Reuter — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 22:03:18 +0000

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:

“Voluntary in D flat” Roberta Rowland-Raybold

Prayer Requests, Birthdays/Anniversaries and Announcements

PROCESSIONAL HYMN:

“The Church’s One Foundation” (vs. 1-3) The Hymnal 1982, #525

1 The Church’s one foundation

is Jesus Christ her Lord;

she is his new creation

by water and the word:

from heaven he came and sought her

to be his holy bride;

with his own blood he bought her,

and for her life he died.

2 Elect from every nation,

yet one o’er all the earth,

her charter of salvation,

one Lord, one faith, one birth;

one holy Name she blesses,

partakes one holy food,

and to one hope she presses,

with every grace endued.

3 Though with a scornful wonder

men see her sore oppressed,

by schisms rent asunder,

by heresies distressed;

yet saints their watch are keeping,

their cry goes up, “How long?”

and soon the night of weeping

shall be the morn of song.

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

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

Gloria, The Hymnal 1982, #S280

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Collect of the Day

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; 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: Exodus 1:8 – 2:10

Reader A reading from the book of Exodus

Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. He said to his people, “Look, the Israelite people are more numerous and more powerful than we. Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase and, in the event of war, join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” Therefore they set taskmasters over them to oppress them with forced labor. They built supply cities, Pithom and Rameses, for Pharaoh. But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread, so that the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. The Egyptians became ruthless in imposing tasks on the Israelites, and made their lives bitter with hard service in mortar and brick and in every kind of field labor. They were ruthless in all the tasks that they imposed on them.

The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, “When you act as midwives to the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstool, if it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, she shall live.” But the midwives feared God; they did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but they let the boys live. So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and allowed the boys to live?” The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.” So God dealt well with the midwives; and the people multiplied and became very strong. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families. Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every boy that is born to the Hebrews you shall throw into the Nile, but you shall let every girl live.”

Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid him three months. When she could hide him no longer she got a papyrus basket for him, and plastered it with bitumen and pitch; she put the child in it and placed it among the reeds on the bank of the river. His sister stood at a distance, to see what would happen to him.

The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her attendants walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to bring it. When she opened it, she saw the child. He was crying, and she took pity on him, “This must be one of the Hebrews’ children,” she said. Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?” Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Yes.” So the girl went and called the child’s mother. Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed it. When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and she took him as her son. She named him Moses, “because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.”

Reader The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

The Response: Psalm 124

1 If the Lord had not been on our side, *
let Israel now say;

2 If the Lord had not been on our side, *
when enemies rose up against us;

3 Then would they have swallowed us up alive *
in their fierce anger toward us;

4 Then would the waters have overwhelmed us *
and the torrent gone over us;

5 Then would the raging waters *
have gone right over us.

6 Blessed be the Lord! *
he has not given us over to be a prey for their teeth.

7 We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; *
the snare is broken, and we have escaped.

8 Our help is in the Name of the Lord, *
the maker of heaven and earth.

Second Reading: Romans 12:1-8

Reader A reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God– what is good and acceptable and perfect.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

Reader The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

Please stand as you are able.

GOSPEL HYMN:

“Stand up, stand up for Jesus” (vs. 1-3) The Hymnal 1982, #561

1 Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
ye soldiers of the cross;
lift high His royal banner,
it must not suffer loss.
From vict’ry unto vict’ry
His army shall He lead,
till ev’ry foe is vanquished,
and Christ is Lord indeed.

2 Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the trumpet call obey;
forth to the mighty conflict,
in this His glorious day.
Ye that are brave now serve him
against unnumbered foes;
let courage rise with danger,
and strength to strength oppose.

3 Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
stand in His strength alone;
the arm of flesh will fail you,
ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor,
each piece put on with prayer;
where duty calls or danger,
be never wanting there.

The Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20

Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

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.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

Prayers of the People

In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer we pray for The Church of the Province of West Africa.

In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer we pray for Christ Church in Ironton, and the Trustees of the Church Foundation.

In our Parish Cycle of Prayer we pray for Sandy & Mike Bultman; Lisa, Steve, Sophia and Caroline Darnell; and Steve & Will Day.

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.

The Confession of Sin

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

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 Hymn:

“O bless the Lord, my soul!” The Hymnal 1982, #411

1 O bless the Lord, my soul!

His grace to thee proclaim!

And all that is within me join

to bless his holy Name!

2 O bless the Lord, my soul!

His mercies bear in mind!

Forget not all his benefits!

The Lord to thee is kind.

3 He will not always chide;

he will with patience wait;

his wrath is ever slow to rise

and ready to abate.

4 He pardons all thy sins,

prolongs thy feeble breath;

he healeth thine infirmities

and ransoms thee from death.

5 He clothes thee with his love,

upholds thee with his truth;

and like the eagle he renews

the vigor of thy youth.

Please stand as you are able.

PRESENTATION HYMN:

“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” The Hymnal 1982, #380

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

THE HOLY COMMUNION

Eucharistic Prayer B (The Book of Common Prayer, page 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.

