St. Peter's by-the-Sea

ENTRANCE HYMN #569 God the Omnipotent!

SEQUENCE HYMN #656 Blest Are The Pure In Heart

OFFERTORY ANTHEM Be Thou My Vision (arr. Behnke)

COMMUNION ANTHEM Beatitudes (Avery & Walsh, arr. Wilson)

POST-COMMUNION HYMN #556 Rejoice, Ye Pure In Heart, vss. 1-5

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

FIRST READING Micah 6:1-8

Reader A reading from the Prophet Micah.

Hear what the Lord says: Rise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. Hear, you mountains, the controversy of the Lord, and you enduring foundations of the earth; for the Lord has a controversy with his people, and he will contend with Israel.

“O my people, what have I done to you? In what have I wearied you? Answer me! For I brought you up from the land of Egypt, and redeemed you from the house of slavery; and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. O my people, remember now what King Balak of Moab devised, what Balaam son of Beor answered him, and what happened from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the saving acts of the Lord.”

“With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt-offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with tens of thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 15 Domine, quis habitabit?

1 Lord, who may dwell in your tabernacle? *

who may abide upon your holy hill?

2 Whoever leads a blameless life and does what is right, *

who speaks the truth from his heart.

3 There is no guile upon his tongue;

he does no evil to his friend; *

he does not heap contempt upon his neighbor.

4 In his sight the wicked is rejected, *

but he honors those who fear the Lord.

5 He has sworn to do no wrong *

and does not take back his word.

6 He does not give his money in hope of gain, *

nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.

7 Whoever does these things *

shall never be overthrown.

SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Reader A Reading from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians.

The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,

and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength.

Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL Matthew 5:1-12

Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

In our parish cycle of prayer, we pray for David Spears; Susan Stewart; Susan & Jim Stone;

Kelly, Neil, & Liam Sullivan; Fr. Craig & Maureen Swan; and John & Sue Tassone.

ENTRANCE HYMN #542 Christ is the World's True Light

SEQUENCE HYMN #543 O Zion, Tune Thy Voice

OFFERTORY ANTHEM Draw Us in the Spirit's Tether (Moore)

COMMUNION ANTHEM Behold the Lamb of God (Benham)

POST-COMMUNION HYMN #535 Ye Servants of God

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

FIRST READING Isaiah 49:1-7

Reader A reading from the Prophet Isaiah.

Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away! The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother's womb he named me. He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the Lord, and my reward with my God.”

And now the Lord says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the sight of the Lord, and my God has become my strength-- he says, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations, the slave of rulers, “Kings shall see and stand up, princes, and they shall prostrate themselves, because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 40:1-12 Expectans, expectavi

1 I waited patiently upon the Lord; *

he stooped to me and heard my cry.

2 He lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the mire and clay; *

he set my feet upon a high cliff and made my footing sure.

3 He put a new song in my mouth,

a song of praise to our God; *

many shall see, and stand in awe,

and put their trust in the Lord.

4 Happy are they who trust in the Lord! *

they do not resort to evil spirits or turn to false gods.

5 Great things are they that you have done, O Lord my God!

how great your wonders and your plans for us! *

there is none who can be compared with you.

6 Oh, that I could make them known and tell them!*

but they are more than I can count.

7 In sacrifice and offering you take no pleasure *

(you have given me ears to hear you);

8 Burnt-offering and sin-offering you have not required, *

and so I said, "Behold, I come.

9 In the roll of the book it is written concerning me:*

'I love to do your will, O my God;

your law is deep in my heart.'"

10 I proclaimed righteousness in the great congregation;*

behold, I did not restrain my lips;

and that, O Lord, you know.

11 Your righteousness have I not hidden in my heart;

I have spoken of your faithfulness and your deliverance; *

I have not concealed your love and faithfulness from the great congregation.

12 You are the Lord;

do not withhold your compassion from me; *

let your love and your faithfulness keep me safe for ever.

SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Reader A Reading from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians.

