Pentecost-16 (Yr A) September 17, 2023

 

 

PRELUDE                                           Andantino“                              Louis Lebebure-Wely

 

OPENING HYMN                 “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”            Hymn #390

 

1  Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation;

     O my soul, praise him, for he is thy health and salvation:

          join the great throng, psaltery, organ, and song,

     sounding in glad adoration.

 

 

2  Praise to the Lord; over all things he gloriously reigneth:

     borne as on eagle-wings, safely his saints he sustaineth.

          Hast thou not seen how all thou needest hath been

     granted in what he ordaineth?

 

 

3  Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy way and defend thee;

     surely his goodness and mercy shall ever attend thee;

          ponder anew what the Almighty can do,

     who with his love doth befriend thee.

 

 

4  Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him!

     All that hath life and breath come now with praises  before him!

          Let the amen sound from his people again;

     gladly for ever adore him.

 

 

Celebrant     Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

People     And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and forever. Amen

 

Celebrant

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets

are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that

we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our

Lord.  Amen

 

 

HYMN OF PRAISE                      “Glory to God”                               S278 Matthias

 

Glory to God in the highest,

and peace to his people on earth.

 

Lord God, heavenly King,

almighty God and Father,

we worship you, we give you thanks,

we praise you for your glory.

 

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the

            Father,

Lord God, Lamb of God,

you take away the sin of the world;

have mercy on us;

you are seated at the right hand of the Father;

receive our prayer.

 

For you alone are the Holy One,

you alone are the Lord,

you alone are the Most High,

     Jesus Christ,

with the Holy Spirit,

in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

 

 

Celebrant   The Lord be with you.

People   And also with you

 

Celebrant: Let us pray

O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that
your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ
our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for
ever.  Amen.

 

                    Please be seated for the lessons.

 

FIRST LESSON            Exodus 14: 19-31                        A Reading from the Book of Exodus

 

The angel of God who was going before the Israelite army moved and went behind
them; and the pillar of cloud moved from in front of them and took its place
behind them. It came between the army of Egypt and the army of Israel. And so
the cloud was there with the darkness, and it lit up the night; one did not come
near the other all night.

 

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. The Lord drove the sea back by
a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land; and the waters were
divided. The Israelites went into the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall
for them on their right and on their left. The Egyptians pursued, and went into the
sea after them, all of Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and chariot drivers. At the morning
watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and cloud looked down upon the Egyptian
army, and threw the Egyptian army into panic. He clogged their chariot wheels so
that they turned with difficulty. The Egyptians said, “Let us flee from the Israelites,
for the Lord is fighting for them against Egypt.”

 

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, so that the water
may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots and chariot drivers.”
So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at dawn the sea returned to its
normal depth. As the Egyptians fled before it, the Lord tossed the Egyptians into
the sea. The waters returned and covered the chariots and the chariot drivers, the
entire army of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea; not one of them remained.
But the Israelites walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters forming
a wall for them on their right and on their left.

 

Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians
dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great work that the Lord did against
the Egyptians. So the people feared the Lord and believed in the Lord and in his
servant Moses.

 

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

 

 

PSALM                              Psalm 114                              Read responsively by whole verse.

 

1 Hallelujah!
     When Israel came out of Egypt, *
     the house of Jacob from a people of strange speech,

 

2 Judah became God’s sanctuary *
     and Israel his dominion.

 

3 The sea beheld it and fled; *
     Jordan turned and went back.

 

4 The mountains skipped like rams, *
     and the little hills like young sheep.

 

5 What ailed you, O sea, that you fled? *
     O Jordan, that you turned back

 

6 You mountains, that you skipped like rams? *
     you little hills like young sheep?

 

7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, *
     at the presence of the God of Jacob,

 

8 Who turned the hard rock into a pool of water *
     and flint-stone into a flowing spring.

 

 

Epistle                    Romans 14:1-12                         A Reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans

 

Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over
opinions. Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables.
Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must
not pass judgment on those who eat; for God has welcomed them. Who are you
to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they
stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

 

Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be
alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. Those who observe the day,
observe it in honor of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since
they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord and
give thanks to God.

 

We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to
the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we
die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might
be Lord of both the dead and the living.

