Easter-6 (Yr B) May 5, 2024

 

 

PRELUDE                  “Love consecrates the humblest acts”         Michael Burkhardt

 

OPENING HYMN          “We plow the fields and scatter”               Hymnal #291

 

1  We plow the fields, and scatter

       the good seed on the land,

   but it is fed and watered

       by God’s almighty hand;

   he sends the snow in winter,

       the warmth to swell the grain,

   the breezes and the sunshine,

       and soft refreshing rain.

 

          All good gifts around us

              are sent from heaven above;

          then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord

              for all his love.

 

2  He only is the Maker

       of all things near and far;

   he paints the wayside flower,

       he lights the evening star;

   the winds and waves obey him,

       by him the birds are fed;

   much more to us, his children,

       he gives our daily bread.

 

                 Refrain

 

3  We thank thee, then, O Father,

       for all things bright and good,

   the seedtime and the harvest,

       our life, our health, our food:

   the gifts we have to offer

       are what thy love imparts,

   but chiefly thou desirest

       our humble thankful hearts.

                  

                 Refrain

 

 

Celebrant        Alleluia. Christ is risen.
      People       The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

 

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

 

HYMN OF PRAISE                          “Canticle 13”                                  Hymn #S 236

 

1. Glory to you, Lord God of our Fathers;

you are worthy of praise; glory to you.

 

2. Glory to you for the radiance of your holy Name;

we will praise you and highly exalt you forever.

 

3. Glory to you in the splendor of your temple;

on the throne of your majesty, Glory to you.

 

4. Glory to you seated before the Cheribim;

we will praise you and highly exalt you forever.

 

5. Glory to you beholding the depths;

in the high vault of heaven.

 

6. Glory to you Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;

we will highly exalt you, Glory to you.

 

 

Celebrant          The Lord be with you.
      People          And also with you

 

Celebrant Let us pray.

O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass
our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you
in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that
we can desire; 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 Lesson         Acts of the Apostles 10:44-48      A Reading from Acts

 

While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word.
The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift
of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them
speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, “Can anyone withhold
the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we
have?” So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they
invited him to stay for several days.

 

The Word of the Lord            People:  Thanks be to God.

 

 

PSALM                   Psalm 98              Please read in responsively

 

1 Sing to the LORD a new song, *
for he has done marvelous things.

 

2 With his right hand and his holy arm *
has he won for himself the victory.

 

3 The LORD has made known his victory; *
his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.

 

4 He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel, *
and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

 

5 Shout with joy to the LORD, all you lands; *
lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.

 

6 Sing to the LORD with the harp, *
with the harp and the voice of song.

 

7 With trumpets and the sound of the horn *
shout with joy before the King, the LORD.

 

8 Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, *
the lands and those who dwell therein.

 

9 Let the rivers clap their hands, *
and let the hills ring out with joy before the LORD,
when he comes to judge the earth.

 

10 In righteousness shall he judge the world *
and the peoples with equity.

 

 

EPISTLE     1 John 5:1-6   A Reading from the first letter of John

 

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone
who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children
of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of
God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not
burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory
that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one
who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

 

This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only
but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the
Spirit is the truth.

 

The Word of the Lord.             Response    Thanks be to God.

 

 

GRADUAL HYMN          “God is love and where true love is”           Hymn #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

 

2 When we Christians gather, members of one Body,

   let there be in us no discord but one spirit.

   Banished now be anger, strife and every quarrel.

   Christ, our God, be always present here among us.

 

   Refrain

 

3 Grant us love’s fulfillment, joy with all the blessèd,

   when we see your face, O Savior, in its glory.

   Shine on us, O purest Light of all creation,

   be our bliss while endless ages sing your praises.

 

   Refrain

 

 

GOSPEL                      John 15: 9-17

 

Gospeler     The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John
People         Glory to you Lord Christ.

 

Jesus said to his disciples, “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you;
abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just
as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said
these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.

 

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one
has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my
friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because
the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you
friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my
Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and
bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him
in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.”

