The Holy Eucharist
All Saints' Day (Year C, transferred from Nov. 1)
November 6, 2022 at 9:30 AM
Celebrant & Preacher: The Rev. Guillermo A. Arboleda, Rector
Deacon: The Rev. Ella Roundtree-Davis
Watch the Livestream at www.Facebook.com/StMattSav/Live/
The Holy Eucharist: Rite II
Hymn #287: For All The Saints (Verses 1-4, 7-8)
1. For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
thy Name, O Jesus, be for ever blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
2. Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might:
thou, Lord, their Captain in the well-fought fight;
thou, in the darkness drear, the one true Light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
3. O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,
fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
and win, with them, the victor's crown of gold.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
4. O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
7. But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
the saints triumphant rise in bright array;
the King of glory passes on his way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
8. From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!
[Words: William Walsham How. Music: Sine Nomine, Ralph Vaughn Williams, Public Domain. Reproduced by permission of Oxford University Press and under ONE LICENSE #18303. 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 Litany for All Saints’ Day
[Adapted from Saint Augustine’s Prayer Book (2014), pp. 430-434]
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, have mercy on us.
O God, the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of the faithful, have mercy on us.
Holy Michael and Gabriel, Archangels, pray for us.
All holy angels and archangels, pray for us.
All holy orders of blessed spirits, pray for us.
Holy Abraham Isaac, and Jacob, pray for us.
Holy Sarah, Hagar, Keturah, Rebekah, Leah, Rachel, Bilhah, and Zilpah, pray for us.
Holy Moses, Miriam, and Aaron, pray for us.
Holy Ruth and Naomi, pray for us.
Holy David, Samuel, and Elijah, pray for us.
Holy John the Baptist, Forerunner to our Savior, pray for us.
Holy Mary, the Bearer of God, pray for us.
Holy Joseph, stepfather of our Savior, pray for us.
All holy patriarchs, matriarchs, and prophets, pray for us.
Holy Peter and Paul, pray for us.
Holy Andrew, James, and John, pray for us.
Holy Matthew: Apostle, Evangelist, and our parish's patron, pray for us.
Holy Mark and Luke, pray for us.
Holy Mary Magdalene, Junia, and Priscilla, pray for us.
All apostles, disciples, and evangelists, pray for us.
Holy Stephen, first martyr and our patron, pray for us.
Holy Ignatius and Polycarp, pray for us.
Holy Perpetua and Felicity, pray for us.
Holy Constance and the Martyrs of Memphis, pray for us.
Holy Jonathan Daniels and Martin Luther King, Jr., pray for us.
Holy Janani Luwum and Óscar Romero, pray for us.
All holy martyrs of our God, pray for us.
Holy Gregory, Basil, and Chrysostom, pray for us.
Holy Augustine of Hippo, our patron, pray for us.
Holy Columba, Patrick, and Brigid, pray for us.
Holy Anthony, Benedict, Francis, and Dominic, pray for us.
Holy Hildegard, Clare, and Julian, pray for us.
All holy teachers, confessors, and doctors, pray for us.
Holy Augustine and Anselm of Canterbury, pray for us.
Holy Samuel Seabury, first Episcopal bishop, pray for us.
Holy Enmegabowh, first Native American Episcopal priest, pray for us.
Holy James Theodore Holly, first Black Episcopal bishop, pray for us.
Holy Frances Perkins, Harriet Bedell, Thurgood Marshall, pray for us.
Holy Pauli Murray and Barbara Harris, pray for us.
Holy Anna Alexander, patron saint of the Diocese of Georgia, pray for us.
All holy leaders of Anglicanism and The Episcopal Church, pray for us.
All holy bishops, priests, and deacons, pray for us.
All holy lay people, the hands and feet of the Body of Christ, pray for us.
All holy missionaries, evangelists, and preachers, pray for us.
All holy monks and hermits, pray for us.
All holy advocates for love, justice, and mercy, pray for us.
All holy people, saints of God, pray for us.
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.
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, Copyright © 1985, Church Publishing, Inc. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #28331. All rights reserved.]
