St. Thomas Episcopal Church 1108 Providence Road, Towson, MD (410) 821-5489 stthomastowson@gmail.com Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost 9:30 AM Celtic Eucharist, October 16, 2016
Prelude The Ministry of the Word Opening Song: How Great is Our God The splendor of the King Clothed in majesty Let all the earth rejoice All the earth rejoice He wraps himself in light And darkness tries to hide And trembles at his voice And trembles at his voice Sing with me And all will see how great And age to age he stands And time is in his hands Beginning and the end Beginning and the end The Godhead three in one Father, Spirit, Son The Lion and the Lamb The Lion and the Lamb Sing with me And all will see how great (repeat 2X) Name above all names Worthy of all praise My heart will sing how great is our God (repeat) Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee How great thou are, how great thou art Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee How great thou art, how great thou art Sing with me And all will see how great Blessed be the one true God, Father, Son, and Spirit And blessed be God s kingdom, now and ever.
All: Let us adore the Lord, Maker of marvelous works, Bright heaven with its angels, And on earth, the white-waved sea. Celebrant: Lord have mercy. People: Christ have mercy. Celebrant: Lord have mercy Celebrant: The Lord be with you People: And also with you Celebrant: Let us pray: Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. A Reading from the Prophet Jeremiah Jeremiah 31:27-34 The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of humans and the seed of animals. And just as I have watched over them to pluck up and break down, to overthrow, destroy, and bring evil, so I will watch over them to build and to plant, says the LORD. In those days they shall no longer say: "The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge." But all shall die for their own sins; the teeth of everyone who eats sour grapes shall be set on edge. The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt-- a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, "Know the LORD," for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more. Psalm 119:97-104 97 Oh, how I love your law! * all the day long it is in my mind. 98 Your commandment has made me wiser than my enemies, * and it is always with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, * for your decrees are my study. 100 I am wiser than the elders, * because I observe your commandments. 101 I restrain my feet from every evil way, * that I may keep your word.
102 I do not shrink from your judgments, * because you yourself have taught me. 103 How sweet are your words to my taste! * they are sweeter than honey to my mouth. 104 Through your commandments I gain understanding; * therefore I hate every lying way. Hymn: Lord of All Hopefulness (vs.1,2,4) #482 Celebrant: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke People: Glory to you, Lord Christ. Luke 18:1-8 Jesus told his disciples a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, `Grant me justice against my opponent.' For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, `Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.'" And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" Celebrant: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to you, Lord Christ. Sermon Mr. John Windsor Affirmation of Faith We believe in God above us, maker and sustainer of all life, Of sun and moon, of water and earth, of male and female. We believe in God beside us, Jesus Christ, the word made flesh, Born of a woman, servant of the poor, tortured and nailed to a tree. A man of sorrows, he died forsaken. He descended to the place of death. On the third day he rose from the tomb. He ascended into heaven to be everywhere present, and his kingdom will come on earth. We believe in God within us, the Holy Spirit of Pentecostal fire, life-giving breath of the church, Spirit of healing and forgiveness, source of resurrection and of eternal life. Amen. Prayers of the People (Please add your own petitions during the silence.) We pray for the Church, its mission, its leadership, and is members. We pray for our nation, and especially, the election that is in front of us. We pray for the broken and torn fabric of the earth as it yearns for healing We pray for the needs of this church, and our neighbors. We pray for the sick, the bereaved, the oppressed, and the homeless
