Palm Sunday (Yr B) Mar 28, 2021

 

A Celebration of Holy Eucharist

The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday

 

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

Dayton, Ohio, March 28, 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

“All glory, laud, and honor”                                                                                                         1982 Hymnal, #154

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

 

 

GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS   

 

The Liturgy of the Palms

Please stand

Celebrant:       +Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.

People:             Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.

Celebrant:       Let us pray. Assist us mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

A READING FROM THE GOSPEL OF  MARK:

Celebrant:  When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!  Hosanna in the highest heaven!”  Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.                                                                                                                                                                (11:1-11)

 

Celebrant:  The Lord be with you.  And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.  It is right to give God thanks and praise.   It is right to praise you, Almighty God, for the acts of love by which you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  On this day he entered the holy city of Jerusalem in triumph, and was proclaimed as King of kings by those who spread their garments and branches of palm along his way.  Let these branches be for us signs of his victory, and grant that we who bear them in his name may ever hail him as our King, and follow him in the way that leads to eternal life; who lives and reigns in glory with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever.  Amen.

Celebrant:  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.  Hosanna in the highest.

 

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF PSALMS:    

Celebrant:  Give thanks to the LORD,

All: for he is good; his mercy endures for ever.  Let Israel now proclaim, “His mercy endures for ever.”  Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter them;  I will offer thanks to the LORD.  “This is the gate of the LORD; he who is righteous may enter.”

I will give thanks to you, for you answered me and have become my salvation.  The same stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.  This is the LORD’S doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes. On this day the LORD has acted; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Hosannah, LORD, hosannah! LORD, send us now success.  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord;  we bless you from the house of the LORD.  God is the LORD; he has shined upon us;  form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar.  “You are my God, and I will thank you; you are my God, and I will exalt you.”  Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his mercy endures for ever.                        (PS 118:1-2, 19-29)

 

COLLECT OF THE DAY

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.  And also with you.  Let us pray. Almighty and ever living God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

 

Please remain standing; organ plays while congregation recites the prayer                               

SONG OF PRAISE:     

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.

 

 

Please be seated

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ISAIAH

Reader: The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens– wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious,  I did not turn backward. I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting. The Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. It is the Lord GOD who helps me; who will declare me guilty?                                                                                                                         (50:4-9a)

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

Please stand 

 

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF PSALMS

Reader: Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble;

All:  my eye is consumed with sorrow, and also my throat and my belly.

For my life is wasted with grief, and my years with sighing;

my strength fails me because of affliction, and my bones are consumed.

I have become a reproach to all my enemies and even to my neighbors,

a dismay to those of my acquaintance; when they see me in the street they avoid me.

 

Reader: I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind;

All:  I am as useless as a broken pot.

For I have heard the whispering of the crowd; fear is all around;

they put their heads together against me; they plot to take my life.

 

Reader: But as for me, I have trusted in you, O Lord.

All: I have said, “You are my God. My times are in your hand;

 rescue me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.

Make your face to shine upon your servant, and in your loving-kindness save me.” 

                                                                                                                                                 (PS 31:9-16)

 

Please be seated

A READING FROM PAUL’S LETTER TO THE PHILLIPIANS

Reader: Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death– even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.                                                                                                                      (2:5-11)

 

Please stand    

CANTICLE:

All: You are God: we praise you; You are the Lord; we acclaim you; You are the eternal Father:  All creation worships you.  To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:  Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.  The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.  The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.  Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you; Father, of majesty unbounded,  your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide. You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father.  When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin’s womb.  You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.  You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.  We believe that you will come and be our judge.  Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood,  and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.            (Canticle 21)

Please be seated until directed to stand

 

THE PASSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO MARK :

Narrator It was two days before the Passover and the festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him; for they said, ‘Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people.’ While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. But some were there who said to one another in anger, ‘Why was the ointment wasted in this way? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.’ And they scolded her. But Jesus said,

Jesus ‘Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.’

Narrator Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. When they heard it, they were greatly pleased, and promised to give him money. So he began to look for an opportunity to betray him. On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, his disciples said to him, ‘Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?’ So he sent two of his disciples, saying to them,

Jesus ‘Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, “The Teacher asks, Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?” He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.’

Narrator So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, he came with the twelve. And when they had taken their places and were eating, Jesus said,

Jesus ‘Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.’

Narrator They began to be distressed and to say to him one after another, ‘Surely, not I?’ He said to them,

Jesus ‘It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the bowl with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.’

Narrator While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said,

Jesus ‘Take; this is my body.’

