Sundays at All Hallows (Sunday, February 18, 2024)
Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.
This Sunday is the first Sunday in Lent. We refer to Sundays in Lent as Sundays in Lent rather than Sundays of Lent because every Sunday is a little feast of the resurrection, a celebration of risen Jesus’ victory over death, a joyful occasion in an otherwise penitential season. The theme of this Sunday is Jesus’ call to us, the act of a gracious God toward us, which warrants our rejoicing.
GATHER IN GOD’S NAME
The Lord be with you.
The Lord bless you.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Krystin Getty’s “Come, Let Us Sing.”
1 Come, let us sing to the One
To the Father of life,
For His light fills the earth like the sun;
Come, tell of the wonders He's done.
Great is the world He has made,
Are the mysteries untold,
Is His measureless power of old;
Come, come let us sing to our God.
To our God, who is able
To strengthen us in His grace,
Beyond all we imagine,
Be all glory and praise,
Be all praise.
2 Come, let us sing to the One,
To the Saviour of life,
Find the fullness of God in the Son;
Come, tell of the wonders He's done.
Wild is the mercy of Christ,
Is the richness of grace,
Is the unending life we embrace;
Come, come let us sing to our God.
To our God, who is able
To strengthen us in His grace,
Beyond all we imagine,
Be all glory and praise,
Be all praise.
Come, let us sing to the One,
To the Spirit of life,
Leading us in the way of the Son;
Come, tell of the wonders He's done.
Strong is the Spirit within,
Is the boldness to speak,
Is the power to run when we're weak;
Come, come let us sing to our God.
God has promised forgiveness
to all who truly repent,
turn to Christ in faith
and are themselves forgiving.
Let us confess our sins to God our Father.
Silence
Heavenly Father,
we have sinned against you and against our neighbour
in thought and word and deed,
through negligence, through weakness,
through our own deliberate fault;
by what we have done
and by what we have failed to do.
We are truly sorry and repent of all our sins.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ who died for us,
forgive us all that is past;
and grant that we may serve you in newness of life
to the glory of your name. Amen.
Merciful Lord,
grant to your faithful people pardon and peace,
that we may be cleansed from all our sins,
and serve you with a quiet mind;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Open this like in a new tab to hear Alanna Glover and Liv Chapman’s “This Is the One.”
1 This is the One who calmed the storm
Who stopped the waves with just a word
He is the One with power, with power, unending
This is the One who heals the blind
With power to raise the dead to life
He promises forgiveness, forgiveness of your sin
He is the One who loved you first
The One who knew you before birth
Before creation of the earth, Jesus
He calls you out of darkest night
And welcomes you into the light
He is the One that you can trust, Jesus
2 This is the Man who conquered death
He is the One who rose again
This is the One who died for, who died for, for your soul
This is the One who reigns above
The definition of love
He is the One who gives you, who gives you, your new life
He is the One who loved you first
The One who knew you before birth
Before creation of the earth, Jesus
He calls you out of darkest night
And welcomes you into the light
He is the One that you can trust, Jesus
'Cause someone bled for you, died for you
Sought to make you His
Then He rose for you, and clothes you
In His righteousness
Someone bled for you, died for you
Sought to make you His
Then He rose for you, and clothes you
In His righteousness
He is the One who loved you first
The One who knew you before birth
Before creation of the earth, Jesus
He calls you out of darkest night
And welcomes you into the light
He is the One that you can trust, Jesus
Open this link in a new tab to hear Trevor Hodge’s “No Other Name.”
There is no other name
In heaven can be found
Through whom we are redeemed
Through whom your grace abounds
No other name can save
But Jesus Christ our Lord
1 There is no other name
In heaven can be found
Through whom we are redeemed
Through whom your grace abounds
No other name can save
But Jesus Christ our Lord
My joy in sorrow’s tears
My strength to cast out fears
No other name but Jesus, Jesus
My hope in darkest night
My broken soul’s delight
No other name but Jesus, Jesus
2 There is no victory
But Jesus crucified
No other cure for sin
But that our Saviour died
No other hope we have
But that he rose again
He rose again
My joy in sorrow’s tears
My strength to cast out fears
No other name but Jesus, Jesus
My hope in darkest night
My broken soul’s delight
No other name but Jesus, Jesus
No other name
3 No other throne endures
No other song remains
But ‘Worthy is the Lamb
Who was for sinners slain’
When every knee shall bow
And tongue confess you are Lord
You are Lord
My joy in sorrow’s tears
My strength to cast out fears
No other name but Jesus, Jesus
My hope in darkest night
My broken soul’s delight
No other name but Jesus, Jesus
Open this link in a new tab to hear Charlie Peacock’s “Jesus Is Calling.”
