
Observing the Feast of St. Michael & All Angels Sunday, September 2 9, 2024 , at 10:30 a.m.
St. John’s Episcopal Church
Streaming live at: https://www.facebook.com/stjohnshuntington https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnsEpiscopalWV/streams

Observing the Feast of St. Michael & All Angels Sunday, September 2 9, 2024 , at 10:30 a.m.
St. John’s Episcopal Church
Streaming live at: https://www.facebook.com/stjohnshuntington https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnsEpiscopalWV/streams
HEAVENLY HIKE
SUNDAY, 9/29 – MEET IN THE ST. JOHN’S PARKING LOT AT 2 PM
STEEL DRUM CONCERT
SUNDAY, 9/29 @ 7 PM; ST. TIMOTHY-IN-THE-VALLEY, HURRICANE, WV. FREE AND OPEN TO ALL.
HARMONY HOUSE LUNCH SCHEDULE
MONDAY, 9/30 – OFF DAY. 1ST PRESBYTERIAN SERVES
LEARNING FROM LONDON DISCUSSION DATES
TUESDAY, 10/1 @ 7 PM. SEE WEEKLY EUPDATE FOR DETAILS.
STEWARDSHIP WORKGROUP
WEDNESDAY 10/2, & 10/9 @ 6 PM IN THE LIBRARY AT ST JOHN’S YOU MAY BRING DINNER OR A SNACK
MORALS & MEANING AT THE MOVIES
CONTINUES THURSDAY, 10/3 @ 6 PM IN TYLER HALL
ANNUAL ST. JOHN’S PET BLESSINGS
SUNDAY, 10/6 DURING BOTH THE 8 & 10:30 SERVICES. DO YOU HAVE AN ANTISOCIAL PET? BRING A PICTURE OF YOUR PET(S) FOR A VIRTUAL BLESSING.
OPEN TO ALL PICNIC
SUNDAY 10/13 FROM 1-4 PM IN RITTER PARK. SEE WEEKLY EUPDATE FOR DETAILS.
HUNTINGTON PRIDE FEST
SATURDAY, 10/19 FROM 3-11PM; 4TH STREET IN DOWNTOWN HUNTINGTON. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED.
CABARET: A MARSHALL UNIVERSITY ART SONG RECITAL
SUNDAY, 10/20 @ 3:00 PM; IN THE ST. JOHN’S SANCTUARY
First Lesson: Barbara Ladner
Psalm: David Castleberry
Epistle: Susan Tusing
Prayers of the People: Susan Tusing
Verger: Chuck Andrus
Chalice: Emeritus Webb
Greeters:
Altar Guild: Team 2
First Lesson: Becky Woods
Psalm: David Castleberry
Epistle: Nick Reynolds
Prayers of the People: Nick Reynolds
Verger: Chuck Andrus
Chalice: Jerry Coleman
Greeters: Susan & John Hash
Altar Guild: Team 3
Alt
SEPT / OCT COFFEE HOUR HOSTS
September 29: The Vance Family
October 6: B. Cottrill & C. Garrett
October 13: Mary Beth & Nick Reynolds
October 20: Susan Dean
October 27: Open
SEPTEMBER GOAL: 48 cans of Chicken Noodle Soup
OCTOBER GOAL: 48 cans of Cream of Chicken Soup
NOVEMBER GOAL: 48 cans of Corn
St. John’s is an open and affirming community of faith and YOU are welcome here – just as you are. Adults, families, widows and widowers, retired folks, partners, those in transition, empty-nesters, divorced, single parents, questioning teens and wiggly children are all valued members of our community.
Everything you will need for this service is in your worship leaflet. For the first-time visitor, liturgy may be exhilarating or confusing. In this service, people stand, sit, and kneel. You will hear sung and spoken responses, and other participatory elements. Remember that we are all here to worship and learn – and there is no wrong way! And we love having children in our service. Don’t worry about any noise or activity. We want your children to feel at home here too. We offer a Children’s Time in Tyler Hall if you prefer. There, they will hear biblical teachings and participate in activities geared toward their age level.
Restrooms can be found downstairs just outside Tyler Hall. To take the stairs, go out the double doors at the rear of the Sanctuary, take the stairwell to the right to the men’s room and the stairwell to the left to the women’s room. To take the elevator, exit the Sanctuary by the side door to the parking lot and follow the veranda around to the glass door to the elevator lobby. Go to level B. You’ll turn left, go through Tyler Hall, and into the restroom hallways.
We invite you to join us following the service this and every Sunday for coffee hour in Tyler Hall. We hope you will come for coffee and goodies but stay for the loving welcome you will find in community at St. John’s.
If you see or hear something this morning 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, Mtr. Klára or Vivian following any service.
We are glad you have chosen to worship with us at St. John’s this morning! The people’s responses are in bold. This bulletin provides the information you will need to participate fully in our worship. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. Our greeters or those sitting near you in the pews will gladly help.
