A Celebration of Holy Eucharist

Fourth Sunday in Lent

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

Dayton, Ohio, March 14, 2021, 10:30 AM

If you’re new to St. Mark’s please see an usher for a welcome packet, so we might acknowledge your visit and include you on our mailing list. Restrooms are located in the Narthex, to the right as you enter the building.

Throughout the service, the people’s responses are in italics; directions are in bold italics.

PRELUDE

“Deck thyself, my soul with gladness” 1982 Hymnal, #339

You are invited to read the text of this hymn though singing is prohibited

GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

SILENT PROCESSIONAL: Please stand

The Penitential Order

Celebrant: Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins. His mercy endures for ever.

Celebrant: Let us bow down before the Lord. Please kneel or sit.

THE DECALOGUE:

Celebrant: Hear the commandments of God to his people: I am the Lord your God who brought you out of bondage. You shall have no other gods but me. Amen, Lord have mercy.

You shall not make for yourself any idol. Amen, Lord have mercy.

You shall not invoke with malice the Name of the Lord your God. Amen, Lord have mercy.

Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. Amen, Lord have mercy.

Honor your father and your mother. Amen, Lord have mercy.

You shall not commit murder. Amen, Lord have mercy.

You shall not commit adultery. Amen, Lord have mercy.

You shall not steal. Amen, Lord have mercy.

You shall not be a false witness. Amen, Lord have mercy.

You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor. Amen, Lord have mercy.

THE CONFESSION:

Celebrant: Let us confess our sins to God and our neighbor.

All: 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: Our Lord Jesus Christ has bestowed power and commandment to his ministers to declare and pronounce to those who are truly repentant, absolution and remission of sin. Therefore, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, be reconciled to God through grace and “go and sin no more.” Amen.

COLLECT OF THE DAY: Please remain standing

Celebrant: The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray.

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

SONG OF PRAISE: Please remain standing; organ plays while congregation recites the prayer

“Jesus, Lamb of God” 1982 Hymnal, #S-164

All: Jesus, Lamb of God: have mercy on us.

Jesus, bearer of our sins: have mercy on us.

Jesus, redeemer, redeemer of the world:

give us your peace, give us your peace.

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF NUMBERS: Please be seated

Reader: From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.” Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.” So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live. (21:4-9)

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

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF PSALMS: Please stand

Reader: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

All: and his mercy endures for ever.

Let all those whom the Lord has redeemed proclaim

that he redeemed them from the hand of the foe.

He gathered them out of the lands;

from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.

Reader: Some were fools and took to rebellious ways;

All: they were afflicted because of their sins.

They abhorred all manner of food and drew near to death’s door.

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.

Reader: He sent forth his word and healed them and saved them from the grave.

All: Let them give thanks to the Lord for his mercy and the wonders he does for his children.

Let them offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving and tell of his acts with shouts of joy.

(PS 107:1-3, 17-22)

Please be seated

A READING FROM THE FIRST LETTER OF PAUL TO THE EPHESIANS:

Reader: You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. (2:1-10)

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

MUSICAL MEDITATION:

“Through Adam’s fall, all were corrupted” Gottfried Homilius

THE GOSPEL: Please stand

Celebrant: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Celebrant: Jesus said, “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.” (3:14-21 )

Celebrant: The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ

THE SERMON: Please be seated

THE NICENE CREED: Please stand

All: 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 worshipped 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: Please stand or kneel

Reader: Gathered by the Holy Spirit and renewed in the Word, let us pray to our merciful God for the needs of the world.

Reader: We pray for your church as it welcomes the lost, that the forgiveness and steadfast love made known in Jesus Christ may meet us in word, meal, and mission. Merciful God, hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray for the creation filled with your goodness and for all who tend it, that seeds planted in springtime may produce a rich harvest to be shared with a hungry world. Merciful God, hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray for the world ruled in righteousness, that peoples alienated by fear and war may be reconciled and sit down at one table in peace. Merciful God, hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray for the lonely, the estranged, and those battling addictions, that you will come to the aid of all who suffer in body, mind or spirit; we remember those named on the parish prayer list. Merciful God, hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray for the families of this congregation and all families, that trusting in your care, they make their homes places of forgiveness and nurture. Merciful God, hear our prayer.

