St. Peter's by-the-Sea

Entrance Hymn #191 Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts and Voices Heavenward RaiseSequence Hymn #530 Spread, O Spread Thou Mighty WordOffertory Anthem Do Not Let Your Heart Be Troubled (Larson)Communion Anthem Dona Nobis Pacem (Bach, arr. Althouse)Post-Communion Hymn #718 God of Our Fathers, Whose Almighty HandTHE COLLECT OF THE DAYO God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.FIRST READING Acts 16:9-15Reader A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home." And she prevailed upon us.ReaderThe Word of the Lord.PeopleThanks be to God.PSALM Psalm 67 Deus misereatur1 May God be merciful to us and bless us, *show us the light of his countenance and come to us.2 Let your ways be known upon earth, *your saving health among all nations.3 Let the peoples praise you, O God; *let all the peoples praise you.4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, *for you judge the peoples...

Sunday of Resurrection: Easter DayThe Holy Eucharist Rite TwoSunday, April 20, 2025The Word of GodEntrance RitePRELUDE The Trumpet Shall Sound from “The Messiah” (Handel) Timothy Hoyt, SoloistENTRANCE HYMN #179 Welcome, Happy Morning! Opening AcclamationThe people standing, the Celebrant saysCelebrantAlleluia. Christ is risen.PeopleThe Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.COLLECT FOR PURITYThe Celebrant may sayAlmighty 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 THE COLLECT OF THE DAYCelebrantThe Lord be with you.PeopleAnd also with you.CelebrantLet us pray.Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.The LessonsFIRST READING Acts 10:34-43The people sit.Reader A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles.34Peter began to speak to [Cornelius and the other Gentiles]: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. 37That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with

SEQUENCE HYMN # 435 At the Name of JesusAll stand. GOSPEL READING Luke 19:28-40PriestThe Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.After telling a parable to the crowd at Jericho, Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, "Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it.'" So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?" They said, "The Lord needs it." Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying,"Blessed is the kingwho comes in the name of the Lord!Peace in heaven,and glory in the highest heaven!"Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, order your disciples to stop." He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out."PriestThe Gospel of the Lord.PeoplePraise to you, Lord Christ. THE SERMON

Fr. Andrew Mead's homily on the gospel according to Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32All the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them."So Jesus told them this parable:"There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.' So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands."' So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly, bring out a robe--the best one--and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate."Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.' Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, 'Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!' Then the father said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.'"

Sequence Hymn #455 O Love of God, How Strong and TrueOffertory Anthem "Pie Jesu" from Requiem (Rutter) Lawren Casagrande, soloistCommunion Hymn #571 All Who Love and Serve Your CityPost-Communion Hymn #150 Forty Days and Forty NightsTHE COLLECT OF THE DAYO God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from thy ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of thy Word, Jesus Christ thy Son; who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.FIRST READING Genesis 15:1-12,17-18Reader A reading from the Book of Genesis.The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.” But the word of the Lord came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.Then he said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess.” But he said, “O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” He said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him.When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.”ReaderThe Word of the Lord.PeopleThanks be to God.PSALM Psalm...

Entrance Hymn #7 Christ, Whose Glory Fills the SkiesSequence Hymn #228 Holy Spirit, Font of LightOffertory Anthem O Lord, My God, You Are My Refuge (Bach, arr. Hopson)Communion Anthem Creator of the Stars of NightPost-Communion Hymn #371 Thou, Whose Almighty WordTHE COLLECT OF THE DAYAlmighty 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 62:1-5Reader: A reading from the Prophet Isaiah.For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give.You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married.For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your builder marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.ReaderThe Word of the Lord.PeopleThanks be to God.PSALM Psalm 36:5-10 Dixit injustus5 Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, *and your faithfulness to the clouds.6 Your righteousness is like the strong mountains,your justice like the great deep; *you save both man and beast, O Lord.7 How priceless is your love, O God! *your people take refuge under the shadow of your wings.8 They feast upon the abundance of your house; *you give them drink from the river of your delights.9 For with you is the well of life, *and in your light we see light.10 Continue your...

Prelude Sweet Was the Song (Ives) Lawren Casagrande, soloistEntrance Hymn #119 As With Gladness Men of OldSequence Hymn #109 The First NoelOffertory Anthem In the Bleak Midwinter (arr. Bennett)Communion Hymn #117 Brightest and BestPost-Communion Hymn #100 Joy to the WorldTHE COLLECT OF THE DAYO God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.FIRST READING Isaiah 60:1-6Reader: A reading from the Prophet Isaiah.Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses' arms. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you.A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.ReaderThe Word of the Lord.PeopleThanks be to God.PSALM Psalm 72:1-7,10-14 Deus, judicium1 Give the King your justice, O God, *and your righteousness to the King's Son;2 That he may rule your people...

Isaiah 61:10-62:3Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7John 1:1-18Psalm 147 or 147:13-21This Sunday takes precedence over the three Holy Days which follow Christmas Day. As necessary, the observance of one, two, or all three of them, is postponed one day.The CollectAlmighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.Old TestamentIsaiah 61:10-62:3I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,my whole being shall exult in my God;for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation,he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.For as the earth brings forth its shoots,and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praiseto spring up before all the nations.For Zion's sake I will not keep silent,and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest,until her vindication shines out like the dawn,and her salvation like a burning torch.The nations shall see your vindication,and all the kings your glory;and you shall be called by a new namethat the mouth of the Lord will give.You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.The PsalmPsalm 147 or 147:13-21Laudate Dominum[1 Hallelujah!How good it is to sing praises to our God! *how pleasant it is to honor him with praise!2 The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem; *he gathers the exiles of Israel.3 He heals the brokenhearted *and binds up their wounds.4 He counts the number of the stars *and calls them all by their names.5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power; *there is no limit to his wisdom.6 The Lord lifts up the lowly, *but casts the wicked to the ground.7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; *make music to our God upon the harp.8 He covers the heavens with clouds *and prepares rain for the earth;9 He makes grass to grow upon the mountains *and green plants to serve mankind.10 He provides food for flocks and herds *and for the young ravens when they cry.11 He is not impressed by the might of a horse; *he has no pleasure in the strength of a man;12 But the Lord has pleasure in those who fear him, *in those who await his gracious favor.]13 Worship the Lord, O Jerusalem; *praise your God, O Zion;14 For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; *he has blessed your children within you.15 He has established peace on your borders; *he satisfies you with the finest wheat.16 He sends out his command to the earth, *and his word runs very swiftly.17 He gives snow like wool; *he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.18 He scatters his hail like bread crumbs; *who can stand against his cold?19 He sends forth his word and melts them; *he blows with his wind, and the waters flow.20 He declares his word to Jacob, *his statutes and his judgments to Israel.21 He has not done so to any other nation; *to them he has not revealed his judgments.Hallelujah!The New TestamentGalatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the...

Isaiah 62:6-12Titus 3:4-7Luke 2:(1-7)8-20Psalm 97The CollectO God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.or thisO 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.or thisAlmighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born [this day] of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.Old TestamentIsaiah 62:6-12Upon your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted sentinels;all day and all nightthey shall never be silent.You who remind the Lord,take no rest,and give him no restuntil he establishes Jerusalem and makes it renowned throughout the earth.The Lord has sworn by his right handand by his mighty arm:I will not again give your grainto be food for your enemies,and foreigners shall not drink the winefor which you have labored;but those who garner it shall eat itand praise the Lord,and those who gather it shall drink itin my holy courts.Go through, go through the gates,prepare the way for the people;build up, build up the highway,clear it of stones, lift up an ensign over the peoples.The Lord has proclaimedto the end of the earth:Say to daughter Zion,"See, your salvation comes;his reward is with him,and his recompense before him."They shall be called, "The Holy People,The Redeemed of the Lord";and you shall be called, "Sought Out,A City Not Forsaken."The PsalmPsalm 97Dominus regnavit1 The Lord is King;let the earth rejoice; *let the multitude of the isles be glad.2 Clouds and darkness are round about him, *righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne.3 A fire goes before him *and burns up his enemies on every side.4 His lightnings light up the world; *the earth sees it and is afraid.5 The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord, *at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.6 The heavens declare his righteousness, *and all the peoples see his glory.7 Confounded be all who worship carved imagesand delight in false gods! *Bow down before him, all you gods.8 Zion hears and is glad, and the cities of Judah rejoice, *because of your judgments, O Lord.9 For you are the Lord,most high over all the earth; *you are exalted far above all gods.10 The Lord loves those who hate evil;he preserves the lives of his saintsand delivers them from the hand of the wicked.11 Light has sprung up for the righteous, *and joyful gladness for those who are truehearted.12 Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, *and give thanks to his holy Name.The New...

