The Last Sunday after Epiphany
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Glenside, Pennsylvania February 11, 2024 10:00 A.M.
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Welcome to St. Peter’s If you are visiting or new to St. Peter’s, we encourage you to fill out a Welcome Card and give it to an usher, so we can send you information on parish happenings. We are so blessed to have you join us! Our mission is to be a community of people rooted in God’s love, growing through God’s grace, and reaching out to all. We believe that everyone in life is on a journey, searching for meaning and a sense of belonging. Your journey, questions, and hopes are important to us. St. Peter’s strives to be a place of hospitality, joy, and connectedness. If you would like to speak to a clergy person or learn more about our faith community, please contact the Rev. Barbara Ballenger at Stpeter654rector@gmail.com or call 215-8871765. Hymnal Tips: Our service is drawn from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer (BCP), which is red. We also use several hymnals. When songs are referred to simply by number, they come from the blue hymnal. We may also use Wonder, Love and Praise (WLP), which is green, and With One Voice (WOV), which is the thin, blue hymnal. Facilities: An ADA-accessible bathroom is located off the back vestibule (narthex). Two additional bathrooms are located in the hall off the left entrance to the church (the piano side) Also, feel free to ask an usher for guidance. A Soft Space for Little Ones If they prefer, families with infants or toddlers are invited to sit in our soft space on the carpet on the right side of the church, where there are soft toys and coloring pages. Wiggles welcome. Godly Play for Everyone Families with children (pre-K through fifth graders) are invited to Godly Play, a Montessori-based drop-in program where you sign your child in each Sunday before the 10 am service starts. The kids will join the worship service around the sign of peace. The new Godly Play room is on the Lower Level in Room 19. Contact Laurel Mosteller (laurelmosteller28@gmail.com) for more information. Ways to Give: There are many ways to offer financial support for the work of St. Peter’s. In-person giving occurs at the collection during the Sunday service. Feel free to visit our website at www.stpetersglenside.org for secure on-line giving, either one-time or ongoing. You can also use the QR code below:
Tell us what you think: In the upcoming weeks, we will be experimenting with new and more sustainable leaflet formats. Please send suggestions to the church’s email at stpeter654@gmail.com.
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Gathering In Joy Prelude: Preludium and Arietta
Samuel Wesley
Opening Hymn: The Hymnal of 1982 #427, When Morning Gilds the Skies The Opening Acclamation Presider: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People: And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and forever. Amen.
BCP 355
The Presider says to the people The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Presider: Let us pray. Collect of the Day O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, 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- 2 Kings 2:1-12 When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent.” Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here; for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know; be silent.” Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground. When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” He responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.” As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 3
Psalm 50:1-6 Deus deorum
BCP
1 The Lord, the God of gods, has spoken; he has called the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. 2 Out of Zion, perfect in its beauty, God reveals himself in glory. 3 Our God will come and will not keep silence; before him there is a consuming flame, and round about him a raging storm. 4 He calls the heavens and the earth from above to witness the judgment of his people. 5 "Gather before me my loyal followers, those who have made a covenant with me and sealed it with sacrifice." 6 Let the heavens declare the rightness of his cause; for God himself is judge. The Second Reading- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Gospel Hymn: The Hymnal of 1982 #135, Songs of Thankfulness and Praise The Gospel –Mark 9:2-9 The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark Response: Glory to you, Lord Christ. Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ. 4
The Sermon
The Rev. Barbara Ballenger
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. 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 for Epiphany
by Susanne Watson Epting
Loving God, who came to us in human form to show us who you are, be with us as we pray. For the church in every place, that through all who believe, the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the world. We especially pray for Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury; Michael, our Presiding Bishop; Daniel, our Bishop; Silvestre, Bishop of Guatemala; Barbara, our clergy, and each one of us in our vocation and ministry. In the Anglican cycle of prayer, we pray for the Episcopal Church of South Sudan. In our 5
companion Diocese of Guatemala, we pray for La Transfiguracion and Reverendo Presbitero Tomas Calel Saquic. In our own Diocese, we pray for the Philadelphia Theological Institute. God who has come to show us the way, Make yourself known through us. For this nation: For those in public office throughout this land, especially our President, Joseph Biden; the United Nations and all members of Congress; and for those of us who call them to responsibility and accountability, that together, we may hold a clear vision of justice and compassion. God who has come to show us the way, Make yourself known through us. For our world: That with you working through us, the poor may be blessed, the weeping may laugh, and those who war with one another may know the hope of peace. God who has come to show us the way, Make yourself known through us. For this community: For all our glorious and varied gifts, that our common life may be strengthened as we offer ourselves, affirm those around us, and join in mission together, God who has come to show us the way, Make yourself known through us. For all who suffer, and all who suffer with them, that we may know your Holy Presence in the midst of pain, and tears and sorrow, trusting in your tender mercy and the compassion of those around us; especially remembering all on our parish prayer list especially Ashley, Anthony, Mary, Jeanné, Robert, Sarah, John, Jack, Patricia, Tim, Shelia, Alice, Jennifer, Roxanne, Leslie, William, Walter, Barbara, Joan, Greg, Bert, Lynn, Bryan, June, Catherine, Abe, Anne, Samantha, Charlie, Steve, Adrian, William, Sharon, Charlie, Chrissy, Jane, the Richards family, the Gordon family, the parishioners of St. Thomas’, Whitemarsh, and all those we name now.... God who has come to show us the way, Make yourself known through us. For those who have died especially Stella Smith and those we name now …. for memories of joy and moments of grief; and for the sure and certain knowledge that, as your beloved, they live in your infinite love and rest in eternal life. God who has come to show us the way, Make yourself known through us. The Presider offers a concluding prayer Loving God, we offer you our prayers, some in words, others written in our hearts. Break open our hearts, hear our prayers and continue to give us your light, Christ Jesus, this day and forever. Amen. The Confession and Absolution
BCP 360
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. Presider and People Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you 6
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. Presider concludes with an absolution or a suitable Collect. 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 Please greet other members of the congregation with a sign of peace. Presider: The peace of the Lord be always with you. People: And also with you.