 

Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise
your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it
is written,
              “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
                       and every tongue shall give praise to God.”
              So then, each of us will be accountable to God.

 

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

 

 

GRADUAL              “Forgive our sins as we forgive”                       Hymnal #674

GOSPEL                        Matthew 18:21-35

 

Deacon or Priest: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew

 

People:  Glory to you Lord Christ.

 

Peter came and said to Jesus, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against
me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not
seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.

 

“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to
settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him
ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered
him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions,
and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have
patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the lord of
that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went
out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and
seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ Then his fellow slave fell
down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ But he refused;
then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. When
his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they
went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned
him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you
pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had
mercy on you?’ And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he
would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you,
if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

 

The Gospel of the Lord. Response:    Praise to you Lord Christ

 

 

SERMON                                                                                                               The Rev. Cricket Park

 

 

THE NICENE CREED

 

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 worshiped 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.

 

 

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

 

The celebration continues with the Prayers of the People. The Leader and People

pray responsively.

 

In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.

Silence

 

For all people in their daily life and work;

For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.

 

For this community, the nation, and the world;

For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.

 

For the just and proper use of your creation;

For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.

 

For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;

For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.

 

For the peace and unity of the Church of God;

For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.

 

For Michael our Presiding Bishop, and Wayne, Ken, Nedi, and Wendall our Bishops; and for all bishops and other ministers;

For all who serve God in the Church.

 

For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
Silence The People may add their own petitions

 

Hear us, Lord;

For your mercy is great.

 

We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
Silence The People may add their own thanksgivings

 

We will exalt you, O God our King;

And praise your Name for ever and ever.

 

We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.
Silence The People may add their own petitions

 

Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;

Who put their trust in you.

 

Celebrant:  O God, you prepared your disciples for the coming of the Spirit through the
teaching of your Son Jesus Christ: Make the hearts and minds of your servants ready
to receive the blessing of the Holy Spirit, that they may be filled with the strength of his
presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

THE CONFESSION

Deacon/Celebrant:   Let us then confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

 

Most merciful God: We confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and 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.

 

THE ABSOLUTION

 

Celebrant:  Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.   Amen.

 

 

THE PEACE

Celebrant:     The Peace of the Lord be always with you.

Response:      And also with you.

 

Please greet one another with a sign of peace.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

OFFERTORY/ANTHEM                 “O for a closer walk with God”                             Eric H. Thiman

 

PRESENTATION OF GIFTS

 

At this time the ushers will bring up the offering of money and any pantry items. As they do this, please stand and sing the following:

 

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God all creatures here below;

Praise God above ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

 

 

THE HOLY COMMUNION

 

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.

 

The Celebrant continues, with the congregation joining in the words in bold type.

 

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

 

For by water and the Holy Spirit you have made us a new people in Jesus Christ our Lord, to show forth your glory in all the world.

 

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:

 

SANCTUS                                                                                                                     HYMN S128

 

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.

 

 

Then the Celebrant continues

 

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:

 

Celebrant and People:

 

Christ has died.

Christ is risen.

Christ will come again.

 

The Celebrant continues:
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 forever.   AMEN.

 

As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray,

 

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

 

THE FRACTION/THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD

Celebrant:   Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;

People:        Therefore let us keep the feast.

 

INVITATION TO COMMUNION:

 

Celebrant:   The Gifts of God for the People of God.

 

Everyone is welcome to come forward for communion or a blessing.

 

 

COMMUNION HYMN       “Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love”                     LEVAS #74

 

1 Come down, O Love divine,

       seek thou this soul of mine,

   and visit it with thine own ardor glowing;

       O Comforter, draw near,

       within my heart appear,

   and kindle it, thy holy flame bestowing.

 

 

 

2 O let it freely burn,

       till earthly passions turn

   to dust and ashes in its heat consuming;

       and let thy glorious light

       shine ever on my sight,

   and clothe me round, the while my path illuming.

 

 

 

3 And so the yearning strong,

       with which the soul will long,

   shall far outpass the power of human telling;

       for none can guess its grace,

       till Love create a place

   wherein the Holy Spirit makes a dwelling.

 

 

POST COMMUNION PRAYER

Celebrant:  Let us pray.

