ORDER OF SERVICE
OPENING PRAYER
INTROIT HYMN: 387 - To God be the glory
1 To God be the glory! Great things he hath done, so loved he the world that he gave us his Son, who yielded his life an atonement for sin, and opened the life gate that all may go in.
Refrain:
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, let the earth hear his voice, praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son, and give him the glory great things he hath done.
2 O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood!
To every believer the promise of God; the vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives.
Refrain:
3
Great things he hath taught us, great things he hath done, and great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son; but purer and higher and greater will be our wonder, our transport when Jesus we see.
Refrain:
CALL TO WORSHIP
PRESIDENT: Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ. A warm welcome to our Eucharistic worship for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 18C and “Back to School” liturgy.
Let us gather in the spirit of hope and renewal, marking the beginning of a new school year. Today, for many of us, we remember our time at school, the many emotions we experienced as we prepared to commence a new school year and term. For some it will be a new school and a new environment where we are the youngest at our school. Whether student, teacher, parent, staff, or parishioner, we come together as one family, seeking wisdom, courage, and grace for the journey ahead.
PRESIDENT: The Lord is our light and our salvation - whom shall we fear?
PEOPLE: The Lord is the stronghold of our lives - of whom shall we be afraid?
PRESIDENT: As we embark on a new academic year, let us step forward in faith, trusting in God’s guiding hand.
PEOPLE: We come, seeking knowledge, peace, and blessing.
HYMN: 547 - Glory to God on high
1 Glory to God on high, and peace to all on earth. We worship you, we give you thanks, our heavenly King.
We give you praise, almighty God and Father blessed in glory bright.
2 Our Saviour, Jesus Christ, the Father's only Son, the sacrificial lamb, who saves the world from sin, have mercy Lord.
Beside the Father's hand enthroned, now hear our prayer.
3 You only are the Lord. You only are most high. You only are the holy one, Lord Jesus Christ. And now you reign With Father and with Spirit one in glorious light.
COLLECTS
PRESIDENT: The Lord be with you!
ALL: And also with you!
PRESIDENT: Let us pray.
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost (BCP page 178)
PRESIDENT: Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Back to School
PRESIDENT: Loving God, you know everything and love us always. As we start a new school year, we ask you to bless every student, teacher, parent, and helper. Help us to be curious, to ask questions, and to learn new things. Give us courage when we feel nervous, kindness for each other, and joy as we discover and grow. Be with us every day and help us remember that we are never alone, because you walk with us. Thank you for loving us and guiding us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRESIDENT: Kindly sit for the ministry of the word.
FIRST LESSON: Jeremiah 18:1-11 [Mrs. Patricia Branker]
READER: A Reading from the Word of God, written in the book of Jeremiah, chapter eighteen beginning at the first verse.
ILLUMINATION:
READER: The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: "Come, go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words." So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him. Then the word of the Lord came to me: Can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter has done? says the Lord. Just like the clay in
the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. At one moment I may declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, but if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will change my mind about the disaster that I intended to bring on it. And at another moment I may declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, but if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will change my mind about the good that I had intended to do to it. Now, therefore, say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: Thus says the Lord: Look, I am a potter shaping evil against you and devising a plan against you. Turn now, all of you from your evil way, and amend your ways and your doings.
READER: The word of the Lord.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
PSALM 139:1-5, 12-18
1. O Lord, thou hast searched me out and known me: thou knowest my downsitting and mine up-rising, thou understandest my thoughts long before.
2. Thou art about my path, and about my bed: and spiest out all my ways.
3. For lo, there is not a word in my tongue: but thou, O Lord, knowest it altogether.
4. Thou hast fashioned me behind and before: and laid thine hand upon me.
5. Such knowledge is too wonderful and excellent for me: I cannot attain unto it.
12. For my reins are thine: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
13. I will give thanks unto thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well.
14.My bones are not hid from thee : though I be made secretly, and fashioned beneath in the earth.
15.Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being imperfect: and in thy book were all my members written;
16.Which day by day were fashioned: when as yet there was none of them.
17.How dear are thy counsels unto me, O God: O how great is the sum of them!
