“We need to pledge ourselves anew to the cause of Christ. We must capture the spirit of the early church. Wherever the early Christians went, they made a triumphant witness for Christ. Whether on the village streets or in the city jails, they daringly proclaimed the good news of the Gospel.”
~ The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
St. John’s Episcopal Church Huntington, WV
https://www.facebook.com/stjohnshuntington
Worship lies at the heart of the Christian life. It is in worship that we express our theology and define our identity. It is through encountering God within worship and prayer that we are formed and transformed as the people of God.
The people’s responses are in bold. Everything you will need in this service is found in this booklet.
Lift Every Voice and Sing
The text associated with this tune may be found in Hymn #599 in the blue hymnal in the pew racks
Please stand as you are able.
THE OPENING HYMN
We the Lord’s people
The Hymnal 1982; #51
Blessed be the one, holy, and living God. All Glory to God for ever and ever.
This prayer was an English rendering of a Latin prayer that began the liturgy in the medieval church before the Reformation. It remains a distinctive part of Episcopal worship to this day.
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.
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 is the prayer appointed for each Sunday, Feast Day or Commemoration that “collects” or captures the theme of the day or season of the Church Year. It summarizes the attributes of God as revealed in the scriptures read that day. God be with you. All And also with you. Let us pray.
Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant you led your people out of slavery, and made them free at last: Grant that your Church, following the example of your prophet Martin Luther King, Jr., may secure for all your children the blessed liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The people are seated.
The First Lesson: Genesis 37:17b-20
A reading from the Book of Genesis.
So Joseph went after his brother, and found them at Dothan. They saw him from a distance, and before he came near to them, they conspired to kill him. They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer. Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; then we shall say that a wild animal has devoured him and we shall see what will become of his dreams.” Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people
All Thanks be to God.
The Psalm: Psalm 77: 11-20 Voce mea ad Dominum Spoken responsively
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 You way, O God, is holy; who is so great a god and 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.
The Epistle: 1 Timothy 2:1-6
A reading from the first letter to Timothy
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s People
All Thanks be to God.
Please stand as you are able.
The Holy Gospel: Luke 6:27-36
The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Luke All Glory to you, Lord Christ
‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
‘If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
The Gospel of the Lord. All Praise to you, Lord Christ
THE SERMON The Rev. Gregory Pennington
The word “creed” comes from the Latin “credo for “I believe.” The Nicene Creed is said at the Holy Eucharist and reflects what Christians believe regarding the relationship between the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit: The Holy Trinity.
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.
You may kneel or continue standing as you are able
For the President of the United States and all in Civil Authority
O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to your merciful care, that, being guided by your Providence, we may dwell secure in your peace. Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this State, Congress, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in your fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
Times of Conflict
O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For those who Influence Public Opinion
Almighty God, you proclaim your truth in every age by many voices: Direct, in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may do their part in making the heart of this people wise, its mind sound, and its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Leader and People pray responsively
A child once dreamed the Voice was calling his name…’Samuel’; Fishermen once heard the Voice when a young man bid them follow; And still the Voice beckons today…can you hear? Here I am, send me.
Moses protested as the Voice spoke at the burning bush; Mary stood amazed as the Voice proclaimed impending birth; And still the Voice beckons today…can you hear? Here I am, send me.
Rosa Parks followed the Voice to the front of the bus; Martin Luther King, Jr. heard the Voice as the bullet shattered; And still the Voice beckons today…can you hear? Here I am, send me.
The litany continues on page 8
The voice beckons from humble places: in the tears of hungry children, in the cries of the frail and frightened elderly, in the pleas of those whose dreams have been too long deferred; And still the Voice beckons today…can you hear? Here I am, send me.
A timid believer pauses to listen to the Voice; A struggling church hears the Voice and turns; And still the Voice beckons today…can you hear? Here I am, send me. Amen.
The Celebrant may add this or another a concluding collect.
O Lord our God, accept the prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies, look with compassion on us and all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
The Deacon or Celebrant says Let us confess our sins to God Silence may be kept. Minister and People then say God of all mercy, We confess that we have sinned against you, Opposing your will in our lives. We have denied your goodness in each other, In ourselves, and in the world you have created. We repent of the evil that enslaves us, The evil we have done, And the evil done on our behalf. Forgive, restore, and strengthen us Through our Savior Jesus Christ, That we may abide in your love And serve only your will. Amen.