The Collect of the Day
[BCP, p. 357, 245]
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray:
Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
A Reading from the Book of Daniel 7:1-3,15-18
In the first year of King Belshazzar of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head as he lay in bed. Then he wrote down the dream: I, Daniel, saw in my vision by night the four winds of heaven stirring up the great sea, and four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another.
As for me, Daniel, my spirit was troubled within me, and the visions of my head terrified me. I approached one of the attendants to ask him the truth concerning all this. So he said that he would disclose to me the interpretation of the matter: "As for these four great beasts, four kings shall arise out of the earth. But the holy ones of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom for ever—for ever and ever."
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 149
[BCP, p. 807]
Read responsively by half-verse (at the asterisk).
1 Hallelujah! Sing to the Lord a new song; * sing his praise in the congregation of the faithful.
2 Let Israel rejoice in his Maker; * let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
3 Let them praise his Name in the dance; * let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.
4 For the Lord takes pleasure in his people * and adorns the poor with victory.
5 Let the faithful rejoice in triumph; * let them be joyful on their beds.
6 Let the praises of God be in their throat * and a two-edged sword in their hand;
7 To wreak vengeance on the nations * and punishment on the peoples;
8 To bind their kings in chains * and their nobles with links of iron;
9 To inflict on them the judgment decreed; * this is glory for all his faithful people. Hallelujah!
A Reading from the Letter to the Ephesians 1:11-23
In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of his glory.
I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Hymn #625: Ye, Holy Angels Bright (Verses 1-3)
1 Ye holy angels bright,
who wait at God's right hand,
or through the realms of light
fly at your Lord's command,
assist our song,
for else the theme
too high doth seem
for mortal tongue.
2 Ye blessed souls at rest,
who ran this earthly race
and now, from sin released,
behold your Savior's face,
his praises sound,
as in his sight
with sweet delight
ye do abound.
3 Ye saints, who toil below,
adore your heavenly King,
and onward as ye go
some joyful anthem sing;
take what he gives
and praise him still,
through good or ill,
who ever lives!
[Words: Richard Baxter, rev. John Hampden Gurney. Music: Darwall's 148th, melody and bass John Darwall, harm. William Henry Monk, alt., Public Domain; desc. Sidney Hugo Nicholson, Copyright © 1982 Hymns Ancient & Modern Limited. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #71183. 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 Luke 6:20-31
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.
"But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.
"But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Hymn #625: Ye, Holy Angels Bright (Verse 4)
4 My soul, bear thou thy part,
triumph in God above:
and with a well-tuned heart
sing thou the songs of love!
Let all thy days
till life shall end,
whate'er he send,
be filled with praise.
[Words: Richard Baxter, rev. John Hampden Gurney. Music: Darwall's 148th, melody and bass John Darwall, harm. William Henry Monk, alt., Public Domain; desc. Sidney Hugo Nicholson, Copyright © 1982 Hymns Ancient & Modern Limited. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #71183. All rights reserved.]
The Sermon
"Lowercase-saints" by The Rev. Guillermo A. Arboleda, Rector
Today we are celebrating All Saints’ Day (originally November 1), one of the most important holidays in the Church calendar. It’s important because we are remembering Saints from across time and space who lived holy, inspirational lives, dedicated to the love of God and love of neighbor. Alongside All Saints’ Day, we are marking All Souls’ Day (originally November 2), in which we remember all the faithful departed. This is the holiday where we remember our ancestors, family, friends, and loved ones who have gone before us. These two holidays are linked because the Church uses the word “saints” in at least two different ways, which I will call “uppercase-Saints” and “lowercase-saints.”
All Saints’ Day celebrates the “uppercase-Saints” (with a capital S). These “Saints” are the people whose lives inspire us to further godly living, especially those who died heroic deaths as martyrs for the faith. The Episcopal Church provides several different lists of Saints who are celebrated all throughout the year. We use one of these lists (Lesser Feasts and Fasts 2018 — 2022 edition coming soon) for our final reading during most weekday Evening Prayer services.They don’t have to be perfect, but they point us to God. They show us what a holy life can look like. That’s why it’s important to recognize Saints who lived a wide variety of earthly lives. The Saints aren’t just priests, deacons, and bishops. Lots of important Saints were lay people who did many different professions. Some of the Saints weren’t even defined by their jobs. And of course there are many Saints who the church never recognizes because we don’t know about their saintliness or they just weren’t famous enough.
