• All Saints’ Sunday

    10:00 AM Rite II
    November 5, 2023

    243 Barrow Street, Houma, LA 70360, St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. www.stmatthewshouma.org; Church—985-872-5057; Fr. Jim’s contact information: 504-491-8686; jamesmorrison44@gmail.com

    All Saints’ Sunday
    The Liturgy of the Word

    Processional Hymn: For all the saints Hymn 287

    The Opening Acclamation

    Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
    People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen.

    Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

    Song of Praise: Praise God from whom all blessings flow
    Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above ye heavenly host: praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
    The Collect of the Day
    Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

    First Lesson
    Revelation 7:9-17
    After this I, John, looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying,
    “Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing,
    “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom
    and thanksgiving and honor
    and power and might
    be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
    Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?” I said to him, “Sir, you are the one that knows.” Then he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
    “For this reason they are before the throne of God,
    and worship him day and night within his temple,
    and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them.
    They will hunger no more, and thirst no more;
    the sun will not strike them,
    nor any scorching heat;
    for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd,
    and he will guide them to springs of the water of life,
    and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

    Reader: The Word of the Lord
    People: Thanks be to God

    Psalm 34:1-10,22
    1 I will bless the Lord at all times; *
    his praise shall ever be in my mouth.
    2 I will glory in the Lord; *
    let the humble hear and rejoice.
    3 Proclaim with me the greatness of the Lord; *
    let us exalt his Name together.
    4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me *
    and delivered me out of all my terror.
    5 Look upon him and be radiant, *
    and let not your faces be ashamed.
    6 I called in my affliction and the Lord heard me *
    and saved me from all my troubles.
    7 The angel of the Lord encompasses those who fear him, *
    and he will deliver them.
    8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; *
    happy are they who trust in him!
    9 Fear the Lord, you that are his saints, *
    for those who fear him lack nothing.
    10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger, *
    but those who seek the Lord lack nothing that is good.
    22 The Lord ransoms the life of his servants, *
    and none will be punished who trust in him.

    Second Lesson
    1 John 3:1-3
    See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

    Reader: The Word of the Lord
    People: Thanks be to God

    Cantor sings Alleluia, congregation repeats, cantor sings verse, congregation sings Alleluia

    Priest: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to
    Matthew (5:1-12)
    People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

    When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
    “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
    “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
    “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
    “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
    “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
    “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
    “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
    “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
    “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

    Priest: The Gospel of the Lord.
    People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

    The Sermon The Rev. Jim Morrison

    The Nicene Creed (all standing)
    We believe in one God,
        the Father, the Almighty,
        maker of heaven and earth,
        of all that is, seen and unseen.
    We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
        the only Son of God,
        eternally begotten of the Father,
        God from God, Light from Light,
        true God from true God, begotten, not made,
        of one Being with the Father.
        Through him all things were made.
        For us and for our salvation
          he came down from heaven:
        by the power of the Holy Spirit
         he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
         and was made man.
        For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
            he suffered death and was buried.
          On the third day he rose again
             in accordance with the Scriptures;
            he ascended into heaven
             and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
    He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
    and his kingdom will have no end.
    We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
        who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
        With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
    He has spoken through the Prophets.
        We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
        We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
        We look for the resurrection of the dead,
            and the life of the world to come. Amen.

    Prayers of the People
    Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us make our prayer in the power of the Spirit, looking to Jesus the pioneer of our faith, we pray.

    That with the noble fellowship of your prophets, that we may discern the signs of your kingdom in our midst, we pray to you O Lord:
    Your kingdom come; your will be done.

    That with the glorious company of your apostles, that we may proclaim your gospel throughout the world
    Your kingdom come; your will be done.

    That with the white robe army of your martyrs, that we may be ready to suffer for the truth sake, we pray to you O Lord
    Your kingdom come; your will be done.

    That with all who are anointed with your spirit, that we may bring good news to the poor and freedom to the oppressed, we pray to you O Lord.
    Your kingdom come; your will be done.

    That with the Saints in Light, that we may bind up the broken hearted and comfort all who mourn, we pray to you O Lord.
    Your kingdom come; your will be done.

    That within the whole company of Christ’s pilgrim people, that we may come to inheritance of the saints in glory, we pray to you O Lord. We remember our beloved: (All Saints Day remembrance from our members)
    Your kingdom come; your will be done.

