The Gathering Of The Community
Hymn: Blue #572 Let There Be Light
Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
All: And also with you
Leader: 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.
Collect of the Day
Leader: Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people, that richly bearing the fruit of good works, we may by you be richly rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
The Proclamation of the Word
First Reading: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23
The Psalm
Second Reading: James 2:1-10, 11-17
Sermon
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 of the People
As we stand in God’s presence, let us pray to the Lord, saying, “Lord, have mercy.”
For the whole People of God, that each one may be a true and faithful servant of Christ, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For those drawing near to the light of faith, that the Lord will bring them to true knowledge of himself, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For our families and friends, that the Lord will give them joy and satisfaction in all that they do, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For those who are lonely, sick, hungry, persecuted, or ignored, that the Lord will comfort and sustain them, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For our country, that the Lord will help us to contribute to its true growth and well-being, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For the whole human family, that we may live together in justice and peace, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins
Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father. In your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone, and so uphold us by your Spirit that we may live and serve you in newness of life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Peace
Leader: Once we were far off, but now in union with Christ Jesus we have been brought near through the shedding of Christ’s blood, for he is our peace (Eph. 2:13, 14).
The peace of the Lord be always with you
All: And also with you.
Hymn: Blue #592 Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life
A Prayer for Spiritual Communion
Leader: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
Leader: Jesus said, “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.” (John 6:54-58)
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.
All: Dear Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Holy Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I desire to possess you within my soul. And since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. I unite myself to you, together with all your faithful people gathered around every altar of your Church, and I embrace you with all the affections of my soul. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.
Concluding Prayer
Leader: Father, your word and sacrament give us food and life. May we who have shared in holy things bear fruit to your honour and glory, in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
Hymn: Blue #306 O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
Leader: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
We pray for: David and Leslie Demson; Deirdre Demson; Aubrey Duffy and Peter McMillian, Alexander
Announcements
Farewell to the Oakes
Sunday September 19, on the lawn after church: Come say good-bye and God be with you to Ruth and Peter Oakes, as we send them on their way to Winnipeg after many years of faithful service to this church. We love you and we will miss you, Peter and Ruth!
Opportunity to serve: Property Committee
We have a new Property Committee to look after our beautiful old building. If you have an interest in building and property matters, we would love to have you join the committee. Please speak to Mtr Catherine if you are interested.
Special Vestry
On Sunday Sep 29 we will hold a special vestry for the purpose of electing a new People’s Warden and deputy warden. The Vestry meeting will be held right after church, in person. It will be brief, 15 minutes or so. All members of St. Matthew’s are welcome to attend and vote.
St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Riverdale,
135 First Avenue, Toronto ON, M4M 1W9
416-463-9720
The Rev Dr Catherine Sider-Hamilton – Priest-in-charge: 416-463-9720
The Rev Dr Ephraim Radner – Honorary Assistant
Please direct all enquiries to Peter Oakes, Peoples’ Warden or Audrey Chan, Rector’s Warden