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

Therefore, according to his command, O Father,

Celebrant and People

We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory;

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.

COMMUNION HYMN:

“My God, thy table now is spread” (vs. 1-3) The Hymnal 1982, #321

1 My God, thy table now is spread,

thy cup with love doth overflow;

be all thy children thither led,

and let them thy sweet mercies know.

2 O let thy table honored be,

and furnished well with joyful guests;

and may each soul salvation see,

that here its sacred pledges tastes.

3 Drawn by thy quickening grace, O Lord,

in countless number let them come

and gather from their Father’s board

the Bread that lives beyond the tomb.

Post-Communion Prayer

Celebrant Let us pray.

Celebrant and People

The Blessing

CLOSING HYMN:

“Lord, dismiss us with thy blessing” (vs. 1-3) The Hymnal 1982, #344

1 Lord, dismiss us with thy blessing;

fill our hearts with joy and peace;

let us each, thy love possessing,

triumph in redeeming grace:

O refresh us, O refresh us

traveling through this wilderness.

2 Thanks we give and adoration

for thy Gospel’s joyful sound:

may the fruits of thy salvation

in our hearts and lives abound:

ever faithful, ever faithful

to thy truth may we be found;

3 so that when thy love shall call us,

Savior, from the world away,

fear of death shall not appall us,

glad thy summons to obey.

May we ever, may we ever

reign with thee in endless day.

Dismissal

People Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE:

Thank you for joining us in worship.

Please know that your participation with us today,

in person or online, has been a blessing.

Readings & Ministry Schedule

August 23, 2026:

The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Holy Eucharist at 11:30am

Readings:

Exodus 1:8-2:10 Psalm 124
Romans 12:1-8 Matthew 16:13-20

Celebrant: The Rev. Jean Vargo

Deacon: The Rev. George Snyder

Guest Organist: Percy Jones, Jr.

Acolyte: Faggio Nocero-Sargent

Lay Readers: Elizabeth Wagner-Weber, Don Nancarrow

Chalicists: Kendall Rubino, Jim Rudd

Tech & Facebook Live: TJ Walch, Katherine Wagner

Ushers: Ginny Tuxhorn, Tony Rubino

Counters: Dave Reuter, Tony Rubino

Open/Close: Wagner/Nancarrow

August Altar Guild: Norma Peachey, Ginny Tuxhorn

August 30, 2026:

The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Holy Eucharist at 11:30am

Readings:

Exodus 3:1-15; Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c;
Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28

Celebrant: The Rev. Jean Vargo

Deacon: The Rev. George Snyder

Guest Organist: Cara Whitby

Acolytes: Will Day, Elizabeth Wagner-Weber

Lay Readers: Carol Williamson, TJ Walch

Chalicists: Elizabeth Wagner- Weber, Carol Williamson

Tech & Facebook Live: Dave Reuter, Katherine Wagner

Ushers: Dave Reuter, Tony Rubino

Counters: Carol Nancarrow, Katherine Wagner

Open/Close: Wagner/Welch

August Altar Guild: Norma Peachey, Ginny Tuxhorn

Announcements for the week of August 23

The sanctuary light also known as the eternal candle is a reminder that Christ is ever present in our lives as we serve him in the world.

Vestry Meeting – August 23 This month’s meeting is delayed slightly to accommodate Rev. Jean’s vacation. All parishioners are welcome to attend with seat and voice (but not vote on matters requiring one). Please speak with the wardens or vestry members with any questions.

Parish Picnic: Mark your calendars for Sunday, Sept.13 as we kick off the new program year with our annual Praise and Picnic at St. Mark’s. We’ll worship in the church, then gather for food and fellowship on the lawn. The church will provide Subway sandwiches (no lettuce this year!), paper products, and drinks. There will be a signup sheet outside the office for folks to bring sides/salads/desserts.

JOINT Worship Services/Events for St. Mark’s and St. Paul’s

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.

May the Spirit of God inspire and guide you.

Pentecost-12 (Yr A) August 16, 2026

David Reuter — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 22:04:47 +0000

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:

“Air” Handel

Prayer Requests, Birthdays/Anniversaries and Announcements

PROCESSIONAL HYMN:

“Christ for the world we sing” The Hymnal 1982, #537

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.

Gloria, The Hymnal 1982, #S280

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Collect of the Day

Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Please be seated.

First Reading: Genesis 45:1-15

Reader A reading from the book of Genesis

Joseph could no longer control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Send everyone away from me.” So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it. Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence.

Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me.” And they came closer. He said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years; and there are five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not delay. You shall settle in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, as well as your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. I will provide for you there—since there are five more years of famine to come—so that you and your household, and all that you have, will not come to poverty.’ And now your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my own mouth that speaks to you. You must tell my father how greatly I am honored in Egypt, and all that you have seen. Hurry and bring my father down here.” Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, while Benjamin wept upon his neck. And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them; and after that his brothers talked with him.

