PRELUDE                          “In the cross of Christ, I glory”                Robert J. Powell

 

OPENING HYMN               “Amazing Grace”                                   HYMN #671

 

1  Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,

       that saved a wretch like me!

   I once was lost but now am found,

       was blind but now I see.

 

2  ’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

       and grace my fears relieved;

   how precious did that grace appear

       the hour I first believed!

 

3  The Lord has promised good to me,

       his word my hope secures;

   he will my shield and portion be

       as long as life endures.

 

4  Through many dangers, toils, and snares,

       I have already come;

   ’tis grace that brought me safe thus far,

       and grace will lead me home.

 

5  When we’ve been there ten thousand years,

       bright shining as the sun,

   we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise

       than when we’d first begun.

 

 

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

 

 

THE DECALOGUE: CONTEMPORARY

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

You shall not steal.
Amen. Lord have mercy.

 

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

 

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

 

Celebrant:
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if
we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us
from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8,9

 

The Deacon or Priest invites the congregation to confession.
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

 

Silence may be kept.

 

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.

 

ABSOLUTION
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 COLLECT OF THE DAY
Celebrant:  Let us pray.

 

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be
the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he
may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

 

                                    Please be seated for the lessons.

 

 

Old Testament     Numbers 21:4-9   A Reading from the book of the Book of Numbers.

 

From Mount Horab the Israelites set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the
land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. The people spoke against
God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness?
For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.” Then
the LORD sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that
many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by
speaking against the LORD and against you; pray to the LORD to take away the serpents
from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said to Moses, “Make
a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it
and live.” So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever
a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.

 

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

 

 

PSALM                      Psalm 107:1-3; 17-22           Please read responsively.

 

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, *
and his mercy endures for ever.

 

2 Let all those whom the LORD has redeemed proclaim *
that he redeemed them from the hand of the foe.

 

3 He gathered them out of the lands; *
from the east and from the west,
from the north and from the south.

 

17 Some were fools and took to rebellious ways; *
they were afflicted because of their sins.

 

18 They abhorred all manner of food *
and drew near to death’s door.

 

19 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, *
and he delivered them from their distress.

 

20 He sent forth his word and healed them *
and saved them from the grave.

 

21 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his mercy *
and the wonders he does for his children.

 

22 Let them offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving *
and tell of his acts with shouts of joy.

 

 

EPISTLE    Ephesians 2: 1-10   A Reading to the Church in Ephesus

 

You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following
the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is
now at work among those who are disobedient. All of us once lived among them in
the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were
by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. But God, who is rich in mercy, out
of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our
trespasses, made us alive together with Christ– by grace you have been saved–
and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ
Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his
grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved
through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God– not the result of
works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in
Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of
life.

 

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

 

 

GRADUAL HYMN          “Sing my soul, His wondrous love”         HYMN #467

 

1  Sing, my soul, his wondrous love,

    who, from yon bright throne above,

    ever watchful o’er our race,

    still to us extends his grace.

 

 

2  Heaven and earth by him were made;

    all is by his scepter swayed;

    what are we that he should show

    so much love to us below?

 

 

3  God, the merciful and good,

    bought us with the Savior’s blood,

    and, to make salvation sure,

    guides us by his Spirit pure.

 

 

4  Sing, my soul, adore his Name!

    Let his glory be thy theme:

    praise him till he calls thee home;

    trust his love for all to come.

 

 

Please stand as you are able for the Gospel proclamation.

 

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

People:  Glory to you Lord Christ.

 

GOSPEL                      John 3:14-21

 

Jesus said, “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the
Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes
in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

 

“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order
that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned;
but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have
not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the
light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because
their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come
to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true
come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done
in God.”

 

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

 

 

SERMON                                                                                                    The Rev. Melody Williams

 

 

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.

 

 

                          PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE                        Form II, BCP page 387

 

Reader Father we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
Response That we all may be one.

 

Reader Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you.
Response That your Name may be glorified by all people.

 

Reader We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
Response That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.

 

Reader We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world;
Response That there may be justice and peace on the earth.

 

Reader Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
Response That our works may find favor in your sight.

 

Reader Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;
Response That they may be delivered from their distress.

 

Reader Give to the departed eternal rest;
Response Let light perpetual shine upon them.

 

Reader We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy;
Response May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.

 

Reader Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.

 

Please offer your prayers silently or aloud.

 

Celebrant
Almighty and eternal God, ruler of all things in heaven and on earth: Mercifully accept
the prayers of your people, and strengthen us to do your will; through Jesus Christ our
Lord.  Amen.

 

 

THE PEACE  

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

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS and Birthday/Anniversary Prayers

 

 

OFFERTORY“                      “O Most Merciful“                                      Unknown

 

PRESENTATION OF GIFTS

 

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 proceeds

 

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 was tempted in every way as we are, yet did not
sin. By his grace we are able to triumph over every evil, and to live no longer for ourselves
alone, but for him who died for us and rose again.

 

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:

 

Celebrant and People                                                                      HYMNAL 1982 #S130

 

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Hosanna in the highest.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

Hosanna in the highest.

 

 

The people stand or kneel.

 

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 for ever.
AMEN.

 

 

As our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

 

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

 

 

THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD

 

The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept.

 

Agnus Dei                                                                   Hymnal 1982 #S164

 

 Jesus, Lamb of God:

Have mercy on us.

 

Jesus, bearer of our sins:

Have mercy on us.

 

Jesus, redeemer,

redeemer of the world:

Give us your peace.,

Give us your peace

 

 

Facing the people, the Celebrant says the following Invitation

 

The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died
for you and feed on him in your hearts by faith with thanksgiving.

