Pentecost-11 (Yr C) Aug 21, 2022

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:

“Trio” Gustav Merkel

WELCOME: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Please stand for the ringing of the bell and processional

PROCESSIONAL:

“God of all the prophets” (verses 1-3) The Hymnal 1982, #359

1 God of the prophets, bless the prophets’ heirs!

Elijah’s mantle o’er Elisha cast:

each age for thine own solemn task prepares,

make each one stronger, nobler than the last.

2 Anoint them prophets! Teach them thine intent:

to human need their quickened hearts awake;

fill them with power, their lips make eloquent

for righteousness that shall all evil break.

3 Anoint them priests! help them to intercede

with all thy royal priesthood born of grace;

through them thy Church presents in word and deed

Christ’s one true sacrifice with thankful praise.

The Liturgy of the Word

Please remain standing

Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever. Amen. (with gusto!)

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

COLLECT OF THE DAY:

Celebrant: The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray.

All: Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

SONG OF PRAISE:

“Psalm 100” Lift Every Voice & Sing, #278

All: Serve the Lord with gladness, alleluia.

Cantor: O be joyful in the Lord all ye lands; serve the Lord with gladness and come before his presence with a song.

All: Serve the Lord with gladness, alleluia.

Cantor: For the Lord is gracious; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth from generation to generation.

All: Serve the Lord with gladness, alleluia.

Please be seated

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF 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.

Reader: In your righteousness, deliver me and set me free; incline your ear to me and save me.

Reader: 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.

Reader: For you are my hope, O Lord God, my confidence since I was young.

Reader: 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. (71:1-6)

Please be seated

A READING FROM THE LETTER TO THE HEBREWS:

Reader: You have not come to something that can be touched, a blazing fire, and darkness, and gloom, and a tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that not another word be spoken to them. (For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned to death.” Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.”) But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. See that you do not refuse the one who is speaking; for if they did not escape when they refused the one who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject the one who warns from heaven! At that time his voice shook the earth; but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heaven.” This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of what is shaken– that is, created things– so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us give thanks, by which we offer to God an acceptable worship with reverence and awe; for indeed our God is a consuming fire. (12:18-29)

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

Please stand

GRADUAL:

“Let us with a gladsome mind” (verses 1-5) The Hymnal 1982, #389

Let us, with a gladsome mind, praise the Lord, for he is kind:

for his mercies ay endure, ever faithful, ever sure.

Let us blaze his Name abroad, for of gods he is the God:

for his mercies ay endure, ever faithful, ever sure.

He with all-commanding might filled the new-made world with light:

for his mercies ay endure, ever faithful, ever sure.

He the gold-en-tress-ed sun caused all day his course to run:

for his mercies ay endure, ever faithful, ever sure.

The horn-ed moon to shine by night, mid her spangled sisters bright:

for his mercies ay endure, ever faithful, ever sure.

Please stand

THE GOSPEL:

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

People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Celebrant: Now Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your ailment.” When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, “There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day.” But the Lord answered him and said, “You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?” When he said this, all his opponents were put to shame; and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing. (13:10-17)

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

GRADUAL:

“Let us with a gladsome mind” (verses 6-7) The Hymnal 1982, #389

All things living he doth feed, his full hand supplies their need:

for his mercies ay endure, ever faithful, ever sure.

Let us, with a gladsome mind, praise the Lord, for he is kind:

for his mercies ay endure, ever faithful, ever sure.

Please be seated

SERMON

Please stand

THE NICENE CREED:

“I believe in God almighty” Wonder, Love, & Praise, #769

1 I believe in God almighty, author of all things that be,

Maker of the earth and heavens, Keeper of the sky and sea.

I believe in God’s son, Jesus, now for us both Lord and Christ,

of the Spirit and of Mary born to bring abundant life.

2 I believe that Jesus suffered, scourged and scorned and crucified;

taken from the cross, was buried— True Life there had truly died.

I believe that on the third day Christ was raised up from the grave,

then ascended to God right hand. He will come to judge and save.

3 I believe in God’s own Spirit, bonding all the saints within

One church, catholic and holy, where forgiveness frees from sin;

in the body’s resurrection, for the breaking of death’s chain

gives the life that’s everlasting. This the faith that I have claimed.

