Pentecost-14 (Yr B) Aug 29, 2021

The Celebration of Holy Eucharist

The Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

Dayton, Ohio, August 29, 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.

If you prefer a gluten-free host please notify an usher prior to the service.

PRELUDE:

“Introductory Voluntary” Theodore Dubois

GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Please stand for the ringing of the bell and processional.

PROCESSIONAL:

“Praise to the living God” (verses 1-3) The Hymnal 1982, #372

1 Praise to the living God!

All praised be his Name who was, and is, and is to be

for ay the same.

The one eternal God ere aught that now appears:

the first, the last, beyond all thought his timeless years!

2 Formless, all lovely forms declare his loveliness;

holy, no holiness of earth can his express.

Lo, he is Lord of all.

Creation speaks his praise, and everywhere above, below,

his will obeys.

3 His Spirit floweth free, high surging where it will:

in prophet’s word he spoke of old; he speaketh still.

Established is his law, and changeless it shall stand,

deep writ upon the human heart, on sea, on land.

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. Let us pray. Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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 SONG OF SOLOMON:

Reader: The voice of my beloved! Look, he comes, leaping upon the mountains, bounding over the hills. My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look, there he stands behind our wall, gazing in at the windows, looking through the lattice. My beloved speaks and says to me: “Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.” (2:8-13)

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

Please stand

A READING FROM BOOK OF PSALMS:

Reader: My heart is stirring with a noble song; let me recite what I have fashioned for the king; my tongue shall be the pen of a skilled writer.

All: You are the fairest of men; grace flows from your lips, because God has blessed you for ever. Your throne, O God, endures for ever and ever, a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom; you love righteousness and hate iniquity.

Reader: Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.

All: All your garments are fragrant with myrrh, aloes, and cassia, and the music of strings from ivory palaces makes you glad. Kings’ daughters stand among the ladies of the court; on your right hand is the queen, adorned with the gold of Ophir. (PS 45:1-2, 7-10)

Please be seated

A READING FROM THE LETTER OF JAMES:

Reader: Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures. You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing. If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. (1:17-27)

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

Please stand

GRADUAL:

“Lord Jesus, think on me” (verses 1-2) The Hymnal 1982, #641

1 Lord Jesus, think on me,

and purge away my sin;

from harmful passions set me free,

and make me pure within.

2 Lord Jesus, think on me,

with care and woe oppressed;

let me thy loving servant be,

and taste thy promised rest.

THE GOSPEL:

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

People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Celebrant: Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it; and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles.) So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” He said to them, “Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.’ You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.” Then he called the crowd again and said to them, “Listen to me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile. For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” (7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23)

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

GRADUAL:

“Lord Jesus, think on me” (verses 3-4) The Hymnal 1982, #641

3 Lord Jesus, think on me,

nor let me go astray;

through darkness and perplexity

point thou the heavenly way.

4 Lord Jesus, think on me,

that, when the flood is passed,

I may the eternal brightness see,

and share thy joy at last.

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; remembering especially the people of Afghanistan, as well as all American personnel and military seeking evacuation. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray for those in need because of famine, drought, flood, fire, mudslide, or earthquake; remembering especially the people of Haiti, Tennessee, North Carolina, and California; 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, 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:

“Great God, we sing that mighty hand” Franklin Ritter

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.

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. 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.

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:

“Shepherd of souls, refresh and bless” The Hymnal 1982, #343

1 Shepherd of souls, refresh and bless
your chosen pilgrim flock
with manna in the wilderness,
with water from the rock.

2 We would not live by bread alone,
but by your word of grace,
in strength of which we travel on
to our abiding place.

3 Be known to us in breaking bread,
but do not then depart;
Savior, abide with us, and spread
your table in our heart.

4 Lord, sup with us in love divine,
your body and your blood,
that living bread, that heavenly wine,
be our immortal food.

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:

“Immortal, invisible, God only wise” The Hymnal 1982, #423

1 Immortal, invisible, God only wise,

in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,

most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,

almighty, victorious, thy great Name we praise.

2 Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,

nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;

thy justice like mountains high soaring above

thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

3 To all life thou givest, to both great and small;

in all life thou livest, the true life of all;

we blossom and flourish, like leaves on the tree,

then wither and perish; but nought changeth thee.

4 Thou reignest in glory, thou rulest in light,

thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;

all laud we would render: O help us to see

’tis only the splendor of light hideth thee.

DISMISSAL:

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

POSTLUDE:

“Jubilee” Gilbert Martin

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 loving memory of Bettie Veazey Babcock.

THE ALTAR FLOWERS are given by the Wagners, in celebration of Elizabeth and Sean’s engagement.

