St. Peter's by-the-Sea

Second Sunday of Easter: "Peace Be With You" — John 20:19-31 | St. Peter's by-the-Sea

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:10:00 -0400

What does it mean to receive peace from someone you failed?

On the Second Sunday of Easter, Fr. Craig Swan preaches on one of the most striking moments in John's Gospel: the risen Christ walking through locked doors to stand before the disciples who had abandoned him — and offering not judgment, but peace.

Fr. Craig explores the shame the disciples carried on that first Easter evening, why forgiveness is less about the other person than about freeing yourself, and how the church's long history of division stands in direct tension with the risen Christ's first words: Peace be with you.

The sermon closes with a challenge for this congregation and this moment: in a time marked by conflict and the need to be right, can we choose relationship over certainty?

Scripture Readings

Acts 2:14a, 22–32 — Peter's witness to the resurrection
Psalm 16 — "You will not abandon me to the grave"
1 Peter 1:3–9 — A living hope through resurrection
John 20:19–31 — The risen Christ appears; Thomas's doubt and faith

St. Peter's by-the-Sea is an Episcopal Church in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Sunday worship rooted in Anglican liturgy, scripture, and thoughtful preaching.

Plan a visit: https://www.stpetersbythesea.com

The Great Vigil of Easter – "Prisoner of Hope" | Bishop Nicholas Knisely

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:55:00 -0400

On the night of April 4, 2026, St. Peter's by-the-Sea gathered in darkness to proclaim that Easter doesn't begin after the darkness lifts — it begins inside it.

The Rt. Rev. Nicholas Knisely, Bishop of Rhode Island, delivered the sermon for this year's Great Vigil of Easter. Drawing on the witness of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Bishop Knisely distinguishes between optimism — "I think things will get better" — and hope: the conviction that God is not finished. In a world of war, fear, and exhaustion, he argues that the resurrection was not wish fulfillment. It shattered categories. It was an act of God that no one planned, predicted, or could have arranged — and that death could not undo.

The service includes the ancient Exsultet, five Old Testament readings tracing God's saving acts from Creation through the Valley of Dry Bones, the renewal of Baptismal Vows, the Epistle from Romans 6, and the Easter Gospel from Matthew 28. Fr. Craig Swan leads the Prayers of the People.

Scripture: Genesis 1, Genesis 7–9, Exodus 14–15, Isaiah 55, Ezekiel 37, Romans 6:3–11, Matthew 28:1–10

Keywords: Easter Vigil, Episcopal Church, Bishop Nicholas Knisely, Rhode Island, resurrection, hope, Desmond Tutu, Great Vigil of Easter, Narragansett, St. Peter's by-the-Sea

Palm Sunday: "Save Us" -- The Hosanna We Don't Know We're Asking For | St. Peter's by-the-Sea

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:40:00 -0400

What if the crowd on Palm Sunday wasn't wrong to shout "Hosanna" -- they just didn't know how big the answer would be?

On the Sunday of the Passion, we hold two moments at once: the joy of Jesus entering Jerusalem to shouts of "Hosanna to the Son of David!" and the weight of the full Passion Gospel (Matthew 26:14 -- 27:66), read dramatically by the congregation.

In his sermon, Fr. Craig Swan reflects on the word "Hosanna" -- which simply means "save us." The crowd wanted what crowds have always wanted: relief from the immediate problem. For first-century Jerusalem, that meant freedom from Roman occupation, a restored Davidic kingdom. They got something far larger than they bargained for. Fr. Craig draws a line from that ancient disconnect to our own prayer lives today -- the way we tend to pray for the things right in front of us (health, safety, the needs of our loved ones) while missing the greater reality the cross addresses: release from the bondage of sin itself, freedom from the fear of death, and the restoration of the whole world as the Kingdom of God. "We make God our cosmic Santa Claus," he says -- but the cross has already given us the greatest gift. The call of Holy Week is to lift our eyes to the larger picture.

Scripture Readings

Isaiah 50:4-9a -- The Suffering Servant: "I gave my back to those who struck me"
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord"
Philippians 2:5-11 -- "He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death"
Matthew 21:1-11 -- The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Matthew 26:14 -- 27:66 -- The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Holy Week & Easter at St. Peter's

Maundy Thursday, April 2 -- Shared meal 5 PM + Holy Eucharist 6 PM at St. Augustine's, Kingston
Good Friday, April 3 -- Stations of the Cross 12 PM; Liturgy 7 PM (joint service with St. Augustine's)
Easter Vigil, April 4 at 7 PM -- Deanery-wide event; Bishop presiding and preaching
Easter Sunday, April 5 -- Festival Eucharist with brass and timpani

St. Peter's by-the-Sea is an Episcopal Church in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Sunday worship rooted in Anglican liturgy, scripture, and thoughtful preaching. Plan a visit: https://www.stpetersbythesea.com

"The Woman at the Well: What It Means to Be Fully Known and Fully Loved" | St. Peter's by-the-Sea

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:35:00 -0400

What would it mean to be truly seen — not for your labels, your past, or your failures, but for who you really are?

In this sermon for the Third Sunday in Lent, The Rev. Craig Swan explores the story of the Woman at the Well (John 4:5-42) — a Samaritan woman, ostracized by her community, who encounters Jesus at noon by Jacob's Well. Fr. Craig draws a moving parallel between her experience of being fully seen by Christ and a group of Fall River middle schoolers — many carrying labels of poverty, special needs, or family instability — who were cheered by name after their school production of Alice in Wonderland.

The sermon's central insight: every one of us carries something that makes us feel unclean, unlovable, or unworthy. The gospel's radical promise is that God sees past every label — and loves what God sees.

Scripture Readings

John 4:5-42 — The Woman at the Well; "living water"
Psalm 139 — "You knit me together in my mother's womb"
Jeremiah 1 — "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you"

Second Sunday in Lent: “Do You Trust Me?” — John 3:1-17 | St. Peter’s by-the-Sea

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 11:15:00 -0400

What does it mean to truly trust God — not just believe in God, but let go of everything you know and step out in faith?

In this sermon for the Second Sunday in Lent, The Rev. Craig Swan explores the story of Nicodemus (John 3:1-17) — a leader who comes to Jesus in the night, drawn toward a teacher whose radical message both thrills and unsettles him. Fr. Craig traces the thread of trust across this week’s readings: from Abraham’s astonishing leap of faith at age seventy-five (Genesis 12), to Paul’s declaration that righteousness comes through faith, not works (Romans 4), to Nicodemus standing at the threshold of transformation.

The central question of this Lenten season, Fr. Craig reminds us, is the same one God has always asked: Do you trust me?

Scripture Readings

Genesis 12:1–4a — God calls Abram to leave everything
Psalm 121 — “I lift up my eyes to the hills”
Romans 4:1–5, 13–17 — Abraham’s faith reckoned as righteousness
John 3:1–17 — Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night; “For God so loved the world”

Holy Week & Easter at St. Peter’s

Palm Sunday, March 29 — 8:00 AM & 10:15 AM
Maundy Thursday, April 2 — Shared meal 5 PM + Holy Eucharist 6 PM at St. Augustine’s, Kingston
Good Friday, April 3 — Stations of the Cross 12 PM; Liturgy 7 PM (joint service with St. Augustine’s)
Easter Vigil, April 4 at 7 PM — Deanery-wide event; Bishop presiding & preaching
Easter Sunday, April 5 — Festival Eucharist with brass, timpani & full choir

St. Peter’s by-the-Sea is an Episcopal Church in Narragansett, Rhode Island.

Sunday worship rooted in Anglican liturgy, scripture, and thoughtful preaching.

Plan a visit: https://www.stpetersbythesea.com

First Sunday in Lent The Holy Eucharist Rite One Great Litany, Sunday, February 22, 2026

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 18:25:00 -0400

First Sunday in Lent

The Holy Eucharist Rite One

Great Litany, Eucharistic Prayer 1

Sunday, February 22, 2026

The Word of God

GREAT LITANY

All stand.

The People respond with the words in italics.

Holy God, Creator of heaven and earth.

Have mercy on us.

Holy and Mighty, Redeemer of the world,

Have mercy on us.

Holy Immortal One, Sanctifier of the faithful,

Have mercy on us.

Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity, One God,

Have mercy on us.

II.

From all evil and mischief; from pride, vanity and hypocrisy; from envy, hatred and malice; and from all evil intent.

Savior, deliver us.

From sloth, worldliness and love of money; from hardness of heart and contempt for your word and your laws,

Savior, deliver us.

From sins of body and mind; from deceits of the world, flesh and the devil,

Savior, deliver us.

From famine and disaster; from violence, murder, and dying unprepared,

Savior, deliver us.

In all times of sorrow; in all times of joy; in the hour of our death and at the day of judgment,

Savior, deliver us.

By the mystery of your holy incarnation; by your birth, childhood and obedience; by your baptism, fasting and temptation,

Savior, deliver us.

By your ministry in word and work; by your mighty acts of power; by the preaching of your reign,

Savior, deliver us.

By your agony and trial; by your cross and passion; by your precious death and burial,

Savior, deliver us.

By your mighty resurrection; by your glorious ascension; and by your sending of the Holy Spirit,

Savior, deliver us.

III.

Hear our prayers, O Christ our God.

Hear us, O Christ.

Govern and direct your holy Church; fill it with love and truth; and grant it that unity which is your will.

Hear us, O Christ.

Give us boldness to preach the gospel in all the world, and to make disciples of all the nations.

Hear us, O Christ.

Enlighten your bishops, priests and deacons, especially Nicholas our Bishop, and Craig our Rector, with knowledge and understanding, that by their teaching and their lives they may proclaim your word.

Hear us, O Christ.

Give your people grace to witness to your word and bring forth the fruit of your Spirit.

Hear us, O Christ.

Bring into the way of truth all who have erred and are deceived.

Hear us, O Christ.

Strengthen those who stand; comfort and help the fainthearted; raise up the fallen; and finally beat down Satan under our feet.

Hear us, O Christ.

IV.

Guide the leaders of the nations into the ways of peace and justice.

Hear us, O Christ.

Give your wisdom and strength to Donald, the President of the United States, and Daniel the Governor of this state, that in all things they may do your will, for your glory and the common good.

Hear us, O Christ.

Give to the Congress of the United States, the members of the President’s Cabinet, those who serve in our state legislature, and all others in authority the grace to walk always in the ways of truth.

Hear us, O Christ.

Bless the justices of the Supreme Court and all those who administer the law, that they may act with integrity and do justice for all your people.

Hear us, O Christ.

Give us the will to use the resources of the earth to your glory and for the good of all.

Hear us, O Christ.

Bless and keep all your people,

Hear us, O Christ.

Comfort and liberate the lonely, the bereaved and the oppressed.

Hear us, O Christ.

Keep in safety those who travel and all who are in peril.

Hear us, O Christ.

Heal the sick in body, mind or spirit and provide for the homeless, the hungry and the destitute.

Hear us, O Christ.

Guard and protect all children who are in danger.

Hear us, O Christ.

Shower your compassion on prisoners, hostages and refugees, and all who are in trouble.

Hear us, O Christ.

Forgive our enemies, persecutors and slanderers, and turn their hearts.

Hear us, O Christ.

Hear us as we remember those who have died and grant us with them a share in your eternal glory.

Hear us, O Christ.

VI.

Give us true repentance; forgive us our sins of negligence and ignorance and our deliberate sins; and grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit to amend our lives according to your word.

To be sung three times

Holy God,

Holy and Mighty,

Holy Immortal One.

Have mercy on us.

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY (BCP p. 325)

Celebrant

The Lord be with you.

People

And with thy spirit.

Celebrant

Let us pray.

Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lessons

FIRST READING Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7

The people sit.

A Reading from the book of Genesis.

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.”

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God say, ‘You shall not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.’“ But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

Silence may follow.

PSALM Psalm 32 Beati quorum

Remain seated.

1 Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, *

and whose sin is put away!

2 Happy are they to whom the Lord imputes no guilt, *

and in whose spirit there is no guile!

3 While I held my tongue, my bones withered away, *

because of my groaning all day long.

4 For your hand was heavy upon me day and night; *

my moisture was dried up as in the heat of summer.

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, *

and did not conceal my guilt.

6 I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord." *

Then you forgave me the guilt of my sin.

7 Therefore all the faithful will make their prayers to you in time of trouble; *

when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach them.

8 You are my hiding-place;

you preserve me from trouble; *

you surround me with shouts of deliverance.

9 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go; *

I will guide you with my eye.

10 Do not be like horse or mule, which have no understanding; *

who must be fitted with bit and bridle,

or else they will not stay near you."

11 Great are the tribulations of the wicked; *

but mercy embraces those who trust in the Lord.

12 Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the Lord; *

shout for joy, all who are true of heart.

SECOND READING Romans 5:12-19

The people sit.

A Reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans.

As sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned-- sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. Yet death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the one who was to come.

But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man's trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. And the free gift is not like the effect of the one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. If, because of the one man's trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

Therefore just as one man's trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man's act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. For just as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

Silence may follow.

SEQUENCE HYMN #445 Praise to the Holiest in the Height

All stand.

GOSPEL Matthew 4:1-11

All stand.

Priest

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

People

Glory be to thee, O Lord.

Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written,

‘One does not live by bread alone,

but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written,

‘He will command his angels concerning you,’

and ‘On their hands they will bear you up,

so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’”

Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written,

‘Worship the Lord your God,

and serve only him.’”

Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.

Celebrant

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise be to thee, O Christ.

THE SERMON The Rev. Craig R. Swan

THE CREED

All stand.

I believe in one God,

the Father Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

and of all things visible and invisible;

And in one Lord Jesus Christ,

the only-begotten Son of God,

begotten of his Father before all worlds,

God of God, Light of Light,

very God of very God,

begotten, not made,

being of one substance with the Father;

by whom all things were made;

who for us men and for our salvation

came down from heaven,

and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary,

and was made man;

and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered and was buried;

and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures,

and ascended into heaven,

and sitteth on the right hand of the Father;

and he shall come again, with glory,

to judge both the quick and the dead;

whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Ghost the Lord, and Giver of Life,

who proceedeth from the Father and the Son;

who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped

and glorified;

who spake by the Prophets.

And I believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church;

I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins;

and I look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

THE PEACE (BCP p. 332)

All stand.

Celebrant

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People

And with thy spirit.

Then the Ministers and the People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.

The Holy Communion

OFFERTORY SENTENCE

The Celebrant says

Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and make good thy vows unto the Most High. Psalm 50:14

OFFERTORY ANTHEM Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone (arr. Martin)

The Great Thanksgiving

SURSUM CORDA S 112 Lift up your hearts

The People remain standing.

Facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds

It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who was in every way tempted as we are, yet did not sin; by whose grace we are able to triumph over every evil, and to live no longer unto ourselves, but unto him who died for us and rose again.

Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; evermore praising thee, and saying,

SANCTUS S 114 Holy, holy, holy (Willan) (BCP p. 333)

Celebrant and People

The people kneel or stand.

Then the Celebrant continues

All glory be to thee, Almighty God, our heavenly Father, for that thou, of thy tender mercy, didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption; who made there, by his one oblation of himself once offered, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of that his precious death and sacrifice, until his coming again.

For in the night in which he was betrayed, he took bread; and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Likewise, after supper, he took the cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink ye all of this; for this is my Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins. Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.”

Wherefore, O Lord and heavenly Father, according to the institution of thy dearly beloved Son our Savior Jesus Christ, we, thy humble servants, do celebrate and make here before thy divine Majesty, with these thy holy gifts, which we now offer unto thee, the memorial thy Son hath commanded us to make; having in remembrance his blessed passion and precious death, his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension; rendering unto thee most hearty thanks for the innumerable benefits procured unto us by the same.

And we most humbly beseech thee, O merciful Father, to hear us; and, of thy almighty goodness, vouchsafe to bless and sanctify, with thy Word and Holy Spirit, these thy gifts and creatures of bread and wine; that we, receiving them according to thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ’s holy institution, in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers of his most blessed Body and Blood.

And we earnestly desire thy fatherly goodness mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; most humbly beseeching thee to grant that, by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we, and all thy whole Church, may obtain remission of our sins, and all other benefits of his passion.

And here we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, our selves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto thee; humbly beseeching thee that we, and all others who shall be partakers of this Holy Communion, may worthily receive the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son Jesus Christ, be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction, and made one body with him, that he may dwell in us, and we in him.

And although we are unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto thee any sacrifice, yet we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and service, not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offenses, through Jesus Christ our Lord;

By whom, and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honor and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end.

THE LORD’S PRAYER (BCP p. 336)

The Celebrant then continues

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

People and Celebrant

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,

forever and ever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread

FRACTION ANTHEM

PRAYER OF HUMBLE ACCESS

The following prayer may be said. The People may join in saying this prayer

We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table. But thou art the same Lord whose property is always to have mercy. Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.

INVITATION

The Celebrant says

The

Feb 14th: Last Sunday After the Epiphany

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:30:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN #135 Songs of Thankfulness and Praise

SEQUENCE HYMN #542 Christ Is the World's True Light

OFFERTORY ANTHEM Christ, Upon the Mountain Stands (Lehman)

COMMUNION ANTHEM Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach)

POST-COMMUNION HYMN #137 O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

O God, who before the passion of your only begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

FIRST READING Exodus 24:12-18

Reader A reading from the Book of Exodus.

The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.” So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. To the elders he had said, “Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them.”

Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 99 Dominus regnavit

1 The Lord is King;

let the people tremble; *

he is enthroned upon the cherubim;

let the earth shake.

2 The Lord is great in Zion; *

he is high above all peoples.

3 Let them confess his Name, which is great and awesome; *

he is the Holy One.

4 "O mighty King, lover of justice,

you have established equity; *

you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob."

5 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God

and fall down before his footstool; *

he is the Holy One.

6 Moses and Aaron among his priests,

and Samuel among those who call upon his Name, *

they called upon the Lord, and he answered them.

7 He spoke to them out of the pillar of cloud; *

they kept his testimonies and the decree that he gave them.

8 O Lord our God, you answered them indeed; *

you were a God who forgave them,

yet punished them for their evil deeds.

9 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God

and worship him upon his holy hill; *

for the Lord our God is the Holy One.

SECOND READING 2 Peter 1:16-21

Reader A Reading from the second letter of Peter.

We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.

So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL Matthew 17:1-9

Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Feb 8th: The Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 09:35:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN #372 Praise to the Living God

SEQUENCE HYMN #601 O Day of God, Draw Nigh

OFFERTORY ANTHEM Prayer for Peace (Harlan)

COMMUNION ANTHEM I Want to Walk As A Child of the Light (Thomerson, arr. Harlan)

POST-COMMUNION HYMN #408 Sing Praise to God, Who Reigns Above

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

FIRST READING Isaiah 58:1-9a

Reader A reading from the Prophet Isaiah.

Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins. Yet day after day they seek me and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that practiced righteousness and did not forsake the ordinance of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments, they delight to draw near to God. “Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice?” Look, you serve your own interest on your fast day, and oppress all your workers. Look, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to strike with a wicked fist. Such fasting as you do today will not make your voice heard on high. Is such the fast that I choose, a day to humble oneself? Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush, and to lie in sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?

Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 112:1-9, [10] Beatus vir

1 Hallelujah!

Happy are they who fear the Lord *

and have great delight in his commandments!

2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land; *

the generation of the upright will be blessed.

3 Wealth and riches will be in their house, *

and their righteousness will last for ever.

4 Light shines in the darkness for the upright; *

the righteous are merciful and full of compassion.

5 It is good for them to be generous in lending *

and to manage their affairs with justice.

6 For they will never be shaken; *

the righteous will be kept in everlasting remembrance.

7 They will not be afraid of any evil rumors; *

their heart is right;

they put their trust in the Lord.

8 Their heart is established and will not shrink, *

until they see their desire upon their enemies.

9 They have given freely to the poor, *

and their righteousness stands fast for ever;

they will hold up their head with honor.

[10 The wicked will see it and be angry;

they will gnash their teeth and pine away; *

the desires of the wicked will perish.]

SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 2:1-12

Reader A Reading from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians.

When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.

Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. But we speak God’s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written,

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,

nor the human heart conceived,

what God has prepared for those who love him”—

these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL Matthew 5:13-20

Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Feb 1 2026: 4th Sunday After the Epiphany

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 10:40:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN #569 God the Omnipotent!

SEQUENCE HYMN #656 Blest Are The Pure In Heart

OFFERTORY ANTHEM Be Thou My Vision (arr. Behnke)

COMMUNION ANTHEM Beatitudes (Avery & Walsh, arr. Wilson)

POST-COMMUNION HYMN #556 Rejoice, Ye Pure In Heart, vss. 1-5

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

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.

FIRST READING Micah 6:1-8

Reader A reading from the Prophet 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.

PSALM Psalm 15 Domine, quis habitabit?

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

Reader A Reading from Paul’s first letter to the 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.

GOSPEL Matthew 5:1-12

Priest 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."

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

In our parish cycle of prayer, we pray for David Spears; Susan Stewart; Susan & Jim Stone;

Kelly, Neil, & Liam Sullivan; Fr. Craig & Maureen Swan; and John & Sue Tassone.

Jan. 18th 2026 First Sunday After Epiphany

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 13:03:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN #542 Christ is the World's True Light

SEQUENCE HYMN #543 O Zion, Tune Thy Voice

OFFERTORY ANTHEM Draw Us in the Spirit's Tether (Moore)

COMMUNION ANTHEM Behold the Lamb of God (Benham)

POST-COMMUNION HYMN #535 Ye Servants of God

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

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 Isaiah 49:1-7

Reader A reading from the Prophet Isaiah.

Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away! The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother's womb he named me. He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the Lord, and my reward with my God.”

And now the Lord says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the sight of the Lord, and my God has become my strength-- he says, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations, the slave of rulers, “Kings shall see and stand up, princes, and they shall prostrate themselves, because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 40:1-12 Expectans, expectavi

1 I waited patiently upon the Lord; *

he stooped to me and heard my cry.

2 He lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the mire and clay; *

he set my feet upon a high cliff and made my footing sure.

3 He put a new song in my mouth,

a song of praise to our God; *

many shall see, and stand in awe,

and put their trust in the Lord.

4 Happy are they who trust in the Lord! *

they do not resort to evil spirits or turn to false gods.

5 Great things are they that you have done, O Lord my God!

how great your wonders and your plans for us! *

there is none who can be compared with you.

6 Oh, that I could make them known and tell them!*

but they are more than I can count.

7 In sacrifice and offering you take no pleasure *

(you have given me ears to hear you);

8 Burnt-offering and sin-offering you have not required, *

and so I said, "Behold, I come.

9 In the roll of the book it is written concerning me:*

'I love to do your will, O my God;

your law is deep in my heart.'"

10 I proclaimed righteousness in the great congregation;*

behold, I did not restrain my lips;

and that, O Lord, you know.

11 Your righteousness have I not hidden in my heart;

I have spoken of your faithfulness and your deliverance; *

I have not concealed your love and faithfulness from the great congregation.

12 You are the Lord;

do not withhold your compassion from me; *

let your love and your faithfulness keep me safe for ever.

SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Reader A Reading from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians.

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,

To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind-- just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you-- so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL John 1:29-42

Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”

The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Christmas Eve, 2025

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 16:25:00 -0400

Celebrant The Rev. Craig R. Swan, Rector

Organist & Choir Director Tony B. Romeo

Flute Lindsay Gearhart

Trumpet Nick Schleyer

Percussion Joe DeMarco (4pm)

Desiree Glazier-Nazro (10pm)

Choir

Brian Bannon, Britt Bell, Dan Caramante, Lawren Casagrande, Margret Celico,

Carol Cimilluca, Sean Connaughton, Susan Dvorak, Gloria Fontaine,

Danielle Grilli-Marzan, Sarah Hamel, Timothy Hoyt, Joan Hudson, Camilla Lee, Mallory Leonard, Tavis Morello, Antonio Rodrigues, Heidi Simone, Susan Stewart, Maureen Winters-Swan, and Kent Yrchick-Shoemaker

Lectors Angel Hilliard (4pm)

Lay Eucharistic Minister Shelley Licurse (4pm)

Acolytes Team Clarity (4pm)

Ushers Susan Stone, Anthony Capezza, and Jack Florence (4pm)

PRELUDE

4pm

Where Shepherds Lately Knelt (Courtney) Choir

The Sussex Carol (arr. Hayes) Sean Connaughton, Soloist

10pm

A Stable Prayer (Fettke) Choir

Gesu Bambino (Yon) Antonio Rodrigues & Timothy Hoyt

O Magnum Mysterium (Ramos) Choir

The Word of God

THE PROCLAMATION OF CHRISTMAS

Celebrant The glory of God has been revealed.

People And all the world shall see the salvation of God.

HYMN O Come, All Ye Faithful

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant.

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;

Come, and behold him, born the King of angels;

Refrain

O come, let us adore him,

O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord.

God of God, Light of Light,

Lo! he comes forth from the Virgin’s womb;

Very God, Begotten, not created; Refrain

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation.

Sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above;

Glory to God, In the highest: Refrain

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, Born this happy morning,

Jesu, to thee be glory giv’n;

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing: Refrain

OPENING ACCLAMATION

Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

COLLECT FOR PURITY

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.

HYMN OF PRAISE S278 Glory to God in the Highest

THE COLLECT FOR CHRISTMAS

Celebrant The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.

Celebrant Let us pray.

O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

The People may be seated for the readings.

THE FIRST READING Isaiah 9:2-7

Reader A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness-- on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.

For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.

For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Reader The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

PSALM 96 Cantate Domino

The choir will chant the psalm

1 Sing to the Lord a new song; *

sing to the Lord, all the whole earth.

2 Sing to the Lord and bless his Name; *

proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.

3 Declare his glory among the nations *

and his wonders among all peoples.

4 For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; *

he is more to be feared than all gods.

5 As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; *

but it is the Lord who made the heavens.

6 Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! *

Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary!

7 Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples; *

ascribe to the Lord honor and power.

8 Ascribe to the Lord the honor due his Name; *

bring offerings and come into his courts.

9 Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; *

let the whole earth tremble before him.

10 Tell it out among the nations: "The Lord is King! *

he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved;

he will judge the peoples with equity."

11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;

let the sea thunder and all that is in it; *

let the field be joyful and all that is therein.

12 Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy

before the Lord when he comes, *

when he comes to judge the earth.

13 He will judge the world with righteousness *

and the peoples with his truth.

THE SECOND READING Titus 2:11-14

Reader A Reading from the Letter to Titus.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

Reader The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

The People stand for the Gospel procession.

HYMN 96 Angels We Have Heard On High

THE GOSPEL Luke 2:1-20

Celebrant The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Celebrant The Gospel of the Lord.

People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

SERMON The Rev. Craig Swan

All stand for the Nicene Creed.

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.

An appointed person leads the People in the prayers, all standing.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

Father, on this holy night your Son our Savior was born in human flesh. Renew your Church as the Body of Christ. Holy God,

Hear our prayer.

On this holy night there was no room for your Son in the inn. Protect with your love those who have no home, all who live in poverty, and those supported and blessed by the St. Peter’s Community Market. Holy God,

Hear our prayer.

On this holy night Mary, in the pain of labor, brought your Son to birth. Hold in your hand all who are in pain or distress. Holy God,

Hear our prayer.

On this holy night your Christ came as a light shining in the darkness. Bring comfort to all who suffer in the sadness of our world, and especially those mourning the loss of loved ones this Christmas. Holy God,

Hear our prayer.

On this holy night the angels sang, “Peace to God’s people on earth.” Strengthen those who work for peace and justice. Holy God,

Hear our prayer.

On this holy night shepherds in the field heard good tidings of joy. Give us grace to preach the gospel of Christ’s redemption. Holy God,

Hear our prayer.

On this holy night strangers found the Holy Family and saw the baby lying in a manger. Bless our homes and all whom we love. Holy God,

Hear our prayer.

On this holy night heaven is come down to earth, and earth is raised to heaven. Hold in your hand all those who have passed through death in the hope of your coming kingdom. Holy God,

Hear our prayer.

On this holy night Christians the world over celebrate Christ’s birth. Open our hearts that he may be born in us today. Holy God,

Hear our prayer.

On this holy night we pray for all who have died, especially those in whose memory the flowers and music for tonight have been given. Holy God,

Hear our prayer.

Father, on this holy night angels and shepherds worshipped at the manger throne. Receive the worship we offer in fellowship with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and all the saints, through him who is your Word made flesh, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE PEACE

Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People And also with you.

The Holy Communion

OFFERTORY ANTHEM All My Heart This Night Rejoices (Manor)

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Because you gave Jesus Christ, your only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, was made perfect Man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; so that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become your children.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

The People kneel or remain standing as the Eucharistic Prayer continues.

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,

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 the blessed Virgin Mary, Joseph and Peter 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.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

And now, as our Savior Christ has...

Dec. 14th: 3rd Sunday of Advent

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 09:28:00 -0400

Prelude The Spirit of the Lord God Is Upon Me (MacDermid)

Antonio Rodrigues, Soloist

Entrance Hymn #76 On Jordan's Bank

Sequence Hymn #66 Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

Offertory Anthem Awaken and Prepare Us, O God (Hayes)

Communion Anthem O Heavenly Word, Eternal Light

Post-Communion Hymn #72 Hark, the Glad Sound! The Savior Comes

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

FIRST READING Isaiah 35:1-10

Reader A reading from the Prophet Isaiah.

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.

The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.

Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you."

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God's people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

PSALM PSALM 146:4-9 Lauda, anima mea

4 Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help! *

whose hope is in the Lord their God;

5 Who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them; *

who keeps his promise for ever;

6 Who gives justice to those who are oppressed, *

and food to those who hunger.

7 The Lord sets the prisoners free;

the Lord opens the eyes of the blind; *

the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;

8 The Lord loves the righteous;

the Lord cares for the stranger; *

he sustains the orphan and widow,

but frustrates the way of the wicked.

9 The Lord shall reign for ever, *

your God, O Zion, throughout all generations.

Hallelujah!

SECOND READING James 5:7-10

Reader A Reading from the letter of James.

Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL Matthew 11:2-11

Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,

‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,

who will prepare your way before you.’

“Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Nov. 30th, First Sunday of Advent

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:32:00 -0400

Prelude "Comfort Ye, My People" from Messiah (Handel)

Antonio Rodrigues, soloist

Entrance Hymn #73 The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns

Sequence Hymn #454 Jesus Came, Adored By Angels

Offertory Anthem Waiting For a King (Martin)

Communion Hymn #613 Thy Kingdom Come, O God

Post-Communion Hymn #57 Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

FIRST READING Isaiah 2:1-5

Reader A reading from the Prophet Isaiah.

The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

In days to come

the mountain of the Lord’s house

shall be established as the highest of the mountains,

and shall be raised above the hills;

all the nations shall stream to it.

Many peoples shall come and say,

‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

to the house of the God of Jacob;

that he may teach us his ways

and that we may walk in his paths.’

For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,

and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

He shall judge between the nations,

and shall arbitrate for many peoples;

they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,

and their spears into pruning-hooks;

nation shall not lift up sword against nation,

neither shall they learn war any more.

O house of Jacob,

come, let us walk

in the light of the Lord!

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 122 Laetatus sum

1 I was glad when they said to me, *

"Let us go to the house of the Lord."

2 Now our feet are standing *

within your gates, O Jerusalem.

3 Jerusalem is built as a city *

that is at unity with itself;

4 To which the tribes go up,

the tribes of the Lord, *

the assembly of Israel,

to praise the Name of the Lord.

5 For there are the thrones of judgment, *

the thrones of the house of David.

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: *

"May they prosper who love you.

7 Peace be within your walls *

and quietness within your towers.

8 For my brethren and companions' sake, *

I pray for your prosperity.

9 Because of the house of the Lord our God, *

I will seek to do you good."

SECOND READING Romans 13:11-14

Reader A Reading from Paul’s Letter to the Romans.

You know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL Matthew 24:36-44

Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus said to the disciples, “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

In our parish cycle of prayer, we pray for

David Ousterhout, Carolyn Owens, and Bob & Susan Palmer.

Fr. Andrew Mead: "Justified by Mercy: The Pharisee & the Tax Collector" (Luke 18:9–14)

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 15:40:00 -0400

Fr. Mead contrasts résumé-religion with the tax collector’s plea for mercy and calls us to drop the scorecard and trust Christ alone.

Luke 18:9–14 Jesus told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, `God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, `God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."

Fr. Craig Swan Sermon: Pray Always, Don’t Lose Heart (Luke 18:1–8)

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 09:20:00 -0400

This sermon on Luke 18:1–8 explores the widow’s relentless petition and Jesus’ call to pray always and not lose heart. We name real places of waiting—illness, grief, caregiving—and practice a faith that keeps knocking while trusting God’s timing. Includes three simple habits for a week of hopeful perseverance.

Theme: Persistent prayer, patience, and trust in God’s timing
Key texts: Luke 18:1–8; 2 Timothy 3–4; Psalm 121
Practices: fixed-time daily prayer, “Your time, not mine,” one concrete follow-up step
Reflection prompts included in blog post (link in episode description).

Oct. 19th 2025: Pray and Don't Lose Heart

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 08:53:00 -0400

This Sunday centers on the new covenant written on the heart (Jeremiah 31) and the sweet, wisdom-forming Word(Psalm 119) equipping us “for every good work” (2 Timothy 3–4). In the Gospel, Jesus commends the widow’s relentless petition as a model of persistent prayer for justice and asks whether he will find faith on earth (Luke 18:1–8). Together with the Collect and hymnody, the service calls us to steadfast faith, patient endurance, and public hope.

Entrance Hymn #372 Praise to the Living God

Sequence Hymn #628 Help Us, O Lord, To Learn

Offertory Anthem Exsultate! (Lightfoot)

Communion Anthem I Lift My Eyes (Hopson)

Post-Communion Hymn #535 Ye Servants of God

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

FIRST READING Jeremiah 31:27-34

Reader A reading from the Prophet Jeremiah.

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of humans and the seed of animals. And just as I have watched over them to pluck up and break down, to overthrow, destroy, and bring evil, so I will watch over them to build and to plant, says the Lord. In those days they shall no longer say:

"The parents have eaten sour grapes,

and the children's teeth are set on edge."

But all shall die for their own sins; the teeth of everyone who eats sour grapes shall be set on edge.

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt-- a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, "Know the Lord," for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 119:97-104 Quomodo dilexi!

97 Oh, how I love your law! *

all the day long it is in my mind.

98 Your commandment has made me wiser than my enemies, *

and it is always with me.

99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, *

for your decrees are my study.

100 I am wiser than the elders, *

because I observe your commandments.

101 I restrain my feet from every evil way, *

that I may keep your word.

102 I do not shrink from your judgments, *

because you yourself have taught me.

103 How sweet are your words to my taste! *

they are sweeter than honey to my mouth.

104 Through your commandments I gain understanding; *

therefore I hate every lying way.

SECOND READING 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5

Reader A Reading from the second letter to Timothy.

As for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL Luke 18:1-8

Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus told his disciples a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, `Grant me justice against my opponent.' For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, `Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.'" And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Oct. 12 2025 Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 09:55:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #410 Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven

Sequence Hymn #411 O Bless the Lord, My Soul

Offertory Anthem Lift Every Voice; Let All Rejoice (Haydn, arr. Hopson)

Communion Anthem All Who Love and Serve Your City

Post-Communion Hymn #375 Give Praise and Glory Unto God

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

FIRST READING Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7

Reader A reading from the Prophet Jeremiah.

These are the words of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the remaining elders among the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.

Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 66:1-11 Jubilate Deo

1 Be joyful in God, all you lands; *

sing the glory of his Name;

sing the glory of his praise.

2 Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! *

because of your great strength your enemies cringe before you.

3 All the earth bows down before you, *

sings to you, sings out your Name."

4 Come now and see the works of God, *

how wonderful he is in his doing toward all people.

5 He turned the sea into dry land,

so that they went through the water on foot, *

and there we rejoiced in him.

6 In his might he rules for ever;

his eyes keep watch over the nations; *

let no rebel rise up against him.

7 Bless our God, you peoples; *

make the voice of his praise to be heard;

8 Who holds our souls in life, *

and will not allow our feet to slip.

9 For you, O God, have proved us; *

you have tried us just as silver is tried.

10 You brought us into the snare; *

you laid heavy burdens upon our backs.

11 You let enemies ride over our heads;

we went through fire and water; *

but you brought us out into a place of refreshment.

SECOND READING 2 Timothy 2:8-15

Reader A Reading from the second letter to Timothy.

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David-- that is my gospel, for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. The saying is sure:

If we have died with him, we will also live with him;

if we endure, we will also reign with him;

if we deny him, he will also deny us;

if we are faithless, he remains faithful--

for he cannot deny himself.

Remind them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL Luke 17:11-19

Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well."