Micah 5:2-5aHebrews 10:5-10Luke 1:39-45, (46-55)Canticle 15 (or 3)or Psalm 80:1-7The CollectPurify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.Old TestamentMicah 5:2-5aYou, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,who are one of the little clans of Judah,from you shall come forth for meone who is to rule in Israel,whose origin is from of old,from ancient days.Therefore he shall give them up until the timewhen she who is in labor has brought forth;then the rest of his kindred shall returnto the people of Israel.And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord,in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.And they shall live secure, for now he shall be greatto the ends of the earth;and he shall be the one of peace.The ResponseCanticle 15 Page 91, BCPThe Song of Mary MagnificatLuke 1:46-55My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; * for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.From this day all generations will call me blessed: *the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.He has mercy on those who fear him *in every generation.He has shown the strength of his arm, *he has scattered the proud in their conceit.He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *and has lifted up the lowly.He has filled the hungry with good things, *and the rich he has sent away empty.He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *for he has remembered his promise of mercy,The promise he made to our fathers, *to Abraham and his children for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.The ResponsePsalm 80:1-7Qui regis Israel1 Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; *shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim.2 In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, *stir up your strength and come to help us.3 Restore us, O God of hosts; *show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.4 O Lord God of hosts, *how long will you be angereddespite the prayers of your people?5 You have fed them with the bread of tears; *you have given them bowls of tears to drink.6 You have made us the derision of our neighbors, *and our enemies laugh us to scorn.7 Restore us, O God of hosts; *show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.The New TestamentHebrews 10:5-10When Christ came into the world, he said,"Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired,but a body you have prepared for me;in burnt offerings and sin offeringsyou have taken no pleasure.Then I said, 'See, God, I have come to do your will, O God'(in the scroll of the book it is written of me)."When he said above, "You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered according to the law), then he added, "See, I have come to do your will." He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. And it is...

Zephaniah 3:14-20Philippians 4:4-7Luke 3:7-18Canticle 9The CollectStir 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.Old TestamentZephaniah 3:14-20Sing aloud, O daughter Zion;shout, O Israel!Rejoice and exult with all your heart,O daughter Jerusalem!The Lord has taken away the judgments against you,he has turned away your enemies.The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;you shall fear disaster no more.On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:Do not fear, O Zion;do not let your hands grow weak.The Lord, your God, is in your midst,a warrior who gives victory;he will rejoice over you with gladness,he will renew you in his love;he will exult over you with loud singingas on a day of festival.I will remove disaster from you,so that you will not bear reproach for it.I will deal with all your oppressorsat that time.And I will save the lameand gather the outcast,and I will change their shame into praiseand renown in all the earth.At that time I will bring you home,at the time when I gather you;for I will make you renowned and praisedamong all the peoples of the earth,when I restore your fortunesbefore your eyes, says the Lord.The ResponseCanticle 9 Page 86, BCPThe First Song of Isaiah Ecce DeusIsaiah 12:2-6Surely, it is God who saves me; *I will trust in him and not be afraid.For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, *and he will be my Savior.Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing *from the springs of salvation.And on that day you shall say, *Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name;Make his deeds known among the peoples; *see that they remember that his Name is exalted.Sing the praises of the Lord, for he has done great things, *and this is known in all the world.Cry aloud, inhabitants of Zion, ring out your joy, *for the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.The New TestamentPhilippians 4:4-7Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.The GospelLuke 3:7-18John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."And the crowds asked him, "What then should we do?" In reply he said to them, "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise." Even...

Jeremiah 33:14-161 Thessalonians 3:9-13Luke 21:25-36Psalm 25:1-9The CollectAlmighty 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.Old TestamentJeremiah 33:14-16The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: "The Lord is our righteousness."The PsalmPsalm 25:1-9Ad te, Domine, levavi1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul;my God, I put my trust in you; *let me not be humiliated,nor let my enemies triumph over me.2 Let none who look to you be put to shame; *let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes.3 Show me your ways, O Lord, *and teach me your paths.4 Lead me in your truth and teach me, *for you are the God of my salvation;in you have I trusted all the day long.5 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, *for they are from everlasting.6 Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; *remember me according to your loveand for the sake of your goodness, O Lord.7 Gracious and upright is the Lord; *therefore he teaches sinners in his way.8 He guides the humble in doing right *and teaches his way to the lowly.9 All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness *to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.The New Testament1 Thessalonians 3:9-13How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.The GospelLuke 21:25-36Jesus said, "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

The CollectAlmighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.Old Testament2 Samuel 23:1-7These are the last words of David:The oracle of David, son of Jesse,the oracle of the man whom God exalted,the anointed of the God of Jacob,the favorite of the Strong One of Israel:The spirit of the Lord speaks through me,his word is upon my tongue.The God of Israel has spoken,the Rock of Israel has said to me:One who rules over people justly,ruling in the fear of God,is like the light of morning,like the sun rising on a cloudless morning, gleaming from the rain on the grassy land.Is not my house like this with God?For he has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and secure.Will he not cause to prosperall my help and my desire?But the godless are all like thorns that are thrown away;for they cannot be picked up with the hand;to touch them one uses an iron baror the shaft of a spear. And they are entirely consumed in fire on the spot.The ResponsePsalm 132:1-13 (14-19)Memento, Domine1 Lord, remember David, *and all the hardships he endured;2 How he swore an oath to the Lord *and vowed a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:3 "I will not come under the roof of my house," *nor climb up into my bed;4 I will not allow my eyes to sleep, *nor let my eyelids slumber;5 Until I find a place for the Lord, *a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob."6 "The ark! We heard it was in Ephratah; *we found it in the fields of Jearim.7 Let us go to God's dwelling place; *let us fall upon our knees before his footstool."8 Arise, O Lord, into your resting-place, *you and the ark of your strength.9 Let your priests be clothed with righteousness; *let your faithful people sing with joy.10 For your servant David's sake, *do not turn away the face of your Anointed.11 The Lord has sworn an oath to David; *in truth, he will not break it:12 "A son, the fruit of your body *will I set upon your throne.13 If your children keep my covenantand my testimonies that I shall teach them, *their children will sit upon your throne for evermore."14 [For the Lord has chosen Zion; *he has desired her for his habitation:15 "This shall be my resting-place for ever; *here will I dwell, for I delight in her.16 I will surely bless her provisions, *and satisfy her poor with bread.17 I will clothe her priests with salvation, *and her faithful people will rejoice and sing.18 There will I make the horn of David flourish; *I have prepared a lamp for my Anointed.19 As for his enemies, I will clothe them with shame; *but as for him, his crown will shine."]orOld TestamentDaniel 7:9-10, 13-14As I watched,thrones were set in place,and an Ancient One took his throne,his clothing was white as snow,and the hair of his head like pure wool;his throne was fiery flames,and its wheels were burning fire.A stream of fire issuedand flowed out from his presence.A...

