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:  Sanctus                                                                 Norman Warren

 

Prayer Requests & Announcements

 

 

Processional Hymn:  The Hymnal 1982, #665 

                          All my hope on God is founded (vs. 1, 2, & 5)

 

1 All my hope on God is founded;
all my trust he will renew,
through all change and chance he guides me,
only good and only true.
God unknown,
he alone
calls my heart to be his own.

 

2 Human pride and earthly glory,
sword and crown betray our trust;
all we build with care and labour,
tower and temple, fall to dust.
But God’s power,
hour by hour,
is my temple and my tower.

 

5 Still from earth to God eternal
sacrifice of praise be done,
high above all praises praising
for the gift of Christ his Son.
Hear Christ call
one and all:
those who follow shall not fall.

 

 

Celebrant          Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins;

     People           His mercy endures for ever.

 

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.

 

Please stand or kneel if able.

 

Confession of Sin

Celebrant          Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

 

Silence may be kept.

 

Leader and People

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.

 

Kyrie: LEVAS, #235    (led by Cantor)                                              Lord have mercy

 

Lord have mercy.           Lord, have mercy.           Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.       Christ, have mercy.         Christ have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.          Lord, have mercy.           Lord have mercy.

 

 

The Collect of the Day

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

 

Please be seated.

 

 

First Reading:  Ezekiel 37:1-14

 

     The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. He said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?”

     I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am the Lord.”

     So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.

     Then he said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.’ Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act,” says the Lord.

 

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

 

 

The Response: Psalm 130

 

1 Out of the depths have I called to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice; *
let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.

 

2 If you, Lord, were to note what is done amiss, *
O Lord, who could stand?

 

3 For there is forgiveness with you; *
therefore you shall be feared.

 

4 I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for him; *
in his word is my hope.

 

5 My soul waits for the Lord, more than watchmen for the morning, *
more than watchmen for the morning.

 

6 O Israel, wait for the Lord, *
for with the Lord there is mercy;

 

7 With him there is plenteous redemption, *
and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.

 

 

 

Second Reading:  Romans 8:6-11

 

     To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law– indeed it cannot, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

     But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you.

Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you

 

Reader      The Word of the Lord.

 People      Thanks be to God.

 

Please stand

 

Gradual Hymn:  The Hymnal 1982, #641     Lord Jesus, think on me

 

 

3. Lord Jesus, think on me,
And grant me this desire,
That I, with mind and limbs set free
May join the heav’nly choir.
Lord Jesus, think on me,
That when the flood is past,
I may th’eternal brightness see
And share your joy at last.

 

The Gospel:  John 11:1-45

 

Celebrant    The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
     People    Glory to you, Lord Christ.

     Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair; her brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” But when Jesus heard it, he said, “This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.

     Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?” Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world. But those who walk at night stumble, because the light is not in them.” After saying this, he told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him.” The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will be all right.” Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring merely to sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

     When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”

     When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. The Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary get up quickly and go out. They followed her because they thought that she was going to the tomb to weep there. When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”

Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

     Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.

 

Homily                                                                             The Rev. Jean Vargo

 

Please stand

 

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—The Anglican Church of Korea

In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer—All Saints in New Albany, commission on Ministry

In our Parish Cycle of Prayer—we pray for David & Amy Apple; Joy & Larry Brown; and Sandy & Mike Bultman

 

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: Barbara, Ginny, Hayward, 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.

 

The Peace
Leader      The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
People      And also with you.

 

The Offertory –  The Ushers collect the offering at this time

 

Offertory Solo:  O Savior of the world                                                 John Goss

                                                                                                          Laura Leach, Vocal Soloist

 

 Please stand if you are able

 

Presentation Hymn  –  The Hymnal 1982, #593  Lord, make me a servant of your peace (vs 1)

 

1  Lord, make us servants of your peace:

    where there is hate, may we sow love;

    where there is hurt, may we forgive;

    where there is strife, may we make one.

        

 

The Holy Communion

 

The Great Thanksgiving   Eucharistic Prayer A, Book of Common Prayer, p. 361

 

Celebrant      The Lord be with you.
     People      And also with you.
Celebrant      Lift up your hearts.
     People      We lift them up 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 our-selves alone, but for him who died 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

 

Sanctus:  Wonder Love & Praise, #858                                      Holy, holy, holy

 

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 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:

 

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.

 

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

 

The Lord’s Prayer, BCP p. 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 pg. 364

 

Fraction Anthem: Wonder Love & Praise, #871                           Lamb of God

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: Grant us peace.

 

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 Hymn:  The Hymnal 1982, #635   If thou but trust in God to guide thee

 

1 If thou but trust in God to guide thee,

and hope in him through all thy ways,

he’ll give thee strength whate’er betide thee,

and bear thee through the evil days,

who trusts in God’s unchanging love

builds on a rock that nought can move.

 

2 Sing, pray, and keep his ways unswerving;

so do thine own part faithfully,

and trust his word, though undeserving;

thou yet shalt find it true for thee;

God never yet forsook in need

the soul that trusted him indeed.

