The prelude is a time for preparation for worship.
As we enter the sanctuary, let us prepare through quiet prayer and meditation.
The service is being livestreamed and recorded and will be available on our Facebook page and on YouTube.
The People’s responses are in bold type, and directions are italicized.
As a courtesy to others, please silence your cell phone.
The Hymnal 1982 is the blue hymnal; Wonder, Love, & Praise is the green hymnal; Lift Every Voice and Sing II is the red and black hymnal
PRELUDE: “Meditation on My Shepherd will supply my need” C. Callahan
Prayer Requests, Birthdays/Anniversaries, and Announcements
PROCESSIONAL HYMN:
“Good Christians all, rejoice and sing!” The Hymnal 1982, #205
1 Good Christians all, rejoice and sing!
Now is the triumph of our King!
To all the world glad news we bring:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
2 The Lord of life is risen today!
Sing songs of praise along his way;
let all the earth rejoice and say:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
3 Praise we in songs of victory
that love, that life which cannot die,
and sing with hearts uplifted high:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
4 Your Name we bless, O risen Lord,
and sing today with one accord
the life laid down, the life restored:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
5 To God the Father, God the Son,
to God the Spirit, always One,
we sing for life in us begun:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Celebrant Alleluia. Christ is risen.
People The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
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.
GLORIA:
“Glory to God in the highest” The Hymnal 1982, #S278
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.
Collect of the Day
O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Please be seated.
First Reading: Acts 2:42-47
Reader A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
Those who had been baptized devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
The Response: Psalm 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd; *
I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures *
and leads me beside still waters.
3 He revives my soul *
and guides me along right pathways for his Name’s sake.
4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I shall fear no evil; *
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; *
you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over.
6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Second Reading: 1 Peter 2:19-25
Reader A reading from the first letter of Peter.
It is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.
“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Please stand as you are able.
GRADUAL HYMN:
“The Lord my God my shepherd is” The Hymnal 1982, #663
1. The Lord my God my shepherd is;
how could I want or need?
In pastures green, by streams serene,
he safely doth me lead.
2. To wholeness he restores my soul
and doth in mercy bless,
and helps me take for his Name’s sake
the paths of righteousness.
3. Yea, even when I must pass through
the valley of death’s shade,
I will not fear, for thou art here,
to comfort and to aid.
4. Thou hast in grace my table spread
secure in all alarms,
and filled my cup, and borne me up
in everlasting arms.
5. Then surely I can trust thy love
for all the days to come,
that I may tell thy praise, and dwell
for ever in thy home.
The Gospel: John 10:1-10
Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
Deacon The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Please be seated
The Homily The Rev. Jean Vargo
Please stand as you are able.
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
Reader
In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer we pray for The Church of Nigeria.
In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer we pray for Christ Church in Dayton and Education for Ministry.
In our Parish Cycle of Prayer we pray for Juanita Limes; René, Jack, Rosalia, & Holly Meadors; and Carol & Don Nancarrow.
Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
That we all may be one.
Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;
That your Name may be glorified by all people.
We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.
We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world;
That there may be justice and peace on the earth.
Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
That our works may find favor in your sight.
Have compassion on those on our Parish Prayer List: Jim H., Ginny, Hayward, George, Patricia, Jim T., Mary-Anna, Wayne, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Susan, and the Darnell family; and for all who suffer from any grief or trouble;
That they may be delivered from their distress.
We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy;
May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.
Give to the departed eternal rest;
Let light perpetual shine upon them.
Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.
Celebrant Thanksgiving, blessing and praise be yours, God of the incarnation; because you care for us and for our prayer. May our love for you and our likeness to you be strengthened every time we pray. Amen.
The Peace BCP p. 360
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.
Please be seated
The Offertory – The ushers collect the offering at this time
OFFERTORY MUSIC: “Voluntary in G” J. Worgan
Please stand as you are able.
PRESENTATION HYMN: “Alleluia” (v.2) The Hymnal 1982, #178
Alleluia, alleluia! Give thanks to the risen Lord.
