Sundays at All Hallows (August 9, 2026)
Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.
This Sunday, August 9, 2026, is the Tenth Sunday after Trinity. 81 years ago, on this date the second atomic bomb was dropped on the Japanese city of Nagasaki.
Urakami Cathedral sat near ground zero during the bombing and was damaged beyond repair. More than half of the Catholics in the Urakami district of Nagasaki – approximately 8,500 of the cathedral’s 12,000 parishioners – were killed.
Cruelly persecuted from the late sixteenth century on, Nagasaki’s Catholics practiced their faith in secret until a series of reforms in the mid-nineteenth centuries enabled them to once more practice their faith openly.
You are invited to join with people around the world in observing a moment of silence for the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and praying for a ban on all nuclear weapons. You are also invited to pray for persecuted Christians throughout the world.
The topic of this Sunday’s message is making Jesus Christ known.
GATHER IN GOD’S NAME
Open this link in a new tab to hear an uncredited arrangement of HERE I AM, LORD (I, THE LORD OF SEE AND SKY) for guitar and violin.
Silence
You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and
power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and
were created. Revelation 4.11
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 Michael Perry’s “Come, Worship God (Psalm 95).
Organ accompaniment only. No vocals.
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 play Jane Terwilliger’s responsorial setting of Psalm 148: Let All Praise the Name of the Lord.
Let all praise the name of the Lord.
praise the name of the Lord.
Let all praise the name of the Lord.
praise the name of the Lord.
1 Alleluia! Praise the Lord from the heavens,
praise him in the heights;
Praise him, all you his angels,
praise him, all you his hosts.
Let all praise the name of the Lord.
praise the name of the Lord.
2 Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars.
Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens.
Let all praise the name of the Lord.
praise the name of the Lord.
3 You mountains and all you hills,
you fruit trees and all you cedars;
You wild beasts and all tame animals,
you creeping things and you winged fowl.
Let all praise the name of the Lord.
praise the name of the Lord.
4 Let the kings of the earth and all peoples,
the princes and all the judges of the earth,
Young men too, and all maidens,
old men and boys.
Praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted.
Let all praise the name of the Lord.
praise the name of the Lord.
5 His majesty is above earth and heaven,
and he has lifted his horn above the people.
Let all praise the name of the Lord.
praise the name of the Lord.
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 David T Koyzis’ paraphrase of Psalm 150, “Praise the Lord with Joyous Mirth!”
1 Praise the Lord with joyous mirth!
Praise him in house on earth;
Praise him in the heavenly height.
Praise him for his acts of might.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise his all surpassing grace.
Bow and sing before his face:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
2 Praise God with the trumpet sound,
Harp and lute his praise resound.
Play the timbrel, dance his praise.
Strings and flute, extol his ways.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Clashing cymbals, praise the Lord!
All that breathe, with one accord
Praise the Lord! Sing alleluia!
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 Genesis.
Genesis 37: 1-28
Jacob lived in the land where his father had stayed, the land of Canaan.
This is the account of Jacob’s family line.
Joseph, a young man of seventeen, was tending the flocks with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives, and he brought their father a bad report about them.
Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.
Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. He said to them, ‘Listen to this dream I had: we were binding sheaves of corn out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered round mine and bowed down to it.’
His brothers said to him, ‘Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?’ And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said.
Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. ‘Listen,’ he said, ‘I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.’
When he told his father as well as his brothers, his father rebuked him and said, ‘What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?’ His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.
Now his brothers had gone to graze their father’s flocks near Shechem, and Israel said to Joseph, ‘As you know, your brothers are grazing the flocks near Shechem. Come, I am going to send you to them.’
‘Very well,’ he replied.
So he said to him, ‘Go and see if all is well with your brothers and with the flocks, and bring word back to me.’ Then he sent him off from the Valley of Hebron.
When Joseph arrived at Shechem, a man found him wandering around in the fields and asked him, ‘What are you looking for?’
He replied, ‘I’m looking for my brothers. Can you tell me where they are grazing their flocks?’
‘They have moved on from here,’ the man answered. ‘I heard them say, “Let’s go to Dothan.”’
So Joseph went after his brothers and found them near Dothan. But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him.
‘Here comes that dreamer!’ they said to each other. ‘Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.’
When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. ‘Let’s not take his life,’ he said. ‘Don’t shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him.’ Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father.
So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe – the ornate robe he was wearing – and they took him and threw him into the cistern. The cistern was empty; there was no water in it.
As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded with spices, balm and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt.
Judah said to his brothers, ‘What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.’ His brothers agreed.
So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.