And that’s why we blend the celebrations of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Because in God’s all-knowing wisdom, there is a lot of overlap between the two. The New Testament usually refers to all of God’s holy people (all souls) as “the saints” (we might say, lowercase-s saints). In this sense, “saints” means all the faithful, every member of the Church who has been united to Jesus Christ. When the Letter to the Ephesians talks about “your love toward all the saints” (1:15) and the “glorious inheritance among the saints” (1:18), the author is using the word “saints” in this way, to refer to the people of the church — you and me. He’s referring to the people who make up the Body of Christ.
Ephesians also teaches us what it means to be “lowercase-saints.” When we first believed in Jesus, he “marked [us] with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people,” (Eph 1:13-14). Does that line sound familiar? When do we talk about being “sealed by the Holy Spirit” and “marked as Christ’s own forever” (BCP, 308)? That’s in the service for Holy Baptism! Baptism is how we celebrate our union with Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through the water, we are joined to Jesus forever in his death and resurrection. Through the chrism oil, we mark the gift of the Holy Spirit. That’s why we call it the sacrament of new birth and initiation into the church. Baptism is a sign that God promises to be faithful to us—even when we, the saints, are unfaithful.
There is a beautiful line in what’s called the “Byzantine Rite,” the ancient words used for Holy Communion in many Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. It’s sort of like how our Prayer Book has Rite I and Rite II and Eucharistic Prayers A, B, C, and D. In our Communion service, right before we serve Communion to the people, the priest lifts up the bread and wine, saying, “The gifts of God for the people of God.” In the Byzantine service, at that same point, the words in Greek are Τὰ ἅγια τοῖς ἁγίοις, which translates as “The holy for the holy” or “The holy things for the holy people.” The gifts of God, the holy things, are the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in the bread and wine. The people of God, the holy people, are you and me.
I’ve been to church services where they use those Byzantine words in English (Holy things for holy people) and it’s always a little bit stunning. I’m reminded in those moments that we are called holy people. I may not always feel holy or act holy, but according to God, I am holy. You are holy. We are holy, lowercase-saints. The Rev. Emily Scott, a Lutheran pastor, explains that the English word holy is related to the word “whole.” It might be easier to understand ourselves as whole people who are being made whole by our God and Savior. We’re holy because God is making us whole.
And that’s encouraging because it means that the journey from lowercase-saint to uppercase is actually possible. God has already given us all the tools we need to become uppercase-Saints of the Church. We have the gift of the Holy Spirit, God’s presence living in us and among us. We can call upon the name of Jesus in times of trouble. And we have God’s instructions on how to love our neighbors and our enemies as ourselves.
Suddenly, celebrating All Saints’ Day isn’t just about those perfect, unattainable heroes of the past. It’s about real people with flaws, warts, and imperfections, but who loved boldly. It’s about the people we’ve actually been in church with who loved us when we didn’t deserve it, who mentored us when we were stubborn, who cared for us when we were down. It’s about us seeing those examples and living as God intended. It’s about becoming the kind of people we grew up admiring. To paraphrase Mother Teresa, it’s about doing small things with great love.
In a few moments, during the Prayers of the People, we are going to name all the members of our parish who have died since the pandemic began. In years past, we have asked people throughout October to give us names of loved ones to pray for together on All Saints / All Souls Sunday. But this year, we want to spend time honoring the people whose burial services were restricted because of the pandemic. Many of these people would have drawn a lot more in-person mourners and worshippers to their funerals if not for the pandemic. Most of us didn’t have the opportunity to go through our normal grieving rituals and pay our respects in familiar ways. So this is a space for collective remembrance and mourning.
