Holy Eucharist for the Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost, October 31, 2021, 8:30 am & 10:30 am Services

The Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
October 31, 2021
St. Titus’ Episcopal Church
400 Moline St., Durham, NC 27707

Welcome to St. Titus’ Episcopal Church

Whether you are here for the first time or your family has been part of St. Titus’ for generations, whether you’re here in person or watching online, the Holy Spirit has brought you to this place. We’re glad you’re here! Our Mission and Vision Statements are printed below. You can learn more about this faith community on our website, sttitusdurham.org. Our rector, Rev. Stephanie, or our deacons, Rev. Sarah and Rev. Mawethu, would be happy to talk with you about who we are and what we do at St. Titus’. We invite you to join us on our journey of faith.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

St. Titus’ is a diverse and growing community committed to walking with Christ by serving others, pursuing justice and welcoming all.

OUR VISION STATEMENT

God dreams for St. Titus’ to be sacred ground where all of God’s children experience the unconditional love of Jesus. In faithful response, we will offer Spirit-filled worship where people from diverse backgrounds encounter God. As an intergenerational community, we will deepen our faith through sharing scripture, Christian tradition and our own experience. We will be open and authentic with one another, and respond to the needs of our neighbors with compassion and creativity. Our passion for God’s justice and peace will compel us to become agents for social, political, and economic transformation. St. Titus’ will be Beloved Community.

Serving Today: October 31, 2021

8:30 am
Celebrant: The Rev. Stephanie Yancy
Preacher: The Rev. Stephanie Yancy
Deacons: The Rev. Deacon Sarah Woodard, The Rev. Deacon Mawethu Ncaca
First Lesson: David Ross
Epistle: Mary Hawkins
Intercessor: David Stanford
Altar Guild: Hazel Brown, Alexine Miller, Marguerite Peebles, & Willette Crews

10:30 am
Celebrant: The Rev. Stephanie Yancy
Preacher: The Rev. Stephanie Yancy
Deacons: The Rev. Deacon Sarah Woodard, The Rev. Deacon Mawethu Ncaca
First Lesson: Hannah Bowman
Epistle: Gloria Drew
Intercessor: Keith Bishop
Altar Guild: Hazel Brown, Alexine Miller, Marguerite Peebles, & Willette Crews
Tech Team: Yvette Matthews, Chuck Hennessee, Livio Carnera

The Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost
Holy Eucharist, Rite II
October 31, 2021 at 8:30 am (without music) and 10:30 am

Prelude

Welcome

Hymn: Praise to the living God, Hymnal 1982 #372

Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen.

The celebrant says
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Gloria (spoken)

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.
Collect for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your gift that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that we may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

First Reading Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Moses said: Now this is the commandment–the statutes and the ordinances–that the Lord your God charged me to teach you to observe in the land that you are about to cross into and occupy, so that you and your children and your children’s children, may fear the Lord your God all the days of your life, and keep all his decrees and his commandments that I am commanding you, so that your days may be long. Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe them diligently, so that it may go well with you, and so that you may multiply greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you.

Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

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

Psalm Psalm 119:1-8

Beati immaculati

1 Happy are they whose way is blameless, *
who walk in the law of the Lord!

2 Happy are they who observe his decrees *
and seek him with all their hearts!

3 Who never do any wrong, *
but always walk in his ways.

4 You laid down your commandments, *
that we should fully keep them.

5 Oh, that my ways were made so direct *
that I might keep your statutes!

6 Then I should not be put to shame, *
when I regard all your commandments.

7 I will thank you with an unfeigned heart, *
when I have learned your righteous judgments.

8 I will keep your statutes; *
do not utterly forsake me.

Second Reading Hebrews 9:11-14

When Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), he entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls, with the sprinkling of the ashes of a heifer, sanctifies those who have been defiled so that their flesh is purified, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God!

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

Sequence Hymn: Help us, O Lord, to learn, Hymnal 1982 #628

Gospel Mark 12:28-34

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

One of the scribes came near and heard the Sadducees disputing with one another, and seeing that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’; and ‘to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,’ and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself,’ —this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question.

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

Sermon The Reverend Stephanie Yancy

The Nicene Creed

[Please stand as you are able.]

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Celebrant says,
Loving and gracious God, you have taught us to love you with all our heart and soul and mind and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves: Hear us as we express our love through prayer and intercession, saying: Alleluia! Sing to God a new song; sing praise in the congregation of the faithful.

Litanist: Eternal and Majestic One, you have raised Christ our High Priest into the Holy Place, obtaining eternal redemption for your people: Guide the Church and purify our conscience from dead works to worship you, the living God.

Alleluia! Sing to God a new song;

sing praise in the congregation of the faithful.

Almighty Ruler of All, guide all in authority to exercise their power with a commitment to compassion and justice, for you take pleasure in the people, and you adorn the poor with victory.

Alleluia! Sing to God a new song;

sing praise in the congregation of the faithful.

Merciful and Compassionate One, look upon refugees and immigrants, widows and families who are poor and threatened, who leave their homes seeking hope and prosperity: Guide them into new places of security and hospitality.

Alleluia! Sing to God a new song;

sing praise in the congregation of the faithful.

Creator and Sustainer, be with us in this community that we may be people who follow your law of love.

Alleluia! Sing to God a new song;

sing praise in the congregation of the faithful.

Receive our prayers of intercession into your eternal heart of love, as we pray, especially for _____.

