Morning Prayer
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church | New Harmony, Indiana
November 24, 2024 | 10:00 a.m.
The Last Sunday after Pentecost – Christ the King
Welcome to worship. Please join in speaking the bolded words.
Prelude Liz and Bish Mumford
Announcements
The service begins with the ringing of the bell; the people stand as able.
The Officiant says
The hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship him. John 4:23
Come, thou almighty King H365
Come, thou almighty King,
help us thy Name to sing,
help us to praise.
Father whose love unknown
all things created own,
build in our hearts thy throne,
Ancient of Days.
Come, thou incarnate Word,
by heaven and earth adored;
our prayer attend:
come, and thy people bless;
come, give thy word success;
stablish thy righteousness,
Savior and friend.
Come, holy Comforter,
thy sacred witness bear
in this glad hour:
thou, who almighty art,
now rule in every heart,
and ne’er from us depart,
Spirit of power.
To Thee, great One in Three,
the highest praises be,
hence evermore;
thy sovereign majesty
may we in glory see,
and to eternity
love and adore.
Confession of Sin
Dearly beloved, we have come together in the presence of Almighty God our heavenly Father, to set forth his praise, to hear his holy Word, and to ask, for ourselves and on behalf of others, those things that are necessary for our life and our salvation. And so that we may prepare ourselves in heart and mind to worship him, let us kneel in silence, and with penitent and obedient hearts confess our sins, that we may obtain forgiveness by his infinite goodness and mercy.
Silence may be kept; all kneel as able for the confession.
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 Officiant remains kneeling and says
Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen.
The Invitatory & Psalter
All stand as able.
Lord, open our lips.
And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Officiant and People all sing together
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.
The earth is the Lord’s for he made it:
Come let us adore him.
Jubilate, said responsively by half verse Psalm 100
O be joyful in the Lord all ye lands;
Serve the Lord with gladness and come before his presence with a song.
Be ye sure that the Lord he is God; it is he that hath made us and not we ourselves;
We are his people and sheep of his pasture.
O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise;
Be thankful unto him and speak good of his Name.
For the Lord is gracious; his mercy is everlasting;
And his truth endureth from generation to generation.
Psalm 132:1-13 Memento, Domine
Lord, remember David,
and all the hardships he endured;
How he swore an oath to the Lord
and vowed a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:
"I will not come under the roof of my house,"
nor climb up into my bed;
I will not allow my eyes to sleep,
nor let my eyelids slumber;
Until I find a place for the Lord,
a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob."
"The ark! We heard it was in Ephratah;
we found it in the fields of Jearim.
Let us go to God's dwelling place;
let us fall upon our knees before his footstool."
Arise, O Lord, into your resting-place,
you and the ark of your strength.
Let your priests be clothed with righteousness;
let your faithful people sing with joy.
For your servant David's sake,
do not turn away the face of your Anointed.
The Lord has sworn an oath to David;
in truth, he will not break it:
"A son, the fruit of your body
will I set upon your throne.
If your children keep my covenant
and my testimonies that I shall teach them,
their children will sit upon your throne for evermore."
At the end of the Psalm, all sing together
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
The Lessons
The people sit for the readings.
A period of silence will follow each reading.
First Reading 2 Samuel 23:1-7
A reading from the book of Second Samuel.
These are the last words of David:
The oracle of David, son of Jesse,
the oracle of the man whom God exalted,
the anointed of the God of Jacob,
the favorite of the Strong One of Israel:
The spirit of the Lord speaks through me,
his word is upon my tongue.
The God of Israel has spoken,
the Rock of Israel has said to me:
One who rules over people justly,
ruling in the fear of God,
is like the light of morning,
like the sun rising on a cloudless morning,
gleaming from the rain on the grassy land.
Is not my house like this with God?
For he has made with me an everlasting covenant,
ordered in all things and secure.
Will he not cause to prosper
all my help and my desire?
But the godless are all like thorns that are thrown away;
for they cannot be picked up with the hand;
to touch them one uses an iron bar
or the shaft of a spear.
And they are entirely consumed in fire on the spot.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Silence may follow.
Canticle 20 Glory to God Gloria in excelsis
The canticle is to be sung; all stand as able.
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.
Second Reading
The people sit.
A Reading from the book of Revelation. Revelation 1:4b-8
Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Look! He is coming with the clouds;
every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him;
and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail.
So it is to be. Amen.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Silence may follow.
Canticle 19 The Song of the Redeemed Magna et mirabilia
The canticle is read responsively by half verse; please stand as able.