Please stand or kneel

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE:

Reader: Empower with your Spirit, O Lord, all ministers of the gospel, that they may preach the word boldly and without apology. 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. Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: Empower with your Spirit, O Lord, all the suffering peoples of this world, especially those who suffer for doing right. Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: Empower with your Spirit, O Lord, those among us who experience desolation, especially those for whom God seems most remote. Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: Empower with your Spirit, O Lord, all those who are sick or suffer from any adversity, remembering all those named on the parish prayer list: Linda, Libby, the Berta family, Wayne, Don, Carol S, Ruby, Howard, the Darnell family, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Mary, George, and Vern; that they may find solace and peace in you. Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: Empower with your Spirit, O Lord, all those who have died, remembering especially, Theresa Griffiths, mother of Fr. Ben Speare-Hardy, that your will for them may be fulfilled; and may they share with all your saints in your eternal kingdom. Lord, hear our prayer.

All: Gracious God, it is in the power of your abundant and life-giving Spirit that we call upon you in prayer. Deepen our hope in your presence and your promise; hear us in your tender love, now and forever. 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.

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.

Please be seated

BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY PRAYERS:

ANNOUNCEMENTS Kendall Rubino, Jr. Warden

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.

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

“Holy God, We Praise Thy Name” Eino Olander Laura Leach, voice

Please stand

PRAYER FOR THE OFFERINGS OF THE PEOPLE:

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

PRAYER FOR THE GIFTS OF FOOD:

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

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

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. 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. 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 C:

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.

People: We lift them to the Lord.

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

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

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

People: Glory to you for ever and ever.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest.

You may stand or kneel

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

Celebrant: After supper, he took the cup of wine, gave thanks, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the

forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

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

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

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

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

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

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:

“Christ our Passover” Wonder, Love & Praise, #866

All: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;

Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia. Alleluia. 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:

“Heal me, hands of Jesus” Wonder, Love & Praise Hymnal, 1982, #773

1 Heal me, hands of Jesus,

and search out all my pain:

restore my hope, remove my fear

and bring me peace again.

2 Cleanse me, blood of Jesus,

take bitterness away;

let me forgive as one forgiven

and bring me peace today.

3 Know me, mind of Jesus,

and show me all my sin;

dispel the memories of guilt,

and bring me peace within.

4 Fill me, joy of Jesus:

anxiety shall cease

and heaven’s serenity be mine,

for Jesus brings me peace!

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:

“Ye servants of God” The Hymnal 1982, #535

1 Ye servants of God, your Master proclaim,

and publish abroad his wonderful Name;

the Name all-victorious of Jesus extol:

his kingdom is glorious; he rules over all.

2 God ruleth on high, almighty to save;

and still he is nigh: his presence we have.

The great congregation his triumph shall sing,

ascribing salvation to Jesus our King.

3 Salvation to God who sits on the throne!

Let all cry aloud, and honor the Son.

The praises of Jesus the angels proclaim,

fall down on their faces, and worship the Lamb.

4 Then let us adore, and give him his right:

All glory and power, all wisdom and might,

and honor and blessing, with angels above,

and thanks never-ceasing and infinite love.

DISMISSAL:

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

POSTLUDE:

“In C Major” Gustav Merkel

THE ALTAR FLOWERS THIS WEEK are dedicated by Gary and Mary-Anna Welch in honor of their wedding anniversary.

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

indicate and honor the eternal presence of Christ and is dedicated by Gary and Mary-Anna Welch in honor of their wedding anniversary.

GROUNDED IN COMMUNITY

THIS SUNDAY– PENTECOST 11 — HOLY EUCHARIST – AUGUST 21:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena MacGregor

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Voice: Laura Leach, as available

Ushers: Ginny Tuxhorn and Tony Rubino

Acolyte(s): Jackie Hoskinson and Scott Kelly

Lay Eucharist Ministers: Readers:

OT/PS: Gabriel Walch;

EP/POP: Jim Rudd

Chalice Bearers: Jim Rudd and Kendall Rubino

Eucharistic Minister (Home Communions): Carol Williamson, as available

Tech/Facebook Live: Katherine and Elizabeth Wagner

Counters: Kendall Rubino and Janet Reuter

Altar Guild: Norma Peachy and Ginny Tuxhorn

Coffee Hour Host: OPEN

Open/Close: Wagner/Reuter

NEXT SUNDAY– PENTECOST 12 — HOLY EUCHARIST – AUGUST 28:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena MacGregor

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Voice: Laura Leach, as available

Ushers: Dave Reuter and TBS

Acolyte(s): Stephanie Welch

Lay Eucharist Ministers: Readers:

