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  • Writer's pictureFr. Guillermo A. Arboleda
    • Sep 4, 2022
    • 25 min read

Sunday Worship for September 4, 2022


The Holy Eucharist

The 13th Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 18C)

September 4, 2022


Watch the Livestream at www.Facebook.com/StMattSav/Live/

Sunday, September 4, at 9:30 a.m. (or anytime afterward)



The Holy Eucharist: Rite II



The Word of God



Hymn #484: Praise the Lord Through Every Nation


1. Praise the Lord through every nation; his holy arm hath wrought salvation; exalt him on his Father's throne. Praise your King, ye Christian legions, who now prepares in heavenly regions unfailing mansions for his own: with voice and minstrelsy extol his majesty: Alleluia! His praise shall sound all nature round, and hymns on every tongue abound.

2. Jesus, Lord, our Captain glorious, o'er sin, and death, and hell victorious, wisdom and might to thee belong: we confess, proclaim, adore thee; we bow the knee, we fall before thee; thy love henceforth shall be our song. The cross meanwhile we bear, the crown ere long to wear: Alleluia! Thy reign extend world without end; let praise from all to thee ascend.

Words: Rhijnvis Feith, para. James Montgomery, alt., Public Domain. Music: Wachet auf, melody Hans Sachs, adapt. Philipp Nicolai, arr. and harm. Johann Sebastian Bach, Public Domain. All rights reserved.



The Opening Acclamation

[BCP, p. 355]


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

And blessed be God's kingdom, now and forever! Amen!



A Collect for Purity

[BCP, 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.



Hymn S-280: Glory to God

[See also BCP, p. 356]


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.


Words: Public Domain. Music: Robert Powell © 1985, Church Publishing, Inc. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #28331. All rights reserved.



The Collect of the Day

[BCP, p. 357, 233]

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us pray:


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.



A Reading from the Book of Deuteronomy (30:15-20)


Moses said to all Israel the words which the Lord commanded him, "See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you do not hear, but are led astray to bow down to other gods and serve them, I declare to you today that you shall perish; you shall not live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the Lord swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob."


The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.


Psalm 1

[BCP, p. 585]

Read responsively by half-verse (at the asterisk).

1 Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked, * nor lingered in the way of sinners, nor sat in the seats of the scornful!


2 Their delight is in the law of the Lord, * and they meditate on his law day and night.


3 They are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither; * everything they do shall prosper.


4 It is not so with the wicked; * they are like chaff which the wind blows away.


5 Therefore the wicked shall not stand upright when judgment comes, * nor the sinner in the council of the righteous.


6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, * but the way of the wicked is doomed.



A Reading from the Letter of St. Paul to Philemon (1-21)

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dear friend and co-worker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.


When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus. I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ. I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.


For this reason, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do your duty, yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love-- and I, Paul, do this as an old man, and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus. I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful both to you and to me. I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. I wanted to keep him with me, so that he might be of service to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel; but I preferred to do nothing without your consent, in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced. Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother-- especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.


So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay it. I say nothing about your owing me even your own self. Yes, brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.


The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.



Hymn #512: Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove (Verses 1-3)


1. Come, gracious Spirit, heavenly Dove,

with light and comfort from above;

be thou our guardian, thou our guide

o'er every thought and step preside.


2. The light of truth to us display,

and make us know and choose thy way;

plant holy fear in every heart,

that we from thee may ne'er depart.


3. Lead us to Christ, the living way,

nor let us from his precepts stray;

lead us to holiness, the road

that we must take to dwell with God.


Words: Simon Browne, alt., Public Domain. Music: Mendon, melody from Methodist Harmonist (1821); adapt. and harm. Lowell Mason, Public Domain. All rights reserved.



The People stand, as they are able, for the reading of the Gospel.

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ According to St. Luke (14:25-33)

Glory to you, Lord Christ.


Now large crowds were traveling with Jesus; and he turned and said to them, "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, `This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions."


The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Christ.



Hymn #512: Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove (Verse 4)


4. Lead us to heaven, that we may share

fullness of joy for ever there;

lead us to God, our final rest,

to be with him for ever blest.