Alleluia, alleluia! Give Praise to his Name.
Spread the good news o’er all the earth: Jesus has died and has risen.
Alleluia, alleluia! Give thanks to the risen Lord.
Alleluia, alleluia! Give Praise to his Name.
THE HOLY COMMUNION
Eucharistic Prayer D (The Book of Common Prayer, page 372)
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Lift up your hearts.
People We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Celebrant It is truly right to glorify you, Father, and to give you thanks; for you alone are God, living and true, dwelling in light inaccessible from before time and for ever.
Fountain of life and source of all goodness, you made all things and fill them with your blessing; you created them to rejoice in the splendor of your radiance.
Countless throngs of angels stand before you to serve you night and day; and, beholding the glory of your presence, they offer you unceasing praise. Joining with them, and giving voice to every creature under heaven, we acclaim you, and glorify your Name, as we sing (say),
SANCTUS: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord” The Hymnal 1982, #S128
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.
Please stand or kneel
Celebrant We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world.
In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
On the night before he died for us, 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, according to his command, O Father,
Celebrant and People
We remember his death,
We proclaim his resurrection,
We await his coming in glory;
Celebrant And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.
We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with St. Mark and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.
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 BCP p. 364
As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray,
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.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And 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 BCP p. 364
FRACTION ANTHEM: “Christ our Passover” The Hymnal 1982, # S154
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. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
What we celebrate is not The Episcopal Church’s Supper, but The Lord’s Supper. All are welcome at the Lord’s Table for Communion; those not partaking are invited to come forward, cross your arms over your chest, and receive a blessing.
Please stand as you are able.
COMMUNION HYMN:
“Before the Lord’s eternal throne” (v 1,2.5) The Hymnal 1982, #391
1 Before the Lord’s eternal throne,
ye nations, bow with sacred joy;
know that the Lord is God alone;
he can create, and he destroy.
2 His sovereign Power without our aid
formed us of clay and gave us breath;
and when like wandering sheep we strayed,
he saved us from the power of death.
5 Wide as the world is thy command,
vast as eternity thy love;
firm as a rock thy truth must stand,
when rolling years shall cease to move.
Post-Communion Prayer
Celebrant 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.
The Blessing
RECESSIONAL:
“Savior, like a shepherd lead us” The Hymnal 1982, p. 708
1 Savior, like a shepherd lead us;
much we need thy tender care;
in thy pleasant pastures feed us;
for our use thy folds prepare.
Blessèd Jesus!
Thou hast bought us, thine we are.
2 Early let us seek thy favor,
early let us learn thy will;
do thou, Lord, our only Savior,
with thy love our bosoms fill.
Blessèd Jesus!
Thou hast loved us: love us still.
Dismissal
People Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.
POSTLUDE: “Volte” L. Couperin
Thank you for joining us in worship.
Please know that your participation with us today,
in person or online, has been a blessing.
READINGS and MINISTRY SCHEDULE
April 26, 2026
The Fourth Sunday of Easter
Readings:
Acts 2:14a,36-41; Psalm 116:1-3,
10-17; 1 Peter 1:17-23; Luke 24:13-35
Celebrant: The Rev. Jean Vargo
Organist: Barbara Acker-Mills
Acolyte: Lizzy Reuter
Lay Readers: Don Nancarrow, Jackie Hoskinson
Chalicists: Judy Rudd, Kendall Rubino
Tech & Facebook Live: Dave Reuter, Katherine Wagner
Ushers: Tony Rubino, Wayne Harper
Counters: Carol Nancarrow, Gary Welch
Open/Close: Wagner/Nancarrow
Altar Guild: Norma Peachey & Ginny Tuxhorn
May 3, 2026
The Fifth Sunday of Easter
Readings:
Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16;
Celebrant: The Rev. Jack Koepke
Organist: Barbara Acker-Mills
Acolyte: Gabriel Walch
Lay Readers: Carol Williamson, Jim Rudd
Chalicists: Don Nancarrow, Elizabeth Wagner-Weber
Tech & Facebook Live: Gary Welch, Katherine Wagner
Ushers: Ginny Tuxhorn, Wayne Harper
Counters: Sandy Bultman, Jim Rudd
Open/Close: Wagner/Nancarrow
Altar Guild: Carol Nancarrow, Kendall Rubino
Candle: George Snyder
Altar Flowers: TBD
Coffee Hour: Sunday School
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Thank you for joining us in worship.