People:
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

May the peace of God that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of God’s son, Jesus Christ our Lord. And the Blessing of God: Father, Son, Holy Spirit, be with you now and remain with you always.

 

RECESSIONAL HYMN             “All creatures of our God and King”          Hymn #400

 

1  All creatures of our God and King,

     lift up your voices, let us sing:

          Alleluia, alleluia!

     Bright burning sun with golden beams,

     pale silver moon that gently gleams,

 

              O praise him, O praise him,

              Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

 

4  Dear mother earth, you day by day

     unfold your blessings on our way,

          O praise him, Alleluia!

     All flowers and fruits that in you grow,

     let them his glory also show:

 

     Refrain

 

5  All you with mercy in your heart,

     forgiving others, take your part,

          O sing now: Alleluia!

     All you that pain and sorrow bear,

     praise God, and cast on him your care:

 

     Refrain

 

7  Let all things their creator bless,

     and worship him in humbleness,

          O praise him, Alleluia!

     Praise God the Father, praise the Son,

     and praise the Spirit, Three in One:

 

     Refrain

 

 

DISMISSAL

 

The congregation is dismissed.

People    Thanks be to God.

 

POSTLUDE                            “Cathedral March”                                   Joseph J. McGrath

 

 

 

 

————————————-

 

 

Welcome to St. Mark’s! During the service, please assume the postures of prayer and
devotion as best suits your ability. If you are able, please stand for the Gospel, singing
hymns, and the prayers. Kneeling and sitting are also appropriate for the prayers of
the people and the Eucharistic prayers. Remember, the posture of your heart is more
important to God than the position of your body.

 

 

Ministers for September 17, 2023
Organist: Donna Larsen Vocalist: Laura Leach
Acolytes: TBD
Lay Readers: Don Nancarrow and TJ Walch
Chalice Bearers: Jim Rudd and Don Nancarrow
Tech Table: TJ Walch
Ushers: Carol Williamson and Jim Rudd
Counters: Dave Reuter and Gary Welch
Open/Close: Reuter/Wagner
Coffee Hour: Please sign up!

 

 

Ministers for September 24, 2023
Organist: Donna Larsen Vocalist: Laura Leach
Acolytes: Elizabeth Reuter
Lay Readers: Elizabeth Wagner-Weber and Carol Williamson
Chalice Bearers: Carol Williamson and Judy Rudd
Tech Table: TJ Walch
Ushers: Ginny Tuxhorn and Jim Rudd
Counters: Janet Reuter and TBD
Open/Close: Rudd/Reuter
Coffee Hour: Please sign up!

 

 

Calendar items:

September 17—Food Pantry collection day

September 17—Adult Education and Sunday School begins, 9:15am

September 23—Confirmation and Newcomer class, 10am

September 24—Adult Education and Sunday School, 9:15am

September 28—Vestry Meeting on Zoom, 7:00pm

September 30—Confirmation and Newcomer class, 10am

Blessing of the Animals, 4pm

October 1—CARE House collection day

October 1—Adult Education and Sunday School, 9:15am

October 7—Confirmation at Procter Conference Center, 2 pm

October 8—Adult Education and Sunday School, 9:15am

October 15—Food Pantry collection day

October 15—Adult Education and Sunday School, 9:15am

October 19—Vestry Meeting, 7:00pm

October 21—Valley Vineyards Dinner

October 22—Adult Education and Sunday School, 9:15am

October 29—Adult Education and Sunday School, 9:15am

October 31-November 2: All Hallow’s Eve, All Saints’, All Souls’

 

November 5 – All Saints’ Day

 

 

Adult Forum: Fall Feasts and Fasts
There are several significant feast days in September through November. Our Adult
Forum class will talk about these occasions at 9:00am in the Lounge. Come for all;
come for some. Get to know the saints and the history behind a holy day or two.
September 24th—St. Matthew
October 1st—St. Michael and All Angels
October 8th—St. James
October 15th—Teresa of Avila
October 29th—The Autumnal Triduum: All Hallow’s Eve, All Saints, All Souls
November 5th—Edith Cavell
November 12th—Hilda of Whitby
November 19th—St. Andrew

 

 

 

 

 

 

St. Mark’s is a parish in the Diocese of Southern Ohio, which is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.