Come and Celebrate the Fifth Sunday in Lent, with Us

Join Us this Sunday, March 17th, Saint Patrick’s Day, for Our Eucharistic Service in Celebration of the Fifth Sunday in Lent. Our Service begins at 9:30 AM. We will be Streaming the Service Online, via our new Zoom link, sent out in the Weekly Service Email. Come Celebrate Christ with Us and remember to ‘Wear Some Green’.

The Collect:

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Psalm: Psalm 51:1-13

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; *
       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.

Gospel: John 12:20-33

20Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.

27“Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out.32And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.

Harvest of the Wheat, Simon Bening, Book of Hours

Come and Celebrate the Fourth Sunday in Lent, with Us

Join Us this Sunday, March 10th, for Our Morning Prayer Service in Celebration of the Fourth Sunday in Lent. Our Service begins at 9:30 AM. We will be Streaming the Service Online, via our new Zoom link, sent out in the Friday Service Email. Come Celebrate Christ with Us .

The Collect:

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Psalm: Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, *
       and his mercy endures for ever.
2 Let all those whom the Lord has redeemed proclaim *
       that he redeemed them from the hand of the foe.
3 He gathered them out of the lands; *
       from the east and from the west,
       from the north and from the south.
17 Some were fools and took to rebellious ways; *
       they were afflicted because of their sins.
18 They abhorred all manner of food *
       and drew near to death’s door.
19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, *
       and he delivered them from their distress.
20 He sent forth his word and healed them *
       and saved them from the grave.
21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his mercy *
       and the wonders he does for his children.
22 Let them offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving *
       and tell of his acts with shouts of joy.

Gospel: John 3:14-21

14And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 16“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.17“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. 20For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. 21But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”

Moses and the Brazen Serpent, Rubens, 1609

Come and Celebrate the Third Sunday in Lent, with Us

Join Us this Sunday, March 3rd, for Our Eucharistic Service in Celebration of the Third Sunday in Lent. Our Service begins at 9:30 AM. We will be Streaming the Service Online, via our new Zoom link, sent out in the Weekly Service Email. Come Celebrate Christ with Us.

The Collect:

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Psalm: Psalm 19

1 The heavens declare the glory of God, *
       and the firmament shows his handiwork.
2 One day tells its tale to another, *
       and one night imparts knowledge to another.
3 Although they have no words or language, *
       and their voices are not heard,
4 Their sound has gone out into all lands, *
       and their message to the ends of the world.
5 In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; *
       it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;
       it rejoices like a champion to run its course.
6 It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens
   and runs about to the end of it again; *
       nothing is hidden from its burning heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect
                              and revives the soul; *
       the testimony of the Lord is sure
                              and gives wisdom to the innocent.
8 The statutes of the Lord are just
                              and rejoice the heart; *
       the commandment of the Lord is clear
                              and gives light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean
                              and endures for ever; *
       the judgments of the Lord are true
                              and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
                              more than much fine gold, *
       sweeter far than honey,
                              than honey in the comb.
11 By them also is your servant enlightened, *
       and in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can tell how often he offends? *
       cleanse me from my secret faults.
13 Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins;
    let them not get dominion over me; *
       then shall I be whole and sound,
       and innocent of a great offense.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my
                              heart be acceptable in your sight, *
       O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.

Gospel: John 2:13-22

13The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.14In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. 15Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” 17His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”18The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?”19Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?”21But he was speaking of the temple of his body. 22After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

The Expulsion of the Money-Changers, Giandomenico Tiepolo c.1750-1753

Join Us this Saturday at 11 AM, for a Memorial Service, Celebrating the Life of Betty Holcomb

Join Us this coming Saturday, February 24th, at 11 AM, for a Memorial Service Celebrating the Life of one of our Beloved St. Alban’s Members, who recently passed away at the age of 100, Betty Holcomb. The Service will also be streamed via Zoom, with the link sent out in the recent Service Email. A Reception will follow after the Service, in the Fellowship Hall. Please Join Us, to Celebrate the Life of one of our Dearest Members, Betty Holcomb.

Come and Celebrate the First Sunday in Lent, with Us

Join Us this Sunday, February 18th, for Our Eucharistic Service in Celebration of the First Sunday in Lent. Our Service begins at 9:30 AM. We will be Streaming the Service Online, via our new Zoom link, sent out in the Friday Service Email. Our Officiant this Sunday, for our Service, will be Father Ken Dorsch. Come Celebrate Christ with Us.

The Collect:

Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Psalm: Psalm 25:1-9

1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul;
  my God, I put my trust in you; *
       let me not be humiliated,
       nor let my enemies triumph over me.
2 Let none who look to you be put to shame; *
       let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes.
3 Show me your ways, O Lord, *
       and teach me your paths.
4 Lead me in your truth and teach me, *
       for you are the God of my salvation;
       in you have I trusted all the day long.
5 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, *
       for they are from everlasting.
6 Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; *
       remember me according to your love
       and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord.
7 Gracious and upright is the Lord; *
       therefore he teaches sinners in his way.
8 He guides the humble in doing right *
       and teaches his way to the lowly.
9 All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness *
       to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Gospel: Mark 1:9-15

9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.11And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” 12And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.

14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

The Baptism of Christ, Leonardo Da Vinci, Verrocchio, 1475

Come and Celebrate Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, with Us

Join Us tomorrow, Wednesday, February 14th, for our Noon Ash Wednesday Service. Our Service begins at 12:00 PM. We will not be Streaming the Service Online. Our Officiant for our Ash Wednesday Service, will be Father Ken Dorsch. During the Service, we will have the Distribution of the Ashes, to mark the beginning of the penitential Season of Lent. Come and Celebrate the Start of Lent, with Us.

The Collect:

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Psalm: Psalm 103 or 103:8-14

[Bless the Lord, O my soul, *
       and all that is within me, bless his holy Name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, *
       and forget not all his benefits.
He forgives all your sins *
       and heals all your infirmities;
He redeems your life from the grave *
       and crowns you with mercy and loving-kindness;
He satisfies you with good things, *
       and your youth is renewed like an eagle’s.
The Lord executes righteousness *
       and judgment for all who are oppressed.
He made his ways known to Moses *
       and his works to the children of Israel.]
The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, *
       slow to anger and of great kindness.
He will not always accuse us, *
       nor will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, *
       nor rewarded us according to our wickedness.
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, *
       so is his mercy great upon those who fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, *
       so far has he removed our sins from us.
13 As a father cares for his children, *
       so does the Lord care for those who fear him.
14 For he himself knows whereof we are made; *
       he remembers that we are but dust.
[15 Our days are like the grass; *
       we flourish like a flower of the field;
16 When the wind goes over it, it is gone, *
       and its place shall know it no more.
17 But the merciful goodness of the Lord endures for ever
                               on those who fear him, *
       and his righteousness on children’s children;
18 On those who keep his covenant *
       and remember his commandments and do them.
19 The Lord has set his throne in heaven, *
       and his kingship has dominion over all.
20 Bless the Lord, you angels of his,
    you mighty ones who do his bidding, *
       and hearken to the voice of his word.
21 Bless the Lord, all you his hosts, *
       you ministers of his who do his will.
22 Bless the Lord, all you works of his,
    in all places of his dominion; *
       bless the Lord, O my soul.]

Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6,16-21

1“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2“So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 3But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

5“And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.6But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

16“And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

19“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; 20but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Giving without Receiving

Come and Celebrate the Last Sunday after the Epiphany, with Us

Join Us this Sunday, February 11th, for Our Morning Prayer Service in Celebration of the Last Sunday after the Epiphany. Our Service begins at 9:30 AM. We will be Streaming the Service Online again, via our new Zoom link, sent out in the Friday Service Email. Our Officiant this Sunday for our Prayer Service, will be our Senior Warden, Leslie Rogers. Come Celebrate Christ with Us .

Psalm: Psalm 50:1-6

1 The Lord, the God of gods, has spoken; *
       he has called the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
2 Out of Zion, perfect in its beauty, *
       God reveals himself in glory.
3 Our God will come and will not keep silence; *
       before him there is a consuming flame,
       and round about him a raging storm.
4 He calls the heavens and the earth from above *
       to witness the judgment of his people.
5 “Gather before me my loyal followers, *
       those who have made a covenant with me
       and sealed it with sacrifice.”
6 Let the heavens declare the rightness of his cause; *
       for God himself is judge.

Gospel: Mark 9:2-9

2Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. 4And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” 8Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.

9As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

The Transfiguration, ICON, By Theophanes the Greek, 15th Century

Come and Celebrate the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany, with Us

Join Us this Sunday, February 4th, for Our Holy Eucharist Service in Celebration of the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany. Our Service begins at 9:30 AM. We will not be Streaming the Service Online. Our Officiant this Sunday will be the Reverend A.J. Buckley. After the Liturgy, we will be holding our Annual Meeting, followed by a Luncheon. Come and Celebrate Christ, with Us .

The Collect:

Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Psalm: Psalm 147:1-12, 21c

1 Hallelujah!
   How good it is to sing praises to our God! *
       how pleasant it is to honor him with praise!
2 The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem; *
       he gathers the exiles of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted *
       and binds up their wounds.
4 He counts the number of the stars *
       and calls them all by their names.
5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power; *
       there is no limit to his wisdom.
6 The Lord lifts up the lowly, *
       but casts the wicked to the ground.
7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; *
       make music to our God upon the harp.
8 He covers the heavens with clouds *
       and prepares rain for the earth;
9 He makes grass to grow upon the mountains *
       and green plants to serve mankind.
10 He provides food for flocks and herds *
       and for the young ravens when they cry.
11 He is not impressed by the might of a horse; *
       he has no pleasure in the strength of a man;
12 But the Lord has pleasure in those who fear him, *
       in those who await his gracious favor.
21 Hallelujah!

Gospel: Mark 1:29-39

29As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. 31He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

32That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. 33And the whole city was gathered around the door. 34And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. 35In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. 36And Simon and his companions hunted for him. 37When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” 38He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” 39And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Jesus heals Simon’s Mother in Law, ICON, Artist Unknown.

Come and Celebrate the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, With Us

Join Us this Sunday, January 28th, for Our Holy Eucharist Service in Celebration of the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany. Our Service begins at 9:30 AM. We will be Streaming the Service on our Facebook Page only this Sunday. After the Service, Please join us for a Reception for our departing Vicar, Father Robert Morrison. This is his last Sunday Service with Us. Join Us in saying a big Thank You and Farewell, to our beloved Father Bob.

The Collect:

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Psalm: Psalm 111

1 Hallelujah!
       I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, *
       in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the deeds of the Lord! *
       they are studied by all who delight in them.
3 His work is full of majesty and splendor, *
       and his righteousness endures for ever.
4 He makes his marvelous works to be remembered; *
       the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
5 He gives food to those who fear him; *
       he is ever mindful of his covenant.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works *
       in giving them the lands of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice; *
       all his commandments are sure.
8 They stand fast for ever and ever, *
       because they are done in truth and equity.
9 He sent redemption to his people;
       he commanded his covenant for ever; *
       holy and awesome is his Name.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; *
       those who act accordingly have a good understanding;
       his praise endures for ever.

Gospel: Mark 1:21-28

21They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 23Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, 24and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” 25But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.27They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

Jesus casts out the Unclean Spirit, Illuminated Manuscript, Artist Unknown

Come and Celebrate the Third Sunday after Epiphany, With Us

Join Us this Sunday, January 21st, for Our Holy Eucharist Service in Celebration of the Third Sunday after Epiphany. Our Service begins at 9:30 AM. We will not be Streaming the Service on The Church’s Zoom Link or on our Facebook Page, until we activate and get working new equipment coming up. Come Celebrate Christ’s Ministry with Us.

The Collect:

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Psalm: Psalm 62: 6-14

6 For God alone my soul in silence waits; *
       truly, my hope is in him.
7 He alone is my rock and my salvation, *
       my stronghold, so that I shall not be shaken.
8 In God is my safety and my honor; *
       God is my strong rock and my refuge.
9 Put your trust in him always, O people, *
       pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge.
10 Those of high degree are but a fleeting breath, *
       even those of low estate cannot be trusted.
11 On the scales they are lighter than a breath, *
       all of them together.
12 Put no trust in extortion;
       in robbery take no empty pride; *
       though wealth increase, set not your heart upon it.
13 God has spoken once, twice have I heard it, *
       that power belongs to God.
14 Steadfast love is yours, O Lord, *
       for you repay everyone according to his deeds.

Gospel: Mark 1:14-20

14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” 16As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 17And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you Fishers of Men.” 18And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

Fishers of Men, ICON, artist unknown