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Fr. Swan Sermon: Faith in a Hard Season: Mustard Seed Courage & St. Francis’ Joy

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 12:48:00 -0400

Today’s sermon names the reality: following Jesus isn’t the “easy button.” Yet even mustard‑seed faith can grow in hardship. As we celebrate St. Francis and bless our animals, we remember that the God who guards the treasure of faith also delights in all creatures and calls us to humble, joyful perseverance.

Sept 21st Late Pentecost

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 13:20:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #390 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

Sequence Hymn #601 O Day of God Draw Nigh

Offertory Anthem Praise the Lord, Our God, Forever (Mozart, Ehret)

Communion Anthem Be Thou My Vision (arr. Shephard)

Post-Communion Hymn #408 Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

FIRST READING Jeremiah 8:18-9:1

Reader A reading from the Prophet Jeremiah.

My joy is gone, grief is upon me, my heart is sick. Hark, the cry of my poor people from far and wide in the land:

"Is the Lord not in Zion? Is her King not in her?" ("Why have they provoked me to anger with their images, with their foreign idols?") "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." For the hurt of my poor people I am hurt, I mourn, and dismay has taken hold of me.

Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of my poor people not been restored? O that my head were a spring of water, and my eyes a fountain of tears, so that I might weep day and night for the slain of my poor people!

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 79:1-9 Deus, venerunt

1 O God, the heathen have come into your inheritance;

they have profaned your holy temple; *

they have made Jerusalem a heap of rubble.

2 They have given the bodies of your servants as food for the birds of the air, *

and the flesh of your faithful ones to the beasts of the field.

3 They have shed their blood like water on every side of Jerusalem, *

and there was no one to bury them.

4 We have become a reproach to our neighbors, *

an object of scorn and derision to those around us.

5 How long will you be angry, O Lord? *

will your fury blaze like fire for ever?

6 Pour out your wrath upon the heathen who have not known you *

and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon your Name.

7 For they have devoured Jacob *

and made his dwelling a ruin.

8 Remember not our past sins;

let your compassion be swift to meet us; *

for we have been brought very low.

9 Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your Name; *

deliver us and forgive us our sins, for your Name's sake.

SECOND READING 1 Timothy 2:1-7

Reader A Reading from the first letter to Timothy.

First of all, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For

there is one God;

there is also one mediator between God and humankind,

Christ Jesus, himself human,

who gave himself a ransom for all

-- this was attested at the right time. For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL Luke 16:1-13

Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus said to the disciples, "There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. So he summoned him and said to him, `What is this that I hear about you? Give me an accounting of your management, because you cannot be my manager any longer.' Then the manager said to himself, `What will I do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes.' So, summoning his master's debtors one by one, he asked the first, `How much do you owe my master?' He answered, `A hundred jugs of olive oil.' He said to him, `Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.' Then he asked another, `And how much do you owe?' He replied, `A hundred containers of wheat.' He said to him, `Take your bill and make it eighty.' And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes.

"Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth."

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Sept. 14th Hymns and Solos

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 14:15:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #388 O Worship the King, All Glorious Above

Sequence Hymn #393 Praise Our Great and Gracious Lord

Offertory Anthem The 23rd Psalm (Malotte)

Communion Anthem Hear My Cry, O God (Franck)

Post-Communion Hymn #708 Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us

Soloist for today's service: Antonio Rodrigues

Sept 14th Readings & Sermon

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 14:12:00 -0400

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

FIRST READING Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28

Reader A reading from the Prophet Jeremiah.

At that time it will be said to this people and to Jerusalem: A hot wind comes from me out of the bare heights in the desert toward my poor people, not to winnow or cleanse-- a wind too strong for that. Now it is I who speak in judgment against them.

"For my people are foolish, they do not know me; they are stupid children, they have no understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but do not know how to do good."

I looked on the earth, and lo, it was waste and void; and to the heavens, and they had no light. I looked on the mountains, and lo, they were quaking, and all the hills moved to and fro. I looked, and lo, there was no one at all, and all the birds of the air had fled. I looked, and lo, the fruitful land was a desert, and all its cities were laid in ruins before the Lord, before his fierce anger.

For thus says the Lord: The whole land shall be a desolation; yet I will not make a full end. Because of this the earth shall mourn, and the heavens above grow black; for I have spoken, I have purposed; I have not relented nor will I turn back.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 14 Dixit insipiens

1 The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." *

All are corrupt and commit abominable acts;

there is none who does any good.

2 The Lord looks down from heaven upon us all, *

to see if there is any who is wise,

if there is one who seeks after God.

3 Every one has proved faithless;

all alike have turned bad; *

there is none who does good; no, not one.

4 Have they no knowledge, all those evildoers *

who eat up my people like bread

and do not call upon the Lord?

5 See how they tremble with fear, *

because God is in the company of the righteous.

6 Their aim is to confound the plans of the afflicted, *

but the Lord is their refuge.

7 Oh, that Israel's deliverance would come out of Zion! *

when the Lord restores the fortunes of his people,

Jacob will rejoice and Israel be glad.

SECOND READING 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Reader A Reading from the second letter to Timothy.

I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-- of whom I am the foremost. But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL Luke 15:1-10

Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

All the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them."

So he told them this parable: "Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, `Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

"Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, `Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Augusts 10, 2025 The Ninth Sunday After Pentecost

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 18:26:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #637 How Firm a Foundation, Ye Saints of the Lord

Sequence Hymn #393 Praise Our Great and Gracious Lord

Offertory Anthem Bless the Lord, O My Soul (Cobb)

Communion Anthem The Lord Is My Shepherd (Pote)

Post-Communion Hymn #423 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

Soloists for today's service: Lawren Casagrande and Margret Celico

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

FIRST READING Isaiah 1:1, 10-20

Reader A reading from the Prophet Isaiah.

The vision of Isaiah son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah!

What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the Lord; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats. When you come to appear before me, who asked this from your hand? Trample my courts no more; bringing offerings is futile; incense is an abomination to me.

New moon and sabbath and calling of convocation-- I cannot endure solemn assemblies with iniquity. Your new moons and your appointed festivals my soul hates; they have become a burden to me, I am weary of bearing them.

When you stretch out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.

Come now, let us argue it out, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 50:1-8, 23-24 Deus deorum

1 The Lord, the God of gods, has spoken; *

he has called the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.

2 Out of Zion, perfect in its beauty, *

God reveals himself in glory.

3 Our God will come and will not keep silence; *

before him there is a consuming flame,

and round about him a raging storm.

4 He calls the heavens and the earth from above *

to witness the judgment of his people.

5 "Gather before me my loyal followers, *

those who have made a covenant with me

and sealed it with sacrifice."

6 Let the heavens declare the rightness of his cause; *

for God himself is judge.

7 Hear, O my people, and I will speak:

"O Israel, I will bear witness against you; *

for I am God, your God.

8 I do not accuse you because of your sacrifices; *

your offerings are always before me.

23 Consider this well, you who forget God, *

lest I rend you and there be none to deliver you.

24 Whoever offers me the sacrifice of thanksgiving honors me; *

but to those who keep in my way will I show the salvation of God."

SECOND READING Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16

Reader A Reading from the Letter to the Hebrews.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old-- and Sarah herself was barren-- because he considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, "as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore."

All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL Luke 12:32-40

Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus said to his disciples, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

"Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.

"But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour."

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

July 20th, "Resting is Righteous"

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 09:41:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #372 Praise to the Living God

Sequence Hymn #601 O Day of God, Draw Nigh

Offertory Anthem Deep River (spiritual, arr. Hayes)

Communion Anthem When I'm Afflicted (Roberts)

Offertory & Communion Anthems: Sean Connaughton, soloist

Post-Communion Hymn #376 Joyful, Joyful, We We Adore Thee

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know our necessities before we ask and our ignorance in asking: Have compassion on our weakness, and mercifully give us those things which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask; through the worthiness of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

FIRST READING Amos 8:1-12

Reader A reading from the Prophet Amos.

This is what the Lord God showed me-- a basket of summer fruit. He said, "Amos, what do you see?" And I said, "A basket of summer fruit." Then the Lord said to me,

"The end has come upon my people Israel; I will never again pass them by. The songs of the temple shall become wailings in that day," says the Lord God; "the dead bodies shall be many, cast out in every place. Be silent!"

Hear this, you that trample on the needy, and bring to ruin the poor of the land, saying, "When will the new moon be over so that we may sell grain; and the sabbath, so that we may offer wheat for sale? We will make the ephah small and the shekel great, and practice deceit with false balances, buying the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, and selling the sweepings of the wheat."

The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob: Surely I will never forget any of their deeds. Shall not the land tremble on this account, and everyone mourn who lives in it, and all of it rise like the Nile, and be tossed about and sink again, like the Nile of Egypt?

On that day, says the Lord God, I will make the sun go down at noon, and darken the earth in broad daylight. I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; I will bring sackcloth on all loins, and baldness on every head; I will make it like the mourning for an only son, and the end of it like a bitter day.

The time is surely coming, says the Lord God, when I will send a famine on the land; not a famine of bread, or a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord, but they shall not find it.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 52 Quid gloriaris?

1 You tyrant, why do you boast of wickedness *

against the godly all day long?

2 You plot ruin;

your tongue is like a sharpened razor, *

O worker of deception.

3 You love evil more than good *

and lying more than speaking the truth.

4 You love all words that hurt, *

O you deceitful tongue.

5 Oh, that God would demolish you utterly, *

topple you, and snatch you from your dwelling,

and root you out of the land of the living!

6 The righteous shall see and tremble, *

and they shall laugh at him, saying,

7 "This is the one who did not take God for a refuge, *

but trusted in great wealth

and relied upon wickedness."

8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; *

I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

9 I will give you thanks for what you have done *

and declare the goodness of your Name in the presence of the godly.

SECOND READING Colossians 1:15-28

Reader A Reading from the Letter to the Colossians.

Christ Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers-- all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.

And you who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him-- provided that you continue securely established and steadfast in the faith, without shifting from the hope promised by the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven. I, Paul, became a servant of this gospel.

I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. I became its servant according to God's commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL Luke 10:38-42

Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

As Jesus and his disciples went on their way, Jesus entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

June 29, 2025 The Third Sunday After Pentecost Feast Day of St. Peter & Paul

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 11:13:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #473 Lift High the Cross

Sequence Hymn #697 My God Accept My Heart This Day

Offertory Anthem God Is Our Refuge (Pote)

Communion Anthem Come, O Fount of Every Blessing (arr. Young)

Post-Communion Hymn #625 Ye Holy Angels Bright

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you by their martyrdom: Grant that your Church, instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

FIRST READING 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14

Reader A reading from the Second Book of Kings.

When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here; for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel." But Elisha said, "As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel.

Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan." But he said, "As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So the two of them went on. Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground.

When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you." Elisha said, "Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit." He responded, "You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not." As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, "Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!" But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.

He picked up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. He took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, saying, "Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?" When he had struck the water, the water was parted to the one side and to the other, and Elisha went over.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 Voce mea ad Dominum

1 I will cry aloud to God; *

I will cry aloud, and he will hear me.

2 In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; *

my hands were stretched out by night and did not tire;

I refused to be comforted.

11 I will remember the works of the Lord, *

and call to mind your wonders of old time.

12 I will meditate on all your acts *

and ponder your mighty deeds.

13 Your way, O God, is holy; *

who is so great a god as our God?

14 You are the God who works wonders *

and have declared your power among the peoples.

15 By your strength you have redeemed your people, *

the children of Jacob and Joseph.

16 The waters saw you, O God;

the waters saw you and trembled; *

the very depths were shaken.

17 The clouds poured out water;

the skies thundered; *

your arrows flashed to and fro;

18 The sound of your thunder was in the whirlwind;

your lightnings lit up the world; *

the earth trembled and shook.

19 Your way was in the sea,

and your paths in the great waters, *

yet your footsteps were not seen.

20 You led your people like a flock *

by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

SECOND READING Galatians 5:1,13-25

Reader A Reading from Paul’s Letter to the Galatians.

For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL Luke 9:51-62

Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

When the days drew near for Jesus to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?" But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village.

As they were going along the road, someone said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." To another he said, "Follow me." But he said, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." But Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home." Jesus said to him, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

June 15th 2025 Trinity Sunday

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 20:32:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #362 Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!

Sequence Hymn #295 Sing Praise to Our Creator

Offertory Anthem Holy Trinity Prayer (Ayres)

Communion Anthem My Lord, What a Morning (trad. Spiritual, arr. Hayes)

Offertory & Communion Anthems: Antonio Rodrigues, soloist

Post-Communion Hymn #366 Holy God, We Praise Thy Name (vss 1-4)

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

FIRST READING Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31

Reader A reading from the Book of Proverbs.

Does not wisdom call, and does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights, beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries out:

"To you, O people, I call, and my cry is to all that live. The Lord created me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of long ago. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth-- when he had not yet made earth and fields, or the world's first bits of soil. When he established the heavens, I was there, when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside him, like a master worker; and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the human race."

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

CANTICLE 13 A Song of Praise Benedictus es, Domine

Song of the Three Young Men, 29-34

Glory to you, Lord God of our fathers; *

you are worthy of praise; glory to you.

Glory to you for the radiance of your holy Name; *

we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.

Glory to you in the splendor of your temple; *

on the throne of your majesty, glory to you.

Glory to you, seated between the Cherubim; *

we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.

Glory to you, beholding the depths; *

in the high vault of heaven, glory to you.

Glory to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; *

we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.

SECOND READING Romans 5:1-5

Reader A Reading from Paul’s Letter to the Romans.

Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL John 16:12-15

Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus said to the disciples, "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you."

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

June 8, 2025 The Day of Pentecost: Gospel & Bob Manke Homily

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 13:06:00 -0400

The Gospel reading and Bob Manke's homily.

June 8, 2025 The Day of Pentecost

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 13:02:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #516 Come Down, O Love Divine

Sequence Hymn #513 Like the Murmur of the Dove's Song

Offertory Anthem Precious Spirit, Breath of Peace (Martin)

Communion Anthem Veni Sancte Spiritus (Berthier) Lawren Casagrande, soloist

Post-Communion Hymn #506 Praise the Spirit in Creation

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

O God, who on this day taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through Jesus Christyour Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

FIRST READING Acts 2:1-21

When the day of Pentecost had come, the disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came asound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, theyasked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language?Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs-- in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power." All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" But others sneered and said, "They are filled with new wine."

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, letthis be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

`In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon toblood, before the coming of the Lord's great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' "

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 104:25-35, 37

Benedic, anima mea

25 O Lord, how manifold are your works! * in wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.

26 Yonder is the great and wide sea

with its living things too many to number, * creatures both small and great.

27 There move the ships,

and there is that Leviathan, *

which you have made for the sport of it.

28 All of them look to you *

to give them their food in due season.

29 You give it to them; they gather it; *

you open your hand, and they are filled with good things.

30 You hide your face, and they are terrified; * you take away their breath,

and they die and return to their dust.

31 You send forth your Spirit, and they are created; * and so you renew the face of the earth.

32 May the glory of the Lord endure for ever; * may the Lord rejoice in all his works.

33 He looks at the earth and it trembles; * he touches the mountains and they smoke. 34 I will sing to the Lordas long as I live; *

I will praise my God while I have my being.

35 May these words of mine please him; * I will rejoice in the Lord.

37 Bless the Lord, O my soul. * Hallelujah!

SECOND READING Romans 8:14-17

All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, "Abba! Father!" it is that very Spirit bearing witness with ourspirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ-- if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL John 14:8-17 (25-27)

Philip said to Jesus, "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.

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to bewith you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you."

["I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid."]

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

In our parish cycle of prayer, we pray for

Walter, Lawren, & Reed Casagrande; Hope Chopy; and Ed & Carol Cimilluca.

May 25th 2025 6th Sunday of Easter

Mon, 26 May 2025 08:53:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #191 Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts and Voices Heavenward Raise

Sequence Hymn #530 Spread, O Spread Thou Mighty Word

Offertory Anthem Do Not Let Your Heart Be Troubled (Larson)

Communion Anthem Dona Nobis Pacem (Bach, arr. Althouse)

Post-Communion Hymn #718 God of Our Fathers, Whose Almighty Hand

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

FIRST READING Acts 16:9-15

Reader A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.

We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home." And she prevailed upon us.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 67 Deus misereatur

1 May God be merciful to us and bless us, *

show us the light of his countenance and come to us.

2 Let your ways be known upon earth, *

your saving health among all nations.

3 Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

let all the peoples praise you.

4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, *

for you judge the peoples with equity

and guide all the nations upon earth.

5 Let the peoples praise you, O God; *

let all the peoples praise you.

6 The earth has brought forth her increase; *

may God, our own God, give us his blessing.

7 May God give us his blessing, *

and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him.

SECOND READING Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5

Reader A Reading from the Revelation to John.

In the spirit the angel carried me away to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God.

I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. Its gates will never be shut by day-- and there will be no night there. People will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will enter it, nor anyone who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him; they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL John 5:1-9

Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

After Jesus healed the son of the official in Capernaum, there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. In these lay many invalids-- blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be made well?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me." Jesus said to him, "Stand up, take your mat and walk." At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk. Now that day was a sabbath.

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

In our parish cycle of prayer, we pray for

Mike & Sue Bush, Jim Cacciola, & Tony & Colleen Capezza.

Sunday of Resurrection: Easter Day The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, April 20, 2025

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 14:13:00 -0400

Sunday of Resurrection: Easter Day

The Holy Eucharist Rite Two

Sunday, April 20, 2025

The Word of God

Entrance Rite

PRELUDE The Trumpet Shall Sound from “The Messiah” (Handel)

Timothy Hoyt, Soloist

ENTRANCE HYMN #179 Welcome, Happy Morning!

Opening Acclamation

The people standing, the Celebrant says

Celebrant

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

People

The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

COLLECT FOR PURITY

The Celebrant may say

HYMN OF PRAISE #S278

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Celebrant

The Lord be with you.

People

And also with you.

Celebrant

Let us pray.

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lessons

FIRST READING Acts 10:34-43

The people sit.

Reader A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

34Peter began to speak to [Cornelius and the other Gentiles]: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. 37That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

Silence may follow.

PSALM Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

The Choir will chant the psalm.

1Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *

his mercy endures for ever.

2Let Israel now proclaim, *

“His mercy endures for ever.”

14The Lord is my strength and my song, *

and he has become my salvation.

15There is a sound of exultation and victory *

in the tents of the righteous:

16“The right hand of the Lord has triumphed! *

the right hand of the Lord is exalted!

the right hand of the Lord has triumphed!”

17I shall not die, but live, *

and declare the works of the Lord.

18The Lord has punished me sorely, *

but he did not hand me over to death.

19Open for me the gates of righteousness; *

I will enter them;

I will offer thanks to the Lord.

20“This is the gate of the Lord; *

he who is righteous may enter.”

21I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *

and have become my salvation.

22The same stone which the builders rejected *

has become the chief cornerstone.

23This is the Lord’s doing, *

and it is marvelous in our eyes.

24On this day the Lord has acted; *

we will rejoice and be glad in it.

SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 15:19-26

The people sit.

Reader A Reading from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians.

If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

Silence may follow.

SEQUENCE HYMN #208 Alleluia, The Strife Is O’er

All stand.

Verses 1-3 prior to the reading of the Gospel

Verses 4-5 following the Gospel

GOSPEL Luke 24:1-12

All stand.

Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

On the first day of the week, at early dawn, the women who had come with Jesus from Galilee came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again." Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

THE SERMON The Rev. Craig Swan, Rector

THE CREED

All stand.

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.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

All remain standing.

In the joy of the resurrection we offer our prayers to the Father who raised his Son from the grave, and through that victory, offers all of us the hope of eternal life.

The world bombards us with stories that instill anxiety and despair. But in the emptiness of one tomb you have overwhelmed us with hope and promise. Gracious God, fill us with the joy of Christ’s glorious and life-giving resurrection.

Alleluia. Hear our prayer.

Since the surprise of the empty tomb the news of Christ’s resurrection has spread far and wide. This morning we pray for churches that are isolated or persecuted, for churches suffering from stagnation or decline, and churches everywhere that yearn to proclaim your gospel. Loving Father, grant your holy Church fresh strength in the good news of Easter.

Alleluia. Hear our prayer.

The first apostles honored the resurrected Christ by sharing all they had with those in need. Merciful God, help us here at St. Peter’s by-the-Sea respond to all who go hungry or lack shelter, bless the ministry of our Community Market, and make us conduits of your mercy and grace.

Alleluia. Hear our prayer.

The resurrection proved once and for all that violence cannot stand against the power of your love. This morning we pray for all those living in the shadow of war or oppression: grant them trust, that you have not caused their suffering; faith, that you can pour light into their darkness; and peace, that they may experience the life you desire.

Alleluia. Hear our prayer.

In life Jesus brought comfort and healing to those who suffered from sickness and disease. Pour out your compassion, Lord God, on all those from our community who are ill or infirm, and those who care for them, that they may be strengthened by your constant presence.

Alleluia. Hear our prayer.

The resurrection of Christ offers us hope that death is not the end, either of Jesus’ story or of ours. Enfold all those who have gone before us in death with the mighty power of his resurrection, that they will be raised on the last day.

Alleluia. Hear our prayer.

We lift all these prayers to you, our life-giving God, through the victory of your Son Jesus Christ. May he live in us that we would always live in you. Amen.

THE PEACE

All stand.

Celebrant

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People

And also with you.

Then the Ministers and the People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.

The Holy Communion

OFFERTORY SENTENCE

The Celebrant says

Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and make good your vows to the Most High. Psalm 50:14

OFFERTORY ANTHEM Come Proclaim the Victory (Martin)

The people stand as the offerings are presented at the altar.

The Great Thanksgiving

SURSUM CORDA

The People remain standing.

PROPER PREFACE

Facing the Holy Table, 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.

But chiefly are we bound to praise you for the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed death, and by his rising to life again he has won for us everlasting life.

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:

SANCTUS

S125

Celebrant and People

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 People stand or kneel.

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.”

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Celebrant and People

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...

Palm Sunday. Fr. Swan Homily: Jesus the Victor, not Victim

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 12:49:00 -0400

SEQUENCE HYMN # 435 At the Name of Jesus

All stand.

GOSPEL READING Luke 19:28-40

Priest

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

People

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

After telling a parable to the crowd at Jericho, Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, "Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it.'" So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?" They said, "The Lord needs it." Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying,

"Blessed is the king

who comes in the name of the Lord!

Peace in heaven,

and glory in the highest heaven!"

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, order your disciples to stop." He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out."

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

THE SERMON

Fr. Andrew Mead Homily: The parable of the Prodigal Son

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 08:39:00 -0400

Fr. Andrew Mead's homily on the gospel according to Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

All the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them."

So Jesus told them this parable:

"There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.' So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands."' So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly, bring out a robe--the best one--and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate.

"Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.' Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, 'Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!' Then the father said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.'"

March 16th, 2025 The Second Sunday of Lent

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 10:42:00 -0400

Sequence Hymn #455 O Love of God, How Strong and True

Offertory Anthem "Pie Jesu" from Requiem (Rutter) Lawren Casagrande, soloist

Communion Hymn #571 All Who Love and Serve Your City

Post-Communion Hymn #150 Forty Days and Forty Nights

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from thy ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of thy Word, Jesus Christ thy Son; who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

FIRST READING Genesis 15:1-12,17-18

Reader A reading from the Book of Genesis.

The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.” But the word of the Lord came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.

Then he said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess.” But he said, “O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” He said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.

As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him.

When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.”

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 27 Dominus illuminatio

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;

whom then shall I fear? *

the Lord is the strength of my life;

of whom then shall I be afraid?

2 When evildoers came upon me to eat up my flesh,*

it was they, my foes and my adversaries, who

stumbled and fell.

3 Though an army should encamp against me, *

yet my heart shall not be afraid;

4 And though war should rise up against me, *

yet will I put my trust in him.

5 One thing have I asked of the Lord;

one thing I seek; *

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life;

6 To behold the fair beauty of the Lord *

and to seek him in his temple.

7 For in the day of trouble he shall keep me safe

in his shelter; *

he shall hide me in the secrecy of his dwelling

and set me high upon a rock.

8 Even now he lifts up my head *

above my enemies round about me.

9 Therefore I will offer in his dwelling an oblation

with sounds of great gladness; *

I will sing and make music to the Lord.

10 Hearken to my voice, O Lord, when I call; *

have mercy on me and answer me.

11 You speak in my heart and say, "Seek my face."*

Your face, Lord, will I seek.

12 Hide not your face from me, *

nor turn away your servant in displeasure.

13 You have been my helper;

cast me not away; *

do not forsake me, O God of my salvation.

14 Though my father and my mother forsake me,*

the Lord will sustain me.

15 Show me your way, O Lord; *

lead me on a level path, because of my enemies.

16 Deliver me not into the hand of my adversaries,*

for false witnesses have risen up against me,

and also those who speak malice.

17 What if I had not believed

that I should see the goodness of the Lord *

in the land of the living!

18 O tarry and await the Lord's pleasure;

be strong, and he shall comfort your heart; *

wait patiently for the Lord.

SECOND READING Philippians 3:17-4:1

Reader A Reading from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians.

Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL Luke 13:31-35

Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

People Glory be to thee, O Lord.

Some Pharisees came and said to Jesus, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'"

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise be to thee, O Christ.

January 19th 2025: Jesus at the wedding

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 17:25:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #7 Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies

Sequence Hymn #228 Holy Spirit, Font of Light

Offertory Anthem O Lord, My God, You Are My Refuge (Bach, arr. Hopson)

Communion Anthem Creator of the Stars of Night

Post-Communion Hymn #371 Thou, Whose Almighty Word

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

FIRST READING Isaiah 62:1-5

Reader: A reading from the Prophet Isaiah.

For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give.

You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married.

For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your builder marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 36:5-10 Dixit injustus

5 Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, *

and your faithfulness to the clouds.

6 Your righteousness is like the strong mountains,

your justice like the great deep; *

you save both man and beast, O Lord.

7 How priceless is your love, O God! *

your people take refuge under the shadow of your wings.

8 They feast upon the abundance of your house; *

you give them drink from the river of your delights.

9 For with you is the well of life, *

and in your light we see light.

10 Continue your loving-kindness to those who know you, *

and your favor to those who are true of heart.

SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Reader: A Reading from Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians.

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led astray to idols that could not speak. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says "Let Jesus be cursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL John 2:1-11

Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for

Paul & Leslie Roulier, Paul & Colleen Sardelli, and Andrew Scherer.

PLEASE NOTE: Next Sunday (January 26, 2025) we will hold one service at 9am. The service will be followed by the business portion of the Annual Meeting and a potluck luncheon. Please contact the office with questions or to RSVP for the luncheon.

January 5th, 2025 Epiphany

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 19:35:00 -0400

Prelude Sweet Was the Song (Ives)

Lawren Casagrande, soloist

Entrance Hymn #119 As With Gladness Men of Old

Sequence Hymn #109 The First Noel

Offertory Anthem In the Bleak Midwinter (arr. Bennett)

Communion Hymn #117 Brightest and Best

Post-Communion Hymn #100 Joy to the World

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

FIRST READING Isaiah 60:1-6

Reader: A reading from the Prophet Isaiah.

Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses' arms. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you.

A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 72:1-7,10-14 Deus, judicium

1 Give the King your justice, O God, *

and your righteousness to the King's Son;

2 That he may rule your people righteously *

and the poor with justice;

3 That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, *

and the little hills bring righteousness.

4 He shall defend the needy among the people; *

he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor.

5 He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure,*

from one generation to another.

6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, *

like showers that water the earth.

7 In his time shall the righteous flourish; *

there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.

10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall pay tribute, *

and the kings of Arabia and Saba offer gifts.

11 All kings shall bow down before him, *

and all the nations do him service.

12 For he shall deliver the poor who cries out in distress, *

and the oppressed who has no helper.

13 He shall have pity on the lowly and poor; *

he shall preserve the lives of the needy.

14 He shall redeem their lives from oppression and violence, *

and dear shall their blood be in his sight.

SECOND READING Ephesians 3:1-12

Reader: A Reading from the letter to the Ephesians.

This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles-- for surely you have already heard of the commission of God's grace that was given me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God's grace that was given me by the working of his power. Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL Matthew 2:1-12

Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

`And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'"

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for

Wendy Riordan, Bob & Patti Risica, and Matt Roach & Alison Croke.

Dec 29th 2024 First Sunday after Christmas

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 12:04:00 -0400

Isaiah 61:10-62:3

Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7

John 1:1-18

Psalm 147 or 147:13-21

This Sunday takes precedence over the three Holy Days which follow Christmas Day. As necessary, the observance of one, two, or all three of them, is postponed one day.

The Collect

Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Old Testament

Isaiah 61:10-62:3

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,

my whole being shall exult in my God;

for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation,

he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,

as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,

and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

For as the earth brings forth its shoots,

and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,

so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise

to spring up before all the nations.

For Zion's sake I will not keep silent,

and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest,

until her vindication shines out like the dawn,

and her salvation like a burning torch.

The nations shall see your vindication,

and all the kings your glory;

and you shall be called by a new name

that the mouth of the Lord will give.

You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,

and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

The Psalm

Psalm 147 or 147:13-21

Laudate Dominum

[1 Hallelujah!

How good it is to sing praises to our God! *

how pleasant it is to honor him with praise!

2 The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem; *

he gathers the exiles of Israel.

3 He heals the brokenhearted *

and binds up their wounds.

4 He counts the number of the stars *

and calls them all by their names.

5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power; *

there is no limit to his wisdom.

6 The Lord lifts up the lowly, *

but casts the wicked to the ground.

7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; *

make music to our God upon the harp.

8 He covers the heavens with clouds *

and prepares rain for the earth;

9 He makes grass to grow upon the mountains *

and green plants to serve mankind.

10 He provides food for flocks and herds *

and for the young ravens when they cry.

11 He is not impressed by the might of a horse; *

he has no pleasure in the strength of a man;

12 But the Lord has pleasure in those who fear him, *

in those who await his gracious favor.]

13 Worship the Lord, O Jerusalem; *

praise your God, O Zion;

14 For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; *

he has blessed your children within you.

15 He has established peace on your borders; *

he satisfies you with the finest wheat.

16 He sends out his command to the earth, *

and his word runs very swiftly.

17 He gives snow like wool; *

he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.

18 He scatters his hail like bread crumbs; *

who can stand against his cold?

19 He sends forth his word and melts them; *

he blows with his wind, and the waters flow.

20 He declares his word to Jacob, *

his statutes and his judgments to Israel.

21 He has not done so to any other nation; *

to them he has not revealed his judgments.

Hallelujah!

The New Testament

Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7

Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian.

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

The Gospel

John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'") From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known.

Dec. 24th Christmas Eve 2024

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 15:10:00 -0400

Isaiah 62:6-12

Titus 3:4-7

Luke 2:(1-7)8-20

Psalm 97

The Collect

O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

or this

Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born [this day] of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Old Testament

Isaiah 62:6-12

Upon your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted sentinels;

all day and all night

they shall never be silent.

You who remind the Lord,

take no rest,

and give him no rest

until he establishes Jerusalem

and makes it renowned throughout the earth.

The Lord has sworn by his right hand

and by his mighty arm:

I will not again give your grain

to be food for your enemies,

and foreigners shall not drink the wine

for which you have labored;

but those who garner it shall eat it

and praise the Lord,

and those who gather it shall drink it

in my holy courts.

Go through, go through the gates,

prepare the way for the people;

build up, build up the highway,

clear it of stones,

lift up an ensign over the peoples.

The Lord has proclaimed

to the end of the earth:

Say to daughter Zion,

"See, your salvation comes;

his reward is with him,

and his recompense before him."

They shall be called, "The Holy People,

The Redeemed of the Lord";

and you shall be called, "Sought Out,

A City Not Forsaken."

The Psalm

Psalm 97

Dominus regnavit

1 The Lord is King;

let the earth rejoice; *

let the multitude of the isles be glad.

2 Clouds and darkness are round about him, *

righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne.

3 A fire goes before him *

and burns up his enemies on every side.

4 His lightnings light up the world; *

the earth sees it and is afraid.

5 The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord, *

at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

6 The heavens declare his righteousness, *

and all the peoples see his glory.

7 Confounded be all who worship carved images

and delight in false gods! *

Bow down before him, all you gods.

8 Zion hears and is glad, and the cities of Judah rejoice, *

because of your judgments, O Lord.

9 For you are the Lord,

most high over all the earth; *

you are exalted far above all gods.

10 The Lord loves those who hate evil;

he preserves the lives of his saints

and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

11 Light has sprung up for the righteous, *

and joyful gladness for those who are truehearted.

12 Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, *

and give thanks to his holy Name.

The New Testament

Titus 3:4-7

When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

The Gospel

Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20

[In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.]

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see-- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Dec 22n 2024 Fourth Sunday of Advent Year C RCL

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 13:15:00 -0400

Micah 5:2-5a

Hebrews 10:5-10

Luke 1:39-45, (46-55)

Canticle 15 (or 3)

or Psalm 80:1-7

The Collect

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Old Testament

Micah 5:2-5a

You, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,

who are one of the little clans of Judah,

from you shall come forth for me

one who is to rule in Israel,

whose origin is from of old,

from ancient days.

Therefore he shall give them up until the time

when she who is in labor has brought forth;

then the rest of his kindred shall return

to the people of Israel.

And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord,

in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.

And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great

to the ends of the earth;

and he shall be the one of peace.

The Response

Canticle 15 Page 91, BCP

The Song of Mary Magnificat

Luke 1:46-55

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *

for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed: *

the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him *

in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm, *

he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *

and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, *

and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *

for he has remembered his promise of mercy,

The promise he made to our fathers, *

to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The Response

Psalm 80:1-7

Qui regis Israel

1 Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; *

shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim.

2 In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, *

stir up your strength and come to help us.

3 Restore us, O God of hosts; *

show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

4 O Lord God of hosts, *

how long will you be angered

despite the prayers of your people?

5 You have fed them with the bread of tears; *

you have given them bowls of tears to drink.

6 You have made us the derision of our neighbors, *

and our enemies laugh us to scorn.

7 Restore us, O God of hosts; *

show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

The New Testament

Hebrews 10:5-10

When Christ came into the world, he said,

"Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired,

but a body you have prepared for me;

in burnt offerings and sin offerings

you have taken no pleasure.

Then I said, 'See, God, I have come to do your will, O God'

(in the scroll of the book it is written of me)."

When he said above, "You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered according to the law), then he added, "See, I have come to do your will." He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. And it is by God's will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

The Gospel

Luke 1:39-45(46-55)

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord."

[And Mary said,

"My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.

Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for the Mighty One has done great things for me,

and holy is his name.

His mercy is for those who fear him

from generation to generation.

He has shown strength with his arm;

he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,

and lifted up the lowly;

he has filled the hungry with good things,

and sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy,

according to the promise he made to our ancestors,

to Abraham and to his descendants forever."]

December 15th Third Sunday of Advent Year C RCL

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 17:39:00 -0400

Zephaniah 3:14-20

Philippians 4:4-7

Luke 3:7-18

Canticle 9

The Collect

Old Testament

Zephaniah 3:14-20

Sing aloud, O daughter Zion;

shout, O Israel!

Rejoice and exult with all your heart,

O daughter Jerusalem!

The Lord has taken away the judgments against you,

he has turned away your enemies.

The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;

you shall fear disaster no more.

On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:

Do not fear, O Zion;

do not let your hands grow weak.

The Lord, your God, is in your midst,

a warrior who gives victory;

he will rejoice over you with gladness,

he will renew you in his love;

he will exult over you with loud singing

as on a day of festival.

I will remove disaster from you,

so that you will not bear reproach for it.

I will deal with all your oppressors

at that time.

And I will save the lame

and gather the outcast,

and I will change their shame into praise

and renown in all the earth.

At that time I will bring you home,

at the time when I gather you;

for I will make you renowned and praised

among all the peoples of the earth,

when I restore your fortunes

before your eyes, says the Lord.

The Response

Canticle 9 Page 86, BCP

The First Song of Isaiah Ecce Deus

Isaiah 12:2-6

Surely, it is God who saves me; *

I will trust in him and not be afraid.

For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, *

and he will be my Savior.

Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing *

from the springs of salvation.

And on that day you shall say, *

Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name;

Make his deeds known among the peoples; *

see that they remember that his Name is exalted.

Sing the praises of the Lord, for he has done great things, *

and this is known in all the world.

Cry aloud, inhabitants of Zion, ring out your joy, *

for the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The New Testament

Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The Gospel

Luke 3:7-18

John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."

And the crowds asked him, "What then should we do?" In reply he said to them, "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise." Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?" He said to them, "Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you." Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what should we do?" He said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages."

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.

Dec. 1st First Sunday of Advent Year C RCL

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 13:52:00 -0400

Jeremiah 33:14-16

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Luke 21:25-36

Psalm 25:1-9

The Collect

Old Testament

Jeremiah 33:14-16

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: "The Lord is our righteousness."