Please stand as you are able.
THE OPENING HYMN AND D RAGON PROCESSION
Ye holy angels bright
The Hymnal 1982; #625
The Celebrant say s
Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
All And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever.
Blessed be Lord, all you multitude of angels.
All Bless the Lord, O inhabitants of earth.
God sends forth his angels for divine service: All To serve those who are to inherit salvation.
The Lord commands the angels concerning you: All To watch and guard you in all your ways.
When the Son of Man comes with the clouds:
All He will order his angels to gather the elect.
Then around the throne we all shall gather:
All And sing with all the heavenly host: “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord!”
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.
The Celebrant says to the people
The Lord be with you.
All And also with you.
Let us pray.
Everlasting God, you have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals: Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and worship you in heaven, so by your appointment they may help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The people are seated.
The First Lesson: Genesis 28:10-17
A reading from the Book of Genesis
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.” The Word of the Lord
All Thanks be to God.
19 The LORD has set his throne in heaven, * and his kingship has dominion over all.
20 Bless the LORD, you angels of his, you mighty ones who do his bidding, * and hearken to the voice of his word.
21 Bless the LORD, all you his hosts, * you ministers of his who do his will.
22 Bless the LORD, all you works of his, in all places of his dominion; * bless the LORD, O my soul.
The Epistle: Revelations 12:7-12
A reading from the Revelation to John 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!” The Word of the Lord All Thanks be to God.
Please stand as you are able.
As Jacob with travel was weary one day The Hymnal 1982; #453
The Holy Gospel: John 1:47-51
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. All Glory to you, Lord Christ
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.”
The Gospel of the Lord. All Praise to you, Lord Christ
THE SERMON
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.
The Rev. Greg Pennington
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.
Please kneel or stand, as best helps you pray.
The leader says
Adapted from “Hear our Prayer”
With the angels and archangels who surround your throne, we lift our voices in prayer and praise as we say, Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Almighty God and Father, heaven and earth are filled with your glory; angels, archangels, cherubim, and seraphim adore you in unceasing chorus. Free your Church from error and help us stay true to Christ’s command to love and serve. In our Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we pray for St. Michael’s, Kingwood. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
As angels minister to you in heaven, strengthen and sustain all orders of ministry here on earth. We thank you for ordained leaders in our church. Through them, we experience your presence in word and sacraments. We pray especially for Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury, Michael, our Presiding Bishop, Sean, our Presiding Bishop-elect, Matthew, our Diocesan Bishop, and Greg, our Rector, and Klára, our priest. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Inspire our national imagination to seek the best in one another and to work together to build a more perfect union. We pray especially for Joe, our president, Jim, our governor, all our elected representatives, and all judges. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We bring before you all whom it would be easy to forget: the immigrant, the unhoused, the destitute, and those who feel alone, unloved, or disconnected. Make us as welcoming and loving as Abraham and Sarah, who received and entertain ed angels unaware. Teach us to be gentle and non-judgmental with those for whom the burdens of life seem too heavy to bear. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Loving God, you have graced our lives with messengers of your love; let us be ever mindful of the angels in our presence so that your glory may be reflected through our lives. We pray especially for Katie, Cora & Ron, who celebrate birthdays, and for all those celebrating anniversaries. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Open our hearts to the suffering in the world, our community and in our own lives. Let us be servants and encouragers to all in need of Christ’s healing power. We pray for Markai and Celia, who are hospitalized. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Send down your blessings on these your servants, who so generously devote themselves to helping others. Send your holy angels to keep watch over them. Grant them courage when they are afraid, wisdom when they must make quick decisions, strength when they are weary, and compassion in all their work. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. [adapted from Episcopal Relief & Development]
Embrace all who have died, especially Michael Rednour-Hallman, and grant them an entrance to your heavenly kingdom where they may sing with all your angels and bask in the love of your eternal presence. Send your comforting presence to those who mourn so that they may feel the warmth of your love in their lives. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.
Almighty and eternal God, ruler of all things and all beings in heaven and earth: Mercifully accept the prayers of your people; give your angels charge over us; as you sent angels in dreams to visit Jacob and Joseph with messages of guidance, help us also to know and follow your will with joyous and generous hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
The Deacon or Celebrant says
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
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 Bishop, when present, or 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 of the Lord be always with you. All And also with you.
The people exchange a sign of God’s peace and are then seated.
THE OFFERTORY SENTENCE
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)
THE OFFERTORY
THE OFFERTORY RESPONSE
Please stand as you are able.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Old 100th
This is Eucharistic Prayer D from the Book of Common Prayer
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
All And also with you.
Celebrant Lift up your hearts.
All We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant 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 to glorify you, Father, and to give you thanks; for you alone are God, living and true, dwelling in light inaccessible from before time and for ever.
