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PRELUDE: Come thou font of every blessing, arr. G. Martin
PRAYER REQUESTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
PROCESSIONAL: Hymn #542, Christ is the world’s true Light
1 Christ is the world’s true Light,
its Captain of salvation,
the Daystar clear and bright
of every race and nation;
new life, new hope awakes,
for all who own his sway:
freedom her bondage breaks,
and night is turned to day.
2 In Christ all races meet,
their ancient feuds forgetting,
the whole round world complete,
from sunrise to its setting:
when Christ is throned as Lord
all shall forsake their fear,
to ploughshare beat the sword,
to pruning-hook the spear.
3 One Lord, in one great Name
unite us all who own thee;
cast out our pride and shame
that hinder to enthrone thee;
the world has waited long,
has travailed long in pain;
to heal its ancient wrong,
come, Prince of Peace, and reign.
Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
Celebrant Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
SONG OF PRAISE, Hymn #135 (vs. 1) Songs of thankfulness and praise
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.
Please be seated.
The Collect of the Day
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
First Reading: Micah 6:1-8
A Reading from Micah
Hear what the Lord says: Rise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. Hear, you mountains, the controversy of the Lord, and you enduring foundations of the earth; for the Lord has a controversy with his people, and he will contend with Israel.
“O my people, what have I done to you? In what have I wearied you? Answer me! For I brought you up from the land of Egypt, and redeemed you from the house of slavery; and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. O my people, remember now what King Balak of Moab devised, what Balaam son of Beor answered him, and what happened from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the saving acts of the Lord.”
“With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt-offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with tens of thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
The Response: Psalm 15 (spoken responsively by all)
1 Lord, who may dwell in your tabernacle? *
who may abide upon your holy hill?
2 Whoever leads a blameless life and does what is right, *
who speaks the truth from his heart.
3 There is no guile upon his tongue; he does no evil to his friend; *
he does not heap contempt upon his neighbor.
4 In his sight the wicked is rejected, *
but he honors those who fear the Lord.
5 He has sworn to do no wrong *
and does not take back his word.
6 He does not give his money in hope of gain, *
nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.
7 Whoever does these things *
shall never be overthrown.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
A Reading from Corinthians
The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Please stand if able.
Gradual: Hymn #441, In the cross of Christ I glory
1 In the cross of Christ I glory,
towering o’er the wrecks of time;
all the light of sacred story
gathers round its head sublime.
2 When the woes of life o’ertake me,
hopes deceive, and fears annoy,
never shall the cross forsake me:
lo, it glows with peace and joy.
3 When the sun of bliss is beaming
light and love upon my way,
from the cross the radiance streaming
adds new luster to the day.
4 Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure,
by the cross are sanctified;
peace is there that knows no measure,
joys that through all time abide.
5 In the cross of Christ I glory,
towering o’er the wrecks of time;
all the light of sacred story
gathers round its head sublime.
The Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12
Celebrant The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Celebrant The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Homily The Rev. Jean Vargo
Children’s Moment
Please stand if 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
In the Anglican cycle of prayer, we pray for The Church of England.
In the Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for Ascension & Holy Trinity in Cincinnati, St. Barnabas in Montgomery, and St. Paul in Dayton.
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: Ann, George, Patricia, Jim, 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.
Please stand or kneel if able.
THE CONFESSION
Celebrant Let us confess our sins to God and our neighbors.
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.
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.
People And also with you.
The Offertory – The Ushers collect the offering at this time.
Please stand as the offerings are brought to the altar.
Offertory Music: A flight of angels G.F. Handel
Please stand if able.
Presentation Hymn #493, O for a thousand tongues to sing (vs 1-3)
1. O for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer’s praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!
2. My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim
and spread through all the earth
abroad the honors of thy Name.
3. Jesus! the Name that charms our fears
and bids our sorrows cease;
‘tis music in the sinner’s ears,
‘tis life and health and peace.
The Holy Communion
The Great Thanksgiving
Eucharistic Prayer for Advent, Christmas & Epiphany
(from Evangelical Lutheran Worship Augsburg Fortress 2006)
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 indeed our joy, that we should at all times and in all places, give thanks and praise to you, gracious God, through our Saviour Jesus Christ. You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer, through whom you will make all things new. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join in their unending hymn:
Please stand or kneel if able.
Sanctus, LEVAS #256
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.
The Celebrant continues
Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life:
Blessed are you for the birth of creation.
Blessed are you in the darkness and in the light.
Blessed are you for your promise made to your people.
Blessed are you in the prophets’ hopes and dreams.
Blessed are you for Mary’s openness to your will.
Blessed are you for your Son Jesus, the Word made flesh.
In the night in which he was betrayed, Our Lord Jesus Christ took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: “Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
Again, after supper, Jesus took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
With this bread and cup we remember your Word, Jesus Christ, dwelling among us, full of grace and truth. We remember our new birth in Christ’s death and resurrection. We look with hope for his coming.
People Come, Lord Jesus.
