Sundays at All Hallows (October 5, 2025)
Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.
The selection of hymns, psalm, canticles, and other sacred music can enliven and brighten a Sunday service, or it can have the opposite effect.
We may not notice how the choice of music affects our Sunday services because we have become accustomed to it. However, first-time visitors to our Sunday services notice it as do viewers of our Sunday services online or on cable TV. If we make a bad first impression, the former may decide not to return for a second visit; the latter may switch to the livestream or cable TV broadcast of another church. They are not likely to stay around long enough to get to know us or learn what else we may have to offer. It is one of the realities of the times in which we now live.
In this Sunday’s service we are introducing four new songs—a new setting of the Venite (Psalm 95), which with the settings of the Benedicite ad the Gloria in Excelsis we introduced last Sunday we will be using for the next several Sundays. All three have refrains in which you can join. We plan to repeat them for a long enough period to enable you to become comfortable joining in the verses.
As for the variable elements of the service, the variable psalm is a Taizé style setting of Psalm 37:1-9 with a short, easy-to-learn ostinato refrain, the anthem is Scott Soper’ choral arrangement of Timothy Dudley Smith’s “Spirit of God within Me.” The final hymn is a contemporary arrangement of John Newton’s “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds" from Emu Music.
This Sunday’s message is touches on the common mission of all Christians to make Christ known and how the Holy Spirit enables us to do that through our words and deeds.
GATHER IN GOD’S NAME
Open this link in a new tab to hear Philip Moore’s Prelude on SALISBURY for organ.
Silence
God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in
spirit and truth. John 4:24
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth
is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God is faithful and
just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8-9
So let us draw near to God with sincerity and confidence, and humbly confess our sins.
Silence
Almighty and most merciful Father,
we have strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
We have followed too much
the devices and the desires of our own hearts.
we have offended against your holy laws,
we have left undone what we ought to have done,
and we have done what we ought not to have done.
Yet, good Lord, have mercy on us;
restore those who are penitent,
according to your promises declared
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Grant, most merciful Father, for his sake,
that we may live a godly, righteous, and sober lives,
to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
Merciful Lord, grant to your faithful people pardon
and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their
sins, and serve you with a quiet mind; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
we have strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
We have followed too much
the devices and the desires of our own hearts.
we have offended against your holy laws,
we have left undone what we ought to have done,
and we have done what we ought not to have done.
Yet, good Lord, have mercy on us;
restore those who are penitent,
according to your promises declared
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Grant, most merciful Father, for his sake,
that we may live a godly, righteous, and sober lives,
to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
Merciful Lord, grant to your faithful people pardon
and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their
sins, and serve you with a quiet mind; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Open our lips, O Lord;
And we shall declare your praise.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:
as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.
Let us praise the Lord.
The Lord’s name be praised.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Lloyd Larson’s choral arrangement of “O Come and Sing unto the Lord” (Psalm 95) from The Palter 1912.
O come and sing unto the Lord,
to God our voices raise;
Let us in our most joyful song
the Lord our savior, praise!
Before God's presence let us
come with praise and thankful voice;
Let us sing psalms to God with grace,
with grateful hearts rejoice.
O come, and bowing down to God,
our worship let us bring;
Come, let us kneel before the Lord,
our Maker and our King.
The Lord our God is King of kings,
above all gods enthroned;
the depths of earth and mountains
high by God alone are owned.
To God the spacious sea belongs;
God made its waves and tides.
And by God's hand the rising land
was formed, and still abides.
O come, and bowing down to God,
our worship let us bring;
Come, let us kneel before the Lord,
our Maker and our King,
our Maker and our King, our King.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Hannah Cruse’s responsorial setting of “Do Not Be Afraid; Trust in the Lord” (Psalm 37: 1-9).
