Pentecost-4 (Yr B) Jun 20, 2021

The Celebration of Holy Eucharist

The Fourth Sunday After Pentecost

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

Dayton, Ohio, June 20, 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 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.

GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRELUDE:

“Canonic Prelude” Charles Marie Widor

Please stand for the procession and ringing of the bell.

PROCESSIONAL:

“God is love, let Heaven adore him” The Hymnal 1982, #379

The Liturgy of the Word

Celebrant: Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

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

SONG OF PRAISE: “A Song of Praise”

Celebrant: Glory to you, Lord God of our fathers;

All: you are worthy of praise; glory to you. Glory to you for the radiance of your holy Name; we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.

Celebrant: Glory to you in the splendor of your temple;

All: on the throne of your majesty, glory to you. Glory to you, seated between the Cherubim; we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.

Celebrant: Glory to you, beholding the depths;

All: on the high vault of heaven, glory to you. Glory to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.

COLLECT OF THE DAY:

Celebrant: The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Please be seated

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF SAMUEL:

Reader: Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle, and there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. He had greaves of bronze on his legs and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron; and his shield-bearer went before him. He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.” And the Philistine said, “Today I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man, that we may fight together.” When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid. Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. David rose early in the morning, left the sheep with a keeper, took the provisions, and went as Jesse had commanded him. He came to the encampment as the army was going forth to the battle line, shouting the war cry. Israel and the Philistines drew up for battle, army against army. David left the things in charge of the keeper of the baggage, ran to the ranks, and went and greeted his brothers. As he talked with them, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines, and spoke the same words as before. And David heard him. David said to Saul, “Let no one’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father; and whenever a lion or a bear came, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after it and struck it down, rescuing the lamb from its mouth; and if it turned against me, I would catch it by the jaw, strike it down, and kill it. Your servant has killed both lions and bears; and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, since he has defied the armies of the living God.” David said, “The Lord, who saved me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, will save me from the hand of this Philistine.” So Saul said to David, “Go, and may the Lord be with you!” Saul clothed David with his armor; he put a bronze helmet on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail. David strapped Saul’s sword over the armor, and he tried in vain to walk, for he was not used to them. Then David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these; for I am not used to them.” So David removed them. Then he took his staff in his hand, and chose five smooth stones from the wadi, and put them in his shepherd’s bag, in the pouch; his sling was in his hand, and he drew near to the Philistine. The Philistine came on and drew near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was only a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. The Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the field.” But David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword and spear and javelin; but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This very day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head; and I will give the dead bodies of the Philistine army this very day to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not save by sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and he will give you into our hand.” When the Philistine drew nearer to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. David put his hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground. (17:1a, 4-11, 19-23, 32-49)

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

Please stand

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF PSALMS:

Reader: The Lord will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in time of trouble.

All: Those who know your Name will put their trust in you, for you never forsake those who seek you, O Lord. Sing praise to the Lord who dwells in Zion; proclaim to the peoples the things he has done. The Avenger of blood will remember them; he will not forget the cry of the afflicted.

Reader: Have pity on me, O Lord;

All: see the misery I suffer from those who hate me, O you who lift me up from the gate of death; So that I may tell of all your praises and rejoice in your salvation in the gates of the city of Zion. The ungodly have fallen into the pit they dug, and in the snare they set is their own foot caught. The Lord is known by his acts of justice; the wicked are trapped in the works of their own hands. The wicked shall be given over to the grave, and also all the peoples that forget God.

Reader: The wicked shall be given over to the grave, and also all the peoples that forget God.

All: For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish for ever. Rise up, O Lord, let not the ungodly have the upper hand; let them be judged before you. Put fear upon them, O Lord; let the ungodly know they are but mortal. (PS9:9-20)

Please be seated

A READING FROM THE SECOND LETTER OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS:

Reader: As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you.” See, the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see—we are alive; as punished, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you. There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours. In return—I speak as to children—open wide your hearts also. (6:1-13)

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

Please stand

GRADUAL:

“As newborn stars were stirred to song” (verses 1-2)

Wonder, Love, & Praise #788

THE GOSPEL:

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

People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Celebrant: On that day, when evening had come, Jesus said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (4:35-41)

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

GRADUAL:

“As newborn stars were stirred to song” (verses 3-4)

Wonder, Love, & Praise #788

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: Gracious God, it is in the power of your abundant and life-giving Spirit that we call upon you in prayer. Deepen our understanding and experience of your constant presence and the fulfillment of your promises, and in the name of Jesus we offer you these prayers.