Jesus is calling,
the Spirit is falling,
the power, the presence
of our God is near,
the whole of our being
is touched by the freeing
grace of our God
who is here
Right here, right now,
Emmanuel, Emmanuel,
Right here, right now,
Emanuel, go and tell
the world
Jesus is calling,
His voice is calling,
Jesus is calling
in these darkened days
Jesus is calling,
His voice is calling,
Jesus is calling,
follow forever
Jesus is calling,
His voice is calling,
Jesus is calling
in these darkened days
Jesus is calling,
His voice is calling,
Jesus is calling,
follow forever
His loving ways
Jesus is calling,
the Spirit is falling,
the power, the presence
of our God is near,
the whole of our being
is touched by the freeing
grace of our God
who is here
Right here, right now,
Emmanuel, Emmanuel,
Right here, right now,
Emanuel, go and tell
Jesus is calling,
the Spirit is falling,
the power, the presence
of our God is near,
the whole of our being
is touched by the freeing
grace of our God
who is here
Right here, right now,
Emmanuel, Emmanuel,
Right here, right now,
Emanuel, go and tell
the world
Jesus is calling,
His voice is calling,
Jesus is calling
in these darkened days
Jesus is calling,
His voice is calling,
Jesus is calling,
follow forever
Jesus is calling,
His voice is calling,
Jesus is calling
in these darkened days
Jesus is calling,
His voice is calling,
Jesus is calling,
follow forever
His loving ways
Right here, right now,
Emmanuel, Emmanuel,
Right here, right now,
Emanuel, go and tell
Right here, right now,
Emmanuel, Emmanuel,
Right here, right now,
Emanuel, go and tell
the world
Go and tell the world
Go and tell the world
Go and tell the world
Let us pray.
Silence
Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:
Give us grace to discipline ourselves
in obedience to your Spirit;
and, as you know our weakness,
so may we know your power to save;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
A reading from the New Testament (Mark 1: 9-20)
Not long afterward Jesus came from Nazareth in the province of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, he saw heaven opening and the Spirit coming down on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you.”
At once the Spirit made him go into the desert, where he stayed forty days, being tempted by Satan. Wild animals were there also, but angels came and helped him.
After John had been put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee and preached the Good News from God. “The right time has come,” he said, “and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News!”
As Jesus walked along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw two fishermen, Simon and his brother Andrew, catching fish with a net. Jesus said to them, “Come with me, and I will teach you to catch people.” At once they left their nets and went with him.
He went a little farther on and saw two other brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in their boat getting their nets ready. As soon as Jesus saw them, he called them; they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and went with Jesus.
Silence
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Mark’s Gospel is the shortest of the four Gospels in the New Testament. It is generally agreed that it is the earliest. While Mark’s Gospel lacks the details of the other three Gospels, Mark does, as J. B. Phillips, one of the earlier translators of the New Testament into modern English put it, “draw with strong lines the portrait of a man who was thoroughly human but unmistakably the Son of God.” Mark cuts to the chase and moves quickly from Jesus’ baptism and his temptation in the wilderness to the beginning of Jesus’ earthy ministry—to his proclamation of the Good News from God and his calling of his first disciples, four Galilean fishermen.
One might think that Jesus as the promised Messiah, Anointed One of God, would have gathered around him men of learning and influence, not ordinary fisherfolk. But as we learn from the other three Gospels as well as Mark’s Gospel, Jesus did not do what the Jews, the descendants of the people of Israel, expected the Messiah to do.
