Sunday, March 14, 2021 St. James Episcopal Church Women’s Day Lent IV Celebrant - The Rev Freda Marie S. Brown Associate Pastor for Spirituality, The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Baltimore Preacher - The Rev. Rhonda Boozer-Yeary Douglas Memorial Community Church Soloist - Candace Potts Lectors - Jackie Brown and Angela Stuart Presenter - Nicole Jones Chairwoman - Brenda Baker
Pianist - Bryan Alston
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day
Father Richard D. Meadows, Jr. Priest in Charge To the Women of Thee Historic St. James Episcopal Church and the women of the Episcopal Church of Saint Michael and All Angels. I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and may God’s blessings be upon you this day. This day is a historic in that it is your first virtual Women’s Day. It took a lot of work on your part and through great planning and wonderful cooperation you pulled it off. I am grateful and thankful for our preacher, celebrant, soloist and all of you who participated in the service. I’m able to sit back and see the wonderment of God and what he’s able to do when two or three beloved get together. God has proven that God will be in the mix. A special thank you to your chairwoman Brenda Baker and her team and you all, for supporting and continuing to love each other through this time of great trial. I want to remind you that the Scripture says you should come through the fire refined as pure gold. During this year service, We will remember those that we lost, love and the families we’ve supported through their bereavement. God bless you, God keep you, God’s face shine upon you and may he give you peace. Congratulations. I love you more than you will ever know.
Father Meadows
Bio of Reverend Rhonda S. Boozer-Yeary After many years of struggle, Rev. Rhonda Boozer-Yeary officially accepted her call to preach in December of 1999. She preached her initial sermon at Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church under the pastorate of Dr. Ann Lightner-Fuller. She was ordained to the gospel ministry in 2005 and is currently an Associate Pastor at the Douglas Memorial Community Church in Baltimore City where she serves as an Associate Minister. Rev. Boozer-Yeary is a native Baltimorean and a graduate of the University of Maryland at College Park. She also holds a Masters of Arts Degree in Theology from St. Mary’s Seminary. A former teacher with the public school system, she has served as a curriculum resource for the Maryland State Department of Education. She has also operated in the capacity of National Coordinator of Educational Outreach for the NAACP. Rev. Boozer-Yeary is currently the Community Health Educator for the University of Maryland’s Baltimore City Cancer Program, a breast and cervical cancer prevention program. Additionally, she is the former host of a weekly radio show “And Still I Rise,” which provided information and education on a variety of cancer related issues. Rev. Boozer-Yeary is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. An anointed dancer, she has been instrumental in helping establish several dance ministries in the Baltimore area. She is married to the Rev. Dr. S. Todd Yeary, the Senior Pastor of Douglas Memorial Community Church in Baltimore City. Together, they have four children: Robert Aaron, Simone Kathlene, Jordan Amani, and Joshua Asante. Above and beyond anything else, Rev. Boozer-Yeary loves the Lord and strives to live her life as a witness to what God can do. She counts it an honor and a privilege to be an imperfect vessel that God can still use. Bio of Candace Potts
Candace Potts is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and a proud graduate of Morgan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, with a concentration in vocal performance. She has been on tours with the Morgan State University Choir, sang in Opera Scenes with peers as well as faculty. To name a few: Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, Cosi fan tutte, Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, Henry Purcell’s
Bryan Alston, Pianist
Dido and Aeneas, and Engelbert Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel. Candace has also had the opportunity to use her vocal abilities performing in Leonard Bernstein’s Mass and Marsha Norman’s The Color Purple. She has performed at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall, numerous performances in the United States, and has traveled abroad to perform in China, Russia, South America, Brazil, Italy, Jamaica, Prague and Czech Republic. There are several musical projects where she has participated including, performing with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Summer Opera Workshop (Morgan State University), Artist Choir (Roderick Giles), Urban Choral Arts Society (Ronald McFadden), St. Margaret’s Church- Motet Ensemble & Chancel Choir (James Fitzpatrick), Douglas Memorial Community Church-Praise and Worship, Joyful Noise-Praise and Worship (Jessica Nelson), Collin Lett Chorale, Voices of Inspiration (Nolan Williams), Jeremy Winston Chorale, Stacey Gibbs & Just music Danton Whitley & Mosaic Sound and Darin Atwater & Soulful Symphony. Currently Candace is apart of National touring play called STIRRING THE WATERS ACROSS AMERICA. It is a multimedia touring production illuminating the Civil Rights Movement for new audiences. Conceived by American composer Nolan Williams, Jr., STIRRING THE WATERS... combines captivating music, spoken word and dance with stunning visuals to highlight seminal moments from the Movement from 1954 to 1968, connecting the past with the present. STIRRING THE WATERS ACROSS AMERICA is one of the first works to be developed through the Kennedy Center’s newly-inaugurated Social Impact Residency. The production will commence touring in 2020. She continues to use her voice as an instrument and mentors other youth who desire to pursue a career in vocal performance. Vita Brevis Ars Longa!