 

The Gospel of the Lord.

 

Response      Praise to you Lord Christ

 

 

SERMON                                                                                         The Rev. Cricket Park

 

THE NICENE CREED

 

We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is, seen and unseen.

 

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,

begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father.

Through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven:

  by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin 

            Mary, and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death

   and was buried.

On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;

     he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the

               Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end.

 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son.

With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.

He has spoken through the Prophets.

 

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

 

 

                     THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

 

The celebration continues with the Prayers of the People. Please keep silence between
the petitions until you are invited to add your own intentions.

 

I ask your prayers for God’s people throughout the world; for Kristin, Ken, Nedi, and
Wendell, our bishops; for this gathering; and for all ministers and people.
Pray for the Church. (Silence)

 

I ask your prayers for peace; for goodwill among nations; and for the well-being of all
people.
Pray for justice and peace. (Silence)

 

I ask your prayers for the poor, the sick, the hungry, the oppressed and those in
prison.
Pray for those in any need or trouble. (Silence)

 

I ask your prayers for all who seek God, or a deeper knowledge of God.
Pray that they may find and be found by God. (Silence)

 

I ask your prayers for the departed. (Silence)
Pray for those who have died.

 

I ask your prayers and thanksgivings (Please add your own petitions silently or aloud.)
Praise God for those in every generation in whom Christ has been honored. Pray that
we may have grace to glorify Christ in our own day.

Celebrant     Hasten, O Father, the coming of your kingdom; and grant that we your
servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in glorious
majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

 

 

THE PEACE  

Celebrant:  The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People:       And also with you.

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

OFFERTORY ANTHEM         “Let all things now living”                   Katherine K Davis

 

PRESENTATION OF GIFTS

 

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 HOLY COMMUNION

 

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
We praise you and we bless you, holy and gracious God, source of life abundant.
From before time you made ready the creation. Your Spirit moved over the deep and
brought all things into being: sun, moon, and stars; earth, winds, and waters; and every
living thing.

 

You made us in your image, and taught us to walk in your ways. But we rebelled
against you, and wandered far away; and yet, as a mother cares for her children, you
would not forget us.

 

Time and again you called us to live in the fullness of your love. And so this day we
join with Saints and Angels in the chorus of praise that rings through eternity, lifting
our voices to magnify you as we sing (say):

 

Celebrant and People                                                                      HYMNAL 1982 #S130

 

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

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Hosanna in the highest.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

Hosanna in the highest.

 

 

                                   The people stand or kneel.

 

Then the Celebrant continues

Glory and honor and praise to you, holy and living God.

 

To deliver us from the power of sin and death and to reveal the riches of your grace,
you looked with favor upon Mary, your willing servant, that she might conceive and
bear a son, Jesus the holy child of God.

 

Living among us, Jesus loved us. He broke bread with outcasts and sinners, healed
the sick and proclaimed good news to the poor. He yearned to draw all the world to
himself yet we were heedless of his call to walk in love. Then, the time came for him to
complete upon the cross the sacrifice of his life, and to be glorified by you.

 

On the night before he died for us, Jesus was at table with his friends. He took bread,
gave thanks to you, broke it, and gave it to them, and said: “Take, eat: This is my
Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

 

As supper was ending, Jesus took the cup of wine. Again, he gave thanks to you,
gave it to them, and said: “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant,
which is poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink
it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

Now gathered at your table, O God of all creation, and remembering Christ, crucified
and risen, who was and is and is to come, we offer to you our gifts of bread and wine,
and ourselves, a living sacrifice. Pour out your Spirit upon these gifts that they may be
the Body and Blood of Christ.

 

Breathe your Spirit over the whole earth and make us your new creation, the Body of
Christ given for the world you have made. In the fullness of time bring us, with Mark
and all your saints, from every tribe and language and people and nation, to feast at
the banquet prepared from the foundation of the world.

 

Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to you be
honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever.  AMEN.

 

As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray,

 

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be
done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and
deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now
and forever. Amen.