Reader The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

The Response: Psalm 133

1 Oh, how good and pleasant it is, *
when brethren live together in unity!

2 It is like fine oil upon the head *
that runs down upon the beard,

3 Upon the beard of Aaron, *
and runs down upon the collar of his robe.

4 It is like the dew of Hermon *
that falls upon the hills of Zion.

5 For there the Lord has ordained the blessing: *
life for evermore.

Second Reading: Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32

Reader A reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans

I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.

Reader The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

Please stand as you are able.

GOSPEL HYMN:

“Blest are the pure in heart” The Hymnal 1982, #656

1 Blest are the pure in heart, for they shall see our God;

the secret of the Lord is theirs, their soul is Christ’s abode.

2 The Lord, who left the heavens our life and peace to bring,

to dwell in lowliness with us, our pattern and our King;

3 he to the lowly soul will still himself impart

and for his dwelling and his throne will choose the pure in heart.

4 Lord, we thy presence seek; may ours this blessing be;

give us a pure and lowly heart, a temple fit for thee.

The Gospel: Matthew 15:(10-20), 21-28

Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

[Jesus called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” Then the disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.” But Peter said to him, “Explain this parable to us.” Then he said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.”]

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Deacon The Gospel of the Lord.

People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Please be seated

The Homily The Rev. Melanie Slane

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.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

Prayers of the People

In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer we pray for The Church in Wales.

In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer we pray for Trinity Church in Columbus, and St. Alban’s in Bexley.

In our Parish Cycle of Prayer we pray for Carol Williamson; 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.

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.

The Confession of Sin

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

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 Hymn:

“Heal me hands of Jesus” Wonder Love & Praise, #773

1 Heal me, hands of Jesus,

and search out all my pain:

restore my hope, remove my fear

and bring me peace again.

2 Cleanse me, blood of Jesus,

take bitterness away;

let me forgive as one forgiven

and bring me peace today.

3 Know me, mind of Jesus,

and show me all my sin;

dispel the memories of guilt,

and bring me peace within.

4 Fill me, joy of Jesus:

anxiety shall cease

and heaven’s serenity be mine,

for Jesus brings me peace!

Please stand as you are able.

PRESENTATION HYMN:

“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” The Hymnal 1982, #43 ( v. 4)

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

THE HOLY COMMUNION

Eucharistic Prayer B (The Book of Common Prayer, page 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.

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

Therefore, according to his command, O Father,

Celebrant and People

We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory;

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.

COMMUNION HYMN:

“I am the bread of life” The Hymnal 1982, #335

1 I am the bread of life;

they who come to me shall not hunger;

they who believe in me shall not thirst.

No one can come to me unless the Father draw them.

And I will raise them up,

and I will raise them up on the last day.

2 The Bread that I will give is my Flesh for the life of the world,

and they who eat of this bread, they shall live for ever.

Refrain

3 Unless you eat of the Flesh of the Son of Man

and drink of his Blood, you shall not have life within you.

Refrain

4 I am the resurrection, I am the life.

They who believe in me, even if they die, they shall live for ever.

Refrain

5 Yes, Lord, we believe that you are the Christ,

the Son of God who has come into the world.

Refrain

Post-Communion Prayer

Celebrant Let us pray.

Celebrant and People

The Blessing

CLOSING HYMN:

“Jesus shall reign where’er the sun” The Hymnal 1982, #544

1 Jesus shall reign where’er the sun

doth his successive journeys run;

his kingdom stretch from shore to shore,

till moons shall wax and wane no more.

2 To him shall endless prayer be made,

and praises throng to crown his head;

his Name like sweet perfume shall rise

with every morning sacrifice.

3 People and realms of every tongue

dwell on his love with sweetest song;

and infant voices shall proclaim

their early blessings on his Name.

4 Blessings abound where’er he reigns:

the prisoners leap to lose their chains,

the weary find eternal rest,

and all who suffer want are blest.

5 Let every creature rise and bring

peculiar honors to our King;

angels descend with songs again,

and earth repeat the loud amen.

Dismissal

People Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE:

“Hornpipe” Handel

Thank you for joining us in worship.

Please know that your participation with us today,

in person or online, has been a blessing.

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.

May the Spirit of God inspire and guide you.

Pentecost-11 (Yr A) August 9, 2026

David Reuter — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 03:40:15 +0000

The prelude marks the beginning of our preparation for worship.

Let us enter in silence, keeping a spirit of prayer and reverence.

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

“Praise the almighty, my soul adore him” arr. by John Behnke

Please stand

PROCESSIONAL

”How firm a foundation” The Hymnal 1982, #636

1 How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you God hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

2 “Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

3 “When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be near thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

4 “When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

5 “The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake.”

WELCOME & OPENING

Officiant Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Please stand or kneel

The Confession of Sin BCP p. 79

Officiant Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

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.

Officiant Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen.

Please stand

THE INVITATORY AND PSALTER BCP p. 80

Officiant Lord, open our lips.

People And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Officiant and People

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as
it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Officiant The mercy of the Lord is everlasting: Come let us adore him.

