SAINT MICHAEL
and All Angels Episcopal Church
The Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels
September 28, 2025
CELEBRATING OUR
11 AM TRADITIONAL Saint Michael Chapel
WELCOME
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.
Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels, and it’s the 80th Anniversary of our founding in 1945. It’s a wonderful day to celebrate who we are and who we are becoming! As we continue our fall series on “Serve,” hope you’re taking advantage of praying along with the clergy of Saint Michael through our Weekday Meditations. They’re a great gift, helping to center us on prayer each day, and they can be streamed anywhere you listen to podcasts. I also encourage you to join one of our wonderful Sunday classes that resume next week. To find out more about our ministry programs, please pick up a copy of the Sunday News or stop one of our wonderful greeters after this service.
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 Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels
Holy Eucharist: Rite I
The service begins on page 323 of The Book of Common Prayer. Hymns may be found in the blue hymnal in the pew rack.
The Word of God
Prelude
Variations on Rustington
Brenda Portman
Entering Procession (standing, sung by all) Hymn 618
“ Ye watchers and ye holy ones” Lasst uns erfreuen
The Opening Acclamation and Collect for Purity (standing)
Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen. Celebrant Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Song of Praise (standing, sung by all)
“Glory be to God on high”
The Collect of the Day (standing)
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And with thy spirit.
Celebrant Let us pray.
Incense will be used at this service.
Hymn S 202
Brenda Portman is an American organist and composer of organ and choral works. Many of her organ works— including today’s prelude—are the result of improvisations. Her studies in Dutch minimalist organ music are evident in the small melodic hymn tune fragments she uses as building blocks.
O e verlasting God, who hast ordained and constituted the ministries of angels and men in a wonderful order: Mercifully g rant that, as thy holy angels always serve and worship thee in heaven, so by thy appointment they may help and defend us on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Chanted by the Choir to a psalm setting by Kellow J. Pye.
The First Lesson (seated) Genesis 28:10-17
Jacob left Beer-sheba and went toward Haran. He came to a certain place and stayed there for the night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place. And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, the top of it reaching to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. And the LORD stood beside him and said, “I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring; and your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and all the families of the earth shall be blessed in you and in your offspring. Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place—and I did not know it!” And he was afraid, and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”
Lector The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
The Psalm (seated) Psalm 103:19-22
The LORD has set his throne in heaven, * and his kingship has dominion over all. Bless the LORD, you angels of his, you mighty ones who do his bidding, * and hearken to the voice of his word. Bless the LORD, all you his hosts, * you ministers of his who do his will. Bless the LORD, all you works of his, in all places of his dominion; * bless the LORD, O my soul.
The Second Lesson (seated)
Revelation 12:7-12
War broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, but they were defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, proclaiming, “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Messiah, for the accuser of our comrades has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. But they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not cling to life even in the face of death. Rejoice then, you heavens and those who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you with great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!”
Lector The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Sequence Hymn (standing, sung by all)
“Round the Lord in glory seated” Rustington
Hymn 367, v.1
The Gospel (standing) John 1:47-51
Celebrant The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according toJohn. People Glory be to thee, O Lord.
When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things
than these.” And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”
Celebrant The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise be to thee, O Christ.
The Sermon (seated) The Reverend Matthew Crownover
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. 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 I (standing)
Celebrant Let us pray for the Church and for the world.
Lector With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the Lord, saying “Lord, have mercy.”
