T@Home: Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost - October 3, 2021 - Feast of St. Francis

Trinity Episcopal Church PROGRESSIVE  Inclusive 

CREATIVE  DOWNTOWN

by Sue Betanzos

Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost Feast Day St. Francis of Assisi, Anticipated

Trinity@Home 

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October 3, 2021 9:00am

Welcome to Trinity Episcopal Church Good morning and “welcome home” to Trinity! Whether you are new to our community or have found yourself coming back again and again, we want you to know you are both welcome and wanted here among us. For some, church is as comfortable and familiar as a good pair of jeans, or like coming back to your childhood home (if it is one filled with good memories). For others, church might be like visiting a foreign country where you experience unfamiliar language or customs. And then, sadly, for some, church has become equated with feelings of hurt, shame or rejection. We get all of that and believe church can be different. We are a diverse community of seekers, believers, and doubters held together by the hope that together we are better, kinder, and more courageous when we stand side by side and face into the challenges of our lives and in the world together.

We challenge the practices of our tradition that have at times kept others out and instead embrace Jesus’ mandate to welcome all, no exceptions, as a core value. And, we get that if people are brave enough to either walk through the doors of a big gothic-looking church in downtown Toledo, or tune in to Trinity@Home on line, we better be serious about being explicitly progressive, inclusive and creative in all we say and do.

We love our Episcopal tradition, AND we love people from all walks of life even more! It is our hope and prayer that together we will navigate our way through each gathering, worship service, opportunity to serve, class, meal and social time together with humility, grace and laughter all infused with radical hospitality.

So thank you for being here today; for trusting the yearning that brought you through those ancient doors. May we all find our way into the heart of God’s love as we make room for each other in this community and this world- we believe we are better and love more when diversity is celebrated and the bounds of God’s love are stretched wide.

This bulletin is a guide to accompany you through the “liturgy”- meaning the “work of the people”- which is how our tradition approaches worship. It does indeed take a village bringing all of its gifts together to create our expression of gratitude and devotion week after week.

Here is a quick little guide to help you follow along as we worship together: • • •

Italicized Print = singing Bold Print = everyone is invited to join in reciting a prayer/reading Bold & Italicized Print = everyone is invited to join in singing.

Welcome Home!

May you never forget you are loved, Lisa The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray, Rector www.trinitytoledo.org 2

 The Liturgy of the Word  Prelude

Make Me a Channel of Your Peace

Sebastian Temple

(Trintiy Singers & Brian Buckner-piano)

Welcome

The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray

Opening Song

Lead Me, Guide Me

Doris M. Akers (b. 1922)

(Trinity Singers)

Refrain

Lead me, guide me, along the way, For if you lead me, I cannot stray Lord, let me walk each day with Thee.

Lead me, Oh Lord, lead me.

I am weak and I need thy strength and power To help me over my weakest hour; Help me through the darkness thy face to see, Lead me, Oh Lord, lead me.

Refrain Help me tread in the paths of righteousness, be my aid when satan and sin oppress; I am putting all my trust in thee.

Lead me, Oh Lord, lead me.

Refrain I am lost if you take your hand from me, I am blind without thy light to see; Lord, just always let me thy servant be.

Lead me, Oh Lord, lead me.

Refrain

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Collect of the Day Leader: People: Leader:

The Work of the People

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us pray.

Open Unto Me by Howard Thurman

Lord, Lord, open unto Me Open unto me, light for my darkness Open unto me, courage for my fear Open unto me, hope for my despair Open unto me, peace for my turmoil Open unto me, joy for my sorrow Open unto me, strength for my weakness

Open unto me, wisdom for my confusion Open unto me, forgiveness for my sins Open unto me, tenderness for my toughness Open unto me, love for my hates Open unto me, Thy Self for myself Lord, Lord, open unto me!

First Reading Reader:

Job 39:1–18 A reading from Job.

Read by Amy Saylor

"Do you know when the mountain goats give birth? Do you observe the calving of the deer?

Can you number the months that they fulfil, and do you know the time when they give birth, when they crouch to give birth to their offspring, and are delivered of their young? Their young ones become strong, they grow up in the open; they go forth, and do not return to them.

"Who has let the wild ass go free? Who has loosed the bonds of the swift ass, to which I have given the steppe for its home, the salt land for its dwelling-place? It scorns the tumult of the city; it does not hear the shouts of the driver.

