Stewardship In-Gathering - November 15, 2020

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Glenside The Holy Eucharist, Rite II -10:00 a.m.

Stewardship In Gathering Sunday November 15, 2020 ______________________________________________________________________________

Gathering In Joy Welcome to St. Peter’s!

Please wear your mask throughout the service.

Socially distance with your neighbors before, during and after worship.

Enjoy listening to the music. We ask that you do not sing the hymns.

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

Please use only the door by the library at the Eastwood entrance to enter and exit the building. Thank you.

Prelude: Brethren, We Have Met to Worship

1

Joel Raney

Opening Hymn: 680, O, God, our help in ages past (vv. 1,3,4)

The Opening Acclamation

BCP 355

Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

People: And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and forever. Amen.

Collect for Purity 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.

2

The Gloria: S-280

3

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

People: And also with you.

Celebrant: Let us pray.

Collect of the Day BCP 236 Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Listening for God’s Word The First Reading - Micah 6:1-8 Hear what the Lord says: Rise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. Hear, you mountains, the controversy of the Lord, and you enduring foundations of the earth; for the Lord has a controversy with his people, and he will contend with Israel. “O my people, what have I done to you? In what have I wearied you? Answer me! For I brought you up from the land of Egypt, and redeemed you from the house of slavery; and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. O my people, remember now what King Balak of Moab devised, what Balaam son of Beor answered him, and what happened from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the saving acts of the Lord.” “With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burntofferings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with tens of thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God Psalm 90:1-8; 12 1 Lord, you have been our refuge from one generation to another.

BCP 717

2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or the land and the earth were born, from age to age you are God. 3 You turn us back to the dust and say, "Go back, O child of earth."

4 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past and like a watch in the night.

4

5 You sweep us away like a dream; we fade away suddenly like the grass.

6 In the morning it is green and flourishes; in the evening it is dried up and withered.

7 For we consume away in your displeasure; we are afraid because of your wrathful indignation.

8 Our iniquities you have set before you, and our secret sins in the light of your countenance.

12 So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.

Gospel Hymn: Voices Found 164, The church is wherever God’s people are praising 1. The church is wherever God’s people are praising, singing their thanks for joy on this day.

The church is wherever disciples of Jesus Remember his story and walk in his way.

2. The church is wherever God’s people are helping, Caring for neighbors in sickness and need.

The church is wherever God’s people are sharing The words of the Bible in gift and in deed.

The Gospel Reading - Matthew 25:14-30 Before the Gospel the people respond: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus said, “It is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where 5

you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’”

After the Gospel the people respond: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Sermon

The Rev. Emily Richards

The Nicene Creed

BCP 358

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.

6

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.

Prayers of the People

from Flourish in Faith Liturgical Prayers

God of grace, bless all those who seek after you as we gather in holy spaces around the world to worship and be fed by you, that we might hear your call to give to the world as you have given to us – generously, joyfully, and with unending grace.

God of abundance, Hear our prayer.

God of abundance, be present to us as we enjoy the bounty that comes with living in the United States of America. Keep us and our leaders grateful for all the comforts of this world that we enjoy, comforts that others around the world do not have. Mold us and our leaders as stewards of our abundance, that you may be honored with every gift you have entrusted to our care.

God of abundance, Hear our prayer.

Generous God, give us hearts to hear the cries of those in need around the world, especially we pray today for all refugees. Open our eyes to famine, disease, tragedy and violence that are everyday occurrences in the lives of so many. Lead us to action within the capabilities of each one of us.

God of abundance, Hear our prayer.

Great healer, pour out your spirit upon all who suffer, especially Debbie, Angie, Frances, Katie, Richard, Bob, Hannah, Art, Doris, Warren, Holly, Kathy, Mary, Barbara, Linda, Rhonda, Ruth, all those suffering from COVID-19, and all those we name now (pause) that each may know the power and mystery of your presence in our lives.

God of abundance, Hear our prayer.