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,

To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind-- just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you-- so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL John 1:29-42

Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”

The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Celebrant The Rev. Craig R. Swan, Rector

Organist & Choir Director Tony B. Romeo

Flute Lindsay Gearhart

Trumpet Nick Schleyer

Percussion Joe DeMarco (4pm)

Desiree Glazier-Nazro (10pm)

Choir

Brian Bannon, Britt Bell, Dan Caramante, Lawren Casagrande, Margret Celico,

Carol Cimilluca, Sean Connaughton, Susan Dvorak, Gloria Fontaine,

Danielle Grilli-Marzan, Sarah Hamel, Timothy Hoyt, Joan Hudson, Camilla Lee, Mallory Leonard, Tavis Morello, Antonio Rodrigues, Heidi Simone, Susan Stewart, Maureen Winters-Swan, and Kent Yrchick-Shoemaker

Lectors Angel Hilliard (4pm)

Lay Eucharistic Minister Shelley Licurse (4pm)

Acolytes Team Clarity (4pm)

Ushers Susan Stone, Anthony Capezza, and Jack Florence (4pm)

PRELUDE

4pm

Where Shepherds Lately Knelt (Courtney) Choir

The Sussex Carol (arr. Hayes) Sean Connaughton, Soloist

10pm

A Stable Prayer (Fettke) Choir

Gesu Bambino (Yon) Antonio Rodrigues & Timothy Hoyt

O Magnum Mysterium (Ramos) Choir

The Word of God

THE PROCLAMATION OF CHRISTMAS

Celebrant The glory of God has been revealed.

People And all the world shall see the salvation of God.

HYMN O Come, All Ye Faithful

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant.

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;

Come, and behold him, born the King of angels;

Refrain

O come, let us adore him,

O come, let us adore him,

O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord.

God of God, Light of Light,

Lo! he comes forth from the Virgin’s womb;

Very God, Begotten, not created; Refrain

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation.

Sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above;

Glory to God, In the highest: Refrain

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, Born this happy morning,

Jesu, to thee be glory giv’n;

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing: Refrain

OPENING ACCLAMATION

Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

COLLECT FOR PURITY

Almighty God, to you 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.

HYMN OF PRAISE S278 Glory to God in the Highest

THE COLLECT FOR CHRISTMAS

Celebrant The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.

Celebrant Let us pray.

O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

The People may be seated for the readings.

THE FIRST READING Isaiah 9:2-7

Reader A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness-- on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.

For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.

For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Reader The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

PSALM 96 Cantate Domino

The choir will chant the psalm

1 Sing to the Lord a new song; *

sing to the Lord, all the whole earth.

2 Sing to the Lord and bless his Name; *

proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.

3 Declare his glory among the nations *

and his wonders among all peoples.

4 For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; *

he is more to be feared than all gods.

5 As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; *

but it is the Lord who made the heavens.

6 Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! *

Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary!

7 Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples; *

ascribe to the Lord honor and power.

8 Ascribe to the Lord the honor due his Name; *

bring offerings and come into his courts.

9 Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; *

let the whole earth tremble before him.

10 Tell it out among the nations: "The Lord is King! *

he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved;

he will judge the peoples with equity."

11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;

let the sea thunder and all that is in it; *

let the field be joyful and all that is therein.

12 Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy

before the Lord when he comes, *

when he comes to judge the earth.

13 He will judge the world with righteousness *

and the peoples with his truth.

THE SECOND READING Titus 2:11-14

Reader A Reading from the Letter to Titus.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

Reader The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

The People stand for the Gospel procession.

HYMN 96 Angels We Have Heard On High

THE GOSPEL Luke 2:1-20

Celebrant The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Celebrant The Gospel of the Lord.

People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

SERMON The Rev. Craig Swan

All stand for the Nicene Creed.

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.

An appointed person leads the People in the prayers, all standing.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

Father, on this holy night your Son our Savior was born in human flesh. Renew your Church as the Body of Christ. Holy God,

Hear our prayer.

On this holy night there was no room for your Son in the inn. Protect with your love those who have no home, all who live in poverty, and those supported and blessed by the St. Peter’s Community Market. Holy God,

Hear our prayer.

On this holy night Mary, in the pain of labor, brought your Son to birth. Hold in your hand all who are in pain or distress. Holy God,

Hear our prayer.

On this holy night your Christ came as a light shining in the darkness. Bring comfort to all who suffer in the sadness of our world, and especially those mourning the loss of loved ones this Christmas. Holy God,

Hear our prayer.

On this holy night the angels sang, “Peace to God’s people on earth.” Strengthen those who work for peace and justice. Holy God,

Hear our prayer.

On this holy night shepherds in the field heard good tidings of joy. Give us grace to preach the gospel of Christ’s redemption. Holy God,

Hear our prayer.

On this holy night strangers found the Holy Family and saw the baby lying in a manger. Bless our homes and all whom we love. Holy God,

Hear our prayer.

