Pentecost-12 (Yr B) Aug 15, 2021

The Celebration of Holy Eucharist

The Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

Dayton, Ohio, August 15, 2021, 10:30 AM

Note: the service is being livestreamed and recorded, and will be available on our Facebook page.

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 email list for weekly updates and information regarding St. Mark’s and the Diocese of Southern Ohio. The RESTROOM is located to the right as you enter the building.

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

PRELUDE:

“Choral: God , Deal With Me According to Your Kindness” Johann Georg Nicolai

GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Please stand for the ringing of the bell and processional.

PROCESSIONAL:

“When morning gilds the skies” (verses 1-3 only) The Hymnal 1982, #427

1 When morning gilds the skies,

my heart, awaking, cries,

may Jesus Christ be praised!

When evening shadows fall,

this rings my curfew call,

may Jesus Christ be praised!

2 When mirth for music longs,

this is my song of songs:

may Jesus Christ be praised!

God’s holy house of prayer

hath none that can compare

with: Jesus Christ be praised!

3 No lovelier antiphon

in all high heaven is known

than, Jesus Christ be praised!

There to the eternal Word

the eternal psalm is heard:

may Jesus Christ be praised!

The Liturgy of the Word

Please remain standing

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

COLLECT OF THE DAY:

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

SONG OF PRAISE:

“Hosanna to the living Lord” The Hymnal 1982, #486

Hosanna to the living Lord! Hosanna to the incarnate Word! To Christ, Creator, Savior, King, let earth, let heaven, hosanna sing! Hosanna Lord! Hosanna in the highest!

Please be seated

A READING FROM THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS:

Reader: David slept with his ancestors, and was buried in the city of David. The time that David reigned over Israel was forty years; he reigned seven years in Hebron, and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David; and his kingdom was firmly established. Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David; only, he sacrificed and offered incense at the high places. The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the principal high place; Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I should give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor all your life; no other king shall compare with you. If you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your life.” (2:10-12; 3:3-14)

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

Please stand

A READING FROM BOOK OF PSALMS:

Reader: Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.

All: Great are the deeds of the Lord! they are studied by all who delight in them. His work is full of majesty and splendor, and his righteousness endures for ever.

Reader: He makes his marvelous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.

All: He gives food to those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant. He has shown his people the power of his works in giving them the lands of the nations.

Reader: The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice; all his commandments are sure.

All: They stand fast for ever and ever, because they are done in truth and equity. He sent redemption to his people; he commanded his covenant for ever; holy and awesome is his Name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; those who act accordingly have a good understanding; his praise endures for ever. (PS 111)

Please be seated

A READING FROM PAUL’S LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS:

Reader: Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (5:5-15)

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

Please stand

GRADUAL:

“Singing songs of expectation” (verse 1) The Hymnal 1982, #527

1 Singing songs of expectation,

onward goes the pilgrim band,

through the night of doubt and sorrow,

marching to the promised land.

Clear before us through the darkness

gleams and burns the guiding light:

trusting God we march together

stepping fearless through the night.

THE GOSPEL:

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

People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Celebrant: Jesus said, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.” (6:51-58)

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

GRADUAL:

“Singing songs of expectation” (verses 2 & 3) The Hymnal 1982, #527

2 One the light of God’s own presence,

o’er his ransomed people shed,

chasing far the gloom and terror,

brightening all the path we tread:

one the object of our journey,

one the faith which never tires,

one the earnest looking forward,

one the hope our God inspires.

3 One the strain the lips of thousands

lift as from the heart of one;

one the conflict, one the peril,

one the march in God begun:

one the gladness of rejoicing

on the far eternal shore,

where the one almighty Father

reigns in love for evermore.

Please be seated

THE SERMON:

Please stand

THE NICENE CREED:

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.

Please stand or kneel

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE:

Reader: We praise and thank you, O Lord, that you have fed us with your Word. Grateful for your gifts to us and mindful of the communion of saints, we offer to you these our common prayers as well as the prayers of our hearts, which are known to you alone.