Prelude - Bryan Alston, Musician - Ode to Joy Ludwig van Betthoven Opening Hymn - I love the Lord (song by Richard Smallwood) Soloist - Candace Potts The Word of God Opening Acclamation Celebrant The Rev Freda Marie S. Brown Associate Pastor for Spirituality, The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Baltimore Celebrant: Blessed the Lord who forgives all our sins People: For His mercy endures forever. Amen. The 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. The Kyrie LEVAS 237 The Collect Written by Rev. Rosie Frew of the Church of Scotland On this Women’s Day we give thanks and we remember the women who have played a part in our lives. Those who have nurtured us, taught us, inspired us, loved us. Forgive us when we have limited women through inequality, by stereotype, by exclusion, through lack of opportunity. On this Women’s Day, as we acknowledge the challenges women still face, we pray that all women may know equality of healthcare, of education, of wealth, of prospects. We pray that all women may know themselves to be respected, safe, included, empowered. We ask these things in the name of Jesus in whom there is neither male nor female, enslaved nor free, In Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Proverbs 31:10-31 (Modern Translation) Lector Jackie Brown Sisters, speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor!" A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her family trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats them generously all her life long. She shops around for the best fabrics and cottons, and enjoys creating. She's like a merchant that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic gifts. She's up early, preparing meals for her family and organizing her day. She looks at land and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, she invests for the future. First thing
in the morning, she dresses for work, gets her self together, and is eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work, and works late hours. She's skilled in the taking care of business and home; diligent. She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor. She doesn't worry about her family in winter, they remain warm. She manages her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks. (If she has a husband) He is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers...Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it with grace. She watches over everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive. Her family respects and bless her; they all join in with words of praise: "Many women have done wonderful things, but my sister outclassed them all!" Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. Give her the praise she deserves! Bless her with words of praise! Psalm 46:1-5; 10-11 Lector Angela Stuart 1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
dwells.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.[c] 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High
5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 11 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
The Epistle IITimothy 1:3-5 Lector Jackie Brown I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gives us, does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of
the Holy Spirit who lives in us. The Sequence Hymn - Praise Him (song by Winston Godfrey Rodney) Soloist - Candace Potts The Gospel John 4:1-13a The Rev. Freda Marie S. Brown Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard, “Jesus is making and baptizing more disciples than John” —although it was not Jesus himself but his disciples who baptized— he left Judea and started back to Galilee. But he had to go through Samaria. So he 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.” Introduction of the Speaker - Chris Cephas Sermon The Rev. Rhonda Boozer-Yeary Douglas Memorial Community Church Post-sermon Meditation - My Help (songwriter Jacquelyn Gouche-Farris) Soloist - Candace Potts 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.