18.If I tell them, they are more in number than the sand: when I wake up I am present with thee.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
SECOND LESSON: Philemon 1-21 [Dr. Colin Cumberbatch]
READER: A reading from the word of God written in the book of Philemon, beginning at the first verse.
ILLUMINATION:
READER: Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dear friend and co-worker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus. I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ. I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother. For this reason, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do your duty, yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love and I, Paul, do this as an old man, and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus. I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful both to you and to me. I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. I wanted to keep him with me, so that he might be of service to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel; but I preferred to do nothing without your consent, in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced. Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay it. I say nothing about your owing me even your own self. Yes, brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.
READER: The word of the Lord.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
GRADUAL HYMN: This little light of mine (verses 1&2)
Refrain
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
1 Each and every day, I'm gonna let it shine
Each and every day, I'm gonna let it shine
Each and every day, I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
Refrain
2 All over my neighborhood, I'm gonna let it shine
All over my neighborhood, I'm gonna let it shine
All over my neighborhood, I'm gonna let it shine let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
Refrain
THE GOSPEL: Luke 14:25-33
PRESIDENT: The Lord be with you.
ALL: And also with you.
PRESIDENT: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke, the fourteenth chapter beginning at the twenty-fifth verse.
ALL: Glory to Christ our Saviour
ILLUMINATION:
PRESIDENT: Now large crowds were traveling with Jesus; and he turned and said to them, "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, `This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions."
PRESIDENT: This is the Gospel of Christ
ALL: Praise to Christ our Lord
HYMN: This little light of mine (verses 3 - 5)
3 All around the world, I'm gonna let it shine
All around the world, I'm gonna let it shine
All around the world, I'm gonna let it shine
let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
Refrain
4 Put it under a bushel - No! I'm gonna let it shine
Put it under a bushel - No! I'm gonna let it shine
Put it under a bushel - No! I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
Refrain
5 Ain't nobody gonna whoof it out, I'm gonna let it shine
Ain't nobody gonna whoof it out, I'm gonna let it shine
Ain't nobody gonna whoof it out, I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
Refrain
THE
SERMON
HYMN: 561 - We believe in God the Father
1 We believe in God the Father, God almighty, by whose plan earth and heaven sprang to being, all created things began. We believe in Christ the Saviour, Son of God in human frame, virgin-born, the child of Mary upon whom the Spirit came.
2 Christ, who on the cross forsaken, like a lamb to slaughter led, suffered under Pontius Pilate, he descended to the dead. We believe in Jesus risen, heaven's king to rule and reign, to the Father's side ascended till as judge he comes again.
3 We believe in God the Spirit, in one church, below, above: saints of God in one communion, one in holiness and love. So by faith, our sins forgiven, Christ our Saviour, Lord and friend, we shall rise with him in glory to the life that knows no end.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE [Mothers’ Union]
Leader: Gracious God, as we gather at the beginning of this new school year, we come as a community of many ages, backgrounds, and experiences all loved and valued by you. We thank you for the gift of learning, and for the curiosity and wonder you place in our hearts. Today, we lift our prayers for everyone in this season of new beginnings.
For children and youth, for preschoolers peeking nervously into new classrooms, for students adjusting to new environments and new routines or settling into familiar routines, and for graduates dreaming new dreams may excitement outshine nerves, and may challenges become opportunities for growth and joy.
ALL: Loving God, hear our prayers.
Leader: For parents, guardians, and grandparents those who pack lunches, offer encouragement, and give comforting hugs and listening ears after long days strengthen their patience and fill them with wisdom and peace.
ALL: Loving God, hear our prayers.
Leader: For principals, teachers, staff, ancillary staff and helpers those who share knowledge, words of encouragement or correction, model kindness, and inspire hope grant them energy, creativity, and compassion to guide each learner.
ALL: Loving God, hear our prayers.
Leader: For those who find school difficult or lonely, for those starting in new places, and for everyone who feels a little overwhelmed and lost—may your presence surround them, bringing courage and a feeling of belonging.
ALL: Loving God, hear our prayers.
Leader: For our elders, who share their stories and wisdom, and for little ones, whose laughter and imagination remind us to see the world with fresh eyes—help us to listen, learn, and love across generations.
ALL: Loving God, hear our prayers.