Jesus did not raise an army of followers and expel the Romans from Judaea and Jerusalem. He did not restore the ancient kingdom of Israel as it was at its height in the days of King Solomon. Indeed, he showed no interest in the politics of the day. The kingdom that he proclaimed was at hand was not an earthly one but the reign of God in the hearts, minds, and lives of men and women. His proclamation of God’s kingdom was accompanied by a call to turn away from sin, and to believe the Good News. It was also a call to follow him, to become his disciple.
When Jesus rose from the dead, showed himself to his followers and to other witnesses, entrusted his mission to his disciples, and ascended into heaven, Jesus did not cease from calling people to repent, to have a change of heart, and to believe the Good News, to give up their own way and to follow him as his disciple. He continues to call people to this day and will do so for generations yet to come until he returns again in glory.
Jesus transforms the lives of those who respond to his call. They become changed people just like Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John. The influence of Jesus becomes clearly evident not just in their words but in their actions, in the way that they live their lives, in their treatment of others.
Jesus calls us in variety of ways. He may speak to us through a relative or a friend. He may speak to us from the pages of a book. He may speak to us through the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit. He may speak to us in different ways at different times in our lives.
Jesus’ call is not a one-time thing. Jesus not only call us to turn from sin, believe in the Good News, and follow him but he also calls those who respond to his call to walk closer with him, to let go of those things that draw us away from him, to study his teaching and example and live our lives according to them, to maintain a close, personal connection with him through prayer, to obey his commands out of love for him, and to walk with others on the same path, fellow-pilgrims and companions in the way. He calls us to represent him in this world and to extend his call to those who do not yet know him so that they too might come to love and serve him.
We may not hear Jesus’ call right away because the noise of this world is distracting us. Lent is a good time of year to tune out that noise and listen for Jesus’ voice. He is speaking to us at this very moment. Let us quieten our minds and heed his call.
Silence
Open this link in a new tab to hear Suzanne Toolan’s “Two Fishermen.”
1 Two fishermen, who lived along the Sea of Galilee,
stood by the shore to cast their nets into an ageless sea.
Now Jesus watched them from afar, then called them each by name.
It changed their lives, these simple men; they'd never be the same.
"Leave all things you have and come and follow me,
and come and follow me.”
2 And as he walked along the shore 'twas James and John he'd find,
and these two sons of Zebedee would leave their boats behind.
Their work and all they held so dear they left beside their nets.
Their names they'd heard as Jesus called; they came without regret.
"Leave all things you have and come and follow me,
and come and follow me.”
3 O Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John beloved one,
you heard Christ's call to speak good news revealed to God's own Son.
Susanna, Mary Magdalene who traveled with your Lord,
you ministered to him with joy for he is God adored.
"Leave all things you have and come and follow me,
and come and follow me.”
[Instrumental interlude]
And you, good Christians, one and all who'd follow Jesus' way,
come leave behind what keeps you bound to trappings of our day,
and listen as he calls your name to come and follow near,
for still he speaks in varied ways to those his call will hear.
"Leave all things you have and come and follow me,
and come and follow me.”
Let us affirm with Christians across the ages what we believe about God
and his love for us.
We believe in one God,
who made us and loves all that is.
We believe in Jesus Christ,
God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was born, lived, died and rose again,
and is coming to call all to account.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
who calls, equips and sends out God’s people,
and brings all things to their true end.
This is our faith, the faith of the Church:
We believe in one God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER
Let us pray for the Church and the world.
Father, we pray for your holy catholic Church
that we all may be one.
Grant that every member of your Church may truly and humbly serve you:
that your name may be glorified by all people.
We pray for all ministers of the Church
that they may be faithful ministers of your word and sacraments.
We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world
that there may be justice and peace on the earth.
Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake
that your glory may be proclaimed through our lives.
Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble
that they may be delivered from their distress.
We praise you for your saints who have entered their eternal joy
may we also come to share in the fulness of your kingdom.
We pray for our own needs and for those of others:
Silence.
Go and tell the world
Go and tell the world
Go and tell the world
Let us pray.
