The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Glenside, Pennsylvania September 26, 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
2
Opening Hymn: 376, Joyful, joyful, we adore thee
The Opening Acclamation BCP 355 Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
3
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. The Gloria Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen. 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 234 O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
4
Listening for God’s Word The First Reading - James 5:13-20 Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being like us, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain and the earth yielded its harvest. My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and is brought back by another, you should know that whoever brings back a sinner from wandering will save the sinner's soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Psalm 19:7-14
BCP 607
7 The law of the Lord is perfect and revives the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure and gives wisdom to the innocent. 8 The statutes of the Lord are just and rejoice the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear and gives light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean and endures for ever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, more than much fine gold, sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb. 11 By them also is your servant enlightened, and in keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can tell how often he offends? cleanse me from my secret faults. 5
13 Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not get dominion over me; then shall I be whole and sound, and innocent of a great offense. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Gospel Hymn: 656, Blest are the pure in heart
The Gospel Reading - Mark 9:38-50 The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark Response: Glory to you, Lord Christ. John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward. “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your 6
foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched. “For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” The Gospel of the Lord. Response: Praise to you, Lord Christ. The Sermon
The Rev. Laura Palmer
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. 7
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 for UTO Ingathering The Leader and People pray responsively On this Ingathering celebration, marked by thanksgiving and offering, let us give thanks to God for the gifts of this life, and ask for God’s blessing of abundance in the areas where we seek to offer service in the world, saying, “Lord, we give thanks to you.” For the gift of the church, that it may always be growing in generosity through offering and prayer, so that its members and its mission transform the world to have hearts of gratitude. 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 Episcopal Church. In our companion Diocese of Guatemala, we pray for San La Resurrección, Reverendo Presbitero Jorge Gomez. In our own Diocese, we pray for the Diocesan History Committee. Lord, we give thanks to you. For our nation, for all nations in the world, and for all those in authority and governance, that you may transform these powers and principalities so they would be stewards of gratitude, beacons of justice, and participants in the work of restoration throughout the world, Lord, we give thanks to you. For the care of all of creation, the earth and all that is in it, that we would receive the offerings of this day with hearts abounding in thanksgiving, remembering that in giving out of what we have we always return to God what comes out of God, Lord, we give thanks to you. For the peace which passes all understanding that accompanies all the causes and concerns that have no advocate, the blessedness that extends to the margins that feel mostly lonely, and the love that reaches all who suffer and are in any trouble, Lord, we give thanks to you.
8
For the forgiveness we receive when we are not good stewards of our gifts, the grace offered during seasons when we have cared more for self-preservation than the common good, the compassion bestowed when we let hardness of heart take over our desire to follow Christ, Lord, we give thanks to you. For the gift of eternal life poured out upon all who put their trust in you, for those who are known to you in creation and prayer, and for the saints and angels who accompany us interceding on our behalf, especially remembering those on our prayer list, Debbie, Holly, Kevin, Rowen, Nicky, Sal, 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), and for those we love but see no longer, especially Beryl Stewart, friend of Connie Clinefelter, Jack Zampirri, brother of Tony, all those who have died from COVID-19 and Edward C. Robson and Elisabeth M. Severe, who are remembered with altar flowers this morning. Lord, we give our thanks to you. For the specific concerns of this church community, and all the causes that will be served through the ministry of the United Thank Offering, both locally and abroad, which we now name… (pause). We offer these concerns and causes to God, entrusting their work and flourishing to God alone, Lord, we give thanks to you. For the blessings of our lives, the joys we receive that remind us of God’s love for us, especially the thanksgivings we now name either aloud or in the silence of our hearts…. (pause). In our gratitude, we pray: Lord, we give thanks to you. For the United Thank Offering, that you would continually nourish the church through this ministry’s call to prayer, spirituality, and supporting the many callings in the church that are brought to fruition through UTO’s spirit of love, generosity, gratitude, and thanksgiving, we pray: Lord, we give thanks to you. The celebrant concludes with this prayer God, we thank you that you have called us today into a spirit of generosity, both in prayer and in action. Bestow upon us the remembrance that you gave of yourself so that we could know you, be nourished by your wisdom, and so that we would follow you into self-sacrifice. In this time of our giving, fill our hearts with not the memory of our loss, but the awareness of what we have gained through giving some of what we have away. Send us out with hearts of gratitude that encourage others to join with UTO to love and serve others, both in our 9
communities and throughout the world. We ask all this in the sure and certain hope of your son, Jesus Christ our Lord, whose presence is worth our thanksgiving alone. Amen. The Confession and Absolution
BCP 360
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. Celebrant and People Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you 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. Celebrant 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 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.
