Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Holy Eucharist
November 12, 2023
10:00 am
Prelude Welcome
Go Down, Moses (Bradley Baker and Grace Mauk)
Traditional The Rev. Dr. Stephen Applegate
Please rise.
Opening Hymn
Immortal Invisible God Only Wise
The Hymnal 1982 #423
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Collect of the Day Priest: People: Priest:
Prayers for an Inclusive Church by Stephen Shakespeare
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray.
Holy God, whose fire of love never goes out: free us from the fear of scarcity that keeps us out of love’s own feast; renew our trust in your abundance which knows no death and keeps no count; through Jesus Christ, the oil of gladness. Amen. Please be seated.
The First Reading Reader:
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
A reading from Joshua.
Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel; and they presented themselves before God. And Joshua said to all the people, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Long ago your ancestors—Terah and his sons Abraham and Nahor—lived beyond the Euphrates and served other gods. Then I took your father Abraham from beyond the River and led him through all the land of Canaan and made his offspring many. “Now therefore revere the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Then the people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods; for it is the Lord our God who brought us and our ancestors up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight. He protected us along all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed; and the Lord drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God.” But Joshua said to the people, “You cannot serve the Lord, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm, and consume you, after having done you good.” And the people said to Joshua, “No, we will serve the Lord!” Then Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the Lord, to serve him.” And they said, “We are witnesses.” He said, “Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.” The people said to Joshua, “The Lord our God we will serve, and him we will obey.” So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and made statutes and ordinances for them at Shechem. Reader: People:
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
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The Psalm
Psalm 78:1-7
Psalms for Praying by Nan Merrill
The cantor will offer the first line and the congregation is invited to join on the second.
Listen well, O peoples of the earth, to inner promptings of the Spirit; Let Silence enter your house that you may hear! For within your heart Love speaks: not with words of deceit, But of spiritual truths to guide you upon the paths of peace. Do not hide this from your children; teach of the inward Voice, and help all generations to listen in the Silence, That they may know the Beloved and be free to follow the precepts of Love. For the Spirit of Truth is written upon open hearts, that we might share the Divine Plan, And model to the children Love’s way as we have been shown; That each new generation might honor Silence, the children yet unborn. Herein lies the hope of the future: to live as co-creators with the great Creator, Not like those who live in ignorance too impatient to wait for Love’s word, Whose spirits are not faithful to their birthright of Love.
The SECOND READING
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Reader: A reading from First Thessalonians. We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel's call and with the sound of God's trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. Reader: People:
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
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Sequence
Take, O Take Me As I Am
MHSO #46
Please rise. Sung 3 times.
The Gospel Deacon: People:
Matthew 25:1-13
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Matthew. Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said, “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” Deacon: People:
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Sermon
The Rev. Dr. Stephen Applegate
Please rise as you are able.
Affirmation of Faith
The United Church of Canada
We are not alone, we live in God's world. We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God. We are called to be the Church: to celebrate God's presence, to live with respect in Creation, to love and serve others, 5
to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God. Amen.
The Prayers of the People Intercessor:
People: Intercessor:
People: Intercessor: People: Intercessor:
People: Intercessor:
People: Intercessor: People: Intercessor:
People: Intercessor:
Iona Community & Eggs and Ashes Spirit of fire, inflame in us a passion for justice and equality. That we may know the cleansing of our prejudices and fears and proclaim your freedom, boldly caressing your Earth with humility. Hear our prayers for freedom and justice for all. Spirit of compassion, infuse us with your longings for wholeness and deep joy. That we may reach out to those who are hurting and alienated, enfolding one another with your love and tenderness. Hear our prayers for healing and wholeness. Spirit of wisdom, be within us in our journeying, gently guiding us along life giving paths. That we may be led towards transformation and new beginnings in our world. Hear our prayers for courage to begin again.