OT/PS: Judy Rudd

EP/POP: Carol Williamson

Chalice Bearers: Carol Williamson and Elizabeth Wagner

Eucharistic Minister (Home Communions): Carol Williamson, as available

Tech/Facebook Live: Gary and Mary-Anna Welch

Counters: Jim Rudd and Mary-Anna Welch

Altar Guild: Norma Peachy and Ginny Tuxhorn

Coffee Hour Host: OPEN

Open/Close: Rudd/Welch

Altar Flowers: OPEN

Candle Dedication: OPEN

Events at St. Mark’s this Week

THIS SUNDAY (Pentecost 11, August 21): HOLY EUCHARIST, HUNGER SUNDAY – FOOD PANTRY COLLECTION, 10:30am, in-person and on Facebook Live.

MONDAY: PARISH OFFICE, 10am-1pm; SAA MEETING, 6:30am, Lounge; AA MEETING, 7:30pm, Parish Hall

TUESDAY: PARISH OFFICE, 10am-1pm; TOPS MEETING, 10am, Lounge; NA MEETING, 7:30pm, Parish Hall

WEDNESDAY: PARISH OFFICE, 10am-1pm; VESTRY MEETING, 7:15pm, Community Room

THURSDAY: PARISH OFFICE, 10am-1pm; SAA MEETING, 7:30pm, Lounge

FRIDAY: PARISH OFFICE CLOSED; there are no events scheduled this day.

SATURDAY: HIDDEN GEMS, 12pm, Parking Lot; AA MEETING, 7:30pm, Parish Hall

NEXT SUNDAY (Pentecost 12, August 28): HOLY EUCHARIST, CLERGY DISCRETIONARY FUND COLLECTION, 10:30am, in-person and on Facebook Live.

Places to be, things to do

THE VESTRY will meet in-person THIS Wednesday, August 24 at 7:15pm in the St. Mark’s Community Room.

MOBILE HEALTH UNIT COMING TO ST. MARK’S: The Outreach and Evangelism Committee, in coordination with Hope4Riverside, is sponsoring a Mobile Premier Health Unit in the St. Mark’s parking lot on Saturday, September 10, from 9am to 1pm. The unit provides walk-in health screenings, hearing tests, education, etc. St. Mark’s and Eastview Church of God are co-sponsoring this event. Health screenings are available for everyone who would like one.

THE PARISH PICNIC will be held on Sunday, September 11 following the worship service.

THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION fall semester kicks off on Sunday, September 11. There are three youth classes, covering all ages on Sunday mornings. This fall, Rowena+ will be offering an on-line bible study via Zoom, confirmation class – in-person, and continuing the Church Cracked Open book discussion group shared with St. Margaret’s and open to the diocese, via Zoom. Dates TBA.

EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY BEGINS IN SEPTEMBER AT ST. MARK’S: Deb Johns, facilitator of EfM, visited St. Mark’s last Sunday to invite the congregation to consider spending a year of in-depth study on the Old and New Testaments, Church History, Theology, and Ethics. The Dayton area EfM program year will begin on Sunday, Sept 18, 1:30-4pm; classes are held at St. Mark’s weekly. Flyers and Deb’s contact information are in the narthex. Please see Rowena+ regarding scholarship information if needed.

The Community of St. Mark’s Classifieds

COFFEE HOUR HOSTING OPPORTUNITIES: All Sundays are currently open for all of September and until the end of October. Consider sharing with someone else if you would not want to host by yourself. Coffee Hour sign-ups are in the narthex.

CALL FOR YOUTH MENTORS: The Miami Valley Leadership Foundation is calling for mentors for youth. Eligibility: Minimum of 18 years old, willing to invest one hour per week for a minimum of one year; pass a background check. You may serve most any school you wish, but the Mad River School District has the greatest need as there are no mentors this year in the elementary schools. The one hour you spend per week as a caring adult in an underprivileged child’s life might be the most transformative act of love you could ever do. FMI contact Shannon Todd: 937-554-8297.

CANDLE/FLOWER OPENINGS: The Eternal Light dedication ($5) and Altar Flowers ($30) are available for signups in August and September: candle – 8/28 and 9/18; flowers – 8/28, 9/4 and 9/11. This is a lovely way to honor a loved one or a special occasion. The flower arrangement is yours to take home after the service.

THE SUNDAY READINGS can be found at www.lectionarypage.net. The readings for next Sunday, August 28 are: Jeremiah 2:4-13, Psalm 81:1, 10-16, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14. Reading at least the gospel lesson in preparation for worship can be a useful spiritual practice.

