HOLY EUCHARIST FOR THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021, 10:30 AM SERVICE

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Holy Eucharist, Rite II
September 5, 2021, 10:30 a.m.

Welcome to St. Titus’ Episcopal Church

We’re glad you’re here! For the safety of all in attendance, you are required to wear a mask throughout the service, with the exception of a few seconds when you put the host into your mouth. Lectors are permitted to remove their masks while reading, as is the preacher.
Remember that no gathering can be completely safe. The COVID vaccine remains your best protection against contracting COVID-19. If you are able to be vaccinated, we urge you to do so.

* * *

Prelude: Voluntary on Ein Feste Burg arr. Gordon Young (1919-1998)

Welcome

Opening Hymn: Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, v. 1 Hymnal 1982 #376

Joyful, joyful, we adore thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
hearts unfold like flowers before thee,
praising thee, their sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
drive the dark of doubt away;
giver of immortal gladness,
fill us with the light of day.

The Celebrant says,
Blessed be God: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

The Celebrant then continues
There is one Body and one Spirit;
People: There is one hope in God’s call to us;
Celebrant: One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism;
People: One God and Father of all.

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 Celebrant says to the people
The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray.

Collect for the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

First Reading Isaiah 35:4-7a

Reader: A Reading from Isaiah

Say to those who are of a fearful heart,
‘Be strong, do not fear!

Here is your God.
He will come with vengeance,

with terrible recompense.
He will come and save you.’

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

then the lame shall leap like a deer,
and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.

For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,
and streams in the desert;

the burning sand shall become a pool,
and the thirsty ground springs of water;

Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God

Psalm 146

Lauda, anima mea

1 Hallelujah!
Praise the Lord, O my soul! *
I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

2 Put not your trust in rulers, nor in any child of earth, *
for there is no help in them.

3 When they breathe their last, they return to earth, *
and in that day their thoughts perish.

4 Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help! *
whose hope is in the Lord their God;

5 Who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them; *
who keeps his promise for ever;

6 Who gives justice to those who are oppressed, *
and food to those who hunger.

7 The Lord sets the prisoners free;
the Lord opens the eyes of the blind; *
the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;

8 The Lord loves the righteous;
the Lord cares for the stranger; *
he sustains the orphan and widow,
but frustrates the way of the wicked.

9 The Lord shall reign for ever, *
your God, O Zion, throughout all generations.
Hallelujah!

Second Reading James 2:1-10, [11-13], 14-17

Reader: A Reading from James

My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here, please,” while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit at my feet,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not they who drag you into court? Is it not they who blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over you?

You do well if you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.[ For the one who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery but if you murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.]

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.

Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God

Sequence Hymn: Jesu, Jesu, vv. 1, 2, 3 LEVAS #74

Refrain:
Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love,
show us how to serve the neighbors
we have from you.

1 Kneels at the feet of his friends,
silently washes their feet,
Master who acts as a slave to them. [Refrain]

2 Neighbors are rich and poor,
neighbors are black and white,
neighbors are near and far away. [Refrain]

3 These are the ones we should serve,
these are the ones we should love;
all these are neighbors to us and you. [Refrain]

Gospel Mark 7:24-37

The Deacon says
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark.
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” But she answered him, “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Then he said to her, “For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.” So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure, saying, “He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”

After the Gospel the Deacon says
The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Sermon The Right Reverend Anne Hodges-Copple

The Renewal of Baptismal Vows

Celebrant: Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?
People: I do.

Celebrant: Do you believe in God the Father?
People: I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

Celebrant: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People:
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Celebrant: Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People:
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.

Celebrant: Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
People: I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant: Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People: I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant: Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People: I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant: Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People: I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant: Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People: I will, with God’s help.

The Celebrant concludes the Renewal of Vows as follows
May Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and bestowed upon us the forgiveness of sins, keep us in eternal life by his grace, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Celebrant says
Ever-present and compassionate God, you care for all persons with your unconditional divine love, and you extend your liberating grace to all peoples: Open our hearts to be strong and fearless in the pursuit of justice and relief, especially on behalf of the poor and the stranger, as we pray: You care for near and far alike; liberate your children from their oppression.

Litanist: Gracious and loving God, you have called your Church to follow the royal law to love our neighbors as ourselves: Empower our witness of reconciliation that we may speak gracefully to those whose ears cannot yet hear the Good News of God’s love and may serve generously those whose mouths cannot yet proclaim your grace.

You care for near and far alike;
liberate your children from their oppression.

You guide the leaders of the nations to show mercy and to eschew partiality: Free from their bondage those whose lot is only the leftovers and crumbs, and empower those who struggle to live on what falls from their masters’ tables.

You care for near and far alike;
liberate your children from their oppression.

You embrace with your compassion, O God, those whom some call dogs and others who are poor or dishonored: Heal and comfort all who are in weakness or in need throughout the world.

You care for near and far alike;
liberate your children from their oppression.

You have chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom: Reconcile our community that we may be people of radical hospitality, welcoming native and foreigner, rich and poor, without distinction or partiality.

You care for near and far alike;
liberate your children from their oppression.

You withhold your healing presence from no one: Honor our prayers for all who are in need, especially ________________.