10
Celebrating Holy Communion Presentation Hymn: 308, O Food to pilgrims given
11
The United Thank Offering Prayer Gracious God, source of all creation, all love, all true joy; accept, we pray, the outward signs of our profound and continuing thankfulness for all of life. Bless those who will benefit from the outreach of the United Thank Offering; and keep each of us ever thankful for all the blessings of joy and challenge that come our way; through Him who is the greatest gift and blessing of all, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen. The Great Thanksgiving 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:
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.
12
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, 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. 13
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, 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 14
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: 347, Go forth for God (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 Worship Outdoors: In September and October we will worship outdoors on the driveway and Rectory lawn, weather permitting. 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 resume Fellowship Hour during September and October, when we will be having church services 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 and lemonade out on the driveway and then cleaning up afterwards. The United Thank Offering Ingathering is an opportunity for us to make an offering for all of our blessings and become a blessing for others by donating to UTO for grants to meet the needs of people locally, nationally and worldly. 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 in the memo line. Thank you for your generosity of thanksgiving for your many blessings. Shirley Smith, UTO Custodian 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! 15
Our diocese is forging a new relationship with the Episcopal Church in New Mexico to create a connection between the two Dioceses which includes the Navajo Nation. One of the beginning steps will be a Youth Pilgrimission (Pilgrimage/Mission) trip in June 2022 for high school students. This is open to any youth from any Episcopal church in the diocese. Youth must be a high school student as of September 2022 (rising 9-12 grade student) in order to participate. The dates for the Pilgrimission will be June 26, 2022 to July 6, 2022. The cost for each participant will be $1,000.00 which includes airfare. St. Peter's will assist any of its youth who participates. An informational Zoom session will be held by St. Peter's on Tuesday September 28, 2021 beginning at 7:00 PM. All interested youth and their parents from St. Peter's are invited to participate. The link to the Zoom session is in the email news. There is a deadline of October 15, 2021 for youth to indicate their interest. This does not obligate any youth to go but provides the Diocese and St. Peter's an idea of who is interested in learning more about this opportunity. If you have any questions, you can contact Dave Kipphut. Women’s Picnic: Please join fellow St Peter's women for a friendly gathering on Saturday, October 2nd, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at Ft. Washington Park Area where St Peter's has had its annual picnic. Unfortunately, there are no available pavilions at the park to rent. Please bring your own food, drink & chair to this event. And bring your children if you wish. We will gather and mingle and mix with friends we have not seen in person for a very long time, with masks if advised. I hope that we can be together - safely! Polly Sanford Save the Date: Sept. 28: ZOOM informational meeting for Pilgrimission to New Mexico Oct. 2: Women’s Picnic Oct. 3: St. Francis Celebration & Blessing of the Animals Oct. 19: Vestry Meeting Oct. 23: Fall Rummage Sale Oct. 27: Lunch Club to Go Oct. 30: Halloween Movie Night Oct. 31: Multi-generational Halloween Event The Dismissal The people respond: Thanks be to God. Worship Ministers Acolyte: Harper Moore Lector: Jerry Moore Intercessor: Jim Callahan Usher: Rob DeKalb Vestry Steward: Jim Callahan Soprano Soloist: Tess Varley Fellowship Hosts: Wendy Hartung & Jerry Moore 16
The altar flowers are given in loving memory of Edward C. Robson and Elisabeth M. Severe by Jeanne Robson. All copyright licensing for music during this service through: OneLicense.net License #A-719834 and LicenSing License # 620603. Closing Hymn: 347, Go forth for God
17