We pray for those who have died, especially Wendy Maters and the victims of Hurricane Matthew, and for their families and friends who mourn. Lead us now, O God, to acknowledge your costly generosity by living as forgiven people, until heaven and earth rejoice and the whole earth cries Glory! Through Christ our Lord, Amen. The Peace Celebrant: The Peace of the Lord be always with you! People: And also with you! Birthday and Anniversary Blessings Watch over your children, O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide them wherever they may be. Strengthen them when they stand; comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and in their heart may your peace which passes understanding abide all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Offertory: Amazing Grace My Chains Are Gone Amazing grace how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost but now I'm found Was blind but now I see 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear And grace my fears relieved How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed My chains are gone, I've been set free My God, my Savior has ransomed me And like a flood his mercy reigns Unending love amazing grace The Lord has promised good to me His word my hope secures He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures My chains are gone, I've been set free My God, my Savior has ransomed me And like a flood his mercy reigns Unending love amazing grace (repeat) The earth shall soon dissolve like snow The sun forbear to shine But God who called me here below Will be forever mine Will be forever mine You are forever mine The Ministry of the Table
The Great Thanksgiving Celebrant: The Lord be with you People: And also with you Celebrant: Lift up your hearts, People: We lift them up to the Lord. Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God, People: It is right to give both thanks and praise. Blessed are you, O God, for you have brought forth bread from the earth. Blessed are you, O God, for you have created the fruit of the vine. In the beginning you watered the earth that man and woman might have food and drink. You gave to your servant Sarah bread to strengthen her family on their journey, and wine to make them glad. You called Moses and his people out of bondage and refreshed them with food in the wilderness. You gave Mary and Jesus their daily bread to share. And here at your table you offer us bread and wine for the journey to nourish us as sons and daughters. And so with all our sisters and brothers before us, and beside us, We praise you from our hearts for your unending greatness. Sanctus Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest. Among friends, gathered round a table, Jesus took bread and, having blessed it, he broke the bread and gave it to his disciples saying, This is my body, which is given for you. In the same way he took wine and, having given thanks for it, he gave the cup to his disciples, saying, This cup is the new relationship with God, sealed with my blood. Take and share it. I shall drink wine with you next in the coming kingdom of God. So now, following Jesus example, we take this bread and wine; the ordinary things of the world through which God will bless us. Lord Jesus Christ, present with us now, as we do in this place what you did in an upstairs room, breathe your Spirit upon us and upon this bread and this wine, that they may be heaven s food and drink for us, renewing, sustaining and making us whole, and that we may be your body on earth, loving and caring in the world. And now, as Christ taught us, we pray: 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, Forever and ever. Amen. The Breaking of the Bread Celebrant: Look, The Body of Christ is broken for the life of the world. Here is Christ coming to us in bread and in wine Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the People of God.
Holy Eucharist The Communion of the People (St. Thomas extends the invitation to all baptized members of any Christian Church to receive the consecrated bread and wine. Please come forward to one of the stations or kneel or stand at the altar rail. Cup your hands in front of you to receive the bread. Guide the chalice to your lips to drink the wine, or dip your bread into the wine; if you choose not to drink the wine, you may touch the chalice as it passes you. If you wish to receive a blessing instead of receiving the bread and wine, cross your arms over your chest as you kneel at the altar rail. *For those needing communion in the pew: Please let the usher know when you arrive that you will need communion brought to you. We are glad to have the opportunity to administer communion to you in the pew, and will do so at the conclusion of distribution at the altar rail.) Prayer for healing is available in the chapel during communion. Communion Song: Is the Lamb of God Worthy, Worthy Worthy, Worthy Worthy, Worthy of Praise Is the Lamb of God Jesus, Jesus Jesus, Jesus Jesus, Jesus Is the Lamb of God I will live my life for You I will live my life for You I will live my life for You Live my life for You Is the Lamb of God Closing Prayer: People: Loving God, we give you thanks For restoring us in your image And nourishing us with spiritual food In the sacrament of Christ s Body and Blood. Now send us forth a people, forgiven, healed, renewed; that we may proclaim your love to the world and continue in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen. Blessing: May God be a bright flame before you, be a guarding star above you, be a smooth path below you, be a kindly shepherd behind you, today, tomorrow, and forever. Amen.
Closing Hymn: Christ is made the sure foundation (vs.1,4) #518 Dismissal: Priest: Alleluia, Alleluia, let us go into the world rejoicing. It is Christ who goes before us. People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia, Alleluia.