It ranges the mountains as its pasture, and it searches after every green thing. "Is the wild ox willing to serve you? Will it spend the night at your crib? Can you tie it in the furrow with ropes, or will it harrow the valleys after you? Will you depend on it because its strength is great, and will you hand over your labour to it? Do you have faith in it that it will return, and bring your grain to your threshing-floor?

"The ostrich’s wings flap wildly, though its pinions lack plumage. For it leaves its eggs to the earth, and lets them be warmed on the ground, forgetting that a foot may crush them, and that a wild animal may trample them. It deals cruelly with its young, as if they were not its own; though its labour should be in vain, yet it has no fear; because God has made it forget wisdom, and given it no share in understanding. When it spreads its plumes aloft, it laughs at the horse and its rider."

Reader: People:

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

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THE PSALM

Psalm 8

Psalms for Praying

REFRAIN

REFRAIN O Love, my Beloved, How powerful is your Name in all the earth!

You, whose glory is sung in heaven by the angels and saints, Who with the innocence and spontaneity of a child, Confound those who are mighty and proud, You comfort the unloving and fearful.

REFRAIN When I look up at the heavens, at the work of Love’s creation, at the infinite variety of your Plan, What is woman that You rejoice in her, And man that You do delight in him?

You have made us in your image, You fill us with your Love; You have made us co-creators of the earth! guardians of the planet! to care for all your creatures, to tend the land, the sea, and the air we breathe; all that You have made, You have placed in our hands.

O Love, my Beloved, how powerful is your Name in all the earth!

REFRAIN

The Second Lesson

The Little Flowers of St. Francis Read by Lu Pilgrim

Reader: An excerpt from The Little Flowers of St. Francis documenting his “Sermon to the Birds” One day, as Francis and some companions were traveling through the Spoleto Valley in Italy, Francis noticed that a huge flock of birds had gathered in some trees beside a field. Francis noticed that the birds were watching him as if they were expecting something. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, he decided to preach a sermon about God's love for them. Francis walked over to a spot beside the trees and began an impromptu sermon, reported the monks who were traveling with Francis and wrote down what Francis said: "My sweet little sisters, birds of the sky, " Francis said, “you are bound to heaven, to God, your Creator.

In every beat of your wings and every note of your songs, praise him. He has given you the greatest of gifts, the freedom of the air. You neither sow, nor reap, yet God provides for you the most delicious food, rivers, and lakes to quench your thirst, mountains, and valleys for your home, tall trees to build your nests, and the most beautiful clothing: a change of feathers with every season.

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You and your kind were preserved in Noah's Ark. Clearly, our Creator loves you dearly, since he gives you gifts so abundantly. So please beware, my little sisters, of the sin of ingratitude, and always sing praise to God." The birds remained attentively gathered around Francis, the story goes, until he blessed them and they flew away—some heading north, some south, some east, and some west—going out in all directions as if on their way to pass along the good news of God's love that they had just heard to other creatures.

Reader: People:

Here ends the reading.

Thanks be to God.

Gradual

Christ Be With Me (Offered in collaboration with The Work of the People with music by The Brilliance.)

Christ Be with me, Christ before me Christ behind me, Christ within me Christ below me, Christ above me Christ be with me, at my right hand at my left hand, as I lie down as I rise up, as I stumble, as I fall down

Christ as I stand Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me Christ is every eye that sees me Christ in every ear that hears me Amen

THE GOSPEL Deacon: People:

Matthew 11:25–30 The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Matthew.

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Deacon: People:

The Gospel of Christ.

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Sermon

The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray

Affirmation of FAITH

From Iona Abbey Book of Worship Led by Sue Smitley

We believe in the God of Life, who creates and loves people, who acts in history.

We believe in Jesus of Nazareth, who is our brother, who wants not to be idolized but to be followed.

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We believe that we dwell in the presence of the Holy Spirit; without Her we are nothing; filled with Her we are able to become creative, lively and free.

We believe in the Church of Jesus Christ, a community where we find companions and courage for the struggles of life, where we grow in our understanding of the faith, through worship, prayer, nurture and service.

We believe that God has a use for us in this time and place, that though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we are called to be instruments of God’s peace.

We believe in living, hoping, laughing, and enjoying the good of the earth.

We believe that people can change, and that God keeps pulling us to life and to a new world of joy and peace. Amen.

The Prayers of the People Please join the leader in sharing the responses in bold.