The Prayers of the People Intercessor - Angela Stuart Leader: O God, My Lord, have mercy on us; we are women yearning to hear from You. Our souls need healing. Our souls yearn for a revival to mend the broken heart. Lift up our bowed-down heads and draw us closer to you. You are a Mighty God and you have promised to meet us at our point of need. We are wise builders who build our foundations on solid ground. We prepare for the storms and listen to hear from you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer In our quietness you hear our cry and make provisions that we cannot see. Thank you, O God, for your blessings. Pour into us your word so we may continue to be a wise builder all our days. Lord, you are my dwelling place and we seek after you when we enter the sanctuary. We Thank you, God, for your great creation and your instructions that guide us daily, helping us to be wise builders and not foolish ones who tear down our homes and our lives. We praise you O, Lord for your mighty acts as you lead us to that sacred place to bask in your spirit and worship you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer Lord God, you have been our dwelling place and a very present help in time of need. Dear God, help the foolish builders become wise builders through the power of your Holy Spirit. Lord, help those who tear down rather than build. They have been hurt by past pains, low self-esteem, and bad decisions. Let some woman be a beacon of light for them so they might see the way. Lord God, restore unto us the joy of our salvation. Give us the power to throw off vain endeavors and engage in wise undertakings.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer Lord, we are wise women who build strong homes, always lifting praises to you. Our testimonies concern your love and great sacrifice. Lord God, you have built us up, you have purged our sins, and you have washed and made us whole. Now make us a testimony so others will desire your love and power. All praises to God for wise women who are good builders and are now able to help all women make choices that please you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer Celebrant - We Also, pray to you for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; in your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone; and so uphold us by your Spirit that we may live and serve you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Celebrant: Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit you have made us one with your saints in heaven and on earth: Grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may always be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and know ourselves to be surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy. Forgive us all our sins. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, in whom all our intercessions are acceptable through the Spirit, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. The Peace Remember my brothers and sisters; exchange the peace at a social distance. Take time during the week to reach out to family and friends to exchange the peace of the Lord The peace of the Lord be always with you. People: And also with you. Offertory Please remember to send your offerings: For St. Michael, you can send your church offering via CashApp using Cashtag $SMAAChurch or mail it directly to the church at 2013 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-5929.
For St. James, you can send your church offering via PushPay.com or mail it directly to the church at 1020 West Lafayette Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21217
Introduction of the Women’s Day Committee - Nicole Jones Special Presentations - Brenda Baker Blessing of the Women - Brenda Baker And Women’s Day Memorial In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Thank you Heavenly Father for gathering the women of Saint James Episcopal Church for this first historic virtual Women’s Day. Today was a day that was organized to give glory to you. It was planned with a spirit of love to honor past and current members, family and friends. The word received from Pastor Rhonda Boozer-Yeary is uplifting and timely and Luke 1:45 says "And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." Therefore we ask for abundant blessings for all that are participating in this beautiful occasion. Father you said, in Matthew 20:18 for where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst. May you be with these women every second, minute and hour of everyday. Bring them love and peace during these uncertain times so they can be a blessing to others. We now honor the women of the past years and May the peace and comfort of your holy spirt live amongst us and with them forever. Amen Memory Scroll Memorial Selection - Going up Yonder (songwriter Walter Hawkins) THE GREAT THANKSGIVING EUCHARISTIC PRAYER A Celebrant 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 God thanks and praise.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. You bid your faithful people cleanse their hearts, and prepare with joy for the Paschal feast; that, fervent in prayer and in works of mercy, and renewed by your Word and Sacraments, they may come to the fullness of grace which you have prepared for those who love you.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: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of you glory. Glory be to thee, O Lord most high. Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
The Celebrant continues. Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world. On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me." After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me." Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom. All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen. And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us Therefore, let us keep the feast.
Celebrant The Gifts of God for the People of God.
The Communion Hymn - Fix me Jesus (Afro-American spiritual) Soloist - Candace Potts The Postcommunion Prayer Celebrant - Let us pray. Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen. The peace of God, which passes all understanding; keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of God’s Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen. Dismissal Closing Hymn - I’m so Glad Jesus Lifted Me (Afro-American spiritual) Celebrant : Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. Postlude - The Lord is my Shepherd (arrangement Cissy Houston)
Soloist Candace Potts