But it’s also a space to remember that these former friends and loved ones are at least lowercase-saints. We probably know too well that the people of our parish are not perfect. Over the years of knowing each other, we have failed to love one another and hurt each other along the way. That’s to be expected. But in God’s eyes, those dearly departed ones are saints, and we are saints too. They and we are holy people in the process of being made whole. May God inspire us with the lives of all the Saints to become the saints who God is transforming us into. Amen.
Bibliography
Scott, Emily M. D. “Holy Things for Holy People.” Reflections. Blog. Published Spring 2014. Accessed 3 November 2022. https://reflections.yale.edu/article/seeking-light-new-generation/holy-things-holy-people
AAHH #132: God Is A Wonder To My Soul (Choir Selection)
1 God is a wonder to my soul.
God is a wonder to my soul.
Came in to my life one day,
And took all my sins away.
Oh, God is a wonder to my soul.
2 My God's truth has set me free.
My God's truth has set me free.
Came in to my life one day,
And took all my sins away.
Oh, my God's truth has set me free.
3 Now I can live abundantly.
Now I can live abundantly.
Came in to my life one day,
And took all my sins away.
Now I can live abundantly.
[Text: Dr. Robert J. Fryson, Copyright © 1989, Bob Jay Music Co. Tune: Wonder, traditional; arr., by Valeria A. Foster, Copyright © 2000, GIA Publication, Inc. Printed with permission under ONE LICENSE #OLOFOB366. All rights reserved.]
Renewal of Baptismal Vows
[BCP, p. 292]
All standing as they are able.
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
[Adapted from Form III, BCP, p. 387]
Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
That we all may be one.
Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;
That your Name may be glorified by all people.
We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.
We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world;
That there may be justice and peace on the earth.
Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
That our works may find favor in your sight.
Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;
That they may be delivered from their distress.
In honor of All Souls' Day, let us pray for all the departed of this parish since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mary Helen Brown Hunter, Dean Williams, Anthony James Watts, Raleigh A. Bryant, Jr., Ronald Leonard Jones, Tonya Elaine Jones, Michael Thomas Lepper II, Warren Isaac Loadholt, Aniyah Jar'Ne Hayes, Helen Zenobia Fletcher Scroggins, Gwendolyn Griffin-Odom, Gwendolyn Elizabeth Pelote, and those we remember now...
Give to the departed eternal rest;
Let light perpetual shine upon them.
We praise you for all your saints who have entered into joy;
May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.
Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.
Silence. The People may add their own petitions.
The Celebrant concludes:
Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit you have made us one with your saints in heaven and on earth: Grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may always be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and know ourselves to be surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, in whom all our intercessions are acceptable through the Spirit, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
The Peace
[BCP, p. 360]
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
Parish Announcements
2023 Pledge Campaign 10/16 - 11/13: On October 16, we will launch our 2023 Pledge Campaign, inviting members of our church to plan for giving of their time, talent, and treasure in the coming year. Completing a pledge helps our church leadership plan for the parish budget and set ministry priorities for 2023 and beyond.
This week we mailed the 2023 Pledge Letter, paper copies of the 2023 Pledge Form, and 2022 3rd Quarter Giving Statements (January 1 - September 30) to every member’s address we have on file. Click here to read the 2023 Pledge Letter. Click here to read the 2023 Giving Brochure.
You may submit paper copies of the 2023 Pledge form in the ballot box in Toomer-Walker Hall or you can complete your pledge online.
Daughters of the King Inquirers' Meeting Today: The Order of the Daughters of the King® is an order for women who are communicants of The Episcopal Church and other similar churches. Our membership currently includes women in the Anglican, Episcopal, Lutheran (ELCA) and Roman Catholic churches.
In accordance with our Anglican Tradition, Daughters:
Recognize episcopal (bishop's) oversight.
Believe that Holy Scripture contains all things necessary for salvation.
Acknowledge the gift of the Holy Spirit in Baptism, the real presence of our Lord in the Holy Eucharist, and worship according to The Book of Common Prayer
Reaffirming the promises made at Baptism and Confirmation, a Daughter pledges herself to a life-long program of prayer, service and evangelism. She receives support in this commitment from a worldwide community of like-minded women.
