The Twenty-second Sunday After Pentecost, October 20, 2024

Please join the worship by following the liturgy (program) in this bulletin. We encourage you to use the time before worship to pray and invite the presence of the Holy Spirit to keep you centered and focused on what God may be saying to you. After worship, we invite you to pray for God’s strength to help you face and meet the demands of the world from this moment and in the days to come.

Prelude                      

The Bidding PrayerBCP p.833

Almighty God, who poursout on all who desire it the spirit of grace and of supplication: Deliver us, when we draw near to you, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affections we may worship youin spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Processional HymnIn the Beauty of HolinessAAHH #106
The Opening AcclamationEOW, p.50

Celebrant     Blessed be the one, holy, and living God.

People         Glory to God for ever and ever.

The Celebrant continuesBCP, p.355

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.

The Gloria[Spoken at 8:30 a.m.]                               [Sung at 10:30 a.m.]LEVAS II #243

Refrain: Glory, Glory, hallelujah,

            Lord we praise your Holy name,

            Glory, Glory hallelujah,

            Lord we praise your Holy name.

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.   Refrain

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.       Refrain

Celebrant         God be with you.

People And also with you.

Celebrant         Let us pray.

The Collect of the Day                                                              

Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Lessons

The First LessonJob 38:1-7, [34-41]

Reader A reading from the Book of Job.        

The Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind:

“Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?

Gird up your loins like a man,
I will question you, and you shall declare to me.

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding.

Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?

On what were its bases sunk,
or who laid its cornerstone

when the morning stars sang together
and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?


[“Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,
so that a flood of waters may cover you?

Can you send forth lightnings, so that they may go
and say to you, ‘Here we are’?

Who has put wisdom in the inward parts,
or given understanding to the mind?

Who has the wisdom to number the clouds?
Or who can tilt the waterskins of the heavens,

when the dust runs into a mass
and the clods cling together?


“Can you hunt the prey for the lion,
or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,

when they crouch in their dens,
or lie in wait in their covert?

Who provides for the raven its prey,
when its young ones cry to God,
and wander about for lack of food?”]

Reader Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.

People Thanks be to God.

The Psalm      104:1-9, 25, 37bBenedic, anima meaBCP, p.735

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; *
O Lord my God, how excellent is your greatness!
You are clothed with majesty and splendor.

2 You wrap yourself with light as with a cloak *
and spread out the heavens like a curtain.

3 You lay the beams of your chambers in the waters above; *
you make the clouds your chariot;
you ride on the wings of the wind.

4 You make the winds your messengers *
and flames of fire your servants.

5 You have set the earth upon its foundations, *
so that it never shall move at any time.

6 You covered it with the Deep as with a mantle; *
the waters stood higher than the mountains.

7 At your rebuke they fled; *
at the voice of your thunder they hastened away.

8 They went up into the hills and down to the valleys beneath, *
to the places you had appointed for them.

9 You set the limits that they should not pass; *
they shall not again cover the earth.

25 O Lord, how manifold are your works! *
in wisdom you have made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.

37b Hallelujah!

The Second LessonHebrews 5:1-10

Reader A reading from the letter to the Hebrews.                        

Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not presume to take this honor, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,

“You are my Son,
today I have begotten you”;

as he says also in another place,

“You are a priest forever,
according to the order of Melchizedek.”

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

Reader Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.

People Thanks be to God.

The Sequence HymnO, How He Loves You and MeAAHH #228
The GospelMark 10:35-45

Please stand as you are able.

Gospeller         The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Mark.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to Jesus and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Gospeller         The Gospel of our Savior.

People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Sermon                                                                 The Rev. Valerie J. Mayo

We will maintain a brief silence to allow for reflection.

The Nicene Creed[Please stand as you are able]        EOW, p.53

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,

      was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary

      and became truly human.

   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,

   who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,

   who 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.

The Prayers of the People

Leader

God of life and love: We are quick to accept bounteous gifts from you, but slow to give thanks and to express our gratitude.

We hold too tightly the things of this life,

giving them the allegiance we owe only to you.

Take my life and let it be

consecrated, Lord, to thee.

Take my moments and my days;

let them flow in ceaseless praise;

let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Gracious God, we admit that our lives are too often out of balance; we are more willing to receive than to share, more ready to take than to give.

Create in us grateful and generous hearts, we pray,

and restore to us the joy of our salvation.

Take my hands and let them move

at the impulse of thy love.

Take my feet, and let them be

swift and beautiful for thee,

swift and beautiful for thee.

Merciful God, from whom comes every good and perfect gift, we praise you for your mercies;

your goodness that has created us;

your grace that has sustained us.

Your discipline that has corrected us, your patience that has borne with us,

and your love that has redeemed us.

Take my will, and make it thine;

It shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart, it is thine own;

It shall be thy royal throne,

It shall be thy royal throne.

Help us to love you, and to be thankful for all your gifts by serving you and delighting to do your will.

Accept now, Gracious God, our offerings,

these our pledges of resources and talents

for your service, and the commitment of our lives,

through Jesus Christ, who gave his all for us.

Take my silver and my gold,

not a mite would I withhold;

take my intellect, and use

every power as thou shalt choose,

every power as thou shalt choose.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour

at thy feet its treasure store,

take myself, and I will be

ever, only, all for thee,

ever, only, all for thee. Amen.