The Psalm

Psalm 25:1-9

Ad te, Domine, levavi

1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul;

my God, I put my trust in you; *

let me not be humiliated,

nor let my enemies triumph over me.

2 Let none who look to you be put to shame; *

let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes.

3 Show me your ways, O Lord, *

and teach me your paths.

4 Lead me in your truth and teach me, *

for you are the God of my salvation;

in you have I trusted all the day long.

5 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, *

for they are from everlasting.

6 Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; *

remember me according to your love

and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord.

7 Gracious and upright is the Lord; *

therefore he teaches sinners in his way.

8 He guides the humble in doing right *

and teaches his way to the lowly.

9 All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness *

to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

The New Testament

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.

Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

The Gospel

Luke 21:25-36

Jesus said, "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Nov. 24 2024 Christ the King Proper 29 Year B RCL

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 14:33:00 -0400

The Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Old Testament

2 Samuel 23:1-7

These are the last words of David:

The oracle of David, son of Jesse,

the oracle of the man whom God exalted,

the anointed of the God of Jacob,

the favorite of the Strong One of Israel:

The spirit of the Lord speaks through me,

his word is upon my tongue.

The God of Israel has spoken,

the Rock of Israel has said to me:

One who rules over people justly,

ruling in the fear of God,

is like the light of morning,

like the sun rising on a cloudless morning,

gleaming from the rain on the grassy land.

Is not my house like this with God?

For he has made with me an everlasting covenant,

ordered in all things and secure.

Will he not cause to prosper

all my help and my desire?

But the godless are all like thorns that are thrown away;

for they cannot be picked up with the hand;

to touch them one uses an iron bar

or the shaft of a spear.

And they are entirely consumed in fire on the spot.

The Response

Psalm 132:1-13 (14-19)

Memento, Domine

1 Lord, remember David, *

and all the hardships he endured;

2 How he swore an oath to the Lord *

and vowed a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:

3 "I will not come under the roof of my house," *

nor climb up into my bed;

4 I will not allow my eyes to sleep, *

nor let my eyelids slumber;

5 Until I find a place for the Lord, *

a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob."

6 "The ark! We heard it was in Ephratah; *

we found it in the fields of Jearim.

7 Let us go to God's dwelling place; *

let us fall upon our knees before his footstool."

8 Arise, O Lord, into your resting-place, *

you and the ark of your strength.

9 Let your priests be clothed with righteousness; *

let your faithful people sing with joy.

10 For your servant David's sake, *

do not turn away the face of your Anointed.

11 The Lord has sworn an oath to David; *

in truth, he will not break it:

12 "A son, the fruit of your body *

will I set upon your throne.

13 If your children keep my covenant

and my testimonies that I shall teach them, *

their children will sit upon your throne for evermore."

14 [For the Lord has chosen Zion; *

he has desired her for his habitation:

15 "This shall be my resting-place for ever; *

here will I dwell, for I delight in her.

16 I will surely bless her provisions, *

and satisfy her poor with bread.

17 I will clothe her priests with salvation, *

and her faithful people will rejoice and sing.

18 There will I make the horn of David flourish; *

I have prepared a lamp for my Anointed.

19 As for his enemies, I will clothe them with shame; *

but as for him, his crown will shine."]

Old Testament

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

As I watched,

thrones were set in place,

and an Ancient One took his throne,

his clothing was white as snow,

and the hair of his head like pure wool;

his throne was fiery flames,

and its wheels were burning fire.

A stream of fire issued

and flowed out from his presence.

A thousand thousands served him,

and ten thousand times ten thousand stood attending him.

The court sat in judgment,

and the books were opened.

As I watched in the night visions,

I saw one like a human being

coming with the clouds of heaven.

And he came to the Ancient One

and was presented before him.

To him was given dominion

and glory and kingship,

that all peoples, nations, and languages

should serve him.

His dominion is an everlasting dominion

that shall not pass away,

and his kingship is one

that shall never be destroyed.

The Response

Psalm 93

Dominus regnavit

1 The Lord is King;

he has put on splendid apparel; *

the Lord has put on his apparel

and girded himself with strength.

2 He has made the whole world so sure *

that it cannot be moved;

3 Ever since the world began, your throne has been established; *

you are from everlasting.

4 The waters have lifted up, O Lord,

the waters have lifted up their voice; *

the waters have lifted up their pounding waves.

5 Mightier than the sound of many waters,

mightier than the breakers of the sea, *

mightier is the Lord who dwells on high.

6 Your testimonies are very sure, *

and holiness adorns your house, O Lord,

for ever and for evermore.

The Epistle

Revelation 1:4b-8

Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Look! He is coming with the clouds;

every eye will see him,

even those who pierced him;

and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail.

So it is to be. Amen.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

The Gospel

John 18:33-37

Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”

Nov. 10th 2024 Proper 27 Year B

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 06:20:00 -0400

Sunday closest to November 9

Proper 27

Year B

RCL

Track 1

Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17

Psalm 127

Hebrews 9:24-28

Mark 12:38-44

1 Kings 17:8-16

Psalm 146

Hebrews 9:24-28

Mark 12:38-44

The Collect

O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Old Testament

Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17

Naomi her mother-in-law said to Ruth, “My daughter, I need to seek some security for you, so that it may be well with you. Now here is our kinsman Boaz, with whose young women you have been working. See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Now wash and anoint yourself, and put on your best clothes and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, observe the place where he lies; then, go and uncover his feet and lie down; and he will tell you what to do.” She said to her, “All that you tell me I will do.”

So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When they came together, the Lord made her conceive, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without next-of-kin; and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has borne him.” Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her bosom, and became his nurse. The women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed; he became the father of Jesse, the father of David.

The Psalm

Psalm 127

Nisi Dominus

1 Unless the Lord builds the house, *

their labor is in vain who build it.

2 Unless the Lord watches over the city, *

in vain the watchman keeps his vigil.

3 It is in vain that you rise so early and go to bed so late; *

vain, too, to eat the bread of toil,

for he gives to his beloved sleep.

4 Children are a heritage from the Lord, *

and the fruit of the womb is a gift.

5 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior *

are the children of one's youth.

6 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them! *

he shall not be put to shame

when he contends with his enemies in the gate.

Old Testament

1 Kings 17:8-16

The word of the Lord came to Elijah, saying, “Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and live there; for I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” So he set out and went to Zarephath. When he came to the gate of the town, a widow was there gathering sticks; he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel, so that I may drink.” As she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” But she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of meal in a jar, and a little oil in a jug; I am now gathering a couple of sticks, so that I may go home and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” Elijah said to her, “Do not be afraid; go and do as you have said; but first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterwards make something for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord the God of Israel: The jar of meal will not be emptied and the jug of oil will not fail until the day that the Lord sends rain on the earth.” She went and did as Elijah said, so that she as well as he and her household ate for many days. The jar of meal was not emptied, neither did the jug of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah.

The Psalm

Psalm 146

Lauda, anima mea

1 Hallelujah!

Praise the Lord, O my soul! *

I will praise the Lord as long as I live;

I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

2 Put not your trust in rulers, nor in any child of earth, *

for there is no help in them.

3 When they breathe their last, they return to earth, *

and in that day their thoughts perish.

4 Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help! *

whose hope is in the Lord their God;

5 Who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them; *

who keeps his promise for ever;

6 Who gives justice to those who are oppressed, *

and food to those who hunger.

7 The Lord sets the prisoners free;

the Lord opens the eyes of the blind; *

the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;

8 The Lord loves the righteous;

the Lord cares for the stranger; *

he sustains the orphan and widow,

but frustrates the way of the wicked.

9 The Lord shall reign for ever, *

your God, O Zion, throughout all generations.

Hallelujah!

The Epistle

Hebrews 9:24-28

Christ did not enter a sanctuary made by human hands, a mere copy of the true one, but he entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself again and again, as the high priest enters the Holy Place year after year with blood that is not his own; for then he would have had to suffer again and again since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the age to remove sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for mortals to die once, and after that the judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

The Gospel

Mark 12:38-44

As Jesus taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

Oct. 27th 2024 Proper 25

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 18:04:00 -0400

The Lessons Appointed for Use on the

Proper 25

Year B

RCL

Track 1

Job 42:1-6, 10-17

Psalm 34:1-8, (19-22)

Hebrews 7:23-28

Mark 10:46-52

The Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Old Testament

Job 42:1-6, 10-17

Job answered the Lord:

“I know that you can do all things,

and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’

Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,

things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.

‘Hear, and I will speak;

I will question you, and you declare to me.’

I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,

but now my eye sees you;

therefore I despise myself,

and repent in dust and ashes.”

And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he had prayed for his friends; and the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Then there came to him all his brothers and sisters and all who had known him before, and they ate bread with him in his house; they showed him sympathy and comforted him for all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him; and each of them gave him a piece of money and a gold ring. The Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning; and he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand donkeys. He also had seven sons and three daughters. He named the first Jemimah, the second Keziah, and the third Keren-happuch. In all the land there were no women so beautiful as Job’s daughters; and their father gave them an inheritance along with their brothers. After this Job lived for one hundred and forty years, and saw his children, and his children’s children, four generations. And Job died, old and full of days.

The Psalm

Psalm 34:1-8, (19-22)

Benedicam Dominum

1 I will bless the Lord at all times; *

his praise shall ever be in my mouth.

2 I will glory in the Lord; *

let the humble hear and rejoice.

3 Proclaim with me the greatness of the Lord; *

let us exalt his Name together.

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me *

and delivered me out of all my terror.

5 Look upon him and be radiant, *

and let not your faces be ashamed.

6 I called in my affliction and the Lord heard me *

and saved me from all my troubles.

7 The angel of the Lord encompasses those who fear him, *

and he will deliver them.

8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; *

happy are they who trust in him!

19 [Many are the troubles of the righteous, *

but the Lord will deliver him out of them all.

20 He will keep safe all his bones; *

not one of them shall be broken.

21 Evil shall slay the wicked, *

and those who hate the righteous will be punished.

22 The Lord ransoms the life of his servants, *

and none will be punished who trust in him.]

Old Testament

Jeremiah 31:7-9

Thus says the Lord:

Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob,

and raise shouts for the chief of the nations;

proclaim, give praise, and say,

“Save, O Lord, your people,

the remnant of Israel.”

See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north,

and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth,

among them the blind and the lame, those with child and

those in labor, together;

a great company, they shall return here.

With weeping they shall come,

and with consolations I will lead them back,

I will let them walk by brooks of water,

in a straight path in which they shall not stumble;

for I have become a father to Israel,

and Ephraim is my firstborn.

The Psalm

Psalm 126

In convertendo

1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, *

then were we like those who dream.

2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *

and our tongue with shouts of joy.

3 Then they said among the nations, *

"The Lord has done great things for them."

4 The Lord has done great things for us, *

and we are glad indeed.

5 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, *

like the watercourses of the Negev.

6 Those who sowed with tears *

will reap with songs of joy.

7 Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *

will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

The Epistle

Hebrews 7:23-28

The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office; but Jesus holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people; this he did once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests those who are subject to weakness, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

The Gospel

Mark 10:46-52

Jesus and his disciples came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.

October 20th 2024 Year B

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 15:44:00 -0400

Job 38:1-7, (34-41)

Psalm 104:1-9, 25, 37b

Hebrews 5:1-10

Mark 10:35-45

The Collect

Old Testament

Job 38:1-7, (34-41)

The Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind:

"Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?

Gird up your loins like a man,

I will question you, and you shall declare to me.

"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?

Tell me, if you have understanding.

Who determined its measurements—surely you know!

Or who stretched the line upon it?

On what were its bases sunk,

or who laid its cornerstone

when the morning stars sang together

and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?

[“Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,

so that a flood of waters may cover you?

Can you send forth lightnings, so that they may go

and say to you, ‘Here we are’?

Who has put wisdom in the inward parts,

or given understanding to the mind?

Who has the wisdom to number the clouds?

Or who can tilt the waterskins of the heavens,

when the dust runs into a mass

and the clods cling together?

“Can you hunt the prey for the lion,

or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,

when they crouch in their dens,

or lie in wait in their covert?

Who provides for the raven its prey,

when its young ones cry to God,

and wander about for lack of food?”]

The Psalm

Psalm 104:1-9, 25, 37b

Benedic, anima mea

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; *

O Lord my God, how excellent is your greatness!

you are clothed with majesty and splendor.

2 You wrap yourself with light as with a cloak *

and spread out the heavens like a curtain.

3 You lay the beams of your chambers in the waters above; *

you make the clouds your chariot;

you ride on the wings of the wind.

4 You make the winds your messengers *

and flames of fire your servants.

5 You have set the earth upon its foundations, *

so that it never shall move at any time.

6 You covered it with the Deep as with a mantle; *

the waters stood higher than the mountains.

7 At your rebuke they fled; *

at the voice of your thunder they hastened away.

8 They went up into the hills and down to the valleys beneath, *

to the places you had appointed for them.

9 You set the limits that they should not pass; *

they shall not again cover the earth.

25 O Lord, how manifold are your works! *

in wisdom you have made them all;

the earth is full of your creatures.

37b Hallelujah!

Hebrews 5:1-10

Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not presume to take this honor, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,

“You are my Son,

today I have begotten you”;

as he says also in another place,

“You are a priest forever,

according to the order of Melchizedek.”

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

The Gospel

Mark 10:35-45

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to Jesus and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Oct. 6th. The Blessing of the Animals

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 10:17:00 -0400

Sunday October 6th

Proper 22 Year B RCL

Job 1:1; 2:1-10

Psalm 26

Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12

Mark 10:2-16

The Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Old Testament

Job 1:1; 2:1-10

There was once a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. That man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.

One day the heavenly beings came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the Lord. The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil. He still persists in his integrity, although you incited me against him, to destroy him for no reason.” Then Satan answered the Lord, “Skin for skin! All that people have they will give to save their lives. But stretch out your hand now and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face.” The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, he is in your power; only spare his life.”

So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord, and inflicted loathsome sores on Job from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. Job took a potsherd with which to scrape himself, and sat among the ashes.

Then his wife said to him, “Do you still persist in your integrity? Curse God, and die.” But he said to her, “You speak as any foolish woman would speak. Shall we receive the good at the hand of God, and not receive the bad?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

The Psalm

Psalm 26

Judica me, Domine

1 Give judgment for me, O Lord,

for I have lived with integrity; *

I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered.

2 Test me, O Lord, and try me; *

examine my heart and my mind.

3 For your love is before my eyes; *

I have walked faithfully with you.

4 I have not sat with the worthless, *

nor do I consort with the deceitful.

5 I have hated the company of evildoers; *

I will not sit down with the wicked.

6 I will wash my hands in innocence, O Lord, *

that I may go in procession round your altar,

7 Singing aloud a song of thanksgiving *

and recounting all your wonderful deeds.

8 Lord, I love the house in which you dwell *

and the place where your glory abides.

9 Do not sweep me away with sinners, *

nor my life with those who thirst for blood,

10 Whose hands are full of evil plots, *

and their right hand full of bribes.

11 As for me, I will live with integrity; *

redeem me, O Lord, and have pity on me.

12 My foot stands on level ground; *

in the full assembly I will bless the Lord.

Old Testament

The Gospel

Mark 10:2-16

Some Pharisees came, and to test Jesus they asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her.” But Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote this commandment for you. But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

Then in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

Sept 29th 2024 Proper 21 Year B RCL

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 13:28:00 -0400

Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22

Psalm 124

James 5:13-20

Mark 9:38-50

The Collect

O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The First Reading

Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22

The king and Haman went in to feast with Queen Esther. On the second day, as they were drinking wine, the king again said to Esther, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.” Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have won your favor, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me-- that is my petition-- and the lives of my people-- that is my request. For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. If we had been sold merely as slaves, men and women, I would have held my peace; but no enemy can compensate for this damage to the king.” Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who has presumed to do this?” Esther said, “A foe and enemy, this wicked Haman!” Then Haman was terrified before the king and the queen.

Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in attendance on the king, said, “Look, the very gallows that Haman has prepared for Mordecai, whose word saved the king, stands at Haman's house, fifty cubits high.” And the king said, “Hang him on that.” So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the anger of the king abated.

Mordecai recorded these things, and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, enjoining them that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar and also the fifteenth day of the same month, year by year, as the days on which the Jews gained relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and presents to the poor.

The Psalm

Psalm 124

Nisi quia Dominus

1 If the Lord had not been on our side, *

let Israel now say;

2 If the Lord had not been on our side, *

when enemies rose up against us;

3 Then would they have swallowed us up alive *

in their fierce anger toward us;

4 Then would the waters have overwhelmed us *

and the torrent gone over us;

5 Then would the raging waters *

have gone right over us.

6 Blessed be the Lord! *

he has not given us over to be a prey for their teeth.

7 We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; *

the snare is broken, and we have escaped.

8 Our help is in the Name of the Lord, *

the maker of heaven and earth.

Old Testament

Numbers 11:4-6,10-16,24-29

The rabble among them had a strong craving; and the Israelites also wept again, and said, “If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we used to eat in Egypt for nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.”

Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, all at the entrances of their tents. Then the Lord became very angry, and Moses was displeased. So Moses said to the Lord, “Why have you treated your servant so badly? Why have I not found favor in your sight, that you lay the burden of all this people on me? Did I conceive all this people? Did I give birth to them, that you should say to me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a sucking child,’ to the land that you promised on oath to their ancestors? Where am I to get meat to give to all this people? For they come weeping to me and say, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ I am not able to carry all this people alone, for they are too heavy for me. If this is the way you are going to treat me, put me to death at once—if I have found favor in your sight—and do not let me see my misery.”

So the Lord said to Moses, “Gather for me seventy of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; bring them to the tent of meeting, and have them take their place there with you. ”

So Moses went out and told the people the words of the Lord; and he gathered seventy elders of the people, and placed them all around the tent. Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders; and when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But they did not do so again.

Two men remained in the camp, one named Eldad, and the other named Medad, and the spirit rested on them; they were among those registered, but they had not gone out to the tent, and so they prophesied in the camp. And a young man ran and told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” And Joshua son of Nun, the assistant of Moses, one of his chosen men, said, “My lord Moses, stop them!” But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them!”

The Psalm

Psalm 19:7-14

Caeli enarrant

7 The law of the Lord is perfect

and revives the soul; *

the testimony of the Lord is sure

and gives wisdom to the innocent.

8 The statutes of the Lord are just

and rejoice the heart; *

the commandment of the Lord is clear

and gives light to the eyes.

9 The fear of the Lord is clean

and endures for ever; *

the judgments of the Lord are true

and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold,

more than much fine gold, *

sweeter far than honey,

than honey in the comb.

11 By them also is your servant enlightened, *

and in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can tell how often he offends? *

cleanse me from my secret faults.

13 Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins;

let them not get dominion over me; *

then shall I be whole and sound,

and innocent of a great offense.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my

heart be acceptable in your sight, *

O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.

The Epistle

James 5:13-20

Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being like us, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain and the earth yielded its harvest.

My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and is brought back by another, you should know that whoever brings back a sinner from wandering will save the sinner's soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

The Gospel

Mark 9:38-50

John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.

“If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.

“For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

Sept. 15th Proper 19 Year B RCL Track 1

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 09:36:00 -0400

The Lessons Appointed for Use on the

Sunday closest to September 14

Proper 19

Year B

RCL

Track 1

Isaiah 50:4-9a

Psalm 116:1-8

James 3:1-12

Mark 8:27-38

The Collect

Old Testament

Proverbs 1:20-33

Wisdom cries out in the street;

in the squares she raises her voice.

At the busiest corner she cries out;

at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:

“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?

How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing

and fools hate knowledge?

Give heed to my reproof;

I will pour out my thoughts to you;

I will make my words known to you.

Because I have called and you refused,

have stretched out my hand and no one heeded,

and because you have ignored all my counsel

and would have none of my reproof,

I also will laugh at your calamity;

I will mock when panic strikes you,

when panic strikes you like a storm,

and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,

when distress and anguish come upon you.

Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;

they will seek me diligently, but will not find me.

Because they hated knowledge

and did not choose the fear of the Lord,

would have none of my counsel,

and despised all my reproof,

therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way

and be sated with their own devices.

For waywardness kills the simple,

and the complacency of fools destroys them;

but those who listen to me will be secure

and will live at ease, without dread of disaster.”

The Psalm

Psalm 19

Caeli enarrant

1 The heavens declare the glory of God, *

and the firmament shows his handiwork.

2 One day tells its tale to another, *

and one night imparts knowledge to another.

3 Although they have no words or language, *

and their voices are not heard,

4 Their sound has gone out into all lands, *

and their message to the ends of the world.

5 In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; *

it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;

it rejoices like a champion to run its course.

6 It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens

and runs about to the end of it again; *

nothing is hidden from its burning heat.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect

and revives the soul; *

the testimony of the Lord is sure

and gives wisdom to the innocent.

8 The statutes of the Lord are just

and rejoice the heart; *

the commandment of the Lord is clear

and gives light to the eyes.

9 The fear of the Lord is clean

and endures for ever; *

the judgments of the Lord are true

and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold,

more than much fine gold, *

sweeter far than honey,

than honey in the comb.

11 By them also is your servant enlightened, *

and in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can tell how often he offends? *

cleanse me from my secret faults.

13 Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins;

let them not get dominion over me; *

then shall I be whole and sound,

and innocent of a great offense.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my

heart be acceptable in your sight, *

O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.

Wisdom 7:26–8:1

For wisdom is a reflection of eternal light,

a spotless mirror of the working of God,

and an image of his goodness.

Although she is but one, she can do all things,

and while remaining in herself, she renews all things;

in every generation she passes into holy souls

and makes them friends of God, and prophets;

for God loves nothing so much as the person who lives with wisdom.

She is more beautiful than the sun,

and excels every constellation of the stars.

Compared with the light she is found to be superior,

for it is succeeded by the night,

but against wisdom evil does not prevail.

She reaches mightily from one end of the earth to the other,

and she orders all things well.

Old Testament

Isaiah 50:4-9a

The Lord God has given me

the tongue of a teacher,

that I may know how to sustain

the weary with a word.

Morning by morning he wakens--

wakens my ear

to listen as those who are taught.

The Lord God has opened my ear,

and I was not rebellious,

I did not turn backward.

I gave my back to those who struck me,

and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;

I did not hide my face

from insult and spitting.

The Lord God helps me;

therefore I have not been disgraced;

therefore I have set my face like flint,

and I know that I shall not be put to shame;

he who vindicates me is near.

Who will contend with me?

Let us stand up together.

Who are my adversaries?

Let them confront me.

It is the Lord God who helps me;

who will declare me guilty?

The Psalm

Psalm 116:1-8

Dilexi, quoniam

1 I love the Lord, because he has heard the voice of my supplication, *

because he has inclined his ear to me whenever I called upon him.

2 The cords of death entangled me;

the grip of the grave took hold of me; *

I came to grief and sorrow.

3 Then I called upon the Name of the Lord: *

"O Lord, I pray you, save my life."

4 Gracious is the Lord and righteous; *

our God is full of compassion.

5 The Lord watches over the innocent; *

I was brought very low, and he helped me.

6 Turn again to your rest, O my soul, *

for the Lord has treated you well.

7 For you have rescued my life from death, *

my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling.

8 I will walk in the presence of the Lord *

in the land of the living.

The Epistle

James 3:1-12

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits.

How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue-- a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.

The Gospel

Mark 8:27-38

Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.

Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”

He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

Sept 1st 2024 Proper 17 Year B RCL Track 1

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 15:34:00 -0400

The Lessons Appointed for Use on the

Sunday closest to August 31

Proper 17

Year B

RCL

Track 1

Track 2

Song of Solomon 2:8-13

Psalm 45:1-2, 7-10

James 1:17-27

Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

The Collect

Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Old Testament

Song of Solomon 2:8-13

The voice of my beloved!

Look, he comes,

leaping upon the mountains,

bounding over the hills.

My beloved is like a gazelle

or a young stag.

Look, there he stands

behind our wall,

gazing in at the windows,

looking through the lattice.

My beloved speaks and says to me:

"Arise, my love, my fair one,

and come away;

for now the winter is past,

the rain is over and gone.

The flowers appear on the earth;

the time of singing has come,

and the voice of the turtledove

is heard in our land.

The fig tree puts forth its figs,

and the vines are in blossom;

they give forth fragrance.

Arise, my love, my fair one,

and come away."

The Psalm

Psalm 45:1-2, 7-10

Eructavit cor meum

1 My heart is stirring with a noble song;

let me recite what I have fashioned for the king; *

my tongue shall be the pen of a skilled writer.

2 You are the fairest of men; *

grace flows from your lips,

because God has blessed you for ever.

7 Your throne, O God, endures for ever and ever, *

a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom;

you love righteousness and hate iniquity.

8 Therefore God, your God, has anointed you *

with the oil of gladness above your fellows.

9 All your garments are fragrant with myrrh, aloes, and cassia, *

and the music of strings from ivory palaces makes you glad.

10 Kings' daughters stand among the ladies of the court; *

on your right hand is the queen,

adorned with the gold of Ophir.

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9

Moses said: So now, Israel, give heed to the statutes and ordinances that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live to enter and occupy the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. You must neither add anything to what I command you nor take away anything from it, but keep the commandments of the Lord your God with which I am charging you.

You must observe them diligently, for this will show your wisdom and discernment to the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and discerning people!” For what other great nation has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is whenever we call to him? And what other great nation has statutes and ordinances as just as this entire law that I am setting before you today?

But take care and watch yourselves closely, so as neither to forget the things that your eyes have seen nor to let them slip from your mind all the days of your life; make them known to your children and your children’s children.

The Psalm

Psalm 15

Domine, quis habitabit?

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.

The Epistle

James 1:17-27

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God's righteousness. Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.

But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act-they will be blessed in their doing.

If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

The Gospel

Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

When the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it; and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles.) So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” He said to them, “Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written,

‘This people honors me with their lips,

but their hearts are far from me;

in vain do they worship me,

teaching human precepts as doctrines.’

You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.”

Then he called the crowd again and said to them, “Listen to me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.” For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

Sunday August 25 2024 Proper 16 Year B RCL Track 1

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 14:24:00 -0400

1 Kings 8:[1, 6, 10-11], 22-30, 41-43

Psalm 84

Ephesians 6:10-20

John 6:56-69

Joshua 24:1-2a,14-18

Psalm 34:15-22

Ephesians 6:10-20

John 6:56-69

The Collect

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Old Testament

1 Kings 8:[1, 6, 10-11], 22-30, 41-43

[Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the ancestral houses of the Israelites, before King Solomon in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion. Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord to its place, in the inner sanctuary of the house, in the most holy place, underneath the wings of the cherubim. And when the priests came out of the holy place, a cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.]

Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands to heaven. He said, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and steadfast love for your servants who walk before you with all their heart, the covenant that you kept for your servant my father David as you declared to him; you promised with your mouth and have this day fulfilled with your hand. Therefore, O Lord, God of Israel, keep for your servant my father David that which you promised him, saying, ‘There shall never fail you a successor before me to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your children look to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me.’ Therefore, O God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you promised to your servant my father David.

“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house that I have built! Regard your servant’s prayer and his plea, O Lord my God, heeding the cry and the prayer that your servant prays to you today; that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that you may heed the prayer that your servant prays toward this place. Hear the plea of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place; O hear in heaven your dwelling place; heed and forgive.

“Likewise when a foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, comes from a distant land because of your name —for they shall hear of your great name, your mighty hand, and your outstretched arm—when a foreigner comes and prays toward this house, then hear in heaven your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner calls to you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel, and so that they may know that your name has been invoked on this house that I have built.

The Psalm

Psalm 84

Quam dilecta!

1 How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts! *

My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the Lord;

my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.

2 The sparrow has found her a house

and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young; *

by the side of your altars, O Lord of hosts,

my King and my God.

3 Happy are they who dwell in your house! *

they will always be praising you.

4 Happy are the people whose strength is in you! *

whose hearts are set on the pilgrims' way.

5 Those who go through the desolate valley will find it a place of springs, *

for the early rains have covered it with pools of water.

6 They will climb from height to height, *

and the God of gods will reveal himself in Zion.

7 Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; *

hearken, O God of Jacob.

8 Behold our defender, O God; *

and look upon the face of your Anointed.

9 For one day in your courts is better than a thousand in my own room, *

and to stand at the threshold of the house of my God

than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.

10 For the Lord God is both sun and shield; *

he will give grace and glory;

11 No good thing will the Lord withhold *

from those who walk with integrity.

12 O Lord of hosts, *

happy are they who put their trust in you!

Old Testament

Joshua 24:1-2a,14-18

Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel; and they presented themselves before God. And Joshua said to all the people, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel:

“Now therefore revere the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Then the people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods; for it is the Lord our God who brought us and our ancestors up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight. He protected us along all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed; and the Lord drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God.”

The Psalm

Psalm 34:15-22

Benedicam Dominum

15 The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, *

and his ears are open to their cry.

16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, *

to root out the remembrance of them from the earth.

17 The righteous cry, and the Lord hears them *

and delivers them from all their troubles.

18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted *

and will save those whose spirits are crushed.

19 Many are the troubles of the righteous, *

but the Lord will deliver him out of them all.

20 He will keep safe all his bones; *

not one of them shall be broken.

21 Evil shall slay the wicked, *

and those who hate the righteous will be punished.

22 The Lord ransoms the life of his servants, *

and none will be punished who trust in him.

The Epistle

Ephesians 6:10-20

Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.

The Gospel

John 6:56-69

Jesus said, “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.” He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum.

When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But among you there are some who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.”

Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

Aug 18th Proper 15 Year B RCL

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 11:09:00 -0400

1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14

Psalm 111

Ephesians 5:15-20

John 6:51-58

Proverbs 9:1-6

Psalm 34:9-14

Ephesians 5:15-20

John 6:51-58

The Collect

Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.Amen.

Old Testament

1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14

David slept with his ancestors, and was buried in the city of David. The time that David reigned over Israel was forty years; he reigned seven years in Hebron, and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David; and his kingdom was firmly established.

Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David; only, he sacrificed and offered incense at the high places. The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the principal high place; Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I should give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?”

It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor all your life; no other king shall compare with you. If you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your life.”

The Psalm

Psalm 111

Confitebor tibi

1 Hallelujah!

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, *

in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.

2 Great are the deeds of the Lord! *

they are studied by all who delight in them.

3 His work is full of majesty and splendor, *

and his righteousness endures for ever.

4 He makes his marvelous works to be remembered; *

the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.

5 He gives food to those who fear him; *

he is ever mindful of his covenant.

6 He has shown his people the power of his works *

in giving them the lands of the nations.

7 The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice; *

all his commandments are sure.

8 They stand fast for ever and ever, *

because they are done in truth and equity.

9 He sent redemption to his people;

he commanded his covenant for ever; *

holy and awesome is his Name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; *

those who act accordingly have a good understanding;

his praise endures for ever.

Old Testament

Proverbs 9:1-6

Wisdom has built her house,

she has hewn her seven pillars.

She has slaughtered her animals, she has mixed her wine,

she has also set her table.

She has sent out her servant-girls, she calls

from the highest places in the town,

“You that are simple, turn in here!”

To those without sense she says,

“Come, eat of my bread

and drink of the wine I have mixed.

Lay aside immaturity, and live,

and walk in the way of insight.”

The Psalm

Psalm 34:9-14

Benedicam Dominum

9 Fear the Lord, you that are his saints, *

for those who fear him lack nothing.

10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger, *

but those who seek the Lord lack nothing that is good.

11 Come, children, and listen to me; *

I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

12 Who among you loves life *

and desires long life to enjoy prosperity?

13 Keep your tongue from evil-speaking *

and your lips from lying words.

14 Turn from evil and do good; *

seek peace and pursue it.

The Epistle

Ephesians 5:15-20

Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Gospel

John 6:51-58

Jesus said, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.”

August 11th, 2024 Proper 14 Year B RCL

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 14:01:00 -0400

August 11th 2024

Proper 14

Year B

RCL

2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33

Psalm 130

Ephesians 4:25-5:2

John 6:35, 41-51

1 Kings 19:4-8

Psalm 34:1-8

Ephesians 4:25-5:2

John 6:35, 41-51

The Collect

Old Testament

2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33

The king, David, ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders concerning Absalom. So the army went out into the field against Israel; and the battle was fought in the forest of Ephraim. The men of Israel were defeated there by the servants of David, and the slaughter there was great on that day, twenty thousand men. The battle spread over the face of all the country; and the forest claimed more victims that day than the sword. Absalom happened to meet the servants of David.

Absalom was riding on his mule, and the mule went under the thick branches of a great oak. His head caught fast in the oak, and he was left hanging between heaven and earth, while the mule that was under him went on.

And ten young men, Joab’s armor-bearers, surrounded Absalom and struck him, and killed him.

Then the Cushite came; and the Cushite said, “Good tidings for my lord the king! For the Lord has vindicated you this day, delivering you from the power of all who rose up against you.” The king said to the Cushite, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” The Cushite answered, “May the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise up to do you harm, be like that young man.”

The king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept; and as he went, he said, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”

The Psalm

Psalm 130

De profundis

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.

Old Testament

1 Kings 19:4-8

Elijah went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, “Get up and eat.” He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and lay down again. The angel of the Lord came a second time, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you.” He got up, and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God.

The Psalm

Psalm 34:1-8

Benedicam Dominum

1 I will bless the Lord at all times; *

his praise shall ever be in my mouth.

2 I will glory in the Lord; *

let the humble hear and rejoice.

3 Proclaim with me the greatness of the Lord; *

let us exalt his Name together.

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me *

and delivered me out of all my terror.

5 Look upon him and be radiant, *

and let not your faces be ashamed.

6 I called in my affliction and the Lord heard me *

and saved me from all my troubles.

7 The angel of the Lord encompasses those who fear him, *

and he will deliver them.

8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; *

happy are they who trust in him!

The Epistle

Ephesians 4:25-5:2

Putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil. Thieves must give up stealing; rather let them labor and work honestly with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy. Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption. Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

The Gospel

John 6:35, 41-51

Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

Then the Jews began to complain about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They were saying, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” Jesus answered them, “Do not complain among yourselves. No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise that person up on the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

July 28th Proper 12 Year B. Drake Douglas's First service as ordained Priest

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 16:23:00 -0400

Sunday closest to July 27

Proper 12

Year B

RCL

Track 1

Track 2

2 Samuel 11:1-15

Psalm 14

Ephesians 3:14-21

John 6:1-21

2 Kings 4:42-44

Psalm 145:10-19

Ephesians 3:14-21

John 6:1-21

The Collect

O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Old Testament

2 Samuel 11:1-15

In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab with his officers and all Israel with him; they ravaged the Ammonites, and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.

It happened, late one afternoon, when David rose from his couch and was walking about on the roof of the king’s house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; the woman was very beautiful. David sent someone to inquire about the woman. It was reported, “This is Bathsheba daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” So David sent messengers to get her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. (Now she was purifying herself after her period.) Then she returned to her house. The woman conceived; and she sent and told David, “I am pregnant.”

So David sent word to Joab, “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” And Joab sent Uriah to David. When Uriah came to him, David asked how Joab and the people fared, and how the war was going. Then David said to Uriah, “Go down to your house, and wash your feet.” Uriah went out of the king’s house, and there followed him a present from the king. But Uriah slept at the entrance of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord, and did not go down to his house. When they told David, “Uriah did not go down to his house,” David said to Uriah, “You have just come from a journey. Why did you not go down to your house?” Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah remain in booths; and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field; shall I then go to my house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do such a thing.” Then David said to Uriah, “Remain here today also, and tomorrow I will send you back.” So Uriah remained in Jerusalem that day. On the next day, David invited him to eat and drink in his presence and made him drunk; and in the evening he went out to lie on his couch with the servants of his lord, but he did not go down to his house.

In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah. In the letter he wrote, “Set Uriah in the forefront of the hardest fighting, and then draw back from him, so that he may be struck down and die.”

The Psalm

Psalm 14

Dixit insipiens

1 The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." *

All are corrupt and commit abominable acts;

there is none who does any good.

2 The Lord looks down from heaven upon us all, *

to see if there is any who is wise,

if there is one who seeks after God.

3 Every one has proved faithless;

all alike have turned bad; *

there is none who does good; no, not one.

4 Have they no knowledge, all those evildoers *

who eat up my people like bread

and do not call upon the Lord?

5 See how they tremble with fear, *

because God is in the company of the righteous.

6 Their aim is to confound the plans of the afflicted, *

but the Lord is their refuge.

7 Oh, that Israel's deliverance would come out of Zion! *

when the Lord restores the fortunes of his people,

Jacob will rejoice and Israel be glad.

Old Testament

2 Kings 4:42-44

A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing food from the first fruits to the man of God: twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. Elisha said, “Give it to the people and let them eat.” But his servant said, “How can I set this before a hundred people?” So he repeated, “Give it to the people and let them eat, for thus says the Lord, ‘They shall eat and have some left.’” He set it before them, they ate, and had some left, according to the word of the Lord.

