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 Music: Peace Like a River and The Butterfly Song
Peace Like a River Traditional
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river in my soul…
I’ve got love like an ocean…
I’ve got joy like a fountain…
The Butterfly Song Words & Music by Brian M. Howard
- If I were a butterfly, I’d thank you, God, for giving me wings
And if I were a robin in a tree I’d thank you, God, that I could sing
And if I were a fish in the sea I’d wiggle my tail, and I’d giggle with glee
But I just thank you God for making me, me
Refrain: ‘Cause you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile
You gave me Jesus and you made me your child
And I just thank you God for making me, me
- If I were an elephant I’d thank you, God, by raising my trunk
And if I were a kangaroo You know, I’d hop right up to you
And if I were an octopus I’d thank you, God, for my good looks
But I just thank you God for making me, me (Refrain)
- If I were a wiggly worm I’d thank you, God, that I could squirm
And if I were a crocodile I’d thank you God for my big smile
And if I were a fuzzy wuzzy bear I’d thank you God for my fuzzy wuzzy hair
But I just thank you God for making me, me (Refrain)
Prayer Requests, Birthdays/Anniversaries and Announcements
OPENING HYMN:
“All Things Bright and Beautiful” The Hymnal 1982, #405
All things bright and beautiful,
all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful,
the Lord God made them all.
1 Each little flower that opens,
each little bird that sings,
he made their glowing colors,
he made their tiny wings.
Refrain
2 The purple-headed mountain,
the river running by,
the sunset, and the morning
that brightens up the sky,
Refrain
3 The cold wind in the winter,
the pleasant summer sun,
the ripe fruits in the garden,
he made them every one.
Refrain
4 He gave us eyes to see them,
and lips that we might tell
how great is God Almighty,
who has made all things well.
Refrain
Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
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: LEVaS II, #130
1. Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Since I laid my burdens down.
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Since I laid my burdens down!
2. I feel better, so much better
Since I laid my burdens down.
I feel better, so much better
Since I laid my burdens down!
3. Feel like shouting, “Hallelujah!”
Since I laid my burdens down.
Feel like shouting, “Hallelujah!”
Since I laid my burdens down.
4. I am climbing Jacob’s Ladder
Since I laid my burdens down.
I am climbing Jacob’s Ladder
Since I laid my burdens down.
Collect of the Day
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
Please be seated.
First Reading: Job 39:1-18
Reader A reading from the book of Job.
Do you know when the mountain goats give birth? Do you observe the calving of the deer? Can you number the months that they fulfil, and do you know the time when they give birth, when they crouch to give birth to their offspring, and are delivered of their young? Their young ones become strong, they grow up in the open; they go forth, and do not return to them. ‘Who has let the wild ass go free? Who has loosed the bonds of the swift ass, to which I have given the steppe for its home, the salt land for its dwelling-place? It scorns the tumult of the city; it does not hear the shouts of the driver. It ranges the mountains as its pasture, and it searches after every green thing. ‘Is the wild ox willing to serve you? Will it spend the night at your crib? Can you tie it in the furrow with ropes, or will it harrow the valleys after you? Will you depend on it because its strength is great, and will you hand over your labour to it? Do you have faith in it that it will return, and bring your grain to your threshing-floor? ‘The ostrich’s wings flap wildly, though its pinions lack plumage. For it leaves its eggs to the earth, and lets them be warmed on the ground, forgetting that a foot may crush them, and that a wild animal may trample them. It deals cruelly with its young, as if they were not its own; though its labour should be in vain, yet it has no fear; because God has made it forget wisdom, and given it no share in understanding. When it spreads its plumes aloft, it laughs at the horse and its rider.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
The Psalm: Psalm 148:7-14
Praise the Lord from the earth, *
you sea-monsters and all deeps;
Fire and hail, snow and fog, *
tempestuous wind, doing his will;
Mountains and all hills, *
fruit trees and all cedars;
Wild beasts and all cattle, *
creeping things and winged birds;
Kings of the earth and all peoples, *
princes and all rulers of the world;
Young men and maidens, *
old and young together.