Reader: We give thanks for the saints of every time and place, that the great welcome they receive may strengthen us with hope for life in the midst of death. Merciful God, hear our prayer.

Celebrant: Receive these, our prayers, O God, for the sake of Jesus Christ who restores us to life. Amen.

THE PASSING OF THE PEACE: Please stand

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

The congregation offers the peace of God to one another.

OFFERTORY SENTENCE:

Celebrant: All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own, have we given thee. Amen.

Thank you for your generous weekly gifts.

The day-to-day mission and ministry of St. Mark’s is funded primarily

by gifts received in the offering plate each week.

MUSICAL MEDITATION AT THE OFFERTORY: Please be seated

“Amazing grace” Soloist: Laura Leach 1982 Hymnal, #671

PRAYER FOR THE OFFERING OF THE PEOPLE: Please stand

All: Most Holy God, the author of life and creator of all that is, receive and bless my offering this day; that the currency of worldly value may become the currency of transformation through the worship and work of this community. Amen.

The Liturgy of the Table

To receive the sacrament, which will be given in one kind only, please line up in the center aisle keeping at least six feet between households; at your turn approach the Celebrant, who will use tongs to safely distribute the host to you. Return to your seat via the side aisles. If you prefer a gluten-free host, please notify an usher prior to the service.

Those not receiving the sacrament are invited to come forward for a blessing; cross your arms across your chest to indicate this to the Celebrant who will administer the blessing from a safe distance and without touch.

If you are unsure about receiving the sacrament please make an appointment with The Rev. MacGregor who would be delighted to speak with you.

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER A: Please remain standing

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 God 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. You bid your faithful people cleanse their hearts, and prepare with joy for the Pascal feast; that, fervent in prayer and in works of mercy, and renewed by your Word and Sacraments, they may come to the fullness of grace which you have prepared for those who love you.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

THE SANCTUS:

All: 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.

You may stand or kneel

Celebrant: Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world. On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, 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 we proclaim the mystery of faith:

All: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

Celebrant: We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. +Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom. All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. 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.

THE LORD’S PRAYER:

All: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name,

your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD:

Celebrant Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the feast.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION:

Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the People of God.

The people may now come forward to receive the Sacrament.

THE PRAYER OF RECEPTION FOR THOSE PARTICIPATING ONLINE:

(to be said by those at home)

Blessed Jesus, with your faithful people at every altar of your church where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, I offer my praise and thanksgiving. Since I cannot receive you today in the Sacrament of your Body and Blood, I ask you to come spiritually into my heart. Cleanse and strengthen me with your grace, Lord Jesus, and let me never be separated from you. May I live in you, and you in me, in this life and the life to come. Amen.

MUSICAL MEDITATION: Please be seated.

“Be still my soul, for God is near” 1982 Hymnal, #23

You are invited to read the text of this hymn though singing is prohibited

POST COMMUNION PRAYER: Please stand.

Celebrant: Let us pray.

All: 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:

Celebrant: ….. +And may the blessing . . .

DISMISSAL:

Celebrant: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE:

“Lift high the Cross” 1982 Hymnal, #473

You are invited to read the text of this hymn though singing is prohibited

THE CANDLE IN THE SANCTUARY LAMP is given by the Bertas in thanksgiving for the birth of their great-granddaughter, Ada Leinberger.

GROUNDED IN COMMUNITY

THIS SUNDAY – 4 LENT– HOLY EUCHARIST – MARCH 14:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Lay Eucharist Ministers: Readers: OT/PS: Jim Rudd; EP/POP: Elizabeth Wagner

CH: NA (until further notice)

Acolyte: Gary and Stephanie Welch

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Counters: Carol Nancarrow, Dave Reuter

Altar Guild: Mary-Anna Welch, Stephanie Welch, Janet Reuter

Altar Flowers: NA (Lent)

Coffee Host: NA (until further notice)

NEXT SUNDAY – 5 LENT– HOLY EUCHARIST – MARCH 21:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Lay Eucharist Ministers: Readers: OT/PS: Carol Williamson; EP/POP: Judy Rudd