Words: Simon Browne, alt., Public Domain. Music: Mendon, melody from Methodist Harmonist (1821); adapt. and harm. Lowell Mason, Public Domain. All rights reserved.



The Sermon

"Labor Day" by the Rev. Guillermo A. Arboleda, Rector


Tomorrow is Labor Day. Labor Day has been a US federal holiday since 1894. According to the Department of Labor, the holiday is “an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers.” If you have tomorrow off from work, it may simply be a time for a cookout, family gathering, or just sleeping in. But this holiday points to two things we should pay attention to: (1) an ideal for how we should treat work and workers, and (2) the twisted history and reality of economic exploitation in our nation. Labor Day is a time when Americans say we value workers, but our actions don’t usually back up those words.


But before I go too far down the rabbit hole, I want to draw our attention to the short and underappreciated letter of St. Paul to Philemon. Philemon has a lot to teach us about a Christian understanding of work and workers, so it fits quite well as a reading for today.


Now, you’ll be forgiven if you’ve barely heard of Philemon before. It’s not a very prominent book of the Bible. In fact, the whole letter is only 25 verses long, so we just read almost all of it (verses 1-21). There are really three main characters to focus on behind this letter: St. Paul (the writer of the letter), Philemon (the recipient of the letter), and Onesimus. Philemon was a wealthy Christian lay leader who Paul had met at some point during his missionary work. Like many wealthy people at the time, Philemon was a slaveholder. One of his enslaved workers was a man named Onesimus.


The details behind the letter are a little bit fuzzy (because this letter is all we have to piece together the background), but the story goes something like this: Onesimus ran away from Philemon in an attempt to escape his enslavement. While he was on the run, he met Paul, probably while Paul was in prison, and Paul led Onesimus to become a Christian believer. Onesimus began to assist Paul in his ministry, but then Paul decided to send Onesimus back to Philemon, his former enslaver, along with this letter. The letter asks Philemon to receive Onesimus “no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother” (verse 16). In essence, Paul is asking Philemon to free Onesimus from his bondage so he can return to Paul as a fellow minister of the Gospel.


But here’s the thing that may be obvious to you as you hear that story: Paul wants Onesimus to be free but he does not ask for any other slaves to be set free. And it’s not as if Paul just found out that Philemon and other Christians were enslavers. Up to this point, Paul and the rest of the church have apparently accepted slavery as a fact of life, not as something to be rejected. Paul made a choice in this letter not to condemn slavery but only to push for Onesimus to be emancipated. Whether he realized it or not, Paul and the church were accommodating to a culture where slavery has been normalized for centuries. Slavery has existed in various forms for most of human history. It’s as if the early church could not even imagine a world without slavery.


And this choice has had a long lasting impact. Before slavery was abolished in the US, UK, and elsewhere, many (White) Christians supported slavery. And they often pointed to this letter by St. Paul. They argued that Paul could have said slavery was wrong but he did not. Slavery was biblical, and, in a sense, they weren’t wrong.


But, just because something is in the Bible doesn’t mean we are supposed to imitate it. The Bible contains the Word of God, but it is not perfect in every way. The texts that make up the Bible were written by real people in real times, places, and cultures. And God’s vision for human flourishing is not frozen in 1st Century Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures. Sometimes people in the Bible are like us, doing the best they can with the knowledge that they have. God spoke to them and inspired them to act, but that doesn’t mean they always got it right. Just like us, they made mistakes.


Even so, the seeds for liberation are there in the Bible. They are even present in Philemon. Paul begins to make the case for why claiming to own a human being is wrong in the eyes of God. He argues that becoming a believer, sharing in Christ’s death and resurrection through baptism, makes Onesimus a “brother … in the Lord” (verse 16). And because he is a brother in the Lord, Philemon should treat Onesimus as a “brother … in the flesh” too (verse 16). He cannot continue to act like this man is property, to be commanded and used how he pleases. So even as Paul defers to the corrupt practices of his time, placing Onesimus’ fate in Philemon’s hands, he is starting to see that God’s purposes may be bigger than human institutions like slavery. The Church understands now that slavery in all its forms is oppressive, exploitative, and evil. But we got there not by doing exactly as the biblical authors did. We got there by listening to God’s voice shining through them: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27); all human beings are created “in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27).


