Epiphany-4 (Yr C) Jan 30, 2022

The Celebration of Holy Eucharist

The Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

Dayton, Ohio, January 30, 2022, 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.

WELCOME: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Please stand for the ringing of the bell and processional.

PROCESSIONAL:

“All things bright and beautiful” The Hymnal 1982, #405

All things bright and beautiful,

all creatures great and small,

all things wise and wonderful,

the Lord God made them all.

1 Each little flower that opens,

each little bird that sings,

he made their glowing colors,

he made their tiny wings.

Refrain

2 The purple-headed mountain,

the river running by,

the sunset, and the morning

that brightens up the sky,

Refrain

3 The cold wind in the winter,

the pleasant summer sun,

the ripe fruits in the garden,

he made them every one.

Refrain

4 He gave us eyes to see them,

and lips that we might tell

how great is God Almighty,

who has made all things well.

Refrain

The Liturgy of the Word

Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (With gusto!) 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.

Celebrant: Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.

COLLECT OF THE DAY:

Celebrant: The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; 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 THE PROPHET JEREMIAH:

Reader: The word of the Lord came to me saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a boy’; for you shall go to all to whom I send you,
and you shall speak whatever I command you, Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.” Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me, “Now I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.” (1:4-10)

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

Please stand

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF PSALMS:

Reader: In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge; let me never be ashamed.

All: In your righteousness, deliver me and set me free; incline your ear to me and save me. Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe; you are my crag and my stronghold.

Reader: Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the clutches of the evildoer and the oppressor.

All: For you are my hope, O Lord God, my confidence since I was young. I have been sustained by you ever since I was born; from my mother’s womb you have been my strength; my praise shall be always of you. (PS 71:1-6)

Please be seated

A READING FROM PAUL’S FIRST LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS:

Reader: If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. (13:1-13)

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

Please stand

GRADUAL:

“Shepherd of souls, refresh and bless” (verses 1-3) The Hymnal 1982, #343

1 Shepherd of souls, refresh and bless

thy chosen pilgrim flock

with manna in the wilderness,

with water from the rock.

2 We would not live by bread alone,

but by thy word of grace,

in strength of which we travel on

to our abiding-place.

3 Be known to us in breaking bread,

and do not then depart;

Savior, abide with us, and spread

Thy table in our heart.

THE GOSPEL:

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

People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Celebrant: Jesus began to speak in the synagogue at Nazareth: “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” He said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘Doctor, cure yourself!’ And you will say, ‘Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.'” And he said, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way. (4:21-30)Celebrant: The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ.

GRADUAL:

“Shepherd of souls, refresh and bless” (verse 4) The Hymnal 1982, #343

4 Lord, sup with us in love divine

thy Body and thy Blood,

that living bread, that heavenly wine,

be our immortal food.

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:

The following prayers offer opportunities for you to say aloud the prayers of your heart and you are encouraged to do so.

Reader: In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.

A moment of silence is observed.

Reader: For all people in their daily life and work; for our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.

Reader: For this community, the nation, and the world; for all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.

Reader: For the just and proper use of your creation; for the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.

Reader: For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble; for those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.

Reader: For the peace and unity of the Church of God; for all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.

Reader: For Michael, our Presiding Bishop, and Wayne, our Bishop Provisional, and for all bishops and other ministers; for all who serve God in his Church.

Reader: For the special needs and concerns of this congregation, remembering especially those on our parish prayer list: Donna, Ann, Ruby, Howard, the Darnell Family, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Mary, Carmen, George, and Vern.

*Time is given for people to add their own petitions spoken aloud*

Reader: Hear us, Lord; for your mercy is great.

Reader: We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.

*Time is given for people to add their own petitions spoken aloud*

Reader: We will exalt you, O God our King; and praise your Name for ever and ever.

Reader: We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.

*Time is given for people to add their own petitions spoken aloud*

Reader: Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them; who put their trust in you.

Celebrant: Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, “Peace I give to you; my own peace I leave with you:” Regard not our sins, but the faith of your Church, and give to us the peace and
unity of that heavenly City, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, now and for ever. Amen.

THE CONFESSION:

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

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.

AMBRY DEDICATION:

Note: Today we will celebrate the installation of an Ambry for the sanctuary. We offer our thanks to Dave Reuter for preparing a space fitted with a door matching the sanctuary appointments to be used for this purpose. Dave and Janet Reuter, Chair of the Altar Guild, will present the Ambry to be set apart today. An ambry is a recessed cabinet in the wall of a Christian church for storing the reserved sacrament. A second or “lesser ambry” may also be used for storing holy oils for anointing and chrism. The presence of a sanctuary candle, or chancel candle, aka the “ambry candle” which remains lit at all times, except for the Triduum of Holy Week (from Maundy Thursday until Easter), signifies that reserved sacrament is present in the sanctuary. Ambries with their corresponding candle are common in Episcopal Churches and together signify the eternal presence of Christ.

Janet and Dave Reuter: We present to you this Ambry to be set apart for the service of Christ’s holy Church.