Ostinato Refrain:
Do not be afraid; trust in the Lord
Verses:
1 Do not worry because of evil
2 Do not be jealous of the wicked
3 For they will fade, like grass thy will wither
4 Trust in the Lord, do what is good
5 Delight yourself in God our Lord
6 God will supply your heart’s desire
7 Commit your way to the Lord
8 Give God the power in all you do
9 Justice will shine through you like the sun
10 Be still with the Lord; don’t fret over evil
11 Turn from anger; turn from wrath
12 When you worry, nothing good will come
13 The wicked perish; those who hope will live
14 When you wait, you will inherit
Ostinato Refrain:
Do not be afraid; trust in the Lord
Silence
Blessed and holy God,
ever merciful and forgiving,
may we turn from what is evil
and do what is good in your sight,
for you have saved us
And we shall declare your praise.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:
as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.
Let us praise the Lord.
The Lord’s name be praised.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Lloyd Larson’s choral arrangement of “O Come and Sing unto the Lord” (Psalm 95) from The Palter 1912.
O come and sing unto the Lord,
to God our voices raise;
Let us in our most joyful song
the Lord our savior, praise!
Before God's presence let us
come with praise and thankful voice;
Let us sing psalms to God with grace,
with grateful hearts rejoice.
O come, and bowing down to God,
our worship let us bring;
Come, let us kneel before the Lord,
our Maker and our King.
The Lord our God is King of kings,
above all gods enthroned;
the depths of earth and mountains
high by God alone are owned.
To God the spacious sea belongs;
God made its waves and tides.
And by God's hand the rising land
was formed, and still abides.
O come, and bowing down to God,
our worship let us bring;
Come, let us kneel before the Lord,
our Maker and our King,
our Maker and our King, our King.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Hannah Cruse’s responsorial setting of “Do Not Be Afraid; Trust in the Lord” (Psalm 37: 1-9).
Ostinato Refrain:
Do not be afraid; trust in the Lord
Verses:
1 Do not worry because of evil
2 Do not be jealous of the wicked
3 For they will fade, like grass thy will wither
4 Trust in the Lord, do what is good
5 Delight yourself in God our Lord
6 God will supply your heart’s desire
7 Commit your way to the Lord
8 Give God the power in all you do
9 Justice will shine through you like the sun
10 Be still with the Lord; don’t fret over evil
11 Turn from anger; turn from wrath
12 When you worry, nothing good will come
13 The wicked perish; those who hope will live
14 When you wait, you will inherit
Ostinato Refrain:
Do not be afraid; trust in the Lord
Silence
Blessed and holy God,
ever merciful and forgiving,
may we turn from what is evil
and do what is good in your sight,
for you have saved us
by the cross of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
A reading from the Book of Habakkuk.
Habakkuk 1: 1-4; 2: 1-4
This is the message that the Lord revealed to the prophet Habakkuk.
O Lord, how long must I call for help before you listen, before you save us from violence? Why do you make me see such trouble? How can you stand to look on such wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are all around me, and there is fighting and quarreling everywhere. The law is weak and useless, and justice is never done. Evil people get the better of the righteous, and so justice is perverted.
I will climb my watchtower and wait to see what the Lord will tell me to say and what answer he will give to my complaint.
The Lord gave me this answer: “Write down clearly on tablets what I reveal to you, so that it can be read at a glance. Put it in writing, because it is not yet time for it to come true. But the time is coming quickly, and what I show you will come true. It may seem slow in coming, but wait for it; it will certainly take place, and it will not be delayed. And this is the message: ‘Those who are evil will not survive, but those who are righteous will live because they are faithful to God.’”
Silence.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Kenneth Jennings’ choral arrangement of “All You Works of the Lord.”
1 All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord:
praise God and magnify God forever.
2 You angels of the Lord, bless the
Lord;
You heavens, bless the Lord;
all you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord;
praise God and magnify God forever.
3 You sun and moon, bless the Lord;
you stars of heaven, bless the Lord;
all you showers and dew, bless the Lord:
praise God and magnify God forever.
4 All you winds of God, bless the Lord;
you fire and heat, bless the Lord;
you winter and summer, bless the Lord:
praise God and magnify God forever.
5 You dews and frost, bless the Lord;
you frost and cold, bless the Lord;
you ice and snow, bless the Lord:
praise God and magnify God forever.
6 You nights and days, bless the Lord;
you light and darkness, bless the Lord;
you lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord:
praise God and magnify God forever,
praise God and magnify God forever,
praise God and magnify God forever,
praise God and magnify God forever.