Venite BCP p. 44

O come, let us sing to the Lord;

let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving

and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.

For the Lord is a great God,

and a great King above all gods.

In his hand are the caverns of the earth,

and the heights of the hills are his also.

The sea is his, for he made it,

and his hands have molded the dry land.

O come, let us worship and fall down

and kneel before the Lord our Maker.

For he is Lord our God,

and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand.

O worship the Lord in the beauty of his holiness;

let the whole earth stand in awe of him.

For he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth,

and with righteousness to judge the world

and the peoples with his truth.

A Reading from the Book of Psalms (17:1-7, 16)

(Lay Reader 1 and People read responsively by whole verse.)

1 Hear my plea of innocence, O Lord; give heed to my cry; *
listen to my prayer, which does not come from lying lips.

2 Let my vindication come forth from your presence; *
let your eyes be fixed on justice.

3 Weigh my heart, summon me by night, *
melt me down; you will find no impurity in me.

4 I give no offense with my mouth as others do; *
I have heeded the words of your lips.

5 My footsteps hold fast to the ways of your law; *
in your paths my feet shall not stumble.

6 I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me; *
incline your ear to me and hear my words.

7 Show me your marvelous loving-kindness, *
O Savior of those who take refuge at your right hand from those who rise up against them.

16 But at my vindication I shall see your face; *
when I awake, I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.

Please be seated

The Lessons

A Reading from the Book of Genesis (37:1-4, 12-28)

Lay Reader 1 And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. And his brethren went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem. And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I. And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou? And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks. And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan. And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams. And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again. And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.

And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content. Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.

The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

Canticle 19: The Song of the Redeemed BCP p. 94

(Lay Reader 1 and People read together)

O ruler of the universe, Lord God,

great deeds are they that you have done,
surpassing human understanding.
Your ways are ways of righteousness and truth,
O King of all the ages.

Who can fail to do you homage, Lord,

and sing the praises of your Name?
for you only are the Holy One.
All nations will draw near and fall down before you,
because your just and holy works have been revealed.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

A Reading from Paul’s Letter to the Romans (10:5-15)

Lay Reader 2 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

Canticle 17: The Song of Simeon BCP p. 93

(Lay Reader 2 and People read together)

Lord, you now have set your servant free *
to go in peace as you have promised;

For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
whom you have prepared for all the world to see:

A Light to enlighten the nations, *
and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

A Reading from the Gospel According to Matthew (14:22-33)

Officiant And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

THE HOMILY The Rev. Deacon George Snyder

Officiant and People together, all standing

The Apostles’ Creed BCP p. 96

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
    He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
        and born of the Virgin Mary.
    He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
    He descended to the dead.
    On the third day he rose again.
    He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
    He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
    the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
    the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The People stand or kneel

The Prayers BCP p. 97

Officiant The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.

Officiant Let us pray.

Officiant and People

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.

Suffrages A BCP p. 97

V. Show us your mercy, O Lord;
R.    And grant us your salvation.
V.    Clothe your ministers with righteousness;
R.    Let your people sing with joy.
V.    Give peace, O Lord, in all the world;
R.    For only in you can we live in safety.

V. Lord, keep this nation under your care;
R.    And guide us in the way of justice and truth.
V.    Let your way be known upon earth;
R.    Your saving health among all nations.
V.    Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten;
R.    Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.
V.    Create in us clean hearts, O God;
R.    And sustain us with your Holy Spirit.

The Collect of the Day

Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Collect for Sundays BCP p.98

O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of you, that the week to come may be spent in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Collect for Guidance BCP p.100

Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Prayer for Mission BCP p. 101

Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen.

Please be seated

THE OFFERING The Ushers collect the offering at this time.

Officiant Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God.

Please be seated

OFFERING HYMN

“Come, gracious Spirit, heavenly Dove” (vs. 1-3) The Hymnal 1982, #512

1. Come, gracious Spirit, heav’nly Dove,
With lig1.ht and comfort from above;
Be Thou our Guardian, Thou our Guide,
O’er every thought and step preside.

2. The light of truth to us display,
And make us know and choose Thy way;
Plant holy fear in every heart,
That we from God may ne’er depart.

3. Lead us to Christ, the living Way,
nor let us from his precepts sway;

lead us to holiness the road

that we must take to dwell with God.

Please stand as the offerings are brought to the altar.

Hymn

“The Doxology” (v. 3) The Hymnal 1982, #380

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God all creatures here below;

Praise God above ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

THE PEACE

Officiant The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People And also with you.

Please be seated

ANNOUNCEMENTS, BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY PRAYERS

Please stand

Prayers of the People

Lay Reader 2 In the Anglican cycle of prayer, we pray for The Episcopal Church.

In the Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for Christ Church in Glendale, and the Trustees of the Diocese.

In our Parish cycle of prayer, we pray for Katherine & Mike Wagner; Jenna, TJ, Gabriel & Wesley Walch; and Mary-Anna & Gary Welch.

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.

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.

