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: Voluntary in a minor Anonymous
Prayer Requests, Birthdays/Anniversaries, and Announcements
PROCESSIONAL HYMN:
“Father, we praise thee now that night is over” The Hymnal 1982, #1
1 Father, we praise thee, now the night is over,
active and watchful, stand we all before thee;
singing we offer prayer and meditation:
thus we adore thee.
2 Monarch of all things, fit us for thy mansions;
banish our weakness, health and wholeness sending;
bring us to heaven, where thy saints united
joy without ending.
3 All-holy Father, Son, and equal Spirit,
Trinity blessèd, send us thy salvation;
thine is the glory, gleaming and resounding
through all creation.
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
Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Please be seated.
First Reading: Acts 7:55-60
Reader A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Stephen gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
The Response: Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
1 In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; *
deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Incline your ear to me; *
make haste to deliver me.
3 Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe, for you are my crag and my stronghold; *
for the sake of your Name, lead me and guide me.
4 Take me out of the net that they have secretly set for me, *
for you are my tower of strength.
5 Into your hands I commend my spirit, *
for you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth.
15 My times are in your hand; *
rescue me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
16 Make your face to shine upon your servant, *
and in your loving-kindness save me.
Second Reading: 1 Peter 2:2-10
Reader A reading from the first letter of Peter.
Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in scripture: “See, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the very head of the corner,” and “A stone that makes them stumble, and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Please stand as you are able.
GRADUAL HYMN:
“Thou art the way, to Thee alone.” The Hymnal 1982, #457
1 Thou art the Way, to thee alone
from sin and death we flee;
and all who would the Father seek,
must seek him, Lord, by thee.
2 Thou art the Truth, thy word alone
true wisdom can impart;
thou only canst inform the mind
and purify the heart.
3 Thou art the Life, the rending tomb
proclaims thy conquering arm;
and those who put their trust in thee
nor death nor hell shall harm.
4 Thou art the Way, the Truth, the Life:
grant us that way to know,
that truth to keep, that life to win,
whose joys eternal flow.
The Gospel: John 14:1-14
Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.”
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 North India (United).
In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer we pray for St. Patrick’s in Dublin, and our bishops
In our Parish Cycle of Prayer we pray for Libby & Jeff Nicholson; Faggio Nocero-Sargent; and Norma Peachey.
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: Claudia, Jim H., 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: Meditation on Fairest Lord Jesus D. Johnson
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 acclaim you, holy Lord, glorious in power. Your mighty works reveal your wisdom and love. You formed us in your own image, giving the whole world into our care, so that, in obedience to you, our Creator, we might rule and serve all your creatures. When our disobedience took us far from you, you did not abandon us to the power of death. In your mercy you came to our help, so that in seeking you we might find you. Again and again you called us into covenant with you, and through the prophets you taught us to hope for salvation.
Father, you loved the world so much that in the fullness of time you sent your only Son to be our Savior. Incarnate by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, he lived as one of us, yet without sin. To the poor he proclaimed the good news of salvation; to prisoners, freedom; to the sorrowful, joy. To fulfill your purpose he gave himself up to death; and, rising from the grave, destroyed death, and made the whole creation new.
And, that we might live no longer for ourselves, but for him who died and rose for us, he sent the Holy Spirit, his own first gift for those who believe, to complete his work in the world, and to bring to fulfillment the sanctification of all.
When the hour had come for him to be glorified by you, his heavenly Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end; at supper with them he 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.”
Father, we now celebrate this memorial of our redemption. Recalling Christ’s death and his descent among the dead, proclaiming his resurrection and ascension to your right hand, awaiting his coming in glory; and offering to you, from the gifts you have given us, this bread and this cup, we praise you and we bless you.
Celebrant and People
We praise you, we bless you, we give thanks to you,
and we pray to you, Lord our God.
Lord, we pray that in your goodness and mercy your Holy Spirit may descend upon us, and upon these gifts, sanctifying them and showing them to be holy gifts for your holy people, the bread of life and the cup of salvation, the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ.
Grant that all who share this bread and cup may become one body and one spirit, a living sacrifice in Christ, to the praise of your Name.
Remember, Lord, your one holy catholic and apostolic Church, redeemed by the blood of your Christ. Reveal its unity, guard its faith, and preserve it in peace.
And grant that we may find our inheritance with the Blessed Virgin Mary, with patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, with St. Mark and all the saints who have found favor with you in ages past. We praise you in union with them and give you glory through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, all honor and glory are yours, Almighty God and Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and 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.
The Invitation *Gluten-free wafers are available on request.
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.
Please be seated.
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:
“Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life” The Hymnal 1982, #487
1 Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life:
such a way as gives us breath;
such a truth as ends all strife;
such a life as killeth death.
2 Come, my Light, my Feast, my Strength:
such a light as shows a feast;
such a feast as mends in length;
such a strength as makes his guest.
3 Come, my Joy, my Love, my Heart:
such a joy as none can move;
such a love as none can part;
such a heart as joys in love.
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:
“Christ is made the sure foundation” The Hymnal 1982, p. 518
1 Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone,
chosen of the Lord, and precious,
binding all the Church in one;
holy Zion’s help for ever,
and her confidence alone.
