September 27 - 6:00pm

September 27, 2020

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.

Down at the Cross, African American Spiritual

Down at the cross where my savior died
Down where for cleansing from sin I cried
There to my heart was the blood applied
Glory to His name.
Singin' glory to His name
Glory to His name.
There to my heart was the blood applied
Glory to His name.

Please stand.

The Collect of the Day

Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People
And also with you. 
Celebrant
Let us pray.

O 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. People Amen.

The Word of God

The First Reading, Exodus 17:1-7

The People sit.

From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. The people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” So Moses cried out to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” The Lord said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.

The Gradual, Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16

Hear my teaching, O my people; * incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

I will open my mouth in a parable; * I will declare the mysteries of ancient times.

That which we have heard and known, and what our forefathers have told us, * we will not hide from their children.

We will recount to generations to come the praiseworthy deeds and the power of the Lord, * and the wonderful works he has done.

He worked marvels in the sight of their forefathers, * in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.

He split open the sea and let them pass through; * he made the waters stand up like walls.

He led them with a cloud by day, * and all the night through with a glow of fire.

He split the hard rocks in the wilderness * and gave them drink as from the great deep.

He brought streams out of the cliff, * and the waters gushed out like rivers.

The Second Reading, Philippians 2:1-13

If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death - even death on a cross.

Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father.

Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.

You're Gonna Need Somebody on Your Bond, Blind Willie Johnson

You're gonna need somebody on your bond.
You're gonna need somebody on your bond.
When it's late in the evening and death comes knocking at your door.
You're gonna need somebody on your bond.

Mary and Martha over by the riverside.
Mary said to Martha, look at the river deep and the water wide.
And Moses, faithful Moses, used his staff to draw water from the stone.
Saying, You’re gonna need somebody on your bond.

I was raised across the street from the church with the tree.
And that old gospel music got a hold on me.
And Jesus, loving Jesus, might have lay down to take his rest.
But he's gonna get right up, when you need somebody on your bond.

Please stand for the Holy Gospel.

The Holy Gospel, Matthew 21:23-32

Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

When Jesus entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

“What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.

Deacon The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Sermon, by The Reverend Andrew R. Thayer

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 Michael Atkins, Walker Beery, Katie Bourg, Kevin Chestnut, John Courvoisier, Marli Davis, G.G. Griswold, Bennett Harris, Nancy Haslett, Teresa Kelleher, Robert Keyser, 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 and anniversaries this week. We give thanks for the birth of James “Bennett” Harris, child of Shelly and Gregory.

We pray for Trinity Loaves and Fishes and all of our mission partners, Culture Aid NOLA and Loaves and Fishes Africa. We pray for all those who have been 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. We pray for LeeAnn Hovis, Alyce Gordon, Darby Hoffmeister, and Ellie Gardner from our parish who are participating in Happening #84 at the Solomon Center.

In the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana we pray for St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church and School, Houma 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, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Duncan Jones, 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.

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word or deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not  loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

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 Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

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. 

Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning, African American Spiritual

Sisters, won’t you keep on praying, brothers, keep on praying. Sisters, won’t you keep on praying, look and see what the Lord has done.

Children, don’t grow weary, mothers, don’t grow weary. Fathers, don’t grow weary, look and see what the Lord has done.

Keep your lamps trimmed and burning. Look and see what the Lord has done.

Darker midnight lies before us. Look and see what the Lord has done.

Lo, the morning soon is breaking. Look and see what the Lord has done.

Keep your lamps trimmed and burning. Look and see what the Lord has done.

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.