Silence
Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:
Give us grace to discipline ourselves
in obedience to your Spirit;
and, as you know our weakness,
so may we know your power to save;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
A reading from the New Testament (Mark 1: 9-20)
Not long afterward Jesus came from Nazareth in the province of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, he saw heaven opening and the Spirit coming down on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you.”
At once the Spirit made him go into the desert, where he stayed forty days, being tempted by Satan. Wild animals were there also, but angels came and helped him.
After John had been put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee and preached the Good News from God. “The right time has come,” he said, “and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News!”
As Jesus walked along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw two fishermen, Simon and his brother Andrew, catching fish with a net. Jesus said to them, “Come with me, and I will teach you to catch people.” At once they left their nets and went with him.
He went a little farther on and saw two other brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in their boat getting their nets ready. As soon as Jesus saw them, he called them; they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and went with Jesus.
Silence
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Jesus Is Calling
Mark’s Gospel is the shortest of the four Gospels in the New Testament. It is generally agreed that it is the earliest. While Mark’s Gospel lacks the details of the other three Gospels, Mark does, as J. B. Phillips, one of the earlier translators of the New Testament into modern English put it, “draw with strong lines the portrait of a man who was thoroughly human but unmistakably the Son of God.” Mark cuts to the chase and moves quickly from Jesus’ baptism and his temptation in the wilderness to the beginning of Jesus’ earthy ministry—to his proclamation of the Good News from God and his calling of his first disciples, four Galilean fishermen.
One might think that Jesus as the promised Messiah, Anointed One of God, would have gathered around him men of learning and influence, not ordinary fisherfolk. But as we learn from the other three Gospels as well as Mark’s Gospel, Jesus did not do what the Jews, the descendants of the people of Israel, expected the Messiah to do.
Jesus did not raise an army of followers and expel the Romans from Judaea and Jerusalem. He did not restore the ancient kingdom of Israel as it was at its height in the days of King Solomon. Indeed, he showed no interest in the politics of the day. The kingdom that he proclaimed was at hand was not an earthly one but the reign of God in the hearts, minds, and lives of men and women. His proclamation of God’s kingdom was accompanied by a call to turn away from sin, and to believe the Good News. It was also a call to follow him, to become his disciple.
When Jesus rose from the dead, showed himself to his followers and to other witnesses, entrusted his mission to his disciples, and ascended into heaven, Jesus did not cease from calling people to repent, to have a change of heart, and to believe the Good News, to give up their own way and to follow him as his disciple. He continues to call people to this day and will do so for generations yet to come until he returns again in glory.
Jesus transforms the lives of those who respond to his call. They become changed people just like Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John. The influence of Jesus becomes clearly evident not just in their words but in their actions, in the way that they live their lives, in their treatment of others.
Jesus calls us in variety of ways. He may speak to us through a relative or a friend. He may speak to us from the pages of a book. He may speak to us through the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit. He may speak to us in different ways at different times in our lives.
Jesus’ call is not a one-time thing. Jesus not only call us to turn from sin, believe in the Good News, and follow him but he also calls those who respond to his call to walk closer with him, to let go of those things that draw us away from him, to study his teaching and example and live our lives according to them, to maintain a close, personal connection with him through prayer, to obey his commands out of love for him, and to walk with others on the same path, fellow-pilgrims and companions in the way. He calls us to represent him in this world and to extend his call to those who do not yet know him so that they too might come to love and serve him.
We may not hear Jesus’ call right away because the noise of this world is distracting us. Lent is a good time of year to tune out that noise and listen for Jesus’ voice. He is speaking to us at this very moment. Let us quieten our minds and heed his call.
Silence
Open this link in a new tab to hear Suzanne Toolan’s “Two Fishermen.”
1 Two fishermen, who lived along the Sea of Galilee,
stood by the shore to cast their nets into an ageless sea.
Now Jesus watched them from afar, then called them each by name.
It changed their lives, these simple men; they'd never be the same.
"Leave all things you have and come and follow me,
and come and follow me.”
2 And as he walked along the shore 'twas James and John he'd find,
and these two sons of Zebedee would leave their boats behind.
Their work and all they held so dear they left beside their nets.
Their names they'd heard as Jesus called; they came without regret.
"Leave all things you have and come and follow me,
and come and follow me.”