Bless the Lord.
7 All the earth, bless the Lord;
you mountains and hills, bless the Lord;
all you green things that grow on the earth, bless the Lord:
praise God and magnify God forever
8 You wells and springs, bless the Lord;
you rivers and seas, bless the Lord;
you whales and all who move in the waters, bless the Lord:
praise God and magnify God forever.
9 All you birds of the air, bless the Lord;
all you beasts and cattle, bless the Lord;
all you children of mortals, bless the Lord:
praise God and magnify God forever.
10 You people of God, bless the Lord;
you priests of the Lord, bless the Lord;
you servants of the Lord, bless the Lord:
praise God and magnify God forever.
11 You spirits and souls of the righteous,
you pure and humble of heart, bless the Lord;
let us bless the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit:
praise God and magnify God forever. Amen
A reading from Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy.
2 Timothy 1: 1-14
From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will, sent to proclaim the promised life which we have in union with Christ Jesus—
To Timothy, my dear son:
May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.
I give thanks to God, whom I serve with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did. I thank him as I remember you always in my prayers night and day. I remember your tears, and I want to see you very much, so that I may be filled with joy. I remember the sincere faith you have, the kind of faith that your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice also had. I am sure that you have it also. For this reason I remind you to keep alive the gift that God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control.
Do not be ashamed, then, of witnessing for our Lord; neither be ashamed of me, a prisoner for Christ's sake. Instead, take your part in suffering for the Good News, as God gives you the strength for it. He saved us and called us to be his own people, not because of what we have done, but because of his own purpose and grace. He gave us this grace by means of Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but now it has been revealed to us through the coming of our Savior, Christ Jesus. He has ended the power of death and through the gospel has revealed immortal life.
God has appointed me as an apostle and teacher to proclaim the Good News, and it is for this reason that I suffer these things. But I am still full of confidence, because I know whom I have trusted, and I am sure that he is able to keep safe until that Day what he has entrusted to me. Hold firmly to the true words that I taught you, as the example for you to follow, and remain in the faith and love that are ours in union with Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us, keep the good things that have been entrusted to you.
Silence
Open this link in a new tab to hear “Glory to God” from Marty Haugen’s Beneath the Tree of Life Mass.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God in the highest,
and peace to God’s people, peace to God’s people,
peace to God’s people on earth.
1 Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God in the highest,
and peace to God’s people, peace to God’s people,
peace to God’s people on earth.
2 Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God in the highest,
and peace to God’s people, peace to God’s people,
peace to God’s people on earth.
3 For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father,
Amen.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God in the highest,
and peace to God’s people, peace to God’s people,
peace to God’s people on earth.
A reading from the Gospel according to Luke.
Luke 17: 5-10
The apostles said to the Lord, “Make our faith greater.”
The Lord answered, “If you had faith as big as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Pull yourself up by the roots and plant yourself in the sea!’ and it would obey you.
“Suppose one of you has a servant who is plowing or looking after the sheep. When he comes in from the field, do you tell him to hurry along and eat his meal? Of course not! Instead, you say to him, ‘Get my supper ready, then put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may have your meal.’ The servant does not deserve thanks for obeying orders, does he? It is the same with you; when you have done all you have been told to do, say, ‘We are ordinary servants; we have only done our duty.’”
Silence
What is the main reason that Christians who know that they should be talking about their faith with others, telling them about Jesus, give for not doing it? According to researchers it is they fear how those to whom they are speaking are going to react. They may have heard from the pulpit and on the internet the world is hostile to Christians and to Christianity. The reality, however, is that people are not as hostile as some preachers and social media influencers portray them.
While this may vary from country to country, you will find in every country a segment of the population that is very unfriendly toward Christians and has a strong dislike of Christianity. Their reasons for their unfriendliness and dislike may vary. In some cases, it may stem from a personal bad experience with Christians who may not have acted as Jesus taught his disciples to act, or the bad experience of a family member, relative, friend, or neighbor.
You will also find in every country a segment of the population that is indifferent. This population segment has no interest in religion or spirituality. It is not something that they think is important or valuable. They may take part in a religion because of the expectation of the culture in which they live but their participation is nominal at best, for appearances only.