Celebrant: All things come from you, O Lord; And from your own gifts do we give to you.

Celebrant: Prosper the work of our hands; Prosper our handiwork.

Celebrant: Show your servants your works; And your splendor to their children.

Celebrant: Let us pray. Almighty God, we thank you that you have put it into the hearts of your people to make offerings for your service and have been pleased to accept their gifts. Be with us now and bless us as we set apart this Ambry to your praise and glory, and in memory and honor of Jim Pruner; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Celebrant: Aaron shall set the bread before the Lord on a table of pure gold, on behalf of the people of Israel, as a covenant for ever.

Celebrant: As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup: You proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Celebrant: Let us pray. O Lord God, Father of our Savior Jesus Christ, who before his passion instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Grant that in this ambry which we set apart today, the outward signs of his covenant may be kept in safety, and that we may show forth his death and resurrection until he comes in glory; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen

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.

Please be seated

BIRTHDAY and ANNIVERSARY PRAYERS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

OFFERTORY SENTENCE:

Celebrant: O Lord our God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power; because you have created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. (Rev. 4:11)

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.

OFFERTORY

TBA Laura Leach, pianist

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.

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 B:

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.

People: We lift them to the Lord.

Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People: It is right to give God thanks and praise.

Celebrant: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. Because in the mystery of the Word made flesh, you have caused a new light to shine in our hearts, to give the knowledge of your glory in the face of your son Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

THE SANCTUS: The Hymnal 1982, #S129

All sing: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your

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

the highest.

You may stand or kneel

Celebrant: We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.

Celebrant: On the night before he died for us, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and give it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.” Therefore, according to his command, O Father,

All: We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory.

Celebrant: And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and wine. We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. +Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever.

People: 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.

FRACTION ANTHEM: “Agnus Dei “ The Hymnal 1982, #S164

All: Jesus, Lamb of God: have mercy on us. Jesus, bearer of our sins: have mercy on us. Jesus, redeemer, redeemer of the world: give us your peace, give us your peace.

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:

“Breathe on me, breath of God” The Hymnal 1982, #508

1 Breathe on me, Breath of God,

fill me with life anew,

that I may love what thou dost love,

and do what thou wouldst do.

2 Breathe on me, Breath of God,

until my heart is pure,

until with thee I will one will,

to do or to endure.

3 Breathe on me, Breath of God,

till I am wholly thine,

till all this earthly part of me

glows with thy fire divine.

4 Breathe on me, Breath of God,

so shall I never die;

but live with thee the perfect life

of thine eternity.

POST COMMUNION PRAYER:

Celebrant: Let us pray. Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE BLESSING:

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

RECESSIONAL:

“Jesus came, adored by angels” The Hymnal 1982, #454

1 Jesus came, adored by angels,

came with peace from realms on high;

Jesus came for our redemption,

lowly came on earth to die:

Alleluia, alleluia!

came in deep humility.

2 Jesus comes again in mercy,

when our hearts are bowed with care:

Jesus comes again in answer

to our earnest heart-felt prayer;

Alleluia, alleluia!

comes to save us from despair.

3 Jesus comes to hearts rejoicing,

bringing news of sins forgiven;

Jesus comes in sounds of gladness,

leading souls redeemed to heaven;

Alleluia, alleluia!

now the gate of death is riven.

4 Jesus comes on clouds triumphant,

when the heavens shall pass away;

Jesus comes again in glory;

let us then our homage pay:

Alleluia, alleluia!

till the dawn of endless day.

DISMISSAL:

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

THE CANDLE IN THE SANCTUARY LAMP remains lighted throughout the week to

indicate and honor the eternal presence of Christ. It is given by the Johnson Family in loving memory of Zachary.

THE ALTAR FLOWERS bloom in memory of Zachary Johnson.

GROUNDED IN COMMUNITY

THIS SUNDAY– EPIPHANY 4- HOLY EUCHARIST – JAN. 30:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen (on medical leave)

Pianist: Laura Leach

Ushers: Dave Reuter, Tony Rubino

Tech: Katherine Wagner, Elizabeth Wagner

Acolyte: Gary Welch

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

Counters: Tony Rubino, Gary Welch

Altar Guild: Carol Nancarrow, Kendall Rubino

NEXT SUNDAY– EPIPHANY 5 – HOLY EUCHARIST – FEB. 6:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen (on medical leave)

Pianist: Laura Leach

Ushers: Dave Reuter, Wayne Harper

Tech: Gary Welch, Mary-Anna Welch

Acolyte: Jackie Hoskinson, Gabriel Walch

Lay Eucharist Ministers: Readers: OT/PS: Jackie Hoskinson EP/POP: Judy Rudd

Counters: Carol Nancarrow, Janet Reuter

Altar Guild: Elizabeth Wagner, Katherine Wagner

Sanctuary Lamp: OPEN

Altar Flowers: MacGregor

Events at St. Mark’s this Week

THIS SUNDAY (Epiphany 4, Jan. 30): HOLY EUCHARIST, 10:30am, in person and on

Facebook Live, followed immediately by the ANNUAL PARISH MEETING, noon, Church; EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY, 1:30pm, Fellowship Room

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

TUESDAY: TOPS MEETING, 9:30am, Fellowship Room; NA MEETING, 7:30pm,

Parish Hall

WEDNESDAY: BIBLE STUDY WITH ST. MARGARET’S, 7pm, Zoom

THURSDAY: SAA MEETING, 7:30pm, Lounge

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

NEXT SUNDAY (Epiphany 5, Feb. 6): HOLY EUCHARIST, 10:30am, in person and on

Facebook Live; EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY, 1:30pm, Fellowship Room.