Intercessor: People: Intercessor:

People: Intercessor: People: Intercessor: People: Intercessor:

People: Intercessor:

People:

From Women’s Uncommon Prayer Offered by Margaret Baehren

Open our lips, O Spirit, that we may proclaim your benevolent truth and call for justice in our communities, in our congregations, and in the world.

Spirit, open our lips.

Open our minds, O Creator, that we might dream a Church reconciled, a Church that knows your love so abundantly it bursts with a passion for ministry, a desire to give completely, and seeks only to give back.

Creator, open our minds.

Open our hearts, O Giver of Gifts, to be transformed by compassion, so we will serve others with humility, integrity and urgency as your servants.

Giver of Gifts, open our hearts.

Open our eyes, O Sanctifier of Life, to the hurts and needs of others. Teach us to see where our abilities and resources can be used for good.

Sanctifier of Life, open our eyes.

Open our hands, O Spirit, to be your instruments of witness. Help us work without caution, serve without recognition, and proclaim justice, love and kindness, in your name.

Spirit, open our hands.

Open our memories, O Redeemer of All, as we tenderly remember those who have asked for our prayers, including those on our Prayer List…and those we now name aloud and in our hearts…

Redeemer of All, open our memories.

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Intercessor:

God, your love is free, your compassion unconditional, and your mercy infinite. You shower upon us gifts abundant. Grant that we may know and trust these gifts cultivating faith-filled generosity in our lives each and every day. Amen.

The Confession of Sin & Absolution Priest:

Wonderings Through Life and Other Such Nonsense The prophet speaks of the coming light of God which calls all the people of the earth to come together in God’s realm of shalom.

Let us confess the ways in which we have rejected God’s vision of wholeness.

Priest and People: God of light and darkness, we have seen the glimmer of your star-light beckoning to us, but we have turned away and followed other paths.

We confess that we have not loved you with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength.

We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

Forgive us, Holy One. Strengthen our faltering steps and guide us in your holy way of peace.

Priest: People:

Lift up your eyes and see the grace of God poured out into our lives.

The light of God shines through the darkness.

Our hearts rejoice for Christ is in our midst. Amen.

THE PEACE Deacon: People:

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

And also with you.

Announcements Offertory Go to our Giving page. www.trinitytoledo.org/online-giving/, choose GIVE NOW and Sunday, October 3. You can also text the word “Give” to 419-OMG-LOVE (419-664-5683) to make your weekly offering.

Offertory

Come to Me (Offered by Trinity Singers)

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Michael Joncas

Lord’s Prayer

The New Zealand Prayer Book Led by Chuck Abood

Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain bearer, Life-giver, Source of all that is and that shall be, Father and Mother of us all, Loving God, in whom is heaven: The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!

The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world!

With the bread we need for today, feed us.

In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.

Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!

Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth!

In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.

From trials too great to endure, spare us.

From the grip of all that is evil, free us.

For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and forever.

Amen.

Blessing

May the rain fall off your shoulders when you’re caught in a storm.

When the frost comes a callin’ may it find you safe and warm.

May your place be set, and may your promises be kept.

And may you never forget that you are loved.

Sending Song

Draw the Circle Wide

Mark A. Miller

(Aliyah Melden, soloist and Trinity Choir) Draw the circle, draw the circle wide.

Draw the circle, draw the circle wide.

No one stands alone, we'll stand side by side.

Draw the circle, draw the circle wide (repeat).

Draw the circle, draw the circle wide.

Draw the circle, draw the circle wide.

No one stands alone, we'll stand side by side.

Draw the circle, draw the circle wide.

Draw the circle wide, draw it wider still.

Let this be our song, no one stands alone.

Standing side by side.

Draw the circle, draw the circle wide (repeat)

Draw the circle wide, draw it wider still.

Let this be our song, no one stands alone.

Standing side by side.

Draw the circle, draw the circle wide

Dismissal Deacon: People:

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

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Trinity’s Daily Bread- As a community of faith, we are called to love and be loved; to serve and be served, to give and to receive. In short, we don’t want anyone to “fall behind or drop out.” In this season of connecting in new ways, we are introducing Trinity’s Daily Bread. Please let us know if you need prayer, assistance or connection by filling out our Daily Bread form on our website, www.trinitytoledo.org!