CH: NA (until further notice)

Acolyte: Gary and Stephanie Welch

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Counters: Gary Welch, Carol Nancarrow

Altar Guild: Mary-Anna Welch, Stephanie Welch, Janet Reuter

Altar Flowers: NA (Lent)

Coffee Host: NA (until further notice)

Events at St. Mark’s this Week

THIS SUNDAY (4 Lent, March 14): HOLY EUCHARIST, 10:30am, in person and on Facebook Live

MONDAY: SAA MEETING, 6:30am, Lounge; AA MEETING, 7:30pm, Parish Hall

TUESDAY: TOPS MEETING, 10am, Brides’ Room

WEDNESDAY: STAFF MEETING, 9:30-10am, Office

THURSDAY: VESTRY MEETING, 6:30pm, Zoom; SAA MEETING, 7:30pm, Lounge; LENTEN STORY SHARING CIRCLES, 7-8:30pm, Zoom.

FRIDAY: STAFF MEETING, 9:30-10am, Office

SATURDAY: NEEDMORE SOBRIETY MEETING, 10:30am, Parish Hall; AA MEETING, 7:30pm, Parish Hall

SUNDAY (5 Lent, March 21): HOLY EUCHARIST, 10:30am, in person and on Facebook Live.

Places to be, things to do

DAY OF CHANGE is TODAY. There is a special basket for your contribution to this collection, which goes to the St Paul’s UMC Food Pantry.

THE NEXT VESTRY MEETING will be Thursday, March 18 at 6:30pm, via Zoom. Contact the office if you would like to join the Zoom meeting.

HUNGER SUNDAY is March 21. There are boxes in the Narthex for non-perishable items for the St Paul’s UMC Food Pantry.

STORY SHARING CIRCLES: You are invited to join in a Lenten Story Sharing Series each Thursday throughout Lent, from 7-8:30pm on Zoom. Register online on the DSO website.

THE COMMUNICATIONS TEAM meets in the Lounge every other Friday. Discussion topics include both internal and external communications. The next meeting is Friday, March 26.

The Community of St. Mark’s Classifieds

LENTEN MATERIALS are available in the Narthex. Check out our Facebook page and Constant Contact for more Lenten practice ideas.

SOCIAL MEDIA: If you are on social media, please help us get the word out about what’s happening at St. Mark’s. Please remember to “like” our Facebook page, and share the posts!

ALTAR FLOWERS FOR 2021: The flower schedule is posted in the Narthex. The cost is still only $30, and you keep the arrangement. What a great way to celebrate a special occasion or honor a loved one!

EASTER FLOWERS: envelopes are available for this special collection.

THE SANCTUARY LAMP schedule is also in the Narthex. It costs only $5 per week to have the lamp dedicated to someone you love.

VESTRY MINTUTES: The minutes of the February vestry meeting are available in hard copy in the Narthex.

Lesser Feasts and Fasts

RECOMMENDED FEAST DAY TO OBSERVE: Wednesday, March 17 is the Lesser Feast of Patrick, who was born into a Christian family somewhere on the northwest coast of Britain in about 390. His grandfather had been a Christian priest and his father, Calpornius, a deacon., was also an important official in the late Roman imperial government of Britain. It was not unusual in this post-Constantinian period for such state officials to be in holy orders. When Patrick was about sixteen, he was captured by a band of Irish slave-raiders. He was carried off to Ireland and forced to serve as a shepherd. When he was about twenty-one, he escaped and returned to Britain, where he was educated as a Christian. He tells us that he took holy orders as both presbyter and bishop, although no particular see is known as his at this time. A vision then called him to return to Ireland. This he did about the year 431. Tradition holds that Patrick landed not far from the place of his earlier captivity, near what is now known as Downpatrick (a down or dun is a fortified hill, the stronghold of a local Irish king). He then began a remarkable process of missionary conversion throughout the country that continued until his death, probably in 461. He made his appeal to the local kings and through them to their tribes. Christianizing the old pagan religion as he went, Patrick erected Christian churches over sites already regarded as sacred, had crosses carved on old druidic pillars, and put sacred wells and springs under the protection of Christian saints. Almighty God, in your providence you chose your servant Patrick to be the apostle of the Irish people, to bring those who were wandering in darkness and error to the true light and knowledge of you: Grant us so to walk in that light that we may come at last to the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Holy Women, Holy Men)