Sunday closest to November 9Proper 27Year BRCLTrack 1Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17Psalm 127Hebrews 9:24-28Mark 12:38-44 1 Kings 17:8-16Psalm 146Hebrews 9:24-28Mark 12:38-44The CollectO God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.Old TestamentRuth 3:1-5; 4:13-17Naomi her mother-in-law said to Ruth, “My daughter, I need to seek some security for you, so that it may be well with you. Now here is our kinsman Boaz, with whose young women you have been working. See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Now wash and anoint yourself, and put on your best clothes and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, observe the place where he lies; then, go and uncover his feet and lie down; and he will tell you what to do.” She said to her, “All that you tell me I will do.”So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When they came together, the Lord made her conceive, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without next-of-kin; and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has borne him.” Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her bosom, and became his nurse. The women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed; he became the father of Jesse, the father of David.The PsalmPsalm 127Nisi Dominus1 Unless the Lord builds the house, *their labor is in vain who build it.2 Unless the Lord watches over the city, *in vain the watchman keeps his vigil.3 It is in vain that you rise so early and go to bed so late; *vain, too, to eat the bread of toil,for he gives to his beloved sleep.4 Children are a heritage from the Lord, *and the fruit of the womb is a gift.5 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior *are the children of one's youth.6 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them! *he shall not be put to shamewhen he contends with his enemies in the gate.orOld Testament1 Kings 17:8-16The word of the Lord came to Elijah, saying, “Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and live there; for I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” So he set out and went to Zarephath. When he came to the gate of the town, a widow was there gathering sticks; he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel, so that I may drink.” As she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” But she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of meal in a jar, and a little oil in a jug; I am now gathering a couple of sticks, so that I may go home and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and

The Lessons Appointed for Use on theProper 25Year BRCLTrack 1Job 42:1-6, 10-17Psalm 34:1-8, (19-22)Hebrews 7:23-28Mark 10:46-52 The CollectAlmighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.Old TestamentJob 42:1-6, 10-17Job answered the Lord:“I know that you can do all things,and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?'Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.‘Hear, and I will speak;I will question you, and you declare to me.'I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,but now my eye sees you;therefore I despise myself,and repent in dust and ashes.”And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he had prayed for his friends; and the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Then there came to him all his brothers and sisters and all who had known him before, and they ate bread with him in his house; they showed him sympathy and comforted him for all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him; and each of them gave him a piece of money and a gold ring. The Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning; and he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand donkeys. He also had seven sons and three daughters. He named the first Jemimah, the second Keziah, and the third Keren-happuch. In all the land there were no women so beautiful as Job's daughters; and their father gave them an inheritance along with their brothers. After this Job lived for one hundred and forty years, and saw his children, and his children's children, four generations. And Job died, old and full of days.The PsalmPsalm 34:1-8, (19-22)Benedicam Dominum1 I will bless the Lord at all times; * his praise shall ever be in my mouth.2 I will glory in the Lord; * let the humble hear and rejoice.3 Proclaim with me the greatness of the Lord; * let us exalt his Name together.4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me * and delivered me out of all my terror.5 Look upon him and be radiant, * and let not your faces be ashamed.6 I called in my affliction and the Lord heard me * and saved me from all my troubles.7 The angel of the Lord encompasses those who fear him, * and he will deliver them.8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; * happy are they who trust in him!19 [Many are the troubles of the righteous, * but the Lord will deliver him out of them all.20 He will keep safe all his bones; * not one of them shall be broken.21 Evil shall slay the wicked, * and those who hate the righteous will be punished.22 The Lord ransoms the life of his servants, * and none will be punished who trust in him.]orOld TestamentJeremiah 31:7-9Thus says...

Job 38:1-7, (34-41)Psalm 104:1-9, 25, 37bHebrews 5:1-10Mark 10:35-45 The CollectAlmighty 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.Old TestamentJob 38:1-7, (34-41)The Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind:"Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?Gird up your loins like a man,I will question you, and you shall declare to me."Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?Tell me, if you have understanding.Who determined its measurements—surely you know!Or who stretched the line upon it?On what were its bases sunk,or who laid its cornerstonewhen the morning stars sang togetherand all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?[“Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,so that a flood of waters may cover you?Can you send forth lightnings, so that they may goand say to you, ‘Here we are'?Who has put wisdom in the inward parts,or given understanding to the mind?Who has the wisdom to number the clouds?Or who can tilt the waterskins of the heavens,when the dust runs into a massand the clods cling together?“Can you hunt the prey for the lion,or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,when they crouch in their dens,or lie in wait in their covert?Who provides for the raven its prey,when its young ones cry to God, and wander about for lack of food?”]The PsalmPsalm 104:1-9, 25, 37bBenedic, anima mea1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; *O Lord my God, how excellent is your greatness!you are clothed with majesty and splendor.2 You wrap yourself with light as with a cloak *and spread out the heavens like a curtain.3 You lay the beams of your chambers in the waters above; *you make the clouds your chariot;you ride on the wings of the wind.4 You make the winds your messengers *and flames of fire your servants.5 You have set the earth upon its foundations, *so that it never shall move at any time.6 You covered it with the Deep as with a mantle; *the waters stood higher than the mountains.7 At your rebuke they fled; *at the voice of your thunder they hastened away.8 They went up into the hills and down to the valleys beneath, *to the places you had appointed for them.9 You set the limits that they should not pass; *they shall not again cover the earth.25 O Lord, how manifold are your works! *in wisdom you have made them all;the earth is full of your creatures.37b Hallelujah!Hebrews 5:1-10Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not presume to take this honor, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was.So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,“You are my Son, today I have begotten you”;as he says also in another...

Sunday October 6thProper 22 Year B RCLJob 1:1; 2:1-10Psalm 26 Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12Mark 10:2-16The CollectAlmighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.Old TestamentJob 1:1; 2:1-10There was once a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. That man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.One day the heavenly beings came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the Lord. The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil. He still persists in his integrity, although you incited me against him, to destroy him for no reason.” Then Satan answered the Lord, “Skin for skin! All that people have they will give to save their lives. But stretch out your hand now and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face.” The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, he is in your power; only spare his life.”So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord, and inflicted loathsome sores on Job from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. Job took a potsherd with which to scrape himself, and sat among the ashes.Then his wife said to him, “Do you still persist in your integrity? Curse God, and die.” But he said to her, “You speak as any foolish woman would speak. Shall we receive the good at the hand of God, and not receive the bad?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.The PsalmPsalm 26Judica me, Domine1 Give judgment for me, O Lord,for I have lived with integrity; *I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered.2 Test me, O Lord, and try me; *examine my heart and my mind.3 For your love is before my eyes; *I have walked faithfully with you.4 I have not sat with the worthless, *nor do I consort with the deceitful.5 I have hated the company of evildoers; *I will not sit down with the wicked.6 I will wash my hands in innocence, O Lord, *that I may go in procession round your altar,7 Singing aloud a song of thanksgiving *and recounting all your wonderful deeds.8 Lord, I love the house in which you dwell *and the place where your glory abides.9 Do not sweep me away with sinners, *nor my life with those who thirst for blood,10 Whose hands are full of evil plots, *and their right hand full of bribes.11 As for me, I will live with integrity; *redeem me, O Lord, and have pity on me.12 My foot stands on level ground; *in the full assembly I will bless the Lord.orOld TestamentThe GospelMark 10:2-16Some Pharisees came, and to test Jesus they asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of...

Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22Psalm 124 James 5:13-20Mark 9:38-50 The CollectO God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.The First ReadingEsther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22The king and Haman went in to feast with Queen Esther. On the second day, as they were drinking wine, the king again said to Esther, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.” Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have won your favor, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me-- that is my petition-- and the lives of my people-- that is my request. For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. If we had been sold merely as slaves, men and women, I would have held my peace; but no enemy can compensate for this damage to the king.” Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who has presumed to do this?” Esther said, “A foe and enemy, this wicked Haman!” Then Haman was terrified before the king and the queen.Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in attendance on the king, said, “Look, the very gallows that Haman has prepared for Mordecai, whose word saved the king, stands at Haman's house, fifty cubits high.” And the king said, “Hang him on that.” So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the anger of the king abated.Mordecai recorded these things, and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, enjoining them that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar and also the fifteenth day of the same month, year by year, as the days on which the Jews gained relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and presents to the poor.The PsalmPsalm 124Nisi quia Dominus1 If the Lord had not been on our side, *let Israel now say;2 If the Lord had not been on our side, *when enemies rose up against us;3 Then would they have swallowed us up alive *in their fierce anger toward us;4 Then would the waters have overwhelmed us *and the torrent gone over us;5 Then would the raging waters *have gone right over us.6 Blessed be the Lord! *he has not given us over to be a prey for their teeth.7 We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; *the snare is broken, and we have escaped.8 Our help is in the Name of the Lord, *the maker of heaven and earth.orOld TestamentNumbers 11:4-6,10-16,24-29The rabble among them had a strong craving; and the Israelites also wept again, and said, “If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we used to eat in Egypt for nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.”Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, all at the entrances of their tents. Then the Lord became very angry, and Moses was displeased. So Moses said to the Lord, “Why have you treated your servant so badly? Why have I...

