Morning Prayer The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday, July 30, 2017, 9:30 am

St. Stephen's Episcopal ChurchGrand Island’s Oldest Community of Faith

Welcome to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church –a faith community of the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska.

The Episcopal Church:Rooted in Scripture, tradition and reason

Wherever you are on your faith journey, you are welcome.We’re glad to see you today, invite you to return, and become a member!

Today Next Week: August 6 Celebrant Kaeleigh Post Fr. Robert Preacher Kaeleigh Post Fr. RobertMusician Todd GuthrieVerger Dave Jepson Dave Jepson/Edwin LewisAcolyte Raegen Hillman Xavier Briseno & Collin JepsonAltar Guild Rhonda Hillman Susan CameronLector Reiley Hillman Ryan JepsonPrayers Susan Cameron Colton BergSubdeacon None Raegen HillmanUshers Mike Timmerman/Rich Webb Ethan Briseno & Naleah BaierCounters Sam & Joan Barton Sam & Joan BartonVestry Kevin Hillman Barbara GravesCoffee Hour Volunteers YouthAltar Flowers None Bud RasmussenSandwich Crew ECW &Volunteers Youth

422 W. 2nd Street, Grand Island, NebraskaMailing Address: P. O. Box 2317, 68802-2317

FrRobert@ststephengi.org 308-382-4961 www.ststephengi.orgMusic reprinted by copyright license CCLI# 1054482

Please silence all electronic devices and maintain an atmosphere of quiet prayer before the service starts.

Officiant: This is the day that the Lord has made. People: Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Confession of SinThe Officiant says to the people

Dearly beloved, we have come together in the presence of Almighty God our heavenly Father, to set forth his praise, to hear his holy Word, and to ask, for ourselves and on behalf of others, those things that are necessary for our life and our salvation. And so that we may prepare ourselves in heart and mind to worship him, let us kneel (or stand) in silence, and with penitent and obedient hearts confess our sins, that we may obtain forgiveness by his infinite goodness and mercy.Silence may be kept.

Officiant and People together, all kneeling or standing

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and 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 Priest stands and says:Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

The Invitatory and Psalter All stand

Officiant    Lord, open our lips. People       And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. 

Officiant and PeopleGlory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

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as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

Jubilate (Psalm 100)

Be joyful in the Lord, all you lands; *     serve the Lord with gladness     and come before his presence with a song.Know this: The Lord himself is God; *     he himself has made us, and we are his;     we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise; *     give thanks to him and call upon his Name.For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; *     and his faithfulness endures from age to age.

Then follows

Psalm 1281 Happy are they all who fear the Lord, *and who follow in his ways!

2 You shall eat the fruit of your labor; *happiness and prosperity shall be yours.

3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house, *your children like olive shoots round about your table.

4 The man who fears the Lord *shall thus indeed be blessed.

5 The Lord bless you from Zion, *and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.

6 May you live to see your children's children; *may peace be upon Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy SpiritAs it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

The First LessonA Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans, chapter 8, verses 26-39:

The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large

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family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.

What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all day long;we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Here ends the Lesson.

The Song of Zechariah   (Stand)            Luke 1: 68-79Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *     he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *     born of the house of his servant David. Through his holy prophets he promised of old, that he would save us from our enemies, *     from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers *     and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, *     to set us free from the hands of our enemies, Free to worship him without fear, *     holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, *     for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, To give his people knowledge of salvation *     by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God *     the dawn from on high shall break upon us, To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, *     and to guide our feet into the way of peace.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 Second Lesson (sit)

A Reading from the Gospel according to Matthew the 13th chapter, verses 31-33,44-52Jesus put before the crowds another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air

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come and make nests in its branches.”

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

“Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

Here ends the Lesson.

A Song of Faith (Stand)          1 Peter 1:3-4, 18-21

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, * by divine mercy we have a new birth into a living hope;

Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, * we have an inheritance that is imperishable in heaven.

The ransom that was paid to free us * was not paid in silver or gold,

But in the precious blood of Christ, * the Lamb without spot or stain.

God raised Jesus from the dead and gave him glory * so that we might have faith and hope in God.

The Apostles' Creed (Stand)Officiant and People together, all standing

I believe in God, the Father almighty,     creator of heaven and earth; I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.     He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit         and born of the Virgin Mary.     He suffered under Pontius Pilate,         was crucified, died, and was buried.     He descended to the dead.     On the third day he rose again.     He ascended into heaven,         and is seated at the right hand of the Father.     He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit,     the holy catholic Church, 

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    the communion of saints,     the forgiveness of sins    the resurrection of the body,     and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Suffrages The People stand or kneelOfficiant    The Lord be with you. People       And also with you. Officiant    Let us pray.

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.

V.    Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance; R.    Govern them and uphold them, now and always.V.    Day by day we bless you; R.    We praise your name for ever. V.    Lord, keep us from all sin today; R.    Have mercy upon us, Lord, have mercy. V.    Lord, show us your love and mercy; R.    For we put our trust in you. V.    In you, Lord, is our hope; R.    And we shall never hope in vain.

The Collect of the DayO 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 loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Sermon Kaeleigh PostBirthday and Anniversary PrayersThe Prayers of God’s People Please kneel or stand.  The Leader and People pray responsively.