Reader: Empower with your Spirit, O Lord, all ministers of the gospel, that they may preach the word boldly, administer the sacraments faithfully and above all, lead your people with love and into love. Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: Empower with your Spirit, O Lord, all the leaders of nations, that they may be unrelenting in their quest for peace and tirelessly pursue the well-being of the people. Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: Empower with your Spirit, O Lord, all those who suffer persecution for doing justice; for teachers, authors, and leaders who encourage critical thinking, for those identifying and

opposing oppressive systems and institutions, for those of every race who are educating and

dismantling culturally conditioned racism, and for those promoting the well-being of the earth and all her creatures. Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: Empower with your Spirit, O Lord, all those who experience desolation and despair, remembering especially the aged who remain isolated during the pandemic, and to honor the wisdom of our elders. Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: Empower with your Spirit, O Lord, the sick and those who suffer from any adversity, remembering Carolyn, Howard, Ruby, George, the Darnell Family, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Carmen, Joanne, Mary, and Vern; and all those named on the parish prayer list; that in their weakness they put their trust in you and therein find comfort and joy even in the midst of suffering. Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: Empower with your Spirit, O Lord, all those who have died, that your will for them may be fulfilled and that they may share with all your saints in your eternal kingdom. Lord, hear our prayer.

Celebrant: Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit you have made us one with your saints in heaven and on earth: Grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may always be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and know ourselves to be surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ in whom all our intercessions are acceptable through the Spirit, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. 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 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:

“A Hymn of Praise” Don McAfee

Jackie Hoskinson, Susan Kendall, Laura Leach,

Don Nancarrow, TJ Walch

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 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 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.

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:

“O food to pilgrims given” The Hymnal 1982, #309

Please stand

POST COMMUNION PRAYER:

Celebrant: Let us pray.

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

THE BLESSING:

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

DISMISSAL:

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

RECESSIONAL:

“Eternal father, strong to save” The Hymnal 1982, #608

POSTLUDE:

“Allegro Maestoso” Felix Mendelssohn

You’re invited to enjoy a cup of coffee and socialize on the lawn after the service.

THE CANDLE IN THE SANCTUARY LAMP remains lighted throughout the week to indicate and honor the eternal presence of Christ. It shines this week in celebration of Donna Larsen’s birthday.

THE ALTAR FLOWERS are given by Jim Larsen in celebration of Donna’s birthday.

GROUNDED IN COMMUNITY

THIS SUNDAY– PENTECOST 4 — HOLY EUCHARIST – JUNE 20:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Preacher: The Very Rev. R. James Larsen

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Ushers: Tony Rubino, Jim Rudd

Tech: Katherine Wagner, Gary Welch

Acolyte: Jennifer Phillips

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

Counters: Tony Rubino, Mary-Anna Welch

Altar Guild: Carol Nancarrow, Kendall Rubino

Coffee Hour: Janet and Dave Reuter

NEXT SUNDAY– PENTECOST 5– HOLY EUCHARIST – JUNE 27:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Ushers: Wayne Harper, Jim Rudd

Tech: TBD

Acolyte: Elizabeth Wagner

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

Counters: Janet Reuter, Gary Welch

Altar Guild: Carol Nancarrow, Kendall Rubino

Coffee Hour: OPEN

Altar Flowers: OPEN

Events at St. Mark’s this Week

THIS SUNDAY (Pentecost 4, June 20): 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, Fellowship Room; NA MEETING; 7:30pm, Parish Hall

WEDNESDAY: STAFF MEETING, 9:30am, Office

THURSDAY: SAA MEETING, 7:30pm, Lounge; SOFTBALL GAME, 8:30pm,

FRIDAY: STAFF MEETING, 9:30am, Office; COMMUNICATIONS MEETING, 10:00am, Office

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

NEXT SUNDAY (Pentecost 4, June 27): HOLY EUCHARIST, 10:30am, in person and on Facebook Live

Places to be, things to do

BECOMING BELOVED COMMUNITY will meet on Wednesday, June 23 at 7:00pm.

THE SOFTBALL TEAM is back in action at Fairfield Park! Come watch them play on Thursday, June 24 at 8:30pm (Diamond 2).

THE COMMUNICATIONS TEAM meets in the Lounge every other Friday. Discussion topics include both internal and external communications. The next meeting is Friday, June 25.

THE NEXT VESTRY MEETING will be held on Wednesday, June 30 at 6:30pm via Zoom. Contact the office if you’d like the online link.

LAY READER PRACTICE: Rowena+ will lead a morning of “Reader’s Camp” this summer for experienced and new lay readers, on Saturday, July 10 from 10am to noon. The purpose of the “camp” is to spend a couple of hours sharpening and learning new skills pertaining to the reading of sacred texts. Rowena+ will hold reading camps throughout the year and readers are encouraged to come to at least two per year to share in mutual support for this important aspect of our common worship.

