SAINT MICHAEL and
All Angels Episcopal Church
The Third Sunday in Lent March 23, 2025
9 AM TRADITIONAL Church
FROM THE RECTOR
The
Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata
We’re so glad you’ve joined us at Saint Michael today. We’d love to get to know you better, so please take a moment to fill out the welcome card, either physically or digitally, that can be found on this page or in the pew back in front of you. Our Welcome Team members are in the hallways today to help you with anything you need.
Our theme this Lent is “Strength in Weakness.” God calls us into a life that is often difficult and full of loss, but when we experience true vulnerability, we will experience the full power and presence of God. We offer daily opportunities for you to center yourself on God’s presence, including short weekday meditations led by the clergy of Saint Michael. Based on daily scripture readings, you can stream the meditations on our website or wherever you listen to podcasts. This coming Tuesday, March 25, we begin our spring Alpha Course. All are welcome to join us for dinner, learning, and small group conversation as we explore the tenets of the Christian faith and get to know one another better. There are many other offerings available to you, so please take a Sunday News leaflet with you and join us!
As we prepare to worship together, I invite you to take a moment and center yourself on God’s presence. Worshiping, learning, and giving together help us grow closer to who God created us to be, and you’re part of that work. May God bless you today and every day, and I hope to see you again very soon!
CONNECT WITH US
Scan the QR Code to fill out the welcome card, sign up for emails, and register for Saint Michael 101. saintmichael.org/welcome
The Third Sunday in Lent
Holy Eucharist: Rite II
The service begins on page 148 of The Book of Common Prayer. Hymns may be found in the blue hymnal in the pew rack.
The Word of God
Prelude
Master Tallis’ Testament
Welcome
Introit (seated, sung by the Saint Michael Cherubs)
Herbert Howells
Jesus Walks This Lonesome Valley Traditional Jesus walked this lonesome valley, he had to walk it by himself. Nobody else could walk it for him, he had to walk it by himself.
Entering Procession (standing, sung by all) Hymn 401 v. 1, 4-5
“ The God of Abraham praise” Leoni
A Penitential Order (standing)
Celebrant Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins; People His mercy endures for ever.
Celebrant Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. - Hebrews 4:14, 16
Confession of Sin and Absolution (kneeling)
Celebrant Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
All 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
The greenery adorning the altar is given to the glory of God and in thanskgiving of the birth of John Ross Clifton, son of Lucy & Ross Clifton, and grandson of Kimberly & Joe Colonnetta. Composed in 1940, “Master Tallis’ Testament” pays tribute to a father of English cathedral music. The work consists of gradual variations on the opening theme, with each variation increasing in intensity, complexity, and volume.
Children ages three through eight are invited to meet a member of our ministry staff by the pulpit to be escorted to children’s chapel; they will return to the congregation following the Peace.
not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
Celebrant Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
Kyrie (standing, sung by all)
“Lord, have mercy”
The Collect of the Day (standing)
Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Let us pray.
Hymn S 96
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 e ver and ever. Amen.
The Lesson (seated)
Exodus 3:1-15
Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. Then Moses said, “I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up.” When the LORD saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And
he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” He said further, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. Then the LORD said, “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Eg ypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the country of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them. So come, I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Eg ypt?” He said, “I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain.”
But Moses said to God, “If I come to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” He said further, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘I AM has sent me to you’.” God also said to Moses, “ Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you’: This is my name forever, and this my title for all generations.”
Lector The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
O God, you are my God; eagerly I seek you; * my soul thirsts for you, my flesh faints for you, as in a barren and dry land where there is no water. Therefore I have gazed upon you in your holy place, * that I might behold your power and your glory. For your loving-kindness is better than life itself; * my lips shall give you praise. So will I bless you as long as I live * and lift up my hands in your Name. My soul is content, as with marrow and fatness, * and my mouth praises you with joyful lips, When I remember you upon my bed, * and meditate on you in the night watches. For you have been my helper, * and under the shadow of your wings I will rejoice. My soul clings to you; * your right hand holds me fast.
Sequence Hymn (standing, sung by all) Hymn 648, v. 1 “ When Israel was in Egypt’s land” Go Down, Moses
The Gospel (standing) Luke 13:1-9
Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
At that very time there were some present who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them-do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you;
but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.” Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down’.”
Deacon The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon (seated) The Reverend Robin Hinkle
The Nicene Creed (standing)
All 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.
Parish Prayers of the People As of March 17. 2025
John Aldridge
Rami Angir
Kathryn Anschutz
Eric Bailey
Barbara Hart Bell
Jose Bernal
Carolyn Breland
Kay Boruff
Bob Buchanan
Cosette “Coco” Cathey
Carolyn Cockran
Carlos Cuellar
Heather Demler
Kathy Dwight
Steve Gleason
Jody Guenther
Dawn Hall
Josh Hight
Mason Holmes
Angela Howell
Ada Lynn Jones
Gregg Junge
Lynne Kent
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: Form V (standing)
Celebrant Let us pray for the Church and for the world.
