• The Second Sunday after Pentecost

    10:00 AM Rite II
    June 11, 2023
    St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
    243 Barrow Street, Houma, LA 70360

    The Rt. Rev. Shannon Duckworth., Bishop
    The Rev. Jim Morrison, Rector


    The Second 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.

    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.

    Gloria                                                                               Hymnal S 280

    The Collect of the Day

    O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration we may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

    First Lesson

    Genesis 12:1-9

    Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. Abram took his wife Sarai and his brother’s son Lot, and all the possessions that they had gathered, and the persons whom they had acquired in Haran; and they set forth to go to the land of Canaan. When they had come to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. Then the Lord appeared to Abram, and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. From there he moved on to the hill country on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the Lord and invoked the name of the Lord. And Abram journeyed on by stages toward the Negeb.

    Reader:  The Word of the Lord

    People:  Thanks be to God

    Psalm 33:1-12

    1 Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous; *
       it is good for the just to sing praises.

    2 Praise the Lord with the harp; *
       play to him upon the psaltery and lyre.

    3 Sing for him a new song; *
       sound a fanfare with all your skill upon the trumpet.

    4 For the word of the Lord is right, *
       and all his works are sure.

    5 He loves righteousness and justice; *
       the loving-kindness of the Lord fills the whole earth.

    6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, *
       by the breath of his mouth all the heavenly hosts.

    7 He gathers up the waters of the ocean as in a water-skin *
       and stores up the depths of the sea.

    8 Let all the earth fear the Lord; *
       let all who dwell in the world stand in awe of him.

    9 For he spoke, and it came to pass; *
       he commanded, and it stood fast.

    10 The Lord brings the will of the nations to naught; *
        he thwarts the designs of the peoples.

    11 But the Lord’s will stands fast for ever, *
        and the designs of his heart from age to age.

    12 Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord! *
        happy the people he has chosen to be his own!

    Second Lesson

    Romans 4:13-25

    The promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation. For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”) —in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become “the father of many nations,” according to what

    was said, “So numerous shall your descendants be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Therefore his faith “was reckoned to him as righteousness.”  Now the words, “it was reckoned to him,” were written not for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was handed over to death for our trespasses and was raised for our justification.

    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 (9:9-13, 18-26)

    People:       Glory to you, Lord Christ.

    As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.” While he was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples. Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. When Jesus came to the leader’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, “Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And the report of this spread throughout that district.

    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

    May 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 God of Abraham praise              Hymn 401

    Eucharistic Prayer A

    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 everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

    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:

    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 people stand or kneel.

    Then the Celebrant continues

    Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the
    God and Father of all.

    He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

    At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it,
    or to 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 handed over to suffering and death, 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 we proclaim the mystery of faith:

    Celebrant and People

    Christ has died.
    Christ is risen.
    Christ will come again.

    The Celebrant continues

    We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.

    Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

    All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: 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.

    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.

    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. 

    The Breaking of the Bread

    Communion Music:  I am the bread of life                         Hymn 335

    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:  O for a thousand tongues                     Hymn 493

    The Dismissal

    Priest:       Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

    People:     Thanks be to God.

    Announcements

    Wednesday Eucharist

    We invite everyone to join us for a brief Eucharist  with anointing of the Sick at 5:00PM.

    Children’s Sunday School

    There will be no children’s Sunday School until further notice.

    Save the Dates

    “Rooted in Faith” St. Matthew’s Supper Social

    July 1, 2023—Fourth of July Celebration

    August 5, 2023—Hawaiian Luau

    The Way of Love: Practices for Jesus-Centered Life Group Assignments  The Way of Love outlines a Rule for the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement. We are excited to tell you that group formation has begun based on the sign-up information you have previously provided. There will be four groups facilitated by Valerie Hebert, Bruce Jenkins, Sinclair Buquet, and Emmalee Hampton.  If you would like more information, please call Fr. Jim at 504-491-8686.  We are looking forward to rewarding, enriching and spiritually inspiring meetings as we grow together in the same principles followed by the disciples of Jesus.
    Altar FlowersThis Sunday’s Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of our daughter, Robin Elizabeth Pellegrin by Irvin and Sandra Pellegrin.
    Birthdays and AnniversariesWeek of 6/11-6/17: David and Duane Ring 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 ScheduleEucharistic Ministers                Emmalee Hampton, Kathy Theriot                                                Sharon PontiffLectors                                        Tina West, David WestUshers                                     Karen Chauvin, Robert PughVestry Member on Duty         Dana DavisAltar Guild                              Gail DuheFlower Guild                              Debby FortierHospitality                                 Hildegard Blanchard, Karen Kelly PARISH PRAYER LISTAndrèe, Jay, Norma, Sybil, Lydicia, Jere, Lona & Sidney, Earl, Bonnie, Randolph, AnnaBelle, Betty, Earl, Bob, Mattie, Frank, Randolph, Seth,  Paul. Rick. Lois, Terry, Liz, Janie, Charlie, Hartley, Jules, Kris & Family, 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.