10:00 AM Rite II; September 24, 2023; St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church; 243 Barrow Street, Houma, LA 70360; www.stmatthewshouma.org; Church—985-872-5057; Fr. Jim’s contact information: 504-491-8686; jamesmorrison44@gmail.com
The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
The Liturgy of the Word
Processional Hymn: Earth and All Stars Hymn 412
The Opening Acclamation
Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen.
Celebrant: This is the day the Creator has made.
People: Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
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
O God, you show your glory throughout your Creation, calling it very good: Grant us the fullness of our blessing, that we, stewarding your garden, may become partakers in your joy; through Jesus Christ the Wisdom of Creation, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
First Lesson
Exodus 16:2-15
The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days.” So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you shall know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your complaining against the Lord. For what are we, that you complain against us?” And Moses said, “When the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, because the Lord has heard the complaining that you utter against him—what are we? Your complaining is not against us but against the Lord.” Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, ‘Draw near to the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.’“ And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. The Lord spoke to Moses and said, “I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’“ In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
1 Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name; *
make known his deeds among the peoples.
2 Sing to him, sing praises to him, *
and speak of all his marvelous works.
3 Glory in his holy Name; *
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
4 Search for the Lord and his strength; *
continually seek his face.
5 Remember the marvels he has done, *
his wonders and the judgments of his mouth,
6 O offspring of Abraham his servant, *
O children of Jacob his chosen.
37 He led out his people with silver and gold; *
in all their tribes there was not one that stumbled.
38 Egypt was glad of their going, *
because they were afraid of them.
39 He spread out a cloud for a covering *
and a fire to give light in the night season.
40 They asked, and quails appeared, *
and he satisfied them with bread from heaven.
41 He opened the rock, and water flowed, *
so the river ran in the dry places.
42 For God remembered his holy word *
and Abraham his servant.
43 So he led forth his people with gladness, *
his chosen with shouts of joy.
44 He gave his people the lands of the nations, *
and they took the fruit of others’ toil,
45 That they might keep his statutes *
and observe his laws. Hallelujah!
Second Lesson
Philippians 1:21-30
To me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well– since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
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 (20:1-16)
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Priest: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon The Rev. Jim Morrison
Stewardship Moment Mr. Bruce Jenkins
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.
The Prayers of the People
Blessed God, whose love calls the whole creation into covenant with you, and who puts in our hands responsibility for the care of the earth and its creatures: we pray for all to whom you have given life and being, saying, “Merciful God, keep your planet and people in peace.”
For the well-being of the earth; for its resources of water, air, light, and soil, that they may be tended for the good of all creatures, we pray: Merciful God, keep your planet and people in peace.
For the waters of the earth; for their careful use and conservation, that we may have the will and the ability to keep them clean and pure, we pray: Merciful God, keep your planet and people in peace.
For the mineral and energy resources of the planet, that we may learn sustainable consumption and sound care of the environment from which they come, we pray: Merciful God, keep your planet and people in peace.
For the animals of the earth, wild and domestic, large and very small, that they may know the harmony of relationship that sustains all life, we pray: Merciful God, keep your planet and people in peace.
For all who shape public policies affecting the planet and its creatures, that they may consider wisely the well-being of all who come after us, we pray: Merciful God, keep your planet and people in peace.
Confession of Sin
Priest and People
Merciful and sustaining God, we have sinned against you. We confess our lack of gratitude for the beauty and bounty of your creation: teach us to see that your earth sustains us and all that lives. We confess that we have misused your earth: grant us amendment of life. We confess that
we have been intemperate in our appetites: strengthen us in self-control. We confess that we have taken the abundance of your world for granted: make us urgent now for its protection. Forgive and renew us now through our Savior Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, with whom you live and reign, one God, now and for ever. 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
| 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: For the beauty of the Earth Dix (Hymn 416)
Reception of Gifts
| 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 |
Eucharistic Prayer for Creation
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 130
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.
Praise and thanks are yours, our Creating God. From the dust of the earth you shaped human beings in your own image, and you filled the earth and seas and skies with a myriad of wonders. Yet we consistently turn your generosity into our scarcity, your elegance into our meanness, and your simplicity into our corruption. Though we poison and destroy your good Creation, you continue to offer us your abundance. In your mercy, you have redeemed us through your Son, Jesus, transforming death into life.
Through the Spirit you continue to call us into covenant with you—for the restoration of Creation and the reconciliation of all people.
And so we give you thanks, rejoicing with all of Creation, as we join the saints and angels in their unending hymn:
The people join together in the Sanctus, and then the presider continues In the night that Jesus was betrayed, he took bread, and
gave thanks to God. He broke the bread, gave it to his friends and said: “Take and eat, for this is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
He took the wine, and gave thanks to God, Creator. He gave it to his friends saying: “This is my blood of the new covenant, shed for you and for all creation for the forgiveness of sins. Every time you drink of the wine, do this in remembrance of me.”
So we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
Merciful God, we come to this table seeking reconciliation: with you, with one another, and with all creation. Through these mysteries reconcile us to our world and empower us to restore your Creation and fulfill your will. Send your life-giving Spirit upon us, and upon this bread and wine. Stir in us the creative and redeem the destructive.
