Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Holy Eucharist
November 19, 2023
10:00 am
Prelude Welcome
Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee
arr. by Eleanor Whitsett The Rev. Dr. Stephen Applegate
Please rise.
Opening Hymn
I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light
The Hymnal 1982 #480
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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.
Merciful God resisting the iron fist which reaps where it did not sow: give us the courage to accept your faith in us and compassion to stand with all who are cast aside; through Jesus Christ, who became nothing that we might have everything. Amen. Please be seated.
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The First Reading Reader:
Judges 4:1-7
A reading from Joshua.
The Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, after Ehud died. So the Lord sold them into the hand of King Jabin of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor; the commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-ha-goiim. Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help; for he had nine hundred chariots of iron, and had oppressed the Israelites cruelly twenty years. At that time Deborah, a prophetess, wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the Israelites came up to her for judgment. She sent and summoned Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali, and said to him, “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you, ‘Go, take position at Mount Tabor, bringing ten thousand from the tribe of Naphtali and the tribe of Zebulun. I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin’s army, to meet you by the Wadi Kishon with his chariots and his troops; and I will give him into your hand.’” Reader: People:
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
The Psalm
Psalm 123
Psalms for Praying by Nan Merrill
The cantor will offer the first line and the congregation is invited to join on the second.
To You I lift up my spirit, You, who are enthroned in every heart! For, as the young child holds tightly the hand of its parent, As those in the throes of disease look to one who brings comfort, So our spirits seek the Heart of Love, that we might find mercy and forgiveness. Have mercy on us, O Compassionate One, have mercy, that we might turn from our blind and ignorant ways. Too long our souls have been veiled by fear and illusion, Have mercy, lead us to the path of wholeness, that we may know the abiding Peace of the Beloved.
The SECOND READING
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Reader: A reading from First Thessalonians. Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober; for those who sleep, sleep at night, 4
and those who are drunk get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing. Reader: People:
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Sequence
Take, O Take Me As I Am
MHSO #46
Please rise. Sung 3 times.
The Gospel Deacon: People:
Matthew 25:14-30
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Matthew. Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said, “It is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the 5
one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 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, 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:
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. 6
Intercessor:
People: Intercessor: People: Intercessor:
People: Intercessor:
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. You are invited to offer your intersessions either spoken aloud or silently in your hearts. (Silence is kept.) May many 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.
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 7
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
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence Courtney Rahe, Bradley Baker and the Trinity Choir
arr. Gustav Holst
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
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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. 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
Bill Wallace And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we pray this version of the Lord’s Prayer: O most Compassionate Life-giver, may we honor and praise you; May we work with you to establish your new order of justice peace and love; Give us what we need for growth, And help us, through forgiving others, to accept forgiveness. Strengthen us in the time of testing, that we may resist all evil, For all tenderness, strength and love are yours, now and forever. Amen.
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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
In the Garden
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.
Sending Hymn
O God, Our Help in Ages Past
The Hymnal 1982 #680 See next page.
Dismissal Deacon: People:
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord! Thanks be to God!
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Sending Hymn
O God, Our Help in Ages Past
The Hymnal 1982 #680
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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: Bill Wallace. 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