Holy Cross Day 14 September 2025 9:15 am Holy Eucharist
WELCOME TO ST. LUKE IN THE FIELDS
487 Hudson Street New York, NY 10014 | Telephone: 212.924.0562
Email: info@stlukeinthefields.org
Please email any clergy member in the event of an emergency. Contact info on back. Website: www.stlukeinthefields.org
FALL HOMECOMING
RECEPTION
Thursday, September 25 at 6:30pm
RSVP: saintlukesnyc.org/fallreception
Join us in the gardens and School Auditorium for live music, food, drinks and fellowship. RSVP by September 15 to help us plan responsibly. The suggested donation is $25 per person but please give as you are able. All are welcome as we celebrate the beginning of the fall season!
Registration Sunday
Today during coffee hour
Meet our Sunday School teachers, make a festive tie-dye t-shirt, and sign up for the fall semester. All ages are welcome! Please contact Deacon Aidan with any questions.
St. Luke’s Open House
Today beginning at 4pm Light food and refreshments served
We have exciting news! In partnership with the New York Theater Workshop (Rent, Hadestown), St. Luke’s is celebrating the new Saturday Church Musical based on and inspired by our very own Outreach program, Art & Acceptance! Please join us in the church as Fr. Ancona gives a tour and shares some of St. Luke’s rich history of radical welcome.
Backpack Blessing
Sunday, September 21
Join us next Sunday for a special Backpack Blessing during both 9:15 and 11:15 services! All are invited to bring their backpacks or work bags as we pray for a safe, joyful, and fruitful start of school year. We hope you join us!
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 5 at 3pm
We look forward to welcoming you and your pets in celebration of St. Francis. This beloved service is open to the wider community so bring a friend or two! Refreshments will be served after for all God’s creatures.
See page 19 for more announcements.
The Prelude calls us to prepare for worship. Please silence your cell phone, end any conversations you may be having, and use the music to mentally bring you into sacred space.
Child-care is available for children under age 6; please ask an usher for directions; all children are welcome in worship, and we encourage parents to bring children to Communion.
PRELUDE Prelude on ‘Rhosymedre’
Ralph Vaughan Williams
A bell sounds. All stand as they are able.
ENTRANCE HYMN 477 · Engelberg (see pg 14)
THE ACCLAMATION
Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People And Blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
GLORIA IN EXCELSIS Hymnal S280
Robert Powell
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Let us pray.
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
THE FIRST LESSON Isaiah 45:21-25
Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the Lord? There is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Saviour; there is no one besides me. Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, from my mouth has gone forth in righteousness a word that shall not return: “To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” Only in the Lord, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength; all who were incensed against him shall come to him and be ashamed. In the Lord all the offspring of Israel shall triumph and glory.
Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
PSALM 98
Said by all, remaining seated.
Sing to the Lord a new song, * for he has done marvelous things. With his right hand and his holy arm * has he won for himself the victory.
The Lord has made known his victory; * his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations. He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel, * and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands; * lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing. Sing to the Lord with the harp, * with the harp and the voice of song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn * shout with joy before the King, the Lord. Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, * the lands and those who dwell therein.
Let the rivers clap their hands, * and let the hills ring out with joy before the Lord, when he comes to judge the earth. In righteousness shall he judge the world * and the peoples with equity.
THE SECOND LESSON Philippians 2:5-11
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
SEQUENCE HYMN 160 · Cross of Jesus (see pg 15)
Sung by all, standing.
THE HOLY GOSPEL John 12:31-36a
Deacon The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said, “Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.”
Deacon The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
THE HOMILY The Reverend Caroline Stacey
THE NICENE CREED
Said by 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.
PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
The Prayers of the People are one of the most important parts of the liturgy. We include prayers for the universal Church, the world and our local community, those in need, the sick and suffering, and the dying. In addition to the printed prayers, we are invited to pray for those concerns in our own hearts. You may stand or kneel during this time.