God of new life, welcome those who have died, especially remembering Bruce Sibley, son of Barb Sibley, all those who have died from COVID-19, and all those we name now (pause) that each may live eternally in your peace.

God of abundance, Hear our prayer.

7

The Celebrant concludes with this prayer.

Abundant God, you made us in your image and breathed in us a spirit of generosity that is both gift and response. Move us, we pray, in this extraordinary time, to give as we have received - abundantly, generously, and joyfully - that our common ministry may ever bear witness to your unfailing grace. In the name of the Three in whom we are One. Amen.

The Confession and Absolution The Celebrant says Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept.

Almighty God, Source of all that is, Giver of every good gift: You create all people in your image and call us to love one another as you love us.

We confess that we have failed to honor you in the great diversity of the human family.

We have desired to live in freedom, while building walls between ourselves and others.

We have longed to be known and accepted for who we are, while making judgements of others based on the color of skin, or the shape of features, or the varieties of human experience.

We have tried to love our neighbors individually while yet benefitting from systems that hold those same neighbors in oppression.

Forgive us, Holy God. Give us eyes to see you as you are revealed in all people.

Strengthen us for the work of reconciliation rooted in love.

Restore us in your image, to be beloved community, united in our diversity, even as you are one with Christ and the Spirit, Holy and undivided Trinity, now and forever. Amen.

The celebrant continues 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 Confession of Sin comes from the Episcopal Church's Racial Reconciliation and Justice Resources.

8

The Peace Please remain in your pews 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.

Celebrating Holy Communion The Offertory Please leave your offering in the plate by the lectern at the end of the service as you exit.

9

Presentation Hymn: 335, I am the bread of life (vv. 1,4,5)

10

The Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below; praise Him above, ye heavenly host: praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

11

Stewardship Prayer Celebrant: Let us pray.

All: We give thanks to you, generous God, for your ongoing faithfulness to us, your stewards. You placed us in your garden to tend, toil and care for your creation. It is our highest privilege to use the gifts that have been entrusted to us, relationships and resources, to bring about your dream of life abundant for all. With humility and gratitude, we offer these pledges, as a token of our gratitude for your faithfulness and for all the gifts you have entrusted to us. We ask you to bless and multiply these humble offerings.

Guide us, your faithful stewards, as we use these gifts to serve and honor you, so that all may flourish in the life abundant you came to give. Amen.

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

People: Celebrant:

People: Celebrant:

BCP 369

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

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

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

Glory to you for ever and ever.

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.

By your will they were created and have their being.

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.

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

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.

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

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:

12

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, Celebrant and People We celebrate his death and resurrection, as we await the day of his coming.

The Celebrant continues Lord God of our Fathers: God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and Lord God of our Mothers: God of Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel 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,

13

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 Music: Faithful Servant

Cindy Berry Rachael Lipson, soprano solo

1. Lord, we would be faithful; Lord, we would follow you.

We would be pure and holy, devoted and true.

2. At the end of our journey, On that glorious day, When we gaze into Your eyes, We want to hear you say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.

Enter into my kingdom.

You have fought the fight, You have kept the faith, According to my Word.

14

3. Well done, my good and faithful servant.

Great is your reward.

You have been faithful, now your race is run.

Well done, my servant, well done!�

For I was hungry and you fed me, Thirsty and you gave me drink.

You served others in my name.

You shared the gospel without shame.

4. And you were light in the darkness; You were strength for the weary; You were my messengers To share my gospel of love.

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.

Sending Out The Blessing Closing Hymn: WOV 760, For the fruit of all creation (see page 17) 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 The Dismissal The people respond: Thanks be to God.

15

Postlude: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

Joel Raney

Please make sure to socially distance from your neighbors as you the leave the church. You may drop your leaflet and communion paper cup in the blue recycling bin by the doors. Please take your mask with you. Thank you.

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

16

Closing Hymn: WOV 760, For the fruit of all creation

17