Narrator Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them,

Jesus ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.’

Narrator When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. And Jesus said to them,

Jesus ‘You will all become deserters; for it is written, “I will strike the shepherd,  and the sheep will be scattered.”  But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.’

Narrator Peter said to him,

Peter ‘Even though all become deserters, I will not.’

Narrator Jesus said to him,

Jesus ‘Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.’

Narrator But he said vehemently,

Peter ‘Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.’

Narrator And all of them said the same. They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples,

Jesus ‘Sit here while I pray.’

Narrator He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them,

Jesus ‘I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.’

Narrator And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said,

Jesus ‘Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.’

Narrator He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter,

Jesus ‘Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray

that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’

Narrator And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. He came a third time and said to them,

Jesus ‘Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.’

Narrator Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying,

Judas ‘The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.’

Narrator So when he came, he went up to him at once and said,

Judas ‘Rabbi!’

Narrator and kissed him. Then they laid hands on him and arrested him. But one of those who stood near drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to them,

Jesus ‘Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.’

Narrator All of them deserted him and fled. A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked. They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, ‘We heard him say, “I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.” ’ But even on this point their testimony did not agree. Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus,

High Priest ‘Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?’

Narrator But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him,

High Priest ‘Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?’

Narrator Jesus said,

Jesus ‘I am; and “you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power”, and “coming with the clouds of heaven.” ’

Narrator Then the high priest tore his clothes and said,

High Priest ‘Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?’

Narrator All of them condemned him as deserving death. Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, ‘Prophesy!’ The guards also took him over and beat him. While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said,

Servant girl ‘You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.’

Narrator But he denied it, saying,

Peter ‘I do not know or understand what you are talking about.’

Narrator And he went out into the forecourt. Then the cock crowed. And the servant-girl, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders,

Servant girl ‘This man is one of them.’

Narrator But again he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, ‘Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean.’ But he began to curse, and he swore an oath,

Peter ‘I do not know this man you are talking about.’

Narrator At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him,

Jesus ‘Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.’

Narrator And he broke down and wept. As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate asked him,

Pilate “Are you the King of the Jews?”

Narrator    He answered him,

Jesus “You say so.”

Narrator    Then the chief priests accused him of many things.  Pilate asked him again,

Pilate “Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.”

Narrator    But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed.  Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked.  Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection.  So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom.  Then he answered them,

Pilate “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?”

Narrator    For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over.  But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. Pilate spoke to them again,

Pilate “Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 

Narrator    They shouted back, “Crucify him!”  Pilate asked them,

Pilate “Why, what evil has he done?”

Narrator     But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!”  So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.  Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort.  And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him.  And they began saluting him, “Hail, King of the Jews!”  They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him.  After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus.  Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull).                                                        Please stand.

And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it.  And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take.  It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him.  The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.”  And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left.  Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying,  “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!”  In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself.  Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.”  Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.  When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.  At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice,

Jesus   “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?”

Narrator    which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”  When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, Listen, he is calling for Elijah.” And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.

Silence may be kept

And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.  Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said,

Roman Centurion “Truly this man was God’s Son!”

Narrator    There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.  These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.  When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.  Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time.  When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph.  Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.  Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid.

                                                                                                                                                                             (14:1-15:47)

 

Please be seated

MUSICAL MEDITATION:    

“Beneath the cross of Jesus”        Soloist: Laura Leach                                                       1982 Hymnal, #498

 

The Sermon, Creed and Confession have been omitted according to the customary for Palm Sunday. (The Prayers of the People are included in Eucharistic Prayer D below.)

 

Please stand

THE PASSING OF THE PEACE:  

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.

 

Please be seated

MUSICAL MEDITATION AT THE OFFERTORY:    

“Have mercy  Lord, my sins forgive”                                                                           J.S. Bach

 

Please stand

PRAYER FOR THE OFFERING OF THE PEOPLE: 

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.

 

Please remain standing

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER D

 

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

Celebrant: Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.

Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.

