All Saint's Sunday

Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost

Processional Hymn #287: For All the Saints

A Litany for All Saints’ Day

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

O God the Father, creator of heaven and earth, have mercy on us.

O God the Son, redeemer of the world, …

O God, the Holy Spirit, sanctifier of the faithful, …

Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us.

Holy Michael the Archangel, … 

All holy angels and archangels, …

All holy orders of blessed spirits, … 

Holy Abraham Isaac, and Jacob, pray for us.

Holy Sarah, Hagar, Rebekah, Leah, Rachel, Bilhah, and Zilpah, … 

Holy Moses, Miriam, and Aaron, …

Holy Ruth and Naomi, … 

Holy David, Samuel, and Elijah, …

Holy Zachariah and Elizabeth, …

Holy Joachim and Anna, grandparents of our Savior, …

Holy John the Baptist, Forerunner to our Savior, …

Holy Joseph, stepfather of our Savior, …

All holy patriarchs, matriarchs, and prophets, …

Holy Peter and Paul, pray for us.

Holy Andrew, James, and John, …

Holy Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist, and our patron, …

Holy Mark and Luke, …

Holy Mary Magdalene, …

All apostles, disciples, and evangelists, …

Holy Stephen, first martyr and our patron, pray for us.

Holy Ignatius and Polycarp, …

Holy Perpetua and Felicity, …

Holy Thomas Cranmer and William Laud, …

Holy Constance and Companions, …

Holy Jonathan Daniels and Martin Luther King, Jr., …

Holy Janani Luwum and Oscar Romero, …

All holy martyrs of our God, …

Holy Gregory, Basil, and Chrysostom, pray for us.

Holy Augustine of Hippo, our patron, …

Holy Columba, Aidan, Patrick, and Brigid, …

Holy Anthony, Benedict, Francis, and Dominic, …

Holy Hildegard, Clare, and Julian, …

All holy teachers, confessors, and doctors, …

Holy Augustine and Theodore of Canterbury, pray for us.

Holy Anselm and Thomas á Becket of Canterbury, …

Holy Richard Hooker and Lanelot Andrewes, …

Holy George Herbert, Johann S. Bach, and Charles Wesley, …

Holy Samuel Seabury, first American bishop, …

Holy Enmegabowh and James Theodore Holly, …

Holy Frances Perkins and Harriet Bedell, …

All holy leaders of Anglicanism and The Episcopal Church, …

All holy bishops, priests, and deacons, pray for us.

All holy lay people, the hands of feet of the Body of Christ, …

All holy missionaries, evangelists, and preachers, …

All holy monks and hermits, …

All holy advocates for love, justice, and mercy, … 

All holy women and holy men, saints of God, …

From all evil and from all sin, Good Lord, deliver us.

From the crafts and assaults of the devil, …

From sinful desires that draw us from loving you, …

By your holy incarnation and nativity, …

By your baptism, fasting, and temptation, …

By your holy teaching and ministry, …

By your cross, passion, death, and burial, …

By your glorious resurrection and wondrous ascension, …

By the outpouring of your Holy Spirit, …

By your coming again in glory, …

Let us pray:

We give thanks to you, Most Holy God, for all your servants and witnesses of time past, for all the prophets, apostles, martyrs, and saints in every age and in every land. In your mercy, O God, give us, as you gave to them, the hope of salvation and the promise of eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, the first-born of many from the dead. Amen.

The Opening Acclamation

Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and forever. Amen.

The Collect for Purity

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.

LEV #243: Glory To God

The Collect of the Day                                     

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

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.

A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah      

Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah! What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the Lord; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats. When you come to appear before me, who asked this from your hand? Trample my courts no more; bringing offerings is futile; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and sabbath and calling of convocation--I cannot endure solemn assemblies with iniquity. Your new moons and your appointed festivals my soul hates; they have become a burden to me, I am weary of bearing them. When you stretch out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. Come now, let us argue it out, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Psalm 121

1 Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, * 

and whose sin is put away!

2 Happy are they to whom the Lord imputes no guilt, * 

and in whose spirit there is no guile!

3 While I held my tongue, my bones withered away, * 

because of my groaning all day long.

4 For your hand was heavy upon me day and night; * 

my moisture was dried up as in the heat of summer.

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, * 

and did not conceal my guilt.

6 I said," I will confess my transgressions to the Lord." * 

Then you forgave me the guilt of my sin.

