Pentecost-Last (Yr C) Nov 20, 2022

The Celebration of Holy Eucharist

Last Sunday after Pentecost

Thank you for your donations to the Food Pantry

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

Dayton, Ohio, November20, 2022, 10:30am

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:

“Trumpet Voluntary” William Goodwin Madeline Reuter, trumpet

WELCOME: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Please stand for the ringing of the bell and processional

PROCESSIONAL:

“Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates” (v. 1-3) The Hymnal 1982, #436

1 Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates;

behold the King of glory waits!

The King of kings is drawing near;

the Savior of the world is here.

2 O blest the land, the city blest,

where Christ the ruler is confessed!

O happy hearts and happy homes

to whom this King of triumph comes!

3 Fling wide the portals of your heart;

make it a temple, set apart

from earthly use for heaven’s employ,

adorned with prayer and love and joy.

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: Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

SONG OF PRAISE: Please remain standing

“We plow the fields” (v. 1,3) 1982 Hymnal, #291

All: We plow the fields, and scatter the good seed on the land,

but it is fed and watered by God’s almighty hand;

he sends the snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain,

the breezes and the sunshine, and soft refreshing rain.

Refrain: All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above;

then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord for all his love.

We thank thee, then, O Father, for all things bright and good,

the seedtime and the harvest, our life, our health, our food:

the gifts we have to offer are what thy love imparts,

but chiefly thou desirest our humble thankful hearts. Refrain

Please be seated

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET JEREMIAH:

Reader: Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord. Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord. Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord. The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.” (23:1-6)

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

Please stand

A READING OF CANTICLE 16: THE SONG OF ZECHARIAH:

Reader: Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free.

Reader: He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David.

Reader: Through his holy prophets he promised of old, that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us.

Reader: He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant.

Reader: This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

Reader: Free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.

Reader: You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,

Reader: To give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.

Reader: In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

Reader: To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:68-79)

Reader: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Please be seated

A READING FROM THE SECOND LETTER TO THE COLOSSIANS:

Reader: May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers– all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. (1:11-20)

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

Please stand

GRADUAL:

“Jesus came, adored by angels” (v. 1-3) 1982 Hymnal, #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.

Please stand

THE GOSPEL:

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

People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Celebrant: When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing. The people stood by, watching Jesus on the cross; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (23:33-43)

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

GRADUAL:

“Jesus came, adored by angels” (v. 4) 1982 Hymnal, #454

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.

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 kneel or stand

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 or kneel

HAUDENOSAUNEE THANKSGIVING ADDRESS:

The following is the Thanksgiving Address specific to the Onondaga Nation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy… “a river of words as old as the people themselves, known more accurately in the Onondaga language as the Words That Come Before All Else. This ancient order of protocol sets gratitude as the highest priority. The gratitude is directed straight to the ones who share their gifts with the world.” This litany of Thanksgiving is used with permission. Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass (107).

Reader 1: Today we have gathered and when we look upon the faces around us we see that the cycles of life continue. We have been given the duty to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things. So now let us bring our minds together as one as we give greetings and thanks to each other as People. Now our minds are one.

Reader 2: We are thankful to our Mother the Earth, for she gives us everything that we need for life. She supports our feet as we walk about upon her. It gives us joy that she still continues to care for us, just as she has from the beginning of time. To our Mother, we send thanksgiving, love, and respect. Now our minds are one.

Reader 1: We give thanks to all of the waters of the world for quenching our thirst, for providing strength and nurturing life for all beings. We know its power in many forms – waterfalls and rain, mists and streams, rivers and oceans, snow and ice. We are grateful that the waters are still here and meeting their responsibility to the rest of Creation. Can we agree that water is important to our lives and bring our minds together as one to send greetings and thanks to the Water? Now our minds are one.

Reader 2: We turn our thoughts to all of the Fish life in the water. They were instructed to cleanse and purify the water. They also give themselves to us as food. We are grateful that they continue to do their duties and we send to the Fish our greetings and our thanks. Now our minds are one.

Reader 1: Now we turn toward the vast fields of Plant life. As far as the eye can see, the Plants grow, working many wonders. They sustain many life forms. With our minds gathered together, we give thanks and look forward to seeing Plant life for many generations to come. Now our minds are one.