Holy God, we long for your Spirit. Come among us. Bless this meal. May your Word take flesh in us. Awaken your people. Fill us with your light. Bring the gift of peace on earth.
People Come, Holy Spirit.
Blessing, praise and thanks to you, holy God, through Christ Jesus, by your Spirit, in your church, world without end. Amen.
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
The Lord’s Prayer, BCP 364
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 364
The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.
A period of silence is kept.
Fraction Anthem: LEVAS #268
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Christ our passover is sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the feast.
Christ our passover is sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the feast.
Christ our passover is sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the feast.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
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.
Communion Music: Hymn #656, Blest are the pure in heart
1 Blest are the pure in heart, for they shall see our God;
the secret of the Lord is theirs, their soul is Christ’s abode.
2 The Lord, who left the heavens our life and peace to bring,
to dwell in lowliness with us, our pattern and our King;
3 he to the lowly soul will still himself impart
and for his dwelling and his throne will choose the pure in heart.
4 Lord, we thy presence seek; may ours this blessing be;
give us a pure and lowly heart, a temple fit for thee.
Please stand or kneel if able.
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.
Blessing of the People
Recessional: Hymn #554, ’Tis the gift to be simple
‘Tis The Gift To Be Simple, ’Tis The Gift To Be Free
’Tis The Gift To Come Down Where You Ought To Be
And When We Find Ourselves In The Place Just Right
‘Twill Be In The Valley Of Love And Delight.
When True Simplicity Is Gained
To Bow And To Bend We Shan’t Be Ashamed
To Turn, Turn Will Be Our Delight
‘Till By Turning, Turning We Come Round Right.
The Dismissal
Celebrant Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
People Thanks be to God.
Postlude: Toccata in c minor J.G. Walther
+ + + + + + +
READINGS and MINISTRY SCHEDULE
10:30 AM Education and Fellowship
11:30 AM Holy Eucharist
This Sunday: Annual Parish Meeting
Immediately following the service.
SUNDAY SCHOOL START TIMES
High School 10:30 AM
Elementary 11:15 AM
Pre-K – 1st grade 11:15 AM
February 1, 2026: The Fourth
Sunday after the Epiphany
Holy Eucharist at 11:30am.
Readings:
Celebrant: The Rev. Jean Vargo
Organist: Barbara Acker-Mills
Acolyte: Gabriel Walch
Lay Readers: Jim Rudd, Laura Leach
Chalicists: Elizabeth Wagner-Weber, Jim Rudd
Tech & Facebook Live: Dave Reuter, Katherine Wagner
Ushers: Dave Reuter, Wayne Harper
Counters: Carol Nancarrow, Tony Rubino
Open/Close: Wagner/Nancarrow
***********
February 8, 2026: St. Paul’s 100th Anniversary Celebration
Holy Eucharist at 9:30am
– No service at St. Mark’s –
Readings
Prayers for the Week of February 1
For those seeking justice, peace, and belonging, especially migrants, refugees, and all who long for welcome in unfamiliar places. For all affected by events in Minneapolis. For the safety of Dayton-area residents.
For those who struggle with insecurity of any kind — in health, housing, food, or safety — that they may find stability, dignity, and compassionate support.
For those walking through grief, loss, or spiritual uncertainty, and for the healing of divisions within families, communities, and our nation.
For those on our parish prayer list: Ann, George, Patricia, Jim, Mary-Anna, Wayne, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Susan, and the Darnell family.
For those celebrating February birthdays: 2/10 Gary Welch, 2/13 Jim Rudd, 2/18 Gail Harper, 2/26 Tracey Swartz, 2/28 Don Nancarrow.
For those celebrating February anniversaries: 2/27 Carol & Don Nancarrow
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; Jen, friend of the Wagners; 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; Taryn, the Phillips’ cousin; 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
Announcements for the Week of February 1
- ALTAR FLOWERS are given in loving memory of Ruby Webster, in honor of her birthday, by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
- THE CANDLE IN THE SANCTUARY LAMP shines brightly over St. Mark’s Parish and our Annual Meeting.
- COFFEE HOUR is hosted by Rommel Festus-Abibo.
- Sunday, February 1 – ANNUAL PARISH MEETING We will elect Vestry members and Convention Delegates, review the proposed 2026 budget, and receive ministry reports. Your presence and voice strengthen our common life.
- Sunday, February 1—CARE House Sunday!
- Sunday, February 8 – St. Paul’s 100th Anniversary Celebration 9:30am Musical Prelude & Eucharist, reception to follow. St. Mark’s is warmly invited. No service at St. Mark’s.
- Sunday, February 15 – Morning Prayer at St. Mark’s. at 11:30 due to St. Paul’s Annual Meeting
- Tuesday, February 17 – St. Mark’s and St. Paul’s Pancake Supper A shared Shrove Tuesday celebration for both congregations.
- Wednesday, February 18—Ash Wednesday services noon and 7:00pm at St. Paul’s (none at St. Mark’s)
- Sunday, February 22 – Vestry meeting at St. Mark’s (moved from 2/15/26)