The Lessons Appointed for Use on theSunday closest to September 14Proper 19Year BRCLTrack 1 Isaiah 50:4-9aPsalm 116:1-8James 3:1-12Mark 8:27-38The CollectO 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.Old TestamentProverbs 1:20-33Wisdom cries out in the street;in the squares she raises her voice.At the busiest corner she cries out;at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?How long will scoffers delight in their scoffingand fools hate knowledge?Give heed to my reproof;I will pour out my thoughts to you;I will make my words known to you.Because I have called and you refused,have stretched out my hand and no one heeded,and because you have ignored all my counseland would have none of my reproof,I also will laugh at your calamity;I will mock when panic strikes you,when panic strikes you like a storm,and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you.Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;they will seek me diligently, but will not find me.Because they hated knowledgeand did not choose the fear of the Lord,would have none of my counsel,and despised all my reproof,therefore they shall eat the fruit of their wayand be sated with their own devices.For waywardness kills the simple,and the complacency of fools destroys them;but those who listen to me will be secureand will live at ease, without dread of disaster.”The PsalmPsalm 19Caeli enarrant1 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 heavensand runs about to the end of it again; *nothing is hidden from its burning heat.7 The law of the Lord is perfectand revives the soul; *the testimony of the Lord is sureand gives wisdom to the innocent.8 The statutes of the Lord are justand rejoice the heart; *the commandment of the Lord is clearand gives light to the eyes.9 The fear of the Lord is cleanand endures for ever; *the judgments of the Lord are trueand 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...

The Lessons Appointed for Use on theSunday closest to August 31Proper 17Year BRCLTrack 1orTrack 2Song of Solomon 2:8-13Psalm 45:1-2, 7-10James 1:17-27Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 The CollectLord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.Old TestamentSong of Solomon 2:8-13The voice of my beloved!Look, he comes,leaping upon the mountains,bounding over the hills.My beloved is like a gazelleor a young stag.Look, there he standsbehind our wall,gazing in at the windows,looking through the lattice.My beloved speaks and says to me:"Arise, my love, my fair one,and come away;for now the winter is past,the rain is over and gone.The flowers appear on the earth;the time of singing has come,and the voice of the turtledoveis heard in our land.The fig tree puts forth its figs,and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance.Arise, my love, my fair one,and come away."The PsalmPsalm 45:1-2, 7-10Eructavit cor meum1 My heart is stirring with a noble song; let me recite what I have fashioned for the king; * my tongue shall be the pen of a skilled writer.2 You are the fairest of men; * grace flows from your lips, because God has blessed you for ever.7 Your throne, O God, endures for ever and ever, * a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom; you love righteousness and hate iniquity.8 Therefore God, your God, has anointed you * with the oil of gladness above your fellows.9 All your garments are fragrant with myrrh, aloes, and cassia, * and the music of strings from ivory palaces makes you glad.10 Kings' daughters stand among the ladies of the court; * on your right hand is the queen, adorned with the gold of Ophir.orOld TestamentDeuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9Moses said: So now, Israel, give heed to the statutes and ordinances that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live to enter and occupy the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. You must neither add anything to what I command you nor take away anything from it, but keep the commandments of the Lord your God with which I am charging you.You must observe them diligently, for this will show your wisdom and discernment to the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and discerning people!” For what other great nation has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is whenever we call to him? And what other great nation has statutes and ordinances as just as this entire law that I am setting before you today?But take care and watch yourselves closely, so as neither to forget the things that your eyes have seen nor to let them slip from your mind all the days...

1 Kings 8:[1, 6, 10-11], 22-30, 41-43Psalm 84Ephesians 6:10-20John 6:56-69 Joshua 24:1-2a,14-18Psalm 34:15-22Ephesians 6:10-20John 6:56-69The CollectGrant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory 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.Old Testament1 Kings 8:[1, 6, 10-11], 22-30, 41-43[Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the ancestral houses of the Israelites, before King Solomon in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion. Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord to its place, in the inner sanctuary of the house, in the most holy place, underneath the wings of the cherubim. And when the priests came out of the holy place, a cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.]Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands to heaven. He said, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and steadfast love for your servants who walk before you with all their heart, the covenant that you kept for your servant my father David as you declared to him; you promised with your mouth and have this day fulfilled with your hand. Therefore, O Lord, God of Israel, keep for your servant my father David that which you promised him, saying, ‘There shall never fail you a successor before me to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your children look to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me.' Therefore, O God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you promised to your servant my father David.“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house that I have built! Regard your servant's prayer and his plea, O Lord my God, heeding the cry and the prayer that your servant prays to you today; that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you said, ‘My name shall be there,' that you may heed the prayer that your servant prays toward this place. Hear the plea of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place; O hear in heaven your dwelling place; heed and forgive.“Likewise when a foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, comes from a distant land because of your name —for they shall hear of your great name, your mighty hand, and your outstretched arm—when a foreigner comes and prays toward this house, then hear in heaven your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner calls to you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel, and so that they may know that your name has been invoked on this house that I have built.The PsalmPsalm 84Quam dilecta!1 How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts! *My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the Lord;my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.2 The sparrow has found her a houseand the swallow a nest where she may lay her young; *by the side of your altars, O Lord of hosts,my King and my God.3 Happy are they who dwell in your house! *they will always be praising you.4 Happy are the people whose...

1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14Psalm 111Ephesians 5:15-20John 6:51-58 Proverbs 9:1-6Psalm 34:9-14Ephesians 5:15-20John 6:51-58The CollectAlmighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.Amen.Old Testament1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14David slept with his ancestors, and was buried in the city of David. The time that David reigned over Israel was forty years; he reigned seven years in Hebron, and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David; and his kingdom was firmly established.Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David; only, he sacrificed and offered incense at the high places. The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the principal high place; Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I should give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?”It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor all your life; no other king shall compare with you. If you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your life.”The PsalmPsalm 111Confitebor tibi1 Hallelujah!I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, *in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.2 Great are the deeds of the Lord! *they are studied by all who delight in them.3 His work is full of majesty and splendor, *and his righteousness endures for ever.4 He makes his marvelous works to be remembered; *the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.5 He gives food to those who fear him; *he is ever mindful of his covenant.6 He has shown his people the power of his works *in giving them the lands of the nations.7 The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice; *all his commandments are sure.8 They stand fast for ever and ever, *because they are done in truth and equity.9 He sent redemption to his people;he commanded his covenant for ever; *holy and awesome is his Name.10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; *those who act...

August 11th 2024Proper 14Year BRCL2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33Psalm 130Ephesians 4:25-5:2John 6:35, 41-51 1 Kings 19:4-8Psalm 34:1-8Ephesians 4:25-5:2John 6:35, 41-51The CollectGrant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.Old Testament2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33The king, David, ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders concerning Absalom. So the army went out into the field against Israel; and the battle was fought in the forest of Ephraim. The men of Israel were defeated there by the servants of David, and the slaughter there was great on that day, twenty thousand men. The battle spread over the face of all the country; and the forest claimed more victims that day than the sword. Absalom happened to meet the servants of David.Absalom was riding on his mule, and the mule went under the thick branches of a great oak. His head caught fast in the oak, and he was left hanging between heaven and earth, while the mule that was under him went on.And ten young men, Joab's armor-bearers, surrounded Absalom and struck him, and killed him.Then the Cushite came; and the Cushite said, “Good tidings for my lord the king! For the Lord has vindicated you this day, delivering you from the power of all who rose up against you.” The king said to the Cushite, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” The Cushite answered, “May the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise up to do you harm, be like that young man.”The king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept; and as he went, he said, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”The PsalmPsalm 130De profundis1 Out of the depths have I called to you, O Lord;Lord, hear my voice; *let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.2 If you, Lord, were to note what is done amiss, *O Lord, who could stand?3 For there is forgiveness with you; *therefore you shall be feared.4 I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for him; *in his word is my hope.5 My soul waits for the Lord,more than watchmen for the morning, *more than watchmen for the morning.6 O Israel, wait for the Lord, *for with the Lord there is mercy;7 With him there is plenteous redemption, *and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.orOld Testament1 Kings 19:4-8Elijah went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, “Get up and eat.” He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and lay down again. The angel of the Lord came a second time, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you.” He got up, and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty...

