The Reign of Christ Holy Eucharist
November 26, 2023
10:00 am
Prelude Welcome
Grateful for/Amen (piano version)
Natalie Layne Father Robert Gahler
Please rise.
Opening Hymn
All Are Welcome
The Hymnal 1982 #480
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Collect of the Day Priest: People: Priest:
Prayers for an Inclusive Church by Steven Shakespeare
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray.
Destitute king, one with the hungry, the naked and the scorned: may our faith be proved not in dogma or piety but in serving you in the last and the least; through Jesus Christ, the stranger’s Lord. Amen. Please be seated.
The First Reading Reader:
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
A reading from Ezekiel.
Thus says the Lord God: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited parts of the land. I will feed them with good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel shall be their pasture; there they shall lie down in good grazing land, and they shall feed on rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord God. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice. Therefore, thus says the Lord God to them: I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. Because you pushed with flank and shoulder, and butted at all the weak animals with your horns until you scattered them far and wide, I will save my flock, and they shall no longer be ravaged; and I will judge between sheep and sheep. I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. And I, the Lord, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them; I, the Lord, have spoken. Reader: People:
The Psalm
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Psalm 95:1-7a
Psalms for Praying by Nan Merrill
The cantor will offer the first line and the congregation is invited to join on the second.
O come, let us sing to the most High Creator of the Cosmos; let us make a joyful song to the Beloved!
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Let us come to the Radiant One with thanksgiving, with gratitude let us offer our psalms of praise! For the Beloved is Infinite, the Breathing Life of all. The depths of the earth belong to Love; the height of the mountains, as well. The sea and all that is in it, the dry land and air above were created by Love. O come, let us bow down and give thanks, let us be humble before the Blessed One!
The SECOND READING
Ephesians 1:15-23
Reader: A reading from Ephesians. I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. 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 25:31-46
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Matthew. Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said, “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he 4
will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Deacon: People:
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Sermon
Father Robert Gahler
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.
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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. 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.
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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
Stand in the Light
arr. Roger Emerson
(Trinity Choir)
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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
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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. 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 your 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.
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.
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Communion Music
We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing
The Hymnal 1982 #433
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. 10
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
We Are Called
GIA Publications
Dismissal Deacon: People:
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord! Thanks be to God! 11
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