View Paul’s homily, here:
Morning Prayer, Rite II
The service printed here is from The Book of Common Prayer (BCP).
Opening Sentence: I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.
The Confession of Sin
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 Absolution
Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen.
Officiant: Lord, open our lips.
People: And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
All: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia!
Hymn 377 Jubilate “All People that on earth do dwell” Old Hundredth
All people that on earth do dwell, sing to the Lord with cheerful voice: him serve with mirth, his praise forth tell, come ye before him and rejoice.
Know that the Lord is God indeed; without our aid he did us make: we are his folk, he doth us feed, and for his sheep he doth us take.
O enter then his gates with praise, approach with joy his courts unto; praise, laud, and bless his Name always, for it is seemly so to do.
For why? the Lord our God is good, his mercy is for ever sure; his truth at all times firmly stood, and shall from age to age endure.
To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the God whom heaven and earth adore, from men and from the angel host be praise and glory evermore. Amen
Psalm 62:6-14 read by all
6 For God alone my soul in silence waits; *
truly, my hope is in him.
7 He alone is my rock and my salvation, *
my stronghold, so that I shall not be shaken.
8 In God is my safety and my honor; *
God is my strong rock and my refuge.
9 Put your trust in him always, O people, *
pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge.
10 Those of high degree are but a fleeting breath, *
even those of low estate cannot be trusted.
11 On the scales they are lighter than a breath, *
all of them together.
12 Put no trust in extortion; in robbery take no empty pride; *
though wealth increase, set not your heart upon it.
13 God has spoken once, twice have I heard it, *
that power belongs to God.
14 Steadfast love is yours, O Lord, *
for you repay everyone according to his deeds.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
The First Lesson Jonah 3:1-5, 10
The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days’ walk across. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth.
When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.
Canticle 16 Song of Zechariah (metrical); sung by all to the tune Forest Green
Blessed be the God of Israel, who comes to set us free; he visits and redeems us, he grants us liberty. The prophets spoke of mercy, of freedom and release; God shall fulfill his promise and bring his people peace.
He from the house of David a child of grace has given; a Savior comes among us to raise us up to heaven. Before him goes his herald, forerunner in the way, the prophet of salvation, the harbinger of Day.
On prisoners of darkness the sun begins to rise, the dawning of forgiveness upon the sinner’s eyes. He guides the feet of pilgrims along the paths of peace. O bless our God and Savior, with songs that never cease.
Spoken by all: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
The Second Lesson 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
I mean, brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who have wives be as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no possessions, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.
Canticle 7 Te Deum laudamus; sung by all; Grosser Gott
Holy God, we praise thy Name, Lord of all, we bow before thee; all on earth thy scepter claim, all in heaven above adore thee; infinite thy vast domain, everlasting is thy reign.
Hark, the loud celestial hymn angel choirs above are raising; cherubim and seraphim, in unceasing chorus praising, fill the heavens with sweet accord: holy, holy, holy Lord!
Lo, the apostolic train join, thy sacred Name to hallow; prophets swell the loud refrain, and the white-robed martyrs follow; and, from morn till set of sun, through the Church the song goes on.
Holy Father, Holy Son, Holy Spirit, Three we name Thee, while in essence only One, undivided God we claim Thee; then, adoring, bend the knee and confess the mystery.
The Third Lesson Mark 1:14-20
After John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.
The Homily The Rev. Paul A. Bennett
Announcements and Commissioning of the Vestry
On behalf of the congregation of All Saints’ Episcopal Church, I present:
Lindsay Monihen for senior warden
Karen Wood for junior warden
Anna Settle, Mari-Grace Smith, and Bill Shoppe for vestry
Have these leaders been elected by the congregation or appointed by the vestry in accordance with the bylaws of our congregation?
They have.
(to the new leaders) Do you commit yourselves to carry out the responsibilities of the office to which you have been appointed?
Leaders: I do.
Do you reaffirm your commitment to follow Christ and to serve this congregation in his name?
Leaders: I do.
(to the congregation) Will you do all in your power to support these leaders with your prayers, your honest yet gracious communication with them, and your willingness to help them carry out Christ’s ministry in this church?
We will.
In the name of this congregation, I commission you for this work and pledge you our prayers, encouragement, and support. May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you, that in this, and in all things, you may do God’s will in the service of the kingdom of Christ. Amen.
Let us pray. Almighty God, look with favor upon these persons who have now reaffirmed their commitment to follow Christ and to serve in his name. Give them courage, patience, and vision; and strengthen us all in our Christian vocation of witness to the world, and of service to others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Prayers
The Salutation
Officiant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Officiant: Let us pray.
The Lord’s Prayer Traditional
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.
Suffrages A
Officiant: Show us your mercy, O Lord;
People: And grant us your salvation.
Officiant: Clothe your ministers with righteousness;
People: Let your people sing with joy.
Officiant: Give peace, O Lord, in all the world;
People: For only in you can we live in safety.
Officiant: Lord, keep this nation under your care;
People: And guide us in the way of justice and truth.
Officiant: Let your way be known upon earth;
People: Your saving health among all nations.
Officiant: Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten;
People: Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.
Officiant: Create in us clean hearts, O God;
People: And sustain us with your Holy Spirit.
The Collect of the Day
Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
For the Human Family
Oh God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your son. Look now with compassion on the entire human family; and particularly this part of the family, in the United States, and those in our nation’s capital; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Office Hymn “God of mercy, God of grace” Lucerna Laudoniae
God of mercy, God of grace, show the brightness of thy face. Shine upon us, Savior, shine, fill thy Church with light divine, and thy saving health extend unto earth’s remotest end.
Let thy people praise thee, Lord; be by all that live adored. Let the nations shout and sing glory to their Savior King; let all be, below, above, one in joy, and light, and love.
Prayers of the People
I ask your prayers for God’s people throughout the world; for our Bishop; for this gathering; and for all ministers and people. Pray for the Church. Silence
I ask your prayers for peace; for goodwill among nations; and for the well-being of all people.
Pray for justice and peace. Silence
I ask your prayers for the poor, the sick, the hungry, the oppressed, and those in prison.
Pray for those in any need or trouble. Silence
I ask your prayers for all who seek God, or a deeper knowledge of him.
Pray that they may find and be found by him. Silence
I ask your prayers for the departed. Pray for those who have died. Silence
Praise God for those in every generation in whom Christ has been honored.
Pray that we may have grace to glorify Christ in our own day. Silence
The General Thanksgiving
Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.
A Prayer of St. Chrysostom
Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.
The Dismissal and Grace
Officiant: Let us bless the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Permission to podcast/stream/reprint the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE with license #A-721346. All rights reserved.
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Standing Committee Invites Participation in Diocesan-wide Survey
Dear friends in Christ,
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
As part of our work during this transition time leading to the search and call of our next bishop, the Standing Committee invites your participation in a diocesan-wide survey. This will help us understand the health of our diocese and assess our immediate and long-term needs.
We have heard from some people who believe we must proceed as quickly as possible into the search for our next bishop. Others have told us they believe our diocese has serious challenges which must be addressed before we can begin the search. Still others have said that we can proceed forward deliberately as long as we attend to our challenges and needs. This survey will give us some data to guide our work. Once the survey is complete, we will host listening sessions to gather the kind of stories that cannot be collected in a survey. We have contracted with Holy Cow! Consulting in preparing the survey, and they will also lead the listening sessions. They are experienced consultants who have guided over 50 Episcopal dioceses through bishop transitions.
The survey will be open from today until Wednesday, February 10. Once the survey closes, listening sessions will be held in the late winter and early spring. With this information, we will be able to craft a timeline for the work that must be done to successfully call and elect our next bishop.
Here is the link to take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DioceseofSOhio
If there are people in your congregation who would like to take the survey but who do not have internet access, you may print out a PDF copy of the survey in English or Spanish. [PLEASE CONTACT THE ALL SAINTS’ OFFICE AND WE WILL EMAIL YOU A PRINTED VERSION OF THE SURVEY.]
Please mail completed paper surveys to the diocesan office (412 Sycamore Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202) to arrive by February 3.
It is important that we have wide participation across the whole diocese geographically, but also with our full diversity of race, age, economic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, and so on.
We know that many people are eager to know the roadmap which will show us the path to calling and electing our next bishop. Believe us, no one is more eager to hand over the reins of leadership than your Standing Committee! However, we want to make sure we have the right process given who we are and where we are going. This survey and the subsequent listening sessions will be essential in helping us craft a process that is neither too hasty nor too slow. We will share results from the survey not long after it is complete, and we will provide a summary of our findings from the listening sessions. Our goal is to have a search process that is transparent and clear for all.
In this Epiphany season, we encourage you to seek Jesus in your own life and in the world around us. And let us all share the glad news of our redemption in Christ Jesus our Lord with a world in need of hope, mercy, and grace. We are,
Yours faithfully,
The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Southern Ohio
Mr. Larry Hayes, president
The Rev. Philip DeVaul, vice-president
Dr. James Allsop,
The Rev. Dr. Ellen Cook,
Mr. Barry Feist,
The Rev. Canon Scott Gunn