GROUNDED IN COMMUNITY

THIS SUNDAY– PENTECOST 14– HOLY EUCHARIST – AUGUST 29:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Ushers: Dave Reuter, Wayne Harper

Tech: Katherine Wagner, Elizabeth Wagner

Acolyte: Jackie Hoskinson

Lay Eucharist Ministers: Readers: OT/PS: Carol Williamson EP/POP: TJ Walch

Counters: Janet Reuter, Kendall Rubino

Altar Guild: Norma Peachey, Ginny Tuxhorn

Coffee Hour: OPEN

NEXT SUNDAY– PENTECOST 15– HOLY EUCHARIST – SEPTEMBER 5:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Ushers: Tony Rubino, Jim Rudd

Tech: Katherine Wagner, Elizabeth Wagner

Acolytes: Gary Welch, Stephanie Welch

Lay Eucharist Ministers: Readers: OT/PS: TJ Walch EP/POP: Gabriel Walch

Counters: Janet Reuter, Tony Rubino

Altar Guild: Carol Nancarrow, Kendall Rubino

Coffee Hour: OPEN

Altar Flowers: OPEN

Sanctuary Lamp: OPEN

Events at St. Mark’s this Week

THIS SUNDAY (Pentecost 14, August 29): HOLY EUCHARIST, 10:30am, in person and on Facebook Live

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

TUESDAY: NA MEETING; 7:30pm, Parish Hall

WEDNESDAY: STAFF MEETING, 9:30am, Office

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

FRIDAY: STAFF MEETING, 9:30am, Office; COMMUNICATIONS MEETING 10:30am, Zoom

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

NEXT SUNDAY (Pentecost 15, September 5): HOLY EUCHARIST, 10:30am, in person and on Facebook Live.

Places to be, things to do

PARISH PICNIC: Mark your calendars for Sunday, Sept.12 as we kick off the new program year with our annual Praise and Picnic at St. Mark’s (yes, it’s adapted!) We’ll worship in the church, then gather for food and fellowship in the courtyard and on the lawn. Details coming soon!

NEW!!! SECOND SUNDAY CHOIR debuts Sunday, Sept. 12. For those who love to sing – please consider joining with other members of St. Mark’s in a monthly choral (with safety protocols) offering. Please let music director, Donna Larsen, know you are interested so you can get the music ahead of time. Practice will be at 10am on the second Sunday; the anthem will be sung that day. Family members are encouraged to sing together!

EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY: Seminar Sessions will start Sunday, Sept. 19^th meeting from 1:30 to 4PM , meeting once a week until the end of May 2022. Interested persons can contact Deb Johns at deborah_s_johns@yahoo.com or 765-277-6554 ASAP!

DIOCESAN CONVOCATION: Procter Center will be the site for “Proclaiming the Dream” on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 10am-4pm. This gathering of the diocesan family for the first in-person event in almost two years will be part country fair, part tent revival: there will be fun, formation, and fellowship for all ages! Activities will be mainly outdoors; masks will be required for any activities inside buildings at Procter. This event is free! Food will be available for purchase, or you can bring your own. More information available on the DSO website, and in the weekly Constant Contact.

The Community of St. Mark’s Classifieds

SCHOOL IS OPEN and the school zone on Burkhardt in front of St. Helen has been extended. It now runs just west of our driveway onto Burkhardt, east to Granville Pl. Please be careful as you drive during school hours!

THE AUGUST VESTRY MEETING was held on Wednesday, August 18 via Zoom. Copies are available in the Narthex.

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.

Lesser Feasts and Fasts

RECOMMENDED FEAST DAY TO OBSERVE: Thursday, Sept, 2 is the Feast of the Martyrs of New Guinea. New Guinea, the second largest island in the world, is still one of the main frontiers of Christian mission, because of its difficult terrain and the cultural diversity of its peoples, who speak some 500 distinct languages. Christian missionaries first began work there in the 1860s and 1870s, with only limited success. The Anglican mission began in 1891, and the first bishop was consecrated in 1898. During World War II, the suffering of missionaries and of native people was severe. This feast day, observed in the Diocese of New Guinea and in many dioceses of the Church of Australia, marks the witness of eight missionaries and two Papuan martyrs, who were betrayed by non-Christians to the Japanese invaders. But the day also includes remembrance of the faith and devotion of Papuan Christians of all Churches, who risked their own lives to care for the wounded, and to save the lives of many who otherwise would have perished. Almighty God, we remember before you this day the blessed martyrs of New Guinea, who, following the example of their Savior, laid down their lives for their friends; and we pray that we who honor their memory may imitate their loyalty and faith; 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 August 29:

FOR PEACE. For those who have died, especially Edith G. Perez, cousin of Juanita Limes; 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, especially the people of Haiti; For the millions of refugees worldwide who wander the lands of the earth and whose suffering is greater than we can ever know, especially the people of Afghanistan, may they find rest and peace.

For those in our prayer cycles: in the Anglican cycle of prayer, we pray for the Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan; in the Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for Church of the Advent in Cincinnati, Good Shepherd in Athens, and Trinity in Newark; in our Parish cycle of prayer, we pray for Matt, Justine, Scott, and Robert Kelly, Susan Kendall, and Jim and Donna Larsen; For those celebrating September birthdays: Eva Reuter (9/1), Jim Tallman (9/6), Tibby Day (9/10), Steve Darnell (9-14), Paul Sharp (9/20), Katherine Wagner (9/26); For those celebrating wedding anniversaries: Rob & Eva Reuter (9/4), Mike and Katherine Wagner (9/25); For those on our parish prayer list: Howard, Ruby, George, the Darnell Family, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Carmen, Mary, Vern; For those who suffer from illness, grief, or any other adversity: Ann – friend of the Bertas; 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; Lark – friend of Katherine 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; 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 our 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 August 18, 2021 Vestry Minutes, click HERE.

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

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