The Bishop when present, or the Priest, stands to offer words of Absolution. Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
The peace of Christ be always with you.
All And also with you.
The people greet one another with a sign of God’s peace and then are seated.
The Officiant and people say together
All All that we are and all that we have comes from God. Let us offer our best to God in thanksgiving, remembering that God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Your offerings support the mission, ministry, and operations of St. John’s Episcopal Church. We now also accept debit & credit cards and electronic bank transfers online.
You may scan the QR code to give or give via text at (833) 842-7451
Thank you for your generosity!
This is Eucharistic Prayer 1 from Enriching our Worship
Please stand as you are able The Lord be with you. All And also with you. Lift up your hearts
All We lift them to the Lord Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
All It is right to give him thanks and praise
Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds
It is truly right, and good and joyful, to give you thanks, all-holy God, source of life and fountain of mercy.
You have filled us and all creation with your blessing and fed us with your constant love; you have redeemed us in Jesus Christ and knit us into one body. Through your Spirit you replenish us and call us to fullness of life. Therefore, joining with Angels and Archangels and with the faithful of every generation, we lift our voices with all creation as we say:
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. You may now kneel as you are able, or you may choose to continue standing. Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of the universe and giver of life. You formed us in your own image and called us to dwell in your infinite love. You gave the world into our care that we might be your faithful stewards and show forth your bountiful grace.
But we failed to honor your image in one another and in ourselves; We would not see your goodness in the world around us; and so we violated your creation, abused one another, and rejected your love. Yet you never ceased to care for us, and prepared the way of salvation for all people. Through Abraham and Sarah you called us into covenant with you. You delivered us from slavery, sustained us in the wilderness, and raised up prophets to renew your promise of salvation. Then, in the fullness of time, you sent your eternal Word, made mortal flesh in Jesus. Born into the human family, and dwelling among us, he revealed your glory. Giving himself freely to death on the cross, he triumphed over evil, opening the way of freedom and life.
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.
On the night before he died for us, our Savior Jesus Christ took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his friends, and said: “Take, eat”
This is my Body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
As supper was ending, Jesus 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 poured out for you and for all 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
Remembering his death and resurrection, we now present to you from your creation this bread and this wine. By your Holy Spirit may they be for us the Body and Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ. Grant that we who share these gifts may be filled with the Holy Spirit and live as Christ’s Body in the world. Bring us into the everlasting heritage of your daughters and sons, that with [Martin, and _______] and all your saints, past, present, and yet to come, we may praise your Name for ever.
Through Chirst and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to you be honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever. Amen.
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses,
The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept.
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
We break this bread to share in the Body of Christ. All We who are many are one body, for we all share in the one bread.
Facing the people, the Celebrant says the following Invitation
The Gifts of God for the People of God. and may add Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
All who seek God and a deeper life in Christ are welcome at the Altar rail, and we invite all baptized Christians to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Come forward to the altar rail and kneel or stand with an upturned palm to receive the host. (All bread at St. John’s is gluten-free and vegan) To receive the wine, you may either drink from the chalice or intinct (dip) your host in the intinction chalice that is offered.
Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image and nourishing us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood. Now send us forth a people, forgiven, healed, renewed: that we may proclaim your love to the world and continue in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen.
The service continues with the Closing Hymn on page 14
The priest dismisses the people, and the people respond Thanks be to God. [Alleluia! Alleluia!]
If you see or hear something this evening that speaks to you on your journey, please share it with others this week. If you want to learn more about St. John’s or the Episcopal Church, call us at 304.525.9105, or see Fr. Greg after the service tonight.
The Rt. Rev. Matthew D. Cowden, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of WV
The Rev. R. Gregory Pennington, Rector
The Rev. Klára Kovács, Priest Vivian Kost, Parish Life Director
Dr. David Castleberry, Music Director
Sara Lee, Organist
Vestry
Susan Tusing, Senior Warden • Jim Vassar, Junior Warden
Nicholas Reynolds, Clerk
Pat Hooten, Treasurer (non-voting)
Barbara Becker Cottrill Pat Pierce
Jerry Coleman Ryan Price
Susan Dean
Nathan Thomas
Rachael Peckham Emeritus Webb
Becky Wood
304.525.9105 www.stjohnshuntingtonwv.org www.facebook.com/stjohnshuntington 3000
304.525.9105