[You may add your own intercessions at this time.]

You call us to share in your work of reconciliation and freedom. We thank you for the many ministries of this congregation: our work of worship, outreach, education, service, and fellowship. Hear our joy as we give you thanks, especially for ___________________________.

[You may add your own thanksgivings at this time.]

You keep your promise for ever; hear our prayers for those who have died, especially ______________________.

You care for near and far alike;
liberate your children from their oppression.

Celebrant: Gracious and living God, your loving care reaches to the ends of the earth, rescuing those who live in bondage and fear: Open our eyes and ears to your call of compassion, that we may joyfully share in your eternal life, and bring all humanity into the goodness of your Spirit, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

The Deacon or Celebrant says,
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept.

Minister and People
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 Bishop when present, or the Priest, stands and says
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

The Peace

Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.

The Ministers and People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.

Welcome and Announcements

The Great Thanksgiving

Eucharistic Prayer A

The people remain standing. The Celebrant, whether bishop or priest, faces them and sings or says
The Lord 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 him thanks and praise.

Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Because in Jesus Christ our Lord you have received us as your sons and daughters, made us citizens of your kingdom, and given us the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

Celebrant and People:
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and 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.

The people stand or kneel.

Then the Celebrant continues
Holy and gracious Father: 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 Father of all.

He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it, or to lay a hand upon it; and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing wine to be consecrated.

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, 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 we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Celebrant and People:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.

The Celebrant continues
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.

Recalling his 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 him. 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 your Son Jesus Christ: 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 forever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

As our Savior Christ has taught us we are bold to say,

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 the Bread

The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.

A period of silence is kept.

Then may be sung or said
Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

Facing the people, the Celebrant says the following Invitation
The Gifts of God for the People of God.

Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

The Celebrant will distribute the consecrated bread to those present. Due to COVID precautions, we are not sharing the cup at this time.

For those of you who are participating in this celebration of Holy Eucharist from a different location, we invite you to pray with these words during the distribution of the holy sacrament:

A Prayer for Spiritual Communion
In union, O Lord, with your faithful people at every altar of your Church, where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, I desire to offer to you praise and thanksgiving. I remember your death, Lord Christ; I proclaim your resurrection; I await your coming in glory. Since I cannot receive you today in the Sacrament of your Body and Blood, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. Cleanse and strengthen me with your grace, Lord Jesus, and let me never be separated from you. May I live in you, and you in me, in this life and in the life to come. Amen.

The Celebrant says
Let us pray.

Celebrant and People
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.

Blessing

The Celebrant says
The peace of God, that passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of God’s Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.; and the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

Deacon: Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
People: Thanks be to God.

Closing Hymn: Praise Him! Praise Him!, v. 1 AAHH #178

1 Praise Him! praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
Sing, O earth– His wonderful love proclaim!
Hail Him! hail Him! highest archangels in glory,
Strength and honor give to His holy name!
Like a shepherd Jesus will guard His children–
In His arms He carries them all day long:

Refrain:
Praise Him! praise Him!
Tell of His excellent greatness!
Praise Him! praise Him! ever in joyful song!

There will not be a Zoom coffee hour today so that those present at the church can visit with Bishop Anne.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Today we welcome Bishop Anne Hodges-Copple, Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of North Carolina. As a Covid-19 precaution we have “scaled down” the reception we would normally hold for a bishop’s visit. Those who are attending the service in person are invited to visit with Bishop Anne, outside, after the service. There will be boxed lunches available for you to take home and enjoy since eating in groups is not recommended at this time.

A big thank you to Janice Williams who will sing the hymns during the service today. The congregation is invited to sing the closing hymn.

The flowers on the altar today are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for many blessings by Dr. Sharon Taylor and Mr. Willie Covington.

By now you know that the 9:00 am service has moved to 8:30 am. The 10:30 am service time will not change. What will change is that the service will no longer be exclusively online. You will be able to register to attend in person if you wish. If you choose to attend in person, please remember that you will need to wear a mask covering both your nose and mouth at all times that you are inside the church building. We ask that you not attend in person if you feel unwell or display any COVID symptoms. Please help us keep St. Titus’ safe for all. You may register for in-person services on the St. Titus’ website.

Intergenerational Christian Formation: Catechist Donna Smith will lead a study on Christianity – Our Jewish Roots & Heritage on Sunday mornings from 9:30 am until 10:20 am. The program is for both youth (10 years and older) and adults. The study will begin on September 19. Registration is required. You may register by following the registration link in the weekly email, or by emailing Rev. Yancy or Jack, our administrative assistant. We will need to limit the number of participants, so please register quickly. Please see Donna Smith or Rev. Stephanie with any questions.

Labor Day Hours: The church office will be closed on Monday, September 6 for Labor Day.

Support St. Titus’: If you would like to support our ministries you can make an online donation here: https://secure.myvanco.com/YQQT/home . Or you can mail or hand-deliver a check to St. Titus’ at 400 Moline St., Durham, NC, 27707. Thank you!

Stay in Touch: To receive weekly email announcements from St. Titus’, email Jack at st.titussecretary@gmail.com or sign up by following this link: http://eepurl.com/htIWIr .
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