Leader: For bus drivers, minibus and ZR drivers, canteen workers, janitors, office staff, and volunteers bless and guide them all and help them to understand the influence they have and their role in nurturing the future adults and leaders of our nation.
ALL: Loving God, hear our prayers.
Leader: Loving God, may your blessing rest on all who learn and all who teach both in and outside the classroom, all who nurture and all who grow. Knit us together as your family, united in hope and kindness. Guide our hearts, our words, our hands, our feet, and our minds, that we may be gentle with ourselves and generous with others.
ALL: Loving God, hear our prayers.
Leader: We pray for health and wholeness, fun and growth, surprise and amazement, for this school year ahead, knowing you will hold us all the way through. In every season of this coming year, may we be mindful that we are never alone—that you walk with us, cheering us on, and delighting in every new discovery that we make.
ALL: We thank you, God of love. Amen.
Silence
Mothers’ Union Prayer
READER: Loving Lord, we thank you for your love so freely given to us all. We pray for families around the world. Bless the work of the Mother’s Union as we seek to share your love through the encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life. Empowered by your Spirit, may we be united in prayer and worship, and in love and service, reach out as your hands across the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Protection against Hurricanes
ALL: Almighty God, governor of all things in Heaven and earth: Receive now, we pray, our supplications for protection from storms or hurricanes. We acknowledge that we are unworthy for the least of your mercies, yet we humbly pray that you will so hold the winds of heaven that we may dwell safely without fear of evil; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
PRESIDENT: Almighty and eternal God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth; mercifully accept the prayers of your people, and strengthen us to do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ACT OF PENITENCE (BCP Page 123)
PRESIDENT: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all un-righteousness.
HYMN: 850 - Search me, O God (verse 1)
1 Search me, O God, and know my heart today; try me, O Lord, and know my thoughts, I pray: see if there be some wicked way in me, cleanse me from every sin and set me free.
PRESIDENT: For the times we forgot your love. Lord, have mercy. All: Lord, have mercy.
PRESIDENT: For the times that we hurt each other by what we said and did to one another. Christ, have mercy. All: Christ, have mercy.
PRESIDENT: For the times we failed to do the right thing. Lord, have mercy. All: Lord, have mercy.
THE ABSOLUTION (BCP Page 124)
PRESIDENT: Almighty God, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
ALL: Amen.
HYMN: 850 (verses 2 – 4)
2 I praise thee, Lord, for cleansing me from sin; fulfil thy word, and make me pure within; fill me with fire, where once I burned with shame, grant my desire to magnify thy name.
3 Lord, take my life, and make it wholly thine; fill my poor heart with thy great love divine; take all my will, my passion, self and pride; I now surrender- Lord, in me abide.
4
O Holy Ghost, revival comes from thee; send a revival - start the work in me: thy word declares thou wilt supply our need; for blessing now, O Lord, I humbly plead.
THE GREETING OF PEACE (BCP Page 124-125)
FORM C
PRESIDENT: The Kingdom of God is justice, peace, and joy, inspired by the Holy Spirit.
ALL: They who thus serve Christ are acceptable to God and approved by others.
PRESIDENT: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
ALL: And also with you.
PRESIDENT: Let us share that peace.
SONG FOR THE GREETING OF THE PEACE: Seek ye first the kingdom of God
1 Seek ye first the kingdom of God And His righteousness; And all these things shall be added unto you. Allelu, Alleluia.
Refrain:
Alleluia, alleluia
Alleluia, Allelu, Alleluia.
2 Man does not live by bread alone, But by every word That proceeds from the mouth of God. Allelu, Alleluia.
Refrain
3
Ask, and it shall be given unto you; Seek, and ye shall find.
Knock, and the door shall be opened unto you. Allelu, Alleluia.
Refrain
OFFERTORY HYMNS: 553, 409
HYMN: 553 - You have all our future in your hands
1 You have all our future in your hands, in your hands. We bid you take over all our life, Lord our dreams, aspirations, all our best, Jesus Christ. Our all we place in your hands.
Refrain:
In your hands, Lord, we place today, tomorrow; in your hands, Lord, we surrender all. To your hands we commit our joys, our sorrow; in your hands, Lord, we surrender all.
