Epiphany-6-Last (Yr B) February 11, 2024

 

 

PRELUDE                     The Transfiguration                                                G. Chopiney

 

OPENING HYMN         ”When Morning Gilds the Skies”                         Hymnal #427

 

1  When morning gilds the skies,

     my heart, awaking, cries,

          may Jesus Christ be praised!

     When evening shadows fall,

     this rings my curfew call,

          may Jesus Christ be praised!

 

 

2  When mirth for music longs,

     this is my song of songs:

          may Jesus Christ be praised!

     God’s holy house of prayer

     hath none that can compare

          with: Jesus Christ be praised!

 

 

3  No lovelier antiphon

     in all high heaven is known

          than, Jesus Christ be praised!

     There to the eternal Word

     the eternal psalm is heard:

          may Jesus Christ be praised!

 

 

4  Ye nations of mankind,

     in this your concord find:

          may Jesus Christ be praised!

     Let all the earth around

     ring joyous with the sound:

          may Jesus Christ be praised!

 

 

5 Sing, suns and stars of space,

     sing, ye that see his face,

          sing, Jesus Christ be praised!

     God’s whole creation o’er,

     both now and evermore

          shall Jesus Christ be praised!

 

 

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           “Songs of thankfulness and praise”            Hymn #135 v 1

 

1  Songs of thankfulness and praise,

   Jesus, Lord, to thee we raise,

   manifested by the star to the sages from afar;

   branch of royal David’s stem in thy birth at Bethlehem

   anthems be to thee addressed, God in man made manifest.

 

 

Celebrant   The Lord be with you.

People   And also with you

 

Celebrant: Let us pray

Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that
abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus
Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now
and for ever.  Amen.

 

                    Please be seated for the lessons.

 

 

FIRST LESSON     2 Kings 2:1-12      A Reading from the book of the book of Kings.

 

When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha
were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me
as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not
leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. The company of prophets who were in Bethel
came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take your
master away from you?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent.”

 

Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here; for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” But he said,
“As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho.
The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to
him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?” And he
answered, “Yes, I know; be silent.”

 

Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” But he
said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of
them went on. Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance
from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle
and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the
other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground.

 

When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I
am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” He
responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from
you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.” As they continued walking and talking, a
chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a
whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, “Father, father! The chariots
of Israel and its horsemen!” But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own
clothes and tore them in two pieces.

 

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

 

 

PSALM                      Psalm 147:1-12, 21c           Please read responsively.

 

1 The Lord, the God of gods, has spoken; *
he has called the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
2 Out of Zion, perfect in its beauty, *
God reveals himself in glory.

 

3 Our God will come and will not keep silence; *
before him there is a consuming flame,
and round about him a raging storm.
4 He calls the heavens and the earth from above *
to witness the judgment of his people.

 

5 “Gather before me my loyal followers, *
those who have made a covenant with me
and sealed it with sacrifice.”
6 Let the heavens declare the rightness of his cause; *
for God himself is judge.

 

 

Second Lesson   1 Corinthians 4:3-6   A Reading from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians

 

Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the
god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing
the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do
not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your
slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”
who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Jesus Christ.

 

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

 

 

GRADUAL          “Christ Upon the Mountain Peak Hymnal                  #129

 

1  Christ upon the mountain peak

          stands alone in glory blazing;

     let us, if we dare to speak,

          with the saints and angels praise him.

          Alleluia!

 

 2  Trembling at his feet we saw

          Moses and Elijah speaking.

     All the prophets and the Law

          shout through them their joyful greeting.

          Alleluia!

 

 3  Swift the cloud of glory came.

          God proclaiming in its thunder

     Jesus as his Son by name!

          Nations cry aloud in wonder!

          Alleluia!

 

 4  This is God’s belovèd Son!

          Law and prophets fade before him;

     first and last and only One,

          let creation now adore him!

          Alleluia!

