Gloria Dei (Old Swedes ) Church Christian Street and Columbus Boulevard Philadelphia, PA 19147 215-389-1513 www.old-swedes.org September 16, 2018 Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Celebration with Our Lucia Family
Opening Hymn #490 I Want to Walk As A Child Hymnal 1982
People Blessed be the one, holy, and living God. Glory to God for ever and ever. Amen. Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gloria #245 We Have Come Lift Every Voice & Sing II The Lord be with you. And all so with you. Let us pray. O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
First Reading Wisdom 7:26 8:1 For wisdom is a reflection of eternal light, a spotless mirror of the working of God, and an image of his goodness. Although she is but one, she can do all things, and while remaining in herself, she renews all things; in every generation she passes into holy souls and makes them friends of God, and prophets; for God loves nothing so much as the person who lives with wisdom. She is more beautiful than the sun, and excels every constellation of the stars. Compared with the light she is found to be superior, for it is succeeded by the night, but against wisdom evil does not prevail. She reaches mightily from one end of the earth to the other, and she orders all things well. Reader Hear what the Spirit is saying to God s people. Thanks be to God Psalm 19 1 The heavens declare the glory of God, * and the firmament shows his handiwork. 2 One day tells its tale to another, * and one night imparts knowledge to another. 3 Although they have no words or language, * and their voices are not heard, 4 Their sound has gone out into all lands, * and their message to the ends of the world. 5 In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; * it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber; it rejoices like a champion to run its course. 6 It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens and runs about to the end of it again; * nothing is hidden from its burning heat. 7 The law of the Lord is perfect and revives the soul; * the testimony of the Lord is sure and gives wisdom to the innocent. 8 The statutes of the Lord are just and rejoice the heart; * the commandment of the Lord is clear and gives light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean and endures for ever; * the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, more than much fine gold, sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb. 11 By them also is your servant enlightened, * and in keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can tell how often he offends? * cleanse me from my secret faults. 13 Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not get dominion over me; * then shall I be whole and sound, and innocent of a great offense. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, * O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
Second Reading James 3:1 12 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue-- a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh. Reader Hear what the Spirit is saying to God s people. Thanks be to God Gradual Hymn #7 Christ Whose Glory Fills the Skies Hymnal 1982
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (Matthew 5:13-16) Glory to you, Lord Christ You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, Lord Christ Sermon Rev. Patricia Cashman An Affirmation of Faith 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 (Adapted from Miriam Therese Winter as printed in Sacred Journeys by Jan Richardson) Reader Reader Reader Congregation, what will we bring to birth in the world of new creation? Wisdom and justice, peace and compassion, concern for all God s little ones. For the homeless and the destitute, the hungry and all who bear the brunt of indifference and oppression. Congregation, what will we bring to birth on the earth of the new creation? A deep respect for our planet, its windsong and its waters, its topsoil and its forests, and a oneness with the wilderness that comes from our Creator. Congregation, what will we bring to birth in the church of our new creation? A total disdain for power that diminishes or destroys, divestment of wealth and status, a sharing of human resources based on mutuality and the sudden surprise of grace.
Reader Reader Congregation, what will we bring to birth in the hearts of the new creation? An unbreakable bond in the Spirit that binds as one all brothers and sisters, transcending class, color, culture, religion, race and gender; that treats no personal preference, no physical or spiritual difference as less than or a handicap. One is among us who heralds such liberation, who has taken flesh among us, and through the Holy Spirit dwells in us. That one is the Christ, the light who was, and is and is to come. Holy are we to whom this Light is given. Blessed are we when we give birth to the Word made flesh. Blessed are we, salt and light to the world, in His Name. Let us now confess our sins against God, our neighbor and ourselves: (pause for silent for reflection) Maker of the universe, fashioner of the stars, who dwells within time and beyond time, hear this prayer: If I have failed to perceive you when you have appeared in the face of a friend, if I have neglected to feed you when you have come with the hunger of a stranger, if I have not embraced you when you sought me out to relieve your suffering, if I have not laughed and played with you when you greeted me with the delight of a child, forgive me. Open my eyes, my hands, my arms, my heart, to know your appearing and to celebrate the flesh shaped mystery of Emmanuel, God with us. Make my heart a dwelling place ready to receive you. Let me fulfill your commandment to love you, my neighbor and myself. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who has left power to his Church to forgive sins, absolve you, through my ministry by the power of his Holy Spirit, and restore you to the perfect peace of the Church. Amen. The Peace The Offertory The Holy Communion The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is truly right, and good and joyful, to give you thanks, all-holy God, source of life and fountain of mercy. You have filled us and all creation with your blessing and fed us with your constant love; you have redeemed us in Jesus Christ and knit us into one body. Through your Spirit you replenish us and call us to fullness of life. Therefore, joining with Angels and Archangels and with the faithful of every generation, we lift our voices with all creation as we sing: Holy, Holy, Holy Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of the universe and giver of life. You formed us in your own image and called us to dwell in your infinite love. You gave the world into our care that we might be your faithful stewards and show forth your bountiful grace. But we failed to honor your image in one another and in ourselves; we would not see your goodness in the world around us; and so we violated your creation, abused one another, and rejected your love. Yet you never ceased to care for us, and prepared the way of salvation for all people. Through Abraham and Sarah you called us into covenant with you. You delivered us from slavery, sustained us in the wilderness, and raised up prophets to renew your promise of salvation. Then, in the fullness of time, you sent your eternal Word, made mortal flesh in Jesus. Born into the human family, and dwelling among us, he revealed your glory. Giving himself freely to death on the cross, he triumphed over evil, opening the way of freedom and life. On the night before he died for us, Our Savior Jesus Christ took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his friends, and said: Take, eat: This is my Body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. As supper was ending, Jesus 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 poured out for you and for all 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. Remembering his death and resurrection, we now present to you from your creation this bread and this wine. By your Holy Spirit may they be for us the Body and Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ. Grant that we who share these gifts may be filled with the Holy Spirit and live as Christ s Body in the world. Bring us into the everlasting heritage of your daughters and sons, that with all your saints, past, present, and yet to come, we may praise your Name for ever. Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to you be honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever. AMEN
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done; On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, And the power and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen. The Breaking of the Bread eluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; Therefore let us keep the feast. eluia. Fraction # 149 In Remembrance of Me Lift Every Voice & Sing II The Gifts of God for the People of God. ( persons are invited to the Lord s supper.)
