PREPARING FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP Saturday, 1 August 2020 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Included in today's update: A Message from Father Keith, the Liturgy for Tomorrow's Worship, Birthdays in the Week Ahead, and more.

FROM THE RECTOR

Saturday, 1 August 2020

Dear Friends:

As the pandemic continues and COVID-19 positive rates continue to climb, I think we are all looking for things that will lift our spirits, and are grateful wherever we may find them. I recently found a video that I have played several times over the past few days - in fact, I have the tune stuck in my head, which I really don't mind for once!

If you would like an emotional and spiritual pick-me-up, simply Google the following: The Irish Blessing 2020. It is a compilation of singers from 300 Irish churches singing a blessing over their country; and it is magnificent. There are also versions for the UK and Australia, that are equally uplifting.

I hope you enjoy these. And if you know of other sites that you have found to be helpful during this strange and difficult time, please feel free to pass them along.

And don't forget to check out the weekly musical offerings posted on the church website by Hannah Albrecht and other musicians in the parish.

One of Jesus' final instructions to his disciples was: "Feed my sheep." (John 21:15-17) Here at Messiah, we are trying to do just that! We are still collecting recipes for our Messiah Pandemic CookBook. Like music, food has a great capacity to lift our spirits and soothe us in times of trouble. Think about how quickly our thoughts turn to "comfort food" when we or someone we know is experiencing a tough time. We are hoping to include at least one recipe from every Messiah household, but submissions have been quite light. Come on, people, we know you all have a favorite comfort food recipe or two that your family enjoys or that you prepare to give to a neighbor or friend in troubled times.

We know there are LOTS of good cooks in this parish! So, right now! While you're thinking about it! Go to that recipe box and find that special casserole or dish. Then send a copy to Barbara Stevenson (bebstevenson@yahoo.com) or me, either by email (rector@messiahgwynedd.org) or by snail mail here at the church office. We'll be on the lookout for your submission!!! Then we will assemble all your recipes and make them available to everyone in the parish. "Feed my sheep."

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.

Blessings! Peace! Grace! And love!

- Keith

BIRTHDAYS IN THE WEEK AHEAD

O God, our times are in your hands: Look with favor, we pray, on these your servants as they begin another year. Grant that they may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen their trust in your goodness all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

August 2 .... Alex poulin

August 3 .... Barbara Stevenson

August 4 … Jane Benz

August 5 … Marsha Althouse

August 5 … Barbara Brackin

August 5 … Ed Steinbauer

August 6 … Sara Steinbauer

August 7 … Deb Marsh

August 7 … Charles Sudlow

LITURGY FOR TOMORROW'S WORSHIP

NINTH 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 13)

Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

COLLECT FOR CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH

Gracious God: through your Fatherly goodness, make Church of the Messiah a Christian community united to serve others; enrich our life in Christ, that we might celebrate and share Christ’s love with the world; and send your Holy Spirit to give us strength and courage to proclaim the Good News of your grace through word and deed. Amen.

LESSONS

Isaiah 55:1-5; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:1-21

PSALM 145

The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, *

slow to anger and of great kindness.

The Lord is loving to everyone *

and his compassion is over all his works.

The Lord upholds all those who fall; *

he lifts up those who are bowed down.

The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord, *

and you give them their food in due season.

You open wide you hand *

and satisfy the needs of every living creature.

The Lord is righteous in all his ways *

and loving in all his works.

The Lord is near to those who call upon him, *

to all who call upon him faithfully.

He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; *

he hears their cry and helps them.

The Lord preserves all those who love him, *

but he destroys all the wicked.

My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord; *

let all flesh bless his holy Name forever and ever.

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 the ringing of Messiah's church bells. This music is presented each week by Hannah Albrecht, Sam Frenkel and friends. Thank you, Hannah and Sam - and all who contribute each week!

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 PREACHES EACH SUNDAY

Bishop Gutierrez continues to broadcast Sunday morning Eucharist services. You can watch at 9 a.m. on YouTube or Facebook, (@Episcopal PA) and any time afterward on the Diocesan Website (DIOPA.org)

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. Can it really be the end of July already? - please remember to submit this month's pledge.

Thank you!