Sunday closest to July 27Proper 12Year BRCLTrack 1orTrack 22 Samuel 11:1-15Psalm 14Ephesians 3:14-21John 6:1-21 2 Kings 4:42-44Psalm 145:10-19 Ephesians 3:14-21John 6:1-21The CollectO God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.Old Testament2 Samuel 11:1-15In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab with his officers and all Israel with him; they ravaged the Ammonites, and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.It happened, late one afternoon, when David rose from his couch and was walking about on the roof of the king's house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; the woman was very beautiful. David sent someone to inquire about the woman. It was reported, “This is Bathsheba daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” So David sent messengers to get her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. (Now she was purifying herself after her period.) Then she returned to her house. The woman conceived; and she sent and told David, “I am pregnant.”So David sent word to Joab, “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” And Joab sent Uriah to David. When Uriah came to him, David asked how Joab and the people fared, and how the war was going. Then David said to Uriah, “Go down to your house, and wash your feet.” Uriah went out of the king's house, and there followed him a present from the king. But Uriah slept at the entrance of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and did not go down to his house. When they told David, “Uriah did not go down to his house,” David said to Uriah, “You have just come from a journey. Why did you not go down to your house?” Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah remain in booths; and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field; shall I then go to my house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do such a thing.” Then David said to Uriah, “Remain here today also, and tomorrow I will send you back.” So Uriah remained in Jerusalem that day. On the next day, David invited him to eat and drink in his presence and made him drunk; and in the evening he went out to lie on his couch with the servants of his lord, but he did not go down to his house.In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah. In the letter he wrote, “Set Uriah in the forefront of the hardest fighting, and then draw back from him, so that he may be struck down and die.”The PsalmPsalm 14Dixit insipiens1 The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." *All are corrupt and commit abominable acts;there is none who does any good.2 The Lord looks down from heaven upon us all, *to see if there is any who is wise,if there is one who seeks after God.3 Every one has proved faithless;all alike have turned bad; *there is none who does good; no, not one.4 Have they no knowledge, all those evildoers *who eat up my people like breadand do not call upon...

Mark 6:14-29King Herod heard of Jesus and his disciples, for Jesus' name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias 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.” And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.” Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.

The Lessons Appointed for Use on the2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19Psalm 24Ephesians 1:3-14Mark 6:14-29 Amos 7:7-15Psalm 85:8-13Ephesians 1:3-14Mark 6:14-29The CollectO 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.Old Testament2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. David and all the people with him set out and went from Baale-judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the Lord of hosts who is enthroned on the cherubim. They carried the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cart with the ark of God; and Ahio went in front of the ark. David and all the house of Israel were dancing before the Lord with all their might, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals.So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing; and when those who bore the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling. David danced before the Lord with all his might; David was girded with a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of theLord with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.As the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal daughter of Saul looked out of the window, and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart.They brought in the ark of the Lord, and set it in its place, inside the tent that David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt offerings and offerings of well-being before theLord. When David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the offerings of well-being, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts, and distributed food among all the people, the whole multitude of Israel, both men and women, to each a cake of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins. Then all the people went back to their homes.The PsalmPsalm 24Domini est terra1 The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, *the world and all who dwell therein.2 For it is he who founded it upon the seas *and made it firm upon the rivers of the deep.3 "Who can ascend the hill of the Lord? *and who can stand in his holy place?"4 "Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, *who have not pledged themselves to falsehood,nor sworn by what is a fraud.5 They shall receive a blessing from the Lord *and a just reward from the God of their salvation."6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, *of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob.7 Lift up your heads, O gates;lift them high, O everlasting doors; *and the King of glory shall come in.8 "Who is this King of glory?" *"The Lord, strong and mighty,the Lord, mighty in battle."9 Lift up your heads, O gates;lift them high, O everlasting doors; *and the King of glory shall come in.10 "Who is he, this King of glory?" *"The Lord of hosts,he is the King of glory."orOld...

The Lessons Appointed for Use on theSunday closest to June 22Proper 7Year BRCLTrack 1orTrack 21 Samuel 17: (1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49Psalm 9:9-20or1 Samuel 17:57-18:5, 10-16Psalm 1332 Corinthians 6:1-13Mark 4:35-41Job 38:1-11Psalm 107:1-3, 23-322 Corinthians 6:1-13Mark 4:35-41The CollectO Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving­kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.Old Testament1 Samuel 17: (1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49[The Philistines gathered their armies for battle. And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. He had greaves of bronze on his legs and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron; and his shield-bearer went before him. He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.” And the Philistine said, “Today I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man, that we may fight together.” When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. David rose early in the morning, left the sheep with a keeper, took the provisions, and went as Jesse had commanded him. He came to the encampment as the army was going forth to the battle line, shouting the war cry. Israel and the Philistines drew up for battle, army against army. David left the things in charge of the keeper of the baggage, ran to the ranks, and went and greeted his brothers. As he talked with them, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines, and spoke the same words as before. And David heard him.]David said to Saul, “Let no one's heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father; and whenever a lion or a bear came, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after it and struck it down, rescuing the lamb from its mouth; and if it turned against me, I would catch it by the jaw, strike it down, and kill it. Your servant has killed both lions and bears; and this uncircumcised Philistine...

The Lessons Appointed for Use on theSunday closest to June 15Proper 6Year BRCLTrack 1orTrack 21 Samuel 15:34-16:13Psalm 202 Corinthians 5:6-10,[11-13],14-17Mark 4:26-34 The CollectKeep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.Old Testament1 Samuel 15:34-16:13Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house in Gibeah of Saul. Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the Lord was sorry that he had made Saul king over Israel.The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.' Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.” Samuel did what the Lord commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come peaceably?” He said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord's anointed is now before the Lord.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.The PsalmPsalm 20Exaudiat te Dominus1 May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble, *the Name of the God of Jacob defend you;2 Send you help from his holy place *and strengthen you out of Zion;3 Remember all your offerings *and accept your burnt sacrifice;4 Grant you your heart's desire *and prosper all your plans.5 We will shout for joy

1 Samuel 8:4-11, (12-15), 16-20, (11:14-15)Psalm 1382 Corinthians 4:13-5:1Mark 3:20-35 Genesis 3:8-15Psalm 1302 Corinthians 4:13-5:1Mark 3:20-35The CollectO God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration we may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.Old Testament1 Samuel 8:4-11, (12-15), 16-20, (11:14-15)All the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, and said to him, “You are old and your sons do not follow in your ways; appoint for us, then, a king to govern us, like other nations.” But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to govern us.” Samuel prayed to the Lord, and the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. Just as they have done to me, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so also they are doing to you. Now then, listen to their voice; only—you shall solemnly warn them, and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them.”So Samuel reported all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, “These will be the ways of the king who will reign over you: he will take your sons and appoint them to his chariots and to be his horsemen, and to run before his chariots; [and he will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and some to plow his ground and to reap his harvest, and to make his implements of war and the equipment of his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive orchards and give them to his courtiers. He will take one-tenth of your grain and of your vineyards and give it to his officers and his courtiers.] He will take your male and female slaves, and the best of your cattle and donkeys, and put them to his work. He will take one-tenth of your flocks, and you shall be his slaves. And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves; but the Lord will not answer you in that day.”But the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel; they said, “No! but we are determined to have a king over us, so that we also may be like other nations, and that our king may govern us and go out before us and fight our battles.”[Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingship.” So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal. There they sacrificed offerings of well-being before the Lord, and there Saul and all the Israelites rejoiced greatly.]The PsalmPsalm 138Confitebor tibi1 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with my whole heart; *before the gods I will sing your praise.2 I will bow down toward your holy templeand praise your Name, *because of your love and faithfulness;3 For you have glorified your Name *and your word above all things.4 When I called, you answered me; *you increased my strength within me.5 All the kings of the earth will praise you, O Lord, *when they have heard the words of your mouth.6 They will sing of the ways of the Lord, *that great is the glory of the Lord.7 Though the Lord be high, he cares for the lowly; *he perceives the haughty from...