Spirit of gentleness, touch us anew, releasing in us all that we are afraid of in this uncertain time. That we may know your acceptance of us, and freely accept and embrace others. Hear our prayers for peace and acceptance. Spirit of power, hold us in our powerlessness. That we may know your strength and become a voice for the voiceless, healing for the wounded and empowerment for the weak, and lost, and confused. Hear our prayers for mercy and grace. Spirit of judgement, be tender with us and show us your mercy. That we may humbly learn of you and not be afraid to be your prophets in the world. Hear our prayers for the gift of witness. Spirit of comfort, draw near to us in all grief, confusion and pain; in your graciousness, bring hope, consolation and renewal. That many may look inside and out and discover you in the midst. Hear our prayers for consolation and comfort.
People:
Spirit of dance, be our playfulness and source of deep joy. That we may leap and laugh and enter moments of new life as we work to breathe deeply again. Hear our prayers for gifts of life and joy.
Intercessor: People:
Give us confidence in life and assurance in death. In God’s many names we pray, AMEN.
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The Confession of Sin & Absolution
Wonderings Through Life and Other Such Nonsense Priest: The prophet speaks of the coming light of God which calls all the people of the earth to come together in God’s realm of shalom. Let us confess the ways in which we have rejected God’s vision of wholeness. Silence may be kept. Priest and People: God of light and darkness, we have seen the glimmer of your star-light beckoning to us, but we have turned away and followed other paths. We confess that we have not loved you with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. Forgive us, Holy One. Strengthen our faltering steps and guide us in your holy way of peace. Priest: People:
Lift up your eyes and see the grace of God poured out into our lives. The light of God shines through the darkness. Our hearts rejoice for Christ is in our midst. Amen.
THE PEACE Deacon: People:
The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you.
Announcements Offertory Invitation Loose offerings (cash or checks) can be placed in the Offertory Plate as it is passed during the Offertory or deposited in our Giving Box stationed at the back of the sanctuary. 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
Why We Sing Trinity Choir and Larry Meyer
Kirk Franklin
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The Liturgy of the Table Celebrant: People: Celebrant: People: Celebrant: People:
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 our thanks and praise.
Enriching Our Worship
We thank you for calling us to an adventure of faith. You made us in your image to respond to your grace; your story came alive with the children of Israel, of Leah and Rachel, of Zilpah and Bilhah and a promise was born that one day no face would be forgotten, no body enslaved, no spirit broken, but all would join the covenant of life. You sent your Son in solidarity with us, healing our sickness and confronting demons; he bore the cross and rose again to disclose our true humanity. Therefore with all your unlikely saints, with the church of many times and languages, with those who have known you under different names, we sing the glorious liberty of all the children of God:
Sanctus
Mass of Glory by Ken Canedo and Bob Hurd
They
Glory and honor are yours, Creator of all, your Word has never been silent; you called a people to yourself, as a light to the nations, you delivered them from bondage and led them to a land of promise. Of your grace, you gave Jesus to be human, to share our life, to proclaim the coming of your holy reign and give himself for us, a fragrant offering. Through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, you have freed us from sin, brought us into your life, reconciled us to you, and restored us to the glory you intend for us. 8
We thank you that on the night before he died for us Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, gave it to his friends and said: “Take, eat, this is my Body, broken for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper Jesus took the cup of wine, said the blessing, gave it to his friends and said: “Drink this, all of you: this cup is the new Covenant in my Blood, poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.” And so, remembering all that was done for us: the cross, the tomb, the resurrection and ascension, longing for Christ’s coming in glory, and presenting to you these gifts your earth has formed, and human hands have made, we acclaim you, O Christ: Celebrant and People Dying, you destroyed our death. Rising, you restored our life. Christ Jesus, come in glory! Send you Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts of bread and wine that they may be to you the Body and Blood of your Christ. Grant that we, burning with your Spirit’s power, may be a people of hope, justice and love. Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, we worship you our God and Creator in voices of unending praise. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
Francis Macnab And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we pray this version of the Lord’s Prayer: Dear One, closer to us than our own hearts, farther from us than the most distant star, you are beyond naming. May your powerful presence become obvious not only in the undeniable glory of the sky, but also in the seemingly base and common processes of the earth. Give us what we need, day by day, to keep body and soul together, because clever as you have made us, we still owe our existence to you. We recognize that to be reconciled with you, we must live peaceably and justly with other human beings, putting hate and bitterness behind us. We are torn between our faith in your goodness and our awareness of the evil in your creation, so deliver us from the temptation to despair.
