Artist statement: "When I was asked to write an artist statement about how the process of my work took place it is very difficult because I like to allow my work to show exactly what I was thinking without any explanation.
When I first read the lesson from Matthews gospel it sounded simple: a mother trying to do everything possible to care for her child. But it filled me with confusion and anxiety, even a sense of injustice. This woman was judged by Jesus because of her nationality, and because she was a woman brazen enough to approach him for help.
After a brief conversation, he saw what was in her heart, and he cared for her. Was this the human side of Jesus who was ready to deny her ? The collage I created is a series of torn pieces of paper, because I felt it best described the marginalized, the almost invisible people she represents.
What I hoped to show it was a world filled with the forgotten and invisible people, but all also the arrogance and the judgment that Jesus first displayed, an arrogance we too often display ourselves. Every placement of the image had a purpose - just as every person has a purpose on this earth, whether we agree or disagree.
We have our community; we surround ourselves with love, we live within what makes us comfortable; we rarely see the marginalized, let alone care for them . I hope this collage makes you think; that it makes you uncomfortable and gives you the courage to look past your own community of safety and comfort to support the invisible.
To resolve the tension in the collage and in the story of the Canaanite woman, I wanted to create an image that would show the kin-dom where we are all loved and held in the hands of God. The copper foil is a soft and impressionable art material. It speaks to me of God’s acceptance of us. I hope that is the faith Jesus praises in the woman as he heals her daughter."
Prelude Panis Angelicus César Franck (Courtney Rahe, Chelsie Cree and Grace Mauk)
Welcome Father Robert Gahler
Opening Hymn Gather Us In Lead Me, Guide Me 2nd Edition #676
Collect of the Day
Priest: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Priest: Let us pray.
The Revised Common Lectionary
Almighty 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. Amen.
The First Reading Genesis 45:1-15
Reader: A reading from Genesis.
Joseph could no longer control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Send everyone away from me.” So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it. Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence.
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me.” And they came closer. He said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years; and there are five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not delay. You shall settle in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, as well as your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. I will provide for you there since there are five more years of famine to come so that you and your household, and all that you have, will not come to poverty.’ And now your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my own mouth that speaks to you. You must tell my father how greatly I am honored in Egypt, and all that you have seen. Hurry and bring my father down here.” Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, while Benjamin wept upon his neck. And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them; and after that his brothers talked with him..
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
The cantor will offer the first line and the congregation joins on the second.
Oh, how good and pleasant it is, when brethren live together in unity!
It is like fine oil upon the head that runs down upon the beard,
Upon the beard of Aaron, and runs down upon the collar of his robe.
It is like the dew of Hermon that falls upon the hills of Zion. For there the Lord has ordained the blessing: life for evermore.
The SECOND READING
Reader: A reading from Romans.
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Please rise. Sing through 3 times.
The Gospel Matthew 15: 10-20, 21-28
Deacon: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Matthew. People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” Then the disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.” But Peter said to him, “Explain this parable to us.” Then he said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.”
Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Musical Reflection: “For Good” From Wicked by Stephen Schwartz
Affirmation of Faith (Please rise.) Bruce D. Prewer
We believe in the God of Jesus of Nazareth, who blesses the meek, the poor and the persecuted, exalts the least and saves the lost.
We believe in the Holy One whose beloved Child, Jesus the Christ, pleased God far more than tongue or pen can ever tell.
We believe in the baptized Christ, and the community of love and hope which grew around his word and witness.
We believe that he is the first citizen of a new race, where the entry fee is Divine grace, and the ground rules are shaped by love.
We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, by whom old things find new birth, and new things grow on to maturity, and the dead receive regeneration.
We believe in one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and in the limitless life which flows for the healing of the nations. Amen.
The Prayers of the People Ministry of Justice and Reconciliation
Intercessor: God of love, we pray for your church: For all our ministers: bishops, priests, deacons and all lay members; and for all who seek you in the community of the faithful. Equip us with compassion and love, to carry out your work of reconciliation in the world. God of love, People: Hear our prayers for the church.
