THE RECTOR'S MESSAGE Saturday, 20 June 2020

Included in today's update: A Message from Father Keith, the Liturgy for Tomorrow's Worship, and reminders pertaining to Worship Music, Sermons Bishop Gutierrez and Pledges.

FROM THE RECTOR

Saturday,20 June 2020

Dear Friends:

Yesterday, in the state of Texas and in some cities across our nation, including Philadelphia, a holiday was celebrated. 'Juneteenth' commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, as well as highlighting the achievements and contributions of African-Americans to our society and culture. This is the 155th anniversary of the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas, the last state of the country to do so. Congress is currently considering naming it as a national holiday, and I personally hope such a holiday can be named so that our nation can honor the importance of that legislation.

Sadly, as current events drastically bring to light, true equality for all is still being denied to some citizens. Perhaps raising the issue to the level of a national holiday will shed even more light on this need to advance "liberty, justice and the pursuit of happiness for all" within our great nation. I pray so.

In an open letter to the diocese concerning the need for all parishes to recognize Juneteenth, The Rev. David Anderson, Chaplain to ECS, wrote the following:

"At a time when we all need hope and new strength to persevere in the face of St.

Paul’s “principalities and powers,” I turn to Howard Thurman, the great theologian and wise force in the Civil Rights movement. Try offering his prayer, “Open Unto Me,” as a breath prayer, breathing in on the first phrase of each petition, breathing out on the second.

Open unto me — light for my darkness.

Open unto me — courage for my fear.

Open unto me — hope for my despair.

Open unto me — peace for my turmoil.

Open unto me — joy for my sorrow.

Open unto me — strength for my weakness.

Open unto me — wisdom for my confusion.

Open unto me — forgiveness for my sins.

Open unto me — love for my hates.

Open unto me — thy Self for my self.

Lord, Lord, open unto me!

May we be liberated from the closedness of our small selves so that the great Self can open within us."

In the name of our Savior Jesus Christ,

and our God who wants only health and wholeness for his children,

I send you blessings, peace and grace in these uncertain, confusing and anxious times.

- Keith

LITURGY FOR TOMORROW'S WORSHIP

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

OPENING PROCLAMATION

The grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ,

the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with you. Alleluia!

And also with you. Alleluia! Alleluia!

COLLECT FOR THE DAY (Proper 7A)

O Lord, make us to have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

LESSONS

Jeremiah 20:7-13;

Romans 6:1b-11;

Matthew 10:24-39

PSALM 69:8-11,18-20

Surely, for your sake I have suffered reproach, *

and shame has covered my face.

I have become a stranger to my own kindred, *

an alien to my mother’s children.

Zeal for your house has eaten me up; *

the scorn of those who scorn you has fallen upon me.

I humbled myself with fasting, *

but that was turned to my reproach.

Answer me, O Lord, for your love is kind; *

in your great compassion, turn to me.

“Hide not your face from your servant; *

be swift to answer me, for I am in distress.

Draw near to me and redeem me; *

because of my enemies deliver me.”

Hallelujah!

APOSTLES' CREED

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,

Creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit,

and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died and was buried.

He descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again.

He ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of Saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting.

Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Response: Hear us, O God.

PRAYER FOR NATIONAL HEALING AND UNITY

O God, who created all peoples in your own image, we thank you for the wonderful diversity of races and peoples who have come together in this great nation, and strengthened our culture with the many gifts, talents, perspectives and flavors they have each brought and shared. Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of fellowship, abolish all prejudices that separate us, open our eyes to recognize, and acknowledge, and celebrate your presence in those who differ most from us, until our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for all your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SUNDAY WORSHIP MUSIC

Be sure to check out the weekly music and carillon recordings. Go to the Gallery tab on the parish website; select videos; there you will find hymns selected for the day, along with Messiah's church bells ringing out the Good News of the Easter season. This music is presented each week by Hannah Albrecht and Sam Frenkel. Thank you, Hannah and Sam!

SUNDAY SERMON AVAILABLE EACH WEEK

Each week, the text of the Sunday sermon is posted to the website. Feel free to print it out if you find that helpful. And perhaps you might also print a copy and send to someone who doesn't have computer access. This would be greatly appreciated and provide a way for these parishioners to also stay connected.

BISHOP GUTIERREZ ON CBS EACH SUNDAYS

Bishop Gutierrez continues to broadcast on the local CBS station for Sunday morning Eucharist services. You can watch at 5:30 a.m. on Channel 3; or 9 a.m. on YouTube and Facebook.

PLEASE KEEP YOUR PLEDGE UP TO DATE

Thank you to all of you who have dropped off or sent in your pledge over the past several weeks! Your faithfulness has allowed us to stay current with payroll and bill payment. Now that we are in a new month - can it really be the third week in June already? - please remember to submit this month's pledge. Thank you!