 

 

GOSPEL                      Mark 9:2-9

 

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

 

People:  Glory to you Lord Christ.

 

Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain
apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became
dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to
them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus,
“Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for
Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then
a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son,
the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with
them any more, but only Jesus.

 

As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what
they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

 

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

 

Our celebration continues with the Prayers of the People.

 

Reader: 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 Kristen our Bishop-Elect; and for all bishops
and other ministers;
For all who serve God in the Church.

 

For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
The People may add their own petitions silently or aloud
Hear us, Lord; For your mercy is great.

 

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

 

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

 

We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.       Silence may be kept.

 

Leader and People

Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father;
in your compassion forgive us our sins,
known and unknown,
things done and left undone;
and so uphold us by your Spirit
that we may live and serve you in newness of life,
to the honor and glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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                 “It is good to sing your praises”                          David Paxton

 

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            Enriching Our Worship Prayer Two

 

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.

 

We praise you and we bless you, holy and gracious God, source of life abundant.

 

From before time you made ready the creation.

 

Your Spirit moved over the deep and brought all things into being: sun, moon, and
stars; earth, winds, and waters; and every living thing. You made us in your image,
and taught us to walk in your ways.

 

But we rebelled against you, and wandered far away; and yet, as a mother cares for
her children, you would not forget us. Time and again you called us to live in the fullness
of your love. And so this day we join with Saints and Angels in the chorus of
praise that rings through eternity, lifting our voices to magnify you as we sing (say)

 

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

 

Glory and honor and praise to you, holy and living God. To deliver us from the power
of sin and death and to reveal the riches of your grace, you looked with favor upon
Mary, your willing servant, that she might conceive and bear a son, Jesus the holy
child of God.

 

Living among us, Jesus loved us. He broke bread with outcasts and sinners, healed
the sick, and proclaimed good news to the poor. He yearned to draw all the world to
himself yet we were heedless of his call to walk in love.

 

Then, the time came for him to complete upon the cross the sacrifice of his life, and
to be glorified by you.

 

On the night before he died for us, Jesus was at table with his friends. He took bread,
gave thanks to you, broke it, and gave it to them, and said: “Take, eat: This is my
Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

 

As supper was ending, Jesus took the cup of wine. Again, he gave thanks to you,
gave it to them, and said: “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant,
which is poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever
you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

 

Now gathered at your table, O God of all creation, and remembering Christ, crucified
and risen, who was and is and is to come, we offer to you our gifts of bread and wine,
and ourselves, a living sacrifice.

 

Pour out your Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Body and Blood of Christ.
Breathe your Spirit over the whole earth and make us your new creation, the Body of
Christ given for the world you have made. In the fullness of time bring us, with Mark
and all your saints, from every tribe and language and people and nation, to feast at
the banquet prepared from the foundation of the world.

 

Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to you be
honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever.  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

 

God of promise, you have prepared a banquet for us.
Happy are those who are called to the Supper of the Lamb. AMEN 

 

 

INVITATION TO COMMUNION:

 

Celebrant: The gifts of God for the people of God.

 

Everyone is welcome to come forward for communion or a blessing. You may receive the bread and the wine, or the bread or the wine. If you prefer a blessing only, please cross your hands over your chest as a signal to the priest.

 

 

COMMUNION HYMN          “To Thee, O Comforter Divine                  Hymn #514

 

1 To thee, O Comforter divine,
for all thy grace and power benign,
sing we alleluia! Alleluia!

 

2 To thee, whose faithful love had place
in God’s great covenant of grace,
sing we alleluia! Alleluia!

 

3 To thee, whose faithful power doth heal,
enlighten, sanctify, and seal,
sing we alleluia! Alleluia!

 

4 To thee, by Jesus Christ sent down,
of all his gifts the sum and crown,
sing we alleluia! Alleluia!

 

 

POST COMMUNION PRAYER

Celebrant:  Let us pray.

