St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

In the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina

Sir John Everett Millais (Britain, 1829-1896) The Unmerciful Servant

(1864)Wood engraving on paper. Tate Britain.

Sunday, September 17, 2017The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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To Know Christ and to make Christ known…St. Paul’s invites all people to the Christian Way of unity with God and

neighbor through a welcoming environmentof worship and ministry

Please enter the church in silence so that all may have quiet time to prepare hearts and minds for worship.

The Holy Eucharist Voluntary Variations from The Good Shepherd

Margaret V. Sandresky The Savior’s blood and righteousness

How sweet the bliss to be a sheep of Jesus

Introit Christ be with you Barry RoseChrist be with you, Christ within you, Christ beside you, Christ before you. Christ beside you, Christ to win you, Christ to comfort and restore you. Christ beneath you, Christ above you, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all who love you, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

The Word of GodProcessional Praise my soul, the King of heaven Hymnal 410The Celebrant says to the people: Book of Common Prayer 355

Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.People: And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and forever. AmenCelebrant and PeopleAlmighty 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.

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Song of Praise Hymnal S236

1 Glory to you, Lord God of our fathers; you are worthy of praise; glory to you.2 Glory to you for the radiance of your holy Name;

we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.3 Glory to you in the splendor of your temple;

on the throne of your majesty, glory to you.4 Glory to you, seated between the Cherubim;

we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.5 Glory to you, beholding the depths; in the high vault of heaven, glory to you.6 Glory to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.

The Collect of the Day BCP 233The Celebrant says to the people: The Lord be with you.People: And also with you Celebrant: Let us pray. O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (The people may be seated.)

A Reading From Genesis (50:15-21)Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, “What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?” So they approached Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this instruction before he died, ‘Say to Joseph: I beg you, forgive the crime of

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your brothers and the wrong they did in harming you.’ Now therefore please forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also wept, fell down before him, and said, “We are here as your slaves.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.” In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them.

Reader The Word of the Lord.People Thanks be to God.(Silence for reflection upon the reading.)

Psalm 103:8-13 BCP 733

ANTIPHON8 The LORD is full of compassion and mercy, *

slow to anger and of great kindness.9 He will not always accuse us, *

nor will he keep his anger for ever.

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(choir and congregation, verses of the Psalm sung

10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, *nor rewarded us according to our wickedness.

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, *so is his mercy great upon those who fear him.

12 As far as the east is from the west, *so far has he removed our sins from us.

13 As a father cares for his children, *so does the LORD care for those who fear him.

ANTIPHONA Reading from Romans (14:1-12)Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat; for God has welcomed them. Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand.Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord and give thanks to God.We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written, "As I live,

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says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,and every tongue shall give praise to God."So then, each of us will be accountable to God.Reader The Word of the Lord.People Thanks be to God.Hymn to Announce the Gospel Come down, O Love divine Hymnal 516The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ According to Matthew (18:21-35)People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.Peter came and said to Jesus, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not

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have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord.People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.The Sermon The Rev. Dena WhalenThe Nicene Creed

BCP 358We 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)

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BCP 387Father, 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 Michael, our Presiding Bishop; Rob, our bishop; Dena, our rector; Kay, our deacon; Richard, our priest associate; Grace Episcopal & Christ the King Lutheran Church, Whiteville; Iglesia Cristiana; and for all bishops, priests, and deacons;That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.We pray for Donald our president, Roy our governor, and 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.We pray for those on our parish prayer list: Mary, Karen, Curtis, Audrey, Jere, Eleanor, William, Barbara, Barb, Bob and those friends of the Parish listed in the bulletin; 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.The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.Confession of Sin and Absolution BCP 360 (The people stand or kneel)Celebrant Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

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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 hearts; 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.

Celebrant 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

Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.People And also with you.

Blessing of the BackpacksCommissioning of Teachers of St. Paul’s

The Holy CommunionChoral Anthem O thou the central orb

Charles WoodO thou the central orb of righteous love, pure beam of the most High, eternal Light of this our wintry world. Thy radiant bright awakes new joy in faith, hope soars above. Come, quickly come, and let thy glory shine, gilding our darksome heav’n with rays divine. Thy saints with holy lustre round thee move, as stars about thy throne, set in the height of God’s ordaining counsel, as thy sight gives measured grace to each. Thy power to prove. Let thy bright beams disperse the gloom of sin, our nature all shall feel eternal fellowship with thee, transforming day to souls ere while unclean, now pure within. Amen.

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The people stand.Congregational Response WLP 746

The Great Thanksgiving BCP 361 Please turn to page 361 in the red Book of Common Prayer for the complete Eucharistic Prayer AThe Celebrant sings or 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 God thanks and praise.

The Celebrant proceedsIt 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:Sanctus Hymnal S130

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you are host at ev - ery ta - ble, we are hun - gry; feed us now.

(The people stand or kneel)Then the Celebrant continues Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself …The Celebrant and people continue BCP 362-363The Lord’s Prayer BCP 364

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The Breaking of the BreadA period of silence is kept.Fraction Anthem Hymnal S154

Celebrant The Gifts of God for the People of God. Communion of the People

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All are welcome to receive Holy Communion at the altar. For the bread, place one hand over the other and hold them up chest high so the minister can easily place the bread on the palm of your hand. You may then consume the bread or hold it to dip (intinct) into the wine and then place it in your mouth. If you wish to receive the chalice, please guide it to your lips. If you do not wish to receive the wine, indicate by crossing your arms. After you have received the bread and the wine, it is appropriate to say “AMEN.” Gluten free communion bread is available. Ask the priest.