Under the leadership of Deacon Davis and Ms. Paulette Sibert, St. Matthew's would like to reactivate its Daughters of the King chapter. The first meeting for interested women and girls (with a parent or guardian) will be held at St. Matthew's today at 11:00 AM. This will be an informational meeting.
Emmaus House Empty Bowl Fundraiser Today: Emmaus House is one of St. Matthew's partner ministries, serving unhoused people in downtown Savannah with meals, showers, and laundry services every weekday morning. Please consider making a donation to Emmaus House for their annual Empty Bowl fundraiser. You may also attend in-person today between 12:00-2:00 to receive a hand-crafted bowl for the price of your ticket ($20 per ticket). Emmaus House is located at 18 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401. Donations and ticket purchases may be completed online at: http://unitedministriessavannah.org/emptybowl
Diocesan Convention Evening Prayer on 11/10 and Convocational Choir : St. Matthew's Church is hosting the Opening Evening Prayer service for this year's Diocese of Georgia Convention on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at 5:30 PM! We are inviting singers and choir members from around the Savannah Convocation to join with St. Matthew's Choir in leading the musical worship at this service.
If anyone is interested in participating, our Music Director, Mrs. Dandy, will hold the second special Convocational Choir Rehearsals at St. Matthew's Church on Sunday, November 6, at 4:00 PM. There is no need to RSVP, but singers must attend at least one of these rehearsals (ideally both) in order to sing with the choir on November 10. Thank you for helping us to make a joyful noise to God together for the Convention!
Convention Eucharist & Dinner on 11/11: As part of the Diocese of Georgia's Annual Convention, there will be a service of Holy Eucharist on November 11 at 5:00 PM at St. Peter's Episcopal Church on Skidaway Island (3 Westridge Road, Savannah, GA 31411). This worship service is open to the public and free to attend with no registration required.
After worship, there will be a party featuring dinner, drinks, a DJ, and indoor and outdoor fellowship. In order to eat at the party, you must register online ahead of time for an accurate headcount and pay the "Convention Eucharist Supper" registration fee of $25. (Note that Convention Delegates are already registered for the dinner.) Register online here:
Strategic Planning Information Session on 11/13: Stay after church on Sunday, November 13 for an information session about Strategic Planning. The Vestry has just agreed to hire a church consultant to guide us through a Strategic Planning Process in 2023. The Rector and Vestry are now recruiting a Strategic Planning Team of 4-6 dedicated people who will learn from the consultant, do research on our church and city, plan the public listening sessions, and liaison with the Vestry.
Beforehand, this meeting is an opportunity to learn about the importance of strategic planning in general and hear from the Rector and Vestry about why we are committing to this process. Because this is such an important new initiative for us, we will livestream the session to Facebook so that our online-only congregants can participate as well.
CORR's Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Movie Theater Outing on 11/13: As part of CORR, our ongoing partnership with St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, Isle of Hope United Methodist Church, and Asbury United Methodist, we are going to the movies! To follow up on our discussions about race, colonialism, and Black sovereignty, we will go to NCG Cinema (3001 Skidaway Rd, Savannah, GA 31404) to watch Marvel Studios' Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, directed by Ryan Coogler, on Sunday, November 13, at 2:30 PM. Afterward, we will go to dinner at Tubby's Tank House (2909 River Dr, Thunderbolt, GA 31404) to discuss the film.
Thanksgiving Day Ecumenical Service on 11/24: As part of our local ecumenical fellowship, Butler Memorial Presbyterian Church will host a Thanksgiving Day worship service at 11:00 AM. Their address is 603 West Victory Drive, Savannah, GA. Please let Fr. Arboleda know if you plan to attend and are interested in reading a Scripture lesson.
Gospel of Luke Bible Study on Wednesdays: Deacon Davis and Fr. Arboleda currently host a weekly Zoom Bible Study at 5:30 PM on Wednesdays after Evening Prayer. The group uses the same Zoom link as Evening Prayer (see e-Newsletter). This fall, the Bible Study will focus on the Gospel of Luke.