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Yours alone is the universe and all its majesty and beauty. Good caring presence within us, around us, and above us, hold us in a sense of mystery and wonder. Let the fullness of your goodness be within us and around us. Let all the world know your ways of caring and generosity. May we find we have all we need to meet each day without undue anxiety. Please overlook our many stupidities— and please help us to release everyone from their stupidities. And, may we all know that we are accepted. Strengthen us that we will reach [to be our] best, always with the faith to rise above the ugly realities of our existence. We celebrate the gifts you have given us: the rich kingdom of life’s possibilities, and the power to do good, and the triumphs of good, and the moments when we have seen the glory and wonder of everything. You are life’s richness. You are life’s power. You are life’s ultimate meaning. Amen.
The Fraction: Breaking of the Bread Celebrant: People: Celebrant:
We break this bread to share in the Body of Christ. We who are many are one body, for we all share in the one bread. 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. Please let us know if you would like the bread brought to you or if you would like a gluten free option.
Communion Music
Please see insert.
The Post Communion Prayer (Please rise.) Celebrant: Let us pray. May we who have been fed at Wisdom’s table take her welcome out to where tables are reserved and doors are closed; May the spirit drive us to break our bread on the altar of the world. Amen.
Blessing May the rain fall off your shoulders when you’re caught in a storm. When the frost comes a callin’ may it find you safe and warm. May your place be set, and may your promises be kept. And may you never forget that you are loved. 10
Sending Hymn
By and By
LEVAS #207
Dismissal Deacon: People:
Postlude
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord! Thanks be to God! Allegro - from Concerto #5 (Ken Stoops, organ)
G. F. Handel
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Trinity’s Daily Bread- As a community of faith, we are called to love and be loved; to serve and be served, to give and to receive. In short, we don’t want anyone to “fall behind or drop out.” In this season of connecting in new ways, we are introducing Trinity’s Daily Bread. Please let us know if you need prayer, assistance, or connection by filling out our Daily Bread form on our website, www.trinitytoledo.org!
Trinity Episcopal Church Vestry Leadership Donna Steppe, Sr. Warden, Jeffrey Albright, Jr. Warden Karen Keune, Clerk, Margaret Baehren, Treasurer Dennis Degnan, Becky Koskinen, Gary Franklin Fritz Hany, Leah Reed & Jamie Paul
Parish Staff The Rev. Dr. Stephen Applegate, Interim Rector Father Robert Gahler, Retired Episcopal Priest The Rev. Meribah Mansfield, Deacon Heather Meyer, Director of Operations George Benson, Director of Community Engagement Chelsie Cree, Director of Music and The Arts Grace Mauk, Assistant Director of Music and the Arts ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & COPYRIGHT INFO: Collect of the Day: Prayers for an Inclusive Church, Steven Shakespeare. Readings and Gospel from: Revised Common Lectionary: lectionarypage.net. Psalm: Psalms for Praying, Nan Merrill. Affirmation of Faith: The United Church of Canada Prayers of the People: Iona Community & Eggs and Ashes Confession: Wonderings Through Life and Other Such Nonsense The Great Thanksgiving: Prayer 3, Enriching Our Worship and Steven Shakespeare’s Prayers for the Inclusive Church. Lord’s Prayer: Francis Macnab. Bulletin Image: Created on Canva. Fraction, Breaking of the Bread: Enriching Our Worship.All printed music from The Hymnal 1982, Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing, My Heart Sings Out, Wonder, Love, and Praise was used by permission through purchase of ritesong.org. All other printed music permission through purchase of CCLI Copyright license #20577215 Size B Streaming License #20577284 Size B Secular music permission through purchase of CCS WORSHIPcast Copyright license #13190 All printed music from Gather permission through purchase of onelicense.net License # A-700000.
TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH PROGRESSIVE INCLUSIVE CREATIVE
DOWNTOWN
316 Adams Street, Toledo, OH 43604 (419) 243-1231 www.trinitytoledo.org Facebook.com/TrinityEpiscopalToledo