Beside these two population segments, you will find a segment of the population who Is open to hearing about your faith, about Jesus. You may have to do more listening than talking at first, listening to their views, and taking time to form and build a relationship with them, but eventually you will reach a stage in your relationship with them where you can have conversations with them about your faith, about Jesus, point them to Jesus, and be a voice through whom he calls them to follow him.
Note that I say “a” voice. Gospel workers which all Christians are called to be, not just ordained clergy and licensed ministers, may be compared to farmhands, agricultural workers. One may prepare the ground for planting. Another may plant the seed. A different worker may water the young plant. A different worker still may harvest the ripened wheat. The Holy Spirit may work through several different people to bring someone to repentance and faith. Each one will play a part in that person’s salvation.
One thing to remember is that we cannot guilt, hector, jawbone, or shame someone into the kingdom of God. But we can be the means through which the Holy Spirit draws them into God’s kingdom. It is the Holy Spirit that convicts, converts, and makes us more like Christ.
In this Sunday’s reading from Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy the apostle writes his young protégé and to future generations of Christians like ourselves and to those exploring Christianity, “…the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7).
A timid person is a fearful person. A timid Christian shrinks from what God requires from them. However, the Holy Spirit, God’s gift to us, to believers, the gift of God himself, living in us, is not a spirit of fear. Rather the Holy Spirit, as Paul draw to Timothy’ and our attention, “fill us with power, love, and self-control.”
Now if we read Paul’ First Letter to the Corinthians and his other letters, we should acquire a reasonable understanding of what Paul means by love and self-control. We will also profit in other ways from reading them. Hearing, reading, and meditating upon the Scriptures is an important means of grace, a means by which the power of the Holy Spirit works in our lives, along with prayer and the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper.
What Paul mans by “power” may be more elusive. The koine Greek word for “power” Paul uses can mean “strength, ability, power.” In the latter case, it means more specifically the power to communicate our faith in our human weakness to others; by the Holy Spirit, to show publicly the presence of Christ in the world as well as our own lives, and as a result, display publicly God’ saving power in Christ. While our words may be fumbling (Paul was not an eloquent speaker by all accounts) and our actions, imperfect, they give testimony to Christ’ presence.
A verse from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians come to mind, “…God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose” (Philippians 2:13). God’ grace, the power of Holy Spirit, is always working invisibly in our lives to give us the will and the power to do what is pleasing to God. Making Christ known, who he is, what he did for us, what he taught, how he lived, and framing and fashioning our lives on Christ’s teaching and example are pleasing to God. It serves God’s purpose to do so. “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life” (John 3:16). It falls to every Christian to continue Christ’s mission in the world.
Silence
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father
almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on 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,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Lord, show us your mercy,
and grant us your salvation.
Keep our nation under your care,
and guide us in justice and truth.
Clothe your ministers with righteousness,
and make your chosen people joyful.
Lord, save your people,
and bless your inheritance.
Give peace in our time, O Lord,
for you are our help and strength.
Create in us dean hearts, O God,
and renew us by your Holy Spirit.
Lord, let your continual pity cleanse and defend your church, and
because it cannot continue in safety without your aid, keep it ever-
more by your help and goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
O God, the author and lover of peace, in knowledge of whom
stands our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom;
defend us your servants in all assaults of our enemies,
that, surely trusting in your defense, we may not fear the power
of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
Eternal God and Father, by whose power we are created and
by whose love we are redeemed: guide and strengthen us by
your Spirit, that we may give ourselves to your service, and
live every day in love to one another and to you; through Jesus
Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Scot Sopper’s choral arrangement of Timothy Dudley Smith’s “Spirit of God within Me.”
1 Spirit of God within me,
possess my human frame;
fan the dull embers of my heart,
stir up the living flame.
Strive till that image Adam lost,
new minted and restored,
in shining splendour brightly bears
the likeness of the Lord.
2 Spirit of truth within me,
possess my thought and mind;
lighten anew the inward eye
by Satan rendered blind;
shine on the words that wisdom speaks
and grant me power to see
the truth made known to all in Christ,
and in that truth be free.
