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The Episcopal Church of St. Martin The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
July 26, 2020 Prelude “Komm, Heiliger Geist, Herre Gott”
J.S. Bach, D. Buxtehude, F.W. Zachau
Hymn 388 “O worship the King” / Hanover
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Service notes We encourage everyone to pray and sing along at home, although for clarity’s sake we need to keep people muted during online worship. We also encourage you to submit prayers in advance of the Prayers of the People so that we can do our best to include them in our spoken prayers at the appropriate time. If you are on Zoom, you can send them as a “private” chat to Pamela Dolan, so we can keep our focus on worship as much as possible. Just remember that we have to be careful not to share sensitive information online—please use first names only when referring to other people. Thank you!
Acclamation Presider Blessed be the one, holy, and living God. People Glory to God for ever and ever.
The Collect for Purity Presider 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.
The Collect of the Day Presider The Lord be with you People And also with you. Presider Let us pray.
O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The First Lesson Genesis 29:15-28
Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my kinsman, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?” Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah’s eyes were lovely, and Rachel was graceful and beautiful. Jacob loved Rachel; so he said, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to any other man; stay with me.” So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.
Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife that I may go in to her, for my time is completed.” So Laban gathered together all the people of the place, and made a feast. But in the evening he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob; and he went in to her. (Laban gave his maid Zilpah to his daughter Leah to be her maid.) When morning came, it was Leah! And Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Did I not serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?” Laban said, “This is not done in our country—giving the younger before the firstborn. Complete the week of this one, and we will give you the other also in return for serving me another seven years.” Jacob did so, and completed her week; then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel as a wife.
Lector Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people. People Thanks be to God.
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Psalm 105: 1-11, 45b
We give you thanks to the Lord and call upon God’s Name, * make known your deeds of the Lord among the peoples, Sing to the Lord, sing praises * and speak of all God’s marvelous works,
Glory in God’s holy Name; * let the hearts of those who seek The Lord rejoice; Search for the Lord and the strength of the Lord; * Continually seek the face of God. Remember the marvels God has done, * the wonders and the judgments of God’s mouth: O offspring of Abraham, God’s servant, * O children of Jacob, God’s chosen. The Lord is our God, * whose judgments prevail in all the world. The Lord has always been mindful of your covenant, * the promise made for a thousand generations: The covenant made with Abraham, * the oath sworn to Isaac, Which God established as a statute for Jacob, * an everlasting covenant for Israel, Saying, “To you will I give the land of Canaan * to be your allotted inheritance.” Hallelujah!
The Second Lesson Romans 8:26-29
The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.
What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As
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it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Leader Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people. People Thanks be to God.
Hymn WLP 803 “These three are the treasures” / Song of Lau Tsu
The Holy Gospel Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Gospeller: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus put before the crowds another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
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He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
“Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”
Gospeller: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Sermon Silence may follow.
The Nicene Creed
All 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, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. 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, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who 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
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Prayers of the People Deacon: Let us pray for the church and for the world.
Intercessor: For Michael our Presiding Bishop, Megan our Bishop, and for all clergy and lay leaders in the Church. We pray for courage and compassion as we learn to stand up and speak out for those whose lives are injured or cut short by systemic racism and oppression. For an end to the violence and poverty that displaces so many people from their homes and homelands, we pray.
(We hold silence, making space for prayer.)
God of love, People: Hear our prayer. For migrant workers that they may labor and live in safe and just conditions, we pray.
(We hold silence, making space for prayer.)
God of love, People: Hear our prayer.
For the families and children of migrants who have been separated, that they be reunited, and for all who have come to this country to further their educations and are now unsure of their futures, we pray.
(We hold silence, making space for prayer.)
God of love, People: Hear our prayer.
For our lawmakers that they establish and enforce laws that protect the rights and dignity of everyone, especially those most vulnerable in our country, including Asylum Seekers, we pray.
(We hold silence, making space for prayer.)
God of love, People: Hear our prayer.
For employers and corporations that they choose the dignity and worth of each human person over profit and power, we pray.
(We hold silence, making space for prayer.)
God of love, People: Hear our prayer.
For our community and parishes that we may continue to serve those without homes and resources, and that we speak out for just immigration reform, we pray. At this time we will pray aloud those intentions offered by members of our community.
(We hold silence, making space for prayer.)
God of love, People: Hear our prayer.
For all who have died and for those who mourn, we pray.
(We hold silence, making space for prayer.)
God of love,
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People: Hear our prayer.
Presider: Look with compassion, O gracious God, upon the people in this land who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as their constant companions. Have mercy upon us. Help us to eliminate our cruelty to these our neighbors. Strengthen those who spend their lives establishing equal protection of the law and equal opportunities for all. And grant that every one of us may enjoy a fair portion of the riches of this land; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Confession All God of all mercy, we confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your will in our lives. We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and in the world you have created. We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf. Forgive, restore, and strengthen us through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we may abide in your love and serve only your will.
Absolution
Presider Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer First in Spanish and then in English, let us pray together in the words our Savior gave us:
Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo, santificado sea tu Nombre, venga tu reino, hágase tu voluntad, en la tierra como en el cielo.
Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día. Perdona nuestras ofensas,
como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden.
No nos dejes caer en tentación y líbranos del mal.
Porque tuyo es el reino, tuyo es el poder, y tuya es la gloria, ahora y por siempre. Amen.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
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Hymn 615 “Thy kingdom come” / St Flavian
Announcements Celebrations and Milestones Watch over your children O Lord, as their days increase: bless and guide them wherever they may be. Strengthen them when they stand; comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and in their hearts may your peace which passes all understanding abide all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Final Blessing The Wisdom of God, the Love of God, and the Grace of God strengthen you to be Christ’s hands and heart in this world, in the name of the Holy Trinity. Amen. (Source: Enriching Our Worship, Celtic Blessing)
Dismissal The deacon dismisses the people, and the people respond Thanks be to God.
Postlude “Vexilla Regis Prodeunt” J. Bull (Abroad the Regal Banners fly)
Music reprinted by permission One License.net A-715551 LicenSing U14902 CCLI 1839803
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Liturgical Ministers Preacher The Rev. Casey Dunsworth Presider The Rev. Ernest L. Lewis Gospeller The Rev. Dr. Pamela Dolan Music Ministers Jeffrey and Suzanne Jubenville Readers Chris Reynolds, Alessa Johns Intercessor Lisa Halko Livestream coordinator Gabe Avila Closed Captioner Janet Lane Contact Information Rector The Rev. Dr. Pamela Dolan, [email protected] Curate The Rev. Alex Leach, [email protected] Associate The Rev. Ernest L. Lewis, [email protected] Deacon The Ven. Margaret Grayden, [email protected] Music Ministers Jeffrey and Suzanne Jubenville [email protected] Treasurer Julie Knudsen, [email protected] Administrator Jan Sanders, [email protected] The Vestry [email protected] Vestry Gabe Avila, Nick Buxton (Jr. Warden), Sarah Conning, Stan Forbes, Elise Keddie, Julie Knudsen, Ann Liu, Josy Miller (Co-Sr. Warden), Jessie Ann Owens (Clerk), Bob Polkinghorn (Co-Sr. Warden), Janet Thompson, Elizabeth Young. Ministry Council Mike Rushton, [email protected] Beth Robbins, [email protected] Carole Hom, [email protected] Maria Acuna-Feldman, [email protected] Helen Campbell, [email protected]
Telephone: (530) 756-0444 Email: [email protected] Web: www.churchofstmartin.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 26, 2020
Vestry News and Review The Mutual Ministry Review was completed in late June 2020. It identified three primary goals for the next 12 months or so: enhancing digital technologies, in-reach, and inviting/welcoming/integrating new members. Work toward achieving these goals is already underway! With the support of the Vestry, the Regathering Task Force is diligently working to create a Regathering Plan, including bringing improved technology to the church. Have you wondered why services are not streaming from the sanctuary? The sanctuary does not currently have internet access nor do we have adequate cameras, but the Regathering Task Force will soon rectify that. Stay tuned for a reopening survey and more updates from the Task Force.
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As for in-reach and new members, if you are new to St. Martin’s, please send an email to [email protected] . Our new Welcome Wagon program would love to get in touch. Also, keep your eye out for an invite from the All Are Welcome team to Trivia Night! Thanks and stay safe! On behalf of the Vestry, Gabe Avila Update from Budget and Finance: Our financial position remains strong. Our pledge income continues to run slightly ahead of budget and for the year to date our budget is running in the black. Thank you all for continuing your support for the mission of the church in these difficult and uncertain times! At the recommendation of the Budget & Finance Committee and the Regathering Task Force, the Vestry has approved a one-time expenditure of up to $20,000 to be used to add internet connectivity to the nave and purchase equipment that will both improve the quality of our electronic services and make possible a hybrid of online and in-person worship services. Again, the Vestry, clergy, and staff thank you for your continuing support and prayers. --Stan Forbes, Chair, Budget and Finance Committee Interested in Helping Create a Vision for Additional Landscaping at St. Martin’s? We are forming a Landscape Planning Task Force, whose charge will be to create an overall landscape vision for St. Martin’s. For example, if we wanted an outdoor chapel, where would it be located? If we wanted an herb garden, a raised bed of vegetables, fruit trees, or more native flowers, where would these go? The task force will also prioritize which sections might be done first (as funds become available) and, ideally, facilitate the creation of a plan on paper that the whole congregation could see. We estimate the time of service on this task force would be six months maximum and its work would begin in early August. If you are interested in being on this task force, please contact Beth Robbins ([email protected]) or Janet Lane ([email protected]) by July 26. TYGMOS (This Youth Group Meets Online Sometimes) Our youth group, TYGMOS, will meet today at 1:15 pm. TYGMOS has been having some special summer sessions to talk about race and allyship, but also have a space where friends can see one another and talk about the weirdness of this summer. If you would like to learn more or be included in TYGMOS e-mails, please reach out to either Robert or Alex+ - [email protected]. The youth group is hoping to gather twice a month. Parent Hang Out Monday, July 27th at 9 pm, any parents of children who are in 6th grade or younger are welcome to join their peers in a zoom hang out to talk about how life is, to mutually support one another, and to explore talking to young children about race. If you would like to come join either of these calls, please reach out to Alex+ ([email protected]) to get the zoom information. Matthew 25 grants— We would like your help! It is time once again to invite non-profit organizations to apply for grant funding from St Martin. Our application deadline is September 1st. We would like you to help us by suggesting a non-profit which you think might want to apply. For this year, grant funding will give preference to agencies which:
• Meet the tenets of Matthew 25: Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, caring for the
sick, visiting the imprisoned, and welcoming the stranger;
• Provide direct client services;
• Help people move toward self-sufficiency;
• Have an annual budget of $1,000,000 or less.
