Sundays at All Hallows (January 25, 2026)
Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.
This Sunday is the Third Sunday after the Epiphany. Here in western Kentucky, it is snowing and it is expected to keep snowing throughout the night. Churches in the region have cancelled their Sunday services due to the severe weather. An extreme cold warning has been posted for Monday. The topic of this Sunday’s message is Peter, the Galilean fisherman whom Jesus called to be an apostle and made a fisher of people.
GATHER IN GOD’S NAME
Open this link in a new tab to hear Anne Crosby Gaudet’s arrangement of BE STILL AND KNOW for solo harp.
Silence
O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Honour and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in
his sanctuary. Psalm 96:1,6
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.
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 Timothy Dudley Smith’s “Come Let Us Praise the Lord (Psalm 95).”
1 Come, let us praise the Lord,
with joy our God acclaim,
his greatness tell abroad
and bless his saving Name.
Lift high your songs
before his throne
to whom alone
all praise belongs.
2 Our God of matchless worth,
our King beyond compare,
the deepest bounds of earth,
the hills, are in his care.
He all decrees,
who by his hand
prepared the land
and formed the seas.
3 In worship bow the knee,
our glorious God confess;
the great Creator, he,
the Lord our Righteousness.
He reigns unseen:
his flock he feeds
and gently leads
in pastures green.
4 Come, hear his voice today,
receive what love imparts;
his holy will obey
and harden not your hearts.
His ways are best;
and lead at last,
all troubles past,
to perfect rest.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Christopher Walker’s “The Lord Is My Light” (Psalm 27).
1 The Lord is my light, my help, my salvation.
Why should I fear?
With God I fear no one.
God protects me all my life.
With the Lord what should I dread?
The Lord is my light,
the Lord is my help,
the Lord is my salvation.
2 There is one thing I ask of the Lord that I long for:
all of my days with God to be dwelling,
gazing with awe at the beauty of God,
and in wonder look on God's house.
The Lord is my light,
the Lord is my help,
the Lord is my salvation.
3 I know I will live to see the Lord’s goodness,
now, in this life I'm sure I will see it.
Trust in the Lord, be strong and be brave;
wait in hope for God, our salvation.
The Lord is my light,
the Lord is my help,
the Lord is my salvation.
Silence
O God, our defender,
give us the light of truth and wisdom
that all our hope may be fixed on you,
and on your Son, Jesus the Christ.
Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Raymond Smith’s arrangement of Timothy Dudley Smith’s “Praise the Lord of Heaven (Psalm 148).”
1 Praise the Lord of heaven,
praise him in the height;
praise him, all his angels,
praise him, hosts of light.
Sun and moon together,
shining stars aflame,
planets in their courses,
magnify his Name!
O magnify his Name!
O magnify his Name!
2 Earth and ocean praise him;
mountains, hills and trees;
fire and hail and tempest,
wind and storm and seas.
Praise him, fields and forests,
birds on flashing wings,
praise him, beasts and cattle,
all created things.
O magnify his Name!
O magnify his Name!
3 Now by prince and people
let his praise be told;
praise him, men and maidens,
praise him, young and old.
He, the Lord of glory!
We his praise proclaim!
High above all heavens
magnify his Name!
O magnify his Name!
O magnify his Name!
O magnify his Name!
Silence
O glorious God,
the whole of creation proclaims your marvellous work:
increase in us a capacity to wonder and delight in it,
that heaven’s praise may echo in our hearts
and our lives be spent as good stewards of the earth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
A reading from the Book of Isaiah.
Isaiah 9:1-4
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—
The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
when dividing the plunder.
For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.
Silence
Open this link in a new tab to hear Carl P. Daw, Jr.’s paraphrase of tee Benedictus, “Blessed Be the God of Israel.”
1 Blessed be the God of Israel
who comes to set us free
and raises up new hope for us:
a Branch from David's tree.
So have the prophets long declared
that with a mighty arm
God would turn back our enemies
and all who wish us harm.
