Prayers of the People | St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church

St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church

GOING FORWARD IN FAITH

“With An Attitude Of Gratitude, We Give Time, Talent and Treasure”

January 5, 2020

Second Sunday After Christmas

10:00 AM Jazz Mass with Eucharist

The Rev. James Dahlin

Celebrant & Preacher

Visitors

We are a welcoming community, open to people of all races, young and old, gay and straight, those who are rich or poor of varying educational levels, suburban or urban. We are a diverse multi-racial congregation of approximately 130 members with a proud Afro-Anglican heritage and history. Our liturgy and music draw from African-American and traditional Anglican sources. Read More...

Church Groups

We invite you to participate in our Church Groups; Sunday School, The Choir, Blessing Team - Stewardship, ECW (Episcopal Church Women), Book Club * New, Saint Monnica's Guild. SASS (St. Augustine's Seniors with Spirit), Social Justice Committee, One Good Meal Food ministry (Started in 2011) Pastoral Care, Prayer Group. Read More...

Annual Picnic

Sponsored by the Brotherhood of St. Augustine’s
Enjoy Good Fellowship, Food, Music & Fun in a Beautiful Setting. At the North Temescal Picnic Site / 6500 Broadway / Oakland. In The Temescal Regional, Recreation Area Read More...

Media

Photo Gallery, Podcast-Sermons Visit...

The Holy Eucharist

"We Have Come Into His House” Levas II, #245

1 We have come into His house and gathered in His name to worship Him; x 2

We have come into His house and gathered in His mane to worship Christ, the Lord,

Worship Him, Christ the Lord.

2 So forget about yourself and concentrate on Him and worship Him; x 2

So forget about yourself and concentrate on Him and worship Christ, the Lord,

Worship Him, Christ the Lord.

3 Let us lift up holy hands and magnify His name and worship Him; x 2

Let us lift up holy hands and magnify His name and worship Christ, the Lord,

Worship Him, Christ the Lord.

Call to Worship Continues...

The Holy Eucharist

Call to Worship

"We Have Come Into His House” Levas II, #245

1 We have come into His house and gathered in His name to worship Him; x 2

We have come into His house and gathered in His mane to worship Christ, the Lord,

Worship Him, Christ the Lord.

2 So forget about yourself and concentrate on Him and worship Him; x 2

So forget about yourself and concentrate on Him and worship Christ, the Lord,

Worship Him, Christ the Lord.

3 Let us lift up holy hands and magnify His name and worship Him; x 2

Let us lift up holy hands and magnify His name and worship Christ, the Lord,

Worship Him, Christ the Lord.

Processional Hymn

" Hark the Glad Sound” HYMNAL #71

Prayer for Lighting the Advent Wreath Candles

Leader: Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord

All: Thanks be to God

Last Sunday we lit the Candle of Love. We light it and the Candles of Hope and Peace again as we remember that Jesus, born in Bethlehem, will come again to fulfill all of God's promises and bring us everlasting peace and joy.

(A person lights the Candles of Hope, Peace, and Love)

Today we light the Fourth Candle of Advent, the Candle of Joy. When the angel Gabriel told Mary that a special child would be born to her she was filled with joy. She sang a song that began with the words: "My soul magnifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. Just as the birth of Jesus gave great joy to his mother, so his presence in the world gave joy to those who had none before. He healed them and gave them hope and peace when they believed in him.

From hope, peace, and love grows joy.

We light the Candle of Joy to remind us that when Jesus is born in us we have joy and that through him there will be everlasting joy on earth.

(A person lights the Fourth Candle the Candle of Joy)

Joy is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at this candle we celebrate the joy we find in Jesus Christ.

Leader: Let us pray:

All: Thank you God for the joy you give us. We ask that as we wait for all your promises to come true, and for Christ to come again, that you would remain present with us. Help us today, and every day to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your will by sharing your joy with each other. We ask it in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen.

The Opening Sentence (The people standing)

Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

People: And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and forever. Amen.

The Collect for Purity

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.

Lord, Have Mercy

Lord, Have Mercy

Levad II 236

Lord, have mercy

Lord, have mercy on us

Christ, have mercy,

Christ, have mercy

Christ, have mercy on us

Lord, have mercy (x2)

Collect

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Celebrant: Let us pray.

Continue... Ministry of the word.

The Ministry of the Word

The First Reading

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH

Jeremiah 31:7-14

Thus says the Lord: Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say,

"Save, O Lord, your people, the remnant of Israel."

See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north, and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, those with child and those in labor, together; a great company, they shall return here.

With weeping, they shall come, and with consolations, I will lead them back, I will let them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble; for I have become a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.

Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, "He who scattered Israel will gather him and will keep him as a shepherd a flock."

For the Lord has ransomed Jacob and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him.

They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord, over the grain, the wine, and the oil, and over the young of the flock and the herd; their life shall become like a watered garden, and they shall never languish again.

Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry.

I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.

I will give the priests their fill of fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my bounty, says the Lord.

The Word of the Lord

Congregation: Thanks be to God

Psalm

Psalm 84

How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts! * My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.
The sparrow has found her a house and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young; * by the side of your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God.
Happy are they who dwell in your house! * they will always be praising you.
Happy are the people whose strength is in you! * whose hearts are set on the pilgrims’ way.
Those who go through the desolate valley will find it a place of springs, * for the early rains have covered it with pools of water.
They will climb from height to height, * and the God of gods will reveal himself in Zion.
Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; * hearken, O God of Jacob.
Behold our defender, O God; * and look upon the face of your Anointed.
For one day in your courts is better than a thousand in my own room, * and to stand at the threshold of the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.
For the Lord God is both sun and shield; * he will give grace and glory;
No good thing will the Lord withhold * from those who walk with integrity.
O Lord of hosts, * happy are they who put their trust in you!

The Epistle

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS

Ephesians 1:3-6,15-19a

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

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.

The Word of the Lord

Congregation: Thanks be to God

Sequence Hymn

“The King Shall Come” HYMNAL #73

The Gospel

The Holy Gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ, according to Matthew.

Congregation: Glory to You, Lord Christ

Matthew 2:1-12

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'"

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

”The Gospel of the Lord"

Congregation: Praise to you, Lord Christ

Sunday, Nov 3, 2019

"Money and the Kingdom of God" Rev. James Dahlin

A look at the story of Zacchaeus through the lens of the Exodus story and the economy of God.

Listen here...

Sunday, Oct 20, 2019

"Importance of Prayer" Rev. James Dahlin

We discuss the need for prayer and the different ways we can pray, learning from the parable of Luke 18:1-8 with the persistent widow and the unjust judge.

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Sunday, Oct 13, 2019

"Worshipping God in the Beauty of Creation" Rev. James Dahlin

We worship God with our bodies in a particular place. Different places evoke different responses. Sometimes it’s nice to shake things up and try a new place.

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Sunday, Oct 6, 2019

"Increase our Faith" Rev. James Dahlin

A fully embodied faith, including all of life’s ups and downs.

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Sunday, September 29, 2019

"The rich man and Lazarus" Rev. James Dahlin

A reflection on ways we’re self-centered and ways we feel we’re not good enough and how to navigate the middle.

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Sunday, September 22, 2019

"The Language of Greed" Rev. James Dahlin

How do we remain faithful to our faith while living in a land fluent in the language of greed?

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Sunday, September 15, 2019

"How do you stay faithful" Rev. James Dahlin

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus tells the parable of the 99 faithful sheep and seeking after the one who is lost. Oftentimes, we find ourselves among 99 who are lost. How do we stay faithful in the midst of people who live according to a different narrative? Answer: we receive formation among the 99 faithful and immerse ourselves in the Story of God.

Listen here...

Sunday, September 9, 2019

"Take up the cross" Rev. Davidson Bowen

Whoever does not carry the cross cannot be my disciple. The cross is love. Love should never be burdensome. It was love that took Jesus to the cross. It was love that kept him on the cross.

Listen here...

August 18, 2019

"Jesus says, I came to bring fire to the earth, I wish it was already kindled"

Jesus says in today’s Gospel, “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” We’re getting close to the fire season in California and when people start mentioning fire, everyone gets twitchy and nervous. My husband and I did when the Oakland Hills fire of 1991 hit. We had to evacuate like everyone else, thousands of others but Thank God, the fire came only 25 feet from our house. We were luckier than many people in Santa Rosa or Paradise, CA.

We usually think of Jesus as the Prince of Peace – but here he says he is the Bringer of Fire and Division. The fire of the Holy Spirit which divides the wheat from the chaff – truth from lies, integrity from corruption, inclusion v. expulsion, love vs. hate. We need this fire today more than ever. Sometimes it seems like Nature is fighting hard to get our attention. Each year, she sends us hundred-year floods, high tides, tornadoes, fires, and droughts, hoping we’ll get the message. The trouble is that sometimes the task of solving the environmental crisis we’re in - just like the divisions and problems made by our current administration, seem too overwhelming – too big to handle by ourselves. And they are. Many of us saw and hear Bishop Michael Curry’s fabulous sermon at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Windsor chapel last year. He said: Someone once said that Jesus began the most revolutionary movement in human history. A movement grounded in the unconditional love of God for the world…”Then he quoted the Jesuit paleontologist and mystic, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin: “Someday, after mastering the winds, the waves, the tides, and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love, and then, for a second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.” But to harness that fire, each one of us needs to be fired by the Holy Spirit. Someone once said, “Christianity isn’t taught – it’s caught.” Jesus came to set us on fire – and then teach us how to be Fire Bringers. To set God’s world ablaze with His Love. This is the only way we can tackle the big problems that beset us – problems of the environment and those that threaten our Democracy. These things are way too big to tackle alone. Only as Fire Bringers can we do it together. It all starts with each one of us.

Listen here...

June 23, 2019

"Challenges of false profits"

The Old Testament is full of drama and intrigue. This is especially true with the story of the Prophet Elijah, King Ahab and Queen Jazabell in the 19th chapter of 1st Kings. It is a story of the battle between good and evil, the true God and the false gods of false prophets. It is a story of wanting to give up after fighting for so long and God saying, "don't give up. The battle is not over. Get up and eat, otherwise, the journey will be too much for you". As we face the current battles whatever they might be, we need the food that only God can give that will prepare us for the journey ahead. The Old Testament is full of drama and intrigue. This is especially true with the story of the Prophet Elijah, King Ahab and Queen Jazabell in the 19th chapter of 1st Kings. It is a story of the battle between good and evil, the true God and the false gods of false prophets. It is a story of wanting to give up after fighting for so long and God saying, "don't give up. The battle is not over. Get up and eat, otherwise, the journey will be too much for you". As we face the current battles whatever they might be, we need the food that only God can give that will prepare us for the journey ahead.

Listen here...

June 2, 2019

"Keeping your eyes on the prise, hold on!"

We are faced with many challenges in life, most of all what we will stand for and believe in. We have to keep always our eyes on what is right and true. For us, "keeping our eyes on the prize" Our prize is Jesus. If we keep our eyes focused on Jesus and his calling on our lives we can face the challenges that confront us.

Listen here...

May 26, 2019

"Do You Want To Be Healed?"

John 5:1-9 A man who apparently was lame sat at the gate and pool called Bethzatha for thirty-eight years waiting to get in the holy waters to be healed. For thirty-eight years he sat there just waiting. Just waiting and perhaps begging for a few coins. Jesus appeared and asked him the question "do you want to be healed?" The implication was "do you REALLY want to be healed" Jesus saw through his response and just said to him"Stand up, take your mat and walk." The question is, do we really want to be healed from the things that block us from the fullness of life? Or do we just make excuses as the man did sitting by the pool?

Listen here...

May 19, 2019

"What's Love got to do With It?"

Two themes in today's readings from Acts and the gospel.

The first is that the church should be open fully to all who commit to receiving the Holy Spirit and following the way of Jesus. This was Peter's vision given by the Holy Spirit and affirmed by Jesus's own actions during his life.

Second, Jesus gave us a new commandment in John 13:34, "Love one another as I have loved you." This was directed at the disciples as they prepared to lead the Christian movement. They were called to live their lives as Jesus did. Sacrificing their lives for the sake of the Kingdom of God and loving one another in community.

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May 05, 2019

How is it that the Lord wants to use me?

The Readings for this Sunday from Acts 9:1-20 and the Gospel of John, 21:1-19, talk about how God used Paul and Peter to build the new Christian movement after the Resurrection of Jesus. He took two very "human" individuals who at first looked like they would be the last persons Jesus would choose to build the church and turned them into the two top leaders in all of early Christendom. The question is, will we let God use us in any way that God needs to extend the love and grace of Jesus? God can use you. Heed His call.

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April 21, 2019

The Question Is

Two major significant events in the Christian year, Christmas and Easter. Christmas celebrates Jesus coming into the world and God's effort to reach us. Easter celebrates God giving us the opportunity for a new life, one free of sin and with the example of the life of Jesus to live by. Some say we couldn't have Easter without Christmas and that certainly is true. The question is, would Christmas have any real meaning without Easter? With Christmas, Jesus came into the world. With Easter, Jesus changed the world!

Listen here...

April 14, 2019

The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ According to Luke

No one knew the plan or the outcome. Not the disciples. Not his friends or family. Not the religious or political leadership. Only Jesus and God knew. Only Jesus and His Father knew that he would give his life for the redemption of humankind.

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Sermon: April 7, 2019

"I'll Get To That"

John Maxwell wrote that "Today matters. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is not promised. What you do today matters. It will impact your tomorrows." Mary knew that she only had Jesus a little time more and that she had to anoint him in preparation for his death. She could not say "Oh, I will get to that!" She had to act today. Today matters.

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Sermon: March 31, 2019

Jesus wants you to come home..

We have a tendency to want to go it on our own. To say, we don't need the Father. That is the story of the Prodigal Son. He wanted to spread his wings and to live outside of the relationship with his father. It did not go well for him.

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Sermon: March 30, 2019

A Tribute to Guy H. Williams

A son of St. Augustines for sixty-nine years. A true servant of God and the community.

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Sermon: March 24, 2019

What does God have to do to get our attention...

Moses, one of the great patriarch of our faith was reluctant to accept God's call to lead His people out of Egypt into the Promised Land. He made five excuses as to why someone else could do a better job.

But God got his attention by saying, "I will provide all you need and will be with you to get the task done." Will you respond to God's call upon your life?

Listen here...

Sermon: March 17, 2019

Overcoming fear at a time of adversity...

Abram, the patriarch of the three great world religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, was an example of how God responds to those who trust and obey him.

If more followers would trust and obey God, a lot of the problems we face would be solved.

Listen here...

Sermon: March 4, 2019

A change is gonna come.

As Jesus was transfigured and spoke to the Elders on the mountain top, he was prepared for the most important part of his journey. His father said, "listen to him". As we move forward in the Lenten season, let us pay close attention to Jesus' words so that we know the steps we need to take to be true followers of our Lord.

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Sermon: February 24, 2019

God has a way of interrupting us.
So it was not you who sent me here but God!

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Sermon: February 17, 2019

What God asks of you.

Jesus calls us to live into a new attitude of being in relationship to God. A life based on hope, respect, and remembrance of that which is good.

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Sermon: February 10, 2019

A discussion of Paul's essential statement of the Christian faith and grace from 1 Corinthians 15:1-11.

It would be easy to overlook the importance of Paul's message in his transitional section of 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. It is, however, the earliest written record of the core Christian belief that Christ died for our sins and that together with his resurrection, constitutes the foundation of our faith. Paul explains the humility of his own apostolic ministry by claiming that "I am what I am by grace."

Listen here...

February 3, 2019

I will thank you because I am marvelously made - Feb 2, 2019

We should not limit God and we should not let others limit God's power in us. Because God made us all, we are all marvelously made.

Click to listen to the sermon.

December 30, 2018,

Breaking Through The Darkness To Bring Us Into The Light - Dec 30, 2018

When we are separated from God, we live in darkness. Jesus coming into the world broke through that darkness so that we might see and experience once and for all what living in the light really means. The light brings hope and the power to change. It is up to us to embrace the light. Click to hear Sermon

December 25, 2018, Christmas Day:

With God, all things are possible

The season of Advent asked the question "How can this be? The Christmas response is "with God, all things are possible." Like Joseph, Mary, the Shepards, and the three Wise Men say "yes" to God. In your life say "yes" to God as God says "yes" to wanting to be with us. Click to hear Sermon

December 24, 2018, Christmas Eve

Don't be afraid, for all things are possible with God.

Fear can stop us from doing a lot of things. The Christmas story says that we should not be afraid, for God is with us.

"How can this be" "God is with you." Click to hear Sermon

The Rev. Dr. Kwasi A. Thornell

December 9, 2018, Sunday

"Where are the words of comfort that will give us peace this Christmas season?" Lay your burdens down. Click to hear Sermon

Ed Stewart

Romans 13:11—12 November 27, 2016

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. It is a time when we as a faith community look to the future. However, Advent always causes me to think about the Holy Land, the place where Jesus was born, and the place where he would become known as the Messiah. Last January I was in the Holy Land, as part of a group of 12 students from my seminary. We traveled through Jordan, Israel, Read more...

Letter from Fr. Thornell OCTOBER 7. 2016

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I am deeply sorry for not being able to share in the fellowship of the St. Augustine’s family this morning. Although I am not in the hospital, I am experiencing neck and back pain that has prevented me from being there. Hopefully, after my surgery tomorrow morning, I will be ok and be able to enjoy being with you again soon. Read more...

The Rev. Dr. Kwasi A. Thornell September 8, 2016

Ephesians 4:25-5:1

St. Paul is again in his letter to the Ephesians community, writing about how to create the new community as people of faith and followers of Christ. He is saying to them that they most envision a world that is created in the image of what Christ would want the Christian community to become. Read more...

Easter Message March 27, 2015

St. Augustine’s Easter

This story never ceases to amaze me. Why is it that we believe this story? Really? Why is it that thousands upon thousands of people, from one end of the earth to the other, north, south, east and west, in every country, town, city, rural village, there are countless believers of this story about the risen Lord, the Lord who got up. And, and, it has been this way for over two thousand years. This blessed event when God’s love story for humankind crescendos into a triumphant symphonic explosion of power of the Almighty! Read more...

December 12, 2015

Sisters and Brothers, Seasons Greetings!

I wanted to take this opportunity to write you a short message as we celebrate together Christmas and look forward to the New Year. As we all know, the year 2015 was a challenging year for St. Augustine’s However, Read more...

The Nicene Creed

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 and the Son.

With the Father and the Son, he is worshiped 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.

Prayers of the People Continue...

The Prayers of the People Form 1

BCP, 383

Sit or Kneel

Leader

With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the Lord, saying, “Lord, have mercy.”

For the peace from above, for the lovingkindness of God and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For the peace of the world, for the welfare of the holy Church of God, and for the unity of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For our Bishop, and for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For our President, for the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For this city of Oakland, for every city and community, and for those who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For seasonable weather, and for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will to conserve it, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For those who travel on land, on water, or in the air [or through outer space], let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For the aged and infirm, for the widowed and orphans, and for the sick and the suffering, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For the poor and the oppressed, for the unemployed and the destitute, for prisoners and captives, and for all who remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

We pray for the special needs and concerns of this congregation, and those named now:

Mary Borders, Auta Boykins, JoAnn Campbell, Maria Campbell, Joan Daniels, Olivia Davis, Nicole Ennix, Kelem Fabrice, Barbara Fuller, Blanche Gaines, Alfred Gilpin, Andrea Green, Kenneth Hart, Nathaniel Hickman, Sylvester Hodges, Monica Costa-Holmes, Joan Moreno, Moira Nichols, Janell Norwood, Deborah Ramseur, Joetta Jones-Redmond, Robert Rosales, Art Shanks, Elaine Simmons.

The People may add their own names

We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.

Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;

Who put their trust in you.

Celebrant

We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.

Leader and People

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, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Absolution

Almighty God, have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

Life Celebrations, Thanksgivings, and New Friends

The Peace

All stand. The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People And also with you.

continue...

The Holy Communion

Offertory Sentence

Offertory Hymn

“The Night That Christ Was Born”

Doxology

Hymnal #380, vs 3

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host:

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

The Great Thanksgiving

Eucharistic Prayer B

The people remain standing. Celebrant says

The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.

Celebrant Lift up your hearts.

People We lift them to the Lord.

Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Celebrant

God of all power, Ruler of the Universe, you are worthy of glory and praise. Glory to you for ever and ever. At your command, all things came to be: the vast expanse of interstellar space, galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses, and this fragile earth, our island home.

By your will, they were created and have their being.

From the primal elements, you brought forth the human race, and blessed us with memory, reason, and skill. You made us the rulers of creation. But we turned against you, and betrayed your trust; and we turned against one another.

Have mercy, Lord, for we are sinners in your sight

Again and again, you called us to return. Through prophets and sages, you revealed your righteous Law. And in the fullness of time, you sent your only Son, born of a woman, to fulfill your Law, to open for us the way of freedom and peace.

By his blood, he reconciled us. By his wounds, we are healed.

And therefore we praise you, joining with the heavenly chorus, with prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and with all those in every generation who have looked to you in hope, to proclaim with them your glory, in their unending hymn:

Celebrant and People

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.

Celebrant

And so, Father, we who have been redeemed by him, and made a new people by water and the Spirit, now bring before you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.

On the night he was betrayed he took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to his friends, 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, gave thanks, 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.”

Remembering now his work of redemption, and offering to you this sacrifice of thanksgiving,

We celebrate his death and resurrection, as we await the day of his coming.

Lord God of our Fathers and Mothers; God of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, and Jacob and Ruth; Mary and Joseph; God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: Open our eyes to see your hand at work in the world about us. Deliver us from the presumption of coming to this Table for solace only, and not for strength; for pardon only, and not for renewal. Let the grace of this Holy Communion make us one body, one spirit in Christ, that we may worthily serve the world in his name.

Risen Lord, be known to us in the breaking of the Bread.

Accept these prayers and praises, Father, through Jesus Christ our great High Priest, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, your Church gives honor, glory, and worship, from generation to generation. AMEN.

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to sing,

The Lord's Prayer LEVAS II, #264

Our Father, which 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 debts as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;

Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

Fraction Anthem

“Make Us One Lord”

Make us one, Lord, make us one

Holy Spirit make us one, let your love flow

So the world will know, we are one in you.

Invitation

The Communion

Communion Hymn

" As the Deer"

Prayer of Thanksgiving Continue...

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Let us pray.

Celebrant and People

Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom.

And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.

To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.

Hymn

Let the church say Amen! / Let the church say Amen!

God has spoken. / Let the church say Amen! (Repeat entire hymn x2)

Announcements...

Recessional Hymn

“Rise Up Shepherd and Follow” LEVAS II #24

The Blessing

Dismissal

Let us go forth in the name of Christ.

People Thanks be to God. Alleluia, Alleluia.

St. Augustines Episcopal Church

Address

525 29th Street Telegraph Ave.
Oakland CA 94609
Phone: 510-832-6462
Fax: 510-832-6464

Litany of Thanksgiving

Let us give thanks to God our Father for all his gifts so freely bestowed upon us.

For the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea.

We thank you, Lord.

For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women,

revealing the image of Christ,

We thank you, Lord.

For our daily food and drink, our homes and families, and our friends,

We thank you, Lord.

For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve,

We thank you, Lord.

For health and strength to work, and leisure to rest and play,

We thank you, Lord.

For the brave and courageous, who are patient in suffering

and faithful in adversity,

We thank you, Lord.

For all valiant seekers after truth, liberty, and justice,

We thank you, Lord.

For the communion of saints, in all times and places,

We thank you, Lord.

Above all, we give you thanks for the great mercies and

promises given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord;

To him be praise and glory, with you, O Father, and the

Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

Life Celebrations, Thanksgivings, and New Friends

The Peace

All stand. The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People And also with you.

Processional Hymn “Blessed Assurance” LEVAS II #184

The Collect ( Insert - Contemporary )

The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.

Celebrant Let us pray.

The Ministry of the Word

The Old Testament Joel 2:1-2,12-17

After each Lesson the reader says

Reader The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

Psalm 103

The Epistle 2 Corinthians 5:20B-6:10

Sequence Hymn “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, There is Something About that Name

LEVAS II #107

The Gospel Matthew 6:1-6,16-21

The Holy Gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ, according to Matthew.

Congregation: Glory to You, Lord Christ

After the Gospel, the reader says

Reader The Gospel of the Lord.

People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Sermon The Rev. Dr. Kwasi Thornell

The Bidding BCP 264-265

Dear People of God: The first Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord's passion and resurrection, and it became the custom of the Church to prepare for them by a season of penitence and fasting. This season of Lent provided a time in which converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism. It was also a time when those who, because of notorious sins, had been separated from the body of the faithful were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness, and restored to the fellowship of the Church. Thereby, the whole congregation was put in mind of the message of pardon and absolution set forth in the Gospel of our Savior, and of the need which all Christians continually have to renew their repentance and faith.

I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word. And, to make a right beginning of repentance, and as a mark of our mortal nature, let us now kneel before the Lord, our maker and redeemer.

Silence is then kept for a time, all kneeling.

Blessing of the Ashes BCP 265

Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth: Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence, that we may remember that it is only by your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

Imposition of Ashes

Please approach the altar and kneel

Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.

Once ashes are imposed, please return to your pew and kneel

Psalm 51: 1-18 (read in unison) BCP 266-267

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; *v in your great compassion blot out my offenses.

2 Wash me through and through from my wickedness * and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions, * and my sin is ever before me.

4 Against you only have I sinned * and done what is evil in your sight.

5 And so you are justified when you speak * and upright in your judgment

6 Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, * a sinner from my mother's womb.

7 For behold, you look for truth deep within me, * and will make me understand wisdom secretly.

8 Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.

9 Make me hear of joy and gladness, * that the body you have broken may rejoice.

10 Hide your face from my sins * and blot out all my iniquities.

11 Create in me a clean heart, O God, * and renew a right spirit within me.

12 Cast me not away from your presence * and take not your holy Spirit from me.

13 Give me the joy of your saving help again * and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.

14 I shall teach your ways to the wicked, * and sinners shall return to you.

15 Deliver me from death, O God, * and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness, O God of my salvation.

16 Open my lips, O Lord, * and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

17 Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice; * but you take no delight in burnt-offerings.

18 The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; * a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

The litany of Penitence BCP 267-269

The Celebrant and People together, all kneeling

Most holy and merciful Father: We confess to you and to one another, and to the whole communion of saints in heaven and on earth, that we have sinned by our own fault in thought, word, and deed; by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.

The Celebrant continues

We have not loved you with our whole heart, and mind, and strength. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We have not forgiven others, as we have been forgiven.

Have mercy on us, Lord.

We have been deaf to your call to serve, as Christ served us. We have not been true to the mind of Christ. We have grieved your Holy Spirit.

Have mercy on us, Lord.

We confess to you, Lord, all our past unfaithfulness: the pride, hypocrisy, and impatience of our lives,

We confess to you, Lord.

Our self-indulgent appetites and ways, and our exploitation of other people,

We confess to you, Lord.

Our anger at our own frustration, and our envy of those more fortunate than ourselves,

We confess to you, Lord.

Our intemperate love of worldly goods and comforts, and our dishonesty in daily life and work,

We confess to you, Lord.

Our negligence in prayer and worship, and our failure to commend the faith that is in us,

We confess to you, Lord.

Accept our repentance, Lord, for the wrongs we have done: for our blindness to human need and suffering, and our indifference to injustice and cruelty,

Accept our repentance, Lord.

For all false judgments, for uncharitable thoughts toward our neighbors, and for our prejudice and contempt toward those who differ from us,

Accept our repentance, Lord.

For our waste and pollution of your creation, and our lack of concern for those who come after us,

Accept our repentance, Lord.

Restore us, good Lord, and let your anger depart from us; Favorably hear us, for your mercy is great. Accomplish in us the work of your salvation,

That we may show forth your glory in the world.

By the cross and passion of your Son our Lord, Bring us with all your saints to the joy of his resurrection.

The Priest stands and, facing the people, says

Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who desires not the death of sinners, but rather that they may turn

from their wickedness and live, has given power and commandment to his ministers to declare and pronounce to his people, being penitent, the absolution and remission of their sins. He pardons and absolves all those who truly repent, and with sincere hearts believe his holy Gospel.

Therefore we beseech him to grant us true repentance and his Holy Spirit, that those things may please him which we do on this day, and that the rest of our life hereafter may be pure and holy, so that at the last we may come to his eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Peace

All stand.

The Celebrant says to the people

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People And also with you.

The Holy Communion

Please stand

Offertory Sentence

Offertory Anthem “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” LEVAS II #136

Eucharistic Prayer A

The people remain standing. Celebrant says

The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.

Celebrant Lift up your hearts.

People We lift them to the Lord.

Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Celebrant

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and every

where to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of

heaven and earth.

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:

Celebrant and People

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.

The people stand or kneel.

Celebrant

Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us

for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become

subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus

Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human

nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the

God and Father of all.

He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself,

in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole

world.

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, 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 we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Celebrant and People

Christ has died.

Christ is risen.

Christ will come again.

Celebrant

We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in

this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death,

resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.

Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the

Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new

and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully

receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy,

and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints

into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. 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.

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to sing,

The Lord's Prayer LEVAS II, #264

Our Father, which 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 debts

as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,

forever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread BCP 364

The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.

A period of silence is kept. Then the Celebrant says

Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;

Therefore let us keep the feast.

The Celebrant says

The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for

you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

Communion Hymn “Breathe on Me Breath of God” HYMNAL #508

Prayer After Communion BCP 366

Almighty and everliving God,

we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food

of the most precious Body and Blood

of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ;

and for assuring us in these holy mysteries

that we are living members of the Body of your Son,

and heirs of your eternal kingdom.

And now, Father, send us out

to do the work you have given us to do,

to love and serve you

as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.

To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit,

be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Post Communion Hymn “Lord, I Want to be a Christian” LEVAS II #138

The Prayer Over the People

Grant, most merciful Lord, to your faithful people pardon and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve you with a quiet mind; through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

The Rev. Dr. Gayle Fisher-Stewart

The Rev. Dr. Gayle Fisher-Stewart spent 20 years working as a police officer for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department. She joined the department in 1972, four years after riots destroyed parts of the city following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. At the time African-Americans made of 70 percent of the people living in the nation’s capital; at the same time, the police department was overwhelmingly white and police-community relations were strained. Fisher-Stewart’s decision to join the police force baffled friends and family. The department had a bad reputation, she said, and “my friends weren’t happy because some of them had had negative interactions with police here in D.C.”

She currently serves as the associate rector of Calvary Episcopal Church where she is the founder of the Center for the Study of Faith in Justice. The Center was founded with a grant from the Episcopal Evangelism Society. In describing her work which gained her the 2016 EES Director’s Award, the Board of Directors wrote:

“She brought over forty years’ experience as an active police officer, as a consultant to law enforcement agencies, and as a university-level teacher of criminal justice to her call to ordained ministry. She completed the Anglican Studies program at Virginia Theological Seminary in 2015; while there, the civil unrest in Ferguson, MO inspired her to dream of a church that is known for its interest in justice, and to apply for an Evangelism for the 21st Century grant to establish the Center at Calvary. She has worked tirelessly to host forums about race, social justice, inequality, and policing. She has established a network of partnerships between the Center and the diocese, local nonprofits, and national policing organizations.”

The Renewal of Baptismal Vows

Celebrant

Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?

People I do.

Celebrant Do you believe in God the Father?

People I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Celebrant Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

People 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.

Celebrant Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

People 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.

Celebrant

Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?

People I will, with God's help.

Celebrant

Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?

People I will, with God's help.

Celebrant

Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?

People I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant

Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your
neighbor as yourself?

People I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant

Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?

People I will, with God's help.

Celebrant

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.

Presentation of the Candidate for Baptism

The candidate for Holy Baptism will now be presented.

We present Simone Alice Cobb to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.

Will you be responsible for seeing that the child you present is brought up in the Christian faith and life?

Parents and God Parents: I will with God’s help.

Will you by your prayers and witness help this child to grow into the full
stature of Christ?

Parents and God Parents: I will with God’s help.

Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel
against God?

Parents and God Parents: I renounce them.

Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy
the creatures of God?

Parents and God Parents: I renounce them.

Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God?

Parents and God Parents: I renounce them.

Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior?

Parents and God Parents: I do.

Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?

Parents and God Parents: I do.

Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord?

Parents and God Parents: I do.

Will you who witness these vows to all in you power to support this person in her life in Christ?

People: We will.

Let us join with this person who is committing herself to Christ and renew our own baptismal Covenant.

The Baptismal Covenant

Celebrant Do you believe in God the Father?

People I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

Celebrant Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

People 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.

Celebrant Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

People 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.

Celebrant Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship,

in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers ?

People I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin,

repent and return to the Lord?

People I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?

People I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons,

loving your neighbor as yourself?

People I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant Will you strive for justice and peace among all people,

and respect the dignity of every human being?

People I will, with God’s help.

Prayers for the Candidate

Celebrant

Let us now pray for this person who is to receive the Sacrament of new birth.

Leader Deliver her, O Lord, from the way of sin and death.