St. Francis Celebration - October 3, 2021

St. Francis Celebration & Blessing of the Animals

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Glenside, Pennsylvania October 3, 2021 10:00 A.M.

Welcome to St. Peter’s!

The Vestry has affirmed that until further notice, masks are required to be worn before, during, and after services held in the church.

Masks will be provided to all those who need one.

For those who do not wish to wear a mask, we encourage you to continue to view the services online.

Please continue to socially distance with your neighbors before, during and after worship.

The restrooms in the chapel hallway are available for use during the service.

Thank you.

Musical Prelude: Renaissance

Raymond Lowther St. Peter’s Bell Choir

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Opening Hymn: 405, All things bright and beautiful (vv. 1 & 2)

Opening Acclamation Priest: Blessed be God, Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer.

People: And blessed be God’s Kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

Priest: Lord, you have made so many things!

People: The earth is filled with your creatures.

Priest: When you give them breath, they are created.

People: You give new life to the earth.

Priest: They depend on you to give them food.

People: You provide food, then they are satisfied.

Priest: May the glory of the Lord last forever.

People: May the Lord be happy with all creatures.

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The Celebrant says to the people The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Celebrant: Let us pray.

Prayer of the Day O God, Francis became a little brother to all, including the sun, moon and creatures of the earth, and was not afraid to take the message of peace and love among those on the margins, the suffering, the poor and even the enemy, give us who follow him, that same kindness and generosity in our own day; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Listening for God’s Word The First Reading - Galatians 6:1-10 Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived. Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. Be very sure now, you who have been trained to a self-sufficient maturity, that you enter into a generous common life with those who have trained you, sharing all the good things that you have and experience. Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others - ignoring God! - harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life. So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

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Psalm 148: 7-14

BCP 806

7 Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps, 8 fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling his command!

9 Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!

10 Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds!

11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!

12 Young men and women alike, old and young together!

13 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven.

14 He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his faithful, for the people of Israel who are close to him.

Praise the Lord!

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Gospel Hymn: 383, Fairest, Lord Jesus

The Gospel Reading - Matthew 11:25-30 The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew Response: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer: “Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.

You’ve concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people. Yes, Father, that’s the way you like to work.”

Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly. “The Father has given me all these things to do and say. This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge. No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does. But I’m not keeping it to myself; I’m ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen. “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and 6

work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Response: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Homily

Rick Pearce

Affirmation of Faith Celebrant: Let us declare our faith in God: People: We believe in God the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.

We believe in God the Son, who lives in our hearts through faith, and fills us with his love.

We believe in God the Holy Spirit, who strengthens us with power from on high.

We believe in one God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayers for Creation Season The Leader and People pray responsively

from Women’s Uncommon Prayers

Let us pray for the Church and for the world, giving thanks for God’s goodness.

Caring God, we thank you for your gifts in creation: for our world, the heavens tell of your glory; for our land, its beauty and resources, for the rich heritage we enjoy.

We pray for those who make decisions about the resources of the earth, that we may use your gifts responsibly; for those who work on the land and sea, in cities and in industry, that all may enjoy the fruits of their labors and marvel at your creation;

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for artists, scientists and visionaries, that through their work we may see creation afresh.

Silence We thank you for giving us life; for all who enrich our experience.

We pray: for all who through their own or others’ actions are deprived of fullness of life, for prisoners, refugees, and all who are sick or suffer; for those in politics, medical science, social and relief work, and for your Church, here and throughout the world, for all who seek to bring life to others.

Silence We thank you that you have called us to celebrate your creation.

Give us reverence for life in your world.

We thank you for your redeeming love; may your word and sacrament strengthen us to love you as you love us.

Silence For Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury, Michael, our Presiding Bishop, Daniel, our Bishop, Silvestre, Bishop of Guatemala, Emily and Laura, our clergy, Sacramento and Juan, our Companion clergy in Guatemala and each one of us in our vocation and ministry. In the Anglican cycle of prayer we pray for the Church in Wales. In our companion Diocese of Guatemala, we pray for La Transfiguracion, Reverendo Presbitero, Tomas Calel Saquic. In our own Diocese, we pray for the Seaman’s Church Institute.

We remember all those on our parish prayer list, especially Debbie, Holly, Kevin, Rowen, Nicky, Jim, Emily, Lillian, Pat, Rhonda, Karen, Missy, Frances, Bob, Art, Mary, Barbara, Linda, Ruth, all those suffering from COVID-19, and all those we now name…...(pause) We remember all those who have died, especially Sal Bonasaca, father of Alicia Moore, John Heiman, brother of Carolyn McGrory, all those who have died from COVID-19 and all those we name now… Silence God, Creator, bring us new life.

Jesus, Redeemer, renew us.

Holy Spirit, strengthen and guide us.

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The Celebrant offers this concluding prayer.

Almighty and eternal God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth: Mercifully accept the prayers of your people, and strengthen us to do you will, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Peace Please remain in your seats for this exchange.

Greet one another with a wave and words of peace.

Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People: And also with you.

The Blessing of the Animals All our animal friends are brought up during the hymn for a special blessing.

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Celebrating Holy Communion Presentation Hymn: 593, Lord make us servants of your peace

The Great Thanksgiving Prayer C Celebrant: People: Celebrant: People:

BCP 369

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

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Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Celebrant: God of all power, Ruler of the Universe, you are worthy of glory and praise.

People: Glory to you for ever and ever.

Celebrant: At your command all things came to be: the vast expanse of interstellar space, galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses, and this fragile earth, our island home.

People: By your will they were created and have their being.

Celebrant: From the primal elements you brought forth the human race, and blessed us with memory, reason, and skill. You made us the rulers of creation. But we turned against you, and betrayed your trust; and we turned against one another.

