The Celebration of Holy Eucharist

The Fifth Sunday in Lent

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

Dayton, Ohio, April 3, 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.

PRELUDE:

“Jesu, All My Gladness” Max Drischner

WELCOME: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Please stand for the ringing of the bell and processional.

PROCESSIONAL:

“I sing the almighty power of God” The Hymnal 1982, #398

1 I sing the almighty power of God,

that made the mountains rise,

that spread the flowing seas abroad

and built the lofty skies.

I sing the wisdom that ordained

the sun to rule the day;

the moon shines full at his command,

and all the stars obey.

2 I sing the goodness of the Lord,

that filled the earth with food;

he formed the creatures with his Word,

and then pronounced them good.

Lord, how thy wonders are displayed,

where’er I turn my eye,

if I survey the ground I tread,

or gaze upon the sky!

3 There’s not a plant or flower below,

but makes thy glories known;

and clouds arise, and tempests blow,

by order from thy throne;

while all that borrows life from thee

is ever in thy care,

and everywhere that I could be,

thou, God, art present there.

The Penitential Order

Celebrant: Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins. His mercy endures for ever.

Celebrant: Let us bow down before the Lord. Please kneel as you are able

THE DECALOGUE:

Celebrant: Hear the commandments of God to his people: I am the Lord your God who brought you out of bondage. You shall have no other gods but me. Amen, Lord have mercy.

You shall not make for yourself any idol. Amen, Lord have mercy.

You shall not invoke with malice the Name of the Lord your God. Amen, Lord have mercy.

Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. Amen, Lord have mercy.

Honor your father and your mother. Amen, Lord have mercy.

You shall not commit murder. Amen, Lord have mercy.

You shall not commit adultery. Amen, Lord have mercy.

You shall not steal. Amen, Lord have mercy.

You shall not be a false witness. Amen, Lord have mercy.

You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor. Amen, Lord have mercy.

Please remain kneeling

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

COLLECT OF THE DAY:

Celebrant: The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever Amen.

SONG OF PRAISE: 1982 Hymnal, #424, verse 3

All: For the harvests of the Spirit, thanks be to God. For the good we all inherit, thanks be to God. For the wonders that astound us, for the truths that still confound us, most of all that love has found us, thanks be to God.

Please be seated

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF ISAIAH:

Reader: Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise. (43:16-21)

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

Please stand

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF PSALMS:

Reader: When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, then were we like those who dream.

All: Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”

Reader: Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad indeed.

All: Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses of the Negev. Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves. (PS 126)

Please be seated

A READING FROM PAUL’S LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS:

Reader: If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. (3:4b-14)

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

Please stand

GRADUAL:

“When I survey the wondrous cross” (verses 1-2) The Hymnal 1982, #474

1 When I survey the wondrous cross

where the young Prince of Glory died,

my richest gain I count but loss,

and pour contempt on all my pride.

2 Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,

save in the cross of Christ, my God:

all the vain things that charm me most,

I sacrifice them to his blood.

A READING FROM THE GOSPEL OF JOHN:

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

People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Celebrant: Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” (12:1-8)

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

GRADUAL:

“When I survey the wondrous cross” (verse 3) The Hymnal 1982, #474

3 See, from his head, his hands, his feet

sorrow and love flow mingled down!

Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,

or thorns compose so rich a crown?

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: Gathered by the Holy Spirit and renewed in the Word, let us pray to our merciful God for the needs of the world.

Reader: We pray for your church as it welcomes the lost, that the forgiveness and steadfast love made known in Jesus Christ may meet us in word, meal, and mission. Merciful God, hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray for the creation filled with your goodness and for all who tend it, that seeds planted in springtime may produce a rich harvest to be shared with a hungry world. Merciful God, hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray for an end to war, remembering especially the people of Ukraine: for refugees and for those who are providing sanctuary and aid, for civilians joining the Ukrainian army in defense of their country, for those who have died, for the wounded and those who grieve, for those who are living in fear – especially those who are cut off from food, water, fuel and heat and unable to escape danger, for the whole world watching and praying, and for nations who discern right action as well as measures of mercy and aid. Assist us Lord in the restoration of peace. Merciful God, hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray for the lonely, the estranged, and those battling addictions, that you will come to the aid of all who suffer in body, mind or spirit. Merciful God, hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray for the people of this congregation and all families; we remember those named on the parish prayer list: Paul, Ann, Ruby, Howard, the Darnell family, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Mary, Carmen, George, and Vern. Merciful God, hear our prayer.

Reader: We give thanks for the saints of every time and place, that the great welcome they receive may strengthen us with hope for life in the midst of death. Merciful God, hear our prayer.

Celebrant: Receive these, our prayers, O God, for the sake of Jesus Christ who leads us to life. Amen.

Please stand

THE PASSING OF THE PEACE:

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

The Ministers and People may greet one another in the name of the Lord. Please do not attempt to shake hands with those who do not appear comfortable doing so. Hand sanitizer is available in the aisle inset as you come up for Communion.