Heal your stricken world, that the soil, the skies, and the seas may be filled with your life anew.
Fill every heart with the sure and certain hope that we shall enter into the fullness of your joy, when your whole Creation is justified by faith and sanctified by love, and you are all in all. Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Spirit, all honor and glory is yours, everlasting God, now and forever. 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
Communion Music: All things bright and beautiful Hymn 405
I sing the almighty power of God Hymn 398
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.
Post Communion Prayer
Create in us a new heart and a new vision, O God, that the gifts of your Spirit may work in us and renew the face of the earth. May we be one with you so that our work is yours and your work is ours. Lead us to transform our lives to reflect your glory in Creation; through Jesus Christ our Savior who is alive with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen.
Recessional Hymn: All creatures of our God and King
Hymn 400 (vs 1-4, 7)
The Dismissal
Priest: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
| ANNOUNCEMENTS Children’s Sunday SchoolWe are excited to announce that Godly Play, our new children’s program, will begin on Sunday October 1st. Children in Pre-K – 4th grades are going to love this opportunity to learn the Bible Stories! All families are encouraged to invite our children back to our church as we open wide our arms to let the children come to Jesus! For more information on this program, email Karen Barrilleaux karen.barrilleaux@gmail.com ChildcareOur Church Nursery will open on Sunday October 1st. We will once again open our childcare for children 1 – 3 years old in the 1st floor of Tucker Hall. (the church/school office building). Children can be registered each Sunday and parents will be texted if needed. Children can be received from 9:45am and will be available for pickup immediately after Sunday Eucharist. Please contact Susan Waldron, for more information susanhoumala@gmail.com “The Lunch Bunch”This Tuesday we invite you to gather with Fr. Jim for a fun lunch in the Parish Hall at 12 noon. We Have 12 spots available, please sign up at the church reception or send a message to Fr. Jim. This Tuesday we will serve roast, potato salad, carrots. Plates are $6 and all proceeds support our school. |
| Hurricane SeasonStay prepared! Gather needed supplies, review your evacuation plans for you and your pets, and prepare your important documents. Please let me know if you need assistance. Fr Jim. Jamesmorrison44@gmail.com 504-491-8686. Wednesday Healing MassAll are invited to gather for a brief healing service at 5pm every Wednesday in the church. The 30 min service includes a brief Bible passage, a word of encouragement, informal Eucharist, and an option for the Anointing of the Sick. Go Green TipsTarget recycles—plastic bags, MP3 players, cell phones and ink cartridges Youth Group Meetings: SMEC Youth Group meetings will kick off on Sunday, October 1, 2023, from 6 pm-7:30 pm. We will begin the series titled “I Am Statements” in which youth will explore Who is Jesus? It often seems like a simple question at first, but can you imagine all the ways to answer that? He was a carpenter. He was a rabbi. He was divine. His birth changed the world calendar from BC to AD. There are many ways to describe Jesus, so let’s go right to the source. In these four sessions, we will journey through the Gospel of John to learn about Jesus in His own words.To sign up for this event, please sign up by utilizing the signup sheet at the back of the church. For any questions, please contact Mr. Brandon at brandongiroir.stmatts@gmail.com or 985-262-9575. 5th-12th grade youth are encouraged to attend! If you are interested in helping chaperone the youth meetings, please speak to Mr. Brandon at the end of the service. Youth Group Bowling EventOctober 7, 2023, 1PM—2PM$10 per personSpeak with Mr. Brandon to sign up after church. St. Matthew’s Episcopal School Fishing RodeoTickets available today—See Tom SoudelierAdults—$30, Children—$15Fishing only FridayWeigh in and Jambalaya Cook-off Saturday—Noon—3PM |
| Altar FlowersThis Sunday’s Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God with love from the Buquet Family.This Sunday’s Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Lincoln Lirette and Tyler Lirette by Shirley Lirette. |
| Birthdays and AnniversariesWeek of 9/24-9/30: Myra Lirette, Chuck Bourque Worship Team ScheduleEucharistic Ministers Alex Ostheimer, Hildegard Blanchard, Bruce JenkinsLectors Sinclair Buquet, Keith HamptonOrganist/Choirmaster John BarrilleauxUshers Sharon Pontiff, Keith HamptonVestry Member on Duty Rob AlexanderAltar Guild Gail Duhe’Flower Guild Debby FortierHospitality Debby Fortier, Shirley Use’ PARISH PRAYER LISTJune, Andrèe, Jay, Norma, Sybil, Lydicia, Jere, Lona & Sidney, Earl, Bonnie, Randolph, Earl, Bob, Mattie, Frank, Randolph, Terry, Liz, Charlie, Hartley, Kris & Family, JoAnne, Charlie, Benjamin, Norma, Susan, Nathaniel, Evan, Jeannette, Abigail, Mark, Harrell, Melissa, and all the sick and suffering. Prayers for those being remembered in our Walking the Mourners Path ProgramRandy Stephen riceJohn Dennis WilliamsDaniel lee Foster |