People: Have mercy, Lord, for we are sinners in your sight.

Celebrant: Again and again, you called us to return. Through prophets and sages you revealed your righteous Law. And in the fullness of time you sent your only Son, born of a woman, to fulfill your Law, to open for us the way of freedom and peace.

People: By his blood, he reconciled us. By his wounds, we are healed.

Celebrant: And therefore we praise you, joining with the heavenly chorus, with prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and with all those in every generation who have looked to you in hope, to proclaim with them your glory, in their unending hymn: 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.

The Celebrant continues And so, Father, we who have been redeemed by him, and made a new people by water and the Spirit, now bring before you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.

On the night he was betrayed he took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread, 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."

After supper, he took the cup of wine, gave thanks, 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." Remembering now his work of redemption, and offering to you this sacrifice of thanksgiving,

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The Sanctus: S-125, Holy, holy, holy Lord

Richard Proulx

The Celebrant continues Lord God of our Fathers and God of our Mothers: God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; God of Sarah, Rebecca, Rachael, and Leah: God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: Open our eyes to see your hand at work in the world about us.

Deliver us from the presumption of coming to this Table for solace only, and not for strength; for pardon only, and not for renewal. Let the grace of this Holy Communion make us one body, one spirit in Christ, that we may worthily serve the world in his name.

People: Risen Lord, be known to us in the breaking of the Bread.

The Celebrant continues Accept these prayers and praises, Father, through Jesus Christ our great High Priest, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, your Church gives honor, glory, and worship, from generation to generation. AMEN. And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

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The Lord’s Prayer

BCP 364

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread The Celebrant breaks the consecrated bread. A period of silence is kept.

Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; People: Therefore, let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

The Communion of the People Communion Choir Anthem The Post-Communion Prayer During a Time of Separation Priest and people together Lord of the Feast, we thank you for gathering us as your people. We call to remembrance the many times we have been fed at your table and we lament our distance now. Be present Lord Jesus as you were present with your disciples, be known to us in the breaking of the bread, and may your Holy Spirit sustain us and all your Church until we can gather together again. We ask this for the sake of your love. Amen.

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Sending Out The Blessing May God who established the dance of creation, who marveled at the lilies of the field, who transforms chaos to order, lead us to transform our lives and the Church to reflect God’s glory in creation.

And the blessing of God Almighty: Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer be upon you this day and remain with you always. Amen.

Andrew Warmback & Brian Wilinson Christian Earthkeeping in South Africa Closing Hymn: 405, All things bright and beautiful (vv. 3 & 4; see page 3) Birthday & Anniversary Prayer BCP 830 O God, our times are in your hand: Look with favor, we pray, on your servants as they begin another year. Grant that they may grow in wisdom and grace; and strengthen their trust in your goodness all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Announcements  We will worship outdoors on the driveway and Rectory lawn, weather permitting throughout the fall season. Chairs will be set up on the driveway.

Feel free to bring your own lawn chairs, blankets and let’s enjoy worship and fellowship together. Masks and social distancing will be required. These services will continue to be live-streamed.  We hope to continue Fellowship Hour as we worship outdoors (weather permitting). At this time, we plan to only offer drinks. If you would like to volunteer to host fellowship for one of these Sundays, please contact Debbie Panebianco or Linda Toia. Hosting involves setting up coffee & lemonade out on the driveway and cleaning up afterwards.  Our two Listening Circles (LC) will resume meeting via ZOOM in October.

LC’s offer a place of safety and trust where participants are better able to connect with that place of wisdom and truth within them. We meet monthly to experience and practice deep listening. We learn to ask open honest questions of each other, rather than offering advice. We take time to share some of our personal stories with each other, and we use poems and stories to help guide our conversations as we explore some of the questions that arise about life.

Please contact Linda Toia at Linda.toia@verizon.net or Melissa Olson at mgo620@comcast.net if you are interested in learning more about this opportunity.

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 You can still give a donation to UTO! This past year grants were made for Covid-19 Relief, one given for The Food Pantry at Grace Episcopal Church, Philadelphia. You can make your donation by check or on-line making a notation of UTO. As in the past thank you for your generosity of thanksgiving for your many blessings. Shirley Smith, UTO Custodian  The Rummage Sale returns Saturday, October 23 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. This will be a one day only bag sale - $5.00 per bag. Please note we will NOT accept donations of: anything with a plug, exercise equipment, holiday decorations, furniture, toys and games, CD’s, tapes, records, movies, sports equipment, NO LARGE ITEMS. Masks will be required while in the building.  Pick-Up Choir rehearsals are on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. We will do warm-ups, hymn singing, and also learn a choral anthem to be sung during communion. Music will be distributed a week prior during church service and/or online link. Open to all congregation members and all voice parts.

Please come and join us!  Save the Date: Oct. 19: Vestry Meeting Oct. 23: Fall Rummage Sale Oct. 27: Lunch Club to Go Oct. 30: Halloween Movie Night Oct. 31: Special Halloween Fellowship Nov. 5: Special Evening Prayer in honor of Warren Wanlund Nov. 7: All Saints Celebration with the Jazz Sanctuary The Dismissal The people respond: Thanks be to God.

Worship Ministers Acolyte: Harrison Reazor Altar Guild: Donna Kulp Lector: Nancy Reazor Intercessor: Amy Michener-Wall Usher: Darrin Reazor Vestry Steward: Nancy Ironside Fellowship Host: Helen Collins The scripture passages for today’s service were taken from The Message.

The cover image is Saint Francis art print by Jen Norton.

All copyright licensing for music during this service through: OneLicense.net License #A-719834 and LicenSing License # 620603.

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