© Church Publishing Incorporated

For whom or what else shall we pray today?

            [The congregation may offer their petitions in the silence of their hearts or aloud.]

The Prayer to End Gun Violence

God of Justice, help us, your church, find our voice. Turn us from the worship of power. Give us courage to confront our false gods and to protest the needless deaths caused by gun violence. Help us rise above our dread that nothing can be done and grant us the conviction to advocate for change. For your dream of a world where children are safe and all of us live together without fear, Loving God, make us instruments of your peace. Amen.

The Concluding Collect

Celebrant

Hear the prayers of your people, O God, and inspire us with gratitude and abundance as we share our many gifts with You and the world You made. Amen.

The ConfessionEOW, p.19 

Celebrant         Let us confess our sins to God.

Silence may be kept.

Celebrant and People

God of all mercy, we confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your will in our lives. We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and in the world you have created. We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf. Forgive, restore, and strengthen us through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we may abide in your love and serve only your will. Amen.

The AbsolutionEOW, p.20

Celebrant

Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

The Exchange of the PeaceEOW, p.56

Celebrant         The peace of Christ be always with you.

People And also with you.

Celebrant         Let us share the peace with one another and our guests.

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

The Words of WelcomeSt. Titus’Vestry Member

Walk in Love Reflection      

The October Birthdays Celebration

All worshippers whose birthdays occur in October please come forward to the altar at this time.

Celebrant        Let us pray.

Gracious God, we thank you for all your children born in October, including Joyce Corbin Cunningham, Deborah J. DeBourg-Brown, Margaret Quiett, John Russell (JR) Dalley, Douglas Barrington Dalley, Solomon Lester, Chuck Hennessee, Isabel Lester, Devontay Armstrong, Mila-Yendela Ncaca, Rose Bishop, Alexine Miller, LaFayette A. Chavis, Daniel Evans, Wendell Elizabeth Graham Grant, Dyasia Robinson, Reginald Jones, and Meisha Davis. 

Watch over your children, O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide them wherever they may be. Strengthen them when they stand; comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; and raise them up if they fall. Grant them a clear vision of the ministry to which you are calling them that they may be guided in the continued use of your gifts. In their hearts may your peace which surpasses understanding abide all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Holy Communion  (Eucharistic Prayer 3)           EOW, pp.62-65

The Offertory

The Offertory Sentence                  Hebrews 4:16

Let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

The Offertory SelectionTake Me Back By Andraé CrouchJoy Morgan, Soloist

The Great Thanksgiving (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 our thanks and praise.

Celebrant

All thanks and praise are yours at all times and in all places, our true and loving God; through Jesus Christ, your eternal Word, the Wisdom from on high by whom you created all things. You laid the foundations of the world and enclosed the sea when it burst out from the womb; You brought forth all creatures of the earth and gave breath to humankind.

Wondrous are you, Holy One of Blessing, all you create is a sign of hope for our journey; And so as the morning stars sing your praises we join the heavenly beings and all creation as we shout (sing) with joy:

The Sanctus [Spoken at 8:30 a.m.]   Holy, Holy, Holy Lord,  God of power and might,  heaven and earth are full of your glory.  Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes  in the name of the Lord.  Hosanna in the highest.   [Sung at 10:30 a.m.]    LEVAS II #255  

The Celebrant continues

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!

The Celebrant continues

Send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts of bread and wine that they may be to us 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.

Giver of Life, draw us together in the Body of Christ, and in the fullness of time gather us with [blessed _______, and] all your people into the joy of our true eternal home. 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.

Celebrant and People

Blessed are you now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer[Spoken at 8:30a.m.]                  [Sung at 10:30a.m.]LEVAS II #264

The Celebrant says

As our Savior Christ has taught us we are bold to say (sing):

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 BreadEOW, p.69

Celebrant       We break this bread to share in the Body of Christ.

People We who are many are one body; for we all share in the one bread.

The Fraction AnthemLamb of God LEVAS II #270

Celebrant

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.

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 Administration of Communion

At the time of communion, you are invited to come forward and receive the bread and wine. The priest will place a wafer in your hand. You may then receive wine either by direct consumption from a chalice (Common Cup), or you may give the wafer to the Eucharistic minister who will dip the wafer in the wine and place the wafer on your tongue. You may also still come forward to receive a blessing. Simply cross your arms over your chest before the priest for the blessing. After receiving communion or a blessing, you may return to your seat.

The Bread and cup are given to the communicants with these words:

The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven. Amen

The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation. Amen.

Celebrant         All are welcome to the Lord’s table. Won’t you come?

The Communion HymnA Perfect SacrificeAAHH #229
The Post-Communion PrayerEOW, p. 69

Celebrant               Let us pray.

God of abundance, you have fed us with the bread of life and cup of salvation; you have united us with Christ and one another; and you have made us one with all your people in heaven and on earth. Now send us forth in the power of your Spirit, that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world and continue for ever in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen.

Community Announcements

The Corporate Blessing 

Celebrant

Life is short. We don’t have much time to gladden the hearts of those who journey with us along the way. So, let us be swift to love and make haste to be kind. And the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be with and among you always. Amen.

The Recessional Hymn He’s Done So Much for MeAAHH #511

The Dismissal                                                          

Celebrant       Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

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