Acts 2:1-21or Ezekiel 37:1-14Romans 8:22-27or Acts 2:1-21John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15Psalm 104:25-35, 37The CollectAlmighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.or thisO God, who on this day taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.Amen.The First LessonActs 2:1-21When the day of Pentecost had come, the disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs-- in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power." All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" But others sneered and said, "They are filled with new wine."But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:`In the last days it will be, God declares,that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,and your young men shall see visions,and your old men shall dream dreams.Even upon my slaves, both men and women,in those days I will pour out my Spirit;and they shall prophesy.And I will show portents in the heaven aboveand signs on the earth below,blood, and fire, and smoky mist.The sun shall be turned to darknessand the moon to blood,before the coming of the Lord's great and glorious day.Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' "orEzekiel 37:1-14The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. He said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. I will lay sinews on you, and will...

Acts 1:15-17, 21-261 John 5:9-13John 17:6-19Psalm 1The CollectO God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.The First LessonActs 1:15-17, 21-26In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, "Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus-- for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry. So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us-- one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection." So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.The ResponsePsalm 1Beatus vir qui non abiit1 Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked, *nor lingered in the way of sinners,nor sat in the seats of the scornful!2 Their delight is in the law of the Lord, *and they meditate on his law day and night.3 They are like trees planted by streams of water,bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither; *everything they do shall prosper.4 It is not so with the wicked; *they are like chaff which the wind blows away.5 Therefore the wicked shall not stand upright when judgment comes, *nor the sinner in the council of the righteous.6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, *but the way of the wicked is doomed.The Epistle1 John 5:9-13If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his Son. Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts. Those who do not believe in God have made him a liar by not believing in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.The GospelJohn 17:6-19Jesus prayed for his disciples, “I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect...

Acts 10:44-481 John 5:1-6John 15:9-17Psalm 98The CollectO God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.The First LessonActs 10:44-48While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, "Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.The ResponsePsalm 98Cantate Domino1 Sing to the Lord a new song, *for he has done marvelous things.2 With his right hand and his holy arm *has he won for himself the victory.3 The Lord has made known his victory; *his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.4 He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel, *and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.5 Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands; *lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.6 Sing to the Lord with the harp, *with the harp and the voice of song.7 With trumpets and the sound of the horn *shout with joy before the King, the Lord.8 Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, *the lands and those who dwell therein.9 Let the rivers clap their hands, *and let the hills ring out with joy before the Lord,when he comes to judge the earth.10 In righteousness shall he judge the world *and the peoples with equity.The Epistle1 John 5:1-6Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth.The GospelJohn 15:9-17Jesus said to his disciples, “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and...

Acts 8:26-401 John 4:7-21John 15:1-8Psalm 22:24-30The CollectAlmighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.The First LessonActs 8:26-40An angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a wilderness road.) So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot and join it.” So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” He replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this:“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth.In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.”The eunuch asked Philip, “About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?” He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.The ResponsePsalm 22:24-30Deus, Deus meus24 My praise is of him in the great assembly; *I will perform my vows in the presence of those who worship him.25 The poor shall eat and be satisfied,and those who seek the Lord shall praise him: *"May your heart live for ever!"26 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, *and all the families of the nations shall bow before him.27 For kingship belongs to the Lord; *he rules over the nations.28 To him alone all who sleep in the earth bow down in worship; *all who go down to the dust fall before him.29 My soul shall live for him;my descendants shall serve him; *they shall be known as the Lord's for ever.30 They shall come and make known to a people yet unborn *the saving deeds that he has done.The Epistle1 John 4:7-21Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we...

The Lessons Appointed for Use on theThird Sunday of EasterYear BRCLActs 3:12-191 John 3:1-7Luke 24:36b-48Psalm 4The CollectO God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.The First LessonActs 3:12-19Peter addressed the people, “You Israelites, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we had made him walk? The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our ancestors has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and rejected in the presence of Pilate, though he had decided to release him. But you rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked to have a murderer given to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. And by faith in his name, his name itself has made this man strong, whom you see and know; and the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you.“And now, friends, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. In this way God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out.”The ResponsePsalm 4Cum invocarem1 Answer me when I call, O God, defender of my cause; *you set me free when I am hard-pressed;have mercy on me and hear my prayer.2 "You mortals, how long will you dishonor my glory; *how long will you worship dumb idolsand run after false gods?"3 Know that the Lord does wonders for the faithful; *when I call upon the Lord, he will hear me.4 Tremble, then, and do not sin; *speak to your heart in silence upon your bed.5 Offer the appointed sacrifices *and put your trust in the Lord.6 Many are saying, "Oh, that we might see better times!" *Lift up the light of your countenance upon us, O Lord.7 You have put gladness in my heart, *more than when grain and wine and oil increase.8 I lie down in peace; at once I fall asleep; *for only you, Lord, make me dwell in safety.The Epistle1 John 3:1-7See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.Everyone who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him sins; no one who sins has...

Easter DayYear BRCLActs 10:34-43or Isaiah 25:6-91 Corinthians 15:1-11or Acts 10:34-43John 20:1-18or Mark 16:1-8Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24The CollectO God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.or thisO God, who made this most holy night to shine with the glory of the Lord's resurrection: Stir up in your Church that Spirit of adoption which is given to us in Baptism, that we, being renewed both in body and mind, may worship you in sincerity and truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.or thisAlmighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.The First ReadingActs 10:34-43Peter began to speak to Cornelius and the other Gentiles: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ--he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."orIsaiah 25:6-9On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoplesa feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear.And he will destroy on this mountainthe shroud that is cast over all peoples,the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death forever.Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces,and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.The ResponsePsalm 118:1-2, 14-24Confitemini Domino1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *his mercy endures for ever.2...

The Liturgy of the PalmsMark 11:1-11or John 12:12-16Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29The Liturgy of the WordIsaiah 50:4-9aPhilippians 2:5-11Mark 14:1-15:47or Mark 15:1-39, [40-47]Psalm 31:9-16at The Liturgy of the PalmsThe GospelMark 11:1-11When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?' just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.'” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,“Hosanna!Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!Hosanna in the highest heaven!”Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.orJohn 12:12-16The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord— the King of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it is written: “Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion. Look, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!” His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written of him and had been done to him.The PsalmPsalm 118:1-2, 19-29Confitemini Domino1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *his mercy endures for ever.2 Let Israel now proclaim, *"His mercy endures for ever."19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; *I will enter them;I will offer thanks to the Lord.20 "This is the gate of the Lord; *he who is righteous may enter."21 I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *and have become my salvation.22 The same stone which the builders rejected *has become the chief cornerstone.23 This is the Lord's doing, *and it is marvelous in our eyes.24 On this day the Lord has acted; *we will rejoice and be glad in it.25 Hosannah, Lord, hosannah! *Lord, send us now success.26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; *we bless you from the house of the Lord.27 God is the Lord; he has shined upon us; *form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar.28 "You are my God, and I will thank you; *you are my God, and I will exalt you."29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *his mercy endures for ever.at The Liturgy of the WordThe CollectAlmighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to...

Jeremiah 31:31-34Hebrews 5:5-10John 12:20-33Psalm 51:1-13or Psalm 119:9-16The CollectAlmighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.Old TestamentJeremiah 31:31-34The 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.The PsalmPsalm 51:1-13Miserere mei, Deus1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; *in your great compassion blot out my offenses.2 Wash me through and through from my wickedness *and cleanse me from my sin.3 For I know my transgressions, *and my sin is ever before me.4 Against you only have I sinned *and done what is evil in your sight.5 And so you are justified when you speak *and upright in your judgment.6 Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, *a sinner from my mother's womb.7 For behold, you look for truth deep within me, *and will make me understand wisdom secretly.8 Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; *wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.9 Make me hear of joy and gladness, *that the body you have broken may rejoice.10 Hide your face from my sins *and blot out all my iniquities.11 Create in me a clean heart, O God, *and renew a right spirit within me.12 Cast me not away from your presence *and take not your holy Spirit from me.13 Give me the joy of your saving help again *and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.orPsalm 119:9-16In quo corrigit?9 How shall a young man cleanse his way? *By keeping to your words.10 With my whole heart I seek you; *let me not stray from your commandments.11 I treasure your promise in my heart, *that I may not sin against you.12 Blessed are you, O Lord; *instruct me in your statutes.13 With my lips will I recite *all the judgments of your mouth.14 I have taken greater delight in the way of your decrees *than in all manner of riches.15 I will meditate on your commandments *and give attention to your ways.16 My delight is in your statutes; *I will not forget your word.The EpistleHebrews 5:5-10Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,“You are my Son, today I have begotten you”;as he says also in another place,“You are a priest forever, according to the order of...

Numbers 21:4-9Ephesians 2:1-10John 3:14-21Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22The CollectGracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.Old TestamentNumbers 21:4-9From Mount Hor the Israelites set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.” Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.” So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.The PsalmPsalm 107:1-3, 17-22Confitemini Domino1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, *and his mercy endures for ever.2 Let all those whom the Lord has redeemed proclaim *that he redeemed them from the hand of the foe.3 He gathered them out of the lands; *from the east and from the west,from the north and from the south.17 Some were fools and took to rebellious ways; *they were afflicted because of their sins.18 They abhorred all manner of food *and drew near to death's door.19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, *and he delivered them from their distress.20 He sent forth his word and healed them *and saved them from the grave.21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his mercy *and the wonders he does for his children.22 Let them offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving *and tell of his acts with shouts of joy.The EpistleEphesians 2:1-10You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ-- by grace you have been saved-- and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God-- not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.The GospelJohn 3:14-21Jesus said, “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.“For God so loved the...

Exodus 20:1-171 Corinthians 1:18-25John 2:13-22Psalm 19The CollectAlmighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.Old TestamentExodus 20:1-17Then God spoke all these words:I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me.You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. For six days you shall labour and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it.Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.You shall not murder.You shall not commit adultery.You shall not steal.You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.The PsalmPsalm 19Caeli enarrant1 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 heavensand runs about to the end of it again; *nothing is hidden from its burning heat.7 The law of the Lord is perfectand revives the soul; *the testimony of the Lord is sureand gives wisdom to the innocent.8 The statutes of the Lord are justand rejoice the heart; *the commandment of the Lord is clearand gives light to the eyes.9 The fear of the Lord is cleanand endures for ever; *the judgments of the Lord are trueand 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...

Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16Romans 4:13-25Mark 8:31-38Psalm 22:22-30The CollectO God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.Old TestamentGenesis 17:1-7, 15-16When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous.” Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.”The PsalmPsalm 22:22-30Deus, Deus meus22 Praise the Lord, you that fear him; *stand in awe of him, O offspring of Israel;all you of Jacob's line, give glory.23 For he does not despise nor abhor the poor in their poverty;neither does he hide his face from them; *but when they cry to him he hears them.24 My praise is of him in the great assembly; *I will perform my vows in the presence of those who worship him.25 The poor shall eat and be satisfied,and those who seek the Lord shall praise him: *"May your heart live for ever!"26 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, *and all the families of the nations shall bow before him.27 For kingship belongs to the Lord; *he rules over the nations.28 To him alone all who sleep in the earth bow down in worship; *all who go down to the dust fall before him.29 My soul shall live for him;my descendants shall serve him; *they shall be known as the Lord'S for ever.30 They shall come and make known to a people yet unborn *the saving deeds that he has done.The EpistleRomans 4:13-25For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation.For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”) —in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become “the father of many nations,” according to what was said, “So numerous shall your descendants be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own...

First Sunday in LentYear BRCLGenesis 9:8-171 Peter 3:18-22Mark 1:9-15Psalm 25:1-9The CollectAlmighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.Old TestamentGenesis 9:8-17God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”The PsalmPsalm 25:1-9Ad te, Domine, levavi1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul;my God, I put my trust in you; *let me not be humiliated,nor let my enemies triumph over me.2 Let none who look to you be put to shame; *let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes.3 Show me your ways, O Lord, *and teach me your paths.4 Lead me in your truth and teach me, *for you are the God of my salvation;in you have I trusted all the day long.5 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, *for they are from everlasting.6 Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; *remember me according to your loveand for the sake of your goodness, O Lord.7 Gracious and upright is the Lord; *therefore he teaches sinners in his way.8 He guides the humble in doing right *and teaches his way to the lowly.9 All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness *to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.The Epistle1 Peter 3:18-22Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you-- not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.The GospelMark...

2 Kings 2:1-122 Corinthians 4:3-6Mark 9:2-9Psalm 50:1-6The CollectO God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.Old Testament2 Kings 2:1-12When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent.”Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here; for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know; be silent.”Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground.When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” He responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.” As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.The PsalmPsalm 50:1-6Deus deorum1 The Lord, the God of gods, has spoken; *he has called the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.2 Out of Zion, perfect in its beauty, *God reveals himself in glory.3 Our God will come and will not keep silence; *before him there is a consuming flame,and round about him a raging storm.4 He calls the heavens and the earth from above *to witness the judgment of his people.5 "Gather before me my loyal followers, *those who have made a covenant with meand sealed it with sacrifice."6 Let the heavens declare the rightness of his cause; *for God himself is judge.The Epistle2 Corinthians 4:3-6Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus' sake. For it is the God...

Third Sunday after the EpiphanyYear BRCLJonah 3:1-5, 101 Corinthians 7:29-31Mark 1:14-20Psalm 62:6-14The CollectGive us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.Old TestamentJonah 3:1-5, 10The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days' walk across. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day's walk. And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth.When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.The PsalmPsalm 62:6-14Nonne Deo?6 For God alone my soul in silence waits; *truly, my hope is in him.7 He alone is my rock and my salvation, *my stronghold, so that I shall not be shaken.8 In God is my safety and my honor; *God is my strong rock and my refuge.9 Put your trust in him always, O people, *pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge.10 Those of high degree are but a fleeting breath, *even those of low estate cannot be trusted.11 On the scales they are lighter than a breath, *all of them together.12 Put no trust in extortion;in robbery take no empty pride; *though wealth increase, set not your heart upon it.13 God has spoken once, twice have I heard it, *that power belongs to God.14 Steadfast love is yours, O Lord, *for you repay everyone according to his deeds.The Epistle1 Corinthians 7:29-31I mean, brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who have wives be as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no possessions, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.The GospelMark 1:14-20After John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

Deuteronomy 18:15-201 Corinthians 8:1-13Mark 1:21-28Psalm 111The CollectAlmighty 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.Old TestamentDeuteronomy 18:15-20Moses said: The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. This is what you requested of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said: “If I hear the voice of the Lord my God any more, or ever again see this great fire, I will die.” Then the Lord replied to me: “They are right in what they have said. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command. Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. But any prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, or who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded the prophet to speak—that prophet shall die.”The PsalmPsalm 111Confitebor tibi1 Hallelujah!I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, *in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.2 Great are the deeds of the Lord! *they are studied by all who delight in them.3 His work is full of majesty and splendor, *and his righteousness endures for ever.4 He makes his marvelous works to be remembered; *the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.5 He gives food to those who fear him; *he is ever mindful of his covenant.6 He has shown his people the power of his works *in giving them the lands of the nations.7 The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice; *all his commandments are sure.8 They stand fast for ever and ever, *because they are done in truth and equity.9 He sent redemption to his people;he commanded his covenant for ever; *holy and awesome is his Name.10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; *those who act accordingly have a good understanding;his praise endures for ever.The Epistle1 Corinthians 8:1-13Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge; but anyone who loves God is known by him.Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “no idol in the world really exists,” and that “there is no God but one.” Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as in fact there are many gods and many lords— yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.It is not everyone, however, who has this knowledge. Since some have become so accustomed to idols until now, they still think of the food they eat as food offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. “Food will not bring us close to God.” We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if others see you, who possess knowledge, eating in the temple of an idol, might they not, since their conscience is weak, be encouraged to the...

