We are so glad you chose to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with us this morning. Our worship is a balance of Scripture, Spirit and Sacrament. It is our prayer that you will experience an authentic connection to the Lord today. HEARING RECEIVERS AVAILABLE. PLEASE SEE USHER FOR ASSISTANCE. Church Information Address: 701 Kensington Drive, Rockwall, TX 75032 Phone: 972-772-5525 Website: www.transformationac.org Hours: 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday 1
EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST JULY 15, 2018 Gather in the Lord s Name Procession into the Church Praise and Worship Ministry of the Word of God The Greeting and Response (Stand) I was glad when they said to me: Let us go to the house of the Lord. The Spirit is here: The promise of God. Let us pray. The Collect for Purity & Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires are 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 Summary of the Law Jesus said: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 22:37-40 Kyrie Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us. 2
The Collect of the Day The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. Let us pray. O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Lessons Old Testament (Sit) Amos 7:7-15 Reader A reading from Amos. 7 This is what he showed me: behold, the Lord was standing beside a wall built with a plumb line, with a plumb line in his hand. 8 And the LORD said to me, Amos, what do you see? And I said, A plumb line. Then the Lord said, Behold, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will never again pass by them; 9 the high places of Isaac shall be made desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste, and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword. 10 Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land is not able to bear all his words. 11 For thus Amos has said, Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel must go into exile away from his land. 12 And Amaziah said to Amos, O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, and eat bread there, and prophesy there, 13 but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king's sanctuary, and it is a temple of the kingdom. 14 Then Amos answered and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, nor a prophet's son, but I was a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore figs. 15 But the LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said to me, Go, prophesy to my people Israel. Reader The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. (Silence for meditation on the scripture.) 3
Psalm 85:8-13 (Stand) 8 Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly. 9 Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land. 10 Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. 11 Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky. 12 Yes, the LORD will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. 13 Righteousness will go before him and make his footsteps a way. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. (Silence for meditation on the scripture.) New Testament (Sit) Ephesians 1:3-14 Reader A Reading from Ephesians. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 4
11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. Reader The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. (Silence for meditation on the scripture.) Gospel Hymn (Stand) Holy Gospel (Stand) Mark 6:14-29 Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Mark. Glory to you, Lord Christ. 14 King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some said, John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him. 15 But others said, He is Elijah. And others said, He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old. 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, John, whom I beheaded, has been raised. 17 For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife. 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly. 21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 For when Herodias's daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you. 23 And he vowed to her, Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my 5
kingdom. 24 And she went out and said to her mother, For what should I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter. 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison 28 and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. Deacon The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ. (Children, 4 years old through 6 th grade, please come to the Altar for a Children s Church blessing.) Gospel Hymn The Sermon (Stand) (Sit) Nicene Creed (Stand) Let us confess our faith in the words of the Nicene Creed: & We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, visible and invisible. 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, was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and 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. 6
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who 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 Let us pray for the Church and for the world, saying, Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer. For the peace of the whole world, and for the well-being and unity of the people of God, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, in your mercy. For our archbishop, Foley Beach; for our bishop, Bill Atwood; for all the clergy and people of our diocese, especially this week, St. Bartholomew s Anglican Church in Tonawanda, NY; and for our own congregation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, in your mercy. For all those who proclaim the Gospel at home and abroad, and for all who teach and disciple others, including our missionaries, especially this week: Ervin and Coleen Starwalt, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, in your mercy. Together, let us pray: Lord, your Word teaches us that when we give, you will open the windows of heaven and pour down a blessing until there is no need. We ask you to help each of us to meet the financial needs of this church. 7
Lord, in your mercy. For our brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted for their faith, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, in your mercy. For our nation, for those in authority and for all in public service, especially those in the US military, and for all first responders: police officers, fire fighters, and medical personnel. Lord, in your mercy. For all the blessings of this life, let us pray to the Lord. We invite your thanksgivings at this time (people may share here) Lord in your mercy. For all those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity, let us pray to the Lord. We invite your petitions at this time (people may share here) Lord, in your mercy. For all those who departed this life in the certain hope of the resurrection, in thanksgiving let us pray to the Lord. Lord, in your mercy. Heavenly Father, grant these our prayers for Jesus Christ s sake, our only Mediator and Advocate, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen. 8
The Confession and Absolution of Sin All who truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and seek to be reconciled with your neighbors, and intend to lead the new life, following the commandments of God, and walking in his holy ways: draw near with faith and make your humble confession to Almighty God. Silence; people sit or kneel & 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. Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who in his great mercy has promised forgiveness of sins to all those who sincerely repent and with true faith turn to him, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. We will be blessing the McLanes today as they leave for their sabbatical. Prayer of Blessing The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Amen. 9