Intercessor: God of freedom, we pray for our nation, and all the nations of the world: For peace and unity across barriers of language, color, and creed; for elected and appointed leaders, that they would serve the common good. Inspire all people with courage to speak out against hatred, to actively resist evil. Unite the human family in bonds of love. God of freedom, People: Hear our prayers for the world.
Intercessor: God of justice, we pray for the earth, your creation entrusted to our care: For the animals and birds, the mountains and oceans, and all parts of your creation that have no voice of their own. Stir up in us a thirst for justice that protects the earth and all its resources, that we may leave to our children’s children the legacy of beauty and abundance that you have given us. God of justice, People: Hear our prayers for the earth.
Intercessor: God of peace, we pray for this community: For our local leaders; for our schools and markets; for our neighborhoods and workplaces. Kindle in every heart a desire for equality, respect, and opportunity for all. Give us courage to strive for justice and peace among all people, beginning here at home. God of peace, People: Hear our prayers for this community.
Intercessor: God of mercy, we pray for all in any kind of need or trouble: For those whose lives are closely linked with ours, and those connected to us as part of the human family. For refugees and prisoners; for the sick and suffering, the lonely and despairing; for those facing violence; for all held down by prejudice or injustice. Awaken in us compassion and humility of spirit, as we seek and serve Christ in all persons. God of mercy, People: Hear our prayers for all who are in need.
Intercessor: God of grace, we pray for those who have died: For the faithful in every generation who have worked for justice; for prophets who called us to racial reconciliation; for martyrs who died because of hatred; and for all the communion of saints. Make us faithful to your call to proclaim your Good News, by word and example, and bring us at last into the glorious company of the saints in light. God of grace, People: Hear our prayers for those who have died. Amen.
The Confession of Sin Enriching Our Worship
Celebrant: Let us confess our sins to God.
God of all mercy,
We confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your will in our lives. We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and in the world you have created. We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done and the evil done on our behalf. Forgive, restore, and strengthen us through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we may abide in your love and serve only your will. Amen.
Absolution
Celebrant:
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
THE PEACE
Deacon: The peace of Christ be always with you. People: And also with you.
Announcements & Offertory Invitation
Loose offerings (cash or checks) can be placed in the Offertory Plate when it is passed. To give online, use the attached QR code or visit www.trinitytoledo.org/online-giving/, choose GIVE NOW and today’s date. You can also text the word “Give” to 419-OMG-LOVE (419-664-5683) to make your weekly offering.
Offertory Laudamus Te from Gloria by Antonio Vivaldi (Courtney Rahe, Chelsie Cree and Grace Mauk)
Eucharistic Prayer Book of Common Prayer (Expansive Language Version)
Celebrant: God 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 our thanks and praise.
Celebrant:
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Almighty God, 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.
Wondrous are you, Holy One of Blessing, all you create is a sign of hope for our journey; and so as the morning stars sing your praises we join the heavenly beings and all creation as we shout with joy:
Sanctus
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Holy and gracious God: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and maker and ofall.
Jesus stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Savior 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 Jesus 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 we proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Wecelebrate the memorial of our redemption, Almighty God, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in Christ.
Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Savior. By Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty God, now and for ever. AMEN.
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray:
The Fraction: Breaking of the Bread Enriching Our Worship
Celebrant: We break this bread to share in the Body of Christ
People: We who are many are one body, for we all share in the one bread.
Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the people of God; holy food for holy people.
Invitation to Communion
Please be seated until you are invited to come forward to receive communion. We offer both bread and non-alcoholic wine at the time of communion. BREAD- please extend your hands to receive a piece of bread (or ask for a gluten-free cracker) WINE- we ask that you drink from the chalice as it is offered to you. Please let an usher know if you would like the bread/wine brought to you and if you would like a gluten free option.
Offered by Grace Mauk