3 Spirit of love within me,
possess my hands and heart;
break through the bonds of self-concern
that seeks to stand apart:
grant me the love that suffers long,
that hopes, believes and bears,
the love fulfilled in sacrifice,
that cares as Jesus cares.
4 Spirit of life within me,
possess this life of mine;
come as the wind of heaven's breath,
come as the fire divine!
Spirit of Christ, the living Lord,
reign in this house of clay,
till from its dust with Christ I rise
to everlasting day.
[Let us pray for the Church]
Almighty and eternal God, you alone work great marvels:
send down your life-giving Spirit of grace on our bishops and other clergy, and on the congregations which they serve; and, in order that they may truly please you, pour upon them the continual dew of your blessing. Grant this, Lord, for the honour of our advocate and mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
A reading from the Book of Habakkuk.
Habakkuk 1: 1-4; 2: 1-4
This is the message that the Lord revealed to the prophet Habakkuk.
O Lord, how long must I call for help before you listen, before you save us from violence? Why do you make me see such trouble? How can you stand to look on such wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are all around me, and there is fighting and quarreling everywhere. The law is weak and useless, and justice is never done. Evil people get the better of the righteous, and so justice is perverted.
I will climb my watchtower and wait to see what the Lord will tell me to say and what answer he will give to my complaint.
The Lord gave me this answer: “Write down clearly on tablets what I reveal to you, so that it can be read at a glance. Put it in writing, because it is not yet time for it to come true. But the time is coming quickly, and what I show you will come true. It may seem slow in coming, but wait for it; it will certainly take place, and it will not be delayed. And this is the message: ‘Those who are evil will not survive, but those who are righteous will live because they are faithful to God.’”
Silence.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Kenneth Jennings’ choral arrangement of “All You Works of the Lord.”
1 All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord:
praise God and magnify God forever.
2 You angels of the Lord, bless the
Lord;
You heavens, bless the Lord;
all you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord;
praise God and magnify God forever.
3 You sun and moon, bless the Lord;
you stars of heaven, bless the Lord;
all you showers and dew, bless the Lord:
praise God and magnify God forever.
4 All you winds of God, bless the Lord;
you fire and heat, bless the Lord;
you winter and summer, bless the Lord:
praise God and magnify God forever.
5 You dews and frost, bless the Lord;
you frost and cold, bless the Lord;
you ice and snow, bless the Lord:
praise God and magnify God forever.
6 You nights and days, bless the Lord;
you light and darkness, bless the Lord;
you lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord:
praise God and magnify God forever,
praise God and magnify God forever,
praise God and magnify God forever,
praise God and magnify God forever.
Bless the Lord.
7 All the earth, bless the Lord;
you mountains and hills, bless the Lord;
all you green things that grow on the earth, bless the Lord:
praise God and magnify God forever
8 You wells and springs, bless the Lord;
you rivers and seas, bless the Lord;
you whales and all who move in the waters, bless the Lord:
praise God and magnify God forever.
9 All you birds of the air, bless the Lord;
all you beasts and cattle, bless the Lord;
all you children of mortals, bless the Lord:
praise God and magnify God forever.
10 You people of God, bless the Lord;
you priests of the Lord, bless the Lord;
you servants of the Lord, bless the Lord:
praise God and magnify God forever.
11 You spirits and souls of the righteous,
you pure and humble of heart, bless the Lord;
let us bless the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit:
praise God and magnify God forever. Amen
A reading from Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy.
2 Timothy 1: 1-14
From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will, sent to proclaim the promised life which we have in union with Christ Jesus—
To Timothy, my dear son:
May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.
I give thanks to God, whom I serve with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did. I thank him as I remember you always in my prayers night and day. I remember your tears, and I want to see you very much, so that I may be filled with joy. I remember the sincere faith you have, the kind of faith that your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice also had. I am sure that you have it also. For this reason I remind you to keep alive the gift that God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control.
Do not be ashamed, then, of witnessing for our Lord; neither be ashamed of me, a prisoner for Christ's sake. Instead, take your part in suffering for the Good News, as God gives you the strength for it. He saved us and called us to be his own people, not because of what we have done, but because of his own purpose and grace. He gave us this grace by means of Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but now it has been revealed to us through the coming of our Savior, Christ Jesus. He has ended the power of death and through the gospel has revealed immortal life.