Lector 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.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector For Sean, our Presiding Bishop; George and Wayne, our Bishops; our parish clergy and their families; for ___; and for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector For Donald, our President; Greg, our Governor; and Eric, our Mayor; for the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority, let us pray to the Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector We give you thanks for___. For this city, for every cit y and community, and for those who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Parish Prayers of the People As of September 17, 2025
John Aldridge
Rami Angir
Kathryn Anschutz
Huntley Bateman
Don Baty
Larry Been
Barbara Hart Bell
Becky Bell
John Bergner
Shirley Blackman
Robert Bliss
Len Bourland
Dianna Bowen
Cosette “Coco” Cathey
Ben Cervin
Carolyn Cochran
Jean Coleman
Patti Cooper
Carlos Cuellar
Joel Forrest
Ray Franks
Jean Fuller
Forest Germany
Curtis Green
Jody Guenther
Josh Hight
Earle Hill
William Hinkley
Barbara Hornback
Jack Hubbell
Wade Hyde
Ada Lynn Jones
Lynne Kent
John Khoury
Danny Landeros
Velma Landry
Frank Lauinger
Kenneth Lindh
Maggie Little
Jenna Long
Tom Luce
Celia Smith McGrath
Sarah Margaret Mannes
Dimitri Margetis
Maisie Evans Marsau
David Martin
Michael Matamoros
Janie Meyer
Irene Moir
Mark Monfrey
Jim Morris
Jack Myers
Heather Nemec
Bob Paccone
Bob Paddock
Jerry Lee Price
Paul Rodgers
Gerry Roberts
Arden Showalter
Brad Smith
Chandler Wade Smith
Dianne Smith
Fadey Suleiman
Byrd Teague
John Wieden
Jack Winlow
Mary Wolf
Hannah Wood
Lector
For the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will to conserve it, let us pray to the Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector
For the aged and infirm, for the widowed and orphans, and for the sick and the suffering, especially those on the Saint Michael prayer list, and for___, let us pray to the Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector
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.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector
For all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, and for all the departed, especially___, let us pray to the Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector
For deliverance from all danger, violence, oppression, and degradation, let us pray to the Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector
That we may end our lives in faith and hope, without suffering and without reproach, let us pray to the Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Lector
In the communion of Saint Michael and of all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life, to Christ our God.
People To thee, O Lord our God.
Celebrant Hasten, O Father, the coming of thy kingdom; and g rant that we thy servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold thy Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.
Confession of Sin and Absolution (kneeling)
Celebrant Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.
All Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against thee in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved thee with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in thy will, and walk in thy ways, to the glory of thy Name. Amen.
Celebrant Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all those who with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all g oodness, and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Peace (standing)
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And with thy spirit.
Announcements (please be seated)
Give online by scanning this QR code.
“The Proclamation: Gloria in Excelsis
Deo” is the opening movement of Gloria by Welsh composer Karl Jenkins. Known for his eclectic style, Jenkins blends elements from classical, world, and contemporary music to create accessible and impactful works. Composed in 2010, Gloria sets the traditional Latin text alongside additional texts from various cultures, promoting unity and peace. This movement sets the tone with an energetic, rhythmic declaration of praise, reflecting Jenkins’s signature fusion of bold harmony and driving momentum.
The Holy Communion
Offertory Anthem (sung by the Saint Michael Choir)
The Proclamation: Gloria in excelsis Deo Karl Jenkins
Gloria in excelsis Deo Et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis. Glory to God in the highest And on earth peace, good will towards men.
- Traditional Latin
Presentation Hymn (standing, sung by all)
“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow”
PraiseGod,fromwhomallblessings - flow;praise him,allcreatures - herebelow; - praisehimabove, - ye heavenly - host:praiseFather, - Son,andHoly - Ghost.
The Great Thanksgiving: Eucharistic Prayer II (standing)
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.
Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; evermore praising thee, and singing, Sanctus and Benedictus (standing, sung by all) Hymn S 114
“Holy, holy, holy”
Please kneel as you are able.
All glory be to thee, O Lord our God, for that thou didst create heaven and earth, and didst make us in thine own image; and, of thy tender mercy, didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to take our nature upon him, and to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption. He made there a full and perfect sacrifice for 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 to thee, he broke 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.”
All baptized persons of any age regardless of their denomination and tradition are welcome to share in the banquet of the Lord’s Supper.
The Proper Preface has been adapted from the 1980 ASB of the Church of England, with Episcopal permission.
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.
L ikewise, after supper, he took the cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink this, all of you; for this is my Blood of the New Covenant, 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, we thy people do celebrate and make, 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; and looking for his coming again with power and great glory.
And we most humbly beseech thee, O merciful Father, to hear us, and, with thy Word and Holy Spirit, to bless and sanctify these gifts of bread and wine, that they may be unto us the Body and Blood of thy dearly-beloved Son Jesus Christ.
