Sundays at All Hallows (August 30, 2026)

Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.

This Sunday, August 30, 2026, is the Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity.

For this Sunday’s Invitatory Psalm, you have a choice as you did last Sunday, either the original version of Michael Perry’s metrical paraphrase of the Venite (Psalm 95), “Come Worship God,” or the inclusive language version. The organ accompaniment for both versions is the same-- Joseph Francis Thrupp’s hymn tune EPIPHANY.

The third Variable Psalm is James Quinn’s metrical paraphrase of Psalm 150’ “Bless’d Be the Lord Our God!” one of three Laudate Psalms, Psalms of praise, suggested for this particular Sunday in the seven-week Psalm cycle of the Daily Office Lectionary in Howard Galley’s The Prayer Book Office. The Psalms suggested in this scheme have been chosen for their suitability for the time of day, the day of the week, and the season of the church year. The organ accompaniment for this paraphrase is Samuel Howard’s ST. BRIDE, also known as ST. BRIDGET. If you are not familiar with the tune, read the words aloud while listening to the tune for one or two verses and then try singing the words on the next verse.

In this Sunday’s message we will be taking a look at Romans 12: 9-21
and its implications for the Christian community in the twenty-first century.

GATHER IN GOD’S NAME

Open this link in a new tab to hear Mark Hayes’s arrangement of David Haas’ “We Are Called (Come! Live in the Light)” for solo piano.

The Lord is forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to him. see Psalm 86:5

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

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 the organ accompaniment to Michael Perry’s “Come, Worship God” (Psalm 95).

Organ accompaniment only. No vocals.

Original version:

1 Come, worship God who is worthy of honour,
enter his presence with thanks and a song!
He is the rock of his people's salvation,
to whom our jubilant praises belong.

2 Ruled by his might are the heights of the mountains,
held in his hands are the depths of the earth;
his is the sea, his the land, for he made them,
king above all gods, who gave us our birth.

3 We are his people, the sheep of his pasture,
he is our maker and to him we pray;
gladly we kneel in obedience before him
great is the God whom we worship this day!

4 Now let us listen, for God speaks among us,
open our hearts and receive what he says:
peace be to all who remember his goodness,
trust in his word and rejoice in his ways!

[Or inclusive language version:

1 Come worship God who is worthy of honor
enter God's presence with thanks and a song!
You are the rock of your people's salvation.
to whom our jubilant praises belong

2 Ruled by your might are the heights of the mountains,
held in your hands are the depths of the earth.
Yours are the sea, yours the land, for you made them,
God above all gods, who gave us our birth.

3 We are your people, the sheep of your pasture;
you are our Maker, and to you we pray.
Gladly we kneel In obedience before you;
Great is the one whom we worship this day!

4 Now let us listen for you speak among us;
open our hearts to receive what you say.
Peace be to all who remember your goodness
trust in your word, and rejoice in your way!]

Open this link in a new tab to hear 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!

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.

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!

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.


Open this link in a new tab to hear “Sing to the Lord, Sing a New Song,” Hal Hopson’s adaptation of a paraphrase of Psalm 149 from The Psalter 1912.

Sing to the Lord, sing a new song.
Alleluia! Praise the Lord!

1 Sing praise to the Lord
come sing a new song,
amid all the saints
God’s praises prolong;
let Israel be glad
in their Maker and sing,
let all Zion’s people
rejoice in their King.

Sing to the Lord, sing a new song.
Alleluia! Praise the Lord!

2 With timbrel and harp
and joyful acclaim,
with dancing and song,
give praise to God’s name;
for God in the faithful
great pleasure will seek,
with robes of salvation
adorning the meek.

Sing to the Lord, sing a new song.
Alleluia! Praise the Lord!

3 In glory exult,
you saints of the Lord;
with songs in the night
high praises accord;
go forth in God’s service
and strong in His might
to conquer all evil
and stand for the right.

Sing to the Lord, sing a new song.
Alleluia! Praise the Lord!

4 For this is God’s word:
the saints shall not fail,
but over the earth
their faith shall prevail;
all kingdoms and nations
shall yield to their sword--
thus God shows great glory,
sing praise to the Lord.

Sing to the Lord, sing a new song.
Alleluia! Praise the Lord!

Silence

Lord God, our maker and our king,
you judge all peoples according to your justice:
inspire and strengthen us with your Spirit,
that we may expose the pretence of worldly power
and ever witness to your truth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Open this link in a new tab to hear the organ accompaniment to James Quinn’s “Bless’d Be the Lord Our God!”(Psalm 150).

Organ accompaniment only. No vocals.

