August 29, 2021 | Youth Sunday | 14th Sunday after Pentecost
14th Sunday after Pentecost | 9 a.m. | St. Martin’s Episcopal Church | Williamsburg VA
The Word of God
Prelude Mattie Smith
Opening Hymn Gather Us In
- Here in this place new light is streaming. Now is the darkness vanished away.
See in this space our fears and our dreamings. Brought here to you in the light of this day.
Gather us in, the lost and forsaken. Gather us in, the blind and the lame.
Call to us now and we shall awaken. We shall arise at the sound of our name. - We are the young, our lives are a mystery. We are the old who yearn for your face.
We have been sung throughout all of history. Called to be light to the whole human race.
Gather us in, the rich and the haughty. Gather us in, the proud and the strong.
Give us a heart so meek and so lowly. Give us the courage to enter the song. - Here we will take the wine and the water. Here we will take the bread of new birth. Here you shall call your sons and your daughters. Call us anew to be salt for the earth. Give us to drink the wine of compassion. Give us to eat the bread that is you. Nourish us well and teach us to fashion. Lives that are holy and hearts that are true.
- Not in the dark of buildings confining. Not in some heaven light years away.
But here in this place the new light is shining. Now is the kingdom, now is the day.
Gather us in and hold us forever. Gather us in and make us your own.
Gather us in, all peoples together. Fire of love in our flesh and our bones.
Opening Acclamation
Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
The Collect for Purity (together) 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.
Gloria Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; You are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
The Collect of the Day The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. Lord 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.
The First Reading Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 Moses 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 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 of your life; make them known to your children and your children’s children. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 15 (in unison)
Lord, who may dwell in your tabernacle? * who may abide upon your holy hill? Whoever leads a blameless life and does what is right, * who speaks the truth from his heart. There is no guile upon his tongue; he does no evil to his friend; * he does not heap contempt upon his neighbor. In his sight the wicked is rejected, * but he honors those who fear the Lord. He has sworn to do no wrong * and does not take back his word. He does not give his money in hope of gain, * nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things * shall never be overthrown.
The Second Reading James 1:17-27 Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures. You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act-they will be blessed in their doing. If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
The Gospel Acclamation Celtic Alleluia
The Gospel Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark. Glory to you, O Christ.
When the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it; and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles.) So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” He said to them, “Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.’ You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.” Then he called the crowd again and said to them, “Listen to me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.” For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
The Sermon Mattie Smith
A period of silence follows the sermon.
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
Loving and caring God, we pray for all people who embrace Your Glory, that Your followers help to teach about Your love and grace. Loving Creator. Hear our prayer. We pray for our world, all nations and all who are in authority, that they would make wise decisions with compassionate hearts. Loving Creator. Hear our prayer. We pray that all creatures of the Earth are healthy, well-fed and loved and protected. We also ask that we work to bring about the end of all discrimination whether based on race, gender expression, sexuality, class, differing abilities or ethnicity. Loving Creator. Hear our prayer. We pray that you help us to solve the scarcity of shelter, food, health care, clothes and other basic needs in our local community and others throughout the world. Loving Creator. Hear our prayer. We pray for those who suffer in mind, body, or spirit, especially those who suffer in silence, that they may not be alone. We pray for Joan, Katherine, Gwen, Carol, Kellie and John, Gini, Sandy, Ben, Bill, Keebe, Sharon, and Mal. The congregation may add their own petitions at this time either aloud or silently. Loving Creator. Hear our prayer. We pray for those are deceased and no longer physically with us, especially the American service members who lost their lives in Afghanistan, that they find their way safely to heaven. The congregation may add their own petitions at this time either aloud or silently. Loving Creator. Hear our prayer.
Confession of Sin 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 Absolution
The Peace and Announcements
The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you.
The Holy Communion
The Offertory Anthem The Gift of Love Isabella Roesch
The Great Thanksgiving Eucharistic Prayer B
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. 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. For you are the source of light and life, you made us in your image, and called us to new life in Jesus Christ our Lord. 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:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power, God of 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. Hosanna in the highest.
We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
On the night before he died for us, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.” Therefore, according to his command, O Father,
We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory;
And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine. We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with Martin and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. 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 Bread
Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
The Invitation
The Gifts of God for the People of God.
Communion Hymn Blest are they
- Blest are they, the poor in spirit. Theirs is the kingdom of God.
Blest are they, full of sorrow. They shall be consoled
Refrain: Rejoice and be glad. Blessed are you; holy are you.
Rejoice and be glad. Yours is the Kingdom of God.
2 Blest are they, the lowly ones. They shall inherit the earth.
Blest are they, who hunger and thirst. They shall have their fill. Refrain
3 Blest are they who show mercy. Mercy shall be theirs.
Blest are they, the pure of heart. They shall see God. Refrain
4 Blest are they who seek peace. They are the children of God.
Blest are they who suffer in faith. The glory of God is theirs. Refrain
5 Blest are you who suffer hate, all because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, yours is the kingdom. Shine for all to see. Refrain
The Post-Communion Prayer
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 Closing Hymn Lord of the Dance
1 I danced in the morning when the world was begun, and I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun, and I came down from heaven and I danced on the earth, at Bethlehem I had my birth.
Refrain: Dance, then, wherever you may be, I am the Lord of the Dance, said he,
and I’ll lead you all, wherever you may be, and I’ll lead you all in the Dance, said he.
2 I danced for the scribe and the pharisee, but they would not dance and they wouldn’t follow me. I danced for the fishermen, for James and John. They came with me and the Dance went on. Refrain
3 I danced on the Sabbath and I cured the lame; the holy people said it was a shame. They whipped and they stripped and they hung me on high, and they left me there on a cross to die. Refrain
4 I danced on a Friday when the sky turned black. It’s hard to dance with the devil on your back. They buried my body and they thought I’d gone, but I am the Dance, and I still go on. Refrain
5 They cut me down and I leapt up high; I am the life that’ll never, never die; I’ll live in you if you’ll live in me—I am the Lord of the Dance, said he. Refrain
The Dismissal
Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit. Thanks be to God.
“Alleluia, alleluia” is only said during Easter season.
The flowers on the altar are given in loving memory of Dale A. Russell on his birthday and in celebration of the day of Kay Russell’s baptism! Do you know what your baptism date is?
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Williamsburg VA 23185 www.martinburg.org