The Post Communion Prayer Let us pray God of abundance, you have fed us with the bread of life and cup of salvation; you have united us with Christ and one another; and you have made us one with all your people in heaven and on earth. Now send us forth in the power of your Spirit, that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world and continue forever in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen. The Blessing Announcements, Birthday & Anniversary Prayers Closing Hymn We Light A Thousand Candles (Nu tändas tusen juleljus) Dismissal Let us go forth rejoicing in the power of the Spirit. eluia, eluia! Thanks be to God. eluia, eluia!
A N N O U N C E M E N T S Welcome, welcome! are welcome, all the time! Upcoming: ** Our Rector s Warden, Jim Ufheil, will be out of the country 9/13 9/29. Peggy Buescher will serve as Acting Warden during his absence. ** Church of Sweden Sunday, September 16 at 4:00pm, Service in church at 4pm, fellowship following in Riverside Hall Swedish Colonial Society Meeting Thursday, September 20 from 1:00pm 3:00pm, Riverside Hall Vestry Meeting Thursday, September 20 at 7:00pm, Riverside Hall Recovery Day Seminar: Learn to be an Advocate for Those in Recovery Saturday, September 22 from 8:45am 12:15pm, Saints Church in Torresdale. Register online (diopa.org) for this free event. We will meet in the parking lot at Old Swedes and carpool. Jazz & Joe Thursday, September 27 at 7:30pm, Riverside Hall Dream Workshop Saturday, September 29 from 9:00am 12:00pm. What are your dreams trying to tell you? Learn from the wisdom within you! are welcome to this free seminar. Space is limited, so please RSVP to patcashman2010@gmail.com Blessing of the Animals & BARKS program Thursday, October 4 at 6:30pm. Followed by fellowship in Riverside Hall. God s creatures are welcome! (For everyone s safety and comfort please be sure animals are leashed or caged.) Historic Gloria Dei Meeting Monday, October 8 at 5:30pm in Riverside Hall. Flea Market Saturday, October 20 from 8:00am 3:00pm. $25 per space, paid the day of the market. Held rain or shine!!! Volunteer Opportunity Do you have one spare hour a week? We need someone to package weekly book orders and take them to the post office. If you are available on a regular basis, please contact Chris 215-389-1513 or christine@old-swedes.org. Thanks in advance! Every Week at Gloria Dei: Sunday Service of Holy Communion 10:00am. Fellowship follows in Riverside Hall Sunday School ages 4-8. Join Ms. Jill & Ms. Julie in the back of the church following Communion. Evensong -Tuesdays at 6:30pm. A quiet service of meditation, song & prayer. Men s AA Meeting Tuesdays at 4:30pm, Riverside Hall Meditation with Sheila Tuesdays at 5:45pm, Riverside Hall. Re-center and find your inner guidance. Free. Yoga with Sarah Tuesdays 7:15PM, Riverside Hall. $10 per class/10 class card $90 A slow-flow mindful practice that uses the physical shapes of Yoga Asana to deepen your awareness of breath. Mats available to borrow. levels welcome. Chair Yoga with Kathy Wednesdays 9:00am, Riverside Hall. $10 per class. A great opportunity to stretch and strengthen muscles, reduce stress, and develop better breathing habits. levels welcome. No class October 3 rd. NEW CLASS Tai Chi with Gretchen Wednesdays 10:30am, Riverside Hall. $12 per class. Intermediate/Advanced, but all levels welcome. Students learn lower & upper body movements, then link them together to practice The Form. Improves balance, calms the mind, strengthens & tones muscles, refines concentration. Gloria Dei (Old Swedes ) Church Columbus Blvd and Christian Street - Philadelphia, PA 19147 215-389-1513 - www.old-swedes.org Find us on Facebook Gloria Dei (Old Swedes ) Episcopal Church Pastor Patricia Cashman 267-366-8692