    In the communion of all the Saints, let us commend the world to the mercy and protection of God,

    O Almighty God, who by thy Holy Spirit hast made us one with thy saints in heaven and on earth: Grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may ever be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and may know ourselves to be surrounded by their witness to thy power and mercy. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, in whom all our intercessions are acceptable through the Spirit, and who liveth and reigneth for ever and ever. Amen.

    Confession of Sin
    Priest and People
    Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; in your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone; and so uphold us by your Spirit that we may live and serve you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    Prayer of Absolution
    The Priest, stands and says
    Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

    The Peace
    Announcements
    Birthdays and Anniversaries
     
    The Offertory
    Offertory Hymn: The Journey Joseph Martin
    St. Matthew’s Choir
    Reception of Gifts
    Eucharistic Prayer B
    The people remain standing. The Celebrant faces them and says
    Celebrant
    : The Lord be with you.
    People: And also with you.
    Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
    People: We lift them to the Lord.
    Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
    People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.
     
    Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds
    It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and every-where to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

    Preface of the Lord’s Day
    For you are the source of light and life, you made us in your image, and called us to new life in Jesus Christ our Lord.
    Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

    That with the glorious company of your apostles, that we may proclaim your gospel throughout the world
    Your kingdom come; your will be done.

    That with the white robe army of your martyrs, that we may be ready to suffer for the truth sake, we pray to you O Lord
    Your kingdom come; your will be done.

    That with all who are anointed with your spirit, that we may bring good news to the poor and freedom to the oppressed, we pray to you O Lord.
    Your kingdom come; your will be done.

    That with the Saints in Light, that we may bind up the broken hearted and comfort all who mourn, we pray to you O Lord.
    Your kingdom come; your will be done.

    That within the whole company of Christ’s pilgrim people, that we may come to inheritance of the saints in glory, we pray to you O Lord. We remember our beloved: (All Saints Day remembrance from our members)
    Your kingdom come; your will be done.

    In the communion of all the Saints, let us commend the world to the mercy and protection of God,

    O Almighty God, who by thy Holy Spirit hast made us one with thy saints in heaven and on earth: Grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may ever be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and may know ourselves to be surrounded by their witness to thy power and mercy. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, in whom all our intercessions are acceptable through the Spirit, and who liveth and reigneth for ever and ever. Amen.

    Confession of Sin
    Priest and People
    Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; in your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone; and so uphold us by your Spirit that we may live and serve you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    Prayer of Absolution
    Loving God, may this offering honor the work you have given us to do here in this place. Rooted in Abundance, Generosity, and Gratitude we offer these gifts for your honor and glory. Amen

    The Priest, stands and says
    Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

    The Peace
    Announcements
    Birthdays and Anniversaries
     Watch over Your children, O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide them wherever they may be. Strengthen them when they stand; comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and in their heart may your peace which passes understanding abide all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    The Offertory
    Offertory Hymn: The Journey Joseph Martin
    St. Matthew’s Choir
    Reception of Gifts
    Eucharistic Prayer B
    The people remain standing. The Celebrant faces them and says
    Celebrant
    : The Lord be with you.
    People: And also with you.
    Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
    People: We lift them to the Lord.
    Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
    People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.
     
    Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds
    It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and every-where to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

    Preface of the Lord’s Day
    For you are the source of light and life, you made us in your image, and called us to new life in Jesus Christ our Lord.
    Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

    Sanctus Hymnal S 129
    Celebrant and People sing
    Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
    heaven and earth are full of your glory.
    Hosanna in the highest.
    Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
    Hosanna in the highest.

    The people stand or kneel.
    Then the Celebrant continues

    We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.

    On the night before he died for us, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

    After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

    Therefore, according to his command, O Father,
    Celebrant and People
    We remember his death,
    We proclaim his resurrection,
    We await his coming in glory;

    The Celebrant continues
    And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.
    We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with our Blessed Mother Mary, St. Joseph, St. Matthew and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation

    By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.

    The Great Amen S 146

    And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
    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.

    Fraction Anthem S 164

    The Breaking of the Bread

    At St. Matthew’s we welcome all persons, regardless of denomination, who have been baptized with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit to share in the communion at this Altar. Those wishing to receive a blessing only may cross their hands over their heart.

    Communion Music: Spirit Song LEVAS Hymn 118
    Great is thy faithfulness LEVAS Hymn 189

    Post Communion Prayer
    Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

    Recessional Hymn: I sing a song of the saints of God Hymn 293