The Liturgy of the Word
Processional Hymn: Sing high, sing low
L.O.V.E.
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
O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
First Lesson
Philippians 2:3-11
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form,
he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death–
even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God
Psalm 25:3-8
3 Show me your ways, O Lord, *
and teach me your paths.
4 Lead me in your truth and teach me, *
for you are the God of my salvation;
in you have I trusted all the day long.
5 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, *
for they are from everlasting.
6 Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; *
remember me according to your love
and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord.
7 Gracious and upright is the Lord; *
therefore he teaches sinners in his way.
8 He guides the humble in doing right *
and teaches his way to the lowly.
Cantor sings Alleluia, congregation repeats, cantor sings verse, congregation sings Alleluia
Priest: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to
Matthew (21:28-32)
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
“What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way
of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.
Priest: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Stewardship Moment Keri Kelley, Senior Warden
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.
The Prayers of the People
Please respond: Lord Hear our Prayer.
We pray in thanksgiving for St. Matthew’s Episcopal School and all the blessings that this ministry brings to our students and their families. We pray to the Lord.
We ask your blessings upon Mr. Tom our principal, our teachers and all staff that guide us in our learning, we pray that you strengthen them in their ministry and service. We pray to the Lord.
We pray for all students throughout the world in other schools. May this year be a year of grace and blessing for them and those who support their learning. We pray to the Lord.
Bless all the volunteers and benefactors of St. Matthew’s School. May their work and service be received as a holy prayer. We pray to the Lord.
We remember all students and young people around the world that are hurting and suffering. May your love be upon them and may we your people offer our help when we are able. We pray to the Lord.
Let us all pause to offer the prayers in our hearts. (pause). We pray to the Lord.
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
| 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: We walk by faith Karen Marrolli
St. Matthew’s Choir
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 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 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.
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: Amazing Grace Hymn 671
Let us break bread together Hymn 325
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: Christ for the world we sing Hymn 537
The Dismissal
Priest: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Coffee and Conversation Reception
Please join us for our Sunday Reception in the School/Church Courtyard! Come enjoy good company, food, drinks and plenty of fun for our children and adults!
Children’s Sunday School
We are excited to announce that Godly Play, our new children’s program, will begin this Sunday. 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
Childcare
Our Church Nursery will open this Sunday. 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
St. Matthew’s Go Green
Some things that Fr. Jim does to try to live green:
1.Select items for purchase with less packaging.
2.Use reusable grocery bags.
3.euse vegetable bags by placing them back into the reusable grocery bags once home.
4.Recycle plastics, paper and metals.
5.Raise the thermostat when not at home.
6.Try not to use Styrofoam and plastic utensils.
7.Reduce plastics by cutting up fruit and refraining from purchasing precut fruit.
8.Limiting water waste by not allowing it to flow when not needed.
9.Trying to combine errands to conserve gas.
10.Encouraging others to live green!
“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 chicken fettucine, lima beans, salad, and bread. Plates are $6 and all proceeds support our school.
Wednesday Healing Mass
All 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.
Youth Group Meetings:
SMEC Youth Group meetings will kick off on tonight, 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 Event
October 7, 2023, 1PM—2PM
$10 per person
Speak with Mr. Brandon to sign up after church or email him at
brandongiroir.stmatts@gmail.com
Hurricane Season
Stay 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.
| Altar FlowersThis Sunday’s Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory and in celebration of the life of our parents by Lynn and Keri Kelley. |
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Week of 10/1-10/7: Rusty Talbot, Sharon Pontiff, Clara Boquet,
Charlene Barker, Cullen Hebert, Gail Duhe’
George and Beth Drury
Worship Team Schedule
Eucharistic Ministers Emmalee Hampton, Kathy Theriot,
Sharon Pontiff
Lectors School members
Organist/Choirmaster John Barrilleaux
Ushers Karen Chauvin, Robert Pugh
Vestry Member on Duty Becky Becnel
Altar Guild Sharon Pontiff
Flower Guild Debby Fortier
Hospitality Harvey and Karen Chauvin
PARISH PRAYER LIST
June, 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 Program
Randy Stephen rice
John Dennis Williams
Daniel lee Foster