Please be seated

BIRTHDAY and ANNIVERSARY PRAYERS

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Wardens

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

“The Song of the Cross” Joseph Martin

Please stand

PRAYER FOR THE OFFERINGS OF THE PEOPLE:

Celebrant: Let us pray.

All: Most Holy God, the author of life and creator of all that is, receive and bless my offering this day; that the currency of worldly value may become the currency of transformation through the worship and work of this community. Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE GIFTS RECEIVED FOR CARE HOUSE:

Celebrant: Let us pray. Lord Jesus, who took the children into your arms and embraced them with your love, receive these gifts for the children of CARE House. Through the power of your Spirit, may these offerings and the offering of all our ministries to them, bring them comfort and healing. May they come to know and feel in their hearts and in their souls the fullness of life and of love given to all of us by our one God and Father. In your holy name we pray. 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 A:

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. You bid your faithful people cleanse their hearts, and prepare with joy for the Pascal feast; that, fervent in prayer and in works of mercy, and renewed by your Word and Sacraments, they may come to the fullness of grace which you have prepared for those who love you. 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: Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world. On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.” Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

All: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

Celebrant: We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom. All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. 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. Amen.

Please stand

THE LORD’S PRAYER:

All: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

FRACTION ANTHEM: The Hymnal 1982, #343 verse 4

All: Lord, sup with us in love divine, thy Body and thy Blood, that living bread, that heavenly wine, be our immortal food.

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:

“Let thy blood in mercy poured” The Hymnal 1982, #313

1 Let thy Blood in mercy poured,

let thy gracious Body broken,

be to me, O gracious Lord,

of thy boundless love the token.

Thou didst give thyself for me,

now I give myself to thee.

2 Thou didst die that I might live;

blessèd Lord, thou cam’st to save me;

all that love of God could give

Jesus by his sorrows gave me.

Refrain

3 By the thorns that crowned thy brow,

by the spear-wound and the nailing,

by the pain and death, I now

claim, O Christ, thy love unfailing.

Refrain

4 Wilt thou own the gift I bring?

All my penitence I give thee;

thou art my exalted King,

of thy matchless love forgive me.

Refrain

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: May God the Father, who does not despise the broken spirit, give you a contrite heart. May Christ, who bore our sins, heal you by his wounds. May the Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth, speak to you words of pardon and peace. Amen.

RECESSIONAL:

“Take up your cross, the Savior said” The Hymnal 1982, #675

1 Take up your cross, the Savior said,

if you would my disciple be;

take up your cross with willing heart,

and humbly follow after me.

2 Take up your cross, let not its weight

fill your weak spirit with alarm;

his strength shall bear your spirit up,

and brace your heart, and nerve your arm.

3 Take up your cross, heed not the shame,

and let your foolish heart be still;

the Lord for you accepted death

upon a cross, on Calvary’s hill.

4 Take up your cross, then, in his strength,

and calmly every danger brave:

it guides you to abundant life

and leads to victory o’er the grave.

5 Take up your cross, and follow Christ,

nor think till death to lay it down;

for only those who bear the cross

may hope to wear the glorious crown.

DISMISSAL:

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

POSTLUDE:

“Finale in De Minor” Eric Thiman

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

indicate and honor the eternal presence of Christ. It is given this week by the Wagners in

loving memory of Edward Veazey and Betty Wagner.

GROUNDED IN COMMUNITY

THIS SUNDAY– LENT 5 – HOLY EUCHARIST – APR. 3:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Ushers: Ginny Tuxhorn, Tony Rubino

Acolytes: Gary Welch, Stephanie Welch

Lay Eucharist Ministers: Readers:

OT/PS: Jackie Hoskinson

EP/POP: Judy Rudd

Chalicists: Jim Rudd, Don Nancarrow

Tech: Katherine Wagner, Elizabeth Wagner

Counters: Carol Nancarrow, Janet Reuter

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

NEXT SUNDAY– PALM SUNDAY – HOLY EUCHARIST – APR. 10:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Ushers: Wayne Harper, Jim Rudd

Acolytes: Elizabeth Wagner

Lay Eucharist Ministers: Readers:

OT/PS: Gabriel Walch

EP/POP: Jim Rudd

Chalicists: Carol Williamson, Judy Rudd

Tech: TJ Walch, Mary-Anna Welch

Counters: Kendall Rubino, Mary-Anna Welch

Altar Guild: Norma Peachey, Ginny Tuxhorn

Sanctuary Lamp: OPEN

Events at St. Mark’s this Week

THIS SUNDAY (Lent 5, Apr. 3): HOLY EUCHARIST, 10:30am, in person and on Facebook Live; CARE HOUSE SUNDAY; EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY, 1:30pm, Fellowship Room.

