The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
24 September 2023
8 AM Spoken Worship
9 AM Sunday School & Adult Forum
10:20 AM Announcements
10:30 AM Worship with Music
Join Zoom Worship on computer/smart device:
https://zoom.us/j/99005230944
Call-in to Zoom Worship: 1-646-876-9923
then enter meeting ID: 990 0523 0944 #
'
Hello & good day! We are glad indeed that you are here.
This is a place where we nurture souls with prayerful worship.
If we can help you in any way, please let us know!
Rev. Michele Causton, Priest:
570-807-6251
mcauston@ptd.net
Church Office:
570-563-1564
cote@epix.net
Rev. John Davis, Deacon:
570-575-8689
You may give on-line at onrealm.org or by texting BREAD to 73256.
(Messages and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.
Text HELP to 73256 for help. Text STOP to 73256 to cancel.)
Thank you for your generous financial support!
24 September 2023
8 AM Spoken Worship
9 AM Sunday School & Adult Forum
10:20 AM Announcements
10:30 AM Worship with Music
Join Zoom Worship on computer/smart device:
https://zoom.us/j/99005230944
Call-in to Zoom Worship: 1-646-876-9923
then enter meeting ID: 990 0523 0944 #
'
Hello & good day! We are glad indeed that you are here.
This is a place where we nurture souls with prayerful worship.
If we can help you in any way, please let us know!
Rev. Michele Causton, Priest:
570-807-6251
mcauston@ptd.net
Church Office:
570-563-1564
cote@epix.net
Rev. John Davis, Deacon:
570-575-8689
You may give on-line at onrealm.org or by texting BREAD to 73256.
(Messages and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.
Text HELP to 73256 for help. Text STOP to 73256 to cancel.)
Thank you for your generous financial support!
Announcements
(Prior to 10:30 service beginning)
Processional: Hymnal #404
We Will Extol You
1 We will extol you, ever-blessed Lord;
your holy Name forever be adored;
each day we live our psalm to you we raise;
you, God and King, are worthy of all praise,
great and unsearchable in all your ways.
2 Age shall to age pass on the endless song,
telling the wonders which to you belong,
your mighty acts with joy and fear relate;
praise we your glory while on you we wait,
glad in the knowledge of your love so great.
3 You, Lord, are gracious, merciful to all,
close to your children when on you they call;
and slow to anger, merciful and kind,
in your compassion we your blessings find.
We love you with our heart and strength and mind.
Opening Prayer: Book of Common Prayer (BCP) – p.355
Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People: And blessed be God's kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thought 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: Hymnal #S 280
1. Glory to god in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.
2. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.
3. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God,
4. you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us;
5. you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.
6. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,
7. you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
The Collect of the Day
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
A reading from the Book of Jonah (3:10-4:11)
When God saw what the people of Nineveh did, how they turned
from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it. But this was very displeasing to Jonah, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord and said, "O Lord! Is not this what I said while I was still in my own country? That is why I fled to Tarshish at the beginning; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and ready to relent from punishing. And now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live." And the Lord said, "Is it right for you to be angry?" Then Jonah went out of the city and sat down east of the city, and made a
booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, waiting to see what would become of the city. The Lord God appointed a bush, and made it come up over Jonah, to give shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort; so Jonah was very happy about the bush. But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the bush, so that it withered. When the sun rose, God prepared a sultry east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint and asked that he might die. He said, "It is better for me to die than to live." But God said to Jonah, "Is it right for you to be angry about the bush?" And he said, "Yes, angry enough to die." Then the Lord said, "You are concerned about the bush, for which you did not labor and which you did not grow; it came into being in a night and perished in a night. And should I not be concerned about Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also many animals?"
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
The Psalm is 145:1-8, page 801 in the Book of Common Prayer
We will read responsively by verse.
1 I will exalt you, O God my King, *
and bless your Name for ever and ever.
2 Every day will I bless you *
and praise your Name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; *
there is no end to his greatness.
4 One generation shall praise your works to another *
and shall declare your power.
5 I will ponder the glorious splendor of your majesty *
and all your marvelous works.
6 They shall speak of the might of your wondrous acts, *
and I will tell of your greatness.
7 They shall publish the remembrance of your great goodness; *
they shall sing of your righteous deeds.
8 The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, *
slow to anger and of great kindness.
A Reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians (10:21-30)
To me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be withChrist, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God's doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well-- since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God
Gradual: Hymnal #660
O Master Let Me Walk (vv.1&3)
1 O Master, let me walk with Thee
in lowly paths of service free;
Tell me Thy secret; help me bear
the strain of toil, the fret of care.