 

Come to God’s altar. You are welcome to receive communion. If you wish only to receive a blessing
from the priest, please cross your arms when you come forward. If you require a gluten-free wafer,
please let the ushers know.

 

 

COMMUNION HYMN          “Father we thank thee who hast planted”                HYMN #302

 

1 Father, we thank thee who hast planted

       thy holy Name within our hearts.

   Knowledge and faith and life immortal

       Jesus thy Son to us imparts.

 

 

2 Thou, Lord, didst make all for thy pleasure,

       didst give us food for all our days,

   giving in Christ the Bread eternal;

       thine is the power, be thine the praise.

 

 

3 Watch o’er thy Church, O Lord, in mercy,

       save it from evil, guard it still,

   perfect it in thy love, unite it,

       cleansed and conformed unto thy will.

 

 

4 As grain, once scattered on the hillsides,

       was in this broken bread made one,

   so from all lands thy Church be gathered

       into thy kingdom by thy Son.

 

 

After Communion, the Celebrant says     Let us pray.

 

Celebrant and People:

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.

 

 

SOLEMN PRAYER AND BLESSING

 

Celebrant   Bow down before the Lord.

 

Look down in mercy, Lord, on your people who kneel before you; and grant that
those whom you have nourished by your Word and Sacraments may bring forth fruit
worthy of repentance; through Christ our Lord. Amen

 

The blessing of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be with you this day and remain
with you always.   Amen.

 

 

CLOSING HYMN               “Lift High the Cross”                         HYMN #473

 

            Lift high the cross,

                the love of Christ proclaim

            till all the world adore

                his sacred Name.

 

1  Led on their way by this triumphant sign,

    the hosts of God in conquering ranks combine.

 

    Refrain

 

2  Each new-born servant of the Crucified

    bears on the brow the seal of him who died.

 

    Refrain

 

3  O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree,

    as thou hast promised, draw the world to thee.

 

    Refrain

 

4  So shall our song of triumph ever be:

    praise to the Crucified for victory.

 

    Refrain

 

 

DISMISSAL

 

Deacon:     Let us bless the Lord

People       Thanks be to God.

 

POSTLUDE                “Finale from ‘Partita on Crucifer”              Setting by William H. Bates

 

 

        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.

 

 

Day of Change—TODAY!
We moved our clocks forward and now it’s time to collect much needed donations for
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church food pantry. No donation is too small – or too
large.

 

 

Ministry Assignments for Lent IV, March 10
Acolyte(s): Jackie Hoskinson
Lay Readers: Gabriel Walch and Gary Welch
Chalice Bearers: Jim Rudd and Elizabeth Wagner-Weber
Tech Table: TJ Walch
Ushers: Wayne Harper and Tony Rubino
Counters: Dave Reuter and Tony Rubino
Open Close: Wagner/Welch
Coffee Hour: The Walch Family
Altar Guild: Mary-Anna Welch, Stephanie Welch, and Janet Reuter

 

 

Ministry Assignments for Lent V, March 17
Acolyte(s): Elizabeth Reuter
Lay Readers: Don Nancarrow and Jackie Hoskinson
Chalice Bearers: Judy Rudd and Kendall Rubino
Tech Table: Dave Reuter
Ushers: Dave Reuter and Ginny Tuxhorn
Counters: Jim Rudd and Gary Welch
Open Close: Wagner/Rubino
Coffee Hour: Leach/Nancarrow
Altar Guild: Mary-Anna Welch, Stephanie Welch, & Janet Reuter

 

If you are unable to serve on your date, please find your substitute and notify the
church office.

 

Calendar
March 10—Adult Forum (9:15a); Jr./Sr. Sunday School (9:30am); Holy Eucharist and
Sunday School (10:30am)

March 13—St. Arbuck’s at the Kroger Starbucks on Woodman Drive

 

Canterbury Court (CCT) Ministry Opportunities
Spa Day:
Provide hand massages and nail polishing to residents of CCT on March 14th from
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Arts & Crafts Classes:
Provide materials and conduct class for “Make it & Take it” classes for 10 residents of
CCT at 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. on April 15th and May 20th.

 

Dismantling Racism Course
Miriam McKenny and Canon Oden have worked hard to get a great program in place.
Classes are offered via zoom with a good amount of flexibility. Not only is this an opportunity
to learn about and have an open conversation about Dismantling Racism but
a great way to interact with other Episcopalians all throughout the Diocese and some
other Dioceses as well. We do strongly encourage people, especially those who are
seeking lay licensing, to participate in one of the sessions. I have attached the next
sessions below:

March (12, 19, 26 from 6 to 8 p.m.). Sign up here.
April (10, 17, 24 from 1 to 3 p.m.) Sign up here.
May (15, 22, 29 from to 8 p.m.). Sign up here.
June (4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 from 12 to 1 p.m.). Sign up here.
August (14, 21, 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.). Sign up here.

 

See more information in the weekly email from the diocese or by visiting
www.diosohio.org.

 

Day of Change
It’s almost time to move our clocks forward on March 10th and to collect much needed
donations for St. Paul’s United Methodist Church food pantry. No donation is too small
– or too large.

 

**BE MINDFUL OF WEARING SCENTED PRODUCTS AT WORSHIP**
Some of our parishioners and guests have respiratory sensitivity issues when exposed
to various scents, so please be aware of that when using perfumes and colognes.

 

Adult Forum
Please order (or borrow via the library system) the book What Are Biblical Values:
What the Bible says about Key Ethical Issues by John Collins. We’re reading chapters
six and seven for this Sunday.    Rev. Cricket won’t be there—so carry on.

 

Please check the bulletin board near the church office. We still have some blanks to
fill in for coffee hour, especially March 17th. Irish coffee hour anyone?

 

 

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