The Psalm

Psalm 145:10-19

Exaltabo te, Deus

10 All your works praise you, O Lord, *

and your faithful servants bless you.

11 They make known the glory of your kingdom *

and speak of your power;

12 That the peoples may know of your power *

and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; *

your dominion endures throughout all ages.

14 The Lord is faithful in all his words *

and merciful in all his deeds.

15 The Lord upholds all those who fall; *

he lifts up those who are bowed down.

16 The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord, *

and you give them their food in due season.

17 You open wide your hand *

and satisfy the needs of every living creature.

18 The Lord is righteous in all his ways *

and loving in all his works.

19 The Lord is near to those who call upon him, *

to all who call upon him faithfully.

The Epistle

Ephesians 3:14-21

I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

The Gospel

John 6:1-21

Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.”

When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going.

July 14th Gospel reading and Drake Douglas' sermon

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 06:51:00 -0400

Mark 6:14-29

King Herod heard of Jesus and his disciples, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”

For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.” And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.” Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.

July 14th 2024 Year B Proper 10 RCL Track 1

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 06:43:00 -0400

The Lessons Appointed for Use on the

2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19

Psalm 24

Ephesians 1:3-14

Mark 6:14-29

Amos 7:7-15

Psalm 85:8-13

Ephesians 1:3-14

Mark 6:14-29

The Collect

O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Old Testament

2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19

David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. David and all the people with him set out and went from Baale-judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the Lord of hosts who is enthroned on the cherubim. They carried the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cart with the ark of God; and Ahio went in front of the ark. David and all the house of Israel were dancing before the Lord with all their might, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals.

So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing; and when those who bore the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling. David danced before the Lord with all his might; David was girded with a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of theLord with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.

As the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal daughter of Saul looked out of the window, and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart.

They brought in the ark of the Lord, and set it in its place, inside the tent that David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt offerings and offerings of well-being before theLord. When David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the offerings of well-being, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts, and distributed food among all the people, the whole multitude of Israel, both men and women, to each a cake of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins. Then all the people went back to their homes.

The Psalm

Psalm 24

Domini est terra

1 The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, *

the world and all who dwell therein.

2 For it is he who founded it upon the seas *

and made it firm upon the rivers of the deep.

3 "Who can ascend the hill of the Lord? *

and who can stand in his holy place?"

4 "Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, *

who have not pledged themselves to falsehood,

nor sworn by what is a fraud.

5 They shall receive a blessing from the Lord *

and a just reward from the God of their salvation."

6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, *

of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob.

7 Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O everlasting doors; *

and the King of glory shall come in.

8 "Who is this King of glory?" *

"The Lord, strong and mighty,

the Lord, mighty in battle."

9 Lift up your heads, O gates;

lift them high, O everlasting doors; *

and the King of glory shall come in.

10 "Who is he, this King of glory?" *

"The Lord of hosts,

he is the King of glory."

Old Testament

Amos 7:7-15

This is what the Lord God showed me: the Lord was standing beside a wall built with a plumb line, with a plumb line in his hand. And the Lord said to me, “Amos, what do you see?” And I said, “A plumb line.” Then the Lord said,

“See, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will never again pass them by;

the high places of Isaac shall be made desolate,

and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste,

and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.”

Then Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent to King Jeroboam of Israel, saying, "Amos has conspired against you in the very centre of the house of Israel; the land is not able to bear all his words. For thus Amos has said,

'Jeroboam shall die by the sword,

and Israel must go into exile

away from his land.' "

And Amaziah said to Amos, "O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, earn your bread there, and prophesy there; but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is a temple of the kingdom."

Then Amos answered Amaziah, "I am no prophet, nor a prophet’s son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycomore trees, and the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.'”

The Psalm

Psalm 85:8-13

Benedixisti, Domine

8 I will listen to what the Lord God is saying, *

for he is speaking peace to his faithful people

and to those who turn their hearts to him.

9 Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, *

that his glory may dwell in our land.

10 Mercy and truth have met together; *

righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

11 Truth shall spring up from the earth, *

and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

12 The Lord will indeed grant prosperity, *

and our land will yield its increase.

13 Righteousness shall go before him, *

and peace shall be a pathway for his feet.

The Epistle

Ephesians 1:3-14

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of his glory.

The Gospel

Mark 6:14-29

June 23 2024 Proper 7 Year B RCL

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 14:55:00 -0400

The Lessons Appointed for Use on the

Sunday closest to June 22

Proper 7

Year B

RCL

Track 1

Track 2

1 Samuel 17: (1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49

Psalm 9:9-20

1 Samuel 17:57-18:5, 10-16

Psalm 133

2 Corinthians 6:1-13

Mark 4:35-41

Job 38:1-11

Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32

2 Corinthians 6:1-13

Mark 4:35-41

The Collect

O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your lovingkindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Old Testament

1 Samuel 17: (1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49

[The Philistines gathered their armies for battle. And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. He had greaves of bronze on his legs and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron; and his shield-bearer went before him. He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.” And the Philistine said, “Today I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man, that we may fight together.” When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.

Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. David rose early in the morning, left the sheep with a keeper, took the provisions, and went as Jesse had commanded him. He came to the encampment as the army was going forth to the battle line, shouting the war cry. Israel and the Philistines drew up for battle, army against army. David left the things in charge of the keeper of the baggage, ran to the ranks, and went and greeted his brothers. As he talked with them, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines, and spoke the same words as before. And David heard him.]

David said to Saul, “Let no one’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father; and whenever a lion or a bear came, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after it and struck it down, rescuing the lamb from its mouth; and if it turned against me, I would catch it by the jaw, strike it down, and kill it. Your servant has killed both lions and bears; and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, since he has defied the armies of the living God.” David said, “The Lord, who saved me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, will save me from the hand of this Philistine.” So Saul said to David, “Go, and may the Lordbe with you!” Saul clothed David with his armor; he put a bronze helmet on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail. David strapped Saul’s sword over the armor, and he tried in vain to walk, for he was not used to them. Then David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these; for I am not used to them.” So David removed them. Then he took his staff in his hand, and chose five smooth stones from the wadi, and put them in his shepherd’s bag, in the pouch; his sling was in his hand, and he drew near to the Philistine.

The Philistine came on and drew near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was only a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. The Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the field.” But David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword and spear and javelin; but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This very day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head; and I will give the dead bodies of the Philistine army this very day to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not save by sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and he will give you into our hand.”

When the Philistine drew nearer to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. David put his hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground.

The Psalm

Psalm 9:9-20

Confitebor tibi

9 The Lord will be a refuge for the oppressed, *

a refuge in time of trouble.

10 Those who know your Name will put their trust in you, *

for you never forsake those who seek you, O Lord.

11 Sing praise to the Lord who dwells in Zion; *

proclaim to the peoples the things he has done.

12 The Avenger of blood will remember them; *

he will not forget the cry of the afflicted.

13 Have pity on me, O Lord; *

see the misery I suffer from those who hate me,

O you who lift me up from the gate of death;

14 So that I may tell of all your praises

and rejoice in your salvation *

in the gates of the city of Zion.

15 The ungodly have fallen into the pit they dug, *

and in the snare they set is their own foot caught.

16 The Lord is known by his acts of justice; *

the wicked are trapped in the works of their own hands.

17 The wicked shall be given over to the grave, *

and also all the peoples that forget God.

18 For the needy shall not always be forgotten, *

and the hope of the poor shall not perish for ever.

19 Rise up, O Lord, let not the ungodly have the upper hand; *

let them be judged before you.

20 Put fear upon them, O Lord; *

let the ungodly know they are but mortal.

Old Testament

1 Samuel 17:57-18:5, 10-16

On David’s return from killing the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul, with the head of the Philistine in his hand. Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” And David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.”

When David had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was bound to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that he was wearing, and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt. David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him; as a result, Saul set him over the army. And all the people, even the servants of Saul, approved.

The next day an evil spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved within his house, while David was playing the lyre, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand; and Saul threw the spear, for he thought, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.

Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him but had departed from Saul. So Saul removed him from his presence, and made him a commander of a thousand; and David marched out and came in, leading the army. David had success in all his undertakings; for the Lord was with him. When Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in awe of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David; for it was he who marched out and came in leading them.

The Psalm

Psalm 133

Ecce, quam bonum!

1 Oh, how good and pleasant it is, *

when brethren live together in unity!

2 It is like fine oil upon the head *

that runs down upon the beard,

3 Upon the beard of Aaron, *

and runs down upon the collar of his robe.

4 It is like the dew of Hermon *

that falls upon the hills of Zion.

5 For there the Lord has ordained the blessing: *

life for evermore.

Old Testament

Job 38:1-11

The Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind:

"Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?

Gird up your loins like a man,

I will question you, and you shall declare to me.

"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?

Tell me, if you have understanding.

Who determined its measurements—surely you know!

Or who stretched the line upon it?

On what were its bases sunk,

or who laid its cornerstone

when the morning stars sang together

and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?

"Or who shut in the sea with doors

when it burst out from the womb?—

when I made the clouds its garment,

and thick darkness its swaddling band,

and prescribed bounds for it,

and set bars and doors,

and said, 'Thus far shall you come, and no farther,

and here shall your proud waves be stopped'?"

The Psalm

Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32

Confitemini Domino

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, *

and his mercy endures for ever.

2 Let all those whom the Lord has redeemed proclaim *

that he redeemed them from the hand of the foe.

3 He gathered them out of the lands; *

from the east and from the west,

from the north and from the south.

23 Some went down to the sea in ships *

and plied their trade in deep waters;

24 They beheld the works of the Lord *

and his wonders in the deep.

25 Then he spoke, and a stormy wind arose, *

which tossed high the waves of the sea.

26 They mounted up to the heavens and fell back to the depths; *

their hearts melted because of their peril.

27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards *

and were at their wits' end.

28 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, *

and he delivered them from their distress.

29 He stilled the storm to a whisper *

and quieted the waves of the sea.

30 Then were they glad because of the calm, *

and he brought them to the harbor they were bound for.

31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his mercy *

and the wonders he does for his children.

32 Let them exalt him in the congregation of the people *

and praise him in the council of the elders.

The Epistle

2 Corinthians 6:1-13

As we work together with Christ, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says,

“At an acceptable time I have listened to you,

and on a day of salvation I have helped you.”

See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! We are putting no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see-- we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you. There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours. In return-- I speak as to children-- open wide your hearts also.

The Gospel

Mark 4:35-41

When evening had come, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

June 16th Proper 6 Year B RCL

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 09:25:00 -0400

The Lessons Appointed for Use on the

Sunday closest to June 15

Proper 6

Year B

RCL

Track 1

Track 2

1 Samuel 15:34-16:13

Psalm 20

2 Corinthians 5:6-10,[11-13],14-17

Mark 4:26-34

The Collect

Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Old Testament

1 Samuel 15:34-16:13

Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house in Gibeah of Saul. Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the Lord was sorry that he had made Saul king over Israel.

The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.” Samuel did what the Lord commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come peaceably?” He said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the Lord.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.

The Psalm

Psalm 20

Exaudiat te Dominus

1 May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble, *

the Name of the God of Jacob defend you;

2 Send you help from his holy place *

and strengthen you out of Zion;

3 Remember all your offerings *

and accept your burnt sacrifice;

4 Grant you your heart's desire *

and prosper all your plans.

5 We will shout for joy at your victory

and triumph in the Name of our God; *

may the Lord grant all your requests.

6 Now I know that the Lord gives victory to his anointed; *

he will answer him out of his holy heaven,

with the victorious strength of his right hand.

7 Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses, *

but we will call upon the Name of the Lord our God.

8 They collapse and fall down, *

but we will arise and stand upright.

9 O Lord, give victory to the king *

and answer us when we call.

Old Testament

The Psalm

Psalm 92:1-4,11-14

Bonum est confiteri

1 It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord, *

and to sing praises to your Name, O Most High;

2 To tell of your loving-kindness early in the morning *

and of your faithfulness in the night season;

3 On the psaltery, and on the lyre, *

and to the melody of the harp.

4 For you have made me glad by your acts, O Lord; *

and I shout for joy because of the works of your hands.

11 The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, *

and shall spread abroad like a cedar of Lebanon.

12 Those who are planted in the house of the Lord *

shall flourish in the courts of our God;

13 They shall still bear fruit in old age; *

they shall be green and succulent;

14 That they may show how upright the Lord is, *

my Rock, in whom there is no fault.

The Epistle

2 Corinthians 5:6-10,[11-13],14-17

We are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord-- for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil.

[Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others; but we ourselves are well known to God, and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences. We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast in outward appearance and not in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.] For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them. From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!

The Gospel

Mark 4:26-34

Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.”

He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.

June 9th Proper 5 Year B RCL

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 09:12:00 -0400

1 Samuel 8:4-11, (12-15), 16-20, (11:14-15)

Psalm 138

2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1

Mark 3:20-35

Genesis 3:8-15

Psalm 130

2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1

Mark 3:20-35

The Collect

O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration we may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Old Testament

1 Samuel 8:4-11, (12-15), 16-20, (11:14-15)

All the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, and said to him, “You are old and your sons do not follow in your ways; appoint for us, then, a king to govern us, like other nations.” But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to govern us.” Samuel prayed to the Lord, and the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. Just as they have done to me, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so also they are doing to you. Now then, listen to their voice; only—you shall solemnly warn them, and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them.”

So Samuel reported all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, “These will be the ways of the king who will reign over you: he will take your sons and appoint them to his chariots and to be his horsemen, and to run before his chariots; [and he will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and some to plow his ground and to reap his harvest, and to make his implements of war and the equipment of his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive orchards and give them to his courtiers. He will take one-tenth of your grain and of your vineyards and give it to his officers and his courtiers.] He will take your male and female slaves, and the best of your cattle and donkeys, and put them to his work. He will take one-tenth of your flocks, and you shall be his slaves. And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves; but the Lord will not answer you in that day.”

But the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel; they said, “No! but we are determined to have a king over us, so that we also may be like other nations, and that our king may govern us and go out before us and fight our battles.”

[Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingship.” So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal. There they sacrificed offerings of well-being before the Lord, and there Saul and all the Israelites rejoiced greatly.]

The Psalm

Psalm 138

Confitebor tibi

1 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with my whole heart; *

before the gods I will sing your praise.

2 I will bow down toward your holy temple

and praise your Name, *

because of your love and faithfulness;

3 For you have glorified your Name *

and your word above all things.

4 When I called, you answered me; *

you increased my strength within me.

5 All the kings of the earth will praise you, O Lord, *

when they have heard the words of your mouth.

6 They will sing of the ways of the Lord, *

that great is the glory of the Lord.

7 Though the Lord be high, he cares for the lowly; *

he perceives the haughty from afar.

8 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you keep me safe; *

you stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies;

your right hand shall save me.

9 The Lord will make good his purpose for me; *

O Lord, your love endures for ever;

do not abandon the works of your hands.

Old Testament

Genesis 3:8-15

They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” He said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent tricked me, and I ate.” The Lord God said to the serpent,

“Because you have done this,

cursed are you among all animals

and among all wild creatures;

upon your belly you shall go,

and dust you shall eat

all the days of your life.

I will put enmity between you and the woman,

and between your offspring and hers;

he will strike your head,

and you will strike his heel.”

The Psalm

Psalm 130

De profundis

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.

The Epistle

2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1

Just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture—“I believed, and so I spoke” —we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

The Gospel

Mark 3:20-35

The crowd came together again, so that Jesus and his disciples could not even eat. When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, “He has gone out of his mind.” And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons.” And he called them to him, and spoke to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but his end has come. But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered.

“Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— for they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.”

Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.” And he replied, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

May 19th Day of Pentecost Whitsunday Year B RCL

Sun, 19 May 2024 12:06:00 -0400

Acts 2:1-21

or Ezekiel 37:1-14

Romans 8:22-27

or Acts 2:1-21

John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

Psalm 104:25-35, 37

The Collect

Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

or this

O God, who on this day taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; 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.

The First Lesson

Acts 2:1-21

When the day of Pentecost had come, the disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs-- in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power." All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" But others sneered and said, "They are filled with new wine."

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

`In the last days it will be, God declares,

that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,

and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

and your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.

Even upon my slaves, both men and women,

in those days I will pour out my Spirit;

and they shall prophesy.

And I will show portents in the heaven above

and signs on the earth below,

blood, and fire, and smoky mist.

The sun shall be turned to darkness

and the moon to blood,

before the coming of the Lord's great and glorious day.

Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' "

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.

The Psalm

Psalm 104:25-35, 37

Benedic, anima mea

25 O Lord, how manifold are your works! *

in wisdom you have made them all;

the earth is full of your creatures.

26 Yonder is the great and wide sea

with its living things too many to number, *

creatures both small and great.

27 There move the ships,

and there is that Leviathan, *

which you have made for the sport of it.

28 All of them look to you *

to give them their food in due season.

29 You give it to them; they gather it; *

you open your hand, and they are filled with good things.

30 You hide your face, and they are terrified; *

you take away their breath,

and they die and return to their dust.

31 You send forth your Spirit, and they are created; *

and so you renew the face of the earth.

32 May the glory of the Lord endure for ever; *

may the Lord rejoice in all his works.

33 He looks at the earth and it trembles; *

he touches the mountains and they smoke.

34 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; *

I will praise my God while I have my being.

35 May these words of mine please him; *

I will rejoice in the Lord.

37 Bless the Lord, O my soul. *

Hallelujah!

The New Testament

Romans 8:22-27

We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Acts 2:1-21

[See above]

The Gospel

John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

Jesus said to his disciples, ”When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning.

“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

May 12th 2024 The Lessons Appointed for Use on the Seventh Sunday of Easter Year B

Sun, 12 May 2024 12:30:00 -0400

Acts 1:15-17, 21-26

1 John 5:9-13

John 17:6-19

Psalm 1

The Collect

O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

The First Lesson

Acts 1:15-17, 21-26

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, "Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus-- for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry. So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us-- one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection." So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.

The Response

Psalm 1

Beatus vir qui non abiit

1 Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked, *

nor lingered in the way of sinners,

nor sat in the seats of the scornful!

2 Their delight is in the law of the Lord, *

and they meditate on his law day and night.

3 They are like trees planted by streams of water,

bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither; *

everything they do shall prosper.

4 It is not so with the wicked; *

they are like chaff which the wind blows away.

5 Therefore the wicked shall not stand upright when judgment comes, *

nor the sinner in the council of the righteous.

6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, *

but the way of the wicked is doomed.

The Epistle

1 John 5:9-13

If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his Son. Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts. Those who do not believe in God have made him a liar by not believing in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

The Gospel

John 17:6-19

Jesus prayed for his disciples, “I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.”

May 5th 2024 Sixth Sunday of Easter Year B RCL

Thu, 09 May 2024 10:12:00 -0400

Acts 10:44-48

1 John 5:1-6

John 15:9-17

Psalm 98

The Collect

The First Lesson

Acts 10:44-48

While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, "Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.

The Response

Psalm 98

Cantate Domino

1 Sing to the Lord a new song, *

for he has done marvelous things.

2 With his right hand and his holy arm *

has he won for himself the victory.

3 The Lord has made known his victory; *

his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.

4 He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel, *

and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

5 Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands; *

lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.

6 Sing to the Lord with the harp, *

with the harp and the voice of song.

7 With trumpets and the sound of the horn *

shout with joy before the King, the Lord.

8 Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, *

the lands and those who dwell therein.

9 Let the rivers clap their hands, *

and let the hills ring out with joy before the Lord,

when he comes to judge the earth.

10 In righteousness shall he judge the world *

and the peoples with equity.

The Epistle

1 John 5:1-6

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth.

The Gospel

John 15:9-17

Jesus said to his disciples, “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.”

April 28th, 2024 Fifth Sunday of Easter Year B RCL

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 13:05:00 -0400

Acts 8:26-40

1 John 4:7-21

John 15:1-8

Psalm 22:24-30

The Collect

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.

The First Lesson

Acts 8:26-40

An angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a wilderness road.) So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot and join it.” So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” He replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this:

“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter,

and like a lamb silent before its shearer,

so he does not open his mouth.

In his humiliation justice was denied him.

Who can describe his generation?

For his life is taken away from the earth.”

The eunuch asked Philip, “About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?” He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

The Response

Psalm 22:24-30

Deus, Deus meus

24 My praise is of him in the great assembly; *

I will perform my vows in the presence of those who worship him.

25 The poor shall eat and be satisfied,

and those who seek the Lord shall praise him: *

"May your heart live for ever!"

26 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, *

and all the families of the nations shall bow before him.

27 For kingship belongs to the Lord; *

he rules over the nations.

28 To him alone all who sleep in the earth bow down in worship; *

all who go down to the dust fall before him.

29 My soul shall live for him;

my descendants shall serve him; *

they shall be known as the Lord's for ever.

30 They shall come and make known to a people yet unborn *

the saving deeds that he has done.

The Epistle

1 John 4:7-21

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.

By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world. God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.

God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because he first loved us. Those who say, "I love God," and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.

The Gospel

John 15:1-8

Jesus said to his disciples, ”I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”

April 14th Third Sunday of Easter Year B RCL

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 14:53:00 -0400

The Lessons Appointed for Use on the

Third Sunday of Easter

Year B

RCL

The Collect

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The First Lesson

Acts 3:12-19

Peter addressed the people, “You Israelites, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we had made him walk? The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our ancestors has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and rejected in the presence of Pilate, though he had decided to release him. But you rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked to have a murderer given to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. And by faith in his name, his name itself has made this man strong, whom you see and know; and the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you.

“And now, friends, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. In this way God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out.”

The Response

Psalm 4

Cum invocarem

1 Answer me when I call, O God, defender of my cause; *

you set me free when I am hard-pressed;

have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

2 "You mortals, how long will you dishonor my glory; *

how long will you worship dumb idols

and run after false gods?"

3 Know that the Lord does wonders for the faithful; *

when I call upon the Lord, he will hear me.

4 Tremble, then, and do not sin; *

speak to your heart in silence upon your bed.

5 Offer the appointed sacrifices *

and put your trust in the Lord.

6 Many are saying, "Oh, that we might see better times!" *

Lift up the light of your countenance upon us, O Lord.

7 You have put gladness in my heart, *

more than when grain and wine and oil increase.

8 I lie down in peace; at once I fall asleep; *

for only you, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

The Epistle

1 John 3:1-7

See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

Everyone who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him sins; no one who sins has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.

The Gospel

Luke 24:36b-48

Jesus himself stood among the disciples and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence.

Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.

March 31, 2024 Easter Sunday

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 08:34:00 -0400

Easter Day

Year B

RCL

Acts 10:34-43

or Isaiah 25:6-9

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

or Acts 10:34-43

John 20:1-18

or Mark 16:1-8

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

The Collect

O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

or this

O God, who made this most holy night to shine with the glory of the Lord's resurrection: Stir up in your Church that Spirit of adoption which is given to us in Baptism, that we, being renewed both in body and mind, may worship you in sincerity and truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

or this

The First Reading

Acts 10:34-43

Peter began to speak to Cornelius and the other Gentiles: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ--he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

Isaiah 25:6-9

On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples

a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines,

of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear.

And he will destroy on this mountain

the shroud that is cast over all peoples,

the sheet that is spread over all nations;

he will swallow up death forever.

Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces,

and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth,

for the Lord has spoken.

It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us.

This is the Lord for whom we have waited;

let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

The Response

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

Confitemini Domino

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *

his mercy endures for ever.

2 Let Israel now proclaim, *

"His mercy endures for ever."

14 The Lord is my strength and my song, *

and he has become my salvation.

15 There is a sound of exultation and victory *

in the tents of the righteous:

16 "The right hand of the Lord has triumphed! *

the right hand of the Lord is exalted!

the right hand of the Lord has triumphed!"

17 I shall not die, but live, *

and declare the works of the Lord.

18 The Lord has punished me sorely, *

but he did not hand me over to death.

19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; *

I will enter them;

I will offer thanks to the Lord.

20 "This is the gate of the Lord; *

he who is righteous may enter."

21 I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *

and have become my salvation.

22 The same stone which the builders rejected *

has become the chief cornerstone.

23 This is the Lord's doing, *

and it is marvelous in our eyes.

24 On this day the Lord has acted; *

we will rejoice and be glad in it.

The Second Reading

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you--unless you have come to believe in vain.

For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them--though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.

Acts 10:34-43

(See above.)

The Gospel

John 20:1-18

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Mark 16:1-8

When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

March 24 2024 Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday Year B RCL

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 06:44:00 -0400

The Liturgy of the Palms

Mark 11:1-11

or John 12:12-16

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

The Liturgy of the Word

Isaiah 50:4-9a

Philippians 2:5-11

Mark 14:1-15:47

or Mark 15:1-39, [40-47]

Psalm 31:9-16

at The Liturgy of the Palms

The Gospel

Mark 11:1-11

When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,

“Hosanna!

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!

Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

John 12:12-16

The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord— the King of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it is written: “Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion. Look, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!” His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written of him and had been done to him.

The Psalm

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Confitemini Domino

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *

his mercy endures for ever.

2 Let Israel now proclaim, *

"His mercy endures for ever."

19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; *

I will enter them;

I will offer thanks to the Lord.

20 "This is the gate of the Lord; *

he who is righteous may enter."

21 I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *

and have become my salvation.

22 The same stone which the builders rejected *

has become the chief cornerstone.

23 This is the Lord's doing, *

and it is marvelous in our eyes.

24 On this day the Lord has acted; *

we will rejoice and be glad in it.

25 Hosannah, Lord, hosannah! *

Lord, send us now success.

26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; *

we bless you from the house of the Lord.

27 God is the Lord; he has shined upon us; *

form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar.

28 "You are my God, and I will thank you; *

you are my God, and I will exalt you."

29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *

his mercy endures for ever.

at The Liturgy of the Word

The Collect

Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Old Testament

Isaiah 50:4-9a

The Lord God has given me

the tongue of a teacher,

that I may know how to sustain

the weary with a word.

Morning by morning he wakens--

wakens my ear

to listen as those who are taught.

The Lord God has opened my ear,

and I was not rebellious,

I did not turn backward.

I gave my back to those who struck me,

and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;

I did not hide my face

from insult and spitting.

The Lord God helps me;

therefore I have not been disgraced;

therefore I have set my face like flint,

and I know that I shall not be put to shame;

he who vindicates me is near.

Who will contend with me?

Let us stand up together.

Who are my adversaries?

Let them confront me.

It is the Lord God who helps me;

who will declare me guilty?

The Psalm

Psalm 31:9-16

In te, Domine, speravi

9 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; *

my eye is consumed with sorrow,

and also my throat and my belly.

10 For my life is wasted with grief,

and my years with sighing; *

my strength fails me because of affliction,

and my bones are consumed.

11 I have become a reproach to all my enemies and even to my neighbors,

a dismay to those of my acquaintance; *

when they see me in the street they avoid me.

12 I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; *

I am as useless as a broken pot.

13 For I have heard the whispering of the crowd;

fear is all around; *

they put their heads together against me;

they plot to take my life.

14 But as for me, I have trusted in you, O Lord. *

I have said, "You are my God.

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."

The Epistle

Philippians 2:5-11

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,

who, though he was in the form of God,

did not regard equality with God

as something to be exploited,

but emptied himself,

taking the form of a slave,

being born in human likeness.

And being found in human form,

he humbled himself

and became obedient to the point of death--

even death on a cross.

Therefore God also highly exalted him

and gave him the name

that is above every name,

so that at the name of Jesus

every knee should bend,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

The Gospel

Mark 14:1-15:47

It was two days before the Passover and the festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him; for they said, “Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people.”

While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. But some were there who said to one another in anger, “Why was the ointment wasted in this way? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.”

Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. When they heard it, they were greatly pleased, and promised to give him money. So he began to look for an opportunity to betray him.

On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, his disciples said to him, “Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?” So he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks, Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.

When it was evening, he came with the twelve. And when they had taken their places and were eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” They began to be distressed and to say to him one after another, “Surely, not I?” He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the bowl with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.”

While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. And Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters; for it is written,

‘I will strike the shepherd,

and the sheep will be scattered.’

But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him, “Even though all become deserters, I will not.” Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But he said vehemently, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And all of them said the same.

They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.” He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”

Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” So when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. Then they laid hands on him and arrested him. But one of those who stood near drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.” All of them deserted him and fled.

A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked.

They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” But even on this point their testimony did not agree. Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus said, “I am; and

‘you will see the Son of Man

seated at the right hand of the Power,’

and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven.’”

Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?” All of them condemned him as deserving death. Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” The guards also took him over and beat him.

While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said, “You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.” But he denied it, saying, “I do not know or understand what you are talking about.” And he went out into the forecourt. Then the cock crowed. And the servant-girl, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” But again he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean.” But he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know this man you are talking about.” At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, “Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.

As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You say so.” Then the chief priests accused him of many things. Pilate asked him again, “Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.” But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed.

Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. Then he answered them, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. Pilate spoke to them again, “Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.

Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.

They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take.

It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.

When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “Listen, he is calling for Elijah.” And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”

There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.

When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time. When he learned from the centurion...

March 17th 2024 Fifth Sunday in Lent Year B RCL

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 12:10:00 -0400

Jeremiah 31:31-34

Hebrews 5:5-10

John 12:20-33

Psalm 51:1-13

or Psalm 119:9-16

The Collect

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.

Old Testament

Jeremiah 31:31-34

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.

The Psalm

Psalm 51:1-13

Miserere mei, Deus

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; *

in your great compassion blot out my offenses.

2 Wash me through and through from my wickedness *

and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions, *

and my sin is ever before me.

4 Against you only have I sinned *

and done what is evil in your sight.

5 And so you are justified when you speak *

and upright in your judgment.

6 Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, *

a sinner from my mother's womb.

7 For behold, you look for truth deep within me, *

and will make me understand wisdom secretly.

8 Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; *

wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.

9 Make me hear of joy and gladness, *

that the body you have broken may rejoice.

10 Hide your face from my sins *

and blot out all my iniquities.

11 Create in me a clean heart, O God, *

and renew a right spirit within me.

12 Cast me not away from your presence *

and take not your holy Spirit from me.

13 Give me the joy of your saving help again *

and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.

Psalm 119:9-16

In quo corrigit?

9 How shall a young man cleanse his way? *

By keeping to your words.

10 With my whole heart I seek you; *

let me not stray from your commandments.

11 I treasure your promise in my heart, *

that I may not sin against you.

12 Blessed are you, O Lord; *

instruct me in your statutes.

13 With my lips will I recite *

all the judgments of your mouth.

14 I have taken greater delight in the way of your decrees *

than in all manner of riches.

15 I will meditate on your commandments *

and give attention to your ways.

16 My delight is in your statutes; *

I will not forget your word.

The Epistle

Hebrews 5:5-10

Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,

“You are my Son,

today I have begotten you”;

as he says also in another place,

“You are a priest forever,

according to the order of Melchizedek.”

The Gospel

John 12:20-33

Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.

“Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.

March 10th Fourth Sunday in Lent Year B RCL

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 09:34:00 -0400

Numbers 21:4-9

Ephesians 2:1-10

John 3:14-21

Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22

The Collect

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Old Testament

Numbers 21:4-9

From Mount Hor the Israelites set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.” Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.” So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.

The Psalm

Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22

Confitemini Domino

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, *

and his mercy endures for ever.

2 Let all those whom the Lord has redeemed proclaim *

that he redeemed them from the hand of the foe.

3 He gathered them out of the lands; *

from the east and from the west,

from the north and from the south.

17 Some were fools and took to rebellious ways; *

they were afflicted because of their sins.

18 They abhorred all manner of food *

and drew near to death's door.

19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, *

and he delivered them from their distress.

20 He sent forth his word and healed them *

and saved them from the grave.

21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his mercy *

and the wonders he does for his children.

22 Let them offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving *

and tell of his acts with shouts of joy.

The Epistle

Ephesians 2:1-10

You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ-- by grace you have been saved-- and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God-- not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.

The Gospel

John 3:14-21

Jesus said, “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”

March 3rd Third Sunday in Lent Year B RCL

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 18:54:00 -0400

Exodus 20:1-17

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

John 2:13-22

Psalm 19

The Collect

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Old Testament

Exodus 20:1-17

Then God spoke all these words:

I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me.

You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.

You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.

Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. For six days you shall labour and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it.

Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

You shall not murder.

You shall not commit adultery.

You shall not steal.

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

The Psalm

Psalm 19

Caeli enarrant

1 The heavens declare the glory of God, *

and the firmament shows his handiwork.

2 One day tells its tale to another, *

and one night imparts knowledge to another.

3 Although they have no words or language, *

and their voices are not heard,

4 Their sound has gone out into all lands, *

and their message to the ends of the world.

5 In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; *

it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;

it rejoices like a champion to run its course.

6 It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens

and runs about to the end of it again; *

nothing is hidden from its burning heat.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect

and revives the soul; *

the testimony of the Lord is sure

and gives wisdom to the innocent.

8 The statutes of the Lord are just

and rejoice the heart; *

the commandment of the Lord is clear

and gives light to the eyes.

9 The fear of the Lord is clean

and endures for ever; *

the judgments of the Lord are true

and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold,

more than much fine gold, *

sweeter far than honey,

than honey in the comb.

11 By them also is your servant enlightened, *

and in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can tell how often he offends? *

cleanse me from my secret faults.

13 Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins;

let them not get dominion over me; *

then shall I be whole and sound,

and innocent of a great offense.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my

heart be acceptable in your sight, *

O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.

The Epistle

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

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.

The Gospel

John 2:13-22

The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

Feb 25th 2024 Second Sunday in Lent Year B RCL

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 17:04:00 -0400

Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16

Romans 4:13-25

Mark 8:31-38

Psalm 22:22-30

The Collect

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Old Testament

Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous.” Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.

God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.”

The Psalm

Psalm 22:22-30

Deus, Deus meus

22 Praise the Lord, you that fear him; *

stand in awe of him, O offspring of Israel;

all you of Jacob's line, give glory.

23 For he does not despise nor abhor the poor in their poverty;

neither does he hide his face from them; *

but when they cry to him he hears them.

24 My praise is of him in the great assembly; *

I will perform my vows in the presence of those who worship him.

25 The poor shall eat and be satisfied,

and those who seek the Lord shall praise him: *

"May your heart live for ever!"

26 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, *

and all the families of the nations shall bow before him.

27 For kingship belongs to the Lord; *

he rules over the nations.

28 To him alone all who sleep in the earth bow down in worship; *

all who go down to the dust fall before him.

29 My soul shall live for him;

my descendants shall serve him; *

they shall be known as the Lord'S for ever.

30 They shall come and make known to a people yet unborn *

the saving deeds that he has done.

The Epistle

Romans 4:13-25

For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation.

For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”) —in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become “the father of many nations,” according to what was said, “So numerous shall your descendants be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Therefore his faith “was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Now the words, “it was reckoned to him,” were written not for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was handed over to death for our trespasses and was raised for our justification.

The Gospel

Mark 8:31-38

Jesus began to teach his disciples that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”

Feb 18th: First Sunday in Lent Year B RCL

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 16:10:00 -0400

First Sunday in Lent

Year B

RCL

Genesis 9:8-17

1 Peter 3:18-22

Mark 1:9-15

Psalm 25:1-9

The Collect

Old Testament

Genesis 9:8-17

God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”

The Psalm

Psalm 25:1-9

Ad te, Domine, levavi

1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul;

my God, I put my trust in you; *

let me not be humiliated,

nor let my enemies triumph over me.

2 Let none who look to you be put to shame; *

let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes.

3 Show me your ways, O Lord, *

and teach me your paths.

4 Lead me in your truth and teach me, *

for you are the God of my salvation;

in you have I trusted all the day long.

5 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, *

for they are from everlasting.

6 Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; *

remember me according to your love

and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord.

7 Gracious and upright is the Lord; *

therefore he teaches sinners in his way.

8 He guides the humble in doing right *

and teaches his way to the lowly.

9 All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness *

to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

The Epistle

1 Peter 3:18-22

Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you-- not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.

The Gospel

Mark 1:9-15

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

Feb 11th Last Sunday after the Epiphany

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 20:20:00 -0400

2 Kings 2:1-12

2 Corinthians 4:3-6

Mark 9:2-9

Psalm 50:1-6

The Collect

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Old Testament

2 Kings 2:1-12

When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent.”

Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here; for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know; be silent.”

Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground.

When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” He responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.” As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.

The Psalm

Psalm 50:1-6

Deus deorum

1 The Lord, the God of gods, has spoken; *

he has called the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.

2 Out of Zion, perfect in its beauty, *

God reveals himself in glory.

3 Our God will come and will not keep silence; *

before him there is a consuming flame,

and round about him a raging storm.

4 He calls the heavens and the earth from above *

to witness the judgment of his people.