Lector In peace, let us pray to the Lord, saying, “Lord, have mercy.”
Lector
For the holy Church of God, that it may be filled with truth and love, and be found without fault at the day of your coming, we pray to you, O Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector
For Sean, our Presiding Bishop, for George, our own Bishop, for all bishops and other ministers, [for ___,] and for all the holy people of God, we pray to you, O Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector
For all who fear God and believe in you, Lord Christ, that our divisions may cease, and that all may be one as you and the Father are one, we pray to you, O Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector For the mission of the Church, that in faithful witness it may preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth, we pray to you, O Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector For the peace of the world, that a spirit of respect and forbearance may grow among nations and peoples, we pray to you, O Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector For those in positions of public trust, [especially Donald, our President; Greg, our Governor; and Eric, our Mayor,] that they may serve justice, and promote the dignity and freedom of every person, we pray to you, O Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector For the poor, the persecuted, the sick, and all who suffer; for refugees, prisoners, and all who are in dang er; that they may be relieved and protected, we pray to you, O Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector [ We give thanks for ___.] For this congregation, for those who are present, and for those who are absent, that we may be delivered from hardness of heart, and show forth your glory in all that we do, we pray to you, O Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector For all who have commended themselves to our prayers; for our families, friends, and neighbors; that being freed from anxiety, they may live in joy, peace, and health, we pray to you, O Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector For all those on the Saint Michael prayer list, and for _____, we pray to you, O Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Danny Landeros
Tom Luce
Sarah Margaret Mannes
Dimitri Margetis
Bill Martens
Blake Martens
David Martin
John Morelock
Heather Nemec
Bob Paddock
Aaron Pritchard
Santiago Rawlins
Brad Smith
Mary Ann Swinton
Byrd Teague
Susan Wallens
Bryan Ward
Catherine Westbrook
Sheri White
Mary Wolf
Give online by selecting General 2025 from the dropdown menu.
Michael Tippett’s setting of “Go Down, Moses” appears in his oratorio A Child of Our Time (1939–41) as one of the interwoven spirituals. This powerful choral arrangement offers a moment of reflection and lament, echoing themes of oppression and deliverance. Tippett’s harmonization preserves the spiritual’s raw emotional depth while incorporating his distinctive harmonic language. The expressive, dramatic choral writing, with its rich textures, enhances the message of resilience and hope.
Lector
For all who have died in the communion of your Church, [especially___,] and those whose faith is known to you alone, that, with all the saints, they may have rest in that place where there is no pain or grief, but life eternal, we pray to you, O Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector Rejoicing in the fellowship of blessed Michael and all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life to Christ our God.
People To you, O Lord our God.
Celebrant Heavenly Father, you have promised to hear what we ask in the Name of your Son: Accept and fulfill our petitions, we pray, not as we ask in our ignorance, nor as we deserve in our sinfulness, but as you know and love us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Peace (standing)
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.
Announcements (please be seated)
The Holy Communion
Offertory Anthem (sung by the Saint Michael Choir)
Go down, Moses arr. Michael Tippett
Go down, Moses, way down in Egypt land; Tell old Pharaoh, to let my people go.
When Israel was in Egypt Land, Oppressed so hard They could not stand, “Thus spake the Lord,” bold Moses said, “If not, I’ll smite your first-born dead.”
Go down, Moses, way down in Egypt land; Tell old Pharaoh, to let my people go.
- African-American Spiritual
Presentation Hymn (standing, sung by all) Hymn 380, v. 3
“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow” Old 100th
The Great Thanksgiving: Eucharistic Prayer A (standing)
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Lift up your hearts.
People We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to g ive thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
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 and Benedictus (standing, sung by all) Hymn S 130
“Holy, holy, holy”
Please kneel as you are able.
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to e vil 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.”
All baptized persons of any age regardless of their denomination and tradition are welcome to share in the banquet of the Lord’s Supper.
Here a Proper Preface is sung or said on all Sundays, and on other occasions as appointed.
At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it, or lay a hand upon it; and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing wine to be consecrated.
All are invited to come forward to the Communion rail at the direction of our ushers. Stand or kneel at the rail as you are able, and receive the wafer in the palm of your outstretched hands. If you desire a gluten-free wafer, clasp your hands in front of you with your palms down. Receive the wine by drinking from the chalice as it is offered to you, or by retaining the wafer, to dip lightly into the chalice for yourself. If you are not receiving, you may cross your arms over your chest and receive a blessing. If you are unable to physically come to the rail, please indicate to an usher that you would like to receive Communion at your seat.
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:
All 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 g lory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
All 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,
The Celebrant breaks the bread in silence. 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 (kneeling, sung by all) Hymn S 164
“Jesus, Lamb of God”
Celebrant The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
Communion Anthem (sung by the Saint Michael Choir)
Like as the hart desireth the waterbrooks Herbert Howells
Like as the hart desireth the waterbrooks
So longeth my soul after thee, oh God
My soul is a thirst for God
Yea, even for the living God
When shall I come to appear
Before the presence of God?