2 With promised mercy will God still
the covenant recall,
the oath once sworn to Abraham,
from foes to save us all;
that we might worship without fear
and offer lives of praise,
in holiness and righteousness
to serve God all our days.
3 My child, as prophet of the Lord,
you will prepare the way,
to tell God's people they are saved
from sin's eternal sway.
Then shall God's mercy from on high
shine forth and never cease
to drive away the gloom of death
and lead us into peace.
A reading from Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians.
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Silence
Open this link in a new tab to hear Christopher Idle’s paraphrase of the Te Deum, “God We Praise You! God We Bless You!”
1 God, we praise You! God, we bless You!
God, we name You sovereign Lord!
Mighty King Whom angels worship,
Father by Your church adored:
All creation shows Your glory,
Heaven and earth
draw near Your throne,
singing "Holy, holy, holy,"
Lord of hosts and God alone!
2 True apostles, faithful prophets
Saints who set their world ablaze
Martyrs once unknown, unheeded
Join one growing song of praise,
While Your church on earth confesses One majestic Trinity:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
God our hope eternally.
3 Jesus Christ, the King of glory
Everlasting Son of God
Humble was Your virgin mother
Hard the lonely path you trod:
By Your cross is sin defeated,
Hell confronted face to face,
Heaven opened to believers,
Sinners justified by grace.
4 Christ, at God's right hand victorious,
You will judge the world You made.
Lord in mercy, help Your servants
For whose freedom You have paid.
Raise us up from dust to glory,
Guard us from all sin today,
King enthroned above all praises,
Save Your people, God we pray.
Coda:
King enthroned above all praises,
Save Your people, God we pray.
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew.
Matthew 4:12-25
When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:
“Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles—
the people living in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.”
From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.
Whoa, hold on! In last Sunday’s Gospel reading didn’t John tell us Andrew, Simon’s brother, introduce him to Jesus? In this Sunday’s Gospel Matthew is telling us they met for the first time on the seashore. Aren’t John and Matthew contradicting each other?
Far from it. While the four Gospels differ in detail, they form a single narrative. During my career in child welfare work I was involved in a number of child protection investigations. One thing I learned was witnesses will remember different details of what happened. If, however, they give the exact same account, there was a high likelihood they were lying. They had agreed what to say beforehand.
In his Gospel Luke has an account of Jesus’ calling of Simon, James, and John. See Luke 5:1-11. In Luke’s account Jesus teaches from Simon’s boat and then direct him to put out in deep water and let down his net for a catch of fish. Somewhat reluctantly Simon does what Jesus tell him. Luke tells us what happens next—
“When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.”
A number of details in Luke’s account suggest that Jesus was not a total stranger to Simon. Jesus got into Simon’s boat and asked Simon to put out a little from shore. Simon did what he was asked. Simon addressed Jesus as “Master” and subsequently as “Lord.” At Jesus’ direction also put out in deep water and let down his net for a catch of fish. In his Gospel John tell us how they first met.
In his account Luke makes no mention of Andrew. One explanation is Simon as Peter play a prominent role in Luke’s narrative, both in his Gospel and in his Acts of the Apostles.
All four Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles in the example of Simon, or Peter as he is later called, point to how God’s grace can work in someone’s life, leading them to Christ and enabling them to continue to follow Christ even when they stumble. While some individual may experience a sudden, dramatic conversion like the apostle Paul, most people will experience a turning in faith to Christ more like Peter’s.
Peter and his brother Andrew become disciples of John the Baptist. God’s grace is already working in their lives at this stage, preparing them to become Jesus’ disciples. John points them to Jesus. They met Jesus and subsequently respond to his call to follow him.
Peter confesses Jesus to be the Messiah. But he does not fully understand what Jesus has been telling him about is suffering and dying and attempts to dissuade him from going to Jerusalem. Jesus rebukes him.
Despite his protestation he will not deny Jesus, to his own shame Peter denies him three times as Jesus predicted he would.
The risen Jesus restores Peter as his disciple.
Filled with the Holy Spirit at the Feast of Pentecost Peter preaches to the multitude. Many repent and believe and become followers of Jesus.