 

 

Please stand or kneel

 

Post Communion Prayer, BCP, pg. 366

Celebrant     Let us pray.

 

Celebrant and People

Almighty and everliving God,

we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food

of the most precious Body and Blood

of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ;

and for assuring us in these holy mysteries

that we are living members of the Body of your Son,

and heirs of your eternal kingdom.

And now, Father, send us out

to do the work you have given us to do,

to love and serve you

as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.

to him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit,

be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

 

Lenten Blessing

Celebrant          Look mercifully on this your family, Almighty God, that by your great goodness they may be governed and preserved evermore; through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Recessional:  The Hymnal 1982, #511      Holy Spirit, ever living

 

 

 

 

The Dismissal
Celebrant     Go in peace, to love and serve the Lord.
      People     Thanks be to God.

 

Postlude:

Voluntary in G                                                                                         Robert Lau

 

 +++++++++

 

 

Thank you for joining us in worship.

Please know that your participation with us today,

 in person or online, has been a blessing.

 

 

 

 

March 22, 2026

The Fifth Sunday in Lent

Holy Eucharist at 11:30am

 

Readings:

Ezekiel 37:1-14,  Psalm 130

Romans 8:6-11,  John 11:1-45,

 

Celebrant: The Rev. Jean Vargo

Organist: Percy Jones

Soloist: Laura Leach

Acolyte: Elizabeth Wagner-Weber

Lay Readers: Don Nancarrow, Jackie Hoskinson

Chalicists: Kendall Rubino, Carol Williamson

Tech: Dave Reuter

Ushers: Tony Rubino, Jim Rudd

Counters: Dave Reuter, Kendall Rubino

Open/Close: Wagner/Rubino

March Altar Guild: Welch Family & Janet Reuter

Candle: George Snyder

Coffee Hour: Claudia & Steve Hurd

 

 

March 29, 2026

Palm Sunday

Holy Eucharist at 11:30am

 

Readings:

 

Liturgy of the Palms: Matthew 21:1-11, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29,

Liturgy of the Passion: Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11,

Matthew 26:14- 27:66, Psalm 31:9-16

 

Celebrant: The Rev. Jean Vargo

Organist: Barbara Acker-Mills

Acolyte: Stephanie Welch, Elizabeth Wagner-Weber

Lay Readers: Carol Williamson, Jim Rudd

Chalicists: Don Nancarrow, Elizabeth Wagner-Weber

Tech & Facebook Live: TJ Walch, Katherine Wagner

Ushers: Dave Reuter, Wayne Harper

Counters: Katherine Wagner, Jim Rudd

Open/Close: Wagner/Rubino

March Altar Guild: Welch Family & Janet Reuter

Candle: Wagner

Coffee Hour: TBD

 

 

 

 

Announcements for the Week of March 22

 

• • • THE CANDLE IN THE SANCTUARY LAMP is given by George Snyder in honor of John & Robert Snyder.
    • COFFEE HOUR is hosted by Claudia & Steve Hurd.
    • FIRST COMMUNION CLASSES will be held at St. Paul’s TODAY at 2pm.
    • SPARKLE DAY is March 28, from 9am-noon. Come help prepare the church and grounds for Easter; see the Lion’s Tale for more information.
    • EASTER FLOWERS: If you would like to make a donation towards the Easter flowers, envelopes are in the pews. Please note if your donation is in memory or honor of someone special, and those names will be included in the Easter Sunday bulletin if received by Wednesday, April 1.
    • EASTER EGG HUNT! We hear that a certain rabbit will be making its rounds through Riverside while we’re in church, and leaving some goodies for the children. Please let Jenna know if extra kids will be attending so the Bunny can plan to have enough. RSVP to Jenna by Thursday, April 2.
    • GOOD FRIDAY OFFERING: For more than a century, Episcopalians have given generously to the Good Friday Offering, which supports the vital work and ministries of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East. You can contribute to this vital ministry at either Good Friday Service: Noon at St. Paul’s or 7pm at St. Mark’s.
    • CALLING ALL UPCOMING HIGH SCHOOL GRADS! We’re planning a bulletin board in your honor, so please contact Katherine Wagner or Elizabeth Wagner-Weber.

 

 

 

Prayers for the Week of March 22

 

For the six USAF airmen killed when their refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq last week, especially those from Ohio and their families.

For all US troops killed and in harm’s way in the Middle East.

 

For those seeking justice, peace, and belonging, especially migrants, refugees, and all who long for welcome in unfamiliar places. For all affected by the partial government shutdown. 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: Barbara, Ann, George, Patricia, Jim, Mary-Anna, Wayne, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Susan, and the Darnell family.

For those celebrating March birthdays: 3/02 Patricia Tallman; 3/06 Juanita Limes; 3/16 Adam Oiler and Addison Oiler; 3/21: Lizzy Reuter

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; 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