O ruler of the universe, Lord God, great deeds are they that you have done,
surpassing human understanding.
Your ways are ways of righteousness and truth,
O King of all the ages.
Who can fail to do you homage, Lord, and sing the praises of your Name?
For you only are the Holy One.
All nations will draw near and fall down before you,
because your just and holy works have been revealed.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading John 28:33-37
The people are seated.
A Reading from the book of John.
Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Homily Hope Staubitz
The Apostles’ Creed
The people stand as able for the creed.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
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.
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. Amen.
The Offertory
The people are seated.
Let us with gladness present the offering and oblations of our life and labor to the Lord.
Offertory Anthem Liz and Bish Mumford
During the offertory (or at your own convenience), please consider giving to St. Stephens at the following link: https://onrealm.org/StStephensEpisc/-/give/now or by texting
SSNH to 73256 and following the prompts. All donations go toward sustaining our church operations and our ministries.
The people stand.
Doxology Hymnal 380 v. 3
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
The Prayers
The people stand or kneel as able for the prayers.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
The Lord’s Prayer
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, forever and ever. Amen.
The Suffrages
O Lord, save thy people, and bless thine heritage;
Govern them and lift them up for ever.
Day by day we magnify thee;
And we worship thy Name ever, world without end.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin;
O Lord, have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us.
O Lord, let thy mercy be upon us;
As our trust is in thee.
O Lord, in thee have I trusted;
Let me never be confounded.
The Collects
The Collect of the Day
Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
A Collect for Mission
O God of all the nations of the earth: Remember the multitudes who have been created in your image but have not known the redeeming work of our Savior Jesus Christ; and grant that, by the prayers and labors of your holy Church, they may be brought to know and worship you as you have been revealed in your Son; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
A Collect for Social Justice
Almighty God, who created us in your own image: Grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Prayers of the People: Intercessions
In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
Silence
The leader and people pray responsively.
For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
For this community, the nation, and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
For Sean Rowe, our Presiding Bishop, and Jennifer, our Bishop; and all bishops and other ministers;
For all who serve God in his Church.
For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
Silence
The People may add their own petitions
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
Silence
The People may add their own thanksgivings
We will exalt you, O God our King;
And praise your Name for ever and ever.
We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.
Silence
The People may add their own petitions
Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;
Who put their trust in you.
We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.
Silence may be kept
Leader and People
Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father;
in your compassion forgive us our sins,
known and unknown,
things done and left undone;
and so uphold us by your Spirit
that we may live and serve you in newness of life,
to the honor and glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, who didst stretch out thine arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of thy saving embrace: So clothe us in thy Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know thee to the knowledge and love of thee; for the honor of thy Name. Amen.
The General Thanksgiving
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks
for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made.
We bless you for our creation, preservation,
and all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies,
that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives,
by giving up ourselves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.
Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication unto thee, and hast promised through thy well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name thou wilt be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.
Immortal, invisible, God only wise H423
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, thy great Name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
thy justice like mountains high soaring above
thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all life thou givest, to both great and small;
in all life thou livest, the true life of all;
we blossom and flourish, like leaves on the tree,
then wither and perish; but nought changeth thee.
Thou reignest in glory, thou rulest in light,
thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
all laud we would render: O help us to see
’tis only the splendor of light hideth thee.
The Dismissal
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20, 21
Postlude Liz and Bish Mumford
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- The CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA SIGN UP SHEET is available at the back of the church. Donations will be received for the Christmas Poinsettias. Please sign the sheet for the flowers before December 15th.
- VESTRY, November 24th
- FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT, December 1st.
- THE CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED on Monday, December 2nd. The weekly newsletter will be distributed on Wednesday, December 4th.
- Deadline for submissions for the newsletter is at 9:00 a.m. on Mondays and 9:00 a.m. on Wednesdays for bulletins.
- CLOSINGS: If church services or other church events are canceled due to weather, this will be announced via email, Facebook and WFIE channel 14.
THANKS TO THOSE SERVING!
Altar Guild,
Coffee Hour, Hope and Mike Staubitz
Facebook Greeter,
Greeter,
Homilist, Hope Staubitz
Intercessor, Sheila White
Lector, Rita Davis
Music, Liz and Bish Mumford
Officiant, Hope Staubitz
Tech Coordinator, Carol Stratton
Offertory, Gloria, Doxology, Sanctus, & Communion Anthem
used with permission © Windelm Music.