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 10: 5-15
Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: ‘The person who does these things will live by them.’ But the righteousness that is by faith says: ‘Do not say in your heart, “Who will ascend into heaven?”’ (that is, to bring Christ down) ‘or “Who will descend into the deep?”’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? ‘The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,’ that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: if you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, ‘Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.’ For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’
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 14: 22-33
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’
‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’
‘Come,’ he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came towards Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’
Silence
This Sunday’s reading from Paul’s Letter to the Romans may conjure up a mental image of a minister in a pulpit and the members of a congregation seated in pews and listening attentively. Or nodding off the farther they sit from the pulpit.
Did you know that at one time sidemen used long poles to prod into wakefulness those who fell asleep during the sermon? The gentry were left unmolested. But woe to the poor labourer who closed his eyes!
The Greek word translated as “preach” in the reading actually has a broader meaning. It means to be a herald; to perform the duties of a herald. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, herald was “in the past, a person who carried important messages and made announcements.” It also means to make something known publicly. In the New Testament it is used in relation to “the public proclamation of the gospel and matters pertaining to it.”
While it can refer to preaching a sermon or homily from a pulpit in a church building on a Sunday, it also can refer to many different ways that Christians tell people about Jesus Christ, who he is, what he did, and what it means for them, for example, by means of podcasts, videos, and the like. In Paul’s day there were only three ways of communicating the good news, in person; through a surrogate, or by letter. In our day, we have many more ways of spreading the good news.
This said, telling others about Jesus Christ in person is still the most powerful way to make him known. When we are speaking to others in person, they can sense our faith not only in our words but also in our attitude and body language. They can hear and see that we believe what we are telling them. They are also more receptive to hearing what someone whom they know and most importantly recognize as caring about them has to say.
One does not have to be an ordained or licensed minister to tell people about Jesus Christ, to share his message and teaching with others, and to point them to him. Jesus did not give the Great Commission just to ordained and licensed ministers. He gave that undertaking to the whole church. Ordained and licensed ministers share in that task, but their primary role is to equip their fellow Christians for the task and provide them with leadership and guidance, encouragement and support.
As to where a Christian carries out the task, God is the one who does the sending. God may send a Christian to a foreign mission field. God may also send a Christian to their own backyard, to the neighborhood and community in which they live, to the school that they attend, to company where they work. Wherever Christians find themselves, that place is where God has put them and in that place is where God would have them serve him and make Jesus Christ known.
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.
Let your merciful ears, Lord God, be open to the prayers of your
people; and so that they may obtain their petitions, make them
to ask such things as will please you; 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 Timothy Dudley-Smith’s “How shall they hear who have not heard?”
1 `How shall they hear,' who have not heard
news of a Lord who loved and came;
nor known his reconciling word,
nor learned to trust a Saviour's Name?
2 `To all the world,' to every place,
neighbours and friends and far-off lands,
preach the good news of saving grace;
go while the great commission stands.
3 `Whom shall I send?' Who hears the call,
constant in prayer, through toil and pain,
telling of one who died for all,
to bring a lost world home again?
4 `Lord, here am I:' your fire impart
to this poor cold self-centred soul;
touch but my lips, my hands, my heart,
and make a world for Christ my goal.
5 Spirit of love, within us move:
Spirit of truth, in power come down!
So shall they hear and find and prove
Christ is their life, their joy, their crown.
Coda:
Christ is their life, their joy, their crown.
[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, you have included all your commandments in one commandment of love,
You are invited to join with people around the world in observing a moment of silence for the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and praying for a ban on all nuclear weapons. You are also invited to pray for persecuted Christians throughout the world.
The topic of this Sunday’s message is making Jesus Christ known.
GATHER IN GOD’S NAME
Open this link in a new tab to hear an uncredited arrangement of HERE I AM, LORD (I, THE LORD OF SEE AND SKY) for guitar and violin.
Silence
You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and
power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and
were created. Revelation 4.11
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 Michael Perry’s “Come, Worship God (Psalm 95).
Organ accompaniment only. No vocals.
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 play Jane Terwilliger’s responsorial setting of Psalm 148: Let All Praise the Name of the Lord.
Let all praise the name of the Lord.
praise the name of the Lord.
Let all praise the name of the Lord.
praise the name of the Lord.
1 Alleluia! Praise the Lord from the heavens,
praise him in the heights;
Praise him, all you his angels,
praise him, all you his hosts.
Let all praise the name of the Lord.
praise the name of the Lord.
2 Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars.
Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens.
Let all praise the name of the Lord.
praise the name of the Lord.
3 You mountains and all you hills,
you fruit trees and all you cedars;
You wild beasts and all tame animals,
you creeping things and you winged fowl.
Let all praise the name of the Lord.
praise the name of the Lord.