The Deacon reads the intercessions for the parish. Then the leader says In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
Silence
Intercessor For all people in their daily life and work; People For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
Intercessor For this community, the nation, and the world; People For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
Intercessor For the just and proper use of your creation; People For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
Intercessor For the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit as we work towards an anti-racist society.
People For racial justice in our church, our city, our nation and in the world.
Intercessor For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble; People For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
Intercessor For the peace and unity of the Church of God; People For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
Intercessor For Sean, our Presiding Bishop; Matthew and Allen, our own Bishops; and for all the clergy and people; People For all who serve God in the Church.
Intercessor For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
Silence may be kept. Personal petitions are invited either silently or aloud.
Intercessor Hear us, Lord; People For your mercy is great.
Intercessor We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
Silence may be kept. Personal thanksgivings are invited either silently or aloud.
Intercessor We will exalt you, O God our King; People And praise your Name for ever and ever.
Intercessor We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.
Silence may be kept. Names of those remembered may be said either silently or aloud.
Intercessor Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them; People Who put their trust in you.
Intercessor We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.
Said by all
Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; in your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone; and so uphold us by your Spirit that we may live and serve you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Celebrant says the Absolution 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
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you.
Then the Ministers and People greet each other in the name of the Lord.
The Celebrant then says an offertory sentence.
THE OFFERTORY
After the peace, the celebrant invites the people to offer their gifts to God. This is a time when we are asked to think intentionally about how we can give back to the Church in support of God’s mission in an effort to make our own proclamation of the Good News. It is important to remember that gifts come in many forms including time, talent, and treasure. What gifts can you give to God, and share with others today?
During the Offertory a hymn or anthem is sung. The gifts of money are brought with the bread and wine for the Eucharist to the altar and presented to God.
OFFERTORY ANTHEM
Malcolm Archer
When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it Lord that I should boast Save in the cross of Christ my God. All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood.
See from his head, his hands, his feet, Sorrow and love flow mingling down: Did ere such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were an offering far too small; Love so amazing, so divine Demands my soul, my life, my all. Amen.
OFFERTORY HYMN 471 · Breslau (see pg 16)
Sung by all, standing.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Celebrant continues
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, Through Jesus Christ our Lord. For our sins he was lifted high upon the cross, that he might draw the whole world to himself; and, by his suffering and death, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who put their trust in him. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name.
SANCTUS & BENEDICTUS Hymnal S125
Richard Proulx
THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER Prayer A, Book of Common Prayer, page 361
All are invited to stand or kneel while the Eucharistic Prayer is read by the Celebrant. During the prayer, the Celebrant says Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Celebrant and People Christ has died. Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
The Celebrant concludes. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.
As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray,
Said by all
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD
The Celebrant breaks the bread. A short period of silence follows.
Celebrant Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. People Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
INVITATION
Celebrant The gifts of God for the people of God.
HOLY COMMUNION
This is the Lord’s Table; all are welcome to come forward. Please follow the ushers’ directions, coming down the center aisle. Gluten free wafers are available from the Priest on the pulpit side of the altar. If you are not baptized, or do not wish to receive, you are encouraged to come forward for a blessing. Signal this by crossing your arms across your chest.
After receiving Communion, please return to your pew via the nearest side aisle, crossing over at the rear (by the font) as needed.
COMMUNION MOTET
Johann Sebastian Bach
Jesu, joy of man’s desiring, Holy Wisdom, Love most bright; Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring Soar to uncreated light. Word of God, our flesh that fashioned, With the fire of life impassioned, Striving still to truth unknown, Soaring, dying round Thy throne.
POSTCOMMUNION HYMN 473 · Crucifer (see pg 17)
Sung by all, standing.
POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
Said by all.
Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE BLESSING & DISMISSAL
The Celebrant says the Blessing and the Deacon dismisses the People.
People Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE The Emperor’s Fanfare
Antonio Soler