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

TUESDAY: TOPS MEETING, 10a, Lounge; NA MEETING, 7:30pm, Parish Hall

WEDNESDAY: LENTEN PROGRAM, 7pm, Zoom

THURSDAY: SAA MEETING, 7:30pm, Lounge; COIN CLUB MEETING, 7:30pm, Parish Hall

FRIDAY: There are no events scheduled this day

SATURDAY: SPARKLE DAY, 9:00am; HIDDEN GEMS, noon, Parish Hall; AA MEETING, 7:30pm, Parish Hall

NEXT SUNDAY (PALM SUNDAY, Apr. 10): HOLY EUCHARIST, 10:30am, in person and on

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

Places to be, things to do

SPARKLE DAY: Help prepare the church buildings and grounds for Holy Week on Saturday, April 9 beginning at 9am. Bring your favorite cleaning supplies and lots of elbow grease.

THE LENTEN PROGRAM: Awakening!: 40 days of Self-care and Self-knowledge. The final class will be held on Wednesday, April 13 at 7pm via Zoom. The Rev. Rowena MacGregor to facilitate; contact her for the Zoom link.

CANTERBURY COURT needs a volunteer to conduct an arts & crafts class titled “Make it and Take it” for the residents on Monday, April 18. The class size is 10 students, and lasts about 45 minutes. If you’re interested in this outreach, please contact Jim Rudd with your name and a brief description of your class.

THE ST. MARK’S MEN’S LUNCH BUNCH will meet at The Pub, located at The Green Town Center in Beavercreek on Indian Ripple Road/County Line Road, on Thursday, Apr. 28 at 12:30pm. All St Mark’s men are invited–no need to RSVP! This is a new offering for men. For more information contact Fred Berta at 704-309-3152 or flbretiredncr@aol.com.

The Community of St. Mark’s Classifieds

EASTER CHOIR: We’re looking for singers for Easter morning! Let Donna Larsen know if you’d like to join in; plan to attend a 30-minute rehearsal right after the Palm Sunday service on April 10. Since this is an anthem that has been sung before, it should be easy for previous choir members to pick up (other singers also welcome!)

THE SUNDAY READINGS can be found at www.lectionarypage.net. The readings for

Sunday, Apr. 10 are: Liturgy of the Palms – Luke 19:28-40, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29; Liturgy of the

Word – Isaiah 50:4-9a , Psalm 31:9-16 , Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14-23:56.

EASTER FLOWERS: If you would like to make a donation towards the Easter flowers, envelopes are in the pews and on the Ushers’ Table.

CANTERBURY COURT is looking for a used pop machine for their residents! If you know of any leads, please contact Jim Rudd.

Lesser Feasts and Fasts

RECOMMENDED FEAST DAY TO OBSERVE: Tuesday, March 29, is the Feast of John Keble, priest, 1866.

New ev’ry morning is the love Our wakening and uprising prove:

Through sleep and darkness safely brought, Restored to life and power and thought.

These familiar words of John Keble are from his cycle of poems entitled The Christian Year which he wrote to restore among Anglicans a deep feeling for the Church Year. Keble, born in 1792, received his early education in his father’s vicarage. At fourteen, he won a scholarship to Oxford and graduated in 1811 with highest honors. He served the University in several capacities, including ten years as Professor of Poetry. After ordination in 1816 he had a series of rural curacies, and finally settled in 1836 into a thirty-year pastorate at the village of Hursley. England was going through a turbulent change from a rural to an industrial and urban society. Among the reforms of the 1830s, Parliament acted to abolish ten Anglican bishoprics in Ireland. Keble vigorously attacked this action as undermining the independence of the Church; his Assize Sermon of 1833 was the spark that ignited the Oxford Movement. Though bitterly attacked, his loyalty to his Church was unwavering. Within three years of his death at age 74, a college bearing his name was established at Oxford to give an education in strict fidelity to the Church of England.

Grant, O God, that in all time of our testing we may know your presence and obey your will; that, following the example of your servant John Keble, we may accomplish with integrity and courage what you give us to do, and endure what you give us to bear; 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 April 3

FOR PEACE. For the people of Ukraine: for refugees, for those who have died and those who grieve, for those in the military defending the sovereignty of this nation; For those who have died; For those affected by natural disasters, remembering especially the people of Australia devastated by flooding; 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 Nigeria; in the Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for Christ Church in Springfield, Grace in Cincinnati, and St James in Columbus;

For St. Mark’s Families; For those celebrating March birthdays;

For those celebrating March wedding anniversaries;

For those on our parish prayer list;

For those who suffer from illness, grief, or any other adversity.

For faithful animal companions and those who care for all animals;

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, Jacob Cunliffe, Dan Carlson, Phoebe Myhrum, Brice Patterson, Martha Camele, Maggie Gough, Brad Gough, Catherine Duffy, Alane Osborne, Libbie Crawford, Gayland Trim, Molly Cook, Victoria Lewis, Kate Meeks, Kyle Schenkewicz, Gregory Williams.

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 February 24, 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.

——————————–