4 Let the kings of the earth and all peoples,
the princes and all the judges of the earth,
Young men too, and all maidens,
old men and boys.
Praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted.
Let all praise the name of the Lord.
praise the name of the Lord.
5 His majesty is above earth and heaven,
and he has lifted his horn above the people.
Let all praise the name of the Lord.
praise the name of the Lord.
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 David T Koyzis’ paraphrase of Psalm 150, “Praise the Lord with Joyous Mirth!”
1 Praise the Lord with joyous mirth!
Praise him in house on earth;
Praise him in the heavenly height.
Praise him for his acts of might.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise his all surpassing grace.
Bow and sing before his face:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
2 Praise God with the trumpet sound,
Harp and lute his praise resound.
Play the timbrel, dance his praise.
Strings and flute, extol his ways.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Clashing cymbals, praise the Lord!
All that breathe, with one accord
Praise the Lord! Sing alleluia!
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 Genesis.
Genesis 37: 1-28
Jacob lived in the land where his father had stayed, the land of Canaan.
This is the account of Jacob’s family line.
Joseph, a young man of seventeen, was tending the flocks with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives, and he brought their father a bad report about them.
Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.
Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. He said to them, ‘Listen to this dream I had: we were binding sheaves of corn out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered round mine and bowed down to it.’
His brothers said to him, ‘Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?’ And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said.
Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. ‘Listen,’ he said, ‘I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.’
When he told his father as well as his brothers, his father rebuked him and said, ‘What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?’ His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.
Now his brothers had gone to graze their father’s flocks near Shechem, and Israel said to Joseph, ‘As you know, your brothers are grazing the flocks near Shechem. Come, I am going to send you to them.’
‘Very well,’ he replied.
So he said to him, ‘Go and see if all is well with your brothers and with the flocks, and bring word back to me.’ Then he sent him off from the Valley of Hebron.
When Joseph arrived at Shechem, a man found him wandering around in the fields and asked him, ‘What are you looking for?’
He replied, ‘I’m looking for my brothers. Can you tell me where they are grazing their flocks?’
‘They have moved on from here,’ the man answered. ‘I heard them say, “Let’s go to Dothan.”’
So Joseph went after his brothers and found them near Dothan. But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him.
‘Here comes that dreamer!’ they said to each other. ‘Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.’
When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. ‘Let’s not take his life,’ he said. ‘Don’t shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him.’ Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father.
So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe – the ornate robe he was wearing – and they took him and threw him into the cistern. The cistern was empty; there was no water in it.
As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded with spices, balm and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt.
Judah said to his brothers, ‘What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.’ His brothers agreed.
So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.
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 10: 5-15
Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: ‘The person who does these things will live by them.’ But the righteousness that is by faith says: ‘Do not say in your heart, “Who will ascend into heaven?”’ (that is, to bring Christ down) ‘or “Who will descend into the deep?”’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? ‘The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,’ that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: if you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, ‘Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.’ For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’
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 14: 22-33
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’
‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’
‘Come,’ he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came towards Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’
Silence
Heralds of Jesus Christ, Messengers of Salvation
This Sunday’s reading from Paul’s Letter to the Romans may conjure up a mental image of a minister in a pulpit and the members of a congregation seated in pews and listening attentively. Or nodding off the farther they sit from the pulpit.
Did you know that at one time sidemen used long poles to prod into wakefulness those who fell asleep during the sermon? The gentry were left unmolested. But woe to the poor labourer who closed his eyes!
The Greek word translated as “preach” in the reading actually has a broader meaning. It means to be a herald; to perform the duties of a herald. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, herald was “in the past, a person who carried important messages and made announcements.” It also means to make something known publicly. In the New Testament it is used in relation to “the public proclamation of the gospel and matters pertaining to it.”
While it can refer to preaching a sermon or homily from a pulpit in a church building on a Sunday, it also can refer to many different ways that Christians tell people about Jesus Christ, who he is, what he did, and what it means for them, for example, by means of podcasts, videos, and the like. In Paul’s day there were only three ways of communicating the good news, in person; through a surrogate, or by letter. In our day, we have many more ways of spreading the good news.
This said, telling others about Jesus Christ in person is still the most powerful way to make him known. When we are speaking to others in person, they can sense our faith not only in our words but also in our attitude and body language. They can hear and see that we believe what we are telling them. They are also more receptive to hearing what someone whom they know and most importantly recognize as caring about them has to say.
One does not have to be an ordained or licensed minister to tell people about Jesus Christ, to share his message and teaching with others, and to point them to him. Jesus did not give the Great Commission just to ordained and licensed ministers. He gave that undertaking to the whole church. Ordained and licensed ministers share in that task, but their primary role is to equip their fellow Christians for the task and provide them with leadership and guidance, encouragement and support.