2 Keep walking beside us every night, every day, and giving us courage for the fray, Lord. We need you to guide us every step of the way; forsake us not, Lord, we pray.
Refrain
3 You place many duties in our hands, in our hands; and shaping our world is our task, Lord. On you we depend, Lord, for the power; this we ask that all make sense in our hands.
Refrain
4 You call us to service in this land, in this land, whose soul is just aching for your touch, Lord; and we too are reaching for your hand, Jesus, Lord Redeem us as we take our stand.
Refrain
5
So, Lord, we are trusting everything to your hands, and then we keep praying for our land, Lord, to labour with others for the best, Jesus, Lord. Our all we place in your hands.
Refrain
HYMN: 409 - Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
1 Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart, be all else but naught to me, save that thou art; be thou my best thought in the day and the night, both waking and sleeping, thy presence my light.
2 Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word, be thou ever with me, and I with thee, Lord; be thou my great Father, and I thy true son; be thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one
3 Be thou my breastplate, my sword for the fight; be thou my whole armour, be thou my true might; be thou my soul's shelter, be thou my strong tower: O raise thou me heavenward, great Power of my power.
4 Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise; be thou mine inheritance now and always; be thou and thou only the first in my heart; O Sovereign of heaven, my treasure thou art.
5 High King of heaven, thou heaven's bright Sun, O grant me its joys after victory is won; great Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, still be thou my vision, O Ruler of all.
THE PRESENTATION OF OFFERING - FORM B (BCP Page 126)
PRESIDENT AND PEOPLE
Father, we offer to you these gifts which you have given us; this bread, this wine, this money. With them we offer ourselves, our lives, and our work, to become through your Holy Spirit a reasonable, holy, and lively sacrifice. As this bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ, so may we and all your people become channels of your love; through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYERS
SURSUM CORDA
PRESIDENT: The Lord be with you.
ALL: And also with you.
PRESIDENT: Lift up your hearts.
ALL: We lift them up to the Lord.
PRESIDENT: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
ALL: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
PRESIDENT: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Father Almighty, everlasting God:
For you are the source of light and life; you made us in your image, and called us to new life in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Therefore, we praise you; joining our voices with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
ALL:
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.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER C
(BCP Page 137)
PRESIDENT: We give thanks to you Lord our God, for the goodness and love you have made known to us in creation; in calling Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus your Son.
For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Saviour and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
For, on the night that he was betrayed He took bread; and when He had given thanks to you, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, and said, "Take this, and eat it: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me."
And 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."
PRESIDENT: Therefore, Father, according to His command,
ALL: We remember His death; We proclaim His resurrection; we await His coming in glory.
PRESIDENT: And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.
We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the sacrament of the Body of Christ and His Blood of the New Covenant. Unite us to your Son in His sacrifice that we, made acceptable in Him, may be sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
In the fullness of time, reconcile all things in Christ, and make them new, and bring us to that city of light where you dwell with all your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.
By whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory are yours, almighty Father, now and ever. ALL: Amen THE LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN: 552 (MP) – Our Father Who is in Heaven (Led by Kaiden Goodridge)
1 Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, hallowed be Your name.
2 On earth as it is in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Give us this day our daily bread, hallowed be Your name.
3 Forgive us all our trespasses, hallowed be Your name, As we forgive those who trespass against us, hallowed be Your name.
4 And lead us not into temptation, hallowed be Your name, But deliver us from all that is evil, hallowed be Your name
5 For Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory, hallowed be Your name For ever and for ever, hallowed be Your name.
6 Amen, amen, it shall be so, hallowed be Your name, amen, amen, it shall be so, hallowed be Your name.
THE BREAKING OF BREAD (BCP Page 145)
PRESIDENT: God of promise, You have prepared a Banquet for us.
ALL: Happy are those who are called to the supper of the Lamb.
THE AGNUS DEI (BCP Page 147)
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: grant us peace.
THE INVITATION (BCP Page 145-146)
FORM A
PRESIDENT: My brothers and sisters in Christ, draw near and receive His Body which He gave for you, and His blood, which He shed for you. Remember that He died for you, and feed on Him in your hearts by faith with thanksgiving.