My tears have been my meat day and night
While they daily say unto me where? Where is now thy God?
My tears have been my meat day and night
Like as the hart desireth the waterbrooks
So longeth my soul after thee, oh God
My soul is a thirst for God
Yea, even for the living God
When shall I come to appear
Before the presence
The presence of God?
- Psalm 42
Herbert Howells composed “Like as the hart desireth the waterbrooks” in 1941 during a period of intense creativity while snowed in at Cheltenham amid London’s air raids. This six-minute choral anthem sets Psalm 42 and is noted for its expressive depth and rich harmonic language. It remains a significant work in the modern choral repertoire, reflecting Howells’ distinctive style and emotional resonance.
Max Reger’s Op. 67 is a collection of 52 hymn settings composed between 1900 and 1902. The concept is reminiscent of Johann Sebastian Bach’s 46 chorale preludes from the Orgelbüchlein. Although intended to be technically simple, these compositions are musically complex, occasionally mirroring features of the Orgelbüchlein. Notice how Reger highlights the hymn’s dark text through harmonic twists and dissonances.
The foregoing text of the worship service contained in this order of worship is taken from the Book of Common Prayer 1979. The Book of Common Prayer alone is of authority in the worship of the Episcopal Church. This program is provided for convenience of use on this occasion.
Streamed with permission under ONE LICENSE # M - 402151.
The Post-Communion Prayer (kneeling, spoken by all)
Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Blessing (kneeling)
The Dismissal (standing)
Deacon Let us bless the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
Departing Procession (standing, sung by all) Hymn 344 “Lord, dismiss us with thy blessing” Sicilian Mariners
Postlude
Jesu Leiden, Pein und Tod, Op. 67/19 Max Reger
MAR 23
7:30 AM
Traditional
Saint Michael Chapel
9 AM
Traditional Church
Joy! A Children’s Service
Saint Michael Chapel
10 AM Formation For All Ages
11 AM
Contemporary Church
Traditional
Saint Michael Chapel
5:30 PM
Traditional
Saint Michael Chapel
sunday at Saint Michael
FORMATION CLASSES
Sundays | 10 a.m.
2nd floor of the new Education Wing
Adults
The Story of Scripture: Luke 9 – 14
Led by the Rev. Robin Hinkle | Room 203
Monastic Spirituality: Celtic
Led by the Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso | Coke Room 201
Saint Michael 101
Spotlight: Pastoral Care and Engagement
Led by Rob Springer-Kyle | Room 200
Class for Parents
Time Management for Families
Led by Dr. Tim Smith | Room 212
Youth
Middle School
Youth Room A
High School
Youth Room B
Confirmation
Youth Center
Children
Godly Play
PreK – Kinder | Room 213 1st Grade | Room 208
Weaving God’s Promises
2nd – 3rd Grade | Room 209
Launch 45
4th – 5th Grade Room 207
Nursery is available in rooms 19 & 20 in the school’s hallway. Enter through the Chapel or the Sunday Education Wing entrance, which are marked on the map on the opposite page.
HOLY WEEK SERVICE SCHEDULE
APRIL 14
MONDAY IN HOLY WEEK
Morning Prayer
7 a.m. | Chapel
APRIL 15
TUESDAY IN HOLY WEEK
Morning Prayer
7 a.m. | Chapel
APRIL 16
WEDNESDAY IN HOLY WEEK
Morning Prayer
7 a.m. | Chapel
Tenebrae
7 p.m. | Church
APRIL 17
MAUNDY THURSDAY
Morning Prayer
7 a.m. | Chapel
Maundy Thursday & Stripping of the Altar
7 p.m. | Church
Vigil in the Garden of Repose
9 p.m. – 6 a.m. | Chapel
APRIL 18
GOOD FRIDAY
Good Friday
7 a.m. | Chapel
Good Friday & Holy Communion
12 p.m. | Church
Family Stations of the Cross
12 p.m. | Chapel
Traditional Stations of the Cross
1:15 p.m. | Church
Contemporary Stations of the Cross
5:30 p.m. | Church
Contemporary Good Friday & Holy Communion
7 p.m. | Church
APRIL 19
HOLY SATURDAY
Holy Saturday
8:30 a.m. | Chapel
Great Vigil of Easter
7 p.m. | Church
SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT
SAINTMICHAEL.ORG/HOLYWEEK FOR MORE INFORMATION.
6:30 AM Sunrise Service Outdoor Patio on Colgate 9 AM
Holy Eucharist Rite II Church
Joy! A Children’s Service Chapel 5:30 PM
Holy Eucharist Rite II Church
7:30 AM
Holy Eucharist Rite I Chapel 11 AM Contemporary Service Church
Holy Eucharist Rite I Chapel