As to where a Christian carries out the task, God is the one who does the sending. God may send a Christian to a foreign mission field. God may also send a Christian to their own backyard, to the neighborhood and community in which they live, to the school that they attend, to company where they work. Wherever Christians find themselves, that place is where God has put them and in that place is where God would have them serve him and make Jesus Christ known.
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.
Let your merciful ears, Lord God, be open to the prayers of your
people; and so that they may obtain their petitions, make them
to ask such things as will please you; 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 Timothy Dudley-Smith’s “How shall they hear who have not heard?”
1 `How shall they hear,' who have not heard
news of a Lord who loved and came;
nor known his reconciling word,
nor learned to trust a Saviour's Name?
2 `To all the world,' to every place,
neighbours and friends and far-off lands,
preach the good news of saving grace;
go while the great commission stands.
3 `Whom shall I send?' Who hears the call,
constant in prayer, through toil and pain,
telling of one who died for all,
to bring a lost world home again?
4 `Lord, here am I:' your fire impart
to this poor cold self-centred soul;
touch but my lips, my hands, my heart,
and make a world for Christ my goal.
5 Spirit of love, within us move:
Spirit of truth, in power come down!
So shall they hear and find and prove
Christ is their life, their joy, their crown.
Coda:
Christ is their life, their joy, their crown.
[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, you have included all your commandments in one commandment of love,
so that if we do not love our neighbor, we cannot fulfil your law; we humbly beseech you to create in such a sincere and fervent love of our fellow human beings and
one another, that we may be true children of our Father in heaven, and faithful disciples of Jesus Christ our Lord. 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 James Edward Seddon’s
“Tell All the World of Jesus.”
1 Tell all the world of Jesus ,
our Saviour, Lord and King;
and let the whole creation
of his salvation sing:
proclaim his glorious greatness,
in nature and in grace,
creator and redeemer,
the Lord of time and space.
2 Tell all the world of Jesus,
that everyone may find
the joy of his forgiveness,
true peace of heart and mind.
Proclaim his perfect goodness,
his deep, unfailing care,
his love so rich in mercy,
a love beyond compare
3 Tell all the world of Jesus,
that everyone may know
of his almighty triumph
defeating every foe.
Proclaim his coming glory,
when sin is overthrown,
and he shall reign in splendour,
the King upon his throne!
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 John Rutter’s “A Claire Benediction.”
May the Lord show His mercy upon you;
may the light of His
presence be your guide:
May He guard you and uphold you;
may His spirit be ever by your side.
When you sleep, may His
angels watch over you;
when you wake, may He
fill you with His grace.
May you love Him and
serve Him all your days,
Then in heaven may you see His face.
May the Lord show His mercy upon you;
may the light of His
presence be your guide:
May He guard you and uphold you;
may His spirit be ever by your side.
When you sleep, may His
angels watch over you;
when you wake, may He
fill you with His grace.
May you love Him and
serve Him all your days,
Then in heaven may you see His face.
Then in heaven may you see His face
Then in heaven may you see His face
one another, that we may be true children of our Father in heaven, and faithful disciples of Jesus Christ our Lord. 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 James Edward Seddon’s
“Tell All the World of Jesus.”
1 Tell all the world of Jesus ,
our Saviour, Lord and King;
and let the whole creation
of his salvation sing:
proclaim his glorious greatness,
in nature and in grace,
creator and redeemer,
the Lord of time and space.
2 Tell all the world of Jesus,
that everyone may find
the joy of his forgiveness,
true peace of heart and mind.
Proclaim his perfect goodness,
his deep, unfailing care,
his love so rich in mercy,
a love beyond compare
3 Tell all the world of Jesus,
that everyone may know
of his almighty triumph
defeating every foe.
Proclaim his coming glory,
when sin is overthrown,
and he shall reign in splendour,
the King upon his throne!
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 John Rutter’s “A Claire Benediction.”
May the Lord show His mercy upon you;
may the light of His
presence be your guide:
May He guard you and uphold you;
may His spirit be ever by your side.
When you sleep, may His
angels watch over you;
when you wake, may He
fill you with His grace.
May you love Him and
serve Him all your days,
Then in heaven may you see His face.
May the Lord show His mercy upon you;
may the light of His
presence be your guide:
May He guard you and uphold you;
may His spirit be ever by your side.
When you sleep, may His
angels watch over you;
when you wake, may He
fill you with His grace.
May you love Him and
serve Him all your days,
Then in heaven may you see His face.
Then in heaven may you see His face
Then in heaven may you see His face
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