Peter stumbles again. He stops associating with Gentiles, non-Jews, out of fear of the Judaizers, a faction of Jewish Christian who believed the religious laws of the Old Testament were binding upon all believers. Through a dream God makes it clear to Peter that the good news is for Gentiles as well as Jews. Peter shares the good news with a Gentile, Cornelius, his household, and friends and they believe. They evidence the presence of the Holy Spirit, tangibly showing God has accepted them.
You can learn more about what Peter did by reading the Act of the Apostle.
As the apostle Paul would write the church at Philippi, God works in us “to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” See Philippians 2:13. God will not abandon us if we, like Peter, stumble and experience a setback. God’s love unceasingly pursues the human soul, the theme of English poet Francis Thompson’ ode, “The Hound of Heaven.” God’s grace is untiring in that pursuit. We may flee God, but God follows close behind us, as a coursing hound follows a hare.
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.
Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look on our infirmities;
and in all our dangers and necessities stretch out your right hand
to help and defend us; 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 Sondra K. Tucker’s arrangement of “Jesus Calls Us O'er the Tumult” for SATB and keyboard with optional flute and drum.
1 Jesus calls us; o'er the tumult
of our life's wild, restless sea,
day by day his clear voice sounding,
saying, "Christian, follow me":
2 As of old the apostles heard it
by the Galilean lake,
turned from home and toil and kindred,
leaving all for Jesus' 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."
5 Jesus calls us! By your mercy,
Savior, may we hear your call,
give our hearts to your obedience,
serve and love you best of all,
serve and love you best of all.
[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 Brent Holl’s arrangement of 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 regrets.
“Leave all things you have and come and follow me,
and come and follow me!”
[Instrumental interlude]
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!”
4 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!”
“Leave all things you have and come and follow me,
and come and follow me!”
“Leave all things you have and come and follow me,
and come and follow me!”
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.
Open this link in a new tab to hear St. Aidan’s Community’s “The Grace (2 Corinthians 13:14).”
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God our Father,
and the fellowship, the fellowship
of the Holy Spirit be with us
for evermore and evermore and evermore. Amen.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God our Father,
and the fellowship, the fellowship
of the Holy Spirit be with us
for evermore and evermore and evermore. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Christopher Idle’s paraphrase of the Te Deum, “God We Praise You! God We Bless You!”
1 God, we praise You! God, we bless You!
God, we name You sovereign Lord!
Mighty King Whom angels worship,
Father by Your church adored:
All creation shows Your glory,
Heaven and earth
draw near Your throne,
singing "Holy, holy, holy,"
Lord of hosts and God alone!
2 True apostles, faithful prophets
Saints who set their world ablaze
Martyrs once unknown, unheeded
Join one growing song of praise,
While Your church on earth confesses One majestic Trinity:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
God our hope eternally.
3 Jesus Christ, the King of glory
Everlasting Son of God
Humble was Your virgin mother
Hard the lonely path you trod:
By Your cross is sin defeated,
Hell confronted face to face,
Heaven opened to believers,
Sinners justified by grace.
4 Christ, at God's right hand victorious,
You will judge the world You made.
Lord in mercy, help Your servants
For whose freedom You have paid.
Raise us up from dust to glory,
Guard us from all sin today,
King enthroned above all praises,
Save Your people, God we pray.
Coda:
King enthroned above all praises,
Save Your people, God we pray.
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew.
Matthew 4:12-25
When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:
“Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles—
the people living in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.”
From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.
Pursued by God’s Love
Whoa, hold on! In last Sunday’s Gospel reading didn’t John tell us Andrew, Simon’s brother, introduce him to Jesus? In this Sunday’s Gospel Matthew is telling us they met for the first time on the seashore. Aren’t John and Matthew contradicting each other?
Far from it. While the four Gospels differ in detail, they form a single narrative. During my career in child welfare work I was involved in a number of child protection investigations. One thing I learned was witnesses will remember different details of what happened. If, however, they give the exact same account, there was a high likelihood they were lying. They had agreed what to say beforehand.