 

Celebrant: It is truly right to glorify you, Father, and to give you thanks; for you alone are God, living and true, dwelling in light inaccessible from before time and for ever.  Fountain of life and source of all goodness, you made all things and fill them with your blessing; you created them to rejoice in the splendor of your radiance.  Countless throngs of angels stand before you to serve you night and day; and, beholding the glory of your presence, they offer you unceasing praise. Joining with them, and giving voice to every creature under heaven, we acclaim you, and glorify your Name, as we sing,

 

 

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:  We acclaim you, holy Lord, glorious in power. Your mighty works reveal your wisdom and love. You formed us in your own image, giving the whole world into our care, so that, in obedience to you, our Creator, we might rule and serve all your creatures. When our obedience took us far from you, you did not abandon us to the power of death. In your mercy you came to our help, so that in seeking you we might find you. Again and again you called us into covenant with you, and through the prophets you taught us to hope for salvation.  Father, you loved the world so much that in the fullness of time you sent your only Son to be our Savior. Incarnate by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, he lived as one of us, yet without sin. To the poor he proclaimed the good news of salvation; to prisoners, freedom; to the sorrowful, joy. To fulfill your purpose he gave himself up to death; and, rising from the grave, destroyed death, and made the whole creation new. And, that we might live no longer for ourselves, but for him who died and rose for us, he sent the Holy Spirit, his own first gift for those who believe, to complete his work in the world, and to bring to fulfillment the sanctification of all.

 

When the hour had come for him to be glorified by you, his heavenly Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end; at supper with them he 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.”

 

Most Holy God, we now celebrate this memorial of our redemption. Recalling Christ’s death and his descent among the dead, proclaiming his resurrection and ascension to your right hand, awaiting his coming in glory; and offering to you, from the gifts you have given us, this bread and this cup, we praise you and we bless you.

 

All: We praise you, we bless you, we give thanks to you, and we pray to you, Lord our God.

 

Celebrant:  Lord, we pray that in your goodness and mercy your Holy Spirit may descend upon us, and upon these gifts, sanctifying them and showing them to be holy gifts for your holy people, the bread of life and the cup of salvation, the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Grant that all who share this bread and cup may become one body and one spirit, a living sacrifice in Christ, to the praise of your Name.

 

Reader: Remember, Lord, your one holy catholic and apostolic Church, redeemed by the blood of your Christ. Reveal its unity, guard its faith, and preserve it in peace. (Pause for additional petitions from the people)

Reader: Remember all who minister in your Church. (Pause for additional petitions from the people)

Reader: Remember all your people and those who seek your truth. (Pause for additional petitions from the people)

Reader: Remember this nation and all who govern and hold authority. (Pause for additional petitions from the people)

Reader: Remember all who suffer from illness or any adversity. (Pause for additional petitions from the people)

Reader: Remember all who have died in the peace of Christ, and those whose faith is known to you alone; bring them into the place of eternal joy and light.  (Pause for additional petitions from the people)

 

Celebrant: And grant that we may find our inheritance with all the saints who have found favor with you in ages past. We praise you in union with them and give you glory through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, all honor and glory are yours, Almighty God and Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever.  Amen.

 

Please stand

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.

 

Please be seated

MUSICAL MEDITATION: 

“O sacred head, sore wounded”                                                                                              1982 Hymnal, #168

 

Please stand

POST COMMUNION PRAYER

Celebrant:  Let us pray. 

All:  Almighty and eternal God, you have restored us to life by the triumphant death and resurrection of Christ. Continue this healing work within us. May we who partake of this mystery never cease to love you Amen.                                     (adapted from A New Zealand Prayer Book)

 

Celebrant:  THE BLESSING:

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

 

 

DISMISSAL:

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

 

 

POSTLUDE:

“Ride on, ride on in majesty”                                                                                                            1982 Hymnal, #156

 

 

THE CANDLE IN THE SANCTUARY LAMP  is given by Rowena MacGregor in celebration of her daughter, Zoe Gibbons MacGregor’s birthday.

 

 

 

GROUNDED IN COMMUNITY

 

THIS SUNDAY — PALM SUNDAY HOLY EUCHARIST – MARCH 28:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Lay Eucharist Ministers: Readers: OT/PS: Don Nancarrow; EP/POP: Jim Rudd

AcolytesGary and Stephanie Welch

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Counters: Dave Reuter, Mary-Anna Welch

Ushers: Dave Reuter, Jim Rudd

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

Altar Flowers: NA (Lent) 

Coffee Host: NA (until further notice)

 

 

NEXT SUNDAY – EASTER SUNDAY HOLY EUCHARIST –  APRIL 4:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Lay Eucharist Ministers: Readers: OT/PS: Don Nancarrow; EP/POP: Jim Rudd

Acolyte: Elizabeth Wagner

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Counters: Jim Rudd,  Carol Nancarrow

Ushers:  Dave Reuter, Ginny Tuxhorn

Altar Guild: Norma Peachey, Ginny Tuxhorn

Altar Flowers: Easter 

Coffee Host: Carol Nancarrow

 

 

Events at St. Mark’s this Week

THIS SUNDAY (Palm Sunday, March 28): 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:STAFF MEETING, 9:30-10am, Office; SAA MEETING, 7:30pm, Lounge;

LENTEN STORY SHARING CIRCLES, 7-8:30pm, Zoom.