2 All that dedicated city,
dearly loved of God on high,
in exultant jubilation
pours perpetual melody;
God the One in Three adoring
in glad hymns eternally.
3 To this temple, where we call thee,
come, O Lord of Hosts, today;
with thy wonted loving-kindness
hear thy servants as they pray,
and thy fullest benediction
shed within its walls alway.
4 Here vouchsafe to all thy servants
what they ask of thee to gain;
what they gain from thee, for ever
with the blessèd to retain,
and hereafter in thy glory
evermore with thee to reign.
Dismissal
People Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.
POSTLUDE: Trumpet Tune H. Purcell
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
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: Adam Holmes
Coffee Hour: Sunday School
May 10, 2026
The Sixth Sunday of Easter
Readings:
1 Peter 3:13-22; John 14:15-21;
Celebrant: The Rev. Jean Vargo
Guest Preacher: The Rev. Benjamin Speare-Hardy III
Organist: Barbara Acker-Mills
Acolyte: Stephanie Welch
Lay Readers: Laura Leach, Rene Meadors
Chalicists: Jim Rudd, Judy Rudd
Tech & Facebook Live: TJ Walch, Katherine Wagner
Ushers: Dave Reuter, Tony Rubino
Counters: Pam Kulhanek, Gary Welch
Open/Close: Wagner/Rubino
Altar Guild: Carol Nancarrow, Kendall Rubino
Candle: TBD
Altar Flowers: Wagner
Coffee Hour: Adam Holmes
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Announcements for the Week of May 3
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- The ALTAR FLOWERS are given by Adam Holmes
- The CANDLE in the Sanctuary Lamp is given by George Snyder for Clarence & Isabelle Snyder.
- COFFEE HOUR is hosted by the High School students & teachers
- May 3 – Waffle Sunday Thanks – Thank you to everyone who supported Waffle Sunday! Student donations will be combined with Pancake Supper proceeds and given to selected charities.
- May 10 – Flower Sunday & Parish Portrait – Bring flowers for the flowering cross. Our annual parish photo will be taken after the service—come dressed for it. We’ll also welcome Fr. Ben Speare‑Hardy and guests from St. Margaret’s for Coffee Hour and worship.
- May 26 – Dayton Dragons Game – Join St. Mark’s and St. Paul’s at the Dayton Dragons game on Tuesday, May 26 at 7:05 pm. Free tickets are limited—reserve by May 19 through St. Paul’s (937-293-1154). See sign up sheet for details.
- May 30 – Fellowship Luncheon – St. Mark’s, St. Paul’s, and the Lutheran Church of Our Savior will gather for lunch at St. Paul’s from 11:00–1:30. Tickets are $15; reservations due May 22. For details, call St. Paul’s at 937-293-1154.
- Flags for Heroes – Honor a hero through the Beavercreek Rotary’s flag display on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day. Each flag includes a medallion with your honoree’s name. Cost for all three holidays is $55. Contact Jim Rudd for information.
- Follow St. Mark’s on Facebook – Help expand our reach by liking, commenting, and sharing our posts and videos. Every interaction boosts visibility and supports our Outreach work.
JOINT Worship Services/Events for St. Mark’s and St. Paul’s
- Sunday, May 24 – Pentecost – Service at St. Paul’s at 10:00 a.m.
- Tuesday, May 26 – Dayton Dragons Baseball Game at 7:05 p.m. – Sign up in the Cloister.
- Saturday, May 30 – Luncheon at St. Paul’s beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall
(see pg. 15 of this service bulletin for details) - Sunday, June 28 – Outdoor service – 10:00 a.m. Potluck Picnic to follow. Location to be
determined. - Sunday, August 2 – Outreach Project and Worship Service at St. Paul’s – 10:00 a.m. The Outreach Committees at both parishes will work together to organize details for a joint outreach project.
- Sunday, October 4 – Outdoor Worship service & Pet Blessing – 10:00 a.m. Location to be determined.
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Prayers for the Week of May 3
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: Claudia, 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:
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.
For our Diocesan Bishop: The Rt. Rev. Kristin White
For our Assisting Bishops: The Rt. Rev. Wendell Gibbs, The Rt. Rev. Nedi Rivera, and The Rt. Rev. Kenneth Price
For our Presiding Bishop: The Most Rev. Sean Rowe
A Holy Cycle
The transition process is a holy cycle.
It begins with discovering what God is already doing in our community. We observe, listen, and ask questions.
We look for the small and large ways God’s love is at work among our neighbors – whether they live next door or in the next town.
As we learn the needs of our community, we also pray and reflect on our own gifts and passions, both individually and as a parish. We remember Jesus’ call to go and make disciples and Isaiah’s promise that God is making all things new. Our passions, shaped by the Spirit, meet the needs of the world around us. This is where ministry begins.
To be the church is to participate in God’s work. It is less about filling pews or balancing budgets – important as those are – and more about living the gospel with compassion, mercy, and Christ-like love. It is being the hands and feet of Christ wherever we are.
As we shape our parish goals, we shape them for the sake of our neighbors. We offer our community a church that cares for them, prays for them, and is present with them. And as God continues to inspire us, the cycle begins again: discovering need, noticing God’s activity, and listening for the Spirit’s leading.
May the Spirit of God inspire and guide you.