 

 

TTHE FRACTION ANTHEM         Be known to us, Lord Jesus     Hymn                 #S75

 

Be known to us Lord Jesus in the breaking of the bread  (Cantor)

Be known to us Lord Jesus in the breaking of the bread

 

The bread which we break alleluia is the communion of the body of Christ (Cantor)

Be known to us Lord Jesus in the breaking of the bread

 

One body are we alleluia for though many we share one bread (Cantor)

Be known to us Lord Jesus in the breaking of the bread

 

(The disciples knew the Lord Jesus in the breaking of the bread.)

 

 

INVITATION TO COMMUNION:

Celebrant    The Gifts of God for the People of God.

 

 

COMMUNION HYMN        “One bread, one body”                       LEVAS #151

 

              One bread, one body, one Lord of all,

              one cup of blessing which we bless.

              And we, though many, throughout the earth,

              We are one body in this one Lord.

 

1  Gentile or Jew, servant or free,

     woman or man, no more.

     One Lord.

 

     Refrain

 

2  Many the gifts, many the works,

     one in the Lord of all.

     One Lord.

 

     Refrain

 

3  Grain for the fields, scattered and grown,

     gathered to one for all.

     One Lord.

 

     Refrain

 

 

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER

Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food
of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and
for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body
of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to
do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses
of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory,
now and for ever.  Amen.

 

 

THE BLESSING

 

The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the
great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make
you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing
in his sight; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.

 

 

RECESSIONAL HYMN              “O Jesus, crowned with all renown”        Hymn #292

          

1  O Jesus, crowned with all renown,

        since thou the earth hast trod,

    thou reignest and by thee come down

        henceforth the gifts of God.

    Thine is the health and thine the wealth

        that in our halls abound,

    and thine the beauty and the joy

        with which the years are crowned.

 

2  Lord, in their change, let frost and heat,

        and winds and dews be given;

    all fostering power, all influence sweet,

        breathe from the bounteous heaven.

    Attemper fair with gentle air

        the sunshine and the rain,

    that kindly earth with timely birth

        may yield her fruits again:

 

3  that we may feed the poor aright,

        and, gathering round thy throne,

    here, in the holy angels’ sight,

        repay thee of thine own:

    That we may praise thee all our days,

        and with the Father’s Name,

    and with the Holy Spirit’s gifts,

        the Savior’s love proclaim.

 

 

DISMISSAL

 

The congregation is dismissed.

Response      Thanks be to God. Alleluia. Alleluia

 

POSTLUDE                 “This joyful Eastertide”                             Alan Bullard

 

 

        Please join us for coffee in the Fellowship Room of the Community Building.

 

 

————————————-

 

 

Welcome to St. Mark’s! During the service, please assume the postures of prayer and
devotion as best suits your ability. If you are able, please stand for the Gospel, singing
hymns, and the prayers. Kneeling and sitting are also appropriate for the prayers of
the people and the Eucharistic prayers. Remember, the posture of your heart is more
important to God than the position of your body.

 

 

Ministry Assignments for May 5, 2024
Acolyte: Elizabeth Reuter
Lay Readers: Judy Rudd and Gabe Walch
Chalice Bearers: Kendall Rubino and Elizabeth Wagner-Weber
Tech Table: Gary Welch
Ushers: Ginny Tuxhorn and Carol Williamson
Counters: Janet Reuter and Tony Rubino
Open/Close: Wagner/Welch
Coffee Hour: Sandy Bultman and Joy Brown
Altar Guild: Carol Nancarrow and Kendall Rubino

 

 

Ministry Assignments for May 12, 2024 Flowering of the Cross
Acolyte: Elizabeth Wagner-Weber
Lay Readers: Jackie Hoskinson and Don Nancarrow
Chalice Bearers: Judy Rudd and Kendall Rubino
Tech Table: TJ Walch
Ushers: Tony Rubino and Wayne Harper
Counters: Dave Reuter and Gary Welch
Open/Close: Wagner/TBA
Coffee Hour: TBA
Flowers: Ann and Howard Phillips in celebration of their 66th wedding anniversary
Candle: Ann and Howard Phillips in memory of all mothers
Altar Guild: Carol Nancarrow and Kendall Rubino

 

We have openings for coffee hour. Please sign up to help on the bulletin board sheets
next to the church office. The sign-ups for flowers and candles are there also.