FRIDAY: GOOD FRIDAY WORSHIP SERVICE, 7pm in person and on Facebook Live.

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

SUNDAY (Easter Sunday, April 4): HOLY EUCHARIST, 10:30am, in person and on Facebook Live.

 

Places to be, things to do

CARE HOUSE SUNDAY is April 4. Donations of small water bottles, healthy snacks, and huggable-sized new stuffed animals are welcome. Monetary donations will be noted on your contribution sheet.

THE COMMUNICATIONS TEAM meets in the Lounge every other Friday.  Discussion topics include both internal and external communications. The next meeting is Friday, April 9.

HOLY WEEK/EASTER SERVICES: Maundy Thursday, April 1: information will be provided about following Cathedral services; Good Friday,  April 2 at 7pm in person at St. Mark’s and on Facebook Live; Easter Sunday, April 4 at 10:30am in person at St. Mark’s and on Facebook Live.

COLLECTION FOR THE CLERGY DISCRETIONARY FUND is today, Sunday, March 28.

GOOD FRIDAY OFFERING: The Good Friday Offering is one way to help connect the love of Christ on the cross with our support of the ongoing ministry of love and compassion carried out by our Anglican sisters and brothers throughout the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East.  Envelopes are in your pledge box; donations taken at the service on Friday, April 2.

 

 

The Community of St. Mark’s Classifieds

EASTER FLOWERS: envelopes are available for this special collection. Please place in the collection plate or return to the office no later than  Wednesday, March 31.

COFFEE HOUR RETURNS! (weather permitting) on Easter Sunday, April 4, outdoors with precautions in place.

VESTRY MINUTES:  the monthly meeting was held on Thursday,  March 18 at 6:30pm, via Zoom.  The minutes will be emailed, and  are also available in hard copy in the Narthex. 

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

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!

 

 

Lesser Feasts and Fasts

RECOMMENDED FEAST DAY TO OBSERVESunday, March 31,  is the Lesser Feast of John Donne. “Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls: It tolls for thee.”  These words are familiar to many; their author, John Donne, though less well known, is one of the greatest of English poets. In his own time, he was the best-known preacher in the Church of England. In 1615, he was persuaded by King James I and others to receive ordination. Following several brief cures, Donne rose rapidly in popularity as Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, from 1622 until his death. He drew great throngs to the Cathedral and to Paul’s Cross, a nearby open-air pulpit. His sermons reflect the wide learning of the scholar, the passionate intensity of the poet, and the profound devotion of one struggling in his own life to relate the freedom and demands of the Gospel to the concerns of a common humanity, on every level, and in all its complexities. Almighty God, the root and fountain of all being: Open our eyes to see, with your servant John Donne, that whatever has any being is a mirror in which we may behold you; 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 28:

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, especially those in Atlanta and Boulder; 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 Hong Kong Anglican Church;  in the Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for Epiphany in Nelsonville, St. James in Cincinnati, and St. Luke in Granville; in our Parish cycle of prayer, we pray for George Snyder, Mary Sones, and Linda Stagles;  For those celebrating April birthdays: Justin Rubino (4/14), Dave Reuter (4/15),  Carol Nancarrow (4/17), TJ Walch (4/17), Matt Kelly (4/27), Scott Kelly (4/30); For those celebrating wedding anniversaries: Wayne and Gail Harper (4/26); 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: Albert – Wayne Harper’s brother; 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: Patricia Rose, Hume Jamison, Jacob Cunliffe, Dan Carlson, Amy Cochran, Phoebe Myhrum, Brice Patterson, Mike Struble, Martha Camele, Maggie Gough, Brad Gough, Jason Davis, Catherine Duffy, Alane Osborne, Libbie Crawford, Gayland Trim.

 

 

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For more announcements, click HERE.

 

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

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

 

 

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937-256-1082

Email: st_marks@ameritech.net

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – noon

 

 

The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor, Priest-In-Charge

570-404-2025   rector@stmarksdayton.org

 

Katherine Wagner, Parish Administrator

parishadmin@stmarksdayton.org

 

Donna Larsen, Music Director

musicdirector@stmarksdayton.org

 

Carol Nancarrow, Senior Warden

Jim Rudd, Junior Warden

wardens@stmarksdayton.org

 

 

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