3 O Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John beloved one,
you heard Christ's call to speak good news revealed to God's own Son.
Susanna, Mary Magdalene who traveled with your Lord,
you ministered to him with joy for he is God adored.
"Leave all things you have and come and follow me,
and come and follow me.”
[Instrumental interlude]
And you, good Christians, one and all who'd follow Jesus' way,
come leave behind what keeps you bound to trappings of our day,
and listen as he calls your name to come and follow near,
for still he speaks in varied ways to those his call will hear.
"Leave all things you have and come and follow me,
and come and follow me.”
Let us affirm with Christians across the ages what we believe about God
and his love for us.
We believe in one God,
who made us and loves all that is.
We believe in Jesus Christ,
God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was born, lived, died and rose again,
and is coming to call all to account.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
who calls, equips and sends out God’s people,
and brings all things to their true end.
This is our faith, the faith of the Church:
We believe in one God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER
Let us pray for the Church and the world.
Father, we pray for your holy catholic Church
that we all may be one.
Grant that every member of your Church may truly and humbly serve you:
that your name may be glorified by all people.
We pray for all ministers of the Church
that they may be faithful ministers of your word and sacraments.
We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world
that there may be justice and peace on the earth.
Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake
that your glory may be proclaimed through our lives.
Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble
that they may be delivered from their distress.
We praise you for your saints who have entered their eternal joy
may we also come to share in the fulness of your kingdom.
We pray for our own needs and for those of others:
Silence.
The people may add their own petitions.
Gracious God, grant that the desires of your people’s hearts
may find favour in your sight,
through the intercession of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us:
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,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen
THE SENDING FORTH OF GOD’S PEOPLE
Holy and everliving God,
by your power we are created
and by your love we are redeemed;
guide and strengthen us by your Spirit,
that we may give ourselves to your service,
and live each day in love to one another and to you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
May the almighty and merciful God,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
bless us and keep us
now and forever. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Sondra K. Tucker’s arrangement of
Cecil Frances Alexander’s “Jesus Calls Us O’er the Tumult.”
1 Jesus calls us o'er the tumult
of our life's wild restless sea;
day by day His sweet voice soundeth,
saying "Christian, follow me!"
2 Long ago apostles heard it
by the Galilean lake,
turned from home, and toil, and kindred,
leaving all for his dear sake.
3 Jesus calls us from the worship
of the vain world's golden store,
from each idol that would keep us,
saying "Christian, love me more."
4 In our joys and in our sorrows,
days of toil and hours of ease,
still He calls in cares and pleasures,
"Christian, love Me more than these."
[Instrumental interlude]
5 Jesus calls us: by Your mercies,
Savior, may we hear Your call,
give our hearts to full obedience,
serve and love You best of all,
serve and love You best of all.
Those present may exchange a sign of peace.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
Gracious God, grant that the desires of your people’s hearts
may find favour in your sight,
through the intercession of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us:
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,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen
THE SENDING FORTH OF GOD’S PEOPLE
Holy and everliving God,
by your power we are created
and by your love we are redeemed;
guide and strengthen us by your Spirit,
that we may give ourselves to your service,
and live each day in love to one another and to you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
May the almighty and merciful God,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
bless us and keep us
now and forever. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Sondra K. Tucker’s arrangement of
Cecil Frances Alexander’s “Jesus Calls Us O’er the Tumult.”
1 Jesus calls us o'er the tumult
of our life's wild restless sea;
day by day His sweet voice soundeth,
saying "Christian, follow me!"
2 Long ago apostles heard it
by the Galilean lake,
turned from home, and toil, and kindred,
leaving all for his dear sake.
3 Jesus calls us from the worship
of the vain world's golden store,
from each idol that would keep us,
saying "Christian, love me more."
4 In our joys and in our sorrows,
days of toil and hours of ease,
still He calls in cares and pleasures,
"Christian, love Me more than these."
[Instrumental interlude]
5 Jesus calls us: by Your mercies,
Savior, may we hear Your call,
give our hearts to full obedience,
serve and love You best of all,
serve and love You best of all.
Those present may exchange a sign of peace.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
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