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

Your faithful people rejoice in our Maker and Monarch, hear our prayers of thanksgiving, especially for ___.

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

Christ the high priest of the good things that have come has entered into heaven; bring all who have died into your eternal presence, especially ___.

Alleluia! Sing to God a new song;

sing praise in the congregation of the faithful.

The Celebrant says
Holy and gracious One, your eternal and unqualified love exceeds all we can desire or imagine: Guide us in your way, that we may love you, our neighbors, and ourselves with such singleness of heart, that your kingdom may come quickly among us, through Jesus Christ our great High Priest, in union with the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The deacon says
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. [The people may stand or kneel.]

[Silence may be kept.]

Celebrant 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 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 Holy Communion

The Great Thanksgiving

Eucharistic Prayer A

[The people remain standing.]

Celebrant: 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.

Celebrant
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. For by water and the Holy Spirit you have made us a new people in Jesus Christ our Lord, to show forth your glory in all the world. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your name:

Sanctus

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 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.

Then 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 for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

The Celebrant says
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,
or ever and ever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread

The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.

[A period of silence is kept.]

Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

The celebrant invites the people to Communion
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 deacons will bring the consecrated bread to you at your seats. You may remove your mask briefly to consume the consecrated bread.

Due to COVID precautions, we are not sharing the cup at this time. The consecrated wine will be returned to the earth.

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.

Post-communion Prayer

[The people stand as they are able.]

The Celebrant says
Let us pray.

The Celebrant and People say together
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, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you for ever. Amen.

Closing Hymn Rise up, ye saints of God, Hymnal 1982 #551

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

Announcements

We welcome Lyn Francisco as our guest pianist today and we thank her for her service over the last two months. Next week we will welcome Ramon Holloway to the St. Titus’ staff as music director and organist.

COVID Precautions

For the safety of all in attendance, we ask you 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, because they are more than six feet away from the rest of the congregation.

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.

Support St. Titus’

If you would like to support our ministries you can make an online donation here by following the QR code or by visiting our homepage: sttitusdurham.org. You can also 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 or sign up by following this link: http://eepurl.com/htIWIr .
Sign up for The Titusian, St. Titus’ monthly newsletter, on the St. Titus’ homepage: sttitusdurham.org, or by emailing Jack.
Subscribe to Please Note, a weekly update from the Diocese of North Carolina by following this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/QCPKOTo .

All Saints’ Sunday Special Remembrance Lists

All Saints’ Day is a special time in the church year for remembering our loved ones who have died. These persons may be family members or special persons who have brought us closer to Christ. At both services on November 7th we will pray by name for members of our congregation who died in the past year and other loved ones whose names have been submitted by parishioners.
Forms are available at our in-person Sunday services today. You may also submit your names by email: st.titussecretary@gmail.com. Please submit your prayer intentions by today, Sunday, October 31st, and please put your name on the form so we know the list is from you.

2022 Stewardship Campaign

Save the date for our November 7th Stewardship Campaign Celebration.
It’s not too late to pledge if you missed the October 16th deadline. As you can see from the graph, we are still shy of our $190,000 goal for 2022. If you need a card, you may pick up one in the church entryway, or you may pledge online on the church website, sttitusdurham.org.

Clergy & Staff

Rector: The Rev. Stephanie Yancy, 410-971-8111, st.titusrector@gmail.com
Deacons: The Rev. Deacon Sarah Woodard, 919-599-5227, sarah.woodard@duke.edu
The Rev. Deacon Mawethu Ncaca, 919-717-8144, st.tituscurate@gmail.com
Parish Administrator: Jack Peterson, 919-682-5504, st.titussecretary@gmail.com

Vestry Members

Senior Warden: Althea Alton, 2021, althea.alton@yahoo.com
Junior Warden: Keith Bishop, 2023, KeithBishop@kiethbishoplaw.com
Meisha Davis, 2022, meisha.davis1@gmail.com
Diane Hundley, 2022, dianehundley@bellsouth.net
Marguerite Peebles, 2022, apeeblesmarguerit@bellsouth.net
Gloria Drew, 2023, gdrew41@att.net
Mark Perrone, 2023, mhperrone@aol.com

Treasurer: Deborah DeBourg-Brown, st.titustreasurer@gmail.com

Church Organizational Leaders

Altar Guild: Hazel Brown, hazelyb24@gmail.com
Altar Guild: Williette Adorker
Acolyte Warden: Vincent Quiett, quiettv@msn.com
Benevolent Team Coordinator: Willette Crews, willettec@legalaidnc.org
Card Ministry: Alexine Miller, alexinemiller@yahoo.com
Communications Ministry: Mary Hawkins, pisces0835@gmail.com
Episcopal Church Women: Valerie Quiett, quiettv@msn.com
Episcopal Church Women: Vickie Miller, vickiemiller746@yahoo.com
Memorial Garden Warden: James Barnes, jbarnl3719@aol
Parish Outreach Coordinator: Willette Crews, willettec@legalaidnc.org
Parish Outreach Coordinator: William Hennessee, wllmhennessee@aol.com
St. David’s Usher Guild: Dwight Peebles, dapeebles@bellsouth.net
Invite.Welcome.Connect Committee: Sarah Woodard, sarah.woodard@duke.edu
Youth Coordinator: (open)

St. Titus’ Episcopal Church
400 Moline St., Durham, NC 27707
(919) 682-5504;
st.titusepiscopal@gmail.com
sttitusdurham.org