Officiant 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 GENERAL THANKSGIVING BCP p.101

Officiant and People

Almighty God, Father of all mercies,

we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks

for all your goodness and loving-kindness

to us and to all whom you have made.

We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life;

but above all for your immeasurable love

in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;

for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.

And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies,

that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise,

not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service,

and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days;

through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,

be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.

A Prayer of St. Chrysostom BCP p.102

Officiant Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.

Officiant Let us bless the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

Officiant Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen.

The Blessing

Recessional

“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 is drawing nigh.
Up, pray and watch and wrestle;
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, O Sun so longed for,
above this shadowed sphere.
With hearts and hands uplifted
we plead, O Lord, to see
the day of earth’s redemption
and ever be with thee!

DISMISSAL

The congregation is dismissed.

Officiant Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

Please exit quietly or remain quietly listening during the Postlude.

POSTLUDE

“Festive trumpet tune” David German

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

August 9, 2026:

The Eleventh Sunday

after Pentecost

Morning Prayer at 10am

Readings:

Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b
Romans 10:5-15 Matthew 14:22-33

Officiant: Don Nancarrow

Deacon: The Rev. George Snyder

Organist: Percy Jones, Jr.

Acolyte: Stephanie Welch

Lay Readers: Jim Rudd, Laura Leach

Tech & Facebook Live: TBD, Katherine Wagner

Ushers: Wayne Harper, Jim Rudd

Counters: Tony Rubino, Gary Welch

Open/Close: Wagner/Rubino

August Altar Guild: Norma Peachey, Ginny Tuxhorn

August 16, 2026:

The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

Holy Eucharist at 11:30am

Readings:

Genesis 45:1-15 Psalm 133
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28

Officiant: Don Nancarrow

Deacon: The Rev. George Snyder

Organist: Percy Jones, Jr.

Acolyte: Stephanie Welch

Lay Readers: Jim Rudd, Don Nancarrow

Tech & Facebook Live: Dave Reuter, Katherine Wagner

Ushers: Wayne Harper, Jim Rudd

Counters: Tony Rubino, Gary Welch

Open/Close: Wagner/Rubino

August Altar Guild: Norma Peachey, Ginny Tuxhorn

Pentecost-10 (Yr A) August 2, 2026

David Reuter — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 19:55:51 +0000

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:

“Reflection on ‘Blessed Are the Meek’” Roberta Rowland-Raybold

Prayer Requests, Birthdays/Anniversaries and Announcements

PROCESSIONAL HYMN:

“How wondrous and great thy works” The Hymnal 1982, #533

1 How wondrous and great thy works, God of praise!

How just, King of saints, and true are thy ways!

O who shall not fear thee, and honor thy Name?

Thou only art holy, thou only supreme.

2 To nations of earth thy light shall be shown;

their worship and vows shall come to thy throne:

thy truth and thy judgments shall spread all abroad,

till earth’s every people confess thee their God.

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

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

SONG OF PRAISE

Song of Praise,

“Praise, honor, and Glory” LEVaSII, # 246

Praise, praise, honor and glory,

Praise, praise, honor and glory to Christ, our King.

Praise, praise, honor and glory,

honor and glory, honor and glory to Christ, our King.

Collect of the Day

Please be seated.

First Reading: Genesis 32:22-31

Reader A reading from the book of Genesis

The same night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.” So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then the man said, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.” Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.” The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip.

Reader The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

The Response: Psalm 17:1-7, 16

1 Hear my plea of innocence, O Lord; give heed to my cry; *
listen to my prayer, which does not come from lying lips.

2 Let my vindication come forth from your presence; *
let your eyes be fixed on justice.

3 Weigh my heart, summon me by night, *
melt me down; you will find no impurity in me.

4 I give no offense with my mouth as others do; *
I have heeded the words of your lips.

5 My footsteps hold fast to the ways of your law; *
in your paths my feet shall not stumble.

6 I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me; *
incline your ear to me and hear my words.

7 Show me your marvelous loving-kindness, *
O Savior of those who take refuge at your right hand

from those who rise up against them.

16 But at my vindication I shall see your face; *
when I awake, I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.

Second Reading: Romans 9:1-5

Reader A reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans

I am speaking the truth in Christ– I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit– I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever.

Reader The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

Please stand as you are able.

GRADUAL HYMN:

“God of grace and God of glory” (vs. 1-3) The Hymnal 1982, #594

1 God of grace and God of glory,

on thy people pour thy power;

crown thine ancient Church’s story;

bring her bud to glorious flower.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,

for the facing of this hour.

2 Lo! the hosts of evil round us

scorn thy Christ, assail his ways!

From the fears that long have bound us

free our hearts to faith and praise:

grant us wisdom, grant us courage

for the living of these days.

3 Cure thy children’s warring madness,

bend our pride to thy control;

shame our wanton, selfish gladness,

rich in things and poor in soul.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,

lest we miss thy kingdom’s goal.

The Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21

Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

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.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

Prayers of the People

In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer we pray for The Church of the Province of Uganda.