Reader: Gracious God, we pray for the faithful all over the world, that all who love you may be united in your service. We pray for the Church, for St. Mark’s and for all congregations worshipping and serving Christ and the world in his name. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray for the world: For the peoples and leaders of all nations, that they may be reconciled to one another in pursuit of your justice and peace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray for the oppressed: For victims of injustice, prejudice, wrongful imprisonment or violence, and for the safety of all refugees. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray for those in need because of famine, drought, flood, fire, mudslide, or earthquake, that they may realize hope anew through the love and faithfulness extended to them by strangers. We pray for all faith communities who minister to those whose lives have been affected by such hardships. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray for the whole of creation: For the land, that the soil may heal and microbial life be restored; for the waters, that every sea, lake, river, wetland and tributary may return to life-sustaining health; for the air, that every breath of every being be clean and life-giving; and we respectfully remember the creatures who inhabit these dwellings. Assist us in ordering our lives in concert with the natural rhythms of the earth and use its gifts with reverence and thanksgiving. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray for the future of the human race: Increase our reverence before the mystery of life and give us new insight into your purposes for the people of the earth – a new wisdom and determination in making provision for its future in accordance with your holy and loving will for the whole of creation. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray for all who suffer from physical, mental and emotional unease: For the lonely, those who are afraid and anxious, those experiencing grief and loss, and especially those in this community we remember this day: Howard, Ruby, George, the Darnell Family, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Carmen, Joanne, Mary, and Vern, and those named on the parish prayer list; extend to them strength and courage. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Celebrant: God of compassion, into your hands we commend all for whom we pray, trusting that in you all things are possible. Amen.

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.

Please be seated

BIRTHDAY and ANNIVERSARY PRAYERS:

Please stand

THE PASSING OF THE PEACE:

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

REMAINING IN THEIR PEWS, 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:

“Rejoice, the Lord is King” Soloist: Laura Leach Eugene Butler

Please stand

PRAYER FOR THE OFFERINGS OF THE PEOPLE:

Celebrant: Let us pray.

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.

PRAYER FOR THE GIFTS OF FOOD

Celebrant: Remembering Jesus, who fed friends and strangers on the hillside, accept our gifts of food for the hungry in our community.

Celebrant: United in Christ, instill in us sincere appreciation for the food on our tables and the will to provide for those who are hungry. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten, nor the hope of the poor be taken away.

PRAYER FOR THE DONATIONS FOR CRAYONS TO CLASSROOMS:

Celebrant: All-holy God, source of every blessing: We thank you for the mystery of growing up, the transformation of body, mind, and spirit that brings children to adulthood. We marvel in this and all your works.

Celebrant: We offer our thanks to you O God for lifting up among us a spirit of generosity and outpouring of encouragement of the children of our community. We offer our thanks for the Crayons to Classroom program; that through it we were given an opportunity to share our resources with local schools.

Celebrant: We ask you Lord that the outpouring of these gifts be a blessing to the children who receive them and that they have a creative and productive educational year. Amen.

The Liturgy of the Table

To receive the sacrament, please line up in the center aisle; at your turn approach the Celebrant to receive the Host, and the Eucharistic Minister to receive the wine (intinction only.) 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 C:

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: God of all power, Ruler of the Universe, you are worthy of glory and praise.

People: Glory to you for ever and ever.

Celebrant: At your command all things came to be: the vast expanse of interstellar space, galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses, and this fragile earth, our island home.

People: By your will they were created and have their being.

Celebrant: From the primal elements you brought forth the human race, and blessed us with memory, reason, and skill. You made us the rulers of creation. But we turned against you, and betrayed your trust; and we turned against one another.

People: Have mercy, Lord, for we are sinners in your sight.

Celebrant: Again and again, you called us to return. Through prophets and sages you revealed your righteous Law. And in the fullness of time you sent your only Son, born of a woman, to fulfill your Law, to open for us the way of freedom and peace.

People: By his blood, he reconciled us. By his wounds, we are healed.

Celebrant: And therefore we praise you, joining with the heavenly chorus, with prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and with all those in every generation who have looked to you in hope, to proclaim with them your glory, in their unending hymn:

THE SANCTUS: Wonder, Love, & Praise, #858

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. Hosanna in the highest.

You may stand or kneel

Celebrant: And so, Father, we who have been redeemed by him, and made a new people by water and the Spirit, now bring before you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord. On the night he was betrayed he took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to his friends, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

Celebrant: After supper, he took the cup of wine, gave thanks, 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.”

Celebrant: Remembering now his work of redemption, and offering to you this sacrifice of thanksgiving,

People: We celebrate his death and resurrection, as we await the day of his coming.

Celebrant: Lord God of our Fathers and Mothers; God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, and Rachel; God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: Open our eyes to see your hand at work in the world about us. Deliver us from the presumption of coming to this Table for solace only, and not for strength; for pardon only, and not for renewal. Let the grace of this Holy Communion make us one body, one spirit in Christ, that we may worthily serve the world in his name.

People: Risen Lord, be known to us in the breaking of the Bread.

Celebrant: Accept these prayers and praises, Father, through Jesus Christ our great High Priest, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, your Church gives honor, glory, and worship, from generation to generation. AMEN! (with gusto!)

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: Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!