3 Teach me Thy patience; still with Thee
in closer, dearer company,
in work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
in trust that triumphs over wrong.
The Gospel: Matthew (20:1-16)
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said, "The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vinevard. When he went out about nine o'clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and Iwill pay you whatever is right. So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o'clock, he did the same. And about five o'clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, 'Why are you standing here idle all day?' They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard. When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, 'Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first. When those hired about five o'clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat. But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, Iam doing you no
wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take
what belongs to you and go; Ichoose to give to this last the same as I give to vou. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs
to me? Or are you envious because Iam generous?' So the last will be first, and the first will be last."
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, Lord Christ
Sermon
The Nicene Creed
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 – Form IV, p. 388
Intercessor: Let us continue with the Prayers of the People, Form 4, found on page 388 in the Book of Common Prayer. Please kneel or stand as you are able.
The Deacon or the Celebrant says: Let us pray for the Church and for the world.
Intercessor: Grant, Almighty God, that all who confess your Name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.
Silence.
Intercessor: Lord, in your mercy
People: Hear our prayer.
Intercessor: Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations, in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good.
Silence.
Intercessor: Lord, in your mercy
People: Hear our prayer.
Intercessor: Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory.
Silence.
Intercessor: Lord, in your mercy
People: Hear our prayer.
Intercessor: Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours, especially the Pygmy Ministry in Uganda, its primary class Seven; Trinity, Pottsville; and the Diocesan Convention; and grant that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as he loves us.
Silence.
Intercessor: Lord, in your mercy
People: Hear our prayer.
Intercessor: Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; especially______________________
And those whom we now name silently or aloud [PAUSE];
give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation.
Silence.
Intercessor: Lord, in your mercy
People: Hear our prayer.
Intercessor: We commend to your mercy all who have died, especially
________________
And those we remember in our hearts or aloud [PAUSE];
that your will for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all your saints in your eternal kingdom.
Silence.
Intercessor: Lord, in your mercy
People: Hear our prayer.
Celebrant says concluding collect:
O Lord our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies, look with compassion upon us and all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen
The Confession of Sin
The Deacon or Celebrant says:
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Minister 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: 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
The Peace of the Lord be always with you
And also with you
Offertory: Hymnal #581
Where Charity and Love Prevail (vv.1-3)
1 Where charity and love prevail,
there God is ever found;
Brought here together by Christ’s love,
by love are we thus bound.
2 With grateful joy and holy fear
His charity we learn;
Let us with heart and mind and strength
now love him in return.
3 Forgive we now each other’s faults
as we our faults confess;
And let us love each other well
in Christian holiness.
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.
(Tune, hymnal #380 vs.3)
Eucharistic Prayer A, page 361
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Celebrant: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
For you are the source of light and life; you made us in your image, and called us to new life in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Hymnal #S 129: 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.
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world. On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, 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; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, 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."
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom. All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: 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 for ever. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer:
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.
+We welcome all to come forward for communion.
Tell an usher if you need communion at your pew.
Let the celebrant know if you need a gluten-free wafer.+
Communion: Hymnal #343
Shepherd of Souls
1 Shepherd of souls, refresh and bless
thy chosen pilgrim flock
with manna in the wilderness,
with water from the rock.
2 We would not live by bread alone,
but by thy word of grace,
In strength of which we travel on
To our abiding place.
3 Be known to us in breaking bread,
and do not then depart;
Savior, abide with us, and spread
thy table in our heart.
4 Lord, sup with us in love divine;
thy body and thy blood,
that living bread, that heavenly wine,
be our immortal food.
Prayer after Communion – BCP pg. 365
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.
Prayers for Birthdays & Anniversaries
Blessing
Recessional: Hymnal #411
O Bless the Lord, My Soul (vv.1, 2, 6)
1 O bless the Lord, my soul!
His grace to thee proclaim!
And all that is within me join
To bless his holy name!
2 O bless the Lord, my soul!
His mercies bear in mind!
Forget not all his benefits!
The Lord to thee is kind.
6 Then bless his holy name,
Whose grace hath made thee whole,
Whose loving kindness crowns thy days!
O bless the Lord, my soul!
Dismissal
The People respond:
Thanks be to God.
(Prior to 10:30 service beginning)
Processional: Hymnal #404
We Will Extol You
1 We will extol you, ever-blessed Lord;
your holy Name forever be adored;
each day we live our psalm to you we raise;
you, God and King, are worthy of all praise,
great and unsearchable in all your ways.
2 Age shall to age pass on the endless song,
telling the wonders which to you belong,
your mighty acts with joy and fear relate;
praise we your glory while on you we wait,
glad in the knowledge of your love so great.