In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer we pray for Trinity Church in Hamilton, St. John’s Church in Lancaster, and DSO entity “Community of the Transfiguration”.

In our Parish Cycle of Prayer we pray for Ginny Tuxhorn; The Reverend Jean Vargo & family; and Elizabeth Wagner-Weber & Sean Weber.

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 St. Paul’s Parish Prayer List — Sophia, Kim, Anne, Chuck, Eric, Katherine, Larry, Tim, Bryan, Greg and family, Natalie, Bill, Jennifer, Evan, Yimaira, Connie, Jamie, Otto, Jim, Beth, Joern, Valerie, Helen, Sherrie, and Candace — and 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.

The Confession of Sin

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

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 Solo:

“There is a Balm in Gilead” Negro Spiritual, arr. by Mark Hayes

Please stand as you are able.

PRESENTATION HYMN:

“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” LEVAS #56

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

A Prayer over the Gifts Received for the Children of CARE House

THE HOLY COMMUNION

Eucharistic Prayer B (The Book of Common Prayer, page 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.

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

Therefore, according to his command, O Father,

Celebrant and People

We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory;

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.

COMMUNION SOLO:

“Let us break bread together” Negro Spiritual, arr. by William Lawrence

Post-Communion Prayer

Celebrant Let us pray.

Celebrant and People

The Blessing

RECESSIONAL:

“Alleluia, sing to Jesus” (vs. 1-4) The Hymnal 1982, #460

1 Alleluia! sing to Jesus!

his the scepter, his the throne;

Alleluia! his the triumph,

his the victory alone;

Hark! the songs of peaceful Zion

thunder like a mighty flood;

Jesus out of every nation

hath redeemed us by his blood.

2 Alleluia! not as orphans

are we left in sorrow now;

Alleluia! he is near us,

faith believes, nor questions how:

though the cloud from sight received him,

when the forty days were o’er,

shall our hearts forget his promise,

“I am with you evermore”?

3 Alleluia! bread of Heaven,

Thou on earth our food, our stay!

Alleluia! here the sinful

flee to thee from day to day:

Intercessor, friend of sinners,

earth’s Redeemer, plead for me,

where the songs of all the sinless

sweep across the crystal sea.

4 Alleluia! King eternal,

thee the Lord of lords we own:

Alleluia! born of Mary,

earth thy footstool, heaven thy throne:

thou within the veil hast entered,

robed in flesh, our great High Priest:

thou on earth both Priest and Victim

in the eucharistic feast.

Dismissal

People Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE:

“Toccata on ‘Praise to the Father’” arr. by Jacob Weber

Thank you for joining us in worship.

Please know that your participation with us today,

in person or online, has been a blessing.

August 2, 2026:

The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Joint Worship at 10am

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

Readings:

Genesis 32:22-31; Psalm 17:1-7,16
Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21

Celebrant: The Rev. Jean Vargo

Deacon: The Rev. George Snyder

Organist: Percy Jones, Jr.

Offertory Soloist: Elana Elmore, Soprano

Acolyte: Elizabeth Wagner-Weber

Lay Readers: Laura Leach, Judy Rudd

Chalicists: Jim Rudd, Judy Rudd

Tech & Facebook Live: TJ Walch, Katherine Wagner

Ushers: Tony Rubino, Wayne Harper

Counters: TBD, Tony Rubino

Open/Close: Wagner/Rubino

August Altar Guild: Norma Peachey & Ginny Tuxhorn

August 9, 2026:

The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Morning Prayer at 11:30am

Readings:

Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b
Romans 10:5-15 Matthew 14:22-33

Officiant: Don Nancarrow

Deacon: The Rev. George Snyder

Organist: Percy Jones, Jr.

Acolyte: Stephanie Welch

Lay Readers: Jim Rudd, Don Nancarrow

Tech & Facebook Live: Dave Reuter, Katherine Wagner

Ushers: Wayne Harper, Jim Rudd

Counters: Tony Rubino, Gary Welch

Open/Close: Wagner/Rubino

August Altar Guild: Norma Peachey, Ginny Tuxhorn

+++++++++

Announcements for the Week of August 2

The CANDLE in the Sanctuary Lamp shines brightly over the Parish of St. Mark’s as we keep the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost.

Joint outreach project planning meeting today! The Outreach Committees at both parishes will work together to organize details for a joint outreach project.

Today is CARE House Sunday, and they can use our help! Snack 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.

COFFEE HOUR WITH THE REV. MELANIE SLANE! Rev. Melanie Slane, the Diocesan Transition Minister, will celebrate and preach at St. Mark’s on Aug.16, and ALL parishioners are invited to meet with her during an extended Coffee Hour from 10 – 11:15am. She will address the next steps needed in the transition process to call a new rector or priest-in-charge. She wants to hear from YOU: What do you think is going well so far? What challenges and concerns do you have? What are your hopes for the future of our parish?

We need your presence and input during this meeting, as they are very important to the future of our parish.