What does this have to do with Labor Day? Well the task of honoring workers is not complete. Western nations began to reject the institution of slavery in the 1800s, but even today, slavery still exists. According to The Independent, a British news source, there are still 94 countries around the world where slavery is not illegal. And even in places where slavery is outlawed, illegal human trafficking persists, usually for labor and/or sexual exploitation. Even in the USA, the Constitution abolishes slavery in the 13th Amendment, but there is an exception. The US Constitution abolishes slavery “except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.” That’s why people in prison can be forced to work for below-minimum wages or no wages at all. And all of us know people who work their tails off in legal jobs that are unsafe, unkind, or simply underpaid. Plenty of working people don’t earn enough to get what they need to live. Our siblings in the flesh and in the Lord continue to be exploited for their labor. Christ is calling on the Church to be witness for love, life, and liberation. How will we respond? Amen.


Bibliography



AAHH #512: I Am Redeemed

[Repeat as desired]


I am redeemed, bought with a price

Jesus has changed my whole life

If anybody asks you just who I am

tell them I am redeemed


Words and Music: Jessy Dixon © Dixon Music, Inc.; arr. Nolan Williams, Jr. © 2000 GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #OLOFOB418. All rights reserved.



The Nicene Creed

[BCP, p. 358]


All standing as they are able, the People pray:


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.



The Prayers of the People

[Adapted from Form VI, BCP, p. 92]


In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.

[Silence]


For all people in their daily life and work;

For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.


For Joseph, our president; Brian, our governor; Van, our mayor; Chester, the chair of our County Commission; and all other civic officials; 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 all the churches in Savannah, that we may be one as you are one with the Son, and the Holy Spirit; For the peace and unity of the Church of God;

For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.


For Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury; Michael, our Presiding Bishop; Frank, our Bishop; Guillermo our Priest; Ella our Deacon; and for all bishops and other ministers;

For all who serve God in his Church.


For the special needs and concerns of this congregation, especially for our Day Care’s staff, students, and families, and for those on our Parish Prayer List: Martha Avery, Mary Bonaparte, Jacqueline Bryant, Lazola Cope, Aaron Duplechien Jr., Angelica Glover, Loretta Harmond, Marva Harris, Whitney Kennedy, Sada Maxwell, Bette Milledge, Jewel Wheeler; and those we remember now…


Hear us, Lord;

For your mercy is great.


We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life, especially for all visitors, those celebrating birthdays: Kathy Robinson (9/6) and Liam Clemons (9/7); those celebrating anniversaries: General & Lazola Cope (9/6); and any other thanksgivings we offer now...

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, especially for those we remember now...

The People may add their own petitions.


Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;

Who put their trust in you.


The Celebrant concludes with a suitable Collect...

[For Labor Day, BCP, p. 261]

Almighty God, you have so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return for our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.



Confession of Sin

[BCP, p. 360]


The Deacon says

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.


Silence may be kept.


Deacon 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

[BCP, p. 360]


The peace of the Lord be always with you.

And also with you.



Parish Announcements



Updated COVID-19 Safety Guidelines: On August 24, the Vestry adopted new, simplified COVID-19 Safety Guidelines. Masks will still be required for all who attend in-person worship services and events. In summary, the changes include the following:

  • Removal of 100-person attendance cap

  • Removal of 6-foot spacing and pew spacing

  • Remove Attendance Sheets upon entry

  • Remove Temperature Checks upon entry

  • Remove Restroom Limit of 1 at a time

  • Allowing Communion to be served at the rail

  • Allowing Communion to be served in one or both kinds

  • Clarifying Indoor vs. Outdoor Eating

To read the new guidelines in full, click here: https://www.stmattsav.org/post/new-covid-19-safety-guidelines-august-2022.


Zoom Bible Study Launching 9/7: Starting on Wednesday, September 7, Deacon Davis and Fr. Arboleda will launch a weekly Zoom Bible Study. The group will gather on Wednesdays at 5:30 PM using the same Zoom link as Evening Prayer. The first meeting will be an introduction and overview; the assembled group will help select the first Bible book to focus on.