Reader 2: When we look about us, we see that the berries are still here, providing us with delicious foods. The leader of the berries is the strawberry, the first to ripen in the spring. Can we agree that we are grateful that the berries are with us in the world and send our thanksgiving, love, and respect to the berries? Now our minds are one.

Reader 1: With one mind, we honor and thank all the Food Plants we harvest from the garden, especially the Three Sisters who feed the people with such abundance. Since the beginning of time, the grains, vegetables, beans, and fruit have helped the people survive. Many other living things draw strength from them as well. We gather together in our minds all the plant foods and send them a greeting and thanks. Now our minds are one.

Reader 2: Now we turn to the Medicine Herbs of the world. From the beginning they were instructed to take away sickness. They are always waiting and ready to heal us. We are so happy that there are still among us those special few who remember how to use the plants for healing. With one mind, we send thanksgiving, love, and respect to the Medicines and the keepers of the Medicines. Now our minds are one.

Reader 1: We gather our minds together to send our greetings and thanks to all the beautiful animal life of the world, who walk about with us. They have many things to teach us as people. We are grateful that they continue to share their lives with us and hope that it will always be so. Let us put our minds together as one and send our thanks to the Animals. Now our minds are one.

Reader 2: We put our minds together as one and thank all the birds who move and fly about over our heads. The Creator gave them the gift of beautiful songs. Each morning they greet the day and with their songs remind us to enjoy and appreciate life. The Eagle was chosen to be their leader and to watch over the world. To all the Birds, from the smallest to the largest, we send our joyful greetings and thanks. Now our minds are one.

Reader 1: We are thankful for the powers we know as the Four Winds. We hear their voices in the moving air as they refresh us and purify the air we breathe. They help to bring the change of seasons. From the four directions they come, bringing us messages and giving us strength. With one mind we send our greetings and thanks to the Four Winds. Now our minds are one.

Reader 2: Now we turn to the West where our grandfathers the Thunder beings live. With lightning and thundering voices they bring with them the water that renews life. We bring our minds together as one to send greetings and thanks to our Grandfathers, the Thunderers. We now send greetings and thanks to our eldest brother the Sun. Each day without fail he travels the sky from east to west, bringing the light of a new day. He is the source of all the fires of life. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our brother the Sun. Now our minds are one.

Reader 1: We put our minds together and give thanks to our oldest Grandmother, the Moon, who lights the nighttime sky. She is the leader of women all over the world and she governs the movement of the ocean tides. By her changing face we measure time and it is the Moon who watches over the arrival of children here on Earth. Let us gather our thanks for Grandmother Moon together in a pile, layer upon layer of gratitude, and then joyfully fling that pile of thanks high into the night sky that she will know. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Grandmother, the Moon. We give thanks to the Stars who are spread across the sky like jewelry. We see them at night, helping the Moon to light the darkness and bringing dew to the gardens and growing things. When we travel at night, they guide us home. With our minds gathered as one, we send greetings and thanks to all the Stars. Now our minds are one.

Reader 2: We gather our minds to greet and thank the enlightened Teachers who have come to help throughout the ages. When we forget how to live in harmony, they remind us of the way we were instructed to live as people. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to these caring Teachers. Now our minds are one.

Reader 1: We now turn our thoughts to the Creator, or Great Spirit, and send greetings and thanks for all the gifts of Creation. Everything we need to live a good life is here on Mother Earth. For all the love that is still around us, we gather our minds together as one and send our choicest words of greetings and thanks to the Creator. Now our minds are one.

Reader 2: We have now arrived at the place where we end our words. Of all the things we have named, it is not our intention to leave anything out. If something was forgotten we leave it to each individual to send such greetings and thanks in their own way. Now our minds are one.

Celebrant: Most Blessed Creator, we pray that the teachings of Jesus guide and direct our lives in the ways of wisdom, and that we may begin and end each day with a thankful heart; may the boldness of your Spirit transform us, may the gentleness of your Spirit lead us, and may the gifts of your Spirit be our strength now and always. 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 Libby Nicholson, Sr. 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

“Our Song of Thankful Praise” Larry Shackley 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 approach the celebrant by way of the center aisle and returning to your seat by way of the side aisle. The common cup is available for those who feel comfortable drinking from it; please do not dip the wafer in the wine – per Bishop Smith.

Those not receiving the sacrament in either kind 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. And also with you.

Celebrant: Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.

Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. 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. Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who on the first day of the week overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. 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: Wonder, Love, & Praise Hymnal, #851

All: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of pow’r 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.

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 Hymnal, #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:

“At the Name of Jesus every knee shall bow” 1982 Hymnal, #435

1 At the Name of Jesus

every knee shall bow,

every tongue confess him

King of glory now;

’tis the Father’s pleasure

we should call him Lord

who from the beginning

was the mighty Word.

2 Humbled for a season,

to receive a Name

from the lips of sinners,

unto whom he came,

faithfully he bore it

spotless to the last,

brought it back victorious,

when from death he passed;

3 Bore it up triumphant,

with its human light,

through all ranks of creatures,

to the central height,

to the throne of Godhead,

to the Father’s breast;

filled it with the glory

of that perfect rest.

4 Name him, Christians, name him,

with love strong as death,

name with awe and wonder

and with bated breath;

he is God the Savior,

he is Christ the Lord,

ever to be worshiped,

trusted, and adored.

5 In your hearts enthrone him;

there let him subdue

all that is not holy,

all that is not true;

crown him as your Captain

in temptation’s hour;

let his will enfold you

in its light and power.

6 Christians, this Lord Jesus

shall return again,

with his Father’s glory

o’er the earth to reign;

for all wreaths of empire

meet upon his brow,

and our hearts confess him

King of glory now.

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 . . .

RECESSIONAL:

“All hail the power of Jesus’ Name!” (v. 1-3) The Hymnal 1982, #450

1 All hail the power of Jesus’ Name!

Let angels prostrate fall;

bring forth the royal diadem,

and crown him Lord of all!

2 Crown him, ye martyrs of our God,

who from his altar call:

praise him whose way of pain ye trod,

and crown him Lord of all!

3 Hail him, the Heir of David’s line,

whom David Lord did call,

the God incarnate, Man divine,

and crown him Lord of all!

DISMISSAL:

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

POSTLUDE:

“Rejoice, the Lord is King” Anna Laura Page

THE ALTAR FLOWERS are given by Tony and Kendall Rubino in honor of their 37th wedding anniversary.

THE CANDLE IN THE SANCTUARY LAMP remains lighted throughout the week to indicate and honor the eternal presence of Christ and has been dedicated this week by the Welch family in honor of Gary’s parents’ 65th wedding anniversary which was on November 16.

Prayers for the Week of November 20:

FOR PEACE.

For those who have died: remembering especially, Margaret Gregg, mother of Rowena MacGregor;

For all those who died by suicide: remembering especially teens and young adults who took their own lives this week;

For the people of the Ukraine – 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 this nation and around the world 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 work of Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) and for the millions of refugees and asylum seekers worldwide who wander the lands of the earth in search of safety, food, water, employment, and family, 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 St. Paul’s, Chillicothe, St. Anne’s, West Chester, St. James, Piqua;

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: Canterbury Court, CARE House, St. Paul UMC Food Pantry, Hope 4Riverside, and Neighborhood Bridges; and for all 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 Transitional Deacon(s): Don Carlson;

For postulants for holy orders in the DSO: Phoebe Myhrum Bentley, Martha Camele, Maggie Gough, Brad Gough, Catherine Duffy, Alane Osborne, Libbie Crawford, Gayland Trim, Molly Cook, Victoria Lewis, Kate Meeks, Kyle Schenkewicz, Gregory Williams, Iva Staats, Michael Tigner, and Amy Cochran.

For the search for a new bishop for the DSO: Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for this Diocese, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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.

GROUNDED IN COMMUNITY

THIS SUNDAY– CHRIST THE KING — HOLY EUCHARIST – NOVEMBER 20:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena MacGregor

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Voice: Laura Leach, as available

Acolyte(s): Elizabeth Wagner-Weber and Scott Kelly

Lay Eucharist Ministers: Readers:

OT/PS: Don Nancarrow

EP/POP: TJ Walch

Chalice Bearers: Don Nancarrow and Kendall Rubino

Eucharistic Minister (Home Communions):

Carol Williamson, as available

Tech/Facebook Live: Gary Welch

Ushers: Dave Reuter and Ginny Tuxhorn

Counters: Dave Reuter and Gary Welch

Altar Guild: Norma Peachey and Ginny Tuxhorn

Coffee Hour Host(s): Birthday Celebration for Mary Sones

Open/Close: Rudd/Reuter

NEXT SUNDAY– 1 ADVENT– HOLY EUCHARIST – NOVEMBER 27:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena MacGregor