God has appointed me as an apostle and teacher to proclaim the Good News, and it is for this reason that I suffer these things. But I am still full of confidence, because I know whom I have trusted, and I am sure that he is able to keep safe until that Day what he has entrusted to me. Hold firmly to the true words that I taught you, as the example for you to follow, and remain in the faith and love that are ours in union with Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us, keep the good things that have been entrusted to you.
Silence
Open this link in a new tab to hear “Glory to God” from Marty Haugen’s Beneath the Tree of Life Mass.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God in the highest,
and peace to God’s people, peace to God’s people,
peace to God’s people on earth.
1 Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God in the highest,
and peace to God’s people, peace to God’s people,
peace to God’s people on earth.
2 Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God in the highest,
and peace to God’s people, peace to God’s people,
peace to God’s people on earth.
3 For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father,
Amen.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God in the highest,
and peace to God’s people, peace to God’s people,
peace to God’s people on earth.
A reading from the Gospel according to Luke.
Luke 17: 5-10
The apostles said to the Lord, “Make our faith greater.”
The Lord answered, “If you had faith as big as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Pull yourself up by the roots and plant yourself in the sea!’ and it would obey you.
“Suppose one of you has a servant who is plowing or looking after the sheep. When he comes in from the field, do you tell him to hurry along and eat his meal? Of course not! Instead, you say to him, ‘Get my supper ready, then put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may have your meal.’ The servant does not deserve thanks for obeying orders, does he? It is the same with you; when you have done all you have been told to do, say, ‘We are ordinary servants; we have only done our duty.’”
Silence
Called to Be Gospel Workers
What is the main reason that Christians who know that they should be talking about their faith with others, telling them about Jesus, give for not doing it? According to researchers it is they fear how those to whom they are speaking are going to react. They may have heard from the pulpit and on the internet the world is hostile to Christians and to Christianity. The reality, however, is that people are not as hostile as some preachers and social media influencers portray them.
While this may vary from country to country, you will find in every country a segment of the population that is very unfriendly toward Christians and has a strong dislike of Christianity. Their reasons for their unfriendliness and dislike may vary. In some cases, it may stem from a personal bad experience with Christians who may not have acted as Jesus taught his disciples to act, or the bad experience of a family member, relative, friend, or neighbor.
You will also find in every country a segment of the population that is indifferent. This population segment has no interest in religion or spirituality. It is not something that they think is important or valuable. They may take part in a religion because of the expectation of the culture in which they live but their participation is nominal at best, for appearances only.
Beside these two population segments, you will find a segment of the population who Is open to hearing about your faith, about Jesus. You may have to do more listening than talking at first, listening to their views, and taking time to form and build a relationship with them, but eventually you will reach a stage in your relationship with them where you can have conversations with them about your faith, about Jesus, point them to Jesus, and be a voice through whom he calls them to follow him.
Note that I say “a” voice. Gospel workers which all Christians are called to be, not just ordained clergy and licensed ministers, may be compared to farmhands, agricultural workers. One may prepare the ground for planting. Another may plant the seed. A different worker may water the young plant. A different worker still may harvest the ripened wheat. The Holy Spirit may work through several different people to bring someone to repentance and faith. Each one will play a part in that person’s salvation.
One thing to remember is that we cannot guilt, hector, jawbone, or shame someone into the kingdom of God. But we can be the means through which the Holy Spirit draws them into God’s kingdom. It is the Holy Spirit that convicts, converts, and makes us more like Christ.
In this Sunday’s reading from Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy the apostle writes his young protégé and to future generations of Christians like ourselves and to those exploring Christianity, “…the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7).
A timid person is a fearful person. A timid Christian shrinks from what God requires from them. However, the Holy Spirit, God’s gift to us, to believers, the gift of God himself, living in us, is not a spirit of fear. Rather the Holy Spirit, as Paul draw to Timothy’ and our attention, “fill us with power, love, and self-control.”