Lesser Feasts and Fasts

RECOMMENDED FEAST DAY TO OBSERVE THIS WEEK: 8/27 – Thomas Gallaudet with Henry Winter Syle, 1902, 1890. Ministry to the deaf in the Episcopal Church begins with Thomas Gallaudet. Without his genius and zeal for the spiritual well-being of deaf persons, it is improbable that a history of ministry to the deaf in the Episcopal Church could be written. He has been called The Apostle to the Deaf. Gallaudet was born June 3, 1822, in Hartford, the eldest son of Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, founder of the West Hartford School for the Deaf, whose wife, Sophia, was a deaf-mute. After graduating from Trinity College, Hartford, Thomas announced his intention of being confirmed and becoming a priest in the Episcopal Church. His father prevailed upon him to postpone a final decision, and to accept a teaching position in the New York Institution for Deaf-Mutes. There he met and married Elizabeth Budd, a deaf-mute. Gallaudet was ordained deacon in 1850 and served his diaconate at St. Stephens Church, where he established a Bible class for deaf persons. Ordained a priest in 1851, Gallaudet became Assistant at St. Anns Church, where he conceived a plan for establishing a church that would be a spiritual home for deaf people. This became a reality the following year, with the founding of St. Anns Church for Deaf-Mutes. The congregation was able to purchase a church building in 1859, and it became a center for missionary work to the deaf. As a result of this ministry, mission congregations were established in many cities. Gallaudet died on August 27, 1902. One fruit of Gallaudets ministry was Henry Winter Syle, who had lost his hearing as the result of scarlet fever. Educated at Trinity; St. Johns, Cambridge; and Yale (B.A. and M.A.); Syle was a brilliant student, who persisted in his determination to obtain an education, despite his handicap and fragile health. He was encouraged by Gallaudet to seek Holy Orders, and, having moved to Philadelphia, was supported by Bishop Stevens, against the opposition of many who believed that the impairment of one of the senses was an impediment to ordination. Syle was ordained in 1876, the first deaf person to receive Holy Orders in this Church. In 1888, he built the first Episcopal church constructed especially for deaf persons. He died on January 6, 1890.

O Loving God, whose will it is that everyone should come to you and be saved: We bless your holy Name for your servants Thomas Gallaudet and Henry Winter Syle, whose labors with and for those who are deaf we commemorate today, and we pray that you will continually move your Church to respond in love to the needs of all people; through Jesus Christ, who opened the ears of the deaf, and who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Holy Women, Holy Men)

OTHER FEASTS THIS WEEK: 8/23 – [Martin de Porres, Rosa de Lima, and Toribio de Mogrovejo] Witnesses to the faith in South America, 1639, 1617, 1606; 8/24 – Saint Bartholomew the Apostle; 8/25 – Louis, King of France, 1270.

Prayers for the Week of August 21

FOR PEACE. For those who have died: remembering especially, Theresa Griffiths, mother of Fr. Ben Speare-Hardy; and we remember also all who died in violence in our nation this week; For all those who have committed suicide: remembering especially teens and young adults who took their own lives this week; For the people of Ukraine and Sri Lanka – and all nations striving for peace and just governance; For medical and wellness practitioners, who are assisting people with mental, physical, and financial conditions and issues related to the Covid pandemic; For the homeless: remembering especially those who lost their homes due to flooding and fires in recent weeks; and the homeless of Dayton; For all those addicted to heroin, remembering especially the youth who died this week from overdose; 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, floods, drought, fire, mudslides, and tornadoes; For those who suffer from a lack of water without which there can be no life; 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 Episcopal/Anglican Province of Alexandria; in the Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for Holy Trinity, Oxford, St. Peter’s, Delaware, Church of the Redeemer, Cincinnati.

For St. Mark’s Families in our parish prayer cycle;

For those celebrating birthdays;

For those celebrating 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, Hope 4Riverside; and for the non-profit groups who use our Community Building; For our Diocesan Bishops: for the Rt. Rev. Wayne Smith, Bishop Provisional; 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: Phoebe Myhrum, 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 the complete Weekly Prayers with parishioners’ names, click HERE.

(NOTE: Password Protected: Contact Dave or Rev. Rowena for Password.)

To read a copy of the latest Vestry Minutes, click HERE.

(NOTE: Password Protected. Same as above. Updated yearly.)

For more announcements, click HERE.

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