Lay Ministers' Conference at Honey Creek 9/9-10: “Baptized for Life: A Lay Ministers’ Conference” will take place September 9-10 at Honey Creek Camp and Retreat Center in Waverly, GA! This conference is intended for any lay person in the Diocese who is in any active ministry in their congregation. Examples of such lay ministries include those who assist or lead worship, serve on the Vestry, serve on committees, teach Sunday School or lead youth activities, serve on the Altar Guild, care for the buildings and grounds, lead outreach activities, and more. This conference will be led by Dr. Lisa Kimball, the Vice President for Lifelong Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary.


This conference will focus on the ministry of the laity, including its joys and challenges especially over the past two years. It will frame our various calls in the context of our Baptismal identity and the vows we make at Baptism, and will give participants an opportunity to think toward the future in their own specific contexts. There will also be time to rest, relax, worship together, and enjoy simply being together at Honey Creek!


The event begins with Evening Prayer at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, September 9, and ends at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 10. Please register by clicking here (URL below) or by calling Honey Creek at (912) 265-9218. Registration prices range from $90 - $144 depending on whether you select a double or single occupancy lodge room. If you would like to go, but the registration fee is a problem, please talk with Fr. Guillermo.



September is Church Anniversary Month!: Every year we celebrate the anniversary of the founding of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church on the Sunday nearest to September 21, the Feast of St. Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist. This year, we will expand the celebration to include a series of events throughout September:

  • Sunday, September 11: Lemonade on the Lawn - Outdoor repast after worship on the lawn on the corner of MLK Jr. Blvd and W Anderson St. Invite friends and neighbors to join us!

  • Sunday, September 18: Gospel Brunch at Good Times Jazz Bar & Restaurant - After worship, at 12:00 noon, church members are invited to eat brunch and listen to live Gospel music at Good Times Jazz Bar & Restaurant, 107 W Broughton St, Savannah, GA 31401. Individuals and families are encouraged to make reservations by calling 912-236-2226 or visiting https://goodtimesjazzbar.com. Note: Attendees will be responsible for their own meals at this optional indoor event.

  • Tuesday - Thursday, September 20-22: Evening Prayer with Guest Preachers: On these days, Evening Prayer will be held in-person at St. Matthew's with homilies by the Rev. Ella Roundtree-Davis (our new Deacon), the Right Rev. Frank Logue (Bishop of Georgia), and the Rev. DeWayne Cope (Rector of St. Athanasius' Episcopal Church in Brunswick, GA). These services will still be live-streamed to Facebook for virtual participants.

  • Sunday, September 25: St. Matthew's Day, 167th Church Anniversary, & Church Picnic: Celebrate the Feast of St. Matthew and our Parish's 167th Anniversary during Sunday worship at 9:30 AM! Church members are encouraged to make an Anniversary donation at or around $167.00. Afterward, we will hold a church picnic on the grounds for people to eat and fellowship with one another.


CORR Black Panther Discussion 9/11: Conversations on Relationships and Race (CORR) will begin meeting again on Sunday, September 11 from 4-5:30PM in the Parish Hall at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church. We will be discussing the cultural and societal impact of the film, Black Panther (2018). All are welcome to be part of this group made up of sister churches in Savannah (Isle of Hope UMC, St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, and St. Matthew's) that meets monthly throughout the academic year.


If you are interested in participating in the group, please fill out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/PW9x7SJaX15RXJgv8.


Please also watch or re-watch Black Panther (2018), directed by Ryan Coogler, before the meeting. The film is available on Disney Plus (subscription required) and is available for streaming rental on many other platforms. You can read some helpful background on the film here: https://auburnseminary.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Black-Panther-Study-Guide-FINAL.pdf.


Women's Ministries Retreat 9/16-17: Make plans to attend "Now is an Acceptable Time," the Celebration of Women's Ministries and the Daughters of the King Annual Meeting at Honey Creek! This will be the first diocesan-wide ECW (Episcopal Church Women) meeting since 2019 and will be a great opportunity to see old friends and make new ones. The keynote speaker on Saturday morning will be the Rev. June Johnson from All Saints' on Tybee Island.