7 Therefore all the faithful will make their prayers to you in time of trouble; * 

when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach them.

8 You are my hiding-place; you preserve me from trouble; * 

you surround me with shouts of deliverance.

A Reading from the Second Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians 

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of everyone of you for one another is increasing. Therefore we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith during all your persecutions and the afflictions that you are enduring. To this end we always pray for you, asking that our God will make you worthy of his call and will fulfill by his power every good resolve and work of faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Sequence Hymn #293: I Sing A Song Of The Saints Of God

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to St. Luke

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today." So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, "He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner." Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, "Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much." Then Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost."

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Sequence Hymn #293: I Sing A Song Of The Saints Of God (Final Verse)

The Sermon

Renewal of Baptismal Vows

Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?

I do.

Do you believe in God the Father?

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, and 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 dead.

Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

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.

Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?

I will with God’s help.

Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?

I will with God’s help.

Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?

I will with God’s help.

Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?

I will with God’s help.

Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?

I will with God’s help.

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.

The Prayers of the People, Form IV

Let us pray for the Church and for the world.

Grant, Almighty God, that all who confess your Name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world. [Silence] Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations, in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good. [Silence] Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory. [Silence] Lord, in your mercy 

Hear our prayer.

Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours, especially Misha Taylor and Terry Newton on their birthdays; and grant that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as he loves us. [Silence] Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, especially the people on our Parish Prayer List: Jackie Beasley, Lazola Cope, Joenelle Gordon, David Jones, Milburn Lewis, Jessica Mathis, Marion Mathis, Rene James Nails  and Jewel Wheeler; give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation. [Silence] Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

We commend to your mercy all who have died, especially Annie Taylor Walker, Florine Poole that your will for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all your saints in your eternal kingdom. [Silence] Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

The Celebrant concludes with the following or some other suitable Collect:

Almighty and eternal God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth: Mercifully accept the prayers of your people, and strengthen us to do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Confession of Sin

The Deacon or Presider says

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept. All pray together, kneeling, as they are able,

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

The peace the Lord be always with you.

And also with you.

Parish Announcements

The Offertory

But do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:5, 16

Offertory Hymn #286: Who Are These Like Stars Appearing

The Doxology

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow! Praise him all creatures here below! Praise him above ye heavenly hosts! Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! Amen.

Requiem Prayer for All Souls' Day [Adapted from BCP, p. 503]

This Holy Eucharist is offered to the greater glory of God and in loving memory of all the faithful departed members, especially Father Charles Hoskins, Charles Tennerson, John “Butch” Mitchell, Edward Vaughn, and Margaret McAllister of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church.

Let us pray:

Almighty God, with whom still live the spirits of those who die in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithful are in joy and felicity: We give you heartfelt thanks for the good examples of all your servants, especially the faithful departed of this parish, who, having finished their course in faith, now find rest and refreshment. May we, with all who have died in the true faith of your holy Name, have perfect fulfillment and bliss in your everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Eucharistic Prayer B

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 God thanks and praise.

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 in the multitude of your saints, you have surrounded us with a great cloud of witnesses, that we might rejoice in their fellowship, and run with endurance the race that is set before us; and, together with them, receive the crown of glory that never fades away. 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:

LEV #255:

Holy, holy, holy, holy, holy Lord God of hosts Heaven and earth are filled with your glory Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest.

The people stand or kneel.

We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.

On the night before he died for us, 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, according to his command, O Father,

LEV#260:

We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory! We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory!

And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.

We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with [Blessed Matthew our Patron and] all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.

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

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

Our Father, which 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. Amen.

 

The Breaking of the Bread & Presentation of the Gifts

The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept.

Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us!

Therefore let us keep the feast! Alleluia!

 

LEV #269:   

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us peace

The Gifts of God for the people of God.

 

The Distribution of Holy Communion

 

The Communion Hymn(s):

LEV #146: Break Thou The Bread Of Life

Hymn #663: The Lord My God My Shepherd Is

The Post-Communion Prayer

Let us pray.

Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.

The Blessing of the People

May the God of all creation, in whose image we are made, who claims us and calls us beloved, who strengthens us for service, give you reason to rejoice and be glad! The blessing of God, Sovereign, Savior, and Spirit, be with you today and always. Amen.

Recessional Hymn #618: Ye Watchers And Ye Holy Ones

The Dismissal

Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit! [Alleluia! Alleluia!]

Thanks be to God! [Alleluia! Alleluia!]