St. Stephen’s Anglican Parish

9:00 am St. George’s, East River

10:30 am St. Stephen’s, Chester

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

27 September 2020    

 

           Our mission is to worship God and care for 

God’s people in the spirit of Christ….

 

Archdeacon Ian Wissler  Rector 902. 275. 8627  ian.wissler@gmail.com

Rev. Canon Dr. Stephen Paul Booth, Honorary Assistant

                                                                  Wardens:   Mary Casavant 902.275.7992  rickmarycasavant@gmail.com                                                                                                                                     

Jon Waddell   902.275.4630   jwadell@bellaliant.net

Choir Director: Dawn Harwood-Jones

Organist: Margaret Machum

ststephensparish@ns.sympatico.ca

Parish Office Hours:  Monday-Thursday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

54 Regent Street Chester NS B0J 1J0      902.275.3804 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gathering of the Community

The Penitential Rite

 

Celebrant 

The grace of  our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

People And also with you.

 

Celebrant Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins.

People His mercy endures for ever.

 

Celebrant Almighty God,

All to you all hearts are open,

all desires known,

and from you no secrets are hidden.

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.

 

Celebrant Dear friends in Christ, God is steadfast in love and infinite in mercy; he welcomes sinners and invites us to this table. Let us confess our sins, confident in God’s forgiveness.

 

Celebrant Most merciful God,

All 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 neighbours as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us, that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen.

 

The Priest then pronounces “Absolution”

Celebrant: Glory to God in the highest,

All: 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.

All: 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.

 

All Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

 

Collect of the Day

Presider: God of our salvation,

All: we falter before the demands of your word and turn away from your call to life. As you showed mercy to your people of old, pour out your mercy on us, so that we may turn from our sinfulness and walk the path of self-emptying love made known in Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

 

The Proclamation of the Word

1st Lesson – Exodus 17:1-7

 Reader: A reading from the Book of Exodus                                                                                                                                

From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. The people quarrelled with Moses, and said, "Give us water to drink." Moses said to them, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?" But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, "Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?" So Moses cried out to the Lord, "What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me." The Lord said to Moses, "Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink." Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarrelled and tested the Lord, saying, "Is the Lord among us or not?" Reader: The Word of the Lord                                                                                                                        

  All: Thanks be to God.

 

Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16                                                                                                             

Presider: Hear my teaching, O my people; incline your ears to the words of my mouth.        

 All: I will open my mouth in a parable; I will declare the mysteries of ancient times.

Presider: That which we have heard and known, and what our forefathers have told us, we will not hide from their children.                                                                                                 

All: We will recount to generations to come the praiseworthy deeds and the power of the Lord, and the wonderful works he has done.                                                               

Presider: We will recount to generations to come the praiseworthy deeds and the power of the Lord, and the wonderful works he has done.                                                                           

 All: He split open the sea and let them pass through; he made the waters stand up like walls.                                                                                                                                   

  Presider: He led them with a cloud by day, and all the night through with a glow of fire.        

  All: He split the hard rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink as from the great deep.                                                                                                                                      

 Presider: He brought streams out of the cliff, and the waters gushed out like rivers. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.                                                        

 All: As it was the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

.

2^nd Lesson  - Philippians 2:1-13

 

 Reader: A reading from The Letter of Paul to the Philippians

 

If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death - even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

After the reading, the reader says,                                                                                                  

Reader: The Word of the Lord                                                                                                                                               

 All: Thanks be to God.

The Proclamation of the Gospel                                                                                                  

  Reader The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.

 

Reader The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (21:23-32)

People Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Then he called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” Then the disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.” But Peter said to him, “Explain this parable to us.” Then he said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.”

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.           

At the conclusion of the Gospel the reader says:                                                                                        

  The Gospel of Christ.                                                                                                                                        

People Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

 

The Homily – The Rector

 

The Nicene Creed                                                                                                                          

 Celebrant Let us confess our faith, as we say,

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: 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. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped 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

 

  Litanist: Let us approach the throne of grace on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

Litanist: Most holy Father, thank you for making us your children through your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for your patience with us when we speak and act in ways that grieve and displease you. Make us to be like him, so we are your heart’s delight and your blessing to the world. Lord, in your mercy, 

All: hear our prayer.

 

Litanist: Praying for the Church for those administering our diocese in the absence of a bishop, and for Sandra, our Bishop Elect, we ask you to conform the Church throughout the world to the mind of your dear Son. Conform its proclamation and teaching to his own. Conform its works to his self-sacrificing love. Fashion the Church ever more fully into the image and likeness of Christ, so that the light of his love shines into the world. Lord, in your mercy, 

All: hear our prayer.