Trinity Episcopal Church Vestry Leadership Donna Steppe, Sr. Warden, Roberta Durham, Jr. Warden Leah Reed, Clerk, Jeffrey Albright, Dennis Degnan, Becky Koskinen, Fritz Hany, Bob Meeker & Jamie Paul Gary Franklin, Treasurer

Parish Staff The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray, Rector The Rev. Megan Allen, Transitional Deacon, Curate Heather Meyer, Director of Operations and Community Development Chelsie Cree, Choir Director Grace Mauk, Trinity@316 Accompanist, Brian Buckner, Trinity@Home Accompanist Lynzi Miller, Next To New Manager & Communications Coordinator ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & COPYRIGHT INFO: Collect of the Day Open Unto Me. The Work of the People. Permission granted by purchase of subscription through The Work of the People: https://www.theworkofthepeople.com.

Readings and Gospel from: Revised Common Lectionary: lectionarypage.net, 2020 & Second Lesson from An excerpt from The Little Flowers of St. Francis documenting his “Sermon to the Birds”.

Psalm: From Psalms for Praying © 2007 Nan C. Merrill. Reprinted with permission of the publisher Continuum International Publishing Group www.PsalmsForPraying.com.

Affirmation of Faith: From the Iona Community of Scotland.

Confession & Absolution: From Wonderings Through Life and Other Such Nonsense.

Prayers of the People: From Women’s Uncommon Prayer.

Lord’s Prayer: The New Zealand Prayerbook.

Bulletin Image: Nancy's St. Francis reverse glass painting by Sue Betanzos: www.suebetanzos.com . Permission to use granted by artist through purchase.

All printed music from The Hymnal 1982, Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing, My Heart Sings Out, Wonder, Love, and Praise was used by permission through purchase of riteseries.org.

All other printed music permission through purchase of CCLI Copyright license #20577215 Size B Streaming License #20577284 Size B Secular music permission through purchase of CCS WORSHIPcast Copyright license #13190 All printed music from Gather permission through purchase of onelicense.net License # A-700000

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH PROGRESSIVE  INCLUSIVE CREATIVE 

DOWNTOWN

316 Adams Street, Toledo, OH 43604 (419) 243-1231 www.trinitytoledo.org Facebook.com/TrinityEpiscopalToledo

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Trinity Episcopal Church Progressive  Inclusive  Creative  Downtown 316 Adams Street, Toledo, OH  www.trinitytoledo.org

Trinity Pages TODAY 10/3, 10:00am, Coffee Hour– You are invited to join us for a 30-minute virtual coffee and conversation immediately following our 9:00 online worship service every Sunday. The Zoom MEETING ID is on our website and the PASSWORD will be shared by Lisa during service announcements each Sunday morning!

TODAY 10/3, 4:00pm, Blessing of the Animals - We’ve reserved the shelter house at Middlegrounds Metropark on October 3rd for our annual Blessing of the Animals. Bring your furry (and not so furry) friends for a blessing in honor of the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi.

Wednesdays(October 6, 13 & 20), 7:00-8:00, October Formation Book Group - In preparation for starting up Wednesday evening formation again in October, we invite everyone to read Marcus Borg’s Reading the Bible Again for The First Time; Taking the Bible Seriously, But Not Literally. After this summer’s sermon series on the Way of Love, we received lots of input many would like an opportunity to come together for some time to learn and discern how scripture can form and inform our lives. We will meet on Zoom for 3 sessions: Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00 (October 6, 13 & 20).

Please remember those who have asked for our prayers: Carol Gray Tishie Bozeman Sheilah Wilson Godwin Nosa Ronald B Mitchell Elisheva Rose-Boxer Katie Greg Bulach Chico Martinez Justin Myers Nancy Owens & daughter Jo Stanovcak Lou Woellner Stan Johnson Douglas Romstadt Zach Wabeke Ray Levey Sue Smitley Sherre Owens Smith Patty Long Eric Filby Please remember those who have asked for our prayers:

Roxanne Filby To add your name or the name of someone you love on the Prayer List, please email lynzi@trinitytoledo.org.

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Birthdays

Anniversaries

10/4 Helen Hilfinger 10/16 Bob Meeker 10/25 Dennis Degnan

10/9 Eleanor Jones 10/18 Kelly Tansel

10/16 Jane & Reuben Bueche

10/14 Lois Aey 10/21 Kim Henkel

10/31 Donna Steppe & Jolene Miller

To add your birthday or anniversary to our list, please email lynzi@trinitytoledo.org.

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