Communion Music How can I keep from singing Robert W. Lowry, arr. John Scott

Guest choir: Christ Church, RaleighLord, make us servants of your peace

Hymnal 593Ubi caritas Taizé

After Communion, the Celebrant says Let us pray.The people stand or kneel.People: 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.The Celebrant pronounces a blessing to which the congregation responds, “AMEN.”

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Processional Now thank we all our God Hymnal 397

DismissalThe Deacon dismisses the people, to which they reply: Thanks be to God.Voluntary Fugue in C minor, S.546 J. S. Bach

Our worship is ended; let our service begin.

Music at St. Paul’sJacob Montgomery, organ: Friday, September 29, 7:30 p.m.

ANNOUNCEMENTSEPISCOPAL RELIEF HURRICANE AID: http://www.episcopalrelief.org.

ADULT FORMATION HOUR: Lectionary Study resuming with Tom McKnight starting for the next four weeks, in the Classroom downstairs.  September 17th-Altar Guild with Cheryl Wagner in the Fellowship HallMONDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY: The Bible for EveryoneLeader Cheryl Brainard will use N.T. Wright's “For Everyone” series in thisfour-week series on James. September 18, 25, October 2, 9, at 5:30 p.m. in the Library.

CELEBRATE ST. PAUL'S! Sunday, September 24Ministry Celebration: Sunday morning in the Parish Hall all of St. Paul's ministries will be on display. Come visit the leaders, learn about the ministries, and get involved!Potluck Dinner, 6:00 pm: Our Ministry Festival, begun Sunday morning, continues with an old-fashioned potluck dinner. We will

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welcome new members and recent newcomers. Kudos will be given to the many ministries, well-known and unseen, that go on in our parish.

YOUR CHURCH KEY WILL SOON BE OBSOLETE!

We’re changing the locks to a keypad operated magnetic door lock that requires a PIN. These will be installed in October on the main red doors leading to the parish house and church from the parking lot as well as on the doors to the kitchen and the gym. There will be a table in the parish hall following both services on September 17 and October 1. If you currently have a key, start thinking of a 4-digit PIN that you can enter on either of those days. For technical reasons, we ask that the PIN not end with a 1 or 2.If you don’t think you will be at church either of those days, please email your PIN choice to Spencer Weig at juniorwarden@spechurch.comThanks in advance for your help in improving access and security at St. Paul’s.

UNITED THANK OFFERING (UTO): The United Thank Offering of The Episcopal Church is a personal spiritual discipline of thanksgiving that supports God’s mission throughout the world. Through daily prayer and tangible offerings, lives are changed in very real ways.How it works:Give thanks to God for the good things that happen each day. As you give thanks, make an offering for each blessing. Put some coins or dollars into your UTO Blue Box, or drop a reminder note in the box for later counting.

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Your blessings then become blessings to others when your thankful dimes, quarters and dollars are united with the prayers and offerings of others from across The Episcopal Church. These funds are distributed through awarded grants that support mission and ministry throughout The Episcopal Church and invited Provinces of the Anglican Communion. Our 2017 Fall UTO Ingathering here at St. Paul’s will take place on Sunday, November 12th. Pick up a UTO Blue Box from the display in the Narthex or the display in the Parish House hallway and begin counting your blessings today. For information about United Thank Offering resources and grants, visit www.episcopalchurch.org/page/united-thank-offering .

WOMEN AT THE WELL: A women’s reading group has started, with a focus on coming together as women in community and strengthening our personal sense of spirituality and faith. We’ll be meeting the 3rd Monday of every month, from 10:00-12:00.  We’ll be reading and discussing a wide range of literature, beginning with Songs My Grandma Sang, by Bishop Michael Curry, and Lilac Girls, by Martha Hall Curry. If you are interested, please join us! Next meeting: October 16, in the library, at 10:00.

FAITHSHARE: On Friday mornings at 10:00 a.m. a small group meets together around selected topics. You are invited to join us in the library for the next three weeks as we learn about the lives of some great medieval saints. Leader: Dena WhalenSeptember 22 - Hildegard of Bingen.

CHILDREN OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD starts today at 9:30am in Atriums 1 and 2 upstairs in the Children's Wing. Atrium 1 is for children ages 4-7 years (first grade) and Atrium 2 is for children ages 8-12 years. Classes meet from 9:30-10:15am each Sunday. Registration packets are being passed out to our families. Please

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contact Twink Barr if you did not receive one at tbarr427@gmail.com.The Nursery is located upstairs in the Children's Wing and is available for infants and toddlers during the Sunday class time 9:15-10:15am. It is also available for infants and children through first grade during the 10:30am service.

RENEWALWORKS: If you have not already done so, please fill out your personal Spiritual Inventory for the Renewal Works program. Internet link is:  https://www.research.net/r/RenewalWorks2106Hard copies are available in the church office or at church Sunday from Em Rivenbark.Thank you!  Your RenewalWorks team.

COASTAL CAROLINA CHRISTMAS/CABARET: Each year, the proceeds from the Carolina Coastal Christmas and the Carolina Coastal Cabaret are distributed to charities and ministries. This year, the Committee is reviewing our process for selecting beneficiaries. If you would like to comment, please email Bill Anlