Prelude
Opening Acclamation
Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
The Celebrant continues
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Glory to the Father, the Spirit, and the Son
Glory to the Father, the Spirit and the Son.
If it's not about Love, it's not about God.
Glory to the Father, the Spirit and the Son.
Please stand.
The Collect of the Day
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. People Amen.
The Word of God
The First Reading, Exodus 16:2-15
The People sit.
The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”
Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days.” So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you shall know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your complaining against the Lord. For what are we, that you complain against us?” And Moses said, “When the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, because the Lord has heard the complaining that you utter against him—what are we? Your complaining is not against us but against the Lord.”
Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, ‘Draw near to the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.’“ And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. The Lord spoke to Moses and said, “I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’“
In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
The Gradual, Psalm 145:1-8
I will exalt you, O God my King, * and bless your Name for ever and ever.
Every day will I bless you * and praise your Name for ever and ever.
Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; * there is no end to his greatness.
One generation shall praise your works to another * and shall declare your power.
I will ponder the glorious splendor of your majesty * and all your marvelous works.
They shall speak of the might of your wondrous acts, * and I will tell of your greatness.
They shall publish the remembrance of your great goodness; * they shall sing of your righteous deeds.
The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, * slow to anger and of great kindness.
The Second Reading, Philippians 1:21-30
To me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.
Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well-- since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
If God Loves the Fool / Pandemic Blues, Chip Wilson
If we're here when this is over, we will turn our long night into day and if God loves the fool, maybe we'll be ok.
It's quiet in the streets you can clearly hear the waterman's horn blowing three short whistles, sounds so lonesome and forlorn, and if God loves the fool, maybe we will be reborn.
When we finally go to Texas I'm prepared to drive at lease half the way. If you take the other half we'll be through San Antonio before the light of day. If God loves the fool, maybe we'll get through ok.
The industrial smoke is clearing, you can smell those red beans cooking in the air - It's Monday in New Orleans, red beans cooking everywhere. If God loves the fool, there'll be red beans cooking everywhere.
If we're still here in the morning we can watch the sun turn the night to day. And if God loves the fool, maybe we'll come through ok.
Please stand for the Holy Gospel.
The Holy Gospel, Matthew 20:1-16
Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Deacon The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon, by The Reverend Jane-Allison Wiggin-Nettles
Please stand.
The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The Prayers of the People, Form VI
The Leader and People pray responsively
Leader In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
Leader For all people in their daily life and work;
People For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
Leader For this community, the nation, and the world;
People For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
Leader For the just and proper use of your creation;
People For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
Leader For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
People For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
Leader For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
People For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
Leader For Michael our Presiding Bishop, Morris our Bishop; and for all bishops and other ministers;
People For all who serve God in his Church.
Leader For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
We ask healing comfort for Walker Beery, Jerry Bratton, Katie Bourg, Marli Davis, Linda Diaz, G.G. Griswold, Bennett Harris, Nancy Haslett, Teresa Kelleher, Gary Lee, Joy Meade, Walker Beery, Jerry Bratton, Katie Bourg, Marli Davis, Linda Diaz, G.G. Griswold, Bennett Harris, Nancy Haslett, Teresa Kelleher, Gary Lee, Joy Meade, Medora Monogold, Macon Riddle, Janet Tallerine, Bill Trufant and others you would name.
Leader Hear us Lord;
People For your mercy is great.
We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life especially for those who celebrate birthdays We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life especially for those who celebrate birthdays and anniversaries this week. We pray for Trinity Loaves and Fishes and all of our mission partners, especially Loaves and Fishes Africa. We pray for all those who affected by the recent hurricanes and fires and wind storms and for the first responders who are working toward prevention and recovery.
We pray especially for Carrie Wright who is in Seminary. In the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana we pray for The Solomon Episcopal Conference Center, and for the Worldwide Anglican Communion.
Leader We will exalt you, O God our King;
People And praise your Name for ever and ever.
Leader We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom, We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom, especially Hope Meeks, and victims of violence in our city this week, Frank Bedell, Hope Meeks, and victims of violence in our city this week, Frank Bedell, Haushon Miller, and Kahlil Allen.
Leader Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;
People Who put their trust in you.
Leader We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.
The Confession of Sin
The People stand or kneel.
Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; in your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone; and so uphold us by your Spirit that we may live and serve you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Peace
Announcements
The Holy Communion
The Great Thanksgiving (Prayer B)
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Lift up your hearts
People We lift them to the Lord.Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give God thanks and praise.
It is right and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
The Celebrant proceeds with the Proper Preface.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Sanctus
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
The People stand or kneel.
We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
On the night before he died for us, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me."
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me."
Therefore, according to his command, O Father,
Celebrant and People We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory;
And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your
creation, this bread and this wine.
We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.
By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.
Celebrant Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; People Therefore let us keep the feast.
A Prayer of Spiritual Communion
Celebrant In communion with those who are participating online, and cannot physically receive the Sacrament, we pray:
O my Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Holy Sacrament, and, since I cannot at this time receive communion, I pray you to come into my heart. I unite myself with you and embrace you with all my heart, my soul, and my mind. Let nothing separate me from you; let me serve you in this life until, by your grace, I come to your glorious kingdom and unending peace. Amen.
The Invitation
Celebrant The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died and was raised for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
The Communion of the People
Please note that communion distribution will be very different for the foreseeable future. As you approach the altar area, everyone must use the hand sanitizer station before receiving communion. The consecrated hosts will be in a paper cup on the altar. As you approach the altar, please take one paper cup. Once you have consumed the communion, you will place the paper cup in the receptacle located near the altar.
I Wish I Was in Heaven Sitting Down, African American Spiritual
Well I wish I was in Heaven sitting down.
Wish I was in Heaven sitting down.
Lord, Angel, Oh my Lord,
Wish I was in Heaven sitting down.
Take away my sin and give me grace.
Take away my sin and give me grace.
Lord, Angel, Oh my Lord,
Wish I was in Heaven sitting down.
The Post Communion Prayer
All stand.
Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Blessing
The Dismissal
Celebrant Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
People Thanks be to God.