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 stand

COMMUNION HYMN:

“Draw nigh and take the body of the Lord” The Hymnal 1982, #328

1. Draw nigh and take the Body of the Lord;
And drink the holy Blood for you outpoured.
Saved by His Body, hallowed by His Blood,
With souls refreshed, we render thanks to God.

2. Salvation’s Giver, Christ, the only Son,
By His dear Cross and Blood the victory won.
Offered was He for greatest and for least,
Himself the Victim, and Himself the Priest.

3. Victims were offered by the law of old,
Which in a type celestial mysteries told.
He, Ransomer from death, and Light from shade,
Now gives His Holy grace His saints to aid.

4. Approach ye then with faithful hearts sincere,
And take the pledges of Salvation here.
He, that in this world rules His saints, and shields,
To all believers life eternal yields.

5. With Heavenly Bread makes them that hunger whole,
Gives Living Waters to the thirsting soul.
O Judge of all, our only Savior Thou,
In this Thy feast of love be with us now.

POST COMMUNION PRAYER:

Celebrant: Let us pray. 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 . . .

RECESSIONAL:

“God of grace and God of glory” 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.

4 Save us from weak resignation

to the evils we deplore;

let the gift of thy salvation

be our glory evermore.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,

serving thee whom we adore.

DISMISSAL:

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

POSTLUDE:

“Allegretto Con Grazie” Edward John Hopkins

THE CANDLE IN THE SANCTUARY LAMP remains lighted throughout the week to indicate and honor the eternal presence of Christ. It is dedicated this week by the Wagners, in celebration of Michael and Colleen’s seventh wedding anniversary.

GROUNDED IN COMMUNITY

THIS SUNDAY– PENTECOST 12– HOLY EUCHARIST – AUGUST 15:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Ushers: Dave Reuter, Jim Rudd

Tech: Katherine Wagner, Mary-Anna Welch

Acolytes: Jackie Hoskinson, Elizabeth Wagner

Lay Eucharist Ministers: Readers: OT/PS: Elizabeth Wagner EP/POP: Gary Welch

Chalicists: Carol Williamson, Elizabeth Wagner

Counters: Dave Reuter, Mary-Anna Welch

Altar Guild: Norma Peachey, Ginny Tuxhorn

Coffee Hour: Jim & Jackie Hoskinson

NEXT SUNDAY– PENTECOST 13– HOLY EUCHARIST – AUGUST 22:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Ushers: Ginny Tuxhorn, Tony Rubino

Tech: TBD

Acolyte: TBD

Lay Eucharist Ministers: Readers: OT/PS: Jim Rudd EP/POP: Gary Welch

Chalicists: Kendall Rubino, Don Nancarrow

Counters: Kendall Rubino, Gary Welch

Altar Guild: Norma Peachey, Ginny Tuxhorn

Coffee Hour: OPEN

Altar Flowers: Welch

Sanctuary Lamp: Welch

Events at St. Mark’s this Week

THIS SUNDAY (Pentecost 12, August 15): HOLY EUCHARIST, 10:30am, in person and

on Facebook Live; HUNGER SUNDAY

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

TUESDAY: TOPS MEETING, 10am, Fellowship Room; NA MEETING; 7:30pm, Parish Hall

WEDNESDAY: STAFF MEETING, 9:30am, Office; VESTRY MEETING, 6:30pm via Zoom

THURSDAY: SAA MEETING, 7:30pm, Lounge;

FRIDAY: STAFF MEETING, 9:30am, Office

SATURDAY: HIDDEN GEMS, noon, parking lot; AA MEETING, 7:30pm, Parish Hall

NEXT SUNDAY (Pentecost 13, August 22): HOLY EUCHARIST, 10:30am, in person and

on Facebook Live.

Places to be, things to do

CRAYONS TO CLASSROOMS: Thanks to everyone who donated, and to Justine for organizing this Outreach event for us.

HUNGER SUNDAY IS TODAY: St. Paul’s Food Pantry needs canned meats, veggies, and fruits, pasta and sauce, cereals; financial donations are always welcome and are noted on your contribution sheet.

THE AUGUST VESTRY MEETING: will be held on Wednesday, August 18 via Zoom. Contact the office if you would like the online link.

TAILGATING WITH ST. MARGARET’S: has been postponed until the new wave of Covid passes.

The Community of St. Mark’s Classifieds

ANNOUNCEMENTS: If you and your organization or committee have news that would be appropriate for our pre-service announcements, please send them to Katherine by the close of business the Thursday prior to the Sunday you wish the information shared.

DONATING ONLINE ! On your phone, text the word “give” to 937-932-1082, and it will take you through the steps to set up your account. Contact the office if you have questions.