1 Bless’d be the Lord our God!
With joy let heaven ring;
Before His presence let all earth
Its songs of homage bring!

2 His mighty deeds be told;
His majesty be praised;
To God, enthrouned in heav’nly light,
Let every voice be raised!

3 All that has life and breath,
Give thanks with heartfelt songs!
To Him let all creation sing
To Whom all praise belongs!

4 Acclaim the Father’s love,
Who gave us God, His Son;
Praise too the Spirit, giv’n by both,
With both for ever one!

Silence

God of life and love,
whose Son was victorious over sin and death:
make us alive with his life,
that the whole world may resound with your praise;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD

A reading from the Book of Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 15: 15-21

Lord, you understand;
remember me and care for me.
Avenge me on my persecutors.
You are long-suffering – do not take me away;
think of how I suffer reproach for your sake.
When your words came, I ate them;
they were my joy and my heart’s delight,
for I bear your name,
Lord God Almighty.
I never sat in the company of revellers,
never made merry with them;
I sat alone because your hand was on me
and you had filled me with indignation.
Why is my pain unending
and my wound grievous and incurable?
You are to me like a deceptive brook,
like a spring that fails.

Therefore this is what the Lord says:

‘If you repent, I will restore you
that you may serve me;
if you utter worthy, not worthless, words,
you will be my spokesman.
Let this people turn to you,
but you must not turn to them.
I will make you a wall to this people,
a fortified wall of bronze;
they will fight against you
but will not overcome you,
for I am with you
to rescue and save you,’
declares the Lord.
‘I will save you from the hands of the wicked
and deliver you from the grasp of the cruel.’

Silence

Open this link in a new tab to hear Michael Perry’s "O Bless the God of Israel" (Benedictus)

1 O bless the God of Israel,
who comes to set us free,
who visits and redeems us
and grants us liberty.
The prophets spoke of mercy,
of rescue and release,
God shall fulfil his promise
and bring his people peace.

2 He comes! The Child of David,
the Son whom God has given;
he comes to live among us
and raise us up to heaven.
Before him goes his servant,
forerunner in the way,
the prophet of salvation,
the herald of the Day.

3 Where once were fear and darkness
the sun begins to rise-
the dawning of forgiveness
upon the sinner’s eyes.
He guides the feet of pilgrims
along the paths of peace:
O, bless our God and Saviour,
with songs that never cease!

A reading from Paul’s Letter to the Romans.
Romans 12: 9-21

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practise hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position [or to do manual labour]. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary:

‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Silence

Open this link in a new tab to hear Fintan O’Carroll and Christopher Walker’s “Father, We Praise You as Lord” (Te Deum).

Alleluia, Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia.

1 Father, we praise you as Lord,
all of the earth gives you worship,
for your majesty
fills the heavens, fills the earth.

Alleluia, Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia.

2 Blessed apostles sing praise;
prophets and martyrs give glory:
“For your majesty
praise the Spirit, praise the Son!”

Alleluia, Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia.

3 You are the Christ everlasting,
born for us all of a Virgin,
you have conquered death,
opened heaven to all believers.

Alleluia, Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia.

4 Help those you saved by your blood,
raise them to life with your martyrs.
Save your people, Lord,
as their ruler raise them up.

Alleluia, Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia.

A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew.
Matthew 16: 21-28

From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. ‘Never, Lord!’ he said. ‘This shall never happen to you!’

Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.’

Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.

‘Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.’

Silence

Life in God’s Service

The sincere love about which Paul writes in this Sunday’s first reading the New Testament, Romans 12: 9-21, is a work of God’s grace, the power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. It is evidence of the new birth, the change that God causes in the human soul when God’s grace enables us to turn away from sin in repentance, from whatever may be impairing our relationship with God, and turn in faith to Jesus Christ.

Some theologians argue that the new birth precedes repentance and faith while others argue that the new birth follows them. They agree, however, that the three are closely connected to each other and are works of God’s grace. And we love because God first loved us (1 John 4:19).

We can pretend to love others, that is fake love for them, while viewing them with indifference or contempt behind their back. Sooner or later out real attitude toward them will become evident to them. They will conclude from our words and actions what we really think of them.

Love which is sincere, not pretend or fake, is real love. It is more than passing affection, a short-lived feeling. It is a longstanding attitude that determines our words and actions, an attitude of deep reverence for God and genuine caring for others and their wellbeing. It is manifest as unswerving devotion and humble obedience to God and as forgiveness, goodwill, kindness, and openhandedness toward others.

In this part of his letter to the Christian community at Rome Paul echoes Jesus’ teaching about loving our enemies. He stresses the importance of harmonious relations between the members of the Christian community and the acceptance of all people regardless of their station in life, their position in society.