3 You, Lord, are gracious, merciful to all,
close to your children when on you they call;
and slow to anger, merciful and kind,
in your compassion we your blessings find.
We love you with our heart and strength and mind.
Opening Prayer: Book of Common Prayer (BCP) – p.355
Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People: And blessed be God's kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thought 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: Hymnal #S 280
1. Glory to god in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.
2. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.
3. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God,
4. you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us;
5. you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.
6. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,
7. you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
The Collect of the Day
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
A reading from the Book of Jonah (3:10-4:11)
When God saw what the people of Nineveh did, how they turned
from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it. But this was very displeasing to Jonah, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord and said, "O Lord! Is not this what I said while I was still in my own country? That is why I fled to Tarshish at the beginning; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and ready to relent from punishing. And now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live." And the Lord said, "Is it right for you to be angry?" Then Jonah went out of the city and sat down east of the city, and made a
booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, waiting to see what would become of the city. The Lord God appointed a bush, and made it come up over Jonah, to give shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort; so Jonah was very happy about the bush. But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the bush, so that it withered. When the sun rose, God prepared a sultry east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint and asked that he might die. He said, "It is better for me to die than to live." But God said to Jonah, "Is it right for you to be angry about the bush?" And he said, "Yes, angry enough to die." Then the Lord said, "You are concerned about the bush, for which you did not labor and which you did not grow; it came into being in a night and perished in a night. And should I not be concerned about Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also many animals?"
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
The Psalm is 145:1-8, page 801 in the Book of Common Prayer
We will read responsively by verse.
1 I will exalt you, O God my King, *
and bless your Name for ever and ever.
2 Every day will I bless you *
and praise your Name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; *
there is no end to his greatness.
4 One generation shall praise your works to another *
and shall declare your power.
5 I will ponder the glorious splendor of your majesty *
and all your marvelous works.
6 They shall speak of the might of your wondrous acts, *
and I will tell of your greatness.
7 They shall publish the remembrance of your great goodness; *
they shall sing of your righteous deeds.
8 The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, *
slow to anger and of great kindness.
A Reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians (10:21-30)
To me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be withChrist, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God's doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well-- since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God
Gradual: Hymnal #660
O Master Let Me Walk (vv.1&3)
1 O Master, let me walk with Thee
in lowly paths of service free;
Tell me Thy secret; help me bear
the strain of toil, the fret of care.
3 Teach me Thy patience; still with Thee
in closer, dearer company,
in work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
in trust that triumphs over wrong.
The Gospel: Matthew (20:1-16)
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said, "The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vinevard. When he went out about nine o'clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and Iwill pay you whatever is right. So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o'clock, he did the same. And about five o'clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, 'Why are you standing here idle all day?' They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard. When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, 'Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first. When those hired about five o'clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat. But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, Iam doing you no
wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take
what belongs to you and go; Ichoose to give to this last the same as I give to vou. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs
to me? Or are you envious because Iam generous?' So the last will be first, and the first will be last."
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, Lord Christ
Sermon
The Nicene Creed
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 – Form IV, p. 388
Intercessor: Let us continue with the Prayers of the People, Form 4, found on page 388 in the Book of Common Prayer. Please kneel or stand as you are able.
The Deacon or the Celebrant says: Let us pray for the Church and for the world.
Intercessor: Grant, Almighty God, that all who confess your Name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.
Silence.
Intercessor: Lord, in your mercy
People: Hear our prayer.
Intercessor: Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations, in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good.
Silence.
Intercessor: Lord, in your mercy
People: Hear our prayer.
Intercessor: Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory.
Silence.
Intercessor: Lord, in your mercy
People: Hear our prayer.
Intercessor: Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours, especially the Pygmy Ministry in Uganda, its primary class Seven; Trinity, Pottsville; and the Diocesan Convention; and grant that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as he loves us.
Silence.
Intercessor: Lord, in your mercy
People: Hear our prayer.
Intercessor: Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; especially______________________
And those whom we now name silently or aloud [PAUSE];
give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation.
Silence.
Intercessor: Lord, in your mercy
People: Hear our prayer.
Intercessor: We commend to your mercy all who have died, especially
________________
And those we remember in our hearts or aloud [PAUSE];
that your will for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all your saints in your eternal kingdom.
Silence.
Intercessor: Lord, in your mercy
People: Hear our prayer.
Celebrant says concluding collect:
O Lord our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies, look with compassion upon us and all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen
The Confession of Sin
The Deacon or Celebrant says:
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Minister 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: 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
The Peace of the Lord be always with you
And also with you
Offertory: Hymnal #581
Where Charity and Love Prevail (vv.1-3)
1 Where charity and love prevail,
there God is ever found;
Brought here together by Christ’s love,
by love are we thus bound.