Please know that your participation with us today,
in person or online, has been a blessing.
Announcements for the Week of April 26
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- The CANDLE in the Sanctuary Lamp shines brightly over St. Mark’s parish
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- COFFEE HOUR is hosted by The Leach Family
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- May 3: WAFFLE SUNDAY! To celebrate their graduations, the High Schoolers and their teachers are taking over Coffee Hour beginning at 10:00am, serving up waffles and sausage. No charge, but they’ll gladly accept a free-will offering, which will be added to their share of the proceeds from the combined Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at St. Paul’s.
- May 10: FLOWER SUNDAY with special guests from ST. MARGARET’S!! Everyone is invited to bring flowers to church, which we use to make our flowering cross. We will also take our Annual PARISH PORTRAIT after this service, so come dressed in your best and be a part of our St. Mark’s Family picture! To make it even better, Fr. Ben Spear-Hardy and the St. Margaret’s folks will be here for Coffee Hour and the service!
- MAY 30: FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON—You are invited to join St Mark’s, St. Paul’s, and the Lutheran Church of Our Savior for a luncheon from 11am-1:30pm at St. Paul’s! Share a fun-filled time of socializing, good food, trivia, and door prizes. Tickets are $15; reservations due by May 22. Questions? Call St Paul’s office at 937-293-1154.
- FLAGS FOR HEROES: The Beavercreek Rotary Club displays 150 American flags on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day, honoring your personal heroes. These can include military, first responders, family, teachers, mentors, etc. An honor medallion is attached to each flag with the name of the hero and their sponsor. This project is part of St. Mark’s Outreach Program for the community, and proceeds help fund the Rotary Club’s programs. For more information, contact Jim Rudd. The cost for all three events is $55.
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Prayers for the Week of April 19
For all who long for peace and safety, especially those in places of conflict and all who serve in harm’s way. May the Risen Christ bring protection, courage, and the hope of new life.
For all who seek justice, mercy, and belonging—migrants, refugees, and any who feel far from home. May the light of Easter open paths of welcome and renewal.
For all who carry burdens of grief, illness, fear, or uncertainty. May the promise of the Resurrection strengthen them, heal divisions in our communities, and kindle hope where it feels lost.
For those on our parish prayer list: Jim H., Ginny, Patricia, Jim T., Mary-Anna, Wayne, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Susan, and the Darnell family.
For those who suffer from illness, grief, or any other adversity:
Akiko, friend of Jim Tallman; Andrew, the Tallman’s son-in-law; Blaze, the Tallman’s grandson; Chip, Jim Rudd’s step-mother; Chris & family, friends of the Reuters; Chuck, friend of Tony Rubino; Clara, Pat Tallman’s cousin; Crystal, friend of the Rubinos; Emily, Ann Phillips’ niece; Emma, Lowell, & the Burton Family, friends of Juanita Limes and the Darnells; Fr. John, friend of the parish; Fred, former parishioner; Katie, friend of the Reuters; Luann, Sean Weber’s mother; Mary, friend of the Wagners; Natasha, the Tallman’s granddaughter; Patti, Norma Peachey’s daughter-in-law; Regina, Mary-Anna Welch’s sister; Renea, friend of Juanita and Lisa; Roberta, Tracey Swartz’s mother; Steve, friend of the Hoskinsons; Tonia, Juanita Limes’ daughter-in-law; Tony, Judy Rudd’s brother; the Younge Family, friends of Jackie Hoskinson.
For the mission work of this congregation: CARE House, Canterbury Court, St. Paul’s UMC Food Pantry, Hope4Riverside, Neighborhood Bridges, and for the seven non-profit groups who use our Community Building.