For with your co-eternal Son and Holy Spirit, you are one God, one Lord, in Trinity of Persons and in Unity of Being; and we celebrate the one and equal glory of you, O Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
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 sing,
Holy, holy, holy Lord
The Hymnal 1982; #S124
You may now kneel as you are able, or you may choose to remain standing.
The Celebrant continues
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.
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.
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.
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 (NN. and) all who minister in your Church.]
[Remember all your people, and those who seek your truth.]
[Remember .]
[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 ) 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. 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,
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 Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.
A period of silence is kept.
F RACTION ANTHEM
The Hymnal 1982: #S154
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 invited to the Altar rail to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Come forward and kneel or stand with an upturned palm to receive the host (The bread is gluten-free and vegan). To receive the wine, you may either drink from the chalice or intinct (dip) your host into the chalice.
Let all mortal flesh keep silence The Hymnal 1982; #324
The service continues with the Post Communion Prayer on page 20
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
The Celebrant continues with this or some other blessing.
May the God of heaven and earth shower his grace and favor upon us. Amen. May he send his holy angels to minister to us in our times of need. Amen.
May we stand with the saints and all the angels of heaven before Christ’s eternal throne. Amen.
And may God almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. Amen
CLOSING HYMN
Ye watchers and ye holy ones
The Hymnal 1982; #618
The priest dismisses the people, and the people respond All Thanks be to God. [Alleluia! Alleluia!]
THE POSTLUDE
COVER ART: Saint Michael and the Dragon is a painting by Lawrence or AnNita Klimecki.
For the Diocese of WV, Matthew, our Bishop Diocesan, Greg, our Priest, Klara, and for all bishops, priests, deacons, and all churches: especially for the Episcopal Churches of Huntington; St. John’s, Trinity, and St. Peter’s. In our Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: St. Michael’s, Kingwood
For those who have died & those who mourn
For all those who have died, especially Michael Rednour-Hallman. Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, keep in your special care these, our beloved. Wipe away the tears of those whose grief runs deep. Help us to encourage each other throughout this troubled life. Keep us steadfast in faith, constant in hope, and ardent in love, and bring us all into that place you have prepared in your heavenly kingdom.
For those who mourn: Most merciful God, whose wisdom is beyond our understanding: Deal graciously with all those who mourn. Surround them with your love, that they may not be overwhelmed by their loss, but have confidence in your goodness, and strength to meet the days to come.
For those who are hospitalized: Markai
For the ill or those with health concerns: Tyler and Brady, Hayden, Chloe, Chris, Tom, Ryan, Gabe, Sarah, Linda, David, Lynn, Nedra, John, Susan, Lydia, Bob, Sawyer, Lily, Joe, Ray, Jr., Stephen, Celi, and Mary
For those with cancer or in remission: David, Jeanne, Hannah, Chris, Tom, Evelyn, Will Frank, Willie, Cindy, Joan, Wilma, Emillie, Joyce, Dale, Michelle, Keith, John, Angie, Kelly, Maggie, Julie, Sarah, Mark, Bill, Josh, Donna, Michael, Noel, Paul, Mariah, Billie B., Suzanne B., Bob, Jim, Kinsley, Hannah, Jackson, Maurey, Carter, Karela, Larry, Jack, Joe, Charlie, Tim, Michael L., Jamie, Wayne, Lisa W., and Jeanne P.
For those in need of any prayer: Tharon, Nate, Devon, Mary, Scott, Esther, Marsha, Loretta, Tom, and Chloe
For those in harm’s way and for all first responders: especially Tim, David, Edward, Jared, Ryan, Joey, Cody, Josh, Clay, Andy, Robert, Curt, Jordan, Kristen, Christopher, Tyler, and all those who provide comfort and aid in times of war.
For those celebrating birthdays: Cora Teel (10/3), Ronald Morgan (10/5), David Castleberry (10/8), Wendell Dobbs (10/13),
Rachael Peckham (10/15), Glen Crouse (10/20), Amelia Hunt (10/21), Phil Vinson (10/23), Steve Hunt (10/24), Clark Ackison (10/27), Darius Peckham (10/27), Mary Ogden (10/31)
For those celebrating anniversaries: Lori & Bert Ketchum (10/14), Jane & John Cross (10/19), Jennifer & Ryan Price (10/22)
A daily prayer for protection
Give ear to our prayers, O Lord, and direct the way of your servants in safety under your protection, that, amid all the changes of our earthly pilgrimage, we may be guarded by your mighty aid; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Rt. Rev. Matthew D. Cowden, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of WV
The Rev. 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
Rachael Peckham
Nathan Thomas
Emeritus Webb
Becky Wood
304.525.9105
office@stjohnshuntingtonwv.org www.stjohnshuntingtonwv.org www.facebook.com/stjohnshuntington
All music streamed by permission of CCLI; reprinted by permission of Ritesong.