In his Gospel Luke has an account of Jesus’ calling of Simon, James, and John. See Luke 5:1-11. In Luke’s account Jesus teaches from Simon’s boat and then direct him to put out in deep water and let down his net for a catch of fish. Somewhat reluctantly Simon does what Jesus tell him. Luke tells us what happens next—
“When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.”
A number of details in Luke’s account suggest that Jesus was not a total stranger to Simon. Jesus got into Simon’s boat and asked Simon to put out a little from shore. Simon did what he was asked. Simon addressed Jesus as “Master” and subsequently as “Lord.” At Jesus’ direction also put out in deep water and let down his net for a catch of fish. In his Gospel John tell us how they first met.
In his account Luke makes no mention of Andrew. One explanation is Simon as Peter play a prominent role in Luke’s narrative, both in his Gospel and in his Acts of the Apostles.
All four Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles in the example of Simon, or Peter as he is later called, point to how God’s grace can work in someone’s life, leading them to Christ and enabling them to continue to follow Christ even when they stumble. While some individual may experience a sudden, dramatic conversion like the apostle Paul, most people will experience a turning in faith to Christ more like Peter’s.
Peter and his brother Andrew become disciples of John the Baptist. God’s grace is already working in their lives at this stage, preparing them to become Jesus’ disciples. John points them to Jesus. They met Jesus and subsequently respond to his call to follow him.
Peter confesses Jesus to be the Messiah. But he does not fully understand what Jesus has been telling him about is suffering and dying and attempts to dissuade him from going to Jerusalem. Jesus rebukes him.
Despite his protestation he will not deny Jesus, to his own shame Peter denies him three times as Jesus predicted he would.
The risen Jesus restores Peter as his disciple.
Filled with the Holy Spirit at the Feast of Pentecost Peter preaches to the multitude. Many repent and believe and become followers of Jesus.
Peter stumbles again. He stops associating with Gentiles, non-Jews, out of fear of the Judaizers, a faction of Jewish Christian who believed the religious laws of the Old Testament were binding upon all believers. Through a dream God makes it clear to Peter that the good news is for Gentiles as well as Jews. Peter shares the good news with a Gentile, Cornelius, his household, and friends and they believe. They evidence the presence of the Holy Spirit, tangibly showing God has accepted them.
You can learn more about what Peter did by reading the Act of the Apostle.
As the apostle Paul would write the church at Philippi, God works in us “to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” See Philippians 2:13. God will not abandon us if we, like Peter, stumble and experience a setback. God’s love unceasingly pursues the human soul, the theme of English poet Francis Thompson’ ode, “The Hound of Heaven.” God’s grace is untiring in that pursuit. We may flee God, but God follows close behind us, as a coursing hound follows a hare.
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.
Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look on our infirmities;
and in all our dangers and necessities stretch out your right hand
to help and defend us; 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 Sondra K. Tucker’s arrangement of “Jesus Calls Us O'er the Tumult” for SATB and keyboard with optional flute and drum.
1 Jesus calls us; o'er the tumult
of our life's wild, restless sea,
day by day his clear voice sounding,
saying, "Christian, follow me":
2 As of old the apostles heard it
by the Galilean lake,
turned from home and toil and kindred,
leaving all for Jesus' 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."
5 Jesus calls us! By your mercy,
Savior, may we hear your call,
give our hearts to your obedience,
serve and love you best of all,
serve and love you best of all.
[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 Brent Holl’s arrangement of 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 regrets.
“Leave all things you have and come and follow me,
and come and follow me!”
[Instrumental interlude]
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!”
4 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!”
“Leave all things you have and come and follow me,
and come and follow me!”
“Leave all things you have and come and follow me,
and come and follow me!”
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.
Open this link in a new tab to hear St. Aidan’s Community’s “The Grace (2 Corinthians 13:14).”
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God our Father,
and the fellowship, the fellowship
of the Holy Spirit be with us
for evermore and evermore and evermore. Amen.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God our Father,
and the fellowship, the fellowship
of the Holy Spirit be with us
for evermore and evermore and evermore. Amen.
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