10:00 AM Rite II
August 20, 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 Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
The Liturgy of the Word
Processional Hymn: Thou whose almighty word Hymn 371
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.
God of mercy, God of grace Hymn 538
The Collect of the Day
Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
First Lesson
Genesis 45:1-15
Joseph could no longer control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Send everyone away from me.” So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it. Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me.” And they came closer. He said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years; and there are five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not delay. You shall settle in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, as well as your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. I will provide for you there—since there are five more years of famine to come—so that you and your household, and all that you have, will not come to poverty.’ And now your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my own mouth that speaks to you. You must tell my father how greatly I am honored in Egypt, and all that you have seen. Hurry and bring my father down here.” Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, while Benjamin wept upon his neck. And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them; and after that his brothers talked with him.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God
Psalm 133
1 Oh, how good and pleasant it is, *
when brethren live together in unity!
2 It is like fine oil upon the head *
that runs down upon the beard,
3 Upon the beard of Aaron, *
and runs down upon the collar of his robe.
4 It is like the dew of Hermon *
that falls upon the hills of Zion.
5 For there the Lord has ordained the blessing: *
life for evermore.
Second Lesson
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.
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 15:1-10
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” Then the disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.” But Peter said to him, “Explain this parable to us.” Then he said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.”
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.
The Prayers of the People (Form III)
The Leader and People pray responsively
Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
That we all may be one.
Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;
That your Name may be glorified by all people.
We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.
We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world;
That there may be justice and peace on the earth.
Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
That our works may find favor in your sight.
Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;
That they may be delivered from their distress.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.
We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy;
May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.
Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.
Silence
The Celebrant adds a concluding prayer
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Confession of Sin
Priest and People
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. 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: You are Mine David Haas
St. Matthew’s Choir
Eucharistic Prayer C
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds
God of all power, Ruler of the Universe, you are worthy of glory and praise.
Glory to you for ever and ever.
At your command all things came to be: the vast expanse of interstellar space, galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses, and this fragile earth, our island home.
By your will they were created and have their being.
From the primal elements you brought forth the human race, and blessed us with memory, reason, and skill. You made us the rulers of creation. But we turned against you, and betrayed your trust; and we turned against one another.
Have mercy, Lord, for we are sinners in your sight.
Again and again, you called us to return. Through prophets and sages you revealed your righteous Law. And in the fullness of time you sent your only Son, born of a woman, to fulfill your Law, to open for us the way of freedom and peace.
By his blood, he reconciled us.
By his wounds, we are healed.
And therefore we praise you, joining with the heavenly chorus, with prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and with all those in every generation who have looked to you in hope, to proclaim with them your glory, in their unending hymn:
Celebrant and People
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 Celebrant continues
And so, Father, we who have been redeemed by him, and made a new people by water and the Spirit, now bring before you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.
At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it,
or lay a hand upon it, and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or
place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing wine to be
consecrated.
On the night he was betrayed he took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to his friends, 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, gave thanks, 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.”
Remembering now his work of redemption, and offering to you this
sacrifice of thanksgiving,
We celebrate his death and resurrection, as we await the day of his coming.
Lord God of our Fathers: God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: Open our eyes to see your hand at work in the world about us. Deliver us from the presumption of coming to this Table for solace only, and not for strength; for pardon only, and not for
renewal. Let the grace of this Holy Communion make us one body, one spirit in Christ, that we may worthily serve the world in his name.
Risen Lord, be known to us in the breaking of the Bread.
Accept these prayers and praises, Father, through Jesus Christ our great High Priest, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, your Church gives honor, glory, and worship, from generation to generation. 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: Seek ye first Hymn 711
Bless the Lord LEVAS 65
Post Communion Prayer
Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Recessional Hymn: Praise my soul, the King of heaven Hymn 410
The Dismissal
Priest: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
“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 10 spots available, please sign up at the church reception or send a message to Fr. Jim. This Tuesday we will serve chicken sausage gumbo, potato salad, peas and fruit. Plates are $6 and all proceeds support our school.
Children’s Sunday School
Sunday School is not meeting currently, but we will be back with new programing beginning October 1st. Karen Barrilleaux will serve as our coordinator for Godly Play. We are in the process of gathering Children’s Ministers to be part of team to help our children grow in faith and love. We hope to gather 6/8 adults to serve once a month. All adults will have to undergo background checks, Safe Church training and training in Children’s ministry. If you are interested in exploring this ministry, please contact Karen Barrilleaux at karen.barrilleaux@gmail.com.
Childcare
We are excited to announce that Susan Waldron will serve as our Nursery coordinator on Sundays. We are looking for volunteers to serve as helpers, if you’re interested, please contact Susan, susanhoumala@gmail.com. More details to come in the weeks ahead. Please pray for this ministry.
Go Green
We are excited to gather a team from the church to explore ways St. Matthew’s can become better stewards of the earth. We will begin with a dynamic team: Hunter and Courtney Rulf, Dana White, Emilie Daye, Joann Caillouet, and Kelly Phillips. Please keep this new born ministry in your prayers!
Save the Dates
Sept. 9th – “Rooted in Faith Family Celebration and Supper”. Celebrating Cuba with Julio and Rina Medina!!!! More details to come soon.
Sept. 17th —E.C.W. Meeting following the service.
Youth Group Meetings:
SMEC Youth Group meetings will kick off on Wednesday, September 6, 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 Game Night:
SMEC Youth will meet for “Game Night”. The event will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 6 pm-8 pm in Parish Hall. Youth are encouraged to bring a favorite board game to play with other youth. Refreshments will be served. Sign up sheet is available in the back of the church.
Antique Desk
Two old Sunday School Desks have been donated back to the church by Roland Champagne Family. We will silently auction these desks the highest bid. If interested, please sign up on the sheets located on top of the desks in the back of church. All raised funds will go into the Roland Champagne Memorial Account for church maintenance. Thanks to Walter Berry for cleaning them up!
Contact Information
We want to make sure we have everyone’s contact information. Please call or email the church office if you have any updates to your address or phone numbers, 985-872-5057 or erica.stmatthews@gmail.com.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Week of 8/20-8/26: John Barrilleaux
Alex and Barbara Ostheimer
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.
Worship Team Schedule
Eucharistic Ministers Sharon Pontiff, Jay Theriot, Kathy Theriot
Lectors Sinclair Buquet, Jay Theriot
Organist/Choirmaster John Barrilleaux
Ushers Jack and Brenda Babin
Vestry Member on Duty Kathy Theriot
Altar Guild Sharon Pontiff
Flower Guild Debby Fortier
Hospitality Linda Greenburg, Emilie Daye
PARISH PRAYER LIST
Andrèe, Jay, Norma, Sybil, Lydicia, Jere, Lona & Sidney, Earl, Bonnie, Randolph, AnnaBelle, Earl, Bob, Mattie, Frank, Randolph, Terry, Liz, Janie, Charlie, Hartley, Kris & Family, JoAnne, Charlie, Benjamin, Christine, Kaye, Neva, Norma, Susan, Nathaniel, Evan, Jeannette Abigail, and Legion Park School. We give thanks and pray for St. Matthew’s Episcopal School, Head of School, Thomas Soudelier, members of the Board, faculty, staff and students, and our Parish Vestry.