5 "Gather before me my loyal followers, *

those who have made a covenant with me

and sealed it with sacrifice."

6 Let the heavens declare the rightness of his cause; *

for God himself is judge.

The Epistle

2 Corinthians 4:3-6

Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel

Mark 9:2-9

Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.

As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

January 21st 3rd Sunday after Epiphany

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 13:37:00 -0400

Third Sunday after the Epiphany

Year B

RCL

Jonah 3:1-5, 10

1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Mark 1:14-20

Psalm 62:6-14

The Collect

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Old Testament

Jonah 3:1-5, 10

The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days' walk across. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day's walk. And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth.

When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.

The Psalm

Psalm 62:6-14

Nonne Deo?

6 For God alone my soul in silence waits; *

truly, my hope is in him.

7 He alone is my rock and my salvation, *

my stronghold, so that I shall not be shaken.

8 In God is my safety and my honor; *

God is my strong rock and my refuge.

9 Put your trust in him always, O people, *

pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge.

10 Those of high degree are but a fleeting breath, *

even those of low estate cannot be trusted.

11 On the scales they are lighter than a breath, *

all of them together.

12 Put no trust in extortion;

in robbery take no empty pride; *

though wealth increase, set not your heart upon it.

13 God has spoken once, twice have I heard it, *

that power belongs to God.

14 Steadfast love is yours, O Lord, *

for you repay everyone according to his deeds.

The Epistle

1 Corinthians 7:29-31

I mean, brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who have wives be as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no possessions, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.

The Gospel

Mark 1:14-20

After John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

Jan. 28th Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 07:50:00 -0400

Deuteronomy 18:15-20

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Mark 1:21-28

Psalm 111

The Collect

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 18:15-20

Moses said: The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. This is what you requested of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said: “If I hear the voice of the Lord my God any more, or ever again see this great fire, I will die.” Then the Lord replied to me: “They are right in what they have said. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command. Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. But any prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, or who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded the prophet to speak—that prophet shall die.”

The Psalm

Psalm 111

Confitebor tibi

1 Hallelujah!

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, *

in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.

2 Great are the deeds of the Lord! *

they are studied by all who delight in them.

3 His work is full of majesty and splendor, *

and his righteousness endures for ever.

4 He makes his marvelous works to be remembered; *

the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.

5 He gives food to those who fear him; *

he is ever mindful of his covenant.

6 He has shown his people the power of his works *

in giving them the lands of the nations.

7 The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice; *

all his commandments are sure.

8 They stand fast for ever and ever, *

because they are done in truth and equity.

9 He sent redemption to his people;

he commanded his covenant for ever; *

holy and awesome is his Name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; *

those who act accordingly have a good understanding;

his praise endures for ever.

The Epistle

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge; but anyone who loves God is known by him.

Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “no idol in the world really exists,” and that “there is no God but one.” Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as in fact there are many gods and many lords— yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

It is not everyone, however, who has this knowledge. Since some have become so accustomed to idols until now, they still think of the food they eat as food offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. “Food will not bring us close to God.” We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if others see you, who possess knowledge, eating in the temple of an idol, might they not, since their conscience is weak, be encouraged to the point of eating food sacrificed to idols? So by your knowledge those weak believers for whom Christ died are destroyed. But when you thus sin against members of your family, and wound their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them to fall.

The Gospel

Mark 1:21-28

Jesus and his disciples went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

January 14th, 2024

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 12:30:00 -0400

January 14th Service

Christmas Eve 2023 10pm Service

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 21:10:00 -0400

SERVICE PARTICIPANTS

CELEBRANT The Rev. Craig R. Swan, Rector

ORGANIST & CHOIR DIRECTOR Tony B. Romeo

FLUTE: Katie Fontaine

TRUMPET: Nicholas Schleyer

TIMPANI: Desiree Glazier-Nazro

CHOIR: Carol Cimilluca, Diane Nobles, Lawren Casagrande, Camilla Lee, Eden Casteel, Leslie Roulier, Zoe Robinson, Joan Hudson, Danielle Grilli-Marzan, Maureen Winters-Swan, Linda Adams, Susan Dvorak, Sarah Izzi Hamel, Margret Celico, Frances Alexakos, Britt Bell, Kent Yrchik-Shoemaker, Brian Bannon, Timothy Hoyt, Dan Caramante, Antonio Rodrigues, Ryan DeFranzo, Tavis Morello

LECTORS Jane Puerini and Patricia Risica

LEMS Patricia Risica and Priscilla Durant

USHERS Rich Durant. Bob Risica, Gabby Risica, and Stephen Puerini

Ding! Dong! Merrily On High (arr. Poole) Choir

What Sweeter Music (Rutter) Eden Casteel, Sarah Izzi Hamel, Danielle Grilli-Marzan, Margret Celico, Linda Adams, Maureen Winter-Swan

I Wonder As I Wander Timothy Hoyt

Enatus Est Emmanuel (Praetorius, arr. Michaels) Choir

In Dulci Jubilo (Trad.) Choir

Where Shepherds Lately Knelt (Courtney) Choir

Celebrant The glory of God has been revealed.

People And all the world shall see the salvation of God.

HYMN 83 O Come, All Ye Faithful

HYMN OF PRAISE: #87 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

THE FIRST READING

Reader A Reading from Isaiah (62:6-12).

Upon your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted sentinels; all day and all night they shall never be silent. You who remind the Lord, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it renowned throughout the earth. The Lord has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: I will not again give your grain to be food for your enemies, and foreigners shall not drink the wine for which you have labored; but those who garner it shall eat it and praise the Lord, and those who gather it shall drink it in my holy courts. Go through, go through the gates, prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway, clear it of stones, lift up an ensign over the peoples. The Lord has proclaimed to the end of the earth: Say to daughter Zion, “See, your salvation comes; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.” They shall be called, “The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord”; and you shall be called, “Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.”

PSALM 97

The choir will chant the psalm

The Lord is King; let the earth rejoice;

let the multitude of the isles be glad.

Clouds and darkness are round about him,

righteousness and justice are the foundations

of his throne.

A fire goes before him

and burns up his enemies on every side.

His lightnings light up the world;

the earth sees it and is afraid.

The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord,

at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

The heavens declare his righteousness,

and all the peoples see his glory.

The Lord loves those who hate evil;

he preserves the lives of his saints

and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

Light has sprung up for the righteous,

and joyful gladness for those who are truehearted.

Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous,

and give thanks to his holy Name.

THE SECOND READING

Reader A Reading from the Letter of Paul to Titus (3:4-7).

HYMN #93 Angels From The Realms of Glory

THE GOSPEL

Celebrant The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (2:1-20).

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Celebrant The Gospel of the Lord.

People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

SERMON The Rev. Craig Swan

MUSIC DURING COMMUNION

Poor Mary (Bates) 10:00 Eden Casteel & Sarah Izzi Hamel

Christmas Lullaby (Rutter) Choir

HYMN 111 Silent Night (Gruber, arr. Hayes)

THE CHRISTMAS BLESSING

May Almighty God, who sent his Son to take our nature upon him, bless you in this holy season, scatter the darkness of sin, and brighten your heart with the light of his holiness. Amen.

May God, who sent his angels to proclaim the glad news of the Savior’s birth, fill you with joy, and make you heralds of the Gospel. Amen.

May God, who in the Word made flesh joined heaven to earth and earth to heaven, give you his peace and favor. Amen.

And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

HYMN 100 Joy to the World

December 17, 2023 The Third Sunday of Advent

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 21:43:00 -0400

Prelude “But Who May Abide” from Messiah (Handel) Timothy Hoyt, Soloist

Entrance Hymn #59 Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding

Canticle #437 (10:15am) Tell Out, My Soul

Sequence Hymn #601 O Day of God, Draw Nigh

Offertory Anthem Awaken and Prepare Us (Hayes)

Communion Anthem O Come, Divine Messiah

Post-Communion Hymn #72 Hark! The Glad Sound!

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

FIRST READING Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah.

The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion— to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.

They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, to display his glory. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.

For I the LORD love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the LORD has blessed.

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. Reader The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks

CANTICLE 15 (8:00am) The Song of Mary Magnificat Luke 1:46-55

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; * for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed: * the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him * in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm, * he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, * and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, * and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel, * for he has remembered his promise of mercy,

The promise he made to our fathers, * to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

SECOND READING 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

A Reading from Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.

May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL John 1:6-8,19-28 Priest

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’” as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

Priest The Gospel of the Lord.

People Praise to you, Lord Christ

Dec. 10th 2023 The Second Sunday of Advent

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 15:47:00 -0400

WEEKLY SERVICE SHEET December 10, 2023 The Second Sunday of Advent

Prelude “Comfort Ye” from Messiah (Handel) Antonio Rodrigues, Soloist

Entrance Hymn #67 Comfort, Comfort Ye My People

Sequence Hymn #54 Savior of the Nations, Come

Offertory Anthem Isaac Watts' Advent Carol (Martin)

Communion Hymn #66 Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

Post-Communion Hymn #76 On Jordan's Bank

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

FIRST READING Isaiah 40:1-11

A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah.

Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins.

A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

A voice says, “Cry out!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand for ever. Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep. Reader

SECOND READING 2 Peter 3:8-15a

A Reading from the Second Letter of Peter.

Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.

Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.

Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. Reader

The Word of the Lord.

Dec 9th 2023 THE ORDINATION OF Jeffrey Charles Drake Douglas TO THE SACRED ORDER OF DEACONS

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 14:20:00 -0400

Holy Eucharist

December 9, 2023

4:00 pm

St Peter’s by-the-Sea, Narragansett

The Right Reverend W. Nicholas Knisely, Bishop

PRELUDE: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 645 - Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

HYMN 525 The Church’s One Foundation

OLD TESTAMENT Ecclesiasticus 39:1-8

He seeks out the wisdom of all the ancients, and is concerned with prophecies; he preserves the sayings of the famous and penetrates the subtleties of parables; he seeks out the hidden meanings of proverbs and is at home with the obscurities of parables.

He serves among the great and appears before rulers; he travels in foreign lands and learns what is good and evil in the human lot. He sets his heart on rising early to seek the Lord who made him, and to petition the Most High; he opens his mouth in prayer and asks pardon for his sins.

If the great Lord is willing, he will be filled with the spirit of understanding; he will pour forth words of wisdom of his own and give thanks to the Lord in prayer. The Lord will direct his counsel and knowledge, as he meditates on his mysteries. He will show the wisdom of what he has learned, and will glory in the law of the Lord’s covenant.

PSALM 119:33-40 He: Legem pone

The psalm will be sung by the choir.

33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes, *

and I shall keep it to the end.

34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; *

I shall keep it with all my heart.

35 Make me go in the path of your commandments, *

for that is my desire.

36 Incline my heart to your decrees *

and not to unjust gain.

37 Turn my eyes from watching what is worthless; *

give me life in your ways.

38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, *

which you make to those who fear you.

39 Turn away the reproach which I dread, *

because your judgments are good.

40 Behold, I long for your commandments; *

in your righteousness preserve my life.

EPISTLE 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practise cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

HYMN 508 Breathe on Me Breath of God

THE GOSPEL Luke 12:35-38

Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke

People Glory to you, Lord Christ

Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.

Deacon The Gospel of the Lord

People Praise to you, Lord Christ

THE SERMON The Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely

Hymn 504 Veni Creator Spiritus

OFFERTORY HYMN “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” arr. John Rutter

Sung by the choirs of St Peter’s by-the-Sea and Grace Church

SANCTUS S-127

AGNUS DEI S-165

HYMN LEVAS 133 I Surrender All

HYMN LEVAS 108 “‘Tis So Sweet to Trust In Jesus”

HYMN 57 “Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending”

PARTICIPANTS IN TODAY’S SERVICE

Presider and Preacher The Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely, SOSc

Assisting Priest The Rev. Craig Swan

Master of Ceremonies The Rev. Linda Griggs

Bishop’s Chaplin The Rev. James Kelliher

Litanist Mr. Nicholas Halar

Readers Ms. Sarah Neumann, Ms Caroline Blosser

Presenters The Rev Craig Swan, The Rev Canon Jonathan Huyck, Mr. Ron Cowie,

Mrs. Carissa Mills

Vester Dr. Charles Carroll

Presenters of Eucharistic Gifts Mrs. Angel Hilliard and Mrs. Debbie Wilson

Acolytes Ms. Isla Clarity, Mr. Ben Clark, Mr. John Clark

Organist Mr. David Heinze

Choirmaster Mr. Tony Romeo

Pianist Mr. Vince Edwards

Ushers/Greeters Ms. Jackie Lennon, Mr. John Hines, Mrs. Susan Hines, Mr. Robert Manke, Mr. Jack Florence, Mr. Tony Capezza

Choirs of St. Peter’s By-the-Sea, Grace Church

We are grateful to St. Peter’s by-the-Sea for their hospitality today.

December 3, 2023 The First Sunday of Advent

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 22:01:00 -0400

ST. PETER’S BY-THE-SEA EPISCOPAL CHURCH 72 Central Street | Narragansett, RI 02882 | 401.783.4623 | www.stpetersbythesea.com

Entrance Hymn #57 Lo! He Comes With Clouds Descending

Sequence Hymn #454 Jesus Came, Adored By Angels

Offertory Anthem Waiting For A King (Martin)

Communion Anthem Creator of the Stars of Night

Post-Communion Hymn #73 The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

FIRST READING Isaiah 64:1-9

A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah.

O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence--as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil--to make your name known to your adversaries, so that the nations might tremble at your presence! When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him.

You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways. But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed. We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity.

Yet, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Do not be exceedingly angry, O LORD, and do not remember iniquity forever. Now consider, we are all your people. Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

November 26, 2023 The Last Sunday After Pentecost: Christ the King

Sun, 26 Nov 2023 20:35:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #450 All Hail The Power of Jesus’ Name

Sequence Hymn #435 At the Name of Jesus

Offertory Anthem Canon of Praise (Pachelbel, arr. Hopson)

Communion Hymn #467 Sing, My Soul, His Wondrous Love

Post-Communion Hymn #494 Crown Him With Many Crowns

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

FIRST READING Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24

A Reading from the Prophet Ezekiel.

Thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited parts of the land. I will feed them with good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel shall be their pasture; there they shall lie down in good grazing land, and they shall feed on rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord GOD. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice.

Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD to them: I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. Because you pushed with flank and shoulder, and butted at all the weak animals with your horns until you scattered them far and wide, I will save my flock, and they shall no longer be ravaged; and I will judge between sheep and sheep.

I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. And I, the LORD, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them; I, the LORD, have spoken. Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 95:1-7a Venite, exultemus

1 Come, let us sing to the LORD; * let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.

2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving * and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.

3 For the LORD is a great God, * and a great King above all gods.

4 In his hand are the caverns of the earth, * and the heights of the hills are his also.

5 The sea is his, for he made it, * and his hands have molded the dry land.

6 Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, * and kneel before the LORD our Maker.

7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand

SECOND READING Ephesians 1:15-23

A Reading from the letter to the Ephesians.

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL Matthew 25:31-46 Priest

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

People

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus said, “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Morning Prayer with Temple Beth David

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 02:32:00 -0400

Our annual shared service with Temple Beth David of Narragansett. Rabbi Ethan Adler gave the homily

November 5, 2023 All Saints Day (transferred)

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 11:34:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #287 For All The Saints (verses 1-4)

Sequence Hymn #656 Blest Are The Pure In Heart

Offertory Anthem Pie Jesu (Rutter) Lawren Casagrande, Soloist

Communion Anthem They Shall Soar Like Eagles (Manzo)

Post-Communion Hymn #625 Ye Holy Angels Bright

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

FIRST READING Revelation 7:9-17 A Reading from the Revalation to John. After this I, John, looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!" And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing, "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen." Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?" I said to him, "Sir, you are the one that knows." Then he said to me, "These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. "For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 34:1-10,22 Benedicam Dominum 1 I will bless the LORD at all times; * his praise shall ever be in my mouth. 2 I will glory in the LORD; * let the humble hear and rejoice. 3 Proclaim with me the greatness of the LORD; * let us exalt his Name together. 4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me * and delivered me out of all my terror. 5 Look upon him and be radiant, * and let not your faces be ashamed. 6 I called in my affliction and the LORD heard me * and saved me from all my troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encompasses those who fear him, * and he will deliver them. 8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; * happy are they who trust in him! 9 Fear the LORD, you that are his saints, * for those who fear him lack nothing. 10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger, * but those who seek the LORD lack nothing that is good. 22 The LORD ransoms the life of his servants, * and none will be punished who trust in him.

SECOND READING 1 John 3:1-3 A Reading from the first letter of John. See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL Matthew 5:1-12 Priest 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." Priest The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ. ----------

In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for Charles & Cornelia Lewis, Bill & Shelley Licurse, and Chris & Michelle Little.

The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for her family by Camilla Lee.

October 29, 2023 The Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 11:10:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #381 Thy Strong Word Did Cleave the Darkness

Sequence Hymn #531 O Spirit of the Living God

Offertory Anthem Prayer for Peace (Harlan)

Communion Anthem Savior Teach Me Day By Day (Weidner)

Post-Communion Hymn #680 O God Our Help in Ages Past

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

FIRST READING Leviticus 19:1-2,15-18 A Reading from the Book of Leviticus. The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy. You shall not render an unjust judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great: with justice you shall judge your neighbor. You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not profit by the blood of your neighbor: I am the LORD. You shall not hate in your heart anyone of your kin; you shall reprove your neighbor, or you will incur guilt yourself. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 1 Beatus vir qui non abiit 1 Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked, * nor lingered in the way of sinners, nor sat in the seats of the scornful! 2 Their delight is in the law of the LORD, * and they meditate on his law day and night. 3 They are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither; * everything they do shall prosper. 4 It is not so with the wicked; * they are like chaff which the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked shall not stand upright when judgment comes, * nor the sinner in the council of the righteous. 6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, * but the way of the wicked is doomed.

SECOND READING 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 A Reading from Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians. You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in vain, but though we had already suffered and been shamefully mistreated at Philippi, as you know, we had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of great opposition. For our appeal does not spring from deceit or impure motives or trickery, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the message of the gospel, even so we speak, not to please mortals, but to please God who tests our hearts. As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed; nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others, though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us. Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL Matthew 22:34-46 Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. People Glory to you, Lord Christ. When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this question: “What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “The son of David.” He said to them, “How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet”’? If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?” No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions. Priest The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ. ---------- In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for Camilla Lee; Robert & Margaret Leeson; and Emily, Richard, & Jackie Lennon. The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Albert J. Logli by Jane & Stephen Puerini.

October 22, 2023 The Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 14:48:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #665 All My Hope On God Is Founded

Sequence Hymn #524 I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord

Offertory Anthem Laudate Nomen Domini (Tye)

Communion Anthem Eternal Light Shine In My Heart

Post-Communion Hymn #544 Jesus Shall Reign, Where’er the Sun

 THE COLLECT OF THE DAY Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. FIRST READING Isaiah 45:1-7 A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah. Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him and strip kings of their robes, to open doors before him-- and the gates shall not be closed: I will go before you and level the mountains, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron, I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that it is I, the LORD, the God of Israel, who call you by your name. For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I call you by your name, I surname you, though you do not know me. I am the LORD, and there is no other; besides me there is no god. I arm you, though you do not know me, so that they may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is no one besides me; I am the LORD, and there is no other. I form light and create darkness, I make weal and create woe; I the LORD do all these things. Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. PSALM Psalm 96:1-9, (10-13) Cantate Domino 1 Sing to the LORD a new song; * sing to the LORD, all the whole earth. 2 Sing to the LORD and bless his Name; * proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations * and his wonders among all peoples. 4 For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; * he is more to be feared than all gods. 5 As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; * but it is the LORD who made the heavens. 6 Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! * Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary! 7 Ascribe to the LORD, you families of the peoples; * ascribe to the LORD honor and power. 8 Ascribe to the LORD the honor due his Name; * bring offerings and come into his courts. 9 Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness; * let the whole earth tremble before him. 10 [Tell it out among the nations: "The LORD is King! * he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity." 11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea thunder and all that is in it; * let the field be joyful and all that is therein. 12 Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy before the LORD when he comes, * when he comes to judge the earth. 13 He will judge the world with righteousness * and the peoples with his truth.] SECOND READING 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 A Reading from Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians. Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead-- Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming. Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. GOSPEL Matthew 22:15-22 Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. People Glory to you, Lord Christ. The Pharisees went and plotted to entrap Jesus in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away. Priest The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ. ---------- In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for Bernadette Kerr; Robert, Heather, R.J., & Avalee Knox; and Judith & Diane Landry.

October 15, 2023 The Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 10:29:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #569 God the Omnipotent! Psalm (10:00am)

#645 The King of Love My Shepherd Is

Sequence Hymn #408 Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above

Offertory Anthem Loving Shepherd (Bach, arr. various)

Communion Anthem O Salutaris Hostia (Beethoven)

Post-Communion Hymn #556 Rejoice, Ye Pure In Heart

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

FIRST READING Isaiah 25:1-9 A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah. O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you, I will praise your name; for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. For you have made the city a heap, the fortified city a ruin; the palace of aliens is a city no more, it will never be rebuilt. Therefore strong peoples will glorify you; cities of ruthless nations will fear you. For you have been a refuge to the poor, a refuge to the needy in their distress, a shelter from the rainstorm and a shade from the heat. When the blast of the ruthless was like a winter rainstorm, the noise of aliens like heat in a dry place, you subdued the heat with the shade of clouds; the song of the ruthless was stilled. On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear. And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death forever. Then the Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation. Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.

PSALM (8:00am) Psalm 23 Dominus regit me 1 The LORD is my shepherd; * I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures * and leads me beside still waters. 3 He revives my soul * and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake. 4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; * for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; * you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over. 6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, * and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

SECOND READING Philippians 4:1-9 A Reading from Paul’s letter to the Philippians. My brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. GOSPEL Matthew 22:1-14 Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. People Glory to you, Lord Christ. Once more Jesus spoke to the people in parables, saying: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. Again he sent other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.’ But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.’ Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.” Priest The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ. ---------- In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for Harold Kemble & Mary Ellen Sacco, Jenessa & Anna Kent, and Marge Kerns. The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God by Robert & Sheila Manke.

October 8, 2023 The Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 15:15:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #518 Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation Sequence Hymn #552 Fight the Good Fight With All Thy Might Offertory Anthem Dona Nobis Pacem (Bach, arr. Alt house) Communion Hymn #458 My Song Is Love Unknown Post-Communion Hymn #448 O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

FIRST READING Isaiah 5:1-7 A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah. Let me sing for my beloved my love-song concerning his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. He dug it and cleared it of stones, and planted it with choice vines; he built a watchtower in the midst of it, and hewed out a wine vat in it; he expected it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes. And now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and people of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard. What more was there to do for my vineyard that I have not done in it? When I expected it to yield grapes, why did it yield wild grapes? And now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard. I will remove its hedge, and it shall be devoured; I will break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down. I will make it a waste; it shall not be pruned or hoed, and it shall be overgrown with briers and thorns; I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the people of Judah are his pleasant planting; he expected justice, but saw bloodshed; righteousness, but heard a cry! Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 80:7-14 Qui regis Israel 7 Restore us, O God of hosts; * show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved. 8 You have brought a vine out of Egypt; * you cast out the nations and planted it. 9 You prepared the ground for it; * it took root and filled the land. 10 The mountains were covered by its shadow * and the towering cedar trees by its boughs. 11 You stretched out its tendrils to the Sea * and its branches to the River. 12 Why have you broken down its wall, * so that all who pass by pluck off its grapes? 13 The wild boar of the forest has ravaged it, * and the beasts of the field have grazed upon it. 14 Turn now, O God of hosts, look down from heaven; behold and tend this vine; * preserve what your right hand has planted.

SECOND READING Philippians 3:4b-14 A Reading from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL Matthew 21:33-46 Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. People Glory to you, Lord Christ. Jesus said, “Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the harvest time had come, he sent his slaves to the tenants to collect his produce. But the tenants seized his slaves and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other slaves, more than the first; and they treated them in the same way. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance.’ So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom. The one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they realized that he was speaking about them. They wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowds, because they regarded him as a prophet. Priest The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ. ----------

In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for Becky Johnson, Tony Johnston, and Robert & Nancy Jones. The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God by Robert & Sheila Manke.

The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost The Blessing of the Animals Sunday, October 1, 2023 10:15 a.m.

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 14:06:00 -0400

The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost The Blessing of the Animals Sunday, October 1, 2023 10:15 a.m.

September 24, 2023 The Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 10:28:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #690 Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

Sequence Hymn #411 O Bless the Lord, My Soul

Offertory Anthem God Be In My Head (Wilby)

Communion Anthem For The Bread Which You Have Broken (Franck)

Post-Communion Hymn #344 Lord, Dismiss Us With Thy Blessing

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

FIRST READING Jonah 3:10-4:11 A Reading from the Prophet Jonah.

When God saw what the people of Nineveh did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.

But this was very displeasing to Jonah, and he became angry. He prayed to the LORD and said, “O LORD! Is not this what I said while I was still in my own country? That is why I fled to Tarshish at the beginning; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and ready to relent from punishing. And now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” And

the LORD said, “Is it right for you to be angry?” Then Jonah went out of the city and sat down east of the city, and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, waiting to see what would become of the city.

The LORD God appointed a bush, and made it come up over Jonah, to give shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort; so Jonah was very happy about the bush. But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the bush, so that it withered. When the sun rose, God prepared a sultry east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint and asked that he might die. He said, “It is better for me to die than to live.”

But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the bush?” And he said, “Yes, angry enough to die.” Then the LORD said, “You are concerned about the bush, for which you did not labor and which you did not grow; it came into being in a night and perished in a night. And should I not be concerned about Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also many animals?”

Reader People

PSALM

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Psalm 145:1-8

Exaltabo te, Deus

1 I will exalt you, O God my King, *

and bless your Name for ever and ever.

2 Every day will I bless you *

and praise your Name for ever and ever.

3 Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; * there is no end to his greatness.

4 One generation shall praise your works to another * and shall declare your power.

5 I will ponder the glorious splendor of your majesty * and all your marvelous works.

6 They shall speak of the might of your wondrous acts, * and I will tell of your greatness.

Lawren Casagrande, Soloist

7 They shall publish the remembrance of your great goodness; * they shall sing of your righteous deeds.

8 The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, * slow to anger and of great kindness.

SECOND READING Philippians 1:21-30

A Reading from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians.

To me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.

Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God's doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well-- since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Reader People

GOSPEL

Priest

People

Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for hisvineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Priest People

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Matthew 20:1-16

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. Glory to you, Lord Christ.

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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for

Tom & Kim Hanson, Dave & Angel Hilliard, and John & Susan Hines.

The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of John T Piccione O.F.M. by the Swan Family.

ST. PETER’S BY-THE-SEA EPISCOPAL CHURCH

72 Central Street | Narragansett, RI 02882 | 401.783.4623 | www.stpetersbythesea.com

September 10, 2023 The Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 13:51:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #408 Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above

Sequence Hymn #440 Blessed Jesus, At Thy Word

Offertory Anthem In Perfect Charity (DeBruyn)

Timothy Hoyt, Soloist

Communion Anthem Panis Angelicus (Franck)

Timothy Hoyt, Soloist

Post-Communion

Hymn #376 Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

FIRST READING Ezekiel 33:7-11 A Reading from the Prophet Ezekiel.

You, mortal, I have made a sentinel for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. If I say to the wicked, “O wicked ones, you shall surely die,” and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from their ways, the wicked shall die in their iniquity, but their blood I will require at your hand. But if you warn the wicked to turn from their ways, and they do not turn from their ways, the wicked shall die in their iniquity, but you will have saved your life.

Now you, mortal, say to the house of Israel, Thus you have said: “Our transgressions and our sins weigh upon us, and we waste away because of them; how then can we live?” Say to them, As I live, says the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from their ways and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways; for why will you die, O house of Israel?

Reader People

PSALM

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Psalm 119:33-40

Legem pone

33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes, * and I shall keep it to the end.

34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; * I shall keep it with all my heart.

35 Make me go in the path of your commandments, * for that is my desire.

36 Incline my heart to your decrees * and not to unjust gain.

37 Turn my eyes from watching what is worthless; * give me life in your ways.

38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, * which you make to those who fear you.

39 Turn away the reproach which I dread, * because your judgments are good.

40 Behold, I long for your commandments; * in your righteousness preserve my life.

SECOND READING Romans 13:8-14 A Reading from Paul's letter to the Romans.

Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.

Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Reader People

GOSPEL

Priest

People

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Matthew 18:15-20

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus said, “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when

the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

Priest The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for John Flockhart, Ron & Ruth Gadbois, and Jean Gerrish.

SPECIAL THANKS TO FR. RICH SCHWEINSBURG FOR PRESIDING & PREACHING AT TODAY’S SERVICES.

ST. PETER’S BY-THE-SEA EPISCOPAL CHURCH

72 Central Street | Narragansett, RI 02882 | 401.783.4623 | www.stpetersbythesea.com

The Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost Holy Baptism with Holy Communion Sunday, August 27, 2023 10:15 a.m.

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 10:14:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN #525 The Church’s One Foundation OPENING ACCLAMATION

The people standing, the Celebrant says

Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

SALUTATION FOR BAPTISM

Celebrant People Celebrant People

There is one Body and one Spirit; There is one hope in God’s call to us; One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism; One God and Father of all.

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Celebrant People Celebrant

The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray.

The Lessons

FIRST READING: Isaiah 51:1-6

The people sit.

A Reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.

Listen to me, you that pursue righteousness, you that seek the LORD. Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you; for he was but one when I called him, but I blessed him and made him many. For the LORD will comfort Zion; he will comfort all her waste places, and will make her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song.

Listen to me, my people, and give heed to me, my nation; for a teaching will go out from me, and my justice for a light to the peoples. I will bring near my deliverance swiftly, my salvation has gone out and my arms will rule the peoples; the coastlands wait for me, and for my arm they hope. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and those who live on it will die like gnats; but my salvation will be for ever, and my deliverance will never be ended.

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

Silence may follow.

PSALM: Psalm 138

Remain seated.

1 I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with my whole heart; * before the gods I will sing your praise.

2 I will bow down toward your holy temple and praise your Name, *

because of your love and faithfulness;

3 For you have glorified your Name * and your word above all things. 4 When I called, you answered me; *

you increased my strength within me.

5 All the kings of the earth will praise you, O LORD, * when they have heard the words of your mouth.

6 They will sing of the ways of the LORD, * that great is the glory of the LORD.

7 Though the LORD be high, he cares for the lowly; * he perceives the haughty from afar.

8 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you keep me safe; *

you stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies; your right hand shall save me.

9 The LORD will make good his purpose for me; * O LORD, your love endures for ever;

do not abandon the works of your hands.

SECOND READING: Romans 12:1-8

The people sit.

A Reading from Paul's letter to the Romans

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgement, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

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

Silence may follow.

SEQUENCE HYMN #522 Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken All stand.

GOSPEL: Matthew 16:13-20

All stand.

Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Priest The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

THE SERMON The Rev. Craig Swan, Rector

PRESENTATION AND EXAMINATION OF THE CANDIDATE

The Celebrant says

The Candidate for Holy Baptism will now be presented

The candidates who are unable to answer for themselves are presented individually by their Parents and Godparents

Parents and Godparents

I present Wyatt Hunter Otis Brown to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.

When all have been presented the Celebrant asks the parents and godparents

Will you be responsible for seeing that the child you present is brought up in the Christian faith and life?

Parents and Godparents

I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant

Will you by your prayers and witness help this child to grow into the full stature of Christ?

Parents and Godparents

I will, with God’s help.

Then the Celebrant asks the following questions of the candidates who can speak for themselves, and of the parents and godparents who speak on behalf of the infants and younger children

Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?

I renounce them.

Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?

I renounce them.

Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God? I renounce them.

Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior? I do.

Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love? I do.

Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord? I do.

After all have been presented, the Celebrant addresses the congregation, saying

Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support this person in his life in Christ? People We will.

The Celebrant then says these or similar words

Let us join with Wyatt who is committing himself to Christ and renew our own baptismal covenant.

THE BAPTISMAL COVENANT

Celebrant

Do you believe in God the Father?

People

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Celebrant

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

People

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again.

He ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Celebrant

Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

People

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Celebrant

Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers?

People

I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant

Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?

People

I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant

Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?

People

I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant

Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?

People

I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant

Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?

People

I will, with God’s help.

PRAYERS FOR THE CANDIDATES

The Celebrant says to the congregation

Let us now pray for this person who is to receive the Sacrament of new birth. A Person appointed leads the following petitions

Deliver him, O Lord, from the way of sin and death. Lord, hear our prayer.

Open his heart to your grace and truth. Lord, hear our prayer.

Fill him with your holy and life-giving Spirit. Lord, hear our prayer.

Keep him in the faith and communion of your holy Church. Lord, hear our prayer.

Teach him to love others in the power of the Spirit. Lord, hear our prayer.

Send him into the world in witness to your love. Lord, hear our prayer.

Bring him to the fullness of your peace and glory. Lord, hear our prayer.

The Celebrant says

Grant, O Lord, that all who are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ your Son may live in the power of his resurrection and look for him to come again in glory; who lives and reigns now and forever. Amen.

HYMN FOR PROCESSION TO THE FONT #510

Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove

THANKSGIVING OVER THE WATER

The Celebrant blesses the water, first saying

Celebrant People Celebrant People

Celebrant

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.

We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water. Over it the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation. Through it you led the children of Israel out of their bondage in Egypt into the land of promise. In it your Son Jesus received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us, through his death and resurrection, from the bondage of sin into everlasting life.

We thank you, Father, for the water of Baptism. In it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit. Therefore in joyful obedience to your Son, we bring into his fellowship those who come to him in faith, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

At the following words, the Celebrant touches the water

Now sanctify this water, we pray you, by the power of your Holy Spirit, that those who here are cleansed from sin and born again may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Savior.

To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

THE BAPTISM

Each candidate is presented by name to the Celebrant, who then immerses, or pours water upon, the candidate, saying

Wyatt Humter Otis, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

When this action has been completed for all candidates, the Bishop or Priest, at a place in full sight of the congregation, prays over them, saying

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon this your servant the forgiveness of sin, and have raised him to the new life of grace. Sustain him, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give him an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen.

Then the Bishop or Priest places a hand on the person's head, marking on the forehead the sign of the cross [using Chrism if desired] and saying to each one

Wyatt Hunter Otis, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ's own for ever. Amen.

Or this action may be done immediately after the administration of the water and before the preceding prayer.

WELCOME THE NEWLY BAPTIZED

When all have been baptized, the Celebrant says

Let us welcome the newly baptized.

Celebrant and People

We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood.

THE PEACE

The Peace is now exchanged

Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you.

OFFERTORY SENTENCE

The Celebrant says

Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and make good your vows to the Most High.

Psalm 50:14

OFFERTORY ANTHEM “Comfort Ye, My People” from Messiah (Handel) Antonio Rodrigues, Soloist

The Great Thanksgiving

SURSUM CORDA

The People remain standing.

Celebrant People Celebrant People Celebrant People

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.

PROPER PREFACE

Facing the Holy Table, 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.

For you are the source of light and life; you made us in your image, and called us to new life in Jesus Christ our Lord.

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:

SANCTUS

Celebrant and People

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 People stand or kneel.

The Celebrant continues

Celebrant and People

We remember his death,

We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory;

The Celebrant continues

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 the Blessed Virgin Mary, Peter our patron, 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

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

People and Celebrant

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, forever and ever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread

FRACTION ANTHEM

Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;

Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

INVITATION

The Celebrant says

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.

DISTRIBUTION

The ministers receive the Sacrament in both kinds, and then immediately deliver it to the people. The Bread

August 20, 2023 The Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 18:05:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #410 Praise, My Soul, The King of Heaven
Sequence Hymn #533 How Wondrous and Great Thy Works
Offertory Anthem “Simple Song: from Mass (Bernstein) Sarah Izzi Hamel, Soloist
Communion Anthem Hear My Cry, O God (Franck) Sarah Izzi Hamel, Soloist
Post-Communion Hymn #371 Thou, Whose Almighty Word
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
FIRST READING Isaiah 56:1,6-8
Thus says the LORD: Maintain justice, and do what is right, for soon my salvation will come, and
my deliverance be revealed.
And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, to minister to him, to love the name of
the LORD, and to be his servants, all who keep the sabbath, and do not profane it, and hold fast my covenant--these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.
Thus says the Lord GOD, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, I will gather others to them besides those already gathered.
PSALM Psalm 67 Deus misereatur 1 May God be merciful to us and bless us, *
show us the light of his countenance and come to us.
2 Let your ways be known upon earth, * your saving health among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God; * let all the peoples praise you.
4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, * for you judge the peoples with equity and guide all the nations upon earth.
5 Let the peoples praise you, O God; * let all the peoples praise you.
6 The earth has brought forth her increase; *
may God, our own God, give us his blessing.
7 May God give us his blessing, *
and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him.
SECOND READING Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of
Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.
GOSPEL Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28
[Jesus called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” Then the disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.” But Peter said to him, “Explain this parable to us.” Then he said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.”]
Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for
Rich & Priscilla Durant, Susan Dvorak, and Patricia Dvrigan.
SPECIAL THANKS TO MR. DRAKE DOUGLAS FOR PREACHING AT TODAY’S SERVICES.
The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Sandra R. Flockhart, for whom the Sanctuary Lamp is also lit, by John Flockhart.