What Paul writes about not repaying anyone evil for evil deserves special attention. So does what he writes about being careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone and living at peace with everyone. Paul is not telling the Christian community at Rome to conform to the world but to embody what Jesus taught and to avoid doing or saying anything that reflects poorly on that community and the Christian faith.

Paul cites two passages from the Old Testament, Deuteronomy 32:35 and Proverbs 25:21-22. He urges the members of the Christian community at Rome not to pursue retribution for wrongs done them but leave punishment for such acts to God. Implied is that God is in a far better position than we are to know the truth of the matter, the motives of those who wronged us, whether they actually harmed us, and whether punishment is warranted and the nature of that punishment.

The heaping of burning coals on someone’s head in Proverbs 25:21-22 does not mean that kindness to an enemy will inflict harm on them. Rather it means that our kindness will cause them to feel shame for their wrongdoings, regret what they did, and repent.

The last verse in this reading, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good,” is a verse that twenty-first century Christians need to take very seriously. We are tempted in many ways to become bedfellows with evil and in doing so to let evil become our master and ourselves its slave. We are called to be a force for good in the world and aligning ourselves with evil does not serve that calling. We cannot live as children of light, as Paul urged the Christian community at Ephesus (Ephesians 5:8-14) , as long as we relish the fruitless deeds of darkness.

As Jesus said to the disciples in this Sunday’s second reading from the New Testament, Matthew 16: 21-28, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Those carrying a cross in the Roman world were regarded as good as dead. Figuratively speaking taking up our cross means that we have relinquished our old life for a new life in Christ. We are dead to that old life. It is a thing of the past that we are leaving behind us. And with it all the fruitless deeds of darkness that were part of that old life—greed, hate, ill-will, unkindness, vengefulness, all the things that had come between us and God.

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.

Merciful God, it is by your gift alone that your faithful people offer
you true and acceptable service; grant that we may so faithfully
serve you in this life that we fail not finally to obtain your heavenly 

promises; through the merits of 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 Richard Gillard’s “The Servant Song.”

1 Brother, sister, let me serve you
let me be as Christ to you;
pray that I may have the grace
to let you be my servant too.

2 We are pilgrims on a journey,
we’re companions on the road;
we are here to help each other
walk the mile and bear the load.

3 I will hold the Christ-light for you
in the night-time of your fear;
I will hold my hand out to you,
speak the peace you long to hear.

4 I will weep when you are weeping,
when you laugh I'll laugh with you;
I will share your joy and sorrow
till we've seen this journey through.

5 When we sing to God in heaven,
we shall find such harmony,
born of all we've known together
of Christ's love and agony.

6 Brother, sister, let me serve you
let me be as Christ to you;
pray that I may have the grace
to let you be my servant too.

[Let us pray for all in civil authority.]

Almighty God, you rule over the kingdoms of the world: We
commend to your merciful care the people of this land, that,
being guided by your providence, they may dwell secure in
your peace. Grant to [here the appropriate persons in government
are named] and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know
and to do your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness,
that they may serve your people faithfully to your honour and glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[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.

O God,
whose Son has shown the way of the cross
to be the way of life:
transform and renew our minds
that we may not be conformed to this world
but may offer ourselves wholly to you
as a living sacrifice
through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. 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 John Bell’s “The Summons.”

1 Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown? Will you let my Name be known?
Will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?

2 Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?

3 Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?
Will you set the prisoner free and never be the same?
Will you kiss the leper clean, and do such as this unseen?
And admit to what I mean in you and you in me?

[Instrumental interlude]

4 Will you love the 'You' you hide if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you’ve found to reshape the world around
through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?

5 Lord, your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In your company I’ll go where your love and footsteps show,
thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in 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.

The Lord bless us and keep us.
The Lord make his face to shine upon us
and be gracious to us.
The Lord lift up his countenance upon us
and give us peace. Amen.

Open this link in a new tab to hear Nancy Raabe’s choral arrangement of Shirley Erena Murray’s “Go Gently, Go Lightly.”

Go gently, go lightly,
go safe in the Spirit,
live simply, don’t carry
much more than you need:
go trusting God’s goodness,
go spreading God’s kindness,
stay centered on Jesus
and where he will lead.

Go gently, go lightly,
go safe in the Spirit,
live simply, don’t carry
much more than you need:
go trusting God’s goodness,
go spreading God’s kindness,
stay centered on Jesus
and where he will lead.

Go singing, go bringing
the gifts of the Spirit,
go hopefully searching
for things that are true:
in living, in loving,
whatever befalls you,
God keep you, God bless you
in all that you do.
God keep you, God bless you
in all that you do.