On this holy night heaven is come down to earth, and earth is raised to heaven. Hold in your hand all those who have passed through death in the hope of your coming kingdom. Holy God,

Hear our prayer.

On this holy night Christians the world over celebrate Christ’s birth. Open our hearts that he may be born in us today. Holy God,

Hear our prayer.

On this holy night we pray for all who have died, especially those in whose memory the flowers and music for tonight have been given. Holy God,

Hear our prayer.

Father, on this holy night angels and shepherds worshipped at the manger throne. Receive the worship we offer in fellowship with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and all the saints, through him who is your Word made flesh, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE PEACE

Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People And also with you.

The Holy Communion

OFFERTORY ANTHEM All My Heart This Night Rejoices (Manor)

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Because you gave Jesus Christ, your only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, was made perfect Man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; so that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become your children.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

The People kneel or remain standing as the Eucharistic Prayer continues.

We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.

On the night before he died for us, 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, according to his command, O Father,

We remember his death,

We proclaim his resurrection,

We await his coming in glory;

And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine. We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with the blessed Virgin Mary, Joseph and Peter and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and

daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation. 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.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

And now, as our Savior Christ has...

Prelude                                                             The Spirit of the Lord God Is Upon Me (MacDermid)

                                                                                                                             Antonio Rodrigues, Soloist

Entrance Hymn #76                                                                                                    On Jordan's Bank

Sequence Hymn #66                                                                          Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

Offertory Anthem                                                              Awaken and Prepare Us, O God (Hayes)

Communion Anthem                                                                          O Heavenly Word, Eternal Light

Post-Communion Hymn #72                                              Hark, the Glad Sound! The Savior Comes

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

FIRST READING                 Isaiah 35:1-10

Reader             A reading from the Prophet Isaiah.

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.

The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.

Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you."

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God's people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

PSALM                                   PSALM 146:4-9                                                                 Lauda, anima mea

4 Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help! *

whose hope is in the Lord their God;

5 Who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them; *

who keeps his promise for ever;

6 Who gives justice to those who are oppressed, *

and food to those who hunger.

7 The Lord sets the prisoners free;

the Lord opens the eyes of the blind; *

the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;

8 The Lord loves the righteous;

the Lord cares for the stranger; *

he sustains the orphan and widow,

but frustrates the way of the wicked.

9 The Lord shall reign for ever, *

your God, O Zion, throughout all generations.

Hallelujah!

SECOND READING             James 5:7-10

Reader            A Reading from the letter of James.

Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL                                 Matthew 11:2-11

Priest              The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

People             Glory to you, Lord Christ.                            

When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,

‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,

who will prepare your way before you.’

“Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Prelude                                            "Comfort Ye, My People" from Messiah (Handel)

                                                                                                     Antonio Rodrigues, soloist

Entrance Hymn #73                       The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns

Sequence Hymn #454                      Jesus Came, Adored By Angels

Offertory Anthem                        Waiting For a King (Martin)

Communion Hymn #613                  Thy Kingdom Come, O God

Post-Communion Hymn #57          Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

FIRST READING                  Isaiah 2:1-5

Reader             A reading from the Prophet Isaiah.

The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

In days to come

the mountain of the Lord’s house

shall be established as the highest of the mountains,

and shall be raised above the hills;

all the nations shall stream to it.

Many peoples shall come and say,

‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

to the house of the God of Jacob;

that he may teach us his ways

and that we may walk in his paths.’

For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,

and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

He shall judge between the nations,

and shall arbitrate for many peoples;

they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,

and their spears into pruning-hooks;

nation shall not lift up sword against nation,

neither shall they learn war any more.

O house of Jacob,

come, let us walk

in the light of the Lord!

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

PSALM                                   Psalm 122                         Laetatus sum

1 I was glad when they said to me, *

"Let us go to the house of the Lord."

2 Now our feet are standing *

within your gates, O Jerusalem.

3 Jerusalem is built as a city *

that is at unity with itself;

4 To which the tribes go up,

the tribes of the Lord, *

the assembly of Israel,

to praise the Name of the Lord.

5 For there are the thrones of judgment, *

the thrones of the house of David.

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: *

"May they prosper who love you.

7 Peace be within your walls *

and quietness within your towers.

8 For my brethren and companions' sake, *

I pray for your prosperity.

9 Because of the house of the Lord our God, *

I will seek to do you good."

SECOND READING             Romans 13:11-14

Reader            A Reading from Paul’s Letter to the Romans.