Let them praise the Name of the Lord, *
for his Name only is exalted,
His splendor is over earth and heaven.
He has raised up strength for his people
and praise for all his loyal servants, *
the children of Israel, a people who are near him.
Hallelujah!
Second Reading: Galations 6:14-18
Reader A reading from Paul’s letter to the Philippians
May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything, but a new creation is everything! As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
From now on, let no one make trouble for me, for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Please stand as you are able.
GOSPEL PROCESSIONAL HYMN:
“Make Me a Channel of Your Peace”
Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring your love.
Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord,
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you.
Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness only light,
And where there’s sadness ever joy.
O Master, grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved, as to love, with all my soul.
Make me a channel of your peace.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, Lord,
In giving to all those that we receive,
And in dying that we’re born to eternal life.
The Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30
Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
At that time Jesus said, ‘I thank* you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.* All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’
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 Faithful
From the book “Hear Our Prayer”
After each petition the people respond with “Hear Our Prayer”.
Reader With joyful hearts and inspired by the humble example of Saint Francis, let us offer our prayers to God, who sustains all creation. Lord in your mercy,
People Hear our prayer.
The reader continues…
Celebrant Gracious God, you filled the heart of Saint Francis with the love of your Son. Hear the prayers we place before you today, and grant us the grace to walk in your light, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Blessing of the Pets
The Peace BCP p. 360
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.
Offertory Anthem:
“Plenty Good Room” Traditional spiritual, arr. Kevin Vogt
The Offertory: The ushers collect the offering at this time.
Please stand as you are able.
THE HOLY COMMUNION
Eucharistic Prayer B (The Book of Common Prayer, page 367)
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 right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
SANCTUS: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord” Wonder, Love, & Praise, #858
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
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;
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
Celebrant Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People Therefore let us keep the feast.
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.
ALL are welcome to the table of the Lord. If you choose not to receive Holy Communion and wish to receive a blessing please cross your arms over your chest. Come to the Great Eucharist thanking God for all he has done and will do for us.
COMMUNION HYMN:
“All Who Hunger Gather Gladly” Wonder, Love, & Praise, #761
All who hunger gather gladly; holy manna is our bread.
Come from wilderness and wand’ring. Here in truth we will be fed.
You that yearn for days of fullness, all around us is our food.
Taste and see the grace eternal. Taste and see that God is good.
All who hunger, never strangers, seeker, be a welcome guest.
Come from restlessness and roaming. Here, in joy we keep the feast.
We that once were lost and scattered in communion’s love have stood.
Taste and see the grace eternal. Taste and see that God is good.
All who hunger, sing together, Jesus Christ is living bread.
Come from loneliness and longing. Here, in peace, we have been fed.
Blest are those who from this table live their days in gratitude.
Taste and see the grace eternal. Taste and see that God is good.
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
CLOSING HYMN:
“We are Marching in the Light of God” Wonder, Love & Praise, #752
We are marching in the light of God
We are marching in the light of God
We are marching in the light of God
We are marching in the light of God
We are singing in the light of God…
We are dancing in the light of God…
We are serving in the light of God…
Dismissal
People Thanks be to God.
WE ASK YOUR PRAYERS
In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer:
The Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil
In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer:
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church and
the Procter Center Advisory Board.
At St. Paul’s:
For Dave, Sophie, Dar, Nancy, Steve, Bob, Payson, Sophia, Kim, Anne, Chuck, Eric, Katherine, Larry, Bryan, Greg and family, Natalie, Bill, Jennifer, Evan, Yimaira, Connie, Jamie, Otto, Jim, Beth, Joern, Valerie, Helen, Sherrie, and Candace.
For those serving in the Armed Forces and Diplomatic Corps of our Country:
David Craddock, John Sampson, Brett Griffin, Zachary Falter, and Isabel Steen Falter.
At St. Mark’s:
For the Parish Cycle of Prayer: Carol & Don Nancarrow; Libby & Jeff Nicholson; and Faggio Nocero-Sargent
For those on our Parish Prayer List: Ann, Jim H., Hayward, George, Patricia, Jim T., Mary-Anna, Wayne, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Susan, and the Darnell family.
