Welcome to
Saint Francis by the Sea
Episcopal Church
August 2, 2026
The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
| The Prelude | “Deep River” | Spiritual, arr. Michael Ryan |
The Processional Hymn 523 “Glorious things of thee are spoken” — Abbot’s Leigh
Hymn 523: Glorious things of thee are spoken (Abbot’s Leigh) — please paste a MusicXML score or upload the music image.
1. Glorious things of thee are spoken, Zion, city of our God;
he whose word cannot be broken formed thee for his own abode;
on the Rock of Ages founded, what can shake thy sure repose?
With salvation’s walls surrounded, thou may’st smile at all thy foes.
2. See! the streams of living waters, springing from eternal love,
well supply thy sons and daughters, and all fear of want remove.
Who can faint, when such a river ever will their thirst assuage?
Grace which, like the Lord, the giver, never fails from age to age.
3. Round each habitation hovering, see the cloud and fire appear
for a glory and a covering, showing that the Lord is near.
Thus deriving from their banner, light by night, and shade by day,
safe they feed upon the manna which he gives them when they pray.
4. Blest inhabitants of Zion, washed in the Redeemer’s blood!
Jesus, whom their souls rely on, makes them kings and priests to God.
’Tis his love his people raises over self to reign as kings:
and as priests, his solemn praises each for a thank-offering brings.
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 S278 “Glory to God in the highest” — William Mathias
Gloria S278 “Glory to God in the highest” (William Mathias) — please paste a MusicXML score or upload the music image.
The Collect of the Day
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
LET YOUR CONTINUAL MERCY, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The First Reading Genesis 32:22-31
22The same night he got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had.
24Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. 25When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26Then he said, “Let me go, for the day is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.” 27So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.”
28Then the man said, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.” 29Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. 30So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.” 31The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip.
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
The Psalm Psalm 17:1-7, 16
1 Hear my plea of innocence, O Lord; give heed to my cry; *
listen to my prayer, which does not come from lying lips.
2 Let my vindication come forth from your presence; *
let your eyes be fixed on justice.
3 Weigh my heart, summon me by night, *
melt me down; you will find no impurity in me.
4 I give no offense with my mouth as others do; *
I have heeded the words of your lips.
5 My footsteps hold fast to the ways of your law; *
in your paths my feet shall not stumble.
6 I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me; *
incline your ear to me and hear my words.
7 Show me your marvelous loving-kindness, *
O Savior of those who take refuge at your right hand from those who rise up against them.
16 But at my vindication I shall see your face; *
when I awake, I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.
The Second Reading Romans 9:1-5
1I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit— 2I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. 4They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; 5to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
The Sequence Hymn 301 “Bread of the world, in mercy broken” — Rendez a Dieu
Hymn 301: Bread of the world, in mercy broken (Rendez a Dieu) — please paste a MusicXML score or upload the music image.
Words: Reginald Heber (1783-1826). Music: Rendez à Dieu, melody att. Louis Bourgeois (1510?-1561?); harm. Claude Goudimel (1514-1572), alt.
The Gospel Matthew 14:13-21
Deacon: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
13Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. 15When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” 18And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
| The Sermon | The Reverend Deacon Robin Smith |
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
The Prayers of the People
The Deacon says: IN PEACE, we pray to you, Lord God.
LOVING AND MERCIFUL GOD, hear the prayers of your people as we say Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
LEAD your church to be a beacon of hope, and advocate of reconciliation, and an example of peace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
INSPIRE the leaders of the nations to seek a sustainable and just world where every life has dignity and peace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
FIRE our hearts that we may shine with zeal for your will and for the mission of Christ our Lord to be good news to our neighbors. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
STRENGTHEN our will and our resolve to work together for sustainable solutions to the issues where only a global effort will suffice. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
REMEMBER our Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we pray for St. Thomas Church, Oriental, and Trinity Church, Lumberton. In our Ecumenical Cycle of Prayer, we give thanks for Free Grace Wesleyan Church, Harkers Island, and Glad Tidings Church, Morehead City. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
GRANT peace to all who suffer, mend what is broken, and heal what is sick, so that this world may know the wholeness and goodness of your creation. Today, we pray for [today’s petitions]. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
WELCOME the dying into your loving presence, be present to those who mourn, and grant us the promise of eternal life. Today, we remember [today’s petitions]. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
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.
The Celebrant concludes with this collect:
GRACIOUS AND LOVING GOD, whose very being undergirds all of existence, help us to live into your purpose for us and empower us to be agents of your grace that our lives might reflect your glory. All this we ask through Christ, our redeemer and Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns now and always. Amen.
The Confession of Sin and Absolution
The Deacon says: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor:
MOST MERCIFUL GOD, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
The Rector stands and says...
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.
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
“Come to the Banquet”
Come to the banquet God has prepared,
a table of plenty, no cost has been spared.
Christ is our servant, we are his guest
feast of forgiveness where all will be blessed,
a feast of forgiveness where all will be blessed.
Come and remember as you eat the bread
all the ways that He fed you by the words that He said.
There’s rest for the weary, and strength for the small.
O come and remember the Savior of all.
O come and remember the Savior of all.
Come to the table, rejoice in the wine
That refreshes the spirit, brings peace to the mind.
Come drink your fill till hearts over flow,
O come to the banquet where God’s grace is shown.
Go from the banquet with hearts strong and pure,
your place at the table forever secure.
Ask all who hunger to join with you there,
for there’s room at the banquet, room at the banquet,
room at the banquet and plenty to share.
The Presentation of Elements and Offerings
| The Doxology | Old 100th |
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
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 God thanks and praise.
Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds:
GOD OF ALL POWER, Source and Sustainer of the Universe, you are worthy of glory and praise.
People: Glory to you for ever and ever.
At your command all things came to be: shining light and enfolding dark; the vast expanse of interstellar space, galaxies, suns, and this fragile earth, our island home.
People: By your will they were created and have their being.
From the primal elements you brought forth the human race, and blessed us with the capacity for memory, reason, and skill. You made us the stewards of your creation. But we turned against you, and betrayed your trust; and we turned against one another.
People: 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 eternal Word, born of your servant Mary, to fulfill your Law, opening for us the way of freedom and peace.
People: 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:
The Sanctus S125 “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord” — Richard Proulx
Sanctus S125 “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord” (Richard Proulx) — please paste a MusicXML score or upload the music image.
The Celebrant continues:
Therefore, O God, we who have been redeemed by Jesus Christ, 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 Savior.
On the night he was betrayed Jesus 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, Jesus 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 all 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,
People: We celebrate Christ’s death and resurrection as we await the day of his coming.
God of our ancestors; Redeemer and Mother of Israel; 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.
People: Risen Lord, be known to us in the breaking of the Bread.
Accept these prayers and praises, Almighty God, 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 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
The Fraction Anthem S163 “Lamb of God” |
Robert Powell |
Fraction Anthem S163 “Lamb of God” (Robert Powell) — please paste a MusicXML score or upload the music image.
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.
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.
The Post-Communion Prayer
After Communion, the Celebrant says: All stand. Let us pray together:
ETERNAL GOD, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Blessing
The Recessional Hymn MHSO 52 “All who hunger gather gladly” — HolyManna
Hymn MHSO 52: All who hunger gather gladly (HolyManna) — please paste a MusicXML score or upload the music image.
Words: Sylvia G. Dunstan (1955-1993) © GIA Publications, Inc. Music: Holy Manna, from The Southern Harmony, 1835.
The Dismissal
Deacon: Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
| The Postlude | “Festive Rondo” | Henry Purcell |
Reprint/podcast/streamed with permission under One License #A-730274 and RitePlanning. All rights reserved.
St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church Welcomes You
Happy Birthday: Tom Atz (4th), Clara Shertzer (5th), Korin Gagnon (7th), Sarah Lawrence (7th).
Welcome!
If you are new to St. Francis or visiting for the first time, we especially welcome you to our community of faith. Please sign our guest register located at the back of the church.
St. Francis Youth Opportunities
The Vestry is excited to create more opportunities for our youth to participate in the life and mission of St. Francis. In partnership with Martha’s Mission, we have planned two youth service opportunities this August.
On Tuesday, August 4, from 2:30–3:30 p.m., volunteers will help pack snack bags for food-insecure children at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church (111 Hodges St., Morehead City).
On Tuesday, August 11, from 10:00 a.m.–Noon, volunteers will assist with breaking down boxes from supermarket food recoveries and other staff projects at 901 Bay St., Morehead City. These service opportunities are open to all current and prospective church youth, and parents are welcome to participate. Please RSVP to Mary Kurek at (252) 269-0751 or mary@marykurek.com.
Meals on Wheels
The Meals Ministry Team continues to serve our community. Our August dates are August 11 (hash brown casserole) and August 25 (chicken pot pie). Thank you for your wonderful support of this ministry. We are able to serve 180 needy folks each month, as well as parishioners who are in need of meals. Remember that Love Meals are always available to anyone at any time; share the love with someone who would enjoy a meal!
Men’s Fellowship Breakfast
Generally meets on the third Saturday of the month. Our next scheduled meeting begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, August 15. All men of the church are welcome to attend. We look forward to opportunities for service, prayer, study, and fellowship.
Lobsterfest 2026
Will be held on Saturday, October 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Planning is well underway for our largest fundraiser of the year, and tickets will go on sale in early August. Once again, we will partner with Martha's Mission Cupboard for a food and cash donation drive during the event. This year's prices are: Live Lobster – $28, Single Cooked Lobster (no meal) – $30, and Dine-In or Take-Out Meal – $39 (same price for cash or credit). We will once again offer fresh 1½-pound Maine lobsters delivered directly to us. Our Lobsterfest phone line is open for calls or texts at 252-515-0040, and questions may also be emailed to sfbtslobsterfest@gmail.com. Lobsterfest is truly an all-parish effort, and we are grateful for everyone who has already signed up to help. There are still many volunteer opportunities available, so please consider joining the team by signing up at: SignupGenius Link.
Thank you to everyone who has already signed up to help make Lobsterfest 2026 a success! We still have a number of volunteer opportunities available and would love to fill these remaining spots. We especially need volunteers to serve as Butter Buddies, Cutters, Dessert Cutters, Greeters/Will Call attendants, Live/Cooked Ticket Takers, Dine-In Ticket Takers, Side Dish Servers, Take-Out Meal Team members, Table Bussers and Clean-Up Crew, Traffic Safety attendants, Utensil Dishwashers, Friday Set-Up helpers, and End-of-Day Clean-Up volunteers.
Whether you can serve for just a shift or stay longer, your help makes a tremendous difference. Please consider volunteering as we work together to make this year's Lobsterfest a wonderful event for our parish and community.
Coffee Hour
We encourage everyone to gather downstairs following our Sunday service for refreshments and to enjoy Christian fellowship. Please also wear your name tag to coffee hour. You may place your name tag on the Parish Administrator's desk at the end of coffee hour and the tags will be returned to the file in the sanctuary. Visitors are especially welcome, and a special note of thanks to our members who host coffee hour every Sunday!
Pledges & Offerings
We prayerfully ask that you keep your offerings and pledges to Saint Francis by the Sea up-to-date. Thank you for your faithfulness to our church and to our Lord, Jesus Christ. You can support our ministries by donations via scanning the QR code below which will take you to our PayPal. We thank you for your attendance today and look forward to seeing you again!
[Image: QR Code for PayPal Donations]
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Worship Leaders & Vestry
Rector: The Rev. Mary Kay Brown
Priest in Residence: The Rev. Chris Carlin
Deacon: The Rev. Deacon Robin Smith
Lector: Beth Beswick
Prayers for the People: Marion Morris
Torchbearers: Kay Brackins, Frances Jenkins
Altar Guild: Gay Lea
Greeters: Lisa Park, Cecile Shenkan
Music Director: Craig Everett
Bells: Libba Shelton
Audio: Larry Castle
Videographer: Skip Kemp
Chalice: Sarah Criddle, Jami Turner
Crucifer: Stover Morris
Vestry of the Day: Sharon Birmingham
Coffee Hour: Ann and George Grigg
Vestry Members
Vestry Class of 2026
Pam Ball, Senior Warden
Sharon Birmingham
Terry Smith
Vestry Class of 2027
John Clarke, Junior Warden
Laura Leslie
Terry Parrish
Vestry Class of 2028
Kathy Driver
Bruce Jobe
Mary Kurek
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