The 2026 Ohio Sales Tax Holiday runs Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9. During this three-day period, qualifying back-to-school purchases are exempt from sales tax: clothing priced at $75 or less per item, school supplies priced at $20 or less per item, and instructional materials priced at $20 or less per item.

JOINT Worship Services/Events for St. Mark’s and St. Paul’s

Sunday, Oct 4 – Outdoor Worship service & Pet Blessing at 10am. Location TBD.

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.

May the Spirit of God inspire and guide you.

Pentecost-9 (Yr A) July 26, 2026

David Reuter — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 17:32:08 +0000

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:

“Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” arr. John Behnke

Prayer Requests, Birthdays/Anniversaries and Announcements

PROCESSIONAL HYMN:

“Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love” LEVaS, #74

Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love,

show us how to serve the neighbors

we have from you.

1 Kneels at the feet of his friends,

silently washes their feet,

Master who acts as a slave to them.

Refrain

2 Neighbors are rich and poor,

neighbors are black and white,

neighbors are near and far away.

Refrain

3 These are the ones we should serve,

these are the ones we should love;

all these are neighbors to us and you.

Refrain

4 Loving puts us on our knees,

serving as though we are slaves,

this is the way we should live with you.

Refrain

5 Kneel at the feet of our friends,

silently washing their feet,

this is the way we should live with you.

Refrain

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

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

SONG OF PRAISE

Song of Praise,

“Praise, honor, and Glory” LEVaSII, # 246

Praise, praise, honor and glory,

Praise, praise, honor and glory to Christ, our King.

Praise, praise, honor and glory,

honor and glory, honor and glory to Christ, our King.

Collect of the Day

O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; 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 29:15-28

Reader A reading from the book of Genesis

Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my kinsman, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?” Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah’s eyes were lovely, and Rachel was graceful and beautiful. Jacob loved Rachel; so he said, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to any other man; stay with me.” So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.

Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife that I may go in to her, for my time is completed.” So Laban gathered together all the people of the place, and made a feast. But in the evening he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob; and he went in to her. (Laban gave his maid Zilpah to his daughter Leah to be her maid.) When morning came, it was Leah! And Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Did I not serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?” Laban said, “This is not done in our country—giving the younger before the firstborn. Complete the week of this one, and we will give you the other also in return for serving me another seven years.” Jacob did so, and completed her week; then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel as a wife.

Reader The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

The Response: Psalm 105:1-11, 45b;

1 Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name; *
make known his deeds among the peoples.

2 Sing to him, sing praises to him, *
and speak of all his marvelous works.

3 Glory in his holy Name; *
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

4 Search for the Lord and his strength; *
continually seek his face.

5 Remember the marvels he has done, *
his wonders and the judgments of his mouth,

6 O offspring of Abraham his servant, *
O children of Jacob his chosen.

7 He is the Lord our God; *
his judgments prevail in all the world.

8 He has always been mindful of his covenant, *
the promise he made for a thousand generations:

9 The covenant he made with Abraham, *
the oath that he swore to Isaac,

10 Which he established as a statute for Jacob, *
an everlasting covenant for Israel,

11 Saying, “To you will I give the land of Canaan *
to be your allotted inheritance.”

45b Hallelujah!

Second Reading: Romans 8:26-39

Reader A reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans

The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.

What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written,

For your sake we are being killed all day long;
we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Reader The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

Please stand as you are able.

GRADUAL HYMN:

“Blessed feasts of blessed martyrs” The Hymnal 1982, #238

1 Blessed feasts of blessed martyrs,
Holy women, holy men,
With our love and admiration,
Greet we your return again.
Worthy deeds they wrought, and wonders,
Worthy of the name they bore;
We, with joyful praise and singing,
Honor them for evermore.

2 Faith prevailing, hope unfailing,
Loving Christ with single heart,
Thus they, glorious and victorious,
Bravely bore the martyr’s part,
By contempt of ev’ry anguish,
By unyielding battle done;
Victors at the last, they triumph,
With the host of angels one.

3 Therefore, all that reign in glory,
Faithful heirs with Christ on high,
Join to ours your supplication
When before Christ we draw nigh,
Praying that, this life completed,
All its fleeting moments past,
By Christ’s grace we may be worthy
Of eternal bliss at last.

The Gospel: Matthew 13:31-33,44-52

Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus put before the crowds another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

“Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

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.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

Prayers of the People

In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer we pray for The Anglican Church of Tanzania.

In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer we pray for St. Mary’s in Hillsboro, and the DSO entity: College for Congregational Development.

In our Parish Cycle of Prayer we pray George Snyder, Tracey Swartz, and Patricia & Jim Tallman.

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.

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.

The Confession of Sin

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

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 Hymn:

“Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit” LEVaSII, #114

O ev’ry time I feel the Spirit
moving in my heart, I will pray.
Yes, ev’ry time I feel the Spirit
moving in my heart, I will pray.