2 With grateful joy and holy fear
His charity we learn;
Let us with heart and mind and strength
now love him in return.
3 Forgive we now each other’s faults
as we our faults confess;
And let us love each other well
in Christian holiness.
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.
(Tune, hymnal #380 vs.3)
Eucharistic Prayer A, page 361
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Celebrant: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
For you are the source of light and life; you made us in your image, and called us to new life in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Hymnal #S 129: 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.
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world. On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, 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; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, 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."
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom. All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: 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 for ever. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer:
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.
+We welcome all to come forward for communion.
Tell an usher if you need communion at your pew.
Let the celebrant know if you need a gluten-free wafer.+
Communion: Hymnal #343
Shepherd of Souls
1 Shepherd of souls, refresh and bless
thy chosen pilgrim flock
with manna in the wilderness,
with water from the rock.
2 We would not live by bread alone,
but by thy word of grace,
In strength of which we travel on
To our abiding place.
3 Be known to us in breaking bread,
and do not then depart;
Savior, abide with us, and spread
thy table in our heart.
4 Lord, sup with us in love divine;
thy body and thy blood,
that living bread, that heavenly wine,
be our immortal food.
Prayer after Communion – BCP pg. 365
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.
Prayers for Birthdays & Anniversaries
Blessing
Recessional: Hymnal #411
O Bless the Lord, My Soul (vv.1, 2, 6)
1 O bless the Lord, my soul!
His grace to thee proclaim!
And all that is within me join
To bless his holy name!
2 O bless the Lord, my soul!
His mercies bear in mind!
Forget not all his benefits!
The Lord to thee is kind.
6 Then bless his holy name,
Whose grace hath made thee whole,
Whose loving kindness crowns thy days!
O bless the Lord, my soul!
Dismissal
The People respond:
Thanks be to God.
Announcements and Opportunities
Fall Worship Times:
On Sundays –
Intercessions for September 24-30:
Birthdays: Seb Nolan, Jonathan Mattes, Moira Popperling, Connie Castanzo, John Voigt, Jacob Whitney
For: the Pygmy Ministry, Fr. Charles & Alice their principal.
For: Rev. Michele, Priest-in-Charge, and Rev. John, Deacon
For: Our Vestry & Staff
Opportunities!
On Sundays –
- 8am Spoken Holy Communion in Church
- 10.30am Holy Communion with Music
- Noon Healing Service with Holy Communion
- 7 PM Fellowship Time on Zoom (beginning Oct.4)
- 7:30 PM Compline on Zoom (beginning Oct. 4)
Intercessions for September 24-30:
Birthdays: Seb Nolan, Jonathan Mattes, Moira Popperling, Connie Castanzo, John Voigt, Jacob Whitney
For: the Pygmy Ministry, Fr. Charles & Alice their principal.
For: Rev. Michele, Priest-in-Charge, and Rev. John, Deacon
For: Our Vestry & Staff
Opportunities!
- September 24 – 9 AM – The Group, Sunday School, & Adult Forum
- September 28 – 7 PM – Adult Choir Rehearsal
- September 28 – 7 PM – Psychology of Christian Nationalism Book Study @ St. Luke's, Scranton. (Final session)
- September 29 – 6-8 PM – Hemlock Hill Academy Family Night
- Every Sunday in October – Food & Toiletries Collection for Open Door Pantry in Clarks Summit
- October 1 – 9 AM – The Group, Sunday School, & Adult Forum
- October 4 – 7-8 PM – Wednesday Evening Fellowship & Compline on Zoom
- October 7 – 10 AM – National Acolyte Festival, Washington National Cathedral, Washington, DC
- October 8 – 9 AM – Blessing of the Pets by Rev. Michele in the pavilion. All leashed or caged pets are welcome to bring their people. Donations will be collected for Griffin Pond Animal Shelter. (Shelter Wish List)
- October 13-14 – Diocesan Convention, Reading
- October 15 – 9 AM – The Group, Sunday School, & Adult Forum
- October 22 – 9 AM – The Group, Sunday School, & Adult Forum
- October 29 – 9 AM – The Group, Sunday School, & Adult Forum
- November 6-8 – Diocesan Clergy Conference
- November 12 – Remembering Our Veterans at Epiphany – details to follow.
Sunday School Registration:
Sunday School (P-5) & The Group (middle and high school) will meet on Sunday mornings at 9 AM. To better prepare us to welcome children please complete the registration form at (the form includes emergency contact , allergy information, photo release, and more) https://www.epiphanyglenburn.org/register-for-sunday-school.html.