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If you know of an organization which you think meets these criterion and would want to apply, please contact Lynn Zender at [email protected], SOON! And, thanks for your help. St. Martin's Reps Needed for Saturday Morning and Thursday Evening Meals During this time of COVID, Davis Community Meals and Housing (DCMH) is still offering meals to-go at St. Martin’s three times a week. But to help these meals run smoothly, we are seeking additional volunteers to serve as the St. Martin’s representative at the Saturday mid-day and Thursday evening meal. Unfortunately, many of our regular volunteers cannot serve at this time, so we are seeking others to help either short-term or long-term. Volunteers preparing food all wear masks, guests remain outdoors with social distancing guidelines marked on the patio, and food is picked up in bags through the parish hall doors. The Saturday meal representative is present from 11am to 12:30pm. The Thursday representative serves from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. If you can help us, you would serve once a month on the week of your choice. Your role as St. Martin’s rep is to be the welcoming face of St. Martin’s and to assist as needed with overseeing meal pick-up outdoors, clean-up and lock up after the meal. A cook in charge and several volunteers (usually no more than 4 total) will prepare the food to-go and clean-up. If you are interested in serving on Thursdays, please contact Janet Lane ([email protected]). If you are interested in serving on Saturdays, please contact Laura Meinzen-Dick ([email protected]). Zoom Godly Play Our next Godly Play session on Zoom will be on August 2nd at 9:15 am. The plan for the moment is that Godly Play will be offered on the First and the Third Sunday of each month on zoom. So join us again on August 16th! Contact Alex+ ([email protected]) to get the zoom link! Upcoming meeting dates: Worship Commission: Monday, July 27, at 6 pm Care for God’s Creation: Tuesday, July 28, at 7 pm
Buildings and Grounds: Wednesday, July 29, at 10 am Please contact the office if you need zoom information for any of these meetings. Spiritual Practices and Prayers Did you know that Morning Prayer and Compline are continuing on weekdays via Zoom? And that Centering Prayer happens every Wednesday evening? Please contact the office if you need information about the schedule or help with joining in these grounding and uplifting practices. "Every person…every week…one item of Food." The Social Justice and Outreach Committee wants to remind everyone that we are continuing to support our local food banks—Dixon Family Services, STEAC, and the UCD Pantry—during this exceedingly difficult time. All food banks are experiencing huge demands on their food supply. Janet Lane has offered her front porch as a drop-off location for our weekly non-perishable food donations (her address is in the St. Martin’s Directory). Please support this important outreach project as you are able. Our motto is "Every person…every week…one item of Food." Everything You Need for Sunday Morning Worship On Sundays at 10 am, you have the choice to join us on a Zoom call or to go to our Facebook page, where we are streaming the service simultaneously. In addition, we're regularly adding recordings of our Sunday worship (after the fact) onto our YouTube Channel. The links you need to join us via Zoom are on our website and are also available here: https://zoom.us/j/94932107255 Meeting ID: 949 3210 7255 If you want to call in from a phone, rather than join from a device, the phone number is 1 669 900 9128 and you will need the Meeting ID: 949 3210 7255
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Our Facebook page (remember to scroll down until you find the live video--we'll try to add the date to the beginning of the video so it's clearly marked) We're so grateful to everyone who is stepping up to learn new ways to gather as church. Please let us know how we can help make this easier. And don't forget that we are now having a Zoom Coffee Hour every week. Plan to stick around on Zoom after the service to see friendly faces and hear familiar voices. Most of us are enjoying the opportunity to join “breakout rooms” and have more leisurely conversations about topics large and small. Whether you’re new to St. Martin’s or are one of our longstanding members--all are welcome!
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