August 6, 2023 The Transfiguration

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 18:33:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #7 Christ, Whose Glory Fills The Skies
Sequence Hymn #129 Christ Upon The Mountain Peak
Offertory Anthem‘Tis Me, O Lord (Spiritual, arr. Burleigh)
Arielle Rogers-Wilkey, Soloist
Communion Anthem O Divine Redeemer (Gounod)
Arielle Rogers-Wilkey, Soloist
Post-Communion Hymn #137 O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
O God, who on the holy mount revealed to chosen witnesses your well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistening: Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may by faith behold the King in his beauty; who with you, O Father, and you, O Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
FIRST READING Exodus 34:29-35
Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.
PSALM Psalm 99:5-9 Dominus regnavit 5 Proclaim the greatness of the LORD our God
and fall down before his footstool; * he is the Holy One.
6 Moses and Aaron among his priests,
and Samuel among those who call upon his Name, * they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.
7 He spoke to them out of the pillar of cloud; *
they kept his testimonies and the decree that he gave them.
8 O LORD our God, you answered them indeed; * you were a God who forgave them,
yet punished them for their evil deeds.
9 Proclaim the greatness of the LORD our God and worship him upon his holy hill; * for the LORD our God is the Holy One.
SECOND READING 2 Peter 1:13-21
I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to refresh your memory, since I know that my death
will come soon, as indeed our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.
So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
GOSPEL Luke 9:28-36
Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us tobe here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” —not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for
Bob & Sally Davis; John, Jessica, & Johnny DeRemer; and Donna deWardener.
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE REV. ANDREW MEAD FOR PREACHING AT TODAY’S SERVICES.
The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Margherita Puerini by Jane & Stephen Puerini.

July 30, 2023 The Ninth Sunday After Pentecost

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 14:04:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #594 God of Grace and God of Glory
Sequence Hymn #447 The Christ Who Died But Rose Again
Offertory Anthem Bist Du Bei Mir (J.S. Bach)
Communion Anthem“O Rest in the Lord” from Elijah (Mendelssohn) Timothy Hoyt, Soloist
Post-Communion “Thy Kingdom Come!”
Hymn #615 On Bended Knee
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
FIRST READING 1 Kings 3:5-12
At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I should give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?”
It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you.”
PSALM Psalm 119:129-136 Mirabilia 129 Your decrees are wonderful; *
therefore I obey them with all my heart.
130 When your word goes forth it gives light; * it gives understanding to the simple.
131 I open my mouth and pant; *
I long for your commandments.
132 Turn to me in mercy, *
as you always do to those who love your Name.
133 Steady my footsteps in your word; *
let no iniquity have dominion over me.
134 Rescue me from those who oppress me, * and I will keep your commandments.
135 Let your countenance shine upon your servant * and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes shed streams of tears, * because people do not keep your law.
SECOND READING Romans 8:26-39
The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.
What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
GOSPEL Matthew 13:31-33,44-52
Jesus put before the crowds another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
“Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for
Phoebe Cutler, Ted & Sherry Dane, and Elizabeth Daneker DelGizzo.
The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for healthcare workers and those who save lives by being blood and organ donors, by the Lennon family.

July 23, 2023 The Eighth Sunday After Pentecost

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 12:17:00 -0400

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know our necessities before we ask and our ignorance in asking: Have compassion on our weakness, and mercifully give us those things which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask; through the worthiness of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
FIRST READING Wisdom of Solomon 12:13,16-19
There is no god besides you, whose care is for all people,
to whom you should prove that you have not judged unjustly;
for your strength is the source of righteousness,
and your sovereignty over all causes you to spare all.
For you show your strength when people doubt the completeness of your power, and you rebuke any insolence among those who know it.
Although you are sovereign in strength, you judge with mildness,
and with great forbearance you govern us;
for you have power to act whenever you choose.
Through such works you have taught your people that the righteous must be kind,
and you have filled your children with good hope, because you give repentance for sins.’
PSALM Psalm 86:11-17 Inclina, Domine 11 Teach me your way, O LORD,
and I will walk in your truth; *
knit my heart to you that I may fear your Name.
12 I will thank you, O LORD my God, with all my heart, * and glorify your Name for evermore.
13 For great is your love toward me; *
you have delivered me from the nethermost Pit.
14 The arrogant rise up against me, O God,
and a band of violent men seeks my life; * they have not set you before their eyes.
15 But you, O LORD, are gracious and full of compassion, * slow to anger, and full of kindness and truth.
16 Turn to me and have mercy upon me; * give your strength to your servant; and save the child of your handmaid.
17 Show me a sign of your favor,
so that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed; * because you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.
SECOND READING Romans 8:12-25
Brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh-- for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ-- if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
GOSPEL Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Jesus put before the crowd another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he replied, ‘No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”
Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!”
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for:
Ron Cowie, Eden Casteel, & Katherine Cowie; Tyler & Jen Cratsenberg & Terri Ward; and David, Debbie, & Andrew Crocker.
The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mark Bloomfield by Ron & Ruth Gadbois.

July 16, 2023 The Seventh Sunday After Pentecost

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 10:13:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #440 Blessed Jesus, At Thy Word
Sequence Hymn #589 Almighty God, Your Word is Cast Like Seed
Offertory Music Musician Voluntary
Communion Music Musician Voluntary
Post-Communion
Hymn #530 Spread, O Spread, Thy Mighty Word
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
FIRST READING Isaiah 55:10-13
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall be to the LORD for a memorial, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
PSALM Psalm 65:1-8, 9-13 Te decet hymnus 1 You are to be praised, O God, in Zion; *
to you shall vows be performed in Jerusalem.
2 To you that hear prayer shall all flesh come, * because of their transgressions.
3 Our sins are stronger than we are, * but you will blot them out.
4 Happy are they whom you choose
and draw to your courts to dwell there! *
they will be satisfied by the beauty of your house, by the holiness of your temple.
5 Awesome things will you show us in your righteousness, O God of our salvation, *
O Hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the seas that are far away.
6 You make fast the mountains by your power; * they are girded about with might.
7 You still the roaring of the seas, * the roaring of their waves, and the clamor of the peoples.
8 Those who dwell at the ends of the earth will tremble at your marvelous signs; * you make the dawn and the dusk to sing for joy.
9 You visit the earth and water it abundantly; you make it very plenteous; *
the river of God is full of water.
10 You prepare the grain, *
for so you provide for the earth.
11 You drench the furrows and smooth out the ridges; *
with heavy rain you soften the ground and bless its increase.
12 You crown the year with your goodness, * and your paths overflow with plenty.
13 May the fields of the wilderness be rich for grazing, * and the hills be clothed with joy.
14 May the meadows cover themselves with flocks, and the valleys cloak themselves with grain; * let them shout for joy and sing.
SECOND READING Romans 8:1-11
There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you
free from the law of sin and of death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do: by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and to deal with sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, so that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 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.
GOSPEL Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and
sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!”
“Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for:
Anne Considine; David & Ann Costantino; and Kristin, Gary, Aubrey, & Billy Costello.
Special thanks to Margaret Clark, our guest organist.
The flowers are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of her beloved son Scott Winfield Newell, for whom the Sanctuary Lamp is also lit, by Joyce Noonan.

July 9, 2023 The Sixth Sunday After Pentecost

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 10:14:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #657 Love Divine
Sequence Hymn #457 All Loves Excelling Thou Art the Way To Thee Alone
Offertory Music Musician Voluntary
Communion Music Musician Voluntary
Post-Communion Musician Voluntary
Hymn #544 Jesus Shall Reign, Where’er the Sun
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole heart, and united to one another with pure affection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
FIRST READING
Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion!
Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!
Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he,
humble and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem;
Zechariah 9:9-12
and the battle bow shall be cut off,
and he shall command peace to the nations;
his dominion shall be from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.
Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double.
PSALM Psalm 145:8-15 Exaltabo te, Deus
8 The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, * slow to anger and of great kindness.
9 The LORD is loving to everyone *
and his compassion is over all his works.
10 All your works praise you, O LORD, * and your faithful servants bless you.
11 They make known the glory of your kingdom * and speak of your power;
12 That the peoples may know of your power * and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; * your dominion endures throughout all ages.
14 The LORD is faithful in all his words * and merciful in all his deeds.
15 The LORD upholds all those who fall; * he lifts up those who are bowed down.
SECOND READING Romans 7:15-25a
I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. But in fact it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me.
So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
GOSPEL Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Jesus said to the crowd, “To what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the
marketplaces and calling to one another,
‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”
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.”
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for:
Maria Clements, Duncan & Christina Cocroft, and Brooke & Kristen Connell.
Special thanks to Margaret Clark, our guest organist.

July 2nd Fifth Sunday After Pentecost

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 09:57:00 -0400

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Fr. Craig Swan Presiding

Hunger & Poverty: Local Needs & Ways to Help Kate Brewster, CEO of Jonnycake Center for Hope

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 10:09:00 -0400

The first lecture in our 2023 Summer Lecture Series, Recognizing & Serving the Needs of Our Community, will feature Kate Brewster, CEO of the Jonnycake Center for Hope, who will discuss the hunger and poverty needs in our community, how the Center is addressing the needs, and what you can do to help.

Bishop Nicholas Knisely's Sermon, June 25th 2023 St. Peter's by-the-Sea

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 15:17:00 -0400

Bishop Knisely's Sermon on how two things can be different and true at the same time.

The Feast of St. Peter and Paul (Transferred) Confirmation with Holy Communion Sunday, June 25, 2023

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 18:16:00 -0400

PRELUDE At the River (arr. Copland)
Timothy Hoyt, Soloist
ENTRANCE HYMN 473 Lift High the Cross
OPENING ACCLAMATION
Bishop Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
SALUTATION FOR BAPTISM
Bishop People Bishop People
There is one Body and one Spirit; There is one hope in God’s call to us; One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism; One God and Father of all.
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
Bishop People Bishop
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray.
Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you by their martyrdom: Grant that your Church, instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Lessons
FIRST READING Genesis 21:8-21
The people sit.
A Reading from the book of Genesis.
The child grew, and was weaned; and Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned. But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, playing with her son Isaac. So she said to Abraham, “Cast out this slave woman with her son; for the son of this slave woman shall not inherit along with my son Isaac.” The matter was very distressing to Abraham on account of his son. But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed because of the boy and because of your slave woman; whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for it is through Isaac that offspring shall be named for you. As for the son of the slave woman, I will make a nation of him also, because he is your offspring.” So Abraham rose early in the morning, and took bread and a skin of water, and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, along with the child, and sent her away. And she departed, and wandered about in the wilderness of Beer-sheba.
When the water in the skin was gone, she cast the child under one of the bushes. Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about the distance of a bowshot; for she said, “Do not let me look on the death of the child.” And as she sat opposite him, she lifted up her voice and wept. And God heard the voice of the boy; and the angel of God called toHagar from heaven, and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Do not be afraid; for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. Come, lift up the boy and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make a great nation of him.” Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. She went, and filled the skin with water, and gave the boy a drink.
God was with the boy, and he grew up; he lived in the wilderness, and became an expert with the bow. He lived in the wilderness of Paran; and his mother got a wife for him from the land of Egypt.
Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
Silence may follow.
PSALM: Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 Inclina, Domine Remain seated.
1 Bow down your ear, O LORD, and answer me, * for I am poor and in misery.
2 Keep watch over my life, for I am faithful; * save your servant who puts his trust in you.
3 Be merciful to me, O LORD, for you are my God; * I call upon you all the day long.
4 Gladden the soul of your servant, *
for to you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
5 For you, O LORD, are good and forgiving, *
and great is your love toward all who call upon you.
6 Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer, *
and attend to the voice of my supplications.
7 In the time of my trouble I will call upon you, * for you will answer me.
8 Among the gods there is none like you, O LORD, * nor anything like your works.
9 All nations you have made will come and worship you, O LORD,* and glorify your Name.
10 For you are great;
you do wondrous things; * and you alone are God.
16 Turn to me and have mercy upon me; * give your strength to your servant; and save the child of your handmaid.
17 Show me a sign of your favor,
so that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed; * because you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.
SECOND READING: Romans 6:1b-11 The people sit.
A Reading from Paul's letter to the Church in Rome.
1bShould we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? 2By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it? 3Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
5For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. 7For whoever has died is freed from sin. 8But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. 11So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
Silence may follow.
SEQUENCE HYMN 661 They cast their nets in Galilee
GOSPEL: Matthew 10:24-39
All standing, the Deacon or a Priest reads the Gospel, first saying
Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
[Jesus said to the twelve apostles,] 24“A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; 25it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household!
26“So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. 27What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. 28Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30And even the hairs of your head are all counted. 31So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
32“Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; 33but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.
34“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household.
37Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.”
After the Gospel, the Reader says
The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
THE SERMON The Rt. Rev. Nicholas Knisely, Bishop of Rhode Island Presentation and Examination of the Candidates
PRESENTATION
Bishop The Candidate will now be presented.
Presenters I present this person for Confirmation/to be received/to reaffirm her Baptismal
vows.
EXAMINATION
Bishop Candidate Bishop Candidate
Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil?
I do.
Do you renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?
I do, and with God's grace I will follow him as my Savior and Lord.
After all have been presented, the Bishop addresses the congregation, saying
Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support this person/these persons in their life in Christ?
People We will.
The Bishop then says these or similar words
Let us join with this person/these persons who is/are committing herself/themselves to Christ and renew our own baptismal covenant.
THE BAPTISMAL COVENANT
Bishop
Do you believe in God the Father?
People
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Bishop
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Bishop
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Bishop
Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers?
People
I will, with God’s help.
Bishop
Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People
I will, with God’s help.
Bishop
Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People
I will, with God’s help.
Bishop
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People
I will, with God’s help.
Bishop
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People
I will, with God’s help.
PRAYERS FOR THE CANDIDATES
The Bishop then says to the congregation
Let us now pray for this person/these persons who has renewed her/their commitment to Christ.
Deliver her/them, O Lord, from the way of sin and death. Lord, hear our prayer.
Open her/their heart(s) to your grace and truth. Lord, hear our prayer.
Fill her/them with your holy and life-giving Spirit. Lord, hear our prayer.
Keep her/them in the faith and communion of your holy Church. Lord, hear our prayer.
Teach her/them to love others in the power of the Spirit. Lord, hear our prayer.
Send her/them into the world in witness to your love. Lord, hear our prayer.
Bring her/them to the fullness of your peace and glory. Lord, hear our prayer.
A period of silence follows.
HYMN 512 Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove
Then the Bishop says
Almighty God, we thank you that by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ you have overcome sin and brought us to yourself, and that by the sealing of your Holy Spirit you have bound us to your service. Renew in this/these your servant(s) the covenant you have made with her/them at her/their Baptism. Send her/them forth in the power of that Spirit to perform the service you set before her/them; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
LAYING ON OF HANDS
For Confirmation (10:15 a.m. service)
The Bishop lays hands upon each one and says
Strengthen, O Lord, your servant Jacqueline with your Holy Spirit; empower her for your service; and sustain her all the days of her life. Amen.
For Reaffirmation (10:15 a.m. service)
Hawazoe, may the Holy Spirit, who has begun a good work in you, direct and uphold you in the
service of Christ and his kingdom. Amen.
The Bishop concludes with this prayer
Almighty and everlasting God, let your fatherly hand ever be over this/these your servant(s); let your Holy Spirit ever be with her/them; and so lead her/them in the knowledge and obedience of your Word, that she/they may serve you in this life, and dwell with you in the life to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE PEACE
The Peace is now exchanged
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you.
The Holy Communion
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
The Celebrant says
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and make good your vows to the Most High.
Psalm 50:14
OFFERTORY ANTHEM It Is Well With My Soul (arr. Larson)
The Great Thanksgiving SURSUM CORDA S 120 Lift up your hearts
The People remain standing.
Facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds
It is truly right to glorify you, Holy One, 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 say,
SANCTUS
Celebrant and People
The People stand or kneel.
The Celebrant continues
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.
The Celebrant continues
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.
Remember Michael, our presiding Bishop, Nicholas our Bishop and Craig our Rector. And all who minister in your Church.
Remember all your people, and those who seek your truth.
Remember all who have died in the peace of Christ, and those whose faith is known to you alone; bring them into the place of eternal joy and light.
And grant that we may find our inheritance with the Blessed Virgin Mary, with patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, with blessed Peter our patron 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.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
People and Celebrant
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...

June 11, 2023 The Second Sunday After Pentecost

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 11:47:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #401 The God of Abraham Praise
Sequence Hymn #293 Praise Our Great and Gracious Lord
Offertory Anthem Exsultate! (Lightfoot)
Communion Anthem I Lift My Eyes (Hopson)
Post-Communion Hymn #493 O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration we may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
FIRST READING Hosea 5:15-6:6
Thus says the Lord: “I will return again to my place until they acknowledge their guilt and seek my face. In their distress they will beg my favor: ‘Come, let us return to the Lord; for it is he who has torn, and he will heal us; he has struck down, and he will bind us up. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him. Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord; his appearing is as sure as the dawn; he will come to us like the showers, like the spring rains that water the earth.’ What shall I do with you, O Ephraim? What shall I do with you, O Judah? Your love is like a morning cloud, like the dew that goes away early. Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets, I have killed them by the words of my mouth, and my judgment goes forth as the light. For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”
PSALM Psalm 50:7-15 Deus Deorum
7 Hear, O my people, and I will speak:
"O Israel, I will bear witness against you; * for I am God, your God.
8 I do not accuse you because of your sacrifices; * your offerings are always before me.
9 I will take no bull-calf from your stalls, * nor he-goats out of your pens;
10 For all the beasts of the forest are mine, * the herds in their thousands upon the hills.
11 I know every bird in the sky, *
and the creatures of the fields are in my sight.
12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you, *
for the whole world is mine and all that is in it.
13 Do you think I eat the flesh of bulls, * or drink the blood of goats?
14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving *
and make good your vows to the Most High.
15 Call upon me in the day of trouble; *
I will deliver you, and you shall honor me."
SECOND READING Romans 4:13-25
The promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation.
For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”) —in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become “the father of many nations,” according to what was said, “So numerous shall your descendants be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God,but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Therefore his faith “was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Now the words, “it was reckoned to him,” were written not for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was handed over to death for our trespasses and was raised for our justification.
GOSPEL Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.”
And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”
While he was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples. Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. When Jesus came to the leader’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, “Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And the report of this spread throughout that district.
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for:
Leo & Jeanne Carroll, Kevin & Jana Carter, and Walter & Lawren Casagrande.
The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Sylvia Brown on what would have been her 101st birthday by Paul & Donna Brown.

June 4, 2023 Trinity Sunday

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 15:33:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #362 Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!
Sequence Hymn #295 Sing Praise to Our Creator
Offertory Anthem Go Ye Into the World (Sleeth)
Communion Anthem Prayer to the Trinity (Bedford)
Post-Communion Hymn #366 Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
FIRST READING Genesis 1:1-2:4a
In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
And God said, “Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” So God made the dome and separated the waters that were under the dome from the waters that were above the dome. And it was so. God called the dome Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day. And God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.
And God said, “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
And God said, “Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.” So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.
And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.” And it was so. God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good.
Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.”
So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” God said, “See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.
These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created.
PSALM
1 O LORD our Governor,*
how exalted is your Name in all the world!
2 Out of the mouths of infants and children* your majesty is praised above the heavens.
3 You have set up a stronghold against your adversaries,*
to quell the enemy and the avenger.
Psalm 8
Domine, Dominus noster
6 You have made him but little lower than the angels* you adorn him with glory and honor;
7 You give him mastery over the works of your hands;* you put all things under his feet:
8 All sheep and oxen,*
even the wild beasts of the field,
9 The birds of the air, the fish of the sea,*
and whatsoever walks in the paths of the sea.
10 O LORD our Governor,*
how exalted is your Name in all the world!
4 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,*
the moon and the stars you have set in their courses,
5 What is man that you should be mindful of him?* the son of man that you should seek him out?
SECOND READING 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in
peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.
GOSPEL Matthew 28:16-20
The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for:
James Cacciola; Anthony & Colleen Capezza; and Chuck, Sherry, Liam, & Aidan Carberry.
The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Antonio Pacheco by Maria Clements.

May 21, 2023 The Seventh Sunday of Easter

Sun, 21 May 2023 14:09:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #450 All Hail The Power of Jesus’ Name
Sequence Hymn #483 The Head That Once Was Crowned With Thorns
Offertory Anthem Behold the Lamb of God (Benham)
Communion Anthem O Salutaris Hostia (Beethoven)
Post-Communion Hymn #494 O Salutaris Hostia (Beethoven)
O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
FIRST READING Acts 1:6-14
When the apostles had come together, they asked Jesus, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same
way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.
PSALM Psalm 68: 1-10, 33-36 Exsurgat Deus 1 Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered; *
let those who hate him flee before him.
2 Let them vanish like smoke when the wind drives it away; *
as the wax melts at the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
3 But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; * let them also be merry and joyful.
4 Sing to God, sing praises to his Name;
exalt him who rides upon the heavens; * YAHWEH is his Name, rejoice before him!
5 Father of orphans, defender of widows, * God in his holy habitation!
6 God gives the solitary a home and brings forth prisoners into freedom; * but the rebels shall live in dry places.
7 O God, when you went forth before your people, * when you marched through the wilderness,
8 The earth shook, and the skies poured down rain, at the presence of God, the God of Sinai, *
at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
9 You sent a gracious rain, O God, upon your inheritance; * you refreshed the land when it was weary.
10 Your people found their home in it; *
in your goodness, O God, you have made provision for the poor.
33 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; * sing praises to the Lord.
34 He rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; * he sends forth his voice, his mighty voice.
35 Ascribe power to God; *
his majesty is over Israel; his strength is in the skies.
36 How wonderful is God in his holy places! *
the God of Israel giving strength and power to his people! Blessed be God!
SECOND READING 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
GOSPEL John 17:1-11
Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.
“I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.”
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for:
Paul & Donna Brown, Jerry & Peggy Brunetto, and Steve & Barbara Bucci.
The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Betty Vincent by Debbie, David, & Andrew Crocker.
.

May 14, 2023 The Sixth Sunday of Easter

Sun, 14 May 2023 12:20:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #191 Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts and Voices Heavenward Raise
Sequence Hymn #455 O Love of God, How Strong and True
Offertory Anthem Dona Nobis Pacem (Bach, arr. Althouse)
Communion Anthem Ubi Caritas (Hurd)
Post-Communion Hymn #544 Jesus Shall Reign
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
FIRST READING Acts 17:22-31
Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him— though indeed he is not far from each one of us. For ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said,
‘For we too are his offspring.’
Since we are God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”
PSALM Psalm 66:7-18 Jubilate Deo
7 Bless our God, you peoples; *
make the voice of his praise to be heard;
8 Who holds our souls in life, *
and will not allow our feet to slip.
9 For you, O God, have proved us; *
you have tried us just as silver is tried.
10 You brought us into the snare; *
you laid heavy burdens upon our backs.
11 You let enemies ride over our heads;
we went through fire and water; *
but you brought us out into a place of refreshment.
12 I will enter your house with burnt-offerings
and will pay you my vows, *
which I promised with my lips
and spoke with my mouth when I was in trouble.
13 I will offer you sacrifices of fat beasts with the smoke of rams; *
I will give you oxen and goats.
14 Come and listen, all you who fear God, *
and I will tell you what he has done for me.
15 I called out to him with my mouth, * and his praise was on my tongue.
16 If I had found evil in my heart, *
the Lord would not have heard me;
17 But in truth God has heard me; *
he has attended to the voice of my prayer.
18 Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer, * nor withheld his love from me.
SECOND READING 1 Peter 3:13-22
Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you
are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God's will, than to suffer for doing evil. For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you-- not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.
GOSPEL John 14:15-21
Jesus said, ”If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.
”I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.”
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for:
Ron & Marjorie Boss; Barbara Brown; and Jeff Brown & Robin Bellows.
The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God by Robert & Sheila Manke and in loving memory of Robert Lee Considine, Sr. by Anne Considine & Family.
ST. PETER’S BY-THE-SEA EPISCOPAL CHURCH
72 Central Street | Narragansett, RI 02882 | 401.783.4623 | www.stpetersbythesea.com

May 7, 2023 The Fifth Sunday of Easter

Tue, 09 May 2023 16:16:00 -0400

Prelude The Call (Vaughn Williams) Timothy Hoyt, Soloist
Entrance Hymn #525 The Church’s One Foundation
Sequence Hymn #1 Father, We Praise Thee For Night Is Over
Offertory Anthem Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled (Larson)
Communion Anthem At the Name of Jesus (Waters)
Post-Communion Hymn #457 Thou Art The Way, To Thee Alone
THE 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.
FIRST READING Acts 7:55-60
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.
PSALM Psalm 31: 1-5, 15-16 In te, Domine, speravi
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
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.
GOSPEL John 14:1-14
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.”
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for:
Carmen, Connor, & Colin Bois; Michael Borek & Lisa Corvese Borek; and Brad & Julia Boss.

April 30, 2023 The Fourth Sunday of Easter

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 12:53:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #205 Good Christians All, Rejoice and Sing!
Psalm #645 (10:15 a.m.) The King of Love My Shepherd Is
Sequence Hymn #343 Shepherd of Souls, Refresh and Bless
Offertory Anthem Loving Shepherd (Bach, arr. various)
Communion Hymn #304 I Come With Joy to Meet My Lord Savior
Post-Communion Hymn #708 Like A Shepherd Lead Us
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
FIRST READING Acts 2:42-47
Those who had been baptized devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
PSALM 23 (8:00 a.m.) King James Version The LORD is my shepherd; *
I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; *
he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; *
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his Name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; *
for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of
mine enemies; * thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days
of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
SECOND READING 1 Peter 2:19-25
It is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God's approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.
“He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
GOSPEL John 10:1-10
Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by
another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for:
Richard & Robin Beaupre, John, & Stephanie Bishara, and Ed Bogosian.
We are pleased to welcome The Rev. Canon Dena Cleaver-Bartholomew, Canon to the Ordinary, to preside and preach at the 8:00 and 10:15 services.

April 23, 2023 The Third Sunday of Easter

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 18:48:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #296 We Know That Christ is Raised and Dies No More
Sequence Hymn #495 Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus
Offertory Anthem Christ is Risen, Alleluia! (Albrecht/Althouse)
Communion Hymn #305 Come, Risen Lord, and Deign to Be Our Guest
Post-Communion Hymn #180 He Is Risen, He Is Risen!
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
FIRST READING Acts 2:14a, 36-41
Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd, “Let the entire house of Israel
know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.
PSALM Psalm 116:1-3, 10-17 Dilexi, quoniam 1 I love the LORD, because he has heard the voice of my supplication, *
because he has inclined his ear to me whenever I called upon him.
2 The cords of death entangled me;
the grip of the grave took hold of me; * I came to grief and sorrow.
3 Then I called upon the Name of the LORD: * "O LORD, I pray you, save my life."
10 How shall I repay the LORD *
for all the good things he has done for me?
11 I will lift up the cup of salvation *
and call upon the Name of the LORD.
12 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD * in the presence of all his people.
13 Precious in the sight of the LORD * is the death of his servants.
14 O LORD, I am your servant; *
I am your servant and the child of your handmaid; you have freed me from my bonds.
ST. PETER’S BY-THE-SEA EPISCOPAL CHURCH
72 Central Street | Narragansett, RI 02882 | 401.783.4623 | www.stpetersbythesea.com
15 I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving * and call upon the Name of the LORD.
16 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD * in the presence of all his people,
17 In the courts of the LORD'S house, * in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Hallelujah!
SECOND READING 1 Peter 1:17-23
If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God.
Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.
GOSPEL Luke 24:13-35
Now on that same day two of Jesus' disciples were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enterinto his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for:
John & Margaret Alden; Garrett, Holly, Tucker, & Wilson Babij; and Brian Bannon.

April 16, 2023 The Second Sunday of Easter

Sun, 16 Apr 2023 12:40:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #195 Jesus Lives! Thy Terrors Now
Sequence Hymn #209 We Walk By Faith
Offertory Anthem This Joyful Eastertide (Woodward, arr. Somervell) Danielle Grilli, Soloist
Communion Anthem We Behold the Risen Lord (Lawler, Friedell) Danielle Grilli, Soloist
Post-Communion Hymn #212 Awake, Arise, Lift Up Your Voice
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
FIRST READING Acts 2:14a, 22-32
Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd, “You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know— this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. For David says concerning him,
‘I saw the Lord always before me,
for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken;
therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will live in hope.
For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
or let your Holy One experience corruption.
You have made known to me the ways of life;
you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’
“Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying,
‘He was not abandoned to Hades,
nor did his flesh experience corruption.’
This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses.”
PSALM 16 Conserva me, Domine
1 Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you; * I have said to the LORD, "You are my Lord, my good above all other."
2 All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land, * upon those who are noble among the people.
3 But those who run after other gods * shall have their troubles multiplied.
4 Their libations of blood I will not offer, *
nor take the names of their gods upon my lips.
5 O LORD, you are my portion and my cup; * it is you who uphold my lot.
6 My boundaries enclose a pleasant land; * indeed, I have a goodly heritage.
7 I will bless the LORD who gives me counsel; * my heart teaches me, night after night.
8 I have set the LORD always before me; * because he is at my right hand I shall not fall.
9 My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; * my body also shall rest in hope.
10 For you will not abandon me to the grave, * nor let your holy one see the Pit.
11 You will show me the path of life; *
in your presence there is fullness of joy,
and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.
SECOND READING 1 Peter 1:3-9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith-- being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire-- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
GOSPEL John 20:19-31
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe."
A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for:
Fran Alexakos & Britt Bell; Alex, Meaghan, Mack, & Luca Anderson; and Stephen Babcock.

April 9th, Easter Sunday

Sun, 09 Apr 2023 12:41:00 -0400

Easter Day
Year A
RCL

Easter Vigil

Sat, 08 Apr 2023 23:20:00 -0400

The Great Vigil of Easter
Year A
RCL

Good Friday 2023

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 20:49:00 -0400

Drake Douglas Presiding
Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Hebrews 10:16-25
or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
John 18:1-19:42
Psalm 22

Maundy Thursday 2023

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 09:53:00 -0400

Fr. Ruffino presiding

The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday, April 2, 2023

Sun, 02 Apr 2023 16:56:00 -0400

The Liturgy of the Palms
OPENING HYMN: # 156 Ride On, Ride On in Majesty
OPENING ANTHEM
Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.
The Word of God
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
Celebrant People Celebrant
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray.
Almighty and ever-living God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Lessons
FIRST READING: Isaiah 50:4-9a
The people sit.
A Reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
4The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens—wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward. 6I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.
7The Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; 8he who vindicates me is near. Who will
contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. aIt is the Lord GOD who helps me; who will declare me guilty?
Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
Silence may follow.
PSALM: Psalm 31:9-16
The choir will chant the psalm.
9Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am in trouble; * my eye is consumed with sorrow,
and also my throat and my belly.
10For my life is wasted with grief, and my years with sighing; *
my strength fails me because of affliction,
and my bones are consumed.
11I have become a reproach to all my enemies and even to my neighbors, a dismay to those of my acquaintance; *
when they see me in the street they avoid me. 12I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; *
I am as useless as a broken pot.
13For I have heard the whispering of the crowd; fear is all around; *
they put their heads together against me;
they plot to take my life.
14But as for me, I have trusted in you, O LORD. *
I have said, “You are my God. 15My times are in your hand; *
rescue me from the hand of my enemies,
and from those who persecute me.
16Make your face to shine upon your servant, *
and in your loving-kindness save me.”
SECOND READING: Philippians 2:5-11
The people sit.
A Reading from Paul's letter to the Church in Philippi.
5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, 6who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, 7but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, 8he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.
9Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
Silence may follow.
SEQUENCE HYMN: # 435 At the Name of Jesus
All stand.
GOSPEL READING: Matthew 21:1-11
Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
When Jesus and his disciples had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, `The Lord needs them.' And he will send them immediately." This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,
"Tell the daughter of Zion,
Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey."
The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,
"Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, "Who is this?" The crowds were saying, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee."
Priest The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
THE SERMON
BLESSING OF THE PALMS
The Celebrant then says the following blessing
Celebrant People Celebrant People
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is right to praise you, Almighty God, for the acts of love by which you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. On this day he entered the holy city of Jerusalem in triumph, and was proclaimed as King of kings by those who spread their garments and branches of palm along his way. Let these branches be for us signs of his victory, and grant that we who bear them in his name may ever hail him as our King, and follow him in the way that leads to eternal life; who lives and reigns in glory with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
SECOND ANTHEM
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Deacon Let us go forth in peace. People In the name of Christ. Amen.
PROCESSION HYMN: # 154 All Glory, Laud, and Honor
THE SERMON
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
All remain standing.
With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the Lord, saying, “Lord, have mercy.”
For the peace of the world, for the welfare of the holy Church of God, and for the unity of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For our Bishop, and for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For our President, for the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this city , for every city and community, and for those who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For seasonable weather, and for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will to conserve it, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For those who travel on land, on water, or in the air [or through outer space], let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the aged and infirm, for the widowed and orphans, and for the sick and the suffering, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
In our parish cycle of prayer, for Jeanne, Luma, & Caedman Adams; Linda Adams; and Janet Alden, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the poor and the oppressed, for the unemployed and the destitute, for prisoners and captives, and for all who remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, and for all the departed, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For deliverance from all danger, violence, oppression, and degradation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For the absolution and remission of our sins and offenses, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
That we may end our lives in faith and hope, without suffering and without reproach, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Defend us, deliver us, and in thy compassion protect us, O Lord, by thy grace.
Lord, have mercy.
In the communion of the blessed Mary, Blessed Peter our Patron, and all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life, to Christ our God.
To thee, O Lord our God.
Silence
The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.
THE PEACE
All stand.
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you.
Then the Ministers and the People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.
The Holy Communion
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
The Celebrant says
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and make good your vows to the Most High.
Psalm 50:14
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: His The Scepter (Nagy)
The Great Thanksgiving
SURSUM CORDA
The People remain standing.
Celebrant People Celebrant People Celebrant People
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Facing the Holy Table, 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. For our sins he was lifted high upon the cross, that he might draw the whole world to himself; and, by his suffering and death, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who put their trust in him.
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:
SANCTUS S129
Celebrant and People
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:
Celebrant and People
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 forever. AMEN.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
People and Celebrant
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, forever and ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
FRACTION ANTHEM
Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
therefore let us keep the feast.
INVITATION
The Celebrant says
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.
The ministers receive the Sacrament in both kinds, and then immediately deliver it to the people. The Bread and the Cup are given to the communicants with these words
The Body (Blood) of our Lord Jesus Christ keep you in everlasting life. Amen.
COMMUNION ANTHEM: What Love Is This (Nix)
POST-COMMUNION PRAYER
After Communion, the Celebrant says
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
The Priest blesses the people, saying
Bow down before the Lord
Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
HYMN: # 168 O Sacred Head, Sore Wounded
THE PASSION GOSPEL: Matthew 26:36 – 27:66
The Passion Gospel may be read or chanted by lay persons. Specific roles may be assigned to different persons, the congregation taking the part of the crowd.
The customary responses before and after the Gospel are omitted.
The congregation may be seated for the first part of the Passion. At the verse which mentions the arrival at Golgotha (Matthew 27:33, Mark 15:22, Luke 23:33) all stand.
MEDITATION: He Was Despised (Smith)
Antonio Rodrigues, soloist

March 26, 2023 The Fifth Sunday in Lent

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 13:08:00 -0400

Sequence Hymn #455 O Love of God, How Strong and True
Offertory Anthem O Lord, My God, You Are My Refuge (Bach, arr. Hopson)
Communion Anthem Agnus Dei (Sullivan)
Post-Communion Hymn #567 Thine Arm, O Lord, In Days of Old
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
O Almighty God, who alone canst order the unruly wills and affections of sinful men: Grant unto thy people that they may love the thing which thou commandest, and desire that which thou dost promise; that so, among the sundry and manifold changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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.
PSALM Psalm 130 De profundis 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.
GOSPEL John 11:1-45
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.
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for:
George & Mary Yerger; Kent & Debra Yrchik-Shoemaker; and David, Nicole, Michael, & Abigail Zelenak.