People:
God of abundance, you have fed us with the bread of life and cup of salvation;
you have united us with Christ and one another; and you have made us one
with all your people in heaven and on earth. Now send us forth in the power of
your Spirit, that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world and continue
for ever in the risen life of Christ our Savior. 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.
Amen.

 

 

RECESSIONAL HYMN             ”Alleluia! Sing to Jesus                      Hymn #460

 

1  Alleluia! sing to Jesus!

          his the scepter, his the throne;

     Alleluia! his the triumph,

          his the victory alone;

     Hark! the songs of peaceful Zion

          thunder like a mighty flood;

     Jesus out of every nation

          hath redeemed us by his blood.

 

 2  Alleluia! not as orphans

          are we left in sorrow now;

     Alleluia! he is near us,

          faith believes, nor questions how:

     though the cloud from sight received him,

          when the forty days were o’er,

     shall our hearts forget his promise,

          “I am with you evermore”?

 

 3  Alleluia! bread of Heaven,

          Thou on earth our food, our stay!

     Alleluia! here the sinful

          flee to thee from day to day:

     Intercessor, friend of sinners,

          earth’s Redeemer, plead for me,

     where the songs of all the sinless

          sweep across the crystal sea. 

 

 4  Alleluia! King eternal,

          thee the Lord of lords we own:

     Alleluia! born of Mary,

          earth thy footstool, heaven thy throne:

     thou within the veil hast entered,

          robed in flesh, our great High Priest:

     thou on earth both Priest and Victim

          in the eucharistic feast.

 

 5  Alleluia! sing to Jesus!

          his the scepter, his the throne;

     Alleluia! his the triumph,

          his the victory alone;

     Hark! the songs of holy Zion

          thunder like a mighty flood;

     Jesus out of every nation

hath redeemed us by his blood.

 

 

DISMISSAL

 

The congregation is dismissed by the deacon or the priest.

People    Thanks be to God.

 

POSTLUDE                   “EPILOGUE”                                  Norman Gilbert

 

 

        Please join us for coffee in the Fellowship Room of the Community Building.

 

 

————————————-

 

 

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.

 

 

Celebrant Ministers for February 11, 2024
Celebrant and Preacher: Rev. Cricket Park
Ushers: Ginny Tuxhorn and Jim Rudd
Acolytes: Elizabeth Wagner-Weber and Faggio Nocero-Sargent
Lay Readers: Jim Rudd and Gary Welch
Chalice Bearers: Judy Rudd and Kendall Rubino
Tech Table: TJ Walch
Counters: Kendall Rubino and Jim Rudd
Open/Close: Wagner/Reuter
Altar Guild for February: Katherine Wagner and Elizabeth Wagner-Weber
Coffee Hour: Norma Peachey and Ginny Tuxhorn
Altar flowers and the sanctuary candle are given by the Welch family in honor of
Gary’s birthday.

 

 

Ministers for Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Celebrant: Rev. Cricket Park
Lay Readers: Gabe Walch and Don Nancarrow
Chalice Bearers: Elizabeth Wagner-Weber and Don Nancarrow
Ushers: Tony Rubino and Dave Reuter

 

 

Ministers for February 18, 2024
Celebrant and Preacher: Rev. Cricket Park and Rev. Jack Koepke
Ushers: Dave Reuter and Tony Rubino
Acolytes: Elizabeth Wagner-Weber and Faggio Nocero-Sargent
Lay Readers: Pat Tallman and Jackie Hoskinson
Chalice Bearers: Jim Rudd and Kendell Rubino
Tech Table: Gary Welch
Counters: Janet Reuter and Gary Welch
Open/Close: Wagner/Reuter
Altar Guild for February: Katherine Wagner and Elizabeth Wagner-Weber
Coffee Hour: Jim and Jackie Hoskinson

 

 

Please volunteer for coffee hour, flowers, and the sanctuary candle. The calendars for
2024 are on the bulletin board next to the church office. So easy to do during coffee
hour! (Flowers are $40; Candles are $7.50)

 

 

Calendar items:
February 13—Shrove Tuesday

February 13—Pancake Supper at 6pm. Contact TJ Walch to help out.