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 17th Monday, 17th Tuesday, 18th Wednesday, 19th 6:30pm- EfM (Fellowship Hall) 7pm- Bible Study (Counting Room) 4pm- Fun with Foreign Language 7pm- City Light Music Practice 7pm- Johns Hopkins Parkinsons (Fellowship Hall) Thursday, 20th 6:30pm- Celtic Prayer (Chapel) 7:30pm- Fun with Foreign Language (Adult Ed) 7:30pm- Music Practice 7:30pm- Scouts (Classroom) Friday, 21st Saturday, 22nd Basket Bingo! Doors open at 6pm! Bingo begins at 7pm! (Fellowship Hall) 7pm- AA Meeting (Classroom) 8am - Fun with Foreign Language 9am- Cursillo Team Meeting (Fellowship Hall) 4pm- City Light Concert (Church) Sunday, 23rd 9:30am -Worship 10:30am- The Forum (Fellowship Hall) 10:50am- Worship Team Meeting (Fellowship Hall) 11:30am- City Light Worship
~ Announcements ~ Children's Chapel: Today after the reading of the gospel, in the chapel. Rev. Loree+ is having a weekly Forum in the Fellowship Hall after Worship. Please join us for a short, informative class during coffee hour. A Message from St. Thomas' Crafty Elves: Like to keep your hands busy while watching football, "Dancing with the Stars" or the Presidential debates? Simple craft kits will be available today during Coffee Hour for you to take home and make something special for the Crafts table at the Christmas Bazaar. If you can color within the lines, use glue without welding your fingers together or wield scissors without putting yourself in the hospital, this is for you! Join us for Celtic Prayer, Thursdays at 6:30pm, in the Chapel. We will be praying for St. Thomas', its members, and the needs of others. Sunday, October 30th is a 5th Sunday: 8:00am Rite I Service, 9:30am Rite II Service Basket Bingo will be held on Friday, October 21st. Donations or door prizes and desserts, and volunteers are needed. Tickets are available for $20. See Diane Flayhart or Vicki Sappe for more information. Community Loch Raven Network Fundraiser, Oct. 26th, 7pm-8:15pm, in the Fellowship Hall: Helping Students in Need! Suggested donation of $20 -OR- small umbrella, pack of laundry pods, gift cards of $25 to Target or Walmart. There will be food and drinks, raffles, a silent auction, some history and discussion of current activities. Cookie Making: Thank you to all who signed up to make cookies! Unfortunately, we do not have enough volunteers to make the 300 pounds of cookies as we ve done in the past. So we will be making about 20 boxes of cookies to auction off at the Christmas Bazaar 2 boxes per hour! We ll still need volunteers for a couple of days, but not two weeks We ll be in contact with those who have volunteered. Stay tuned for details! Altar Guild: For the month of October the Branch Candles are given is memory of George & Annie Murphy and Marie Collins by Patricia Wolsey. The Eucharist Candles are given in memory of Lisa Jones and in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month by her husband, Barry, and son, Andrew. The Sanctuary Candle is given in memory of Stephan Timchula and Sandra Timchula by Eve Timchula. The Wine is given in memory of Walter Golde by Audrey Golde. The flowers on the Altar are in memory of Agnes Crowley, by Chuck and Barbara Booth. For the month of October flowers are available for memorials for the 4th and 5th Sundays, as well as the Wafers. The cost of each memorial is $25. Please contact Diane Flayhart, 410-426-4618 or dflayhart.stthomas@gmail.com, or the church office, 410-821-5489, if you are interested in reserving a memorial. Thank you.
ACTC Thanksgiving Baskets - It's that time of year when we begin to think about helping those less fortunate by providing Thanksgiving Baskets to ACTC (Assistance Center of Towson Churches). Here is a list of the food needed in each basket: 1 can sweet potatoes/yams (23-29 oz. can) 2 cans meat/main dish (example: beef stew or chili - 15-24 oz. cans) 1 large can fruit (20-30 oz. can) 4 cans vegetables (example: green beans, peas or corn - 15 oz. cans) 1 cranberry sauce 2 pkgs. macaroni & cheese 1 box instant mashed potatoes 1 cake or brownie mix 1 bag or box of stuffing mix 1 lb. bag or box of rice Please use a reusable grocery bag OR a double brown grocery bags inserted in double plastic bags. Mark bags as COMPLETE or INCOMPLETE (list what is missing).you also have the opportunity to purchase pre-packed Thanksgiving Bags from supermarkets in the area for a reasonable price. A list of those supermarkets is available in the Narthex. All donations must be in the Bride's Room by Sunday, November 13th. Questions? Contact Diane Flayhart, 410-4264618. Thank you for your generosity. Prayers for Healing are requested for those who are ill or in any need: Dan Licht, Tina, Charles, Mary Pat, Jan Jr., Neil Schmidt, Bill D., Rick D., Dee Statham, Julie, Tammy, Lenny, Agnes Ewing, Carol, Lorie Jacobs, Tom S., Jarrett, Nan Fitzgerald, Ed Martin, and Baby McKenna & her family. And for those who are homebound: Connie Waxter, Bill Pfeifer, and Ronnie Livengood. And for the repose of the soul of Wendy Maters Blue Horizons, the process for looking at the future of our church, met again on October 12th at 7:00 pm. Please continue to pray for those gathering and for our church through this process. Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-1pm 410-821-5489 stthomastowson@gmail.com www.stthomastowson.org Rev. Loree Penner, Rector Jan Bahner, Sr. Warden Vern Adams, Jr. Warden 443-377-9048 443-564-9464 443-257-6013