March 19, 2023 The Fourth Sunday in Lent

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 12:30:00 -0400

Prelude“If With All Your Hearts” from Elijah (Mendelssohn) – Dan Caramante, Soloist
Opening Hymn #493 O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing
Psalm #645 The King of Love My Shepherd Is
Sequence Hymn #547 Awake, O Sleeper, Rise From Death
Offertory Anthem There Is A Balm In Gilead (arr. Lau)
Communion Hymn #465 Eternal Light, Shine In My Heart
Post-Communion Hymn #149 Eternal Lord of Love
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
Gracious Father, whose blessed son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which giveth life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
FIRST READING 1 Samuel 16:1-13
The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And
the LORD said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.” Samuel did what the LORD commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come peaceably?” He said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to
the LORD; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the LORD.” But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but
the LORD looks on the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.” Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.” Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of
the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.
SECOND READING Ephesians 5:8-14
Once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Sleeper, awake!
Rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
GOSPEL John 9:1-41
As Jesus walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” Some were saying, “It is he.” Others were saying, “No, but it is someone like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” But they kept asking him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ Then I went and washed and received my sight.” They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”
They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.” Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?” And they were divided. So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” He said, “He is a prophet.”
The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.” His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”
So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, “Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.” He answered, “I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” Then they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” The man answered, “Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?” And they drove him out.
Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered, “And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him.” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.” He said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped him. Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.” Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, “Surely we are not blind, are we?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.”
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for:
Jaime & Debbie Wilson, Larry & Jane Wilson, and Randy & Andrea Wilson.

March 12, 2023 The Third Sunday in Lent

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 12:54:00 -0400

Sequence Hymn #685 Rock of Ages
Offertory Anthem Kyrie (Dvorak, arr. Schram)
Communion Anthem Our Soul Waiteth for the Lord (Pinkston)
Post-Communion Hymn #522 Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
Almighty God, who seest that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
FIRST READING Exodus 17:1-7
From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. The people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?” But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” So Moses cried out to the LORD, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” The LORD said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?”
PSALM Psalm 95 1 Come, let us sing to the LORD; *
let us shout for joy to the Rock of our
salvation.
2 Let us come before his presence with
thanksgiving *
and raise a loud shout to him with psalms. 3 For the LORD is a great God, *
and a great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the caverns of the earth, *
and the heights of the hills are his also. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, *
and his hands have molded the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, *
and kneel before the LORD our Maker. 7 For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture and the
SECOND READING Romans 5:1-11
Venite, exultemus
sheep of his hand. *
Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!
8 Harden not your hearts,
as your forebears did in the wilderness, * at Meribah, and on that day at Massah, when they tempted me.
9 They put me to the test, *
though they had seen my works.
10 Forty years long I detested that generation and said, *
"This people are wayward in their hearts;
they do not know my ways." 11 So I swore in my wrath, *
"They shall not enter into my rest."
Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance
ST. PETER’S BY-THE-SEA EPISCOPAL CHURCH
72 Central Street | Narragansett, RI 02882 | 401.783.4623 | www.stpetersbythesea.com
produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person-- though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
GOSPEL John 4:5-42
Jesus came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph.
Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon.
A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” The woman said to him, “Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?” Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.”
Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come back.” The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true!” The woman said to him, “Sir, I see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us.” Jesus said to her, “I am he, the one who is speaking to you.”
Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you want?” or, “Why are you speaking with her?” Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?” They left the city and were on their way to him.
Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” So the disciples said to one another, “Surely no one has brought him something to eat?” Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. Do you not say, ‘Four months more, then comes the harvest’? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting. The reaper is already receiving wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”
Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I have ever done.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world.”
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for:
Norma Villanis; Brant, Stephanie, Jackson, & Joel White; and Jay, Billie Jo, & Leah Wilbur.

Fr. Craig Swan Sermon March 5th 2023

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 10:10:00 -0400

Sermon on March 5th, 2023 2nd Week of Lent

Drake Douglas Sermon: Feb 28th 2023

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 15:09:00 -0400

Drake discusses three important mantras and their relationship to the temptation of Jesus in the desert.

March 5, 2023 The Second Sunday in Lent

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 14:26:00 -0400

Sequence Hymn #147 Now Let us All With One Accord
Offertory Anthem God So Loved the World (Stainer)
Communion Anthem I Lift My Eyes (Hopson)
Post-Communion Hymn #473 Lift High The Cross
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
FIRST READING Genesis 12:1-4a
The LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him.
PSALM Psalm 121 Levavi oculos 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills; *
from where is my help to come?
2 My help comes from the LORD, * the maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot be moved *
and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.
4 Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel * shall neither slumber nor sleep;
5 The LORD himself watches over you; *
the LORD is your shade at your right hand,
6 So that the sun shall not strike you by day, * nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; * it is he who shall keep you safe.
8 The LORD shall watch over your going out and your coming in, * from this time forth for evermore.
SECOND READING Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness.
For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation.
For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”) —in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
GOSPEL John 3:1-17
There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do notknow where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?
“Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for:
Ruth Vande Mark, Wheaton Vaughan, and Barbara Vigeant.

First Sunday in Lent The Holy Eucharist Rite One Great Litany, Eucharistic Prayer 1 Sunday, February 26, 2023

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 15:27:00 -0400

First Sunday in Lent
The Holy Eucharist Rite One Great Litany, Eucharistic Prayer 1 Sunday, February 26, 2023

The Word of God
GREAT LITANY (BCP p. 148)
All stand.
O God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth,
Have mercy upon us.
O God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy upon us.
O God the Holy Ghost, Sanctifier of the faithful,
Have mercy upon us.
O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, one God,
Have mercy upon us.
Remember not, Lord Christ, our offenses, nor the offenses of our forefathers; neither reward us according to our sins. Spare us, good Lord, spare thy people, whom thou hast redeemed with thy most precious blood, and by thy mercy preserve us for ever.
Spare us, good Lord.
From all evil and wickedness; from sin; from the crafts and assaults of the devil; and from everlasting damnation,
Good Lord, deliver us.
From all blindness of heart; from pride, vainglory, and hypocrisy; from envy, hatred, and malice; and from all want of charity,
Good Lord, deliver us.
From all inordinate and sinful affections; and from all the deceits of the world, the flesh, and the devil,
Good Lord, deliver us.
From all false doctrine, heresy, and schism; from hardness of heart, and contempt of thy Word and commandment,
Good Lord, deliver us.
From lightning and tempest; from earthquake, fire, and flood; from plague, pestilence, and famine,
Good Lord, deliver us.

From all oppression, conspiracy, and rebellion; from violence, battle, and murder; and from dying suddenly and unprepared,
Good Lord, deliver us.
By the mystery of thy holy Incarnation; by thy holy Nativity and submission to the Law; by thy Baptism, Fasting, and Temptation,
Good Lord, deliver us.
By thine Agony and Bloody Sweat; by thy Cross and Passion; by thy precious Death and Burial; by thy glorious Resurrection and Ascension; and by the Coming of the Holy Ghost,
Good Lord, deliver us.
In all time of our tribulation; in all time of our prosperity; in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment,
Good Lord, deliver us.
We sinners do beseech thee to hear us, O Lord God; and that it may please thee to rule and govern thy holy Church Universal in the right way,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to illumine all bishops, priests, and deacons, with true knowledge and understanding of thy Word; and that both by their preaching and living, they may set it forth, and show it accordingly,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to bless and keep all thy people,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to send forth laborers into thy harvest, and to draw all mankind into thy kingdom,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to give to all people increase of grace to hear and receive thy Word, and to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to bring into the way of truth all such as have erred, and are deceived,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to give us a heart to love and fear thee, and diligently to live after thy commandments,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee so to rule the hearts of thy servants, the President of the United States (or of this nation), and all others in authority, that they may do justice, and love mercy, and walk in the ways of truth,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to make wars to cease in all the world; to give to all nations unity, peace, and concord; and to bestow freedom upon all peoples,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to show thy pity upon all prisoners and captives, the homeless and the hungry, and all who are desolate and oppressed,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to give and preserve to our use the bountiful fruits of the earth, so that in due time all may enjoy them,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That It may please thee to inspire us, in our several callings, to do the work which thou givest us to do with singleness of heart as thy servants, and for the common good,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to preserve all who are in danger by reason of their labor or their travel,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to preserve, and provide for, all women in childbirth, young children and orphans, the widowed, and all whose homes are broken or torn by strife,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to visit the lonely; to strengthen all who suffer in mind, body, and spirit; and to comfort with thy presence those who are failing and infirm,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to support, help, and comfort all who are in danger, necessity, and tribulation,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to have mercy upon all mankind,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to give us true repentance; to forgive us all our sins, negligences, and ignorances; and to endue us with the grace of thy Holy Spirit to amend our lives according to thy holy Word,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to forgive our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers, and to turn their hearts,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to strengthen such as do stand; to comfort and help the weak-hearted; to raise up those who fall; and finally to beat down Satan under our feet,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to grant to all the faithful departed eternal life and peace,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to grant that, in the fellowship of the ever-blessed Virgin Mary, Peter our Patron and all the saints, we may attain to thy heavenly kingdom,
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
Son of God, we beseech thee to hear us.
Son of God, we beseech thee to hear us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world,
Grant us thy peace.
O Christ, hear us.
O Christ, hear us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY (BCP p. 325)
Celebrant People Celebrant
The Lord be with you. And with thy spirit. Let us pray.
Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted of Satan: Make speed to help thy servants who are assaulted by manifold temptations; and, as thou knowest their several infirmities, let each one find thee mighty to save; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Lessons
FIRST READING: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
The people sit.
A Reading from the book of Genesis.
15The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. 16And the LORD God commanded the man, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; 17but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.”
3:1Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God say, ‘You shall not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; 3but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.’ ” 4But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not die; 5for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. 7Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.
Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
Silence may follow.
PSALM: Psalm 32
Remain seated.
1Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, * and whose sin is put away!
2Happy are they to whom the LORD imputes no guilt, * and in whose spirit there is no guile!
3While I held my tongue, my bones withered away, * because of my groaning all day long.
4For your hand was heavy upon me day and night; * my moisture was dried up as in the heat of summer.
5Then I acknowledged my sin to you, * and did not conceal my guilt.
6I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.” * Then you forgave me the guilt of my sin.
7Therefore all the faithful will make their prayers to you in time of trouble; * when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach them.
8You are my hiding-place;
you preserve me from trouble; *
you surround me with shouts of deliverance.
9“I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go; *
I will guide you with my eye.
10Do not be like horse or mule, which have no understanding; *
who must be fitted with bit and bridle,
or else they will not stay near you.” 11Great are the tribulations of the wicked; *
but mercy embraces those who trust in the LORD. 12Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the LORD; *
shout for joy, all who are true of heart.
SECOND READING: Romans 5:12-19
The people sit.
A Reading from Paul's letter to the Church in Rome.
12Just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned—13sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. 14Yet death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the one who was to come.
15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man’s trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. 16And the free gift is not like the effect of the one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. 17If, because of the one man’s trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.
18Therefore just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. 19For just as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.
Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
Silence may follow.
SEQUENCE HYMN #445 To the Holiest in the Height All stand.
GOSPEL: Matthew 4:1-11
All stand.
Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. People Glory be to thee, O Lord.
1[After Jesus was baptized, he] was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.2He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. 3The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4But he answered, “It is written,
‘One does not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”
5Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written,
‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’ ”
7Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”
8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; 9and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written,
‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’ ”
11Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him. Deacon The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise be to thee, O Christ.
THE SERMON
THE CREED
All stand.
I believe in one God,
the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
and of all things visible and invisible;
And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light,
very God of very God,
begotten, not made,
being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made;
who for us men and for our salvation
Mr. Drake Douglas
came down from heaven,
and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary,
and was made man;
and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried;
and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of the Father;
and he shall come again, with glory,
to judge both the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost the Lord, and Giver of Life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son;
who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped
and glorified;
who spake by the Prophets.
And I believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church; I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
THE PEACE (BCP p. 332)
All stand.
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And with thy spirit.
Then the Ministers and the People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.
The Holy Communion
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
The Celebrant says
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and make good thy vows unto the Most High.
Psalm 50:14
OFFERTORY ANTHEM Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone (arr. Martin)
The Great Thanksgiving SURSUM CORDA S 112 Lift up your hearts
The People remain standing.
Facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds
It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who was in every way tempted as we are, yet did not sin; by whose grace we are able to triumph over every evil, and to live no longer unto ourselves, but unto him who died for us and rose again.
Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; evermore praising thee, and saying,
SANCTUS S 114 Holy, holy, holy (Willan) (BCP p. 333) Celebrant and People
The people kneel or stand. Then the Celebrant continues
All glory be to thee, Almighty God, our heavenly Father, for that thou, of thy tender mercy, didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption; who made there, by his one oblation of himself once offered, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy
Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of that his precious death and sacrifice, until his coming again.
For in the night in which he was betrayed, he took bread; and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Likewise, after supper, he took the cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink ye all of this; for this is my Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins. Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.”
Wherefore, O Lord and heavenly Father, according to the institution of thy dearly beloved Son our Savior Jesus Christ, we, thy humble servants, do celebrate and make here before thy divine Majesty, with these thy holy gifts, which we now offer unto thee, the memorial thy Son hath commanded us to make; having in remembrance his blessed passion and precious death, his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension; rendering unto thee most hearty thanks for the innumerable benefits procured unto us by the same.
And we most humbly beseech thee, O merciful Father, to hear us; and, of thy almighty goodness, vouchsafe to bless and sanctify, with thy Word and Holy Spirit, these thy gifts and creatures of bread and wine; that we, receiving them according to thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ’s holy institution, in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers of his most blessed Body and Blood.
And we earnestly desire thy fatherly goodness mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; most humbly beseeching thee to grant that, by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we, and all thy whole Church, may obtain remission of our sins, and all other benefits of his passion.
And here we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, our selves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto thee; humbly beseeching thee that we, and all others who shall be partakers of this Holy Communion, may worthily receive the most precious Body and...

February 19, 2023 Last Sunday after the Epiphany

Sun, 19 Feb 2023 12:37:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #135 Songs of Thankfulness and Praise
Sequence Hymn #7 Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies
Offertory Anthem Transform Us (Gerike/Vyhanek)
Communion Music Beautiful Savior (Lee)
Post-Communion
Hymn #137 O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
O God, who before the passion of your only begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
FIRST READING Exodus 24:12-18
The LORD said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.” So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. To the elders he had said, “Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them.”
Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.
PSALM Psalm 99 Dominus regnavit
1 The LORD is King;
let the people tremble; *
he is enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth shake.
2 The LORD is great in Zion; * he is high above all peoples.
3 Let them confess his Name, which is great and awesome; * he is the Holy One.
4 "O mighty King, lover of justice,
you have established equity; *
you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob."
5 Proclaim the greatness of the LORD our God and fall down before his footstool; *
he is the Holy One.
6 Moses and Aaron among his priests,
and Samuel among those who call upon his Name, * they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.
7 He spoke to them out of the pillar of cloud; *
they kept his testimonies and the decree that he gave them.
8 O LORD our God, you answered them indeed; * you were a God who forgave them,
yet punished them for their evil deeds.
9 Proclaim the greatness of the LORD our God and worship him upon his holy hill; * for the LORD our God is the Holy One.
SECOND READING 2 Peter 1:16-21
We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.
So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
GOSPEL Matthew 17:1-9
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for:
Alison Bateson-Toupin; Shirley Tuell; and Brian, Christine, Michaeleen, & Maeve VanCouyghen.
The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Scott Newell by Joyce Noonan.
The Sanctuary Lamp is also lit in loving memory of Scott Newell by Joyce Noonan.

February 12, 2023 The Sixth Sunday After the Epiphany

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 13:08:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #594 God of Grace and God of Glory
Sequence Hymn #440 Blessed Jesus at Thy Word
Offertory Anthem Canon of Praise (arr. Hopson)
Communion Music Ubi Caritas (Hurd)
Post-Communion Hymn #347 Go Forth for God

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
FIRST READING Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Moses said, “See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the LORD your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you do not hear, but are led astray to bow down to other gods and serve them, I declare to you today that you shall perish; you shall not live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the LORD swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.”
PSALM Psalm 119:1-8 Beati immaculati 1 Happy are they whose way is blameless, *
who walk in the law of the LORD!
2 Happy are they who observe his decrees * and seek him with all their hearts!
3 Who never do any wrong, *
but always walk in his ways.
4 You laid down your commandments, * that we should fully keep them.
5 Oh, that my ways were made so direct * that I might keep your statutes!
6 Then I should not be put to shame, * when I regard all your commandments.
7 I will thank you with an unfeigned heart, *
when I have learned your righteous judgments.
8 I will keep your statutes; * do not utterly forsake me.
SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but rather as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for solid food. Even now you are still not ready, for you are still of the flesh. For as long as there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not of the flesh, and behaving according to human inclinations? For when one says, “I belong to Paul,” and another, “I belong to Apollos,” are you not merely human?
What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labor of each. For we are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building.
GOSPEL Matthew 5:21-37
Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.
“It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
“Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.”
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for:
Fr. Craig & Maureen Swan, John & Sue Tassone, and John & Carroll Tickner.
The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Stan Villanis by Norma Villanis.

February 5, 2023 The Fifth Sunday After the Epiphany

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 12:50:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #372 Praise to the Living God
Sequence Hymn #601 O Day of God, Draw Nigh
Offertory Anthem Prayer for Peace (Harlan)
Communion Hymn #490 I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light Lord
Post-Communion Hymn #610 Whose Love Through Humble Service
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
FIRST READING Isaiah 58:1-9a [9b-12]
Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins. Yet day after day they seek me and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that practiced righteousness and did not forsake the ordinance of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments, they delight to draw near to God. “Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice?” Look, you serve your own interest on your fast day, and oppress all your workers. Look, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to strike with a wicked fist. Such fasting as you do today will not make your voice heard on high. Is such the fast that I choose, a day to humble oneself? Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush, and to lie in sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD?
Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am.
[If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday. The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail. Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in.]
PSALM Psalm 112:1-9, [10] Beatus vir 1 Hallelujah!
Happy are they who fear the Lord *
and have great delight in his commandments! 2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land; *
the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches will be in their house, *
and their righteousness will last for ever. 4 Light shines in the darkness for the upright; *
the righteous are merciful and full of compassion. 5 It is good for them to be generous in lending *
and to manage their affairs with justice. 6 For they will never be shaken; *
the righteous will be kept in everlasting remembrance. 7 They will not be afraid of any evil rumors; *
their heart is right;
they put their trust in the Lord.
8 Their heart is established and will not shrink, * until they see their desire upon their enemies.
9 They have given freely to the poor, *
and their righteousness stands fast for ever; they will hold up their head with honor.
[10 The wicked will see it and be angry;
they will gnash their teeth and pine away; * the desires of the wicked will perish.]
SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 [13-16]
When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.
Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. But we speak God’s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written,
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him”—
these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. [And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual.
Those who are unspiritual do not receive the gifts of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to them, and they are unable to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. Those who are spiritual discern all things, and they are themselves subject to no one else’s scrutiny.
“For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.]
GOSPEL Matthew 5:13-20
Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for: David & Rosemary Smith, David Spears, and Judith Stenberg.
The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in memory of Charles Lee by Camilla Lee.

January 29, 2023 The Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 19:04:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #569 God the Omnipotent!
Sequence Hymn #656 Blest Are the Pure in Heart
Offertory Anthem Exsultate! (Lightfoot)
Communion Hymn #488 Thou My Vision
Post-Communion Hymn #556 Rejoice, Y e Pure in Heart!
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
The Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany
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.
FIRST READING Micah 6:1-8
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?
PSALM Psalm 15 Domine, quis habitabit? 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
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.”
GOSPEL Matthew 5:1-12
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."
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for:
Paul & Colleen Sardelli, Richard & Wendy Sause, and Anne Capezza & Manuel Sifontes.

January 22, 2023 The Third Sunday After the Epiphany

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 12:10:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #381 Thy Strong Word Did Cleave the Darkness
Sequence Hymn #661 They Cast Their Nets in Galilee
Offertory Anthem Agnus Dei (Sullivan)
Communion Hymn #304 I Come with Joy to Meet My Lord
Post-Communion Hymn #530 Spread, O Spread Thou Mighty Word
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and
ever. Amen.
FIRST READING Isaiah 9:1-4
There will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness-- on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.
PSALM Psalm 27:1, 5-13 Dominus illuminatio
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? *
the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid?
5 One thing have I asked of the LORD; one thing I seek; *
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life; 6 To behold the fair beauty of the LORD *
and to seek him in his temple.
7 For in the day of trouble he shall keep me safe in his shelter; * he shall hide me in the secrecy of his dwelling
and set me high upon a rock.
8 Even now he lifts up my head *
above my enemies round about me.
9 Therefore I will offer in his dwelling an oblation with sounds of great gladness; *
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
10 Hearken to my voice, O LORD, when I call; * have mercy on me and answer me.
11 You speak in my heart and say, "Seek my face." * Your face, LORD, will I seek.
12 Hide not your face from me, *
nor turn away your servant in displeasure.
13 You have been my helper; cast me not away; *
do not forsake me, O God of my salvation.
SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power.
For 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.
GOSPEL Matthew 4:12-23
When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
“Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,
on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,
and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.”
From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for:
Paul & Leslie Roulier; Allan Rydberg & Phyllis Seelen; and Mimi Sammis.

January 15, 2023 10:15 Service

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 11:43:00 -0400

Entrance Hymn #542
Sequence Hymn #533
Offertory Anthem Communion Hymn #328
Post-Communion Hymn #535
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
Christ is the World’s True Light
How Wondrous and Great Thy Works, God of Praise Beautiful Savior (Lee)
Draw Nigh and Take the Body of the Lord
Y e Servants of God, Y our Master Proclaim
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 Isaiah 49:1-7
Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away! The LORD called me before I was born, while I was in my mother's womb he named me. He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the LORD, and my reward with my God.”
And now the LORD says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the sight of the LORD, and my God has become my strength-- he says, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations, the slave of rulers, “Kings shall see and stand up, princes, and they shall prostrate themselves, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”
PSALM Psalm 40:1-12 Expectans, expectavi 1 I waited patiently upon the LORD; *
he stooped to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the mire and clay; * he set my feet upon a high cliff and made my footing sure.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God; * many shall see, and stand in awe, and put their trust in the LORD.
4 Happy are they who trust in the LORD! *
they do not resort to evil spirits or turn to false gods.
5 Great things are they that you have done, O LORD my God! how great your wonders and your plans for us! *
there is none who can be compared with you.
6 Oh, that I could make them known and tell them! * but they are more than I can count.
7 In sacrifice and offering you take no pleasure * (you have given me ears to hear you);
8 Burnt-offering and sin-offering you have not required, * and so I said, "Behold, I come.
9 In the roll of the book it is written concerning me: * 'I love to do your will, O my God;
your law is deep in my heart."'
10 I proclaimed righteousness in the great congregation; * behold, I did not restrain my lips;
and that, O LORD, you know.
11 Your righteousness have I not hidden in my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your deliverance; *
I have not concealed your love and faithfulness from the great congregation.
12 You are the LORD;
do not withhold your compassion from me; *
let your love and your faithfulness keep me safe for ever,
SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind-- just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you-- so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
GOSPEL John 1:29-42
John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”
The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for:
Matt & Alison Croke Roach; Toby & Stephanie Roberts; and Zoe Robinson.

Christmas Eve Service. 10pm

Sun, 25 Dec 2022 08:23:00 -0400

Solemn Choral Eucharist with Readings and Candles

December 18, 2022 The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 11:59:00 -0400

Entrance #497 How Bright Appears the Morning Star
Sequence #265 The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came
Offertory Anthem Ave, Ave, The Angel Sang (Lau)
Communion O Come, Divine Messiah
Post-Communion
#54Savior of the Nations, Come
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
FIRST READING Isaiah 7:10-16
Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as
heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test. Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.”
PSALM 80:1-7, 17-19 Qui regis Israel 1 Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; *
shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim.
2 In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, * stir up your strength and come to help us.
3 Restore us, O God of hosts; *
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
4 O LORD God of hosts, *
how long will you be angered despite the prayers of your people?
5 You have fed them with the bread of tears; * you have given them bowls of tears to drink.
6 You have made us the derision of our neighbors, * and our enemies laugh us to scorn.
7 Restore us, O God of hosts; *
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
16 Let your hand be upon the man of your right hand, * the son of man you have made so strong for yourself.
17 And so will we never turn away from you; * give us life, that we may call upon your Name.
18 Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; *
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
ST. PETER’S BY-THE-SEA EPISCOPAL CHURCH
72 Central Street | Narragansett, RI 02882 | 401.783.4623 | www.stpetersbythesea.com
SECOND READING Romans 1:1-7
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
To all God's beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
GOSPEL Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,”
which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for:
Lynne Phipps; Ed Pigott & Deb Heggie Pigott; and David, Eileen, & Liam Po-Chedley.

December 11, 2022 The Third Sunday of Advent

Sun, 11 Dec 2022 17:21:00 -0400

Prelude
Entrance #76 Sequence #66 Offertory Anthem Communion #56 Post-Communion #68
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
WEEKLY SERVICE SHEET December 11, 2022
The Third Sunday of Advent
The Spirit of the Lord God is Upon Me (MacDermid)
Antonio Rodrigues, Soloist
On Jordan’s Bank
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus Awaken and Prepare Us, O God (Hayes) O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
FIRST READING Isaiah 35:1-10
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it
shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God.
Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you."
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes.
A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God's people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
CANTICLE 15 Luke 1:46b-55 The Song of Mary Magnificat My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, * and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, * and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
SECOND READING James 5:7-10
Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
GOSPEL Matthew 11:2-11
When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”
As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,
‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’
“Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
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In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for: Carolyn Owens; Robert & Susan Palmer; and Lelia Palmieri.
ST. PETER’S BY-THE-SEA EPISCOPAL CHURCH
72 Central Street | Narragansett, RI 02882 | 401.783.4623 | www.stpetersbythesea.com

Nov. 27 First Day of Advent

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 12:24:00 -0400

First day of Advent Service

November 20, 2022 The Last Sunday After Pentecost

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 18:01:00 -0400

FIRST READING Jeremiah 23:1-6
PSALM 46
SECOND READING Colossians 1:11-20
GOSPEL Luke 23:33-43

November 13, 2022 The Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 14:33:00 -0400

FIRST READING: Isaiah 65:17-25
CANTICLE 9 #678 (Isaiah 12:2-6) Surely It is God Who Saves Me
SECOND READING: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
GOSPEL Luke 21:5-19
Entrance Hymn #632 O Christ, The Word Incarnate
Sequence Hymn #592 Teach Me, My God and King
Offertory Anthem Dona Nobis Pacem (Bach, arr. Althouse)
Communion Hymn #490I Want to Walk As a Child of the Light
Post-Communion Hymn #719 America the Beautiful

Nov. 6th All SaintsTwenty-second Sunday after Pentecost

Sun, 06 Nov 2022 20:34:00 -0400

Nov. 6th All SaintsTwenty-second Sunday after Pentecost

The Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, October 30, 2022

Sun, 30 Oct 2022 13:42:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: #596 Judge Eternal, Throned in
Splendor
FIRST READING: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
PSALM: Psalm 119:137-144
SECOND READING: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12
SEQUENCE HYMN: #545 Lo! What a Cloud of Witnesses
GOSPEL: Luke 19:1-10
THE SERMON Mr. Drake Douglas, Seminarian Intern
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Loving Shepherd (Bach, arr. Schweizer)
COMMUNION HYMN: #644 How Sweet The Name of Jesus Sounds
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #607 O God of Every Nation

Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, October 23, 2022

Sun, 23 Oct 2022 15:22:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: #506 Praise the Spirit in Creation
FIRST READING: Joel 2:23-32
PSALM: Psalm 65
SECOND READING: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
SEQUENCE HYMN: #398 I Sing the Almighty Power of God
GOSPEL: Luke 18:9-14
THE SERMON THE CREED The Rev. Craig Swan, Rector
COMMUNION HYMN: #686 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (arr. Martin)
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #680 O God, Our Help in Ages Past

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, October 16, 2022

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 13:39:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: #372 Praise to the Living God
FIRST READING: Jeremiah 31:27-34
PSALM: Psalm 119:97-104
SECOND READING: 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5
SEQUENCE HYMN: #630 Thanks to God, Whose Word was Spoken
GOSPEL: Luke 18:1-8
THE SERMON The Rev. Craig Swan, Rector
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Our Soul Waiteth For the Lord (Pinkston)
COMMUNION HYMN: #337 And Now, O Father, Mindful of the Love (Unde et memores)
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #530 Spread, O Spread, Thou Mighty Word

Holy Baptism with Holy Communion Sunday, October 9, 2022 10:15 a.m.

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 19:01:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: #410 Praise, My Soul, The King of Heaven
FIRST READING: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
PSALM: Psalm 66:1-11
SECOND READING: 2 Timothy 2:8-15
SEQUENCE HYMN: #628 Help Us, O Lord, To Learn
GOSPEL: Luke 17:11-19
THE SERMON The Rev. Craig Swan, Rector PRESENTATION AND EXAMINATION OF THE CANDIDATES
THE BAPTISMAL COVENANT
PROCESSION TO THE FONT #510 Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach)
COMMUNION HYMN: #328 Draw Nigh And Take The Body of The Lord
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #411 O Bless the Lord, My Soul
DISMISSAL

The 16th Sunday after Pentecost The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, September 25, 2022

Sun, 25 Sep 2022 13:32:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: # 423 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
FIRST READING: Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15
PSALM: Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16
SECOND READING: 1 Timothy 6:6-19
SEQUENCE HYMN: #552 Fight the Good Fight With All Thy Might
GOSPEL: Luke 16:19-31
THE SERMON Fr. Russ Ruffino
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: They Shall Soar Like Eagles (Manzo)
COMMUNION ANTHEM: At The Name of Jesus (Waters)
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #594 God of Grace and God of Glory

The Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, September 11, 2022

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 13:54:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: #388 O Worship the King, All Glorious Above
FIRST READING: Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
PSALM: Psalm 51:1-11
SECOND READING: 1 Timothy 1:12-17
SEQUENCE HYMN: #448 O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High
GOSPEL: Luke 15:1-10
THE SERMON Mr. Drake Douglas, Seminarian Intern
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: It Is Well With My Soul (arr. Larson)
COMMUNION HYMN: #645 The King of Love My Shepherd Is
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #334 Praise the Lord, Rise Up Rejoicing

The Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, September 4, 2022

Sun, 04 Sep 2022 12:27:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: #372 Praise to the Living God!
FIRST READING: Jeremiah 18:1-11
PSALM: Psalm 1
SECOND READING: Philemon 1-21
SEQUENCE HYMN: #603 When Christ Was Lifted From the Earth
GOSPEL: Luke 14:25-33
THE SERMON The Rev. Craig Swan, Rector
OFFERTORY HYMN: #675 Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #347 Go Forth for God

The Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, August 28, 2022

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 12:37:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: #423 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
FIRST READING: Jeremiah 2:4-13
PSALM: Psalm 81:1, 10-16
SECOND READING: Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16
SEQUENCE HYMN: #545 Lo! What a Cloud of Witnesses
GOSPEL: Luke 14:1, 7-14
THE SERMON Father Russ Ruffino
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Zion’s Walls (arr. Copland)
Timothy Hoyt, Baritone Soloist
COMMUNION MEDITATION: Draw Us In the Spirit’s Tether (Dearmer/Friedell)
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #376 Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee

The Tenth Sunday After Pentecost Holy Baptism with Holy Communion Sunday, August 14, 2022 10:15 a.m.

Sun, 14 Aug 2022 16:08:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: #596 Judge Eternal, Throned in Splendor
FIRST READING: Isaiah 5:1-7
PSALM: Psalm 80:1-2, 8-18
SECOND READING: Hebrews 11:29--12:2
SEQUENCE HYMN: #552 Fight the Good Fight With All Thy Might
GOSPEL: Luke 12:49-56
THE SERMON The Rev. Craig Swan, Rector
HYMN FOR PROCESSION TO THE FONT:#510 Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove
OFFERTORY HYMN: #637 How Firm A Foundation, Ye Saints of the Lord
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #366 Holy God, We Praise Thy Name (vss. 1- 4)

The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, August 7, 2022

Sun, 07 Aug 2022 14:00:00 -0400

The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, August 7, 2022
ENTRANCE HYMN: #636 How Firm a Foundation, Ye Saints of the Lord
FIRST READING: Isaiah 1:1, 10-20
PSALM: Psalm 50:1-8, 23-24
SECOND READING: Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
SEQUENCE HYMN: #393 Praise Our Great and Gracious Lord
GOSPEL: Luke 12:32-40
THE SERMON Mr. Drake Douglas, Seminarian Intern
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: My Lord, What A Morning (Trad. Spiritual, arr. Hayes)
Danielle Grilli, soloist
COMMUNION ANTHEM: "O Rest in the Lord" from Elijah (Mendelssohn) Danielle Grilli, soloist
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #533 How Wondrous and Great Thy Works, God of Praise

Finding God in the Midst of Calamity

Sun, 07 Aug 2022 12:57:00 -0400

So often we falsely believe our faith will keep us safe from hard times, despite the many stories from both the Jewish and Christian Bible that tell us otherwise. On August 2nd, Rabbi Ethan Adler and Fr. Craig Swan, the hosts of the “Priest and A Rabbi” podcast series, will record their latest podcast, exploring the idea “if faith is not to keep us safe from hard times, what is it for?” Join us as we look how faith and trust can find us and uplift us when our lives fall on hard times.

The Holy Eucharist Rite Two The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, July 31, 2022

Sun, 31 Jul 2022 12:36:00 -0400

The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, July 31, 2022
ENTRANCE HYMN: #408 Sing Praise to God, Who Reigns Above
FIRST READING: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23
PSALM: Psalm 49:1-11
SECOND READING: Colossians 3:1-11
SEQUENCE HYMN: #529 In Christ There Is No East or West
GOSPEL: Luke 12:13-21
OFFERTORY HYMN: #435 At the Name of Jesus
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #594 God of Grace and God of Glory

July 10th 2022

Sun, 10 Jul 2022 12:33:00 -0400

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, June 26, 2022

Sun, 10 Jul 2022 12:20:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: #473 Lift High The Cross
FIRST READING: Ezekiel 34:11-16
PSALM: Psalm 87
SECOND READING: 2 Timothy 4:1-8
SEQUENCE HYMN: #552 Fight the Good Fight With All Thy Might
GOSPEL: John 21:15-19
THE SERMON
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: These Are Thy Glorious Works (Thompson)
COMMUNION ANTHEMS:
Our Soul Waiteth For the Lord (Pinkston) Alleluia (Trotta)
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #287 For All The Saints (vss. 1 - 4)

The Second Sunday After Pentecost The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, June 19, 2022

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 12:05:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: #372 Praise to the Living God!
FIRST READING: 1 Kings 19:1-4 [5-7] 8-15a
10:15: Hymn # 658
SECOND READING: Galatians 3:23-29
SEQUENCE HYMN: #529 In Christ There Is No East or West
GOSPEL: Luke 8:26-39
THE SERMON: Mr. Drake Douglas
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: O Lord My God, You Are My Refuge (Bach/Hopson)
COMMUNION HYMN: #652 Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #411 O Bless the Lord, My Soul

First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, June 12, 2022

Sun, 12 Jun 2022 12:30:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: #362 Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty
FIRST READING: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
PSALM: Psalm 8
SECOND READING: Romans 5:1-5
SEQUENCE HYMN: #295 Sing Praise To Our Creator
GOSPEL: John 16:12-15
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Exsultate (Lightfoot)
COMMUNION ANTHEM: Prayer to the Trinity (Bedford)
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #366 Holy God, We Praise Thy Name

PUBLIC HEALTH: Taking Care of Everybody: Dr. Patricia Markham Risica, DrPH

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 15:01:00 -0400

Dr. Patricia Markham Risica, DrPH
Associate Professor of Behavioral & Social Sciences
Associate Professor of Epidemiology
Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown School of Public HealthOn June 7th, Dr. Patricia Markham Risica, DrPH, will discuss how we can collectively and cooperatively contribute to improving the health of the overall population. She will discuss some of the history of how public health interventions have been used to improve health for the entire population, and how these apply to current health issues

Day of Pentecost The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, June 5, 2022

Sun, 05 Jun 2022 12:21:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: #225 Hail Thee, Festival Day!
FIRST READING: Acts 2:1-21
PSALM: Psalm 104:25-35, 37
SECOND READING: Romans 8:14-17
SEQUENCE HYMN: #516 Come Down, O Love Divine
GOSPEL: John 14:8-17, 25-27
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Precious Spirit, Breath of Peace (Martin)
COMMUNION HYMN: #509 Spirit Divine, Attend Our Prayers
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #531 O Spirit of the Living God

Seventh Sunday of Easter: Sunday after Ascension Day The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, May 29, 2022

Sun, 29 May 2022 12:56:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: #450 All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name
FIRST READING: Acts 16:16-34
PSALM: Psalm 97
SECOND READING: Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21
SEQUENCE HYMN: # 477 All Praise to Thee, For Thou, O King Divine
GOSPEL: John 17:20-26
THE SERMON
COMMUNION HYMN: #305 Come, Risen Lord, And Deign To Be Our Guest
HYMN: #719 America The Beautiful

Sixth Sunday of Easter The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, May 22, 2022

Sun, 22 May 2022 12:58:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: #191 Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts and Voices Heavenward Raise
OPENING ANTHEM OR SONG OF PRAISE S 280 Glory to God (Canticle 20)
FIRST READING: Acts 16:9-15
PSALM: Psalm 67
SECOND READING: Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5
SEQUENCE HYMN: #530 Spread, O Spread Thou Mighty Word
GOSPEL: John 14:23-29
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Dona Nobis Pacem (Bach/Althouse)
COMMUNION HYMN: #490 I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #400 All Creatures of Our God and King

Fifth Sunday of Easter The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, May 15, 2022

Sun, 15 May 2022 13:08:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: #182 Christ Is Alive
FIRST READING: Acts 11:1-18
PSALM: Psalm 148
SECOND READING: Revelation 21:1-6
SEQUENCE HYMN: #621 Light’s Abode, Celestial Salem
GOSPEL: John 13:31-35
THE SERMON
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: This Joyful Eastertide
COMMUNION HYMN: #577 God is Love, and Where True Love Is
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #296 We Know That Christ Is Raised And Dies No More

Fourth Sunday of Easter The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, May 8, 2022

Sun, 08 May 2022 12:24:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: #174 At The Lamb’s High Feast We Sing
FIRST READING: Acts 9:36-43
PSALM: Psalm 23
SECOND READING: Revelation 7:9-17
SEQUENCE HYMN: #275 Hark! The Sound of Holy Voices
GOSPEL: John 10:22-30
THE SERMON: Fr. Andrew Mead
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE (BCP p. 359)
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: O Holy City, Seen of John (arr. Price)
COMMUNION HYMN: #645 The King of Love My Shepherd Is
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #708 Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us

The Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely: Science & Religon: Is a Conversation Possible

Fri, 06 May 2022 12:31:00 -0400

On May 3rd at 7:00 p.m., the Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, discussed the compatibility of science and religion from his perspective of a scientific background in Physics and Astronomy and the priesthood.
This free lecture was the first in a series of monthly lectures on Finding Hope & Balance in Uncertain Times. This series is aimed at exploring everyday topics and how we can face today’s uncertainties. Lectures will be held at Saint Peter’s by-the-Sea, 72 Central St., Narragansett.