February 14—Ash Wednesday (Sorry St. Valentine)

February 15 – Vestry Meeting on Zoom, 7:00pm

February 18—Lent I

February 25—Lent II

 

 

Upcoming Events

 

Adult Forum returns February 18th
Please join us at 9:15am to discuss the first two chaptes of John J. Collins’ book
What are Biblical Values: What the Bible says about Key Ethical Issues. You can order
the book from any online retailer. We’ll meet in the Fellowship Hall so that we
have tables to lean against and the computer is closer to the wi-fi. Please join us on
Zoom if you aren’t able to get to church. Let Cricket know
(revcricketpark@gmail.com) if this is how you would like to attend and she will send
you a Zoom link.

 

LEGOS wanted
Remember stepping on that one loose LEGO barefooted? Felt like misery, didn’t it.
Well, get rid of that memory and your old LEGOs. An upcoming LEGO Madness
night for Diocesan Sunday School ministries will put them to good use. Drop off new
or used LEGOs on Sunday mornings at Christ Church Dayton. Or, Drop them off between
9am and 1pm Monday through Thursday during the month of February. All
forms and versions of LEGOs will be accepted.

 

St. Arbuck’s Coffee Ministry Welcomes You!
Join St. Mark’s members for coffee and conversation at the Starbuck’s in the Kroger
Store on Woodman Drive. Much hilarity is present – Jesus approves! Bring a friend
to meet your church friends.

 

Neighborhood Bridges helps meet basic needs of lower income students in our
community. Their Care Closet needs some specific supplies. The program requests
hats, gloves, underwear and socks for ages 5 to adult. These must be new items.
Let’s keep those young hands and feet warm this winter.

 

Are you getting news from the Diocese via e-mail?
If not, subscribe at this link: Signup Form (constantcontactpages.com) or

Www.diosohio.org/e-connections/

Subscribers receive a weekly message with information about the many events happening in the diocese and at Procter Conference Center.

 

 

Bishop White visits on April 28th!
An official visit by the bishop includes many events. She
will be meeting with the vestry to discuss the state of
things. We’ll be providing information to her according to
her request.

 

This is one of those occasions where we have the
opportunity to present to the bishop those members who
wish to be baptized, confirmed, reaffirmed, and/or
received. Please let Rev. Cricket know if this is something
you would be interested in doing.

 

Finally, we need a REALLY GREAT COFFEE HOUR.
Please note that Bishop White requires gluten-free
foods. More information about this will be provided closer
to the date.

 

Lent Madness 2024
32 saints are placed into a tournament-like single elimination bracket. Each pairing remains
open for a set period of time and people vote for their favorite saint. 16 saints
make it to the Round of the Saintly Sixteen; eight advance to the Round of the Elate
Eight; four make it to the Faithful Four; two to the Championship; and the winner is
awarded the coveted Golden Halo. The first round consists of basic biographical information
about each of the 32 saints. Things get a bit more interesting in the subsequent
rounds as quotes and quirks, exploring legends, and even saintly kitsch are offered.
If you would like to explore more about Lent Madness, click the link to their
website at lentmadness.org.

 

If you would like to receive the daily match-ups by email and vote in the daily contests,
then subscribe to Lent Madness [Add your email address and click the
“Subscribe” button] at this link. If you would like to download a copy of the 2024
bracket to print and complete at home, click this link. If you would like to read, download
or print the Saintly Scorecard (a booklet of short biographies of all 32 saints
competing in this year’s tournament), click this link.

 

 

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
February 13 at 6pm

 

Ash Wednesday Services
February 14 at 12:30pm and 7:00pm

 

 

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