Prayers for the Week of March 14:

FOR PEACE. For those who have died; For the homeless who suffer from exposure during the winter months; For all those addicted to heroin, remembering especially those who died this week from overdose; For all those who have committed suicide; For all our brothers and sisters who have died by violence around the world; For our enemies; For the safety of all American military and civilian personnel where ever they serve; For those who struggle with the basic necessities of life after natural catastrophic events, especially those misplaced by earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, drought, fire, mudslides, and tornadoes; For the millions of refuges worldwide who wander the lands of the earth and who suffering is greater than we can ever know, may they find rest and peace in their unending trial; For those serving in the Armed Forces; and for the safety of all American men and women serving in harm’s way around the world;

For those in our prayer cycles: in the Anglican cycle of prayer, we pray for the Anglican Church of Chile; in the Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for Ascension/Holy Trinity in Wyoming, Christ Church in Springfield, and Trinity in Hamilton; in our Parish cycle of prayer, Rob, Eva, Madeline, and Elizabeth Reutter, Tony, Kendall, and Justin Rubino, and Megan Rubino and Adam and Addison Oiler; For those celebrating March birthdays: Patricia Tallman (3/2), Eric Harvey (3/3), Juanita Limes (3/6), Dave Apple (3/7), Adam and Addison Oiler (3/16), Elizabeth Reuter (3/21); For those on our parish prayer list: Carolyn, Howard, Ruby, Kirby, George, the Darnell Family, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Carmen, Joanne, Mary, Vern; For those who suffer from illness, grief, or any other adversity: Alexis – the Reuters’ niece; Ann & Donna, – friends of the Bertas; Bisi & Bitrus – friends of Joanne Stearns; Carl – friend of the Welches; Carol – friend of the Rubinos; Carrie & Stefani – Susan Kendall’s daughters; Cassie & Debbie – friends of the Tallmans; Chip – Jim Rudd’s step-mother; Chris & family – friends of the Reuters; Clara – Pat Tallman’s cousin; Danielle – Jenna Walch’s sister; David – Vern Hogden’s son; Debbie – friend of the Tallmans; Emily – Ann Phillips’ niece; Emma, Lowell, & the Burton Family – friends of Juanita Limes and the Darnells; Gary – Dave Reuter’s brother; Helen C – Wayne Harper’s mother in law; Jaime & Ryan – Linda Stagles’ daughter & son-in-law; James – Linda Stagles’ brother; Jane – friends of the Tallmans; Jose & Elena – friends of the Welches; Joe – friend of the Bertas; Katie – friend of the Reuters; Keith & Jeff – friends of Jim Larsen; Leah & family – friend of Elizabeth Wagner; Leslie – friend of Juanita Limes; Margaret – Rowena MacGregor’s mother; Mary – friend of the Wagners; Nanci – friend of the Larsens; Renea – friend of Juanita and Lisa; Roberta – Tracey Swartz’ mother; Ron – friend of Ruby Webster; Steve & Debi – friends of Linda Stagles; Sue & Tom – friends of the Phillips’; Tonia – Juanita Limes’ daughter-in-law; Tony – Judy Rudd’s brother; Tracy – friend of the parish.

For faithful animal companions and those who care for them; For the mission work of this congregation: CARE House, Canterbury Court, St Paul’s UMC Food Pantry, and for the non-profit groups who use our Community Building; For our Diocesan Bishops: The Rt. Rev. Kenneth Price, the Rt. Rev. Nedi Rivera, and the Rt. Rev. Wendell Gibbs, and for the search process to call a new bishop; For our Presiding Bishop, The Most Rev. Michael Curry; For all postulants and candidates for holy orders in this Diocese.

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For more announcements, click HERE.

To read a copy of the February 18, 2021 Vestry Minutes, click HERE

(NOTE: Password Protected: Contact Dave or Katherine for Password.)

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