The Prelude

“Nimrod” for the “Enigma Variations” — Edward Elgar

Dedication and Thanks for Stewardship Pledges

Pam Ball, senior warden

Leader: ALMIGHTY AND EVERLASTING GOD, on this All-Saints Sunday, we give you thanks for the gathering of the pledges of support for your Church in the coming year. We bring them before you with eager anticipation and hope.

People: Hear us, O God, as we give You our thanks and praise.

Leader: For those whose lives have been touched by Your Spirit, who have increased their commitment,

People: We give You thanks and praise.

Leader: For those who are responding to Your creative grace by pledging for the first time,

People: We give You thanks and praise.

Leader: For those whose lives are in transition or turmoil and who feel they cannot pledge, but who continue to be a vital part of our community,

People: We give You thanks and praise and we pray for calm in their lives.

Leader: For committee workers who have labored in this effort to enable Your people to make a pledge of support for Your Church,

People: We give You thanks and praise.

Leader: That each one of us, and Your whole Church, become more faithful to the call of service in Jesus Christ,

People: We ask Your continuing guidance and care.

Leader: That these pledges may emerge as real gifts, thereby enabling the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ to move forward through this congregation and the Church Universal,

People: In the name of Jesus Christ, we commit ourselves to this action. Amen and Amen.

The Processional Hymn 287

“For all the saints” — Sine Nomine

Hymn 287 — For all the saints (Sine Nomine) — please paste a MusicXML score or upload the music image.

The Word of God

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

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

Celebrant and People: 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.

The Gloria S277

“Gloria in Excelsis” — Canticle 20, David Hurd

S277 — Gloria in Excelsis (Canticle 20, David Hurd) — please paste a MusicXML score or upload the music image.

Music: From New Plainsong; David Hurd (b. 1950). Copyright © 1981 GIA Publications, Inc.

The Collect of the Day

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Celebrant: Let us pray.

ALMIGHTY GOD, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

The First Reading

Revelation 7:9-17

⁹ After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. ¹⁰ They cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne and to the Lamb!”

¹¹ And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, ¹² singing, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

¹³ Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?” ¹⁴ I said to him, “Sir, you are the one who knows.” Then he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

¹⁵ For this reason they are before the throne of God and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. ¹⁶ They will hunger no more and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat, ¹⁷ for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Reader: The Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God.

The Psalm

Psalm 34:1-10,22

¹ I will bless the Lord at all times; *
    his praise shall ever be in my mouth.

² I will glory in the Lord; *
    let the humble hear and rejoice.

³ Proclaim with me the greatness of the Lord;
    let us exalt his Name together.

⁴ I sought the Lord, and he answered me *
    and delivered me out of all my terror.

⁵ Look upon him and be radiant, *
    and let not your faces be ashamed.

⁶ I called in my affliction and the Lord heard me *
    and saved me from all my troubles.

⁷ The angel of the Lord encompasses those who fear him, *
    and he will deliver them.

⁸ Taste and see that the Lord is good; *
    happy are they who trust in him!

⁹ Fear the Lord, you that are his saints, *
    for those who fear him lack nothing.

¹⁰ The young lions lack and suffer hunger, *
    but those who seek the Lord lack nothing that is good.

²² The Lord ransoms the life of his servants, *
    and none will be punished who trust in him.

The Second Reading

1 John 3:1-3

¹ See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God, and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. ² Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. ³ And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

Reader: The Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God.

The Sequence Hymn 551

“Rise up, ye saints of God” — Festal Song

Hymn 551 — Rise up, ye saints of God (Festal Song) — please paste a MusicXML score or upload the music image.

Words: William Pierson Merrill (1867-1954), alt. Music: Festal Song, William H. Walter (1825-1893).

The Gospel

Matthew 5:1-12

Deacon: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew

People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

¹ When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. ² And he began to speak and taught them, saying:

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
⁵ “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
⁷ “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
⁸ “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
⁹ “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ “Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
¹¹ “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord.

People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Sermon

The Reverend Mary Kay Brown

The Nicene Creed

Please stand, if able.

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

The Prayers of the People

from “Hear our Prayer” by Jon White and Lisa Graves

The Deacon says: IN PEACE, we pray to you, Lord God.

IMMERSED in the loving cloud of witnesses we offer our prayers with joy and hope as we say, Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

May your church pursue its ministry and proclaim the good news with integrity, humility, and courage, that the whole world may come to know the love of Christ. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

May our nation be a place of peace and opportunity where all people might thrive and be free to pursue their potential, and be blessed with leaders who pursue the common good and work for the health of the whole nation. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In our Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we pray for St. James Church, Wilmington. In our Ecumenical Cycle of Prayer, we give thanks for Maranatha Pentecostal Holiness Church, Beaufort, and Marshallberg Baptist Church. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Mend what is broken, heal what is amiss, and bring wholeness and peace to all people that we might have the abundant life of Christ. Especially we ask for your healing presence to all we now name, for [today’s petitions]. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We are surrounded by the love of those who have entered already into your eternal care. Grant us to one day join them in that great cloud of witnesses and to be an inspiration today to those who will be your church on earth tomorrow. Today, we remember [today’s petitions]. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We give thanks for all our blessings in life Lord, only made possible by You including [today’s petitions]. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

A Litany for All-Saints’ Day

Fran Pratt

Leader: God, we remember those Saints who have gone before us;
People: We lament their passing,
Leader: And honor their legacy.
People: We give thanks for all we have learned from them.
Leader: Those who followed the Way of Christ faithfully,
People: We follow their example.
Leader: Those who made mistakes along the way,
People: We learn from their experience.
Leader: Those who made progress for peace,
People: We continue their work.
Leader: Those who lived simply and quietly,
People: We are enlightened by them.
Leader: Those who gained honor and distinction without pride,
People: We are humbled by them.
Leader: Those who were martyred for their faith,
People: We commend them to your care.
Leader: They have finished their work on earth,
People: And it lives on,
Leader: Reverberating into our lives now
People: As the work of Christ lives on.
Leader: May the peace of Christ continue to inspire us
People: To good works, humility, simplicity and peacemaking,
Leader: As those foremothers and forefathers were inspired by him
People: To live in grace and love. Amen.

On this All-Saints’ Sunday, we especially remember these departed loved ones that are so dear to us: See today’s insert.

The Celebrant concludes with this collect:

GOD, you have cared for us since we first drew breath and walked the earth. Continue to be with us and to lead us into an ever-greater awareness of you that our lives may reflect your loving glory into the world. Amen.

The Peace

Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People: And also with you.

Celebrant: WALK IN LOVE, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God.

The Choral Anthem

“Gather with the Saints” — Mark Edwards

Remembering our Saints that have gone before us…

Gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God.

Shall we gather at the river, where bright angel feet have trod,
with its crystal tide forever flowing by the throne of God?

On the margin of the river, washing up its silver spray,
we will walk and worship ever, all the happy golden day.

Yes, we’ll gather at the river, the beautiful, beautiful river;
gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God.

Ere we reach the shining river, lay we every burden down;
grace our spirits that deliver, and provide a robe and crown.

Soon we’ll reach the shining river, soon our pilgrimage will cease;
and soon our happy hearts will quiver with the melody of peace.

Yes, we’ll gather at the river, the beautiful, beautiful river;
gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God.

The Doxology

Old 100^th

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. Amen.

The Eucharistic Prayer

from Enriching Our Worship, Prayer One

Celebrant: 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 our thanks and praise.

Celebrant: It is truly right, and good and joyful, to give you thanks.

The Celebrant continues…

You have filled us and all creation with your blessing and fed us with your constant love; you have redeemed us in Jesus Christ and knit us into one body. Through your Spirit you replenish us and call us to fullness of life.

Therefore, joining with Angels and Archangels and with the faithful of every generation, we lift our voices with all creation as we sing:

The Sanctus MHSO 38

“Holy, Holy, Holy Lord” — John Bell

MHSO 38 — Holy, Holy, Holy Lord (John Bell) — please paste a MusicXML score or upload the music image.

Words: from The Book of Common Prayer (1979) of the Episcopal Church USA. Music: John L. Bell (b. 1949) © WGRG The Iona Community (Scotland) (admin. GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638 [www.giamusic.com].) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

The Celebrant continues…

BLESSED ARE YOU, gracious God, creator of the universe and giver of life. You formed us in your own image and called us to dwell in your infinite love.

You gave the world into our care that we might be your faithful stewards and show forth your bountiful grace.

But we failed to honor your image in one another and in ourselves; we would not see your goodness in the world around us; and so we violated your creation, abused one another, and rejected your love. Yet you never ceased to care for us, and prepared the way of salvation for all people.

Through Abraham and Sarah you called us into covenant with you. You delivered us from slavery, sustained us in the wilderness, and raised up prophets to renew your promise of salvation. Then, in the fullness of time, you sent your eternal Word, made mortal flesh in Jesus. Born into the human family, and dwelling among us, he revealed your glory. Giving himself freely to death on the cross, he triumphed over evil, opening the way of freedom and life.

On the night before he died for us, Our Savior Jesus Christ took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, 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.”

As supper was ending, Jesus 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 poured out for you and for all 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.

The Celebrant continues…

Remembering his death and resurrection, we now present to you from your creation this bread and this wine. By your Holy Spirit may they be for us the Body and Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ. Grant that we who share these gifts may be filled with the Holy Spirit and live as Christ’s Body in the world. Bring us into the everlasting heritage of your daughters and sons, that with St. Francis, St. Clare, and all your saints, past, present, and yet to come, we may praise your Name for ever. Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to you be honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever. Amen.

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

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, and the power,
and the glory forever, and ever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread

a period of silence is kept

The Fraction Anthem WLP 867

“The bread which we break” — Carl Haywood

WLP 867 — The bread which we break (Carl Haywood) — please paste a MusicXML score or upload the music image.

Music: Carl Haywood (b. 1949), from Fraction Anthems, Canticles, and Chants. Copyright © 1997 Carl Haywood.

Celebrant continues: 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.

WE INVITE ALL to join us and receive the Body and Blood of Christ at his table. If you desire to receive a blessing, please come to the altar with hands crossed over your chest. Gluten-free communion wafers and chalice are available upon request.

HEALING PRAYER with Mother Chris is available in the chapel, if desired, after you receive Communion.

The Communion Response

“Prayer of St. Francis” — Sebastian Temple

Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there is hatred; let me bring your love,
where there is injury, your pardon, Lord,
and where there’s doubt, true faith in you.

Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope,
where there is darkness only light,
and where there’s sadness ever joy.

Oh, Master, grant that I may never seek
so much to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved, as to love, with all my soul.

Make me a channel of your peace.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
in giving of ourselves that we receive,
and in dying that we are born to eternal life.

After Communion, the Celebrant says: All stand. Let us pray together: Celebrant and People:

The Post-Communion Prayer

GOD OF ABUNDANCE, You have fed us with the bread of life and cup of salvation; You have united us with Christ and one another; and you have made us one with all your people in heaven and on earth. Now send us forth in the power of your Spirit, that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world and continue for ever in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen.

The Blessing

The Recessional Hymn 293

“I sing a song of the saints of God” — Grand Isle

Hymn 293 — I sing a song of the saints of God (Grand Isle) — please paste a MusicXML score or upload the music image.

Words: Lesbia Scott (1898-1986), alt. Music: Grand Isle, John Henry Hopkins (1861-1945).

The Dismissal

Deacon: GO IN PEACE to love and serve the Lord.
    Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

People: Thanks be to God.
    Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

The Postlude

Trumpet Tune on “St. Denio” — arr. David Lasky

St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church Welcomes You

Happy Birthday: Pat Gallo (5^th), Sarah King (5^th).

Welcome! If you are new to St. Francis or visiting for the first time, we especially welcome you to our community of faith. We ask that you sign our guest register located at the back of the church.