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Voice: Laura Leach, as available

Acolyte(s): Gabriel Walch and Elizabeth Reuter

Lay Eucharist Ministers: Readers:

OT/PS: Elizabeth Wagner-Weber

EP/POP: Carol Williamson

Chalice Bearers: Judy Rudd and Elizabeth Wagner-Weber

Eucharistic Minister (Home Communions):

Carol Williamson, as available

Tech/Facebook Live: TJ Walch

Ushers: Tony Rubino and Jim Rudd

Counters: Dave Reuter and Tony Rubino

Altar Guild: Norma Peachey and Ginny Tuxhorn

Coffee Hour Host(s): OPEN

Open/Close: TBS

Candle Dedication: In Memory of Mildred Browning

Altar Flowers: Dave and Janet Reuter

Happening this Week at St. Mark’s:

THIS SUNDAY (Christ the King, November 20): HOLY EUCHARIST and FOOD PANTRY COLLECTION, 10:30am, in-person and on Facebook Live; SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES: Jr./Sr. High class, 9:30am; Elementary School and Early Education classes, 10:30am;

COFFEE HOUR – Mary Sones Birthday Celebration, after worship, Fellowship Room

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

TUESDAY: PARISH OFFICE,10am-1pm; TOPS MEETING, 10:am, Lounge; NA MEETING, 7:30pm, Lounge; YOGA FOR 12 STEPS, 7:30pm, Parish Hall

WEDNESDAY: PARISH OFFICE, 10am-1pm; there are no events this day.

THURSDAY: THANKSGIVING DAY – PARISH OFFICE CLOSED; SAA MEETING, 7:30pm, Lounge

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

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

NEXT SUNDAY (1 Advent, November 27): HOLY EUCHARIST and CLERGY DISCRETIONARY FUND COLLECTION, 10:30am, in-person and on Facebook Live; SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES: Jr./Sr. High class, 9:30am; Elementary School and Early Education classes, 10:30am

Places to be, things to do:

MARY SONES’ BIRTHDAY will be celebrated at coffee hour THIS Sunday, November 20.

ADVENT SERIES: AN INCARNATIONAL JOURNEY: This Advent season, join us as we explore what it means to be spiritual beings having human experiences. Jesus came to teach us this, to show us the Way of Love and how to be wholly human. As we prepare for his birth, we will contemplate our own formation, together. with Amy Howton & Miriam McKenney on Sundays from 7-8:30pm; November 27 – December 18. Register at the link on the DSO Formation E-Newsletter. Rowena+ will be attending this offering and encourages the people of St. Mark’s to participate as well.

CHILDREN’S WINTER WEAR COLLECTION: You are invited to donate hats, gloves and socks for the local children in the Mad River School District who are in need of winter wear. Please leave your donations in the designated collection basket in the narthex. THANK YOU! for the donations already received!! And thank you to Fred and Phyllis Berta who delivered the first load to the Board of Education office this week. The collection continues through Sunday, December 11.

The Community of St. Mark’s Classifieds:

NOVEMBER IS CANTERBURY COURT RECOGNITION MONTH: In an effort to revive the missional work of the congregation at Canterbury Court since the pandemic slowed things down, St. Mark’s is having a special collection during the month of November for the following items to support CC: Large cans of mixed vegetables, green beans, corn, etc. and fresh sweet potatoes. Monetary gifts are also welcome. THANK YOU FOR THE ITEMS DONATED LAST SUNDAY!

THIS WEEK’S STEWARDSHIP UPDATE: Two goals for this year’s stewardship campaign are 36 pledges and a total amount pledged of $150,000. We have received 36 pledges (100% of goal) and a total amount pledged of $138,428 (92% of goal) to date. A third goal is to increase the total amount pledged from last year by 10%. For the 36 pledges received to date, the increase in their total amount pledged from last year is 1.1%. We have 2 families who pledged last year but have not responded this year to date. If you would like to pledge but have not yet done so, please submit your pledge ASAP and help our parish achieve its three goals. Thank all of you for your generous support. Jim Rudd, Stewardship Chair

FEASTS TO OBSERVE THIS WEEK: