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Saint Francis by the Sea
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Subscribe to Email UpdatesThe Liturgy of the Word
The Processional Hymn 690 "Guide me, O thou great Jehovah" (Cwm Rhondda)
Hymnal 1982 #690 — Guide me, O thou great Jehovah — please paste a MusicXML score or upload the music image.
Words: William Williams (1717-1791); tr. Peter Williams (1722-1796), alt. Music: Cwm Rhondda, John Hughes (1873-1932).
The Word of God
Celebrant: Blessed be the one, holy, and living God.
People: Glory to God for ever and ever. 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)
Gloria S277 — 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: God be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
O GOD, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The First Reading Exodus 14:19-31
19The angel of God who was going before the Israelite army moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from in front of them and took its place behind them. 20It came between the army of Egypt and the army of Israel. And so the cloud was there with the darkness, and it lit up the night; one did not come near the other all night.
21Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. The Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land; and the waters were divided. 22The Israelites went into the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. 23The Egyptians pursued, and went into the sea after them, all of Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and chariot drivers. 24At the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and cloud looked down upon the Egyptian army, and threw the Egyptian army into panic. 25He clogged their chariot wheels so that they turned with difficulty. The Egyptians said, “Let us flee from the Israelites, for the Lord is fighting for them against Egypt.” 26Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, so that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots and chariot drivers.”
27So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at dawn the sea returned to its normal depth. As the Egyptians fled before it, the Lord tossed the Egyptians into the sea. 28The waters returned and covered the chariots and the chariot drivers, the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea; not one of them remained. 29But the Israelites walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. 30Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31Israel saw the great work that the Lord did against the Egyptians. So the people feared the Lord and believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
The Psalm Psalm 114
1 Hallelujah! When Israel came out of Egypt, *
the house of Jacob from a people of strange speech,
2 Judah became God’s sanctuary *
and Israel his dominion.
3 The sea beheld it and fled; *
Jordan turned and went back.
4 The mountains skipped like rams, *
and the little hills like young sheep.
5 What ailed you, O sea, that you fled? *
O Jordan, that you turned back?
6 You mountains, that you skipped like rams? *
you little hills like young sheep?
7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, *
at the presence of the God of Jacob,
8 Who turned the hard rock into a pool of water *
and flint-stone into a flowing spring.
The Second Reading Romans 14:1-12
1Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. 2Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. 3Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat; for God has welcomed them. 4Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand. 5Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. 6Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord and give thanks to God.
7We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. 8If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. 9For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.” 12So then, each of us will be accountable to God.
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
The Sequence Hymn 581 “Where charity and love prevail” (Cheshire)
Hymnal 1982 #581 — Where charity and love prevail — please paste a MusicXML score or upload the music image.
Words: Latin; tr. J. Clifford Evers (b. 1916). Copyright © 1961-2, World Library Publications. Music: Cheshire, melody and bass from The Whole Booke of Psalmes, 1592, alt.
The Gospel Matthew 18:21-35
Deacon: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
21Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” 22Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. 23“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; 25and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. 26So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt.
28But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. 31When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. 32Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ 34And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. 35So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
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.
ALMIGHTY DELIVERER, you have heard and lifted up your people again and again; hear us now as we pray, Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant your church wisdom in discerning your call to us that we might be the beacon of hope you have intended us to be. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give us courage and determination in our civic life, that we might be witness to the power of repentance, reconciliation, and justice to our neighbors. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lead us into a way of life that is sustainable and equitable, that all might participate in the bounty of your creation. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Open our eyes, our hearts, and our hands to respond to the needs of those around us who suffer from the lack of basic needs; show us how to respond in love to the wants we encounter. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
In our Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we pray for Grace Church, Whiteville, and for the Episcopal Farmworker Ministry. In our Ecumenical Cycle of Prayer, we give thanks for Harlowe United Methodist Church, and Harvest Church of God, Newport. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bring healing and wholeness to all who suffer, who face illness, or who are wounded; mend what has broken in our lives. Especially, we pray for [today’s petitions]. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Embrace the dying in your grace, grant them and us new life in the kingdom to come. 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.
The Celebrant concludes with this collect:
SOVEREIGN LORD, grant us deeper understanding and love of you, that we might grow to the stature you intended for us and answer our prayers through Christ, our only Lord, who lives with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, 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 Holy Communion
The Choral Anthem: “For the Beauty of the Earth”
For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies,
for the love which from our birth over and around us lies:
Lord of all, to thee we raise, this our joyful hymn of praise.
For the beauty of the hour of the day and of the night,
hill and vale and tree and flower, sun and moon and stars of light:
Lord of all, to thee we raise, this our joyful hymn of praise.
For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child,
friends on earth, and friends above, for all gentle thoughts and mild,
Lord of all, to thee we raise, this our joyful hymn of praise.
For each perfect gift of thine, to our race so freely given,
graces human and divine, flowers of earth and buds of heaven,
Lord of all, to thee we raise, this our joyful hymn of praise.
The Presentation of Elements and Offerings
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, all-holy God, source of life and fountain of mercy.
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 Sanctus — 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.)
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 Fraction Anthem — 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.
The Communion Response: “Prayer of St. Francis”
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: Celebrant and People:
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 494 “Crown him with many crowns” (Diademata)
Sing verses 1-3.
Hymnal 1982 #494 — Crown him with many crowns — please paste a MusicXML score or upload the music image.
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!
Reprint/podcast/streamed with permission under One License #A-730274 and RitePlanning. All rights reserved.
Our Lobsterfest Food Drive
Our Lobsterfest food drive is the largest one of the year, and it’s especially important this year since the need for food continues to increase in our community. We are collecting these items:
- Boxed cereal
- Spaghetti, elbow macaroni
- Any canned vegetable (except green beans)
- Canned Sloppy Joe
- Canned chicken or beef
- Hamburger/Tuna/Chicken Helper
- Ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise in plastic containers
Please add your donations to the table in the parish hall.
A Celtic Spiritual Journey
Join us on Wednesdays, September 16 and 23, as Mother Chris leads us on a brief journey into the heart of Celtic spirituality. We’ll explore the Celtic people and their Christian faith, including their understanding of God, creation, the Trinity, “thin places,” monastic life, and the beautiful hymns, poetry, and artwork of the Celtic tradition. We’ll begin with a 5:30 p.m. potluck meal, followed by the class.
Men’s Fellowship Breakfast
Generally meets on the third Saturday of the month. Our next scheduled meeting begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 19. All men of the church are welcome to attend.
Meals on Wheels
The Meals Ministry Team continues to serve our community. Our remaining September date is September 22 (ham and macaroni and cheese). Thank you for your wonderful support! We serve 180 needy folks each month. "Love Meals" are always available to anyone at any time; share the love!
Lobsterfest 2026
Held Saturday, October 10 from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now! We’re about 35 days from our event. Tickets are on sale Wednesday, Friday, and during Sunday coffee hour, or via the website.
Pricing:
- Live: $28.00
- Single Cooked (no meal): $30.00
- Dine-In or Take out meal: $39.00
To volunteer for Friday setup, traffic safety, or cleanup, visit: Sign-up Genius Link
We are partnering with Martha’s Mission Cupboard for food and cash donations on that day.
Coffee Hour
Please gather downstairs following our Sunday service for refreshments and fellowship. Wear your name tag, and leave it on the Parish Administrator's desk afterward.
Communion Available
Available for homebound parishioners. Email layministrysfbts@gmail.com to schedule.
Prayers of the People
Send in your requests for the E-bulletin by 10 a.m. Thursday, or sign the list in the back of the sanctuary before service.
Pledges & Offerings
Keep your pledges up to date. You can support our ministries by scanning the QR code in your print bulletin to donate via PayPal.
Happy Birthday
Ron Helwig (16th), Scott Shelton (18th), Kathy Falandys Tilyard (19th).
Welcome Visitors!
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 at the back of the church.
Worship Leaders
Rector: The Rev. Mary Kay Brown
Priest in Residence: The Rev. Chris Carlin
Deacon: The Rev. Deacon Robin Smith
Lector: Carrie Stroud
Prayers for the People: Lisa Park
Torchbearers: Kay Brackins, Terry Smith
Altar Guild: Elizabeth Sheeks
Vestry of the Day: Laura Leslie
Coffee Hour: Sharon Birmingham / Vicki Blanchard / Debbie McLean / Cecile Shenkan
Music Director: Craig Everett
Bells: Libba Shelton
Audio: Stover Morris
Videographer: John Clarke
Chalice: Sarah Criddle, Marion Morris
Crucifer: Kelly Sheeks
Greeters: Melanie and Scott Hum
Sunday School: George Grigg, Elizabeth Jobe
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
Saint Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church
920 Salter Path Road • Salter Path, NC 28512
(252) 240-2388 • www.stfrancisbythesea.org • stfrancisbts@gmail.com
A parish of the Diocese of East Carolina • The Rt. Rev. Sarah K. Fisher, Bishop
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