Celebrating Holy Communion Offertory Anthem: Alleluia from Exsultate Jubilate
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart St. Peter’s Bell Choir Kathy Flaherty, Director
Presentation Hymn: The Hymnal of 1982 #325, Let Us Break Bread Together The Great Thanksgiving, Eucharistic Prayer B Presider: People: Presider: People: Presider: People: Presider:
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 our thanks and praise. It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth... 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:
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BCP 367
Sanctus: Lift Every Voice and Sing II #255, Holy, Holy, Holy (books not available in the pew)
The Presider continues We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son.... ...Therefore, according to his command, O Father, Presider and People We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory; The Presider continues And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.... ...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 forever. AMEN. And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, 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, 8
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 Presider breaks the consecrated bread. A period of silence is kept. Presider: Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; People: Therefore, let us keep the feast. Alleluia. Fraction Anthem: Lift Every Voice and Sing II #270, Lamb of God (books not available in the pew)
The Presider continues The Gifts of God for the People of God. The Communion of the People Communion Music: Lead Me, Lord
Samuel Wesley St. Peter’s Choir Kathy Flaherty, Alto 9
The Post-Communion Prayer Priest and people together 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.
Sending Out The Blessing Burying the Alleluia Eucharistic Visitor Commissioning (occasional) Presider: In the name of the congregation of St Peter's, we send you forth bearing the gift of Holy Communion... All: We who are many are one body, because we all share in one bread and one cup. 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 • Join our parish youth and teens in making sandwiches for the St. Mark's food ministry in Frankford after morning worship. • Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner and Talent Show is this Tuesday, February 13 at 6p.m. Use the link in the newsletter to sign up. • Ash Wednesday, February 14: There will be a 9:30am and 7pm services, with ash distribution all day from 11 a.m. to 3p.m. Closing Hymn: Lift Every Voice and Sing #136, I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
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The Dismissal Presider: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia! People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia! Postlude: Festivity on ‘Holy Manna’
Douglas Wagner Worship Ministers Presider & Preacher: The Rev. Barbara Ballenger Acolyte: Teresa Mignogno, Matthew Schmidt, Alex Stevers-Radke Lectors: Lisa Donahue, Joani Harkinson Intercessor: Rick Pearce Vestry Steward: David Mosteller Eucharistic Ministers: Charlie Hannum, Bob Hartung, Bob Smith Ushers: Dave Kipphut, Maureen Schaeffer, Linda Toia Counter: Bill Hower Altar Guild: Karen Sayer Bell Ringer: Bill Bacon Organist & Choir Director: Carol Cei Tech Team: PJ Linke, Mike Levin, James Moore
Vestry Debbie Dekalb: sojourner_44@yahoo.com Mark Evans: MarkCarverEvans@gmail.com Meredith Flaherty: merflah@aol.com Jeanné Hannum: jeannefhannum@aol.com Audrey Kipphut (People’s Warden): ajkipphut@verizon.net Amy Michener-Wall: adwall@hotmail.com Dave Mosteller (Rector’s Warden): davemos2010@gmail.com John Olson: john.olson@villanova.edu Amy Neske: amyh120@yahoo.com Douglas Pneuma: douglas.pneuma@gmail.com Mike Reeve (Accounting Warden): mreeve1128@outlook.com Karen Sayer: karmaflower@gmail.com Grayson Torpey (Youth Representative): gtorpey09@gmail.com Matt Torpey: mtorpey79@gmail.com 11
Staff The Rev. Barbara Ballenger (Rector) stpeter654rector@gmail.com Charlese Freeman (Communications Administrator) stpeter654@gmail.com Tim Valera (Caretaker) timvalera@gmail.com Carol Cei (Organist and Choir Director) carol@carolcei.com Kathy Flaherty (Bell Choir Director) stpeter654music@gmail.com Tech Team: PJ Linke, Mike Levin, James Moore stpetertechteam@gmail.com Reprinted/ Podcast / Streamed with permission under ONE LICENSE, License # A-719834. All rights reserved. Used with permission. The cover image is a Life of Christ Phillip Medhurst Collection 4395 The Transfiguration Mark 9.2-8 via Wikipedia Commons. Hymn permissions by Rite Song, a one-time use reprint license for congregational use. ST. PETER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 654 N. Easton Road Glenside, PA 19038-4310 (215) 887-1765 E-mail: stpeter654@gmail.com Website: www.stpetersglenside.org
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