And we earnestly desire thy fatherly goodness to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, whereby we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, our selves, our souls and bodies. Grant, we beseech thee, that all who partake of this Holy Communion may worthily receive the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son Jesus Christ, and be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction; and also that we and all thy whole Church may be made one body with him, that he may dwell in us, and we in him; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord;
By whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost all honor and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. 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, 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 (sung by all) Hymn S 152 “Alleluia”
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)
Der alte Drache brennt vor Neid Johann Sebastian Bach
Der alte Drache brennt vor Neid
Und dichtet stets auf neues Leid, Dass er das kleine Häuflein trennet. Er tilgte gern, was Gottes ist, Bald braucht er List,
Weil er nicht Rast noch Ruhe kennet.
The ancient dragon [Satan] burns with envy
And constantly dreams up new suffering [for Christians], So that he might put asunder the tiny little band. He would gladly wipe away what is God’s; He would readily use cunning, Because he knows neither rest nor peace.
- Anonymous
“Der alte Drache brennt vor Neid” (“The ancient dragon burns with envy”) is the third movement from J. S. Bach’s cantata “Herr Gott dich loben alle wir” BWV 130 written for the feast of Saint Michael in 1724. This dazzling bass aria in C major, scored for three trumpets, timpani, and continuo is a rare and vivid battle scene. Rather than depict a historical fight, Bach paints an ongoing cosmic confrontation: St Michael and the heavenly host guarding the faithful against the devil’s schemes. The martial brilliance of the trumpets (especially the demanding semiquaver passages) suggests vigilance and strength, while the bass line’s rumbling may hint at the enemy’s menace. The result is a drama of spiritual warfare, where divine protection is steadfast, defiant, and blazing with baroque splendor.
The Post-Communion Prayer (kneeling, spoken by all)
Almighty and everliving God, we most heartily thank thee for that thou dost feed us, in these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and dost assure us thereby of thy favor and goodness towards us; and that we are very members incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son, the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs, through hope, of thy everlasting kingdom. And we humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.
The Blessing (kneeling)
The Dismissal (standing)
Deacon Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
Departing Procession (standing, sung by all) Hymn 432
“O praise ye the Lord! Praise him in the height” Laudate Dominum Verses 1-3 from the Hymnal, v. 4 below 4. O f praiseyetheLord!thanksgiv - ing - andsongto
- along: - For mf loveincre -
ation, - For cresc. heaven - restored,For Allargando graceofsalva - tion, - O ff praiseyetheLord!Amen, - Amen. -
Postlude
Voluntary in D major William Boyce
William Boyce (1711–1779) was one of the leading English composers of the 18th century, celebrated for his church music, symphonies, and theatrical works. In this vibrant arrangement for trumpet and organ, Boyce’s stately and lyrical style comes to life with brilliant antiphonal exchanges between the trumpets, supported by the organ’s rich harmonic foundation. The music showcases Boyce’s gift for noble melody and clear structure, reflecting the grandeur of English Baroque tradition.
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.
SEPT 28
7:30 AM
Traditional
Saint Michael Chapel
9 AM
Traditional Church
Joy! A Children’s Service
sunday at Saint Michael
Saint Michael Chapel
10 AM Reception
Feast of Saint Michael Patio off Colgate
Education for Youth and Children
11 AM Contemporary Church
Traditional
Saint Michael Chapel
5:30 PM
Traditional
Saint Michael Chapel
TODAY: Children and Youth classes will meet in their designated rooms in the Education Building. (See below)
Feast Saint Michael
6th and 7th Grade | Youth Room A
8th Grade | Youth Center
9th – 12th Grade | Youth Room B
Children
Godly Play: PreK – 1st Grade (Ages 3 – 7)
PreK (Room 213) | Kindergarten (Room 211) | 1st Grade (Room 208)
One Family of Faith: 2nd – 3rd Grade | Room 209
Launch 45: 4th – 5th Grade | Room 207
NEXT WEEK: Adult Education Classes Resume, October 5.
Adults
Origins of Our Faith Room 201 | Led by the Rev. Robin Hinkle
Faith And Practice | Faith in an Age of Facts Room 203 | Led by the Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso
Class For Parents | Faith Begins at Home Room 212 | Led by Meghan Houk
Saint Michael 101 | Spotlight: Music Room 200 | Led by Tom Hammond-Davies
Nursery available in rooms 19 & 20 in school hallway. Enter through Chapel or Sunday Education Wing entrance. See map for details.