Sunday School (P-5) & The Group (middle and high school) will meet on Sunday mornings at 9 AM. To better prepare us to welcome children please complete the registration form at (the form includes emergency contact , allergy information, photo release, and more) https://www.epiphanyglenburn.org/register-for-sunday-school.html.
In-Person Book Study at St. Luke's:
On three Thursdays in September (7, 14, 28) at 7PM, St. Luke’s in Scranton will conduct a study of Dr. Pamela Cooper-White’s brilliant and courageous book The Psychology of Christian Nationalism: Why People Are Drawn In and How to Talk Across the Divide. This event will be an in-person discussion. Copies of the book may be obtained through your favorite book seller. Required to read the text in advance. You may request a Zoom link to participate.
To register and for more information, e-mail Mother Rebecca Barnes at mthrbarnes@gmail.com
On three Thursdays in September (7, 14, 28) at 7PM, St. Luke’s in Scranton will conduct a study of Dr. Pamela Cooper-White’s brilliant and courageous book The Psychology of Christian Nationalism: Why People Are Drawn In and How to Talk Across the Divide. This event will be an in-person discussion. Copies of the book may be obtained through your favorite book seller. Required to read the text in advance. You may request a Zoom link to participate.
To register and for more information, e-mail Mother Rebecca Barnes at mthrbarnes@gmail.com
October Food Pantry Collection at Epiphany:
Every Sunday in October we will collect dry-goods and toiletries to benefit/re-stock the Open Door Pantry at Clarks Summit Borough Building. Most Needed Items: cereal, juices, peanut butter& jelly, pasta, spaghetti sauce, canned fruit and tuna fish; all hygiene products such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, conditioner, baby diapers, feminine & incontinence products. Please, NO glass containers; canned beans are not needed. Thank you!!
‘The Open Door Food Pantry is open 24/7 and is located on Spring St. in the entryway to the Clarks Summit Borough elevator... If you are in need or know someone who is, stop by any time.’ Located around corner of 304 So. State St., Clarks Summit.
Every Sunday in October we will collect dry-goods and toiletries to benefit/re-stock the Open Door Pantry at Clarks Summit Borough Building. Most Needed Items: cereal, juices, peanut butter& jelly, pasta, spaghetti sauce, canned fruit and tuna fish; all hygiene products such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, conditioner, baby diapers, feminine & incontinence products. Please, NO glass containers; canned beans are not needed. Thank you!!
‘The Open Door Food Pantry is open 24/7 and is located on Spring St. in the entryway to the Clarks Summit Borough elevator... If you are in need or know someone who is, stop by any time.’ Located around corner of 304 So. State St., Clarks Summit.
Daughters of the King offers "Developing a Rule of Life"
The Order of the Daughters of the King invite all women of the Diocese of Bethlehem to Fall Assembly at Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, Pa Saturday, October 28th 9am-2pm.
Developing a Rule of Life by The Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining will be the focus. In this workshop, Hillary Raining will help the Daughters of the King strengthen their Rules of Life and bring deeper peace to their daily practices. All Diocese of Bethlehem women are welcome to come for a day of refreshment, creation and conversation. Kindly register by October 24th to: mfd.dok@gmail.com Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.
The Order of the Daughters of the King invite all women of the Diocese of Bethlehem to Fall Assembly at Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, Pa Saturday, October 28th 9am-2pm.
Developing a Rule of Life by The Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining will be the focus. In this workshop, Hillary Raining will help the Daughters of the King strengthen their Rules of Life and bring deeper peace to their daily practices. All Diocese of Bethlehem women are welcome to come for a day of refreshment, creation and conversation. Kindly register by October 24th to: mfd.dok@gmail.com Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Calling All Bookkeepers!
Are you a bookkeeper, either for your parish or beyond your church? The Diocese of Bethlehem is creating a network of bookkeepers across the diocese that can share experiences and best practices about their ministry. If you want to be part of this new group, please email Paula Lapinski paula@diobeth.org , Missioner for Finance & Administration, to indicate your interest. In that email, please include your parish and town, any role you serve in at your parish, and a general sense of your bookkeeping experience (three to five sentences).
Are you a bookkeeper, either for your parish or beyond your church? The Diocese of Bethlehem is creating a network of bookkeepers across the diocese that can share experiences and best practices about their ministry. If you want to be part of this new group, please email Paula Lapinski paula@diobeth.org , Missioner for Finance & Administration, to indicate your interest. In that email, please include your parish and town, any role you serve in at your parish, and a general sense of your bookkeeping experience (three to five sentences).