ALL: Grant gracious Lord, that we so eat the flesh of your dear Son, Jesus Christ, and drink His blood, that we may evermore dwell in Him and He in us
COMMUNION HYMNS: 595, 583, 605, 622
HYMN: 595 - I am the bread of life
1 I am the bread of life; they who come to me shall not hunger; they who believe in me shall not thirst. No one can come to me unless the Father draw them.
Refrain: And I will raise them up, and I will raise them up, and I will raise them up on the last day.
2
The bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world, and they who eat of this bread, they shall live for ever.
Refrain
3 Unless you eat of the flesh of the Son of Man and drink of his blood, you shall not have life within you, you shall not have life within you.
Refrain
4 I am the resurrection, I am the life; they who believe in me, even if they die, they shall live for ever.
Refrain
5 Yes, Lord we believe that you are the Christ, The Son of God who has come into the world.
Refrain
HYMN: 583 - Faithful Shepherd, feed me
1 Faithful Shepherd, feed me in the pastures green; faithful Shepherd, lead me where thy steps are seen.
2 Hold me fast, and guide me in the narrow way; so, with thee beside me, I shall never stray.
3 Daily bring me nearer to the heavenly shore; make my faith grow clearer, may I love thee more.
Hallow every pleasure, every gift and pain; be thyself my treasure, though none else I gain.
5 Day by day prepare me as thou seest best, then let angels bear me to thy promised rest.
HYMN: 605 - Let us talents and tongues employ
1 Let us talents and tongues employ, reaching out with a shout of joy: bread is broken, the wine is poured, Christ is spoken and seen and heard.
Refrain
Jesus lives again, earth can breathe again, pass the Word around: loaves abound!
2 Christ is able to make us one, at the table he set the tone, teaching people to live to bless, love in word and in deed express.
Refrain
3 Jesus calls us in- sends us out bearing fruit in a world of doubt, gives us love to tell, bread to share: God (Immanuel!) everywhere. Refrain
HYMN: 622 - Taste and see
Refrain
Taste and see, taste and see the goodness of the Lord. O taste and see the goodness of the Lord, of the Lord.
1 I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall always be on my lips; my soul shall glory in the Lord; for he has been so good to me.
Refrain:
2 Glorify the Lord with me. Together let us all praise his name. I called the Lord and he answered me; From all my troubles he set me free.
Refrain:
3 Worship the Lord, all you people. You'll want for nothing if you ask. Taste and see that God is good; in him we need put all our trust.
Refrain:
HYMNS FOR BLESSING: 413, 672
HYMN: 413 - Guide me, O thou great Redeemer
1 Guide me, O thou great Redeemer, pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but thou art mighty, hold me with thy powerful hand; bread of heaven, feed me now and evermore.
2 Open now the crystal fountain, whence the healing stream doth flow: let the fiery cloudy pillar lead me all my journey through; strong deliverer, be thou still my strength and shield.
3 When I tread the verge of Jordan, bid my anxious fears subside: death of death, and hell's destruction,
land me safe on Canaan's side songs and praises I will ever give to thee.
HYMN: 672 - O Jesus, I have promised
1 O Jesus, I have promised to serve thee to the end; be thou for ever near me, my master and my friend; I shall not fear the battle if thou art by my side, nor wander from the pathway if thou wilt be my guide.
2 O let me feel thee near me: the world is ever near; I see the sights that dazzle, the tempting sounds I hear; my foes are ever near me, around me and within; but, Jesus, draw thou nearer, and shield my soul from sin.
3 O let me hear thee speaking in accents clear and still, above the storms of passion, the murmurs of self-will; O speak to re-assure me, to hasten or control; O speak, and make me listen, thou guardian of my soul.
4 O Jesus, thou hast promised to all who follow thee, that where thou art in glory there shall thy servant be;
and, Jesus, I have promised to serve thee to the end; O give me grace to follow, my master and my friend.
5 O let me see thy footmarks, and in them plant mine own my hope to follow duly is in thy strength alone; O guide me, call me, draw me, uphold me to the end; and then in heaven receive me, my Saviour and my friend.