Ministry of the Sacrament The Peace (Stand) The peace of the Lord be always with you. And with your spirit. [Please exchange the peace with those immediately around you as an act of worship; the Sanctus bells will be rung to signal the end of this time.] Pew Books: VISITORS AND MEMBERS, please be sure you fill the pew book out completely with address, zip code, etc.; without this information we have no way of welcoming visitors and making address changes for members. Prayer Request: If you wish, you may complete the Thanksgivings and Prayers form inserted in this bulletin for inclusion in our Corporate Prayers at the Offertory and our Intercessory Prayer time during the week. The Offertory (Sit) Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and make good your vows to the Most High. [Psalm 50:14] We encourage you to use offering envelopes for tax purposes. If you do not currently have offering envelopes or have forgotten to bring same, please ask an usher for one. Call 972-772-5525 if you would like a set of numbered envelopes. Offertory Anthem (Sit) Ensemble (Food offerings may be brought to the front of the Church.) Doxology (Stand) Holy Communion (Liturgy from the Church of Kenya) (Stand) Is the Father with us? He is. Is Christ among us? He is. Is the Spirit here? 10
He is. This is our God. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are His people. We are redeemed. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise. It is right and our delight to give you thanks and praise, great Father, living God, supreme over the world, Creator, Provider, Savior and Giver, from a wandering nomad you created your family; for a burdened people you raised up a leader; for a confused nation you chose a king; for a rebellious crowd you sent your prophets. In these days you have sent us your Son, your perfect image, bringing your kingdom, revealing your will, dying, rising, reigning, remaking your people for yourself. Through him you have poured out your Holy Spirit, filling us with light and life. And now we give you thanks because your Holy Spirit inspired the scriptures and leads us into all truth: he gives us power to proclaim your gospel to all nations and to serve you as a royal priesthood. Therefore with angels, archangels, faithful ancestors and all in heaven, we proclaim your great and glorious name, forever praising you and singing: Sanctus and (Sit) Almighty God, owner of all things, we thank you for giving us your only Son to die on the cross for us who owe you everything. Pour your refreshing Spirit on us as we remember him in the way he commanded, through these gifts of your creation. 11
On the same night that he was betrayed he took bread and gave you thanks; he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat; this is my Body, which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me. Amen. His body was broken for us. In the same way, after supper he took the cup and gave you thanks; he gave it to them saying, 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. Do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. Now sanctify these gifts that they may become for us the Body and Blood of your Son, Jesus Christ. Sanctify us also, that we may be filled with your Holy Spirit and manifest your presence and power in the world. Let us proclaim the mystery of faith: and Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Alleluia! We are brothers and sister through his blood. We have died together, we will rise together, we will live together. Therefore heavenly Father, hear us as we celebrate this covenant with joy, and await the coming of our Brother, Jesus Christ. He died in our place, making a full atonement for the sins of the whole world, and the perfect sacrifice, once and for all. You accepted his offering by raising him from death, and granting him great honor at your right hand on high. Amen, Jesus is Lord. This is the feast of victory. The Lamb who was slain has begun his reign. Alleluia! 12
Lord, you taught us to hope for salvation, the joy of every longing heart. As our Savior taught us, we are bold to sing: Lord s Prayer and Break the Bread The breaks the consecrated Bread. We break this bread to share in the body of Christ. Though we are many, we are one body, for we all share one bread. The cup of blessing which we bless, is a sharing in the blood of Christ. Draw near with faith and receive. Christ is the host and we are his guests. Christ is alive forever. We are because he is. The body of our Lord Jesus Christ which was broken for you, keep your body and soul in eternal life. Take and eat this, in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts, by faith, with thanksgiving. The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for you, keep your body and soul in eternal life. Drink this, in remembrance that Christ s blood was shed for you and be thankful. Fraction Anthem All Baptized Christians are invited to communion. Please extend both hands to receive the bread and assist the server by guiding the chalice to your lips. If you do not desire the cup, leave the bread in your hand. The server will dip it in the wine and return it to you. For those not receiving communion, you are welcome to come for a blessing by crossing your arms over your heart as you come before the priest. Gluten-free wafers are available upon request. PRAYER MINISTRY: After receiving communion, Prayer Teams are available through the doors to the right of the altar. 13
Communion Music The Post Communion Prayer (Sit) Let us pray. & Almighty God, Eternal Father, we have sat at your feet, learned from your word and eaten from your table. We give you thanks and praise for accepting us into your family. Send us out with your blessing, to live and to witness for you in the power of your Spirit, through Jesus Christ the First Born from the dead. Amen. [FATHER, anoint our Visitation Communion Ministry. LORD JESUS, bless those who will receive your body and blood. HOLY SPIRIT, empower those who administer this sacrament. Amen.] The Blessing (Stand) All our problems, We send to the cross of Christ. All our difficulties, We send to the cross of Christ. All the devil s works, We send to the cross of Christ. All our hopes, We set on the risen Christ. Christ the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path; and the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen. Recessional (Stand) The Dismissal Deacon Alleluia! Alleluia! Go out into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit. Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia! 14
Ministers - Congregation The Most Rev. Foley Beach, Archbishop The Rt. Rev. Dr. Bill Atwood, Bishop The Rev. Don McLane, Pastor The Rev. Bob Hackendorf, Assisting Priest The Rev. Bill Schulgen, Deacon STAFF John Shaver, Executive Director of Ministries Randy Wills, Music Director Jennifer Horan, Nursery Director Anne Horan, Parish Administrator ADVISORY COUNCIL Jim Blevins, Rick Maneval, Tom Ryan; Sharon Figueroa, Senior Advisor; Dan Liane, Treasurer SCHEDULE OF SERVICES AND EVENTS Week of July 15, 2018 TODAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY SATURDAY 10:30 a.m...worship Service* 11:45 a.m.mclane Reception 10:00 a.m...intercessory Prayer 9:30 a.m..women s Bible Fellowship-Crolls 7:30 a.m...men s Bible Fellowship 10:00 a.m..order of St. Luke 6 8 p.m Concert Series* Please call the Church office for more information regarding these meetings. *Nursery/Preschool Provided PROPERS FOR SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2018 OT Isaiah 57:14-21 Psalm 23 NT Revelation 2:1-7 Gospel Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 Farewell Reception for Fr. Don and Glenna Today, we will have a reception after the worship service so we can send Fr. Don and Glenna off on their sabbatical trip in style, and with our prayers and blessings. 15
Concert Series Continues Our next concert will be held this coming Saturday, July 21 st at 6:00 p.m. This month, we will enjoy Gospel music from SpokenFor and The Huckaba Family. Light refreshments will follow. Nursery/preschool child care will be available. Come and bring some friends! 16