Sunday of Resurrection: Easter Day The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, April 17, 2022

Sun, 17 Apr 2022 12:31:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN 182 Christ Is Alive
SONG OF PRAISE This is the Feast of Victory
FIRST READING: Acts 10:34-43
PSALM: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26
GOSPEL: Luke 24:1-12
THE SERMON The Rev. Craig R. Swan, Rector
THE CREED
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
OFFERTORY ANTHEM “Hallelujah” from Messiah Handel
GUEST CONDUCTOR: DR. JOSEPH AMANTE Y ZAPATA
SANCTUS S 130 Holy, holy, holy (Schubert/Proulx)
MUSIC DURING COMMUNION
Ave Verum Corpus Mozart
Alleluia Trotta
POST-COMMUNION HYMN Jesus Christ is risen today (Easter Hymn) (H 207)
POSTLUDE Festive Trumpet Tune (German)

The Great Vigil of Easter Saturday, April 16, 2022

Sun, 17 Apr 2022 05:13:00 -0400

The Lighting of the Paschal Candle
OPENING PRAYER
OPENING VERSICLE
EXSULTET
FIRST READING: THE STORY OF CREATION Genesis 1:1--2:4a Read by Leo Carroll
FIRST RESPONSE: Psalm 33 Exsultate Justi
FIRST COLLECT
SECOND READING: THE FLOOD
Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13 Read by Keith Moorehead
SECOND RESPONSE: Hymn #608 Eternal Father Strong to Save
SECOND COLLECT
THIRD READING: ISRAEL’S DELIVERANCE AT THE RED SEA
Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21 Read by David Menzies
THIRD RESPONSE: Hymn # 425 Sing Now with Joy unto the Lord
THIRD COLLECT
FOURTH READING: GOD’S PRESENCE IN A RENEWED ISRAEL
Isaiah 55:1-11 Read by Bob Manke
FINAL READING: THE VALLEY OF DRY BONES
Ezekiel 37:1-14 Read by Joe Fargnoli
RENEWAL OF BAPTISMAL VOWS
EPISTLE: Romans 6:3-11 Read by David Menzies
SEQUENCE HYMN
GOSPEL: Luke 24:1-12
THE SERMON The Rev. Craig R. Swan, Rector
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE PEACE
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
SURSUM CORDA S 120 Lift up your hearts
SANCTUS S 130 Holy, holy, holy (Schubert/Proulx)
MUSIC DURING COMMUNION
Ave Verum Corpus Mozart
Alleluia Trotta
POST-COMMUNION HYMN Jesus Christ is risen today (Easter Hymn) (H 207)
POSTLUDE Festive Trumpet Tune (German)

Maundy Thursday Entrance Rite, Eucharistic Prayer A Thursday, April 14, 2021

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 12:21:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: #445 Praise to the Holiest in the Height
FIRST READING: Exodus 12:1-4 [5-10] 11-14
PSALM: Psalm 116:1, 10-17
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
THE HOMILY
OFFERTORY HYMN: #315 Thou, Who at Thy First Eucharist Did Pray
Psalm 22

The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday Sunday, April 10, 2022

Sun, 10 Apr 2022 19:42:00 -0400

The Liturgy of the Palms
OPENING HYMN: # 156 Ride On, Ride On in Majesty
FIRST READING: Isaiah 50:4-9a
PSALM: Psalm 31:9-16
SECOND READING: Philippians 2:5-11
SEQUENCE HYMN: # 435 At the Name of Jesus
GOSPEL READING: Luke 19:28-40
THE SERMON
BLESSING OF THE PALMS
PROCESSION HYMN: # 154 All Glory, Laud, and Honor
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: What Love Is This (Nix)
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
EPICLESIS
COMMUNION ANTHEM: God So Loved the World (Stainer)
HYMN: # 168 O Sacred Head, Sore Wounded
THE PASSION GOSPEL: Luke 22:14--23:56
MEDITATION: “Qual Giglio Candido” Le Sette Ultime Parole (Mercadante)
“I Thirst’ from The Seven Last Words of Christ Antonio Rodrigues, soloist

Fifth Sunday in Lent The Holy Eucharist Rite One Sunday, April 3, 2022

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 11:37:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: #398 I Sing the Almighty Power of God
FIRST READING: Isaiah 43:16-21
PSALM: Psalm 126
SECOND READING: Philippians 3:4b-14
SEQUENCE HYMN: # 471 We Sing the Praise of Him Who Died
GOSPEL: John 12:1-8
THE SERMON
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: “Pie Jesu” from Requiem (Rutter) Eden Casteel, soloist
COMMUNION HYMN: # 474 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: # 441 In the Cross of Christ I Glory

Fourth Sunday in Lent The Holy Eucharist Rite One Sunday, March 27, 2022

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 12:43:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: #690 Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
OPENING ACCLAMATION
COLLECT FOR PURITY AND GREAT COMMANDMENTS
OPENING ANTHEM OR SONG OF PRAISE S 91
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
FIRST READING: Joshua 5:9-12
PSALM: Psalm 32
SECOND READING: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
SEQUENCE HYMN: #393 Praise Our Great and Gracious Lord
GOSPEL: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
THE SERMON
THE CREED
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
CONFESSION OF SIN
THE PEACE
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: There Is a Balm in Gilead (arr. Lau)
THE LORD’S PRAYER
The Breaking of the Bread
PRAYER OF HUMBLE ACCESS
INVITATION
DISTRIBUTION
COMMUNION HYMN: #693 Just As I Am
POST-COMMUNION PRAYER
BLESSING
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #559 Lead Us, Heavenly Father, Lead Us
DISMISSAL

John O'Hara Memorial Service

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 15:11:00 -0400

The celebration of life for John O'Hara.

Third Sunday in Lent The Holy Eucharist Rite One Sunday, March 20, 2022

Sun, 20 Mar 2022 14:59:00 -0400

Penitential Order
ENTRANCE HYMN: #149 Eternal Lord of Love
OPENING ACCLAMATION
DECALOGUE
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
FIRST READING: Exodus 3:1-15
PSALM: Psalm 63:1-8
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
SEQUENCE HYMN: #143 The Glory of These Forty Days
GOSPEL: Luke 13:1-9
THE SERMON
THE CREED
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE PEACE
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (Engelsdorfer)
COMMUNION HYMN: #152 Kind Maker of the World, O Hear
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #344 Lord, Dismiss Us With Thy Blessing

Second Sunday in Lent The Holy Eucharist Rite One Sunday, March 13, 2022

Sun, 13 Mar 2022 12:50:00 -0400

OPENING HYMN: #401 The God of Abraham Praise
OPENING ACCLAMATION
DECALOGUE
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
FIRST READING: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
PSALM: Psalm 27
SECOND READING: Philippians 3:17--4:1
SEQUENCE HYMN: #455 O Love of God, How Strong and True
GOSPEL: Luke 13:31-35
THE SERMON
THE CREED
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE PEACE
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Kyrie (Dvorak, arr. Schram)
PROPER PREFACE
SANCTUS (S 114)
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
THE LORD’S PRAYER
The Breaking of the Bread
PRAYER OF HUMBLE ACCESS
INVITATION
DISTRIBUTION
COMMUNION HYMN: #328 Draw Nigh and Take the Body of the Lord
POST-COMMUNION PRAYER
BLESSING
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #590 O Jesus Christ, May Grateful Hymns Be Rising
DISMISSAL

First Sunday in Lent The Holy Eucharist Rite One Sunday, March 6, 2022

Sun, 06 Mar 2022 12:48:00 -0400

Penitential Order
ENTRANCE HYMN: #150 Forty Days and Forty Nights
OPENING ACCLAMATION
DECALOGUE
CONFESSION OF SIN
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
FIRST READING: Deuteronomy 26:1-11
PSALM: Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
SECOND READING: Romans 10:8b-13
SEQUENCE HYMN: #529 In Christ There Is No East or West
GOSPEL: Luke 4:1-13
THE SERMON: "Vicarious Trauma"
THE CREED
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE PEACE
The Holy Communion
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Must Jesus Bear the Cross (Martin)
PROPER PREFACE
SANCTUS (S 114)
THE LORD’S PRAYER
The Breaking of the Bread
FRACTION ANTHEM (S 158)
PRAYER OF HUMBLE ACCESS
INVITATION
DISTRIBUTION
COMMUNION HYMN: #343 Shepherd of Souls, Refresh and Bless
POST-COMMUNION PRAYER
BLESSING
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #149 Eternal Lord of Love, Behold Your Church
DISMISSAL

Ash Wednesday

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 10:12:00 -0400

Evening service of Ash Wednesday.

Seventh Sunday after Epiphany The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, February 20, 2022

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 15:18:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: #390 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
OPENING ACCLAMATION
COLLECT FOR PURITY
OPENING ANTHEM OR SONG OF PRAISE (S 278)
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
FIRST READING: Genesis 45:3-11, 15
PSALM: Psalm 37:1-12
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50
SEQUENCE HYMN: #657 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
GOSPEL: Luke 6:27-38
THE SERMON
THE CREED
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
CONFESSION OF SIN
THE PEACE
The Holy Communion
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: It Is Well With My Soul (arr. Larson)
The Great Thanksgiving
SANCTUS (S 128)
THE LORD’S PRAYER
FRACTION ANTHEM
INVITATION
DISTRIBUTION
COMMUNION HYMN: #304 I Come With Joy to Meet My Lord
POST-COMMUNION PRAYER
BLESSING
Live without fear: your Creator has made you holy, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother. Go in peace to follow the good road and may God’s blessing be with you always. Amen.

State of St. Peters

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 13:59:00 -0400

In the gospels. Jesus tells us when two or three are gathered in his name. He is among us. As I look back over the past 12 months, I realize it is in small intimate settings that God has been most present and active at St. Peter's. God has been active in our staff. In the last 24 months, St. Peter's has been blessed to assemble a team of hardworking individuals who work well together and who create a cohesive and complimentary team.

Sixth Sunday after Epiphany The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, February 13, 2022

Sun, 13 Feb 2022 12:32:00 -0400

Entrance Rite
ENTRANCE HYMN #423 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
OPENING ACCLAMATION
COLLECT FOR PURITY
OPENING ANTHEM OR SONG OF PRAISE (S 278)
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
FIRST READING: Jeremiah 17:5-10
PSALM: Psalm 1
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
SEQUENCE HYMN #493 O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing
GOSPEL: Luke 6:17-26
THE CREED
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
CONFESSION OF SIN
THE PEACE
The Holy Communion
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
OFFERTORY ANTHEM God Is Our Refuge (Pote)
The Great Thanksgiving
SANCTUS (S 128)
THE LORD’S PRAYER
The Breaking of the Bread
FRACTION ANTHEM
INVITATION
DISTRIBUTION
COMMUNION ANTHEM #656 Blest Are the Pure in Heart
POST-COMMUNION PRAYER
BLESSING
POST-COMMUNION HYMN #544 Jesus Shall Reign Where'er the Sun
 DISMISSAL
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. People Thanks be to God.

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, February 6, 2022

Sun, 06 Feb 2022 12:36:00 -0400

Entrance Rite
ENTRANCE HYMN: #362 Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!
OPENING ACCLAMATION
COLLECT FOR PURITY
OPENING ANTHEM OR SONG OF PRAISE (S278) THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
The Lessons
FIRST READING: Isaiah 6:1-8 [9-13]
PSALM: Psalm 138
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
SEQUENCE HYMN: #706 In Your Mercy, Lord, You Called Us
GOSPEL: Luke 5:1-11
THE SERMON
THE CREED
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
CONFESSION OF SIN
THE PEACE
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Exsultate (Lightfoot)
The Great Thanksgiving
SANCTUS
(S128)
THE LORD’S PRAYER
The Breaking of the Bread
FRACTION ANTHEM
INVITATION
DISTRIBUTION
COMMUNION HYMN: #686 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing POST-COMMUNION PRAYER
BLESSING
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #535 Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim DISMISSAL
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, January 30, 2022

Sun, 30 Jan 2022 12:13:00 -0400

The Word of God
Entrance Rite
ENTRANCE HYMN: #569 God The Omnipotent!
OPENING ACCLAMATION
The people standing, the Celebrant says
Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
COLLECT FOR PURITY
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.
OPENING ANTHEM OR SONG OF PRAISE (S 278) The following is sung, all standing
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.
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
Celebrant People Celebrant
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray.
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.
The Lessons
FIRST READING: Jeremiah 1:4-10
The people sit.
A Reading from the book of the prophet Jeremiah.
4Now the word of the LORD came to me saying, 5“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
6Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.” 7But the LORD said to me,
“Do not say, ‘I am only a boy’;
for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you. 8Do not be afraid of them,
for I am with you to deliver you,
says the LORD.”
9Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the LORD said to me, “Now I have put my words in your mouth.
10See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms,
to pluck up and to pull down,
to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”
Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
Silence may follow.
PSALM: Psalm 71:1-6
The choir will chant the psalm
1In you, O LORD, have I taken refuge; * let me never be ashamed.
2In your righteousness, deliver me and set me free; * incline your ear to me and save me.
3Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe; * you are my crag and my stronghold.
4Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, * from the clutches of the evildoer and the oppressor.
5For you are my hope, O Lord GOD, * my confidence since I was young.
6I have been sustained by you ever since I was born; from my mother’s womb you have been my strength; *
my praise shall be always of you.
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
The people sit.
A Reading from Paul's First letter to the Church in Corinth.
1If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant 5or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. 7It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. 9For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; 10but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. 11When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. 12For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
Silence may follow.
SEQUENCE HYMN: #530 Spread, O Spread, Thou Mighty Word
All stand.
GOSPEL: Luke 4:21-30
All stand.
Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
21[Jesus] began to [speak in the synagogue in Nazareth:] “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”22All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” 23He said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘Doctor, cure yourself!’ And you will say, ‘Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.’ ” 24And he said, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown. 25But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; 26yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. 27There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” 28When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. 29They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. 30But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.
Priest The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
THE SERMON THE CREED
All stand.
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.
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
All remain standing.
My fellow pilgrims, the Lord is our strong rock, a castle to keep us safe. In confidence, let us pray, “In you, O Lord, have we taken refuge; let us never be ashamed.”
Increase our love, O God. Deliver your Church from boastfulness and arrogance. Fill us instead with patience and kindness.
Silence
In you, O Lord, have we taken refuge;
Let us never be ashamed.
Increase our love, O God. Deliver this nation from pride and fear. Give us eyes to see your hand at work in all nations and peoples. God, bless the world.
Silence
In you, O Lord, have we taken refuge;
Let us never be ashamed.
Increase our love, O God. Let it not be limited only to other human beings but spread to all that you have made.
Invite the congregation to add their thanksgivings, followed by silence
In you, O Lord, have we taken refuge;
Let us never be ashamed.
Increase our love, O God. May we seek and serve Christ in our neighbors, in family, friends, and strangers.
Silence
In you, O Lord, have we taken refuge;
Let us never be ashamed.
Increase our love, O God. By the power of your great love, heal those who are ill; strengthen those who are struggling to endure great pain. We pray that, as we lift our brothers and sisters to you in prayer, they will, even now, feel our love.
Invite the congregation to add their petitions, followed by silence
In our Parish Cycle of Prayer, we pray especially for John & Sue Tassone; Dave, Katy, Sadie, & Sarah Tetreault; and John & Carroll Tickner.
In our Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we pray for seminaries and schools for deacons.
In you, O Lord, have we taken refuge;
Let us never be ashamed.
Increase our trust in your love, O God. May those who have died find in your presence everlasting and overwhelming love.
Silence
In you, O Lord, have we taken refuge;
Let us never be ashamed.
CONFESSION OF SIN
The Deacon or Celebrant says
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept.
Minister 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.
The Priest stands and says
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
All stand.
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you.
Then the Ministers and the People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.
The Holy Communion
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
The Celebrant says
O Lord our God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power; because you have created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. Revelation 4:11
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Precious Spirit, Breath of Peace (Martin) The Great Thanksgiving
Facing the Holy Table, 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.
Because in the mystery of the Word made flesh, you have caused a new light to shine in our hearts, to give the knowledge of your glory in the face of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
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:
SANCTUS (S 128) Celebrant and People
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
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;
The Celebrant continues
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 the blessed Virgin Mary and Blessed Peter our patron 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
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
People and Celebrant
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, forever and ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
FRACTION ANTHEM
Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
INVITATION
The Celebrant says
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.
DISTRIBUTION
The ministers receive the Sacrament in both kinds, and then immediately deliver it to the people. The Bread and the Cup are given to the communicants with these words
The Body (Blood) of our Lord Jesus Christ keep you in everlasting life. [Amen.]
COMMUNION HYMN: #577 God Is Love, And Where True Love Is POST-COMMUNION PRAYER
After Communion, the Celebrant says
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.
BLESSING
The Priest blesses the people, saying
The Lord bless you and keep you. Amen. The Lord make his face to shine upon you
and be gracious to you. Amen.
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you
and give you peace. Amen.
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #448 O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High
DISMISSAL
Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit. People Thanks be to God.

Third Sunday after Epiphany The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, January 23, 2022

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 09:02:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: #616 Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
FIRST READING: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
PSALM: Psalm 19 (#409 The Spacious Firmament on High)
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
SEQUENCE HYMN: #533 How Wondrous and Great Thy Works, God of Praise
GOSPEL: Luke 4:14-21
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Precious Spirit, Breath of Peace (Martin)
COMMUNION ANTHEM: #321 My God, Thy Table Now Is Spread
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #537 Christ For The World We Sing

Second Sunday after the Epiphany The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, January 16, 2022

Sun, 16 Jan 2022 13:03:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: #7 Christ, Whose Glories Fills the Skies
OPENING ANTHEM OR SONG OF PRAISE: S 278
FIRST READING: Isaiah 62:1-5
PSALM: Psalm 36:5-10
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
SEQUENCE HYMN: #440 Blessed Jesus, At Thy Word
GOSPEL: John 2:1-11
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Canon of Praise (Pachelbel, arr. Hopson)
SANCTUS: S 128
COMMUNION HYMN: #117 Brightest and Best
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #542 Christ is the World’s True Light

Christmas Eve Service

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 22:04:00 -0400

6pm Christmas Eve Festal Mass recorded live at St. Peter's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, Narragansett

Dec. 19th 2021

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 18:50:00 -0400

Fourth Sunday of Advent
The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday,
December 19, 2021 10:15 a.m.
Prelude: “Rejoice Greatly” from Messiah (Handel) Eden Casteel, soprano
ENTRANCE HYMN: #54 Savior of the Nations, Come
OPENING ANTHEM OR SONG OF PRAISE S 102 Holy God (Archangelsky) (BCP p. 356)
FIRST READING: Micah 5:2-5a
PSALM: Canticle 3: The Song of Mary
SECOND READING: Hebrews 10:5-10
SEQUENCE HYMN: #265 The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came
GOSPEL: Luke 1:39-45 [46-55]
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Ave, Ave The Angels Sang (Lau)
COMMUNION HYMN: O Come, O Come Emmanuel
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #73 The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns

3rd Sunday of Advent December 12th 2021

Sun, 12 Dec 2021 13:15:00 -0400

Third Sunday of Advent
The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, December 12, 2021
The Word of God
Entrance Rite
ENTRANCE HYMN:
#72 Hark! The Glad Sound! The Savior Comes
OPENING ACCLAMATION
The people standing, the Celebrant says
Celebrant Blessed are you, holy and living One. People You come to your people and set them free.
COLLECT FOR PURITY
The Celebrant may say
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.
OPENING ANTHEM OR SONG OF PRAISE S 102 Holy God (Archangelsky) (BCP p. 356) The following is sung, all standing
Holy God
Holy and Mighty Holy Immortal One Have Mercy on Us
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
Celebrant People Celebrant
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray.
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
The Lessons
FIRST READING: Zephaniah 3:14-20
The people sit.
A Reading from the book of the prophet Zephaniah.
14Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!
15The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies.
The king of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more.
16On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion;
do not let your hands grow weak. 17The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
a warrior who gives victory;
he will rejoice over you with gladness,
he will renew you in his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing
18as on a day of festival.
I will remove disaster from you,
so that you will not bear reproach for it. 19I will deal with all your oppressors
at that time.
And I will save the lame
and gather the outcast,
and I will change their shame into praise
and renown in all the earth.
20At that time I will bring you home,
at the time when I gather you;
for I will make you renowned and praised
among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes
before your eyes, says the LORD. Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God. Silence may follow.
PSALM: Canticle 9: The First Song of Isaiah
Remain seated.
SECOND READING: Philippians 4:4-7
The people sit.
A Reading from Paul's letter to the Church in Philippi.
4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
Silence may follow.
SEQUENCE HYMN: #68 Rejoice, Rejoice Believers
All stand.
GOSPEL: Luke 3:7-18
All stand.
Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
7John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 9Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
10And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” 11In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” 12Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” 13He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” 14Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”
15As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 16John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
18So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.
Priest The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
THE SERMON THE CREED
All stand.
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
The Rev. Andrew C. Mead
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.
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
All remain standing.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Surely, it is God who saves us; therefore, we joyfully pray to the Lord, “God our salvation: thank you.”
Though hindered by our sins and in need of your bountiful grace and mercy, you never leave us. You are ever in our midst. Renew your Church in love.
Invite the congregation to add their thanksgivings, followed by silence
God our salvation:
Thank you.
Make your deeds known among the people, O God. Save the lame; gather the outcast. May the exiles know home and all people know your peace.
Silence
God our salvation:
Thank you.
May your springs of salvation renew the earth. Heal our planet and restore in us a sense of responsibility and gratitude.
Silence
God our salvation:
Thank you.
Merciful God, in this month of great excess and consumerism, call the financial and business communities to act justly and generously. Grant that those without coats be clothed and those without food be fed.
Silence
God our salvation:
Thank you.
O God, you have done great things. With thankful hearts we pray to you for those burdened by shame, grief, or weakness. Be for them a stronghold and a sure defense.
Invite the congregation to add their petitions, followed by silence
In our Parish Cycle of Prayer, we pray especially for Stephen & Jane Puerini; Jane Rawlings; and Gerry and Claudia Reynolds.
In our Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we pray for all laity in their several vocations and ministries that they may truly and devoutly serve God.
God our salvation:
Thank you.
God our salvation, gather us, with all those who have died, especially Alexis Allen Boss, into your sacred heart. Grant us to sing your praises for all eternity.
Silence
God our salvation:
Thank you.
CONFESSION OF SIN
The Deacon or Celebrant says
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept.
Minister 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.
The Priest stands and says
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
All stand.
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you.
Then the Ministers and the People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.
The Holy Communion
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
The Celebrant says
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and make good your vows to the Most High.
Psalm 50:14
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: O Come, Divine Messiah (arr. Ladd)
The Great Thanksgiving
SURSUM CORDA S 120 Lift up your hearts The People remain standing.
Facing the Holy Table, 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.
Because you sent your beloved Son to redeem us from sin and death, and to make us heirs in him of everlasting life; that when he shall come again in power and great triumph to judge the world, we may without shame or fear rejoice to behold his appearing.
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:
SANCTUS
S 129 Holy, holy, holy (Powell)
Celebrant and People
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 People stand or kneel. The Celebrant continues
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;
The Celebrant continues
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 the blessed Virgin Mary, Peter our patron, 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
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
People and Celebrant
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, forever and ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
FRACTION ANTHEM
Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
INVITATION
The Celebrant says
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.
DISTRIBUTION
The ministers receive the Sacrament in both kinds, and then immediately deliver it to the people. The Bread and the Cup are given to the communicants with these words
The Body (Blood) of our Lord Jesus Christ keep you in everlasting life. [Amen.] COMMUNION HYMN: #60 Creator of the Stars of Night
POST-COMMUNION PRAYER
After Communion, the Celebrant says
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
The Priest blesses the people, saying
May Almighty God, by whose providence our Savior Christ came among us in great humility, sanctify you with the light of his blessing and set you free from all sin. Amen.
May he whose second Coming in power and great glory we await, make you steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, and constant in love. Amen.
May you, who rejoice in the first Advent of our Redeemer, at his second Advent be rewarded with unending life. Amen.
And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #76 Lo! He Comes With Clouds Descending DISMISSAL
People
Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Thanks be to God.
The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God in memory of Alexis Allen Boss by Ron and Marjorie Boss.

From riteplanning.com.
Copyright © 2021 Church Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.

Sunday, Dec 5th 2021

Sun, 05 Dec 2021 12:57:00 -0400

Service of Holy Communion

First Sunday of Advent

Sun, 28 Nov 2021 14:59:00 -0400

First Sunday of Advent
The Holy Eucharist Rite Two
Sunday, November 28, 2021
ENTRANCE HYMN: #57 Lo! He Comes With Clouds Descending
PSALM: Psalm 25:1-9
SECOND READING: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
SEQUENCE HYMN: #64 O Heavenly Word, Eternal Light
GOSPEL: Luke 21:25-36
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Waiting For A King (Martin)
SURSUM CORDA S 120 Lift up your hearts
COMMUNION HYMN: #66 Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #454 Jesus Came, Adored By Angels

Thanksgiving/Interfaith Service

Sun, 21 Nov 2021 13:58:00 -0400

Daily Morning Prayer Rite Two Sunday, November 21, 2021
Opening Hymn: #290 Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
PSALM: Psalm 126
FIRST READING: Joel 2:21-27
FIRST CANTICLE #678
Canticle 9: The First Song of Isaiah
SECOND READING: 1 Timothy 2:1-7
SECOND CANTICLE
Canticle 16: The Song of Zechariah
THIRD READING: Matthew 6:25-33
Homily: Rabbi Ethan Adler
CHOIR ANTHEM: For the Beauty of the Earth (Schweizer)
CONCLUDING HYMN: #397 Now Thank We All Our God

Nov.14th Holy Communion

Sun, 14 Nov 2021 13:03:00 -0400

Proper 28 The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, November 14, 2021
ENTRANCE HYMN: #390 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
FIRST READING: Daniel 12:1-3
PSALM: Psalm 16
SECOND READING: Hebrews 10:11-14 [15-18] 19-25
SEQUENCE HYMN: #628 Help Us, O Lord, To Learn
GOSPEL: Mark 13:1-8
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Our Soul Waiteth For the Lord (Pinkston)
COMMUNION ANTHEM: Ave Verum Corpus (Mozart)
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #607 O God of Every Nation

Holy Communion: Nov. 7th 2021

Sun, 07 Nov 2021 14:18:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: #594 God of Grace and God of Glory
FIRST READING: Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
PSALM: Psalm 146
SECOND READING: Hebrews 9:24-28
SEQUENCE HYMN: #454 Jesus Came, Adored By Angels
GOSPEL: Mark 12:38-44
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Praise the Lord Our God Forever (Mozart)
COMMUNION HYMN: #686 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #57 Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending

Oct. 17th 2021 10:15 Service of Holy Communion

Sun, 17 Oct 2021 14:20:00 -0400

The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, October 17, 2021 Proper 24
ENTRANCE HYMN: #379 God Is Love, Let Heaven Adore Him
SONG OF PRAISE (S 280)
FIRST READING: Job 38:1-7 [34-41]
PSALM: Psalm 104:1-9, 25, 37b
SECOND READING: Hebrews 5:1-10
SEQUENCE HYMN: #426 Songs of Praise The Angels Sang
GOSPEL: Mark 10:35-45
THE SERMON The Rev. Richard Shweinsburg
OFFERTORY HYMN: They Shall Soar Like Eagles (Manzo)
COMMUNION HYMN: #660 O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee
POST-COMMUNION HYMN: #347 Go Forth For God

Sunday Oct. 10th 2021 10:15am Service

Sun, 10 Oct 2021 14:44:00 -0400

This is the full service with slight editing for time (cutting out the blank spaces).

Sunday Oct 3rd 2021 Readings and Sermon

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 19:23:00 -0400

The Holy Eucharist Rite Two Sunday, October 3, 2021 Proper 22
FIRST READING: Job 1:1-1; 2:1-10
PSALM: Psalm 26
SECOND READING: Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12
GOSPEL: Mark 10:2-16
THE SERMON
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
CONFESSION OF SIN
THE PEACE

Sunday Sept. 19th Service

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 19:30:00 -0400

FIRST READING: Proverbs 31:10-31
PSALM: Psalm 1
SECOND READING: James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a
GOSPEL: Mark 9:30-37

Sunday Sept. 12th 2021

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 21:09:00 -0400

FIRST READING: Proverbs 1:20-33
PSALM: Psalm 19
SECOND READING: James 3:1-12
GOSPEL: Mark 8:27-38
THE SERMON
Prayers of the People

Trouble In Church.

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 11:02:00 -0400

With reference to the Music Man, Fr. Craig discusses issues of love and connection.

Rabbi & Priest: Whose God of Love?

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 10:16:00 -0400

Today, Fr. Craig Swan and Rabbi Ethan Adler discuss the idea of a loving God in both their faith practices.

Holy Communion July 18th 2021

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 13:17:00 -0400

The Eighth Sunday After Pentecost
The Holy Eucharist Rite Two
ENTRANCE HYMN: #525 The Church’s One Foundation
FIRST READING: 2 Samuel 7:1-14a
PSALM: Psalm 89:20-37
SECOND READING: Ephesians 2:11-22
SEQUENCE HYMN: # 529 In Christ There Is No East or West
GOSPEL: Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
OFFERTORY HYMN: #343 Shepherd of Souls, Refresh and Bless
HYMN: #493 O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing

Rabbi and Priest: The Image of God

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 12:33:00 -0400

Today Rabbi Ethan Adler and Fr. Craig Swan discuss the similarities and differences between how God is represented in their respective faiths.

Holy Communion July 11th 2021

Sun, 11 Jul 2021 12:49:00 -0400

The Seventh Sunday After Pentecost
The Holy Eucharist Rite Two
ENTRANCE HYMN: # 372 Praise to the Living God!
FIRST READING: 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19
PSALM: Psalm 24
SECOND READING: Ephesians 1:3-14
SEQUENCE HYMN: #686 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
GOSPEL: Mark 6:14-29
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: My Lord, What A Morning (Hayes)
Antonio Rodrigues, soloist
COMMUNION ANTHEM: Let Us Break Bread Together (arr. Lawrence)
Antonio Rodrigues, soloist
HYMN: #492 Sing, Ye Faithful, Sing With Gladness

Holy Communion: July 4th 2021 (Condensed)

Sun, 04 Jul 2021 15:09:00 -0400

ENTRANCE HYMN: #657 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
FIRST READING: 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
PSALM: Psalm 48
SECOND READING: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10
SEQUENCE HYMN: #671 Amazing Grace
GOSPEL: Mark 6:1-13
OFFERTORY HYMN: #637 How Firm A Foundation
HYMN: #719 America the Beautiful

Rabbi & Priest: Hospitality

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 07:45:00 -0400

What does hospitality mean? How is it practiced in different faith traditions.

St. Peter's Day Service

Sun, 27 Jun 2021 21:26:00 -0400

June 27th 2021 Bishop Knisely presiding

Priest and a Rabbi Podcast: Miracles!

Sat, 19 Jun 2021 10:31:00 -0400

This week Fr. Swan and Rabbi Adler discuss miracles in relation to faith and life.

Holy Communion May 23: Pentecost

Sun, 23 May 2021 08:00:00 -0400

Pentecost Sunday
ENTRANCE HYMN: O Holy Spirit, By Whose Breath
FIRST READING: Acts 2 : 1-21
PSALM: Psalm 104 : 25-35, 37
SECOND READING: Romans 8 : 22-27
SEQUENCE HYMN: Come Down, O Love Divine
GOSPEL: John 15 : 26-27; 16 : 4b-15
HYMN: Praise the Spirit in Creation
SHOW LESS

Love, Acceptance, and Forgiveness

Fri, 07 May 2021 13:44:00 -0400

So plenty of words that we can actually use to describe what are the important tenants and upon which our religion rests. And we decided that we'll we'll choose three. One of them is love. The other one is acceptance. And the third one is forgiveness. Now of course, there could be other words chosen, but these, these three words seem to be focal points upon which many of our rituals and thoughts and, and spirituality seem to revolve around.

Holy Communion May 2nd 2021

Sun, 02 May 2021 08:00:00 -0400

Fifth Sunday of Easter
The Holy Eucharist Rite Two
Sunday, May 2, 2021
ENTRANCE HYMN: Christ Is Alive
Acts 8 : 26-40
PSALM: Psalm 22:24-30
SECOND READING: 1 John 4:7-21
SEQUENCE HYMN: The Great Creator of the Worlds
GOSPEL: John 15:1-8
HYMN: We Know that Christ is Raised

Holy Communion: April 18th 2021

Sun, 18 Apr 2021 08:00:00 -0400

The Holy Eucharist Rite Two
ENTRANCE HYMN: Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain
Acts 3 : 12-19
PSALM: Psalm 4
SECOND READING: 1 John 3 : 1-7
SEQUENCE HYMN: Blessed Jesus, At Thy Word
GOSPEL: Luke 24 : 36b-48
HYMN: Good Christians All, Rejoice and Sing

Fr. Craig Easter Homily: Easter Sunday

Sun, 04 Apr 2021 14:49:00 -0400

"This morning is truly like no other Easter. We have celebrated. I think most of us come here today. Tired and worn from a year of the pandemic. Frustrated at some points feeling lost. And as we now begin to move out, perhaps even anxious about what the days after the pandemic are going to be like, as I think about that this morning, I feel like we're still more somewhere between good Friday and Easter."

Easter Sunday, April 4th 2021

Sun, 04 Apr 2021 08:00:00 -0400

The Holy Eucharist Rite Two
Sunday, April 4, 2021
Prelude: Prayer of St. Gregory (Hovhaness)
ENTRANCE HYMN: Welcome, Happy Morning!
FIRST READING: Acts 10:34-43
PSALM: Psalm 118 : 1-2, 14-24
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 15 : 1-11
SEQUENCE HYMN: The Strife Is O’er
GOSPEL: John 20 : 1-18
OFFERTORY HYMN: Christ Is Risen, Alleluia! (Albrecht/Althouse)
COMMUNION HYMN: Alleluia (Trotta)
HYMN: Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
Schola:
Eden Casteel
Sarah Izzi Hamel
Margret Celico
Antonio Rodrigues
Timothy Hoyt
Instrumentalists:
Nicholas Schleyer, trumpet
Desiree Glazier-Nazro, percussion
Tony B. Romeo, organ