THE DISMISSAL
POST COMMUNION PRAYER (BCP Page 148)
ALL: Eternal God and Heavenly Father, we thank you for feeding us with the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you, and all persons in you, with gladness and singleness of heart, through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
BLESSING:
PRESIDENT: The spirit of truth lead you into all truth, give you grace to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, and to proclaim the word and works of God; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
PRESIDENT: Kindly be seated for the Notices
NOTICES & HIGHLIGHTS
RECESSIONAL HYMN: 529 - Lord, the light of your love is shining
1 Lord, the light of your love is shining, in the midst of the darkness, shining: Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us; set us free by the truth you now bring us shine on me, shine on me.
Refrain:
Shine, Jesus, shine, fill this land with the Father's glory; blaze, Spirit, blaze, set our hearts on fire. Flow, river flow, flood the nations with grace and mercy; send forth your word, Lord and let there be light!
2 Lord, I come to your awesome presence, from the shadows into your radiance; by your blood I may enter your brightness: search me, try me, consume all my darkness shine on me, shine on me.
Refrain:
3 As we gaze on your kingly brightness so our faces display your likeness, ever changing from glory to glory: mirrored here, may our lives tell your story shine on me, shine on me.
Refrain:
CLOSING PRAYER
PRESIDENT: Go in peace and serve the Lord.
ALL: In the name of Christ. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICES
Greetings and Welcome
We greet you warmly today to our Eucharistic worship. We now invite our visitors to share your name and church community with us.
Thank you for worshipping with us.
We welcome back our Rector from holiday and hope that he had a restful one.
We also welcome back our Choir and Sunday School, who were on holiday during the month of August.
Parochial Church Council for 2025-2027
Below are the members who were elected/selected to serve on the Parochial Church Council for 2025-2027.
• Mr Norman Yearwood - Synod Representative
• Ms Jacqueline Greaves - Alternate Synod Representative
• Mrs Lana Evelyn - Treasurer
• Mrs Lana Edwards - Assistant Treasurer
• Mrs Agnes Armstrong-Bowen - Secretary
• Mrs Maxine London - Assistant Secretary
• Justice Anthony Blackman - Church Warden
• Mr William Yearwood - Priest Warden
• Mrs Michelle Scantlebury - Deanery Representative
• Mr Danny Babb
• Mr Grantley Yearwood
• Mr Colin Cumberbatch
• Ms Juliet Ward
Observers:
• Mrs Julia Boyce
• Mrs Cline Toppin-Roach
• Ms Danielle Cox
Events in our Parish
• There will be a PCC meeting on Saturday, 14 September, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. in the William Donald George Hall.
• Breakfast will be served after this service in the William Donald George Hall.
Events of our Lives
Allow us to share in your celebrations! Submit any anniversaries or achievements that you would like highlighted in the notices. These may include wedding, baptism, confirmation, academic or job related. Share with us other family matters for which you require the prayers of the church. Send information to email stlucychurch1627@yahoo.com or by telephone 572-5336/230-9405.
Birthdays
Congratulations to all persons celebrating birthdays this week.
1. Kaye Goodridge - September 5th (Belated)
2. Colleen Blackman - September 8th
3. Kevin Cozier - September 11th
4. Selwyn Brandford - September 12th
5. Anthony Stuart - September 13th
As their days increase, God’s richest blessing on them.
Anniversaries
Congratulations to all persons celebrating anniversaries this week.
Sick & Shut-Ins/Prayer Request
Stella Atwell
Carmen Bowen
Douglas Brome
Marva Brome
Enid Broome
Michael Broomes
Thesby Evans
Anthony Grant
Joyce Grant Doriel King
Erma Griffith Marlene King
Gilbert Griffith
Waple Griffith
Roy Hinds
Dinese Lashley
Elsie Maxwell
John Maxwell
Theomonda Husbands Horace Nicholls
Marva Jordan
Thelma Jordan
Eupharene Walkes
Joan Yearwood
Please remember the sick or injured in our parish and the wider community.
Bereavement
The funeral service and burial of the late Tamita Griffith will take place on Saturday, 13th September 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Lucy Parish Church. We continue to pray for her family.
May all persons who have died rest in peace and rise in glory.
Diocese of Barbados: Caribbean Wellness Day
St. Mary’s Patronal Festival
St. Thomas Parish Church Evening of Music
Church of Holy Cross Feast of Title