My brothers and sisters in Christ let us pray to our Lord for our own needs, the needs of others, and the entire world.We pray for the leaders of the world, especially Donald, our President, Pete, our Governor, Jeremy, our Mayor, our legislators and judges and all in authority, that we may know peace and be governed rightly.

Let us pray for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness (1 Timothy 2:2)

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We pray for the leaders of the church, especially Justin, the Archbishop of Canterbury; Michael, the Presiding Bishop; Scott, our Bishop; Robert, our Rector, Greg, our Diaconal candidate, and Kaeleigh as she discerns her call to ministry.

“For the lips of priests ought to preserve knowledge, and from their mouths the people should seek instruction – because they are the messengers of the LORD Almighty. (Malachi 2:7)

We pray that you would fill us with your spirit and give us the gifts needed to do the ministries you call us to have.

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain” (John 15:16)

We pray for the poor and disenfranchised, especially the unemployed of Grand Island, the victims of addiction and domestic violence, and those who care for them. Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute…defend the rights of the poor and needy. (Proverbs 31:8-9)

We pray for a revival of your Church in this place, a pouring out of your Holy Spirit, and true repentance and amendment of life that we may come to know you and better make you known.

Come, and let us return to the LORD; for He has torn, but He will heal us. (Hosea 6:1)

We pray that you would make us better evangelists, with lips to confess boldly the work of Christ in our hearts and our lives having changed.

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:38)

We ask you to hold our military in the palm of your hand, keeping them free from danger as they protect our country, strengthen and protect them day-by-day.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. (Psalm 91:11)

We pray for the sick and those in need, those on our parish prayer list, and any you may now mention.Pause

The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven (James 5:15)

We pray for the faithful departed, that they may see you face to face, and reward them with your riches in glory.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” (Psalm 116:15)Silence

Celebrant: Lord, hear the prayers of your people; and what we have asked faithfully, grant that we may obtain effectually, to the glory of your Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Musical Offering During this time a collection is taken.

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The General Thanksgiving

Officiant and PeopleAlmighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.

A Prayer of St. ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.

Then may be saidLet us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

The GraceThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.    2 Corinthians 13:14

Announcements

Recession

(Please give Kaeleigh feedback during coffee hour about her sermon. We are all a part of her ordination

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discernment. A formal discernment committee will begin meeting in September)

Be sure to pick up your copy of the

August issue of The Guide on your way

out of church today.

Attendance and Finance Summary

7/23 Attendance: 98 2017 Avg: 78 2016 Avg: 727/23 Offering: $2,979.95 Expenses: $4,429.54

On Our Prayer List

Those celebrating birthdays: Dave Beck, Pam Hirschkorn, Byron Moore, George Wheat

Those celebrating anniversaries: Dave & Barb Beck, Joe and Ronna Kutlas

Those in need of healing or other concerns: Anne, Corinne, Ellen, Jan, Jason, Jerre, Joan, Ken, Les, Mary, Shoukri, Tibb, Tim, Vera, YvonneThose serving in the military: Cathleen, Dan, Jake, Lucas, Sean, Seth, Tim, TylerDiocesan Cycle of Prayer: St Alban’s, McCook, The Rev’d Brad Brauer, Priest-in-Charge, Santa Margarita, Santo Domingo, DR, Jesus Maestro, Tamboril, DRAnglican Cycle of Prayer: Diocese of Pennsylvania, The Rt. Rev’d Clifton Daniel, Bishop & the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the Rt. Rev’d Dorsey W. McConnell, Bishop

Fr. Robert is out of town until Sunday, August 6th

This Week’s EventsToday – Sunday, July 30 9:30 am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary) & Coffee Hour (Parish Hall)

12–1 pm Sandwich Sunday (Parish Hall)1:00 pm Arabic Worship (Sanctuary)

Tomorrow – Monday, July 31 6:45 pm AA Study Group (Parish Hall)

8:15 pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting (Parish Hall)Tuesday, August 1

NO MASS TODAY (Fr. Robert out of town)9

Wednesday, August 28:15 pm Young

Procrastinators AA Meeting (Parish Hall) Thursday, August 3

No Scheduled EventsFriday, August 4

8:15 pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting (Parish Hall)Saturday, August 5 12:00 pm Sudanese Bible Study (Parish Hall)

4:00 pm Saturday Supper (Messiah, 122 W. 7th Street)Sunday, August 6

9:30 am Holy Eucharist (Sanctuary) & Coffee Hour (Parish Hall)

12–1 pm Sandwich Sunday (Parish Hall)1:00 pm Arabic Holy Eucharist (Sanctuary) 2:30 pm Holy Eucharist (Riverside Lodge Chapel)

The Collect for the Future of St. Stephen’sAlmighty God, we ask you to guide and inspire Saint Stephen’s Church in a time of questioning: Help us to cast all of our care on you and admit we cannot be your people without your intervention. Teach us to look to you for the hard answers to the deep problems we face. Open our hearts to new and fresh possibilities so very different from the ones that worked in years past. Help us to take inventory of what are the essential parts of our mission, and what are simply preferences we must live without. Help us to grow in new and unforeseen directions while learning to live within our means. For this is your Church, and it is your Power that will transform us and it is your Kingdom we seek. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

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