 

 

Litanist: Put the mind of Christ into this Parish of St. Stephen’s (and this community of St. George’s). Let his humility and self-giving love shape and direct our words, worship, service, and fellowship. Give us such willing hearts that we gladly speak and act in obedience to your will, to your glory and for the building up of your people. Lord, in your mercy, 

All: hear our prayer.

 

Litanist: Grant strength, perseverance, and charity to our brothers and sisters who experience bitter persecution throughout the world. Give them courage, strength and love. Turn the hearts of their tormentors, so that love, repentance, reconciliation, and true faith in you may grow. Lord, in your mercy, 

All: hear our prayer.

 

Litanist: We pray to you for Elizabeth our Queen, and all who govern our nation under her, for those who govern this province and municipality, for the leaders of the nations. We pray that you will put it in their hearts to work together to address the crisis of this pandemic, and that they will work for justice and peace for all people. Lord, in your mercy, 

All: hear our prayer.

 

Litanist: Bring the joy of your saving help to everyone in the midst of illness, grief, distress, sorrow, danger or any kind of need (especially...). Be their guide and defence, grant them all their needs according to your loving will for them, and give them wholeness of body, mind, and spirit. Lord, in your mercy, 

All: hear our prayer.

 

Litanist: We commend to your care and keeping all our brothers and sisters who have departed this life and are at rest (especially...). Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them. Lord, in your mercy, 

All: hear our prayer.

 

Litanist: Father, conform our prayers to the heart of Jesus, hear them through the interceding of your Holy Spirit, and grant them in accordance with your gracious will, who together with you, lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 

 

 

 

Prayer over the Gifts                                                                                                                                     

Presider: Eternal God

All: in Jesus Christ we behold your glory.

Receive the offering of your people gathered before you, and open our hearts and mouths to praise your great salvation, the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

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

All 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,

the power, and the glory,

for ever and ever. Amen.

 

The Exchange of Peace, Blessing,& Dismissal

Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. 

People And also with you.                                             

The People may exchange the peace, safely!!!

 

The Priest pronounces the blessing.

 

Presider: Let us go forth into the world in peace.

All: Thanks be to God. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

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Announcements

 

 

Advanced Care Planning and Personal Directives Workshops

 

A free workshop offered by the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA), is available, and will be running for the coming months.  Learn about how to write your personal directive for healthcare. They will be offered every month until March, and are free!  For anyone thinking about their health, wellness and getting their personal affairs in order, this is a wonderful tool.

Advance Care Planning and Personal Directives – INSPIRED Program, NSHA

Explore what advance care planning is and what to include when creating a personal directive. To register, please call Andrew Comstock at (902) 483-8943

• Tuesday, October 20th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm (online via Zoom for Healthcare)
• Tuesday, November 24th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm (online via Zoom for Healthcare)
• Tuesday, December 8th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm (online via Zoom for Healthcare)

 

 

Flu Shots: Just a reminder as we approach flu season to plan on getting your flu shot as a way of advancing the public health of our families, friends, and community.

 

PWRDF Pledges $25,000 to Beirut  Explosion Response

PWRDF stands in solidarity with the people of Lebanon, and we pray for all who are responding to this disaster. Many people are still missing and tens of thousands have lost their properties. Hospitals, schools, universities and clinics have been badly damaged. The explosion has added to the already present trauma of economic and political challenges, and the impact of COVID-19. PWRDF has been in contact with partner the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) to express our sorrow, solidarity and prayers. PWRDF is pledging $25,000 to the ACT Alliance appeal for Beirut. ACT is in contact with

their implementing members on the ground in Lebanon to determine how best to respond. 

 

Please support PWRDF’s response to the Beirut Crisis!

 

Donations can be made in the following ways:

Online
Please visit our online donation page at https://pwrdf.org/give-today/and make your gift in Emergency Response, indicating Beirut Explosion in the message box.​

By Phone
Call 1-866-308-7973 toll-free (please leave a message and we will return your call), or 416-822-9083 to speak immediately with someone who can process your donation over the phone. Please do not send your credit card number by email or fax.

By Mail
Please make cheques payable to PWRDF,

Beirut Explosion and send to:

 

The Primate's World Relief and Development Fund
The Anglican Church of Canada
80 Hayden Street
Toronto, Ontario  M4Y 3G2

PWRDF Humanitarian Response Coordinator 
Naba Gurung
416-924-9192 ext. 321
ngurung@pwrdf.org

Anglicans in Canada are praying, acting and giving

to those affected by the Beirut crisis.

Please watch for updates on PWRDF’s response to the

situation at www.pwrdf.org.