January 14th Service

SERVICE PARTICIPANTS CELEBRANT The Rev. Craig R. Swan, Rector ORGANIST & CHOIR DIRECTOR Tony B. Romeo FLUTE: Katie Fontaine TRUMPET: Nicholas Schleyer TIMPANI: Desiree Glazier-Nazro CHOIR: Carol Cimilluca, Diane Nobles, Lawren Casagrande, Camilla Lee, Eden Casteel, Leslie Roulier, Zoe Robinson, Joan Hudson, Danielle Grilli-Marzan, Maureen Winters-Swan, Linda Adams, Susan Dvorak, Sarah Izzi Hamel, Margret Celico, Frances Alexakos, Britt Bell, Kent Yrchik-Shoemaker, Brian Bannon, Timothy Hoyt, Dan Caramante, Antonio Rodrigues, Ryan DeFranzo, Tavis Morello LECTORS Jane Puerini and Patricia Risica LEMS Patricia Risica and Priscilla Durant USHERS Rich Durant. Bob Risica, Gabby Risica, and Stephen Puerini Ding! Dong! Merrily On High (arr. Poole) Choir What Sweeter Music (Rutter) Eden Casteel, Sarah Izzi Hamel, Danielle Grilli-Marzan, Margret Celico, Linda Adams, Maureen Winter-Swan I Wonder As I Wander Timothy Hoyt Enatus Est Emmanuel (Praetorius, arr. Michaels) Choir In Dulci Jubilo (Trad.) Choir Where Shepherds Lately Knelt (Courtney) Choir Celebrant The glory of God has been revealed. People And all the world shall see the salvation of God. HYMN 83 O Come, All Ye Faithful HYMN OF PRAISE: #87 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing THE FIRST READING Reader A Reading from Isaiah (62:6-12). Upon your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted sentinels; all day and all night they shall never be silent. You who remind the Lord, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it renowned throughout the earth. The Lord has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: I will not again give your grain to be food for your enemies, and foreigners shall not drink the wine for which you have labored; but those who garner it shall eat it and praise the Lord, and those who gather it shall drink it in my holy courts. Go through, go through the gates, prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway, clear it of stones, lift up an ensign over the peoples. The Lord has proclaimed to the end of the earth: Say to daughter Zion, “See, your salvation comes; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.” They shall be called, “The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord”; and you shall be called, “Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.” PSALM 97 The choir will chant the psalm The Lord is King; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of the isles be glad. Clouds and darkness are round about him, righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne. A fire goes before him and burns up his enemies on every side. His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees it and is afraid. The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory. The Lord loves those who hate evil; he preserves the lives of his saints and delivers them from the...

Prelude “But Who May Abide” from Messiah (Handel) Timothy Hoyt, Soloist Entrance Hymn #59 Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding Canticle #437 (10:15am) Tell Out, My Soul Sequence Hymn #601 O Day of God, Draw Nigh Offertory Anthem Awaken and Prepare Us (Hayes) Communion Anthem O Come, Divine Messiah Post-Communion Hymn #72 Hark! The Glad Sound! 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 61:1-4, 8-11 A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah. The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion— to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, to display his glory. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. For I the LORD love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the LORD has blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks CANTICLE 15 (8:00am) The Song of Mary Magnificat Luke 1:46-55 My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; * for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: * the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him * in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, * he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, * and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, * and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, * for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, * to Abraham and his children for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is...

WEEKLY SERVICE SHEET December 10, 2023 The Second Sunday of Advent Prelude “Comfort Ye” from Messiah (Handel) Antonio Rodrigues, Soloist Entrance Hymn #67 Comfort, Comfort Ye My People Sequence Hymn #54 Savior of the Nations, Come Offertory Anthem Isaac Watts' Advent Carol (Martin) Communion Hymn #66 Come Thou Long Expected Jesus Post-Communion Hymn #76 On Jordan's Bank THE COLLECT OF THE DAY Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. FIRST READING Isaiah 40:1-11 A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah. Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins. A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” A voice says, “Cry out!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand for ever. Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep. Reader SECOND READING 2 Peter 3:8-15a A Reading from the Second Letter of Peter. Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed. Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home. Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. Reader The Word of the...

Holy Eucharist December 9, 20234:00 pm St Peter's by-the-Sea, NarragansettThe Right Reverend W. Nicholas Knisely, BishopPRELUDE: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 645 - Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)HYMN 525 The Church's One FoundationOLD TESTAMENT Ecclesiasticus 39:1-8 He seeks out the wisdom of all the ancients, and is concerned with prophecies; he preserves the sayings of the famous and penetrates the subtleties of parables; he seeks out the hidden meanings of proverbs and is at home with the obscurities of parables. He serves among the great and appears before rulers; he travels in foreign lands and learns what is good and evil in the human lot. He sets his heart on rising early to seek the Lord who made him, and to petition the Most High; he opens his mouth in prayer and asks pardon for his sins.If the great Lord is willing, he will be filled with the spirit of understanding; he will pour forth words of wisdom of his own and give thanks to the Lord in prayer. The Lord will direct his counsel and knowledge, as he meditates on his mysteries. He will show the wisdom of what he has learned, and will glory in the law of the Lord's covenant.PSALM 119:33-40 He: Legem poneThe psalm will be sung by the choir. 33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes, * and I shall keep it to the end.34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; * I shall keep it with all my heart.35 Make me go in the path of your commandments, * for that is my desire.36 Incline my heart to your decrees * and not to unjust gain.37 Turn my eyes from watching what is worthless; * give me life in your ways.38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, * which you make to those who fear you.39 Turn away the reproach which I dread, * because your judgments are good.40 Behold, I long for your commandments; * in your righteousness preserve my life.EPISTLE 2 Corinthians 4:1-6Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practise cunning or to falsify God's word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus' sake. For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness', who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. HYMN 508 Breathe on Me Breath of GodTHE GOSPEL Luke 12:35-38 Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to LukePeople Glory to you, Lord ChristBe dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.Deacon The Gospel of the LordPeople Praise to you, Lord ChristTHE...

ST. PETER'S BY-THE-SEA EPISCOPAL CHURCH 72 Central Street | Narragansett, RI 02882 | 401.783.4623 | www.stpetersbythesea.com Entrance Hymn #57 Lo! He Comes With Clouds Descending Sequence Hymn #454 Jesus Came, Adored By Angels Offertory Anthem Waiting For A King (Martin) Communion Anthem Creator of the Stars of Night Post-Communion Hymn #73 The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns 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 64:1-9 A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah. O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence--as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil--to make your name known to your adversaries, so that the nations might tremble at your presence! When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him. You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways. But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed. We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity. Yet, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Do not be exceedingly angry, O LORD, and do not remember iniquity forever. Now consider, we are all your people. Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.

Entrance Hymn #450 All Hail The Power of Jesus' Name Sequence Hymn #435 At the Name of Jesus Offertory Anthem Canon of Praise (Pachelbel, arr. Hopson) Communion Hymn #467 Sing, My Soul, His Wondrous Love Post-Communion Hymn #494 Crown Him With Many Crowns THE COLLECT OF THE DAY Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. FIRST READING Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 A Reading from the Prophet Ezekiel. Thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited parts of the land. I will feed them with good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel shall be their pasture; there they shall lie down in good grazing land, and they shall feed on rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord GOD. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice. Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD to them: I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. Because you pushed with flank and shoulder, and butted at all the weak animals with your horns until you scattered them far and wide, I will save my flock, and they shall no longer be ravaged; and I will judge between sheep and sheep. I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. And I, the LORD, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them; I, the LORD, have spoken. Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. PSALM Psalm 95:1-7a Venite, exultemus 1 Come, let us sing to the LORD; * let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving * and raise a loud shout to him with psalms. 3 For the LORD is a great God, * and a great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the caverns of the earth, * and the heights of the hills are his also. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, * and his hands have molded the dry land. 6 Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, * and kneel before the LORD our Maker. 7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand SECOND READING Ephesians 1:15-23 A Reading from the letter to the Ephesians. I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in...