1 Upon the mountain when my God spoke,
out of His mouth came fire and smoke.
All around me looks so fine,
asked my Lord if all was mine. [Refrain]

2 The Jordan river runs right cold,
it chills the body, not the soul.
Ain’t but one train on this track,
runs to heaven and right back. [Refrain]

Please stand as you are able.

PRESENTATION HYMN:

“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” LEVAS #56

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

THE HOLY COMMUNION

Eucharistic Prayer B (The Book of Common Prayer, page 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.

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

Therefore, according to his command, O Father,

Celebrant and People

We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory;

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.

COMMUNION HYMN:

“I come with joy to meet my Lord” The Hymnal 1982, #304

1 I come with joy to meet my Lord,

forgiven, loved, and free,

in awe and wonder to recall

his life laid down for me.

2 I come with Christians far and near

to find, as all are fed,

the new community of love

in Christ’s communion bread.

3 As Christ breaks bread and bids us share,

each proud division ends.

That love that made us makes us one,

and strangers now are friends.

4 And thus with joy we meet our Lord.

His presence, always near,

is in such friendship better known:

we see, and praise him here.

5 Together met, together bound,

we’ll go our different ways,

and as his people in the world,

we’ll live and speak his praise.

Post-Communion Prayer

Celebrant Let us pray.

Celebrant and People

The Blessing

RECESSIONAL:

“Holy God, we praise thy name” (vs. 1-3) The Hymnal 1982, #366

1 Holy God, we praise thy Name,

Lord of all, we bow before thee;

all on earth thy scepter claim,

all in heaven above adore thee;

infinite thy vast domain,

everlasting is thy reign.

2 Hark, the loud celestial hymn

angel choirs above are raising;

cherubim and seraphim,

in unceasing chorus praising,

fill the heavens with sweet accord:

holy, holy, holy Lord!

3 Lo, the apostolic train

join, thy sacred Name to hallow;

prophets swell the loud refrain,

and the white-robed martyrs follow;

and, from morn till set of sun,

through the Church the song goes on.

Dismissal

People Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE:

“Voluntary in G” Robert Lau

Thank you for joining us in worship.

Please know that your participation with us today,

in person or online, has been a blessing.

July 26, 2026

Pentecost-9

Readings:

Genesis 29:15-28 Psalm 105:1-11, 45b
Romans 8:26-39 Matthew 13:31-33,44-52

Celebrant: The Rev. Jean Vargo

Deacon: The Rev. George Snyder

Organist: Percy Jones, Jr.

Acolyte: Faggio Nocero–Sargent

Lay Readers: TJ Walch, Jim Rudd

Chalicists: Don Nancarrow, Elizabeth Wagner-Weber

Tech & Facebook Live: Gary Welch, Katherine Wagner

Ushers: Tony Rubino, Jim Rudd

Counters: Dave Reuter, Jim Rudd

Open/Close: Wagner/Reuter

July Altar Guild: Janet Reuter & the Welch Family

Coffee Hour: Steve Hurd

August 2, 2026

Pentecost-4

Joint Worship at 10am — St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

Readings:

Genesis 32:22-31; Psalm 17:1-7,16
Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21

Celebrant: The Rev. Jean Vargo

Deacon: The Rev. George Snyder

Organist: Percy Jones, Jr.

Acolyte: Elizabeth Wagner-Weber

Lay Readers: Laura Leach, Judy Rudd

Chalicists: Jim Rudd, Judy Rudd

Tech & Facebook Live: TJ Walch, Katherine Wagner

Ushers: Dave Reuter, Wayne Harper

Counters: Janet Reuter, Tony Rubino

Open/Close: Wagner/Rubino

August Altar Guild: Norma Peachey & Ginny Tuxhorn

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Announcements for the Week of July 26

The CANDLE in the Sanctuary Lamp shines brightly over the Parish of St. Mark’s as we keep the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost.

The ALTAR FLOWERS are given by Natalie Reeser and the Phillips Family in honor of Ann’s 90^th birthday.

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.

Next Sunday, August 2, is CARE House Sunday, and they can use our help! Snack 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.

The 2026 Ohio Sales Tax Holiday is scheduled for Friday, August 7 — Sunday, August 9. This three-day event provides a full weekend to save on essential school-related purchases. The back-to-school holiday applies to all items of clothing priced at $75 or less, school supplies priced at $20 or less, and school instructional materials priced at $20 or less. There’s no limit on the amount of the total purchase. The qualification is determined item by item.

The Sign-Up Sheets for COFFEE HOUR, ALTAR FLOWERS, and SANCTUARY LAMP have plenty of spaces available on the bulletin board next to the Office! There are plenty of Sundays that need a Coffee Hour host, so sign up to celebrate with your church family before the service. The Sanctuary Lamp candles are $7.50 per week, and the Altar Flowers $40 per week (and are yours to keep!) We will make sure all requests are listed in the bulletin.

JOINT Worship Services/Events for St. Mark’s and St. Paul’s

Sunday, Aug 2 – Outreach Project and Joint Worship Service at St. Mark’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.

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.

May the Spirit of God inspire and guide you.