The Bible Study group is considering changing the time and format of the meeting. We are conducting a survey to find out if there is a day and time that works better for more people to meet for Bible Study and whether people prefer to continue meeting on Zoom or start to gather in person. Take the survey here: https://forms.gle/TQhWPsBZVrLDzrXB7
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. To read the new guidelines in full, click here: https://www.stmattsav.org/post/new-covid-19-safety-guidelines-august-2022.
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
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Pledge Campaign Testimonial
Sheila Jones, Vestry
The Offertory
[BCP, p. 376]
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:
Mail us a check or money order at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 1401 Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd, Savannah, GA 31415; OR
Make a secure online gift to St. Matthew’s and/or automate future gifts at: https://onrealm.org/StMattSav/-/give/now; OR
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.
"Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’" [Acts 20:35]
Give online at: https://onrealm.org/StMattSav/-/give/now
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LEV #105: I'm So Glad, Jesus Lifted Me
1 I’m so glad Jesus lifted me
I'm so glad Jesus lifted me
I'm so glad Jesus lifted me
singing glory Hallelujah Jesus lifted me.
2 Satan had me bound Jesus lifted me
Satan had me bound Jesus lifted me
Satan hand me bound Jesus lifted me
singing glory Hallelujah Jesus lifted me
3 When I was in sin Jesus lifted me
When I was in sin Jesus lifted me
When I was in sin Jesus lifted me
singing glory Hallelujah Jesus lifted me.
[Words: Traditional. Public Domain. Music: Negro Spiritual; arr. Hezekiah Brinson, Jr., Copyright © 1990 Hezekiah Brinson, Jr. Printed with permission. All rights reserved.]
AAHH #651: Doxology
[See also Hymn # 380, v. 3]
Praise God, Praise God, Praise God!
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.
[Words: Thomas Ken, Public Domain. Music: Old 100th, attributed to Louis Bourgeois, Public Domain. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #84260. 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.
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 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, Copyright © 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, Copyright © 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, Copyright © 1972 General Words and Music Co. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #57436. All rights reserved.]
Holy Things for Holy People: The Gifts of God for the people of God.
This Far By Faith #119: Come, Let Us Eat
1 Come, let us eat, for now the feast is spread,
come, let us eat for the feast is spread.
Our Lord's body let us take together,
our Lord's body let us take together.
2 Come, let us drink, for now the wine is poured,
come, let us drink, for now the wine is poured.
Jesus' blood poured let us drink together,
Jesus' blood poured let us drink together.
3. In his presence now we meet and rest,
in his presence now we meet and rest.
In the presence of our Lord we gather,
in the presence of our Lord we gather.
4. Rise, the, to spread abroad God's mighty word,
rise, the, to spread abroad God's mighty word.
Jesus risen will bring in the kingdom,
Jesus risen will bring in the kingdom.
[Text: Billema Kwillia, sts. 1-3; Gilbert E. Doan, st. 4, alt.; tr. Margaret D. Miller, sts. 1-3, alt. Music: A VA DE, Billema Kwillia; arr. Lutheran Book of Worship, 1978. Text sts. 1-3 and tune © Lutheran World Federation, text st. 4 and arr. © 1972 Contemporary Worship 4, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #01570. 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 Book of Occasional Services 2018, p. 16]
May God give you grace to follow his saints in faith and hope and love; 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]
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God! Alleluia! Alleluia!
The Parish Prayer List
PRAYER LIST: Anita Arboleda-Silva, Martha Avery, Mary Bonaparte, Jacqueline Bryant, Lazola Cope, Aaron Duplechien Jr., Angelica Glover, Loretta Harmond, Marva Harris, Whitney Kennedy, Sada Maxwell, Bette Milledge, Jeffrey Miller, John "Butch" Mitchell, Jeanette Outing, and Jewel Wheeler
BIRTHDAYS: Jacqueline Bryant (11/8), Nicholas Maiorano (11/11), Mattie Blake (11/12), and Beryl Dandy (11/12)
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES: N/A
RECENT DEATHS: N/A
May the souls of all the departed rest in peace; and may light perpetual shine upon them. Amen.
Permissions and Credits: 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), and other sources cited. The Scripture readings are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible.
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