Places to be, things to do

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING is TODAY, and will be held immediately after the worship, following a short break.

CARE HOUSE SUNDAY is next Sunday, Feb.6. Donations of small water bottles, healthy snacks, and gift cards (gas, Kroger, Wal-Mart) are welcome. Monetary donations will be noted on your contribution sheet. NOTE: Please check the expiration dates of all food products, as CARE House cannot distribute anything that has expired.

THE CHURCH CRACKED OPEN BOOK GROUP will meet again at 7pm on Wednesday, Feb. 16 via Zoom. We have one copy of the book available in the office for $16.00. St. Margaret’s is participating with St Mark’s in this important work. Newcomers welcome!

The Community of St. Mark’s Classifieds

SUNDAY’S READINGS can be found at www.lectionarypage.net. The readings for Sunday, Feb. 6 are Isaiah 6:1-8, [9-13], Psalm 138, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11.

BAPTISM: Easter is one of the major feast days of the Church and is a traditional day for baptisms. If you are interested in baptism for yourself or are a parent of a child that you wish to have baptized, please contact The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor to set up an appointment at your earliest convenience.

SIGN UP SHEETS for altar flowers and the sanctuary lamp are in the Narthex. What a lovely way to honor a loved one or celebrate a special occasion! The flowers are $30, and you keep the arrangement; the candle is $5 per week.

FORWARD DAY BY DAY large print booklets are available on the Ushers’ table. This wonderful publication includes daily lectionary readings, a devotional, and suggestions on ‘moving forward’ in practicing your faith. There is also a free app available on the App Store and Google Play; contact the Office for more information.

THE REV. ROWENA MACGREGOR will be in North Carolina visiting her mother next week, Monday–Friday, Feb. 1-5. For pastoral emergencies, please contact the Office.

Lesser Feasts and Fasts

RECOMMENDED FEAST DAY TO OBSERVE: Tuesday, February 1, is the Feast of Brigid (Bride). Next to Patrick, Brigid is the most beloved of Irish saints. Born at Fauchart about the middle of the fifth century, she was reared in a Druid household. She decided early in life to dedicate her life to God alone as a Christian. Gathering around her a group of women, in 470 Brigid founded a nunnery at Kildare, a place whose name meant Church of the Oak. Here had flourished the cult of a pagan goddess, from which it was said to have derived the sacred fire, which she and her successors maintained. Brigid persuaded the anchorite Conlaed to receive episcopal ordination and to bring his community of monks to Kildare, thus establishing the only known Irish double monastery of men and women. Brigid actively participated in policy-making decisions in Church conventions. Many stories are told of Brigid’s concern for the poor and needy. When a leper woman asked for milk she was healed also of her infirmity. Two blind men were given their sight. Best known is the tale that tells of Brigid’s taming of a wolf at the request of a local chieftain whose pet dog had been killed accidentally by a peasant. Her feast day itself, February 1, was long held sacred as Imbolg, the Celtic festival of Spring. Brigid died about 523 at Kildare, outside whose small cathedral the foundations of her fire-house are still shown to tourists. Brigid was very popular both in Scotland and England, where many churches have been dedicated to her.

Everliving God, we rejoice today in the fellowship of your blessed servant Brigid, and we give you thanks for her life of devoted service. Inspire us with life and light, and give us perseverance to serve you all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Holy Women, Holy Men)

Prayers for the Week of Jan. 23

FOR PEACE. For those who have died; For those affected by natural disasters; For medical professionals, and all those 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: remembering especially teens and young adults who took their own lives this week; For all our brothers and sisters who have died by violence around the world, remembering especially violence in our 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.

For those in our prayer cycles: in the Anglican cycle of prayer, we pray for the Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean; in the Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for Ascension in Wyoming, St. John’s in Columbus, and Trinity in Hamilton; in our Parish cycle of prayer; For those celebrating February birthdays: For those celebrating February wedding anniversaries: For those on our parish prayer list: For those who suffer from illness, grief, or any other adversity: For faithful animal companions: 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: 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.

For more announcements, click HERE.

To read a copy of the January 20, 2022 Vestry Minutes, click HERE.

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

——————————–

ADULT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

The Rev. Rowena MacGregor facilitates various adult educational/spiritual development offerings (Zoom). Be sure to check the Sunday bulletin for times and dates of her most recent programs.

——————————–