You know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL         Matthew 24:36-44

Priest              The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

People             Glory to you, Lord Christ.                            

Jesus said to the disciples, “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

In our parish cycle of prayer, we pray for

David Ousterhout, Carolyn Owens, and Bob & Susan Palmer.

Fr. Mead contrasts résumé-religion with the tax collector’s plea for mercy and calls us to drop the scorecard and trust Christ alone. 

Luke 18:9–14 Jesus told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, `God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, `God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."

This sermon on Luke 18:1–8 explores the widow’s relentless petition and Jesus’ call to pray always and not lose heart. We name real places of waiting—illness, grief, caregiving—and practice a faith that keeps knocking while trusting God’s timing. Includes three simple habits for a week of hopeful perseverance. 

• Theme: Persistent prayer, patience, and trust in God’s timing
• Key texts: Luke 18:1–8; 2 Timothy 3–4; Psalm 121
• Practices: fixed-time daily prayer, “Your time, not mine,” one concrete follow-up step
• Reflection prompts included in blog post (link in episode description). 

This Sunday centers on the new covenant written on the heart (Jeremiah 31) and the sweet, wisdom-forming Word(Psalm 119) equipping us “for every good work” (2 Timothy 3–4). In the Gospel, Jesus commends the widow’s relentless petition as a model of persistent prayer for justice and asks whether he will find faith on earth (Luke 18:1–8). Together with the Collect and hymnody, the service calls us to steadfast faith, patient endurance, and public hope. 

Entrance Hymn #372                     Praise to the Living God

Sequence Hymn #628                      Help Us, O Lord, To Learn

Offertory Anthem                        Exsultate! (Lightfoot)

Communion Anthem                      I Lift My Eyes (Hopson)

Post-Communion Hymn #535        Ye Servants of God

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

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, for ever and ever. Amen.

FIRST READING                  Jeremiah 31:27-34

Reader             A reading from the Prophet Jeremiah.

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.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

PSALM                                    Psalm 119:97-104                 Quomodo dilexi!

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.

SECOND READING             2 Timothy 3:14-4:5

Reader            A Reading from the second letter to Timothy.

As for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL                                 Luke 18:1-8

Priest              The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

People             Glory to you, Lord Christ.

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?"

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Entrance Hymn #410                     Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven

Sequence Hymn #411                      O Bless the Lord, My Soul

Offertory Anthem                        Lift Every Voice; Let All Rejoice (Haydn, arr. Hopson)

Communion Anthem                      All Who Love and Serve Your City

Post-Communion Hymn #375        Give Praise and Glory Unto God

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

FIRST READING                  Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7

Reader             A reading from the Prophet Jeremiah.

These are the words of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the remaining elders among the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.

Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

PSALM                                    Psalm 66:1-11                       Jubilate Deo

1 Be joyful in God, all you lands; *

sing the glory of his Name;

sing the glory of his praise.

2 Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! *

because of your great strength your enemies cringe before you.

3 All the earth bows down before you, *

sings to you, sings out your Name."

4 Come now and see the works of God, *

how wonderful he is in his doing toward all people.

5 He turned the sea into dry land,

so that they went through the water on foot, *

and there we rejoiced in him.

6 In his might he rules for ever;

his eyes keep watch over the nations; *

let no rebel rise up against him.

7 Bless our God, you peoples; *

make the voice of his praise to be heard;

8 Who holds our souls in life, *

and will not allow our feet to slip.

9 For you, O God, have proved us; *

you have tried us just as silver is tried.

10 You brought us into the snare; *

you laid heavy burdens upon our backs.

11 You let enemies ride over our heads;

we went through fire and water; *

but you brought us out into a place of refreshment.

SECOND READING             2 Timothy 2:8-15

Reader            A Reading from the second letter to Timothy.

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David-- that is my gospel, for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. The saying is sure:

If we have died with him, we will also live with him;

if we endure, we will also reign with him;

if we deny him, he will also deny us;

if we are faithless, he remains faithful--

for he cannot deny himself.

Remind them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth.

Reader

The Word of the Lord.

People

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL                                 Luke 17:11-19

Priest              The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

People             Glory to you, Lord Christ.

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well."

Priest

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Today’s sermon names the reality: following Jesus isn’t the “easy button.” Yet even mustard‑seed faith can grow in hardship. As we celebrate St. Francis and bless our animals, we remember that the God who guards the treasure of faith also delights in all creatures and calls us to humble, joyful perseverance.