The Community of St. Mark’s Classifieds

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

ONLINE GIVING and THE SMARTPHONE GIVING APP ARE SET UP ! St. Mark’s now has online giving services through ShelbyNext as an alternative to cash or check donations. You can still give through traditional methods, but you can also make one-time or recurring gifts online with a credit/debit card or electronic check, using your computer or smartphone. 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 is held outdoors weather permitting. A sign-up sheet is on the Narthex bulletin board: Coffee will be made, all we need is someone to setup, serve, and cleanup! Thanks to our weekly hosts.

THE ST. MARK’S BECOMING BELOVED COMMUNITY (BBC) TEAM invites you to prayerfully consider taking a racial healing and reconciliation course through either the DSO or the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing (Atlanta) via Zoom this summer. The BBC team includes: Fred and Phyllis Berta, Libby Nicholson, Justine Kelly and The Rev. Rowena MacGregor. “I did not think I would learn anything new, I did not want to feel the angst of guilt (things done and left undone), and above all, I didn’t believe this had anything to do with me. But as I have entered into the educational aspect of racial reconciliation what I have found instead was a curious kind of freedom, an open-heartedness that invites me deeper into the joy of right-relationship with the whole (holy) Body of Christ.” Rowena+

Lesser Feasts and Fasts

RECOMMENDED FEAST DAY TO OBSERVE: Tuesday, June 20 is the Feast of ALBAN, Martyr, c.304. Alban is the earliest Christian in Britain who is known by name and, according to tradition, the first British martyr. He was a soldier in the Roman army, stationed at Verulamium, a city about twenty miles northeast of London, now called St. Alban’s. He gave shelter to a Christian priest who was fleeing from persecution and was converted by him. When officers came to Alban’s house, he dressed himself in the garments of the priest and gave himself up. Alban was tortured and martyred in place of the priest, on the hilltop where the Cathedral of St. Alban’s now stands. The traditional date of his martyrdom is 303 or 304, although the dates 209 and 251 have also been suggested by some scholars. The site of Alban’s martyrdom soon became a shrine. King Offa of Mercia established a monastery there about the year 793, and, in the high Middle Ages, St. Alban’s ranked as the premier abbey in England. Bede gives this account of Alban’s trial: “When Alban was brought in, the judge happened to be standing before an altar, offering sacrifice to demons… ‘What is your family and race?’ demanded the judge. ‘How does my family concern you?’ replied Alban; ‘If you wish to know the truth about my religion, know that I am a Christian and am ready to do a Christian’s duty.’ ‘I demand to know your name,’ insisted the judge. ‘Tell me at once.’ ‘My parents named me Alban,’ he answered, ‘and I worship and adore the living and true God, who created all things.’” I Almighty God, by whose grace and power thy holy martyr Alban triumphed over suffering and was faithful even unto death: Grant us, who now remember him in thanksgiving, to be so faithful in our witness to thee in this world that we may receive with him the crown of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. II Almighty God, by whose grace and power your holy martyr Alban triumphed over suffering and was faithful even unto death: Grant us, who now remember him in thanksgiving, to be so faithful in our witness to you in this world that we may receive with him the crown of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Holy Women, Holy Men)

Prayers for the Week of June 20:

FOR PEACE. For those who have died; 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 Church of North India; in the Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for Christ Church in Xenia, Holy Trinity in Cincinnati, and St. Patrick’s in Lebanon; in our Parish cycle of prayer, we pray for Tony & Kendall Rubino, Megan Rubino, Adam & Addison Oiler, and Jim & Judy Rudd; For those celebrating June birthdays: Larry Brown (6/9), Donna Larsen (6/20), Steve Day (6-22), Gabriel Walch (6/25), Kendall Rubino (6/26), Mike Bultman (6/30); For those celebrating wedding anniversaries: Fred & Phyllis Berta (6/3), Steve & Lisa Darnell (6/6), Eric & Deb Harvey (6/26), Jim & Pat Tallman (6/28); For those on our parish prayer list: Carolyn, Howard, Ruby, George, the Darnell Family, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Carmen, Joanne, Mary, Vern; For those who suffer from illness, grief, or any other adversity: Alexis – the Reuters’ niece; Ann – friend of the Bertas; Bisi & Bitrus – friends of Joanne Stearns; Caiti & Madelyn – friends of Ann Phillips; 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; Dwight – friend of the parish; 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; 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; 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, Becoming Beloved Community Initiative, 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.

PRAYER FOR THE CALL OF A PROVISIONAL BISHOP

Almighty and everliving God, we pray to you for guidance as the people of Southern Ohio vote for a provisional bishop to lead the diocese as it prepares to call a new bishop. We pray that we, as the body of Christ, may be bound together in love of your holy ways. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your Holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

——————————–

For more announcements, click HERE.

To read a copy of the May 26, 2021 Vestry Minutes, click HERE.

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

——————————–