 

If you are unable to serve on your date, please find your substitute and notify the
church office.

 

Upcoming Events
May 5— Easter 6 – Holy Eucharist, Sunday School, Adult Forum
May 9—ASCENSION DAY
May 12—Easter 7 (Sunday after the Ascension)
May 19—PENTECOST* – Wear RED to church today!
May 26—Trinity Sunday*

 

*Cricket+ will be away May 19 and 26. Please send any items for announcements or
updates for ministry assignments to her today. The bulletins must be done before she
leaves. Thank you for helping!

 

May 12 is FLOWER SUNDAY!
Bring a flower to church next week. We’ll use it to make our flowering cross. During
the opening hymn, come forward to place your flower in the cross frame. The result is
a lovely sign of God’s abundant love. We’ll take our annual parish picture that day also.
Please dress in your “Sunday Best.”

 

Canterbury Court (CCT) Ministry Opportunities
Arts & Crafts Classes: Provide materials and conduct class for “Make it & Take it” classes for 10
residents of CCT at 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. on April 15th and May 20th.
Butterfly Garden Party: Donate annuals, perennials and monetary contributions and weed and
plant gardens on May 24th from 9am – 11am.
Annual Friends Luncheon: Provide soup, sandwiches, and desserts and serve free lunches to
CCT residents on June 25th at 11am.

 

Neighborhood Bridges
According to their website, there are 4 recently homed families who need help getting
settled. Needs range from toiletries (toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, and toilet
papers) to linens (towels, washcloths, blankets, pillows), cleaning products, kitchen
items (cooking pots and pans, plates, and silverware), to furniture. To help, go to
neighborhoodbridges.org/community/madriverlocalschools.

 

Today is CARE House Sunday
Please place donations of snacks, beverages, and huggable stuffed animals in the
green tub in the narthex. Checks and online donations are welcome also.

 

St. Arbuck’s Coffee Ministry
Be a part of local witness to God’s love and St. Mark’s fellowship. Join us at the Starbucks
Café inside the Kroger store across the street. Spend the morning or just stop
by for a few minutes. Evangelism goes down better with a cappuchino! Plus, you can
shop for the St. Paul’s Food Pantry while you’re there!

 

Adult Forum
Sunday mornings may be too early for some. Weekday meetings aren’t possible for
others. So, let’s take it on the road! Rev. Cricket is researching venues for an evening
gathering where we can share a meal and take a look at scripture. We would begin
the second Wednesday in June. It could be Pizza and Prophets? Salsa and Psalms?
Psalms and Schwarma? Stay tuned!

 

Dayton Pride Festival
St. Mark’s will take part, along with other Dayton-area churches, in the annual Dayton
Pride parade and festival. A Christian witness that comes without judgment is the order
of the day. You can volunteer here: www.diosohio.org/volunteer-for-pride/?.

 

 

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                             DSO Rogation Celebration
May 18, 2pm through dinner
Rogation is a season when we ask God to bless the land and all its inhabitants
and every endeavor to promote the common good as a community. All DSO
communities are invited to gather at Procter for an inclusive celebration—joining
everyone together as we commit to playing our part in caring for creation, especially
in the Diocese of Southern Ohio.

 

2:00 pm Rogation Service and beating of the bounds led by Bishop Kristin White
4:00 pm Games, Canoeing, Fishing, Farm Visits and Fellowship
5:00 pm Potluck Picnic – (Procter will provide protein, and churches are invited to
bring side dishes)

 

Email Jerusalem Greer for more information jgreer@proctercenter.org
Please RSVP and select which dish you’re bringing.

 

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St. Mark’s is a parish in the Diocese of Southern Ohio, which is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.