Thank you for joining us in worship.
Please know that your participation with us today,
in person or online, has been a blessing.
‘*******************
JOINT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
THANK YOU to everyone who made this joint worship celebration possible! St. Mark’s very much appreciates the effort and welcome put forth by the staff and parishioners at St. Paul’s, and are grateful for the hospitality. Special thanks to Fr. Greg Sammons for the wonderful guitar music. And thanks to all the special pet guests who helped create a joyful experience!
New Worship Service Time – St. Paul’s and St. Mark’s Wardens met and through thoughtful negotiations, we will offer new worship times. This is due to the needs of the parishes. New worship times will begin Sunday, October 11: 9am for St. Paul’s and 10:30am for St. Mark’s. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Rev. Vargo
Sunday, November 15 there will be a joint service at St. Paul’s to celebrate Rev. Jean’s 45th anniversary of her ordination to the priesthood. We’re still in the planning stages; suggestions for this special service are always welcome.
Announcements for the Week of Oct. 4:
St. Paul’s
Stewardship Sunday: Worship, Fellowship, and Opportunities to Serve
Celebrate Stewardship Sunday with us next Sunday, October 11! Join us as we give thanks for our blessings and discover how the Rev. Tim Forbess and United Church Homes are putting faith into action in Dayton’s Grafton Hill neighborhood. Under Rev. Tim’s leadership, a $30 million
historic-preservation project will transform the former Longfellow School campus into an affirming, inclusive residential community for adults age 55 and older, including LGBTQ+ seniors and their allies. It will be the first senior living community of its kind in the Dayton area—and one of only a few nationwide.
Come at 9:00 a.m.—our new worship time—for a joyful service featuring special music and a
sermon centered on gratitude and our shared vision for the future.
After worship, visit the Ministry Mall, where representatives from St. Paul’s many ministries will be ready to welcome you. Explore the ways our parish serves, meet people who share your interests, and find a new opportunity to get involved.
Then gather in the Parish Hall for our annual Stewardship Brunch. We will hear from Pastor Tim and learn more about the upcoming search for a new rector. Please sign up in the Cloister to bring a breakfast casserole, coffee cake, bagels, fruit, or another favorite morning dish to share.
Pledge packets will be distributed and mailed to parishioners who are unable to attend.
Whether or not you bring a dish, your presence matters. Come worship, connect, celebrate, and share in the life of St. Paul’s—we want you with us!
Movie Night – Thursday, October 22 – FIELD OF DREAMS (1989) starring Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, Amy Madigan and Timothy Busfield was the winner of numerous awards. The iconic quote, “If you build it, they will come” . . . Sounds like a parable? Join us for dinner at 6:00, movie at 6:30 and popcorn throughout.
St. Mark’s
STEWARDSHIP Campaign: Everything we have is a gift from God. Christian stewards serve God out of love and gratitude for those gifts, knowing that it’s not how much we have but what we do with it that counts. Consider sharing your gift with those less fortunate than by supporting St. Mark’s Parish and its mission to do God’s work. May your gift be proportional to the amount of your blessings. Please submit your pledge by Nov. 8 to be included as an offering that day.
VESTRY MEETING on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 6pm in the Lounge. All parishioners are welcome to attend, and will have seat and voice, but no vote on issues that require one. Questions? Check with wardens or vestry members!
GAMES NIGHT Oct. 9, 6-9pm. Join us for a fun, relaxing evening of board games, card games, and kids’ games…even dominoes! There will be plenty of options here, or bring your favorite. Pizza and drinks will be provided; snacks & desserts are welcome. Questions? Contact TJ or Jenna Walch.
NEW ORGANIST starting Oct 11! We’re happy to announce that Karen Bocko, the Dean of the Dayton Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, will join our staff. Both former Music Director Barbara Acker-Mills and frequent guest organist Percy Jones highly recommended her, and we’re delighted that her first Sunday will be Oct. 11. Many thanks to guest organists Percy Jones and Cara Whitby for providing us with excellent music the past few months
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.