COFFEE HOUR: held outdoors if the weather permits. A sign-up sheet is on the Narthex bulletin board. Coffee will be made, over the summer months, coffee hour will be hosts only to set up, serve, and clean up! Thanks to our weekly hosts.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Our Facebook page is public, meaning anyone can view it. What we need from you is for you to actually click the “LIKE” button–this affects the algorithm and keeps our posts in the public eye. So please make sure you’ve LIKED us, comment, and share the posts. Thanks!

Lesser Feasts and Fasts

RECOMMENDED FEAST DAY TO OBSERVE: Sunday, August 15 is the Feast of Saint Mary the Virgin, Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Two Gospels tell of the manner of Christ’s birth, and the familiar Christmas story testifies to the Church’s conviction that he was born of a virgin. In Luke’s Gospel, we catch a brief glimpse of Jesus’ upbringing at Nazareth, when the child was wholly in the care of his mother and his foster-father, Joseph. During Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, we learn that Mary was often with the other women who followed Jesus and ministered to his needs. At Calvary, she was among the little band of disciples who kept watch at the cross. After the resurrection, she was to be found with the Twelve in the upper room, watching and praying until the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost. Mary was the person closest to Jesus in his most impressionable years, and the words of the Magnificat bear more than an accidental resemblance to the Lord’s Prayer and the Beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount. While later devotion has claimed many things for Mary which cannot be proved from Holy Scripture, what we can believe is that one who stood in so intimate a relationship with the incarnate Son of God on earth must have the place of highest honor in the eternal life of God.

O God, you have taken to yourself the blessed Virgin Mary, mother of your incarnate Son: Grant that we, who have been redeemed by his blood, may share with her the glory of your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Holy Women, Holy Men)

Prayers for the Week of August 15:

FOR PEACE. For those who have died; For medical professionals, who are suffering from exhaustion and burnout in the midst of the pandemic; For the homeless; 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, remembering especially the recent acts of violence across the nation; For our enemies; For the safety of all American military and civilian personnel where ever they serve, remembering especially all those serving at Wright-Patterson AFB; 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 refugees worldwide who wander the lands of the earth and whose suffering is greater than we can ever know, may they find rest and peace.

For those in our prayer cycles: in the Anglican cycle of prayer, we pray for the Anglican Church of Southern Africa; in the Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for Christ Church Cathedral in Cincinnati, Epiphany in Nelsonville, and Trinity in Bellaire; in our Parish cycle of prayer, we pray for Steve, Tibby, and Will Day, Wayne and Gail Harper, and Eric and Deb Harvey; For those celebrating August birthdays: Ian Leach (8/2), Carly Darnell (8/3), Shanna Harvey (8/5), Jenna Walch (8/9), Ainsley Leach (8/11), Wayne Harper (8/13), and Justine Kelly (8/24); For those celebrating wedding anniversaries: Ian and Laura Leach (8/6), Mike and Sandy Bultman (8/7), Jim and Jackie Hoskinson (8/17), and Gary and Mary-Anna Welch (8/24); For those on our parish prayer list: Howard, Ruby, George, the Darnell Family, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Carmen, Joanne, Mary, Vern; For those who suffer from illness, grief, or any other adversity: the Kramer Family; Ann – friend of the Bertas; Bisi & Bitrus – friends of Joanne Stearns; Caiti – friend of Ann Phillips; Carl – friend of the Welches; Carol – friend of the Rubinos; Carrie – Susan Kendall’s daughter; Cassie and Jane – friends of the Tallmans; Chip – Jim Rudd’s step-mother; Chris & family – friends of the Reuters; Cindy & Marvin – friends of Elizabeth Wagner; Clara – Pat Tallman’s cousin; Danielle – Jenna Walch’s sister; David – Vern Hogden’s son; 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; Joni & Leslie – family of softball team member; Jose & Elena – friends of the Welches; Katie – friend of the Reuters; Keith & Jeff – friends of Jim Larsen; 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; the Russell/Veazey families; Steve & Debi – friends of Linda Stagles; Sue & Tom – friends of the Phillips’; Susan – friend of the Nancarrow’s; 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, Becoming Beloved Community Initiative, and for the non-profit groups who use our Community Building; For our Diocesan Bishops: for the newly elected Provisional Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Wayne Smith; The Rt. Rev. Kenneth Price, the Rt. Rev. Nedi Rivera, and the Rt. Rev. Wendell Gibbs; 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.

For all faith communities as we navigate the way forward in a world being transformed by a number of crises – that we remain faithful in our devotion to God and open to constant change and ongoing self-evaluation.

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For more announcements, click HERE.

To read a copy of the July 28, 2021 Special Topic Vestry Minutes, click HERE.

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