Now if we read Paul’ First Letter to the Corinthians and his other letters, we should acquire a reasonable understanding of what Paul means by love and self-control. We will also profit in other ways from reading them. Hearing, reading, and meditating upon the Scriptures is an important means of grace, a means by which the power of the Holy Spirit works in our lives, along with prayer and the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper.
What Paul mans by “power” may be more elusive. The koine Greek word for “power” Paul uses can mean “strength, ability, power.” In the latter case, it means more specifically the power to communicate our faith in our human weakness to others; by the Holy Spirit, to show publicly the presence of Christ in the world as well as our own lives, and as a result, display publicly God’ saving power in Christ. While our words may be fumbling (Paul was not an eloquent speaker by all accounts) and our actions, imperfect, they give testimony to Christ’ presence.
A verse from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians come to mind, “…God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose” (Philippians 2:13). God’ grace, the power of Holy Spirit, is always working invisibly in our lives to give us the will and the power to do what is pleasing to God. Making Christ known, who he is, what he did for us, what he taught, how he lived, and framing and fashioning our lives on Christ’s teaching and example are pleasing to God. It serves God’s purpose to do so. “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life” (John 3:16). It falls to every Christian to continue Christ’s mission in the world.
Silence
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father
almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on 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,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Lord, show us your mercy,
and grant us your salvation.
Keep our nation under your care,
and guide us in justice and truth.
Clothe your ministers with righteousness,
and make your chosen people joyful.
Lord, save your people,
and bless your inheritance.
Give peace in our time, O Lord,
for you are our help and strength.
Create in us dean hearts, O God,
and renew us by your Holy Spirit.
Lord, let your continual pity cleanse and defend your church, and
because it cannot continue in safety without your aid, keep it ever-
more by your help and goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
O God, the author and lover of peace, in knowledge of whom
stands our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom;
defend us your servants in all assaults of our enemies,
that, surely trusting in your defense, we may not fear the power
of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
Eternal God and Father, by whose power we are created and
by whose love we are redeemed: guide and strengthen us by
your Spirit, that we may give ourselves to your service, and
live every day in love to one another and to you; through Jesus
Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Scot Sopper’s choral arrangement of Timothy Dudley Smith’s “Spirit of God within Me.”
1 Spirit of God within me,
possess my human frame;
fan the dull embers of my heart,
stir up the living flame.
Strive till that image Adam lost,
new minted and restored,
in shining splendour brightly bears
the likeness of the Lord.
2 Spirit of truth within me,
possess my thought and mind;
lighten anew the inward eye
by Satan rendered blind;
shine on the words that wisdom speaks
and grant me power to see
the truth made known to all in Christ,
and in that truth be free.
3 Spirit of love within me,
possess my hands and heart;
break through the bonds of self-concern
that seeks to stand apart:
grant me the love that suffers long,
that hopes, believes and bears,
the love fulfilled in sacrifice,
that cares as Jesus cares.
4 Spirit of life within me,
possess this life of mine;
come as the wind of heaven's breath,
come as the fire divine!
Spirit of Christ, the living Lord,
reign in this house of clay,
till from its dust with Christ I rise
to everlasting day.
[Let us pray for the Church]
Almighty and eternal God, you alone work great marvels:
send down your life-giving Spirit of grace on our bishops and other clergy, and on the congregations which they serve; and, in order that they may truly please you, pour upon them the continual dew of your blessing. Grant this, Lord, for the honour of our advocate and mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.
[Let us pray for all people according to their needs]
God of providence, God of love,
we pray for all people: make your way known to them, your saving power
among all nations.
We pray for the welfare of your Church throughout the world: guide and
govern it by your Holy Spirit, that all who call themselves Christians
may be led in the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit,
in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life.
We commend to your fatherly goodness all who are afflicted or distressed
in mind, body, or circumstances (especially…). Relieve them according to their needs, giving them patience in their sufferings, and deliverance in their afflictions. This we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
[Let us pray for ourselves and others.]
Silence
Those present may offer their own prayers and thanksgivings, either silently or aloud.
Eternal God,
grant to us this day and every day
such readiness and delight in following Christ,
that whether our lives are short or long
we shall have lived abundantly. Amen.
[Let us give thanks to God for his goodness.]