There will be lots of time for catching up, lots of time to walk the labyrinth, Bible study, reflection, and sharing sessions. All are welcome to bring knitting, needlepoint, etc for peaceful aids while listening and sharing.


The price of attending includes all meals and lodging from 3:00pm on Friday through 1:00pm on Saturday. Prices vary based on room type and range from $85.00 to $136.00 per person. New officers will be installed during the Eucharist at noon on Saturday.


Register by calling Honey Creek at (912) 265-9218 or register online at http://ecw.georgiaepiscopal.org/?page_id=707. If you would like to go, but the registration fee is a problem, please talk with Fr. Guillermo.


SJC Mobile Mammography Unit in Savannah on 9/8: Mammograms help detect breast cancer at the earliest stages, when it’s most treatable. St. Joseph’s/Candler’s Mobile Mammography van will be at the African-American Health Information & Resource Center on Thursday, September 8, 2022 to provide early breast cancer detection services for women in the area. This van is staffed with certified technologists with experience in performing mammograms.


Appointments are required. Please call 912-819-6140 to schedule an on-the-go mammogram that is convenient and safe.


Save the Date - Silver Tea on 11/5: St. Matthew's Episcopal Church Women (ECW) will once again sponsor the Silver Tea Fundraiser on Saturday, November 5, 2022. Money raised will go toward Episcopal Children and Youth Services (EYCS) college scholarships. The ECW seeks sixteen hostesses, each of whom is responsible to invite three friends and provide cups, saucers, salad and/or dessert for four. Contact Evalena Hoskins, ECW President, to register as a hostess.


T/W/Th Evening Prayer: On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, St. Matthew's invites you to pray Evening Prayer over Zoom. The video will continue to stream to Facebook Live at 5:00 PM. Please join the Zoom call by 4:55 PM. Otherwise, watch the prayer service as you have been on Facebook Live.


For security purposes, below is the Meeting ID only; please check your St. Matthew's e-Newsletter for the password (or email FrGAA@StMattSav.org to request it).

Topic: Zoom Evening Prayer

Time: 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday

Join Zoom Meeting: See e-Newsletter


Meeting ID: 991 8577 8541

Passcode: See e-Newsletter


Dial by your location: +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)

Meeting ID: 991 8577 8541

Passcode: See e-Newsletter



The Offertory

[BCP, p. 377]


Giving to St. Matthew's: We know that many people are feeling the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis. The church is feeling it too. We still need your support to pay our staff, pay our bills, and provide for these online live streams. There are several ways to give, but the simplest are these:

  1. Mail us a check or money order at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 1401 Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd, Savannah, GA 31415; OR

  2. Make a secure online gift to St. Matthew’s and/or automate future gifts at: https://onrealm.org/StMattSav/-/give/now; OR

  3. Text “stmattsav” to 73256 to make a secure online donation through your phone.

NOTE: Donations made online (#2 or #3) through Realm incur a processing fee of about 2.5%. Please consider adding an additional 2.5% to your online gift to cover these costs.

“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and make good your vows to the Most High." [Psalm 50:14]


OR


"Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God." [Ephesians 5:2]



LEV #83: Just a Little Talk With Jesus


1 I once was lost in sin but Jesus took me in And then a little light from heaven fill my soul It bathed my heart in love and wrote my name above And just a little talk with Jesus makes me whole


REFRAIN:

Now let us have a little talk with Jesus Let us tell Him all about our troubles He will hear our faintest cry, He will answer by and by And when you feel a little prayer wheel turnin' And you will know a little fire is burnin' Find a little talk with Jesus makes it right


2 Sometimes my path seems drear, without a ray of cheer

And then a cloud of doubt may hide the light of day

The mists of sin may rise, and hide the starry skies

And just a little talk with Jesus clears the way [REFRAIN]


3 I may have doubts and fears, my eyes be filled with tears But Jesus is a friend who watches day and night I go to him in prayer, He knows my every care And just a little talk with my Jesus makes it right [REFRAIN]

Words and Music: Cleavant Derricks © 1937 Stamps-Baxter Music, renewed 1965 (admin. by Benson Music Group Inc.). All rights reserved.



AAHH #668: All Things Come Of Thee


All things come of Thee, O Lord, And of Thine own have we given Thee.

Amen.


Words: 1 Chronicles 29:14, Public Domain. Music: Attributed to Ludwig van Beethoven, Public Domain. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #OLOFOB668. All rights reserved.



Eucharistic Prayer B

[BCP, p. 367]



It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. …


The Celebrant sings or says a Proper Preface


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:


Hymn S-125:

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.


[Word: Public Domain. Music: From A Community Mass, Richard Proulx © 1971, 1977 GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #00216. All rights reserved.]


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.


[Words: Public Domain. Music: Hezekiah Brinson © 1990 Hezekiah Brinson, Jr. All rights reserved.]


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, Blessed Stephen, Blessed Augustine, 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 for ever. AMEN.



The Lord’s Prayer

[BCP, p. 364]


And now, 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 Fraction Anthems

[BCP, p. 364, 407]


Hymn S-152:

Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us!

Therefore let us keep the feast! Alleluia!


[Words: Public Domain. Music: Ambrosian chant; adapt. Mason Martens © 1971 Mason Martens.]


LEV #269:

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:

have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:

have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:

grant us peace.


[Words: Public Domain. Music: Lena McLin, Eucharist of the Soul © 1972 General Words and Music Co. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #57436. All rights reserved.]


Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

The Gifts of God for the people of God.



WLP #755: The Steadfast Love of the Lord Never Ceases


The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases:

God’s mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

your faithfulness, O Lord, is great.


You are all that I have:

and therefore I will wait for you.

You, O Lord, are good

to those who wait for you:

to all those who seek you.

It is good to wait in patience

for the salvation of the Lord.

God’s mercies never come to an end.


The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases:

God’s mercies never come to an end;

They are new every morning;

your faithfulness O Lord is great.

Your faithfulness O Lord is great.


Words: Adapted from Lamentations 3:22-26 © 1989 A New Zealand Prayer Book - He Karakia Mihihare O Aotearoa. Music: Carl Haywood, from Tunes for Grace © 1997 Carl Haywood. All rights reserved.



The Post-Communion Prayer

[Enriching our Worship 2 [2000], pp. 56-57]


Let us pray.


For In-Person Worshippers:

Faithful God,

in the wonder of your wisdom and love

you fed your people in the wilderness with the bread of angels,

and you sent Jesus to be the bread of life.

We thank you for feeding us with this bread.

May it strengthen us

that by the power of the Holy Spirit

we may embody your desire

and be renewed for your service

through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.


For Online Worshippers and Those Receiving Spiritual Communion:

Faithful God,

in the wonder of your wisdom and love

you fed your people in the wilderness with the bread of angels,

and you sent Jesus to be the bread of life.

Though we cannot consume now these gifts of bread [and wine],

we thank you that we have received the sacrament of Christ’s presence,

the forgiveness of sins, and all other benefits of Christ’s passion.

By the power of the Holy Spirit,

may we embody your desire

and be renewed for your service

through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.



The Blessing of the People

[Adapted from Enriching Our Worship 1, p. 71]


Live without fear: your Creator has made you holy, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother. Go in peace to follow the good road and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.



The Dismissal

[BCP, p. 366]


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

Thanks be to God!




The Parish Prayer List


PRAYER LIST: Martha Avery, Mary Bonaparte, Jacqueline Bryant, Lazola Cope, Aaron Duplechien Jr., Angelica Glover, Loretta Harmond, Marva Harris, Whitney Kennedy, Sada Maxwell, Bette Milledge, Jewel Wheeler


BIRTHDAYS: Kathy Robinson (9/6) and Liam Clemons (9/7)


WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES: General & Lazola Cope (9/6)


RECENT DEATHS: N/A

May the souls of all the departed rest in peace; and may light perpetual shine upon them. Amen.





Note: This service is reproduced from The Book of Common Prayer 1979 (BCP), Enriching Our Worship 1 (EOW1), The Hymnal 1982 (Hymn), Lift Every Voice and Sing II: An African American Hymnal (LEV), African American Heritage Hymnal (AAHH), Wonder Love and Praise (WLP), and other sources cited. The Scripture readings are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible.


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