Almighty God and merciful Father,
we give you heart-felt thanks
for all your goodness and loving kindness to us
and to all people.
We bless you for our creation and preservation,
and all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And, we pray, give us such a sense of all your mercies,
that our hearts may be truly thankful,
and that we praise you,
not only with our lips but in our lives,
serving you in holiness and righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honour and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Almighty God, you have promised to hear the petitions of
those who ask in your Son’s name: mercifully accept us who
have now made our prayers to you; and grant us those things
which we have asked in faith according to your will; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Alanna Glover, Liv Chapman, ad Philip Percival’s arrangement of John Newton’s “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds.”
Verse 1
How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
In the believer’s ear
It soothes our sorrows heals our wounds
And drives away our fear
Verse 2
So weak the effort of my heart
And cold my warmest thought
But when I see you as you are
I’ll praise you as I ought
Chorus
The rock on which I build
My shield and hiding place with treasure filled
The endless source of grace
My shepherd and my king be ever praised
Verse 3
Till then I would your love proclaim
With every fleeting breath
And may the music of your name
Refresh my soul in death
Chorus
The rock on which I build
My shield and hiding place with treasure filled
The endless source of grace
My shepherd and my king be ever praised
Bridge
My prophet my priest my brother and friend
My Lord my life my way and my end
My prophet my priest my brother and friend
My Lord my life my way and my end
Chorus
The rock on which I build
My shield and hiding place with treasure filled
The endless source of grace
My shepherd and my king be ever praised
The rock on which I build
My shield and hiding place with treasure filled
The endless source of grace
My shepherd and my king be ever praised
THE SENDING FORTH OF GOD’S PEOPLE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you
Let us praise the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.
2 Corinthians 13:14
God of providence, God of love,
we pray for all people: make your way known to them, your saving power
among all nations.
We pray for the welfare of your Church throughout the world: guide and
govern it by your Holy Spirit, that all who call themselves Christians
may be led in the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit,
in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life.
We commend to your fatherly goodness all who are afflicted or distressed
in mind, body, or circumstances (especially…). Relieve them according to their needs, giving them patience in their sufferings, and deliverance in their afflictions. This we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
[Let us pray for ourselves and others.]
Silence
Those present may offer their own prayers and thanksgivings, either silently or aloud.
Eternal God,
grant to us this day and every day
such readiness and delight in following Christ,
that whether our lives are short or long
we shall have lived abundantly. Amen.
[Let us give thanks to God for his goodness.]
Almighty God and merciful Father,
we give you heart-felt thanks
for all your goodness and loving kindness to us
and to all people.
We bless you for our creation and preservation,
and all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And, we pray, give us such a sense of all your mercies,
that our hearts may be truly thankful,
and that we praise you,
not only with our lips but in our lives,
serving you in holiness and righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honour and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Almighty God, you have promised to hear the petitions of
those who ask in your Son’s name: mercifully accept us who
have now made our prayers to you; and grant us those things
which we have asked in faith according to your will; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Alanna Glover, Liv Chapman, ad Philip Percival’s arrangement of John Newton’s “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds.”
Verse 1
How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
In the believer’s ear
It soothes our sorrows heals our wounds
And drives away our fear
Verse 2
So weak the effort of my heart
And cold my warmest thought
But when I see you as you are
I’ll praise you as I ought
Chorus
The rock on which I build
My shield and hiding place with treasure filled
The endless source of grace
My shepherd and my king be ever praised
Verse 3
Till then I would your love proclaim
With every fleeting breath
And may the music of your name
Refresh my soul in death
Chorus
The rock on which I build
My shield and hiding place with treasure filled
The endless source of grace
My shepherd and my king be ever praised
Bridge
My prophet my priest my brother and friend
My Lord my life my way and my end
My prophet my priest my brother and friend
My Lord my life my way and my end
Chorus
The rock on which I build
My shield and hiding place with treasure filled
The endless source of grace
My shepherd and my king be ever praised
The rock on which I build
My shield and hiding place with treasure filled
The endless source of grace
My shepherd and my king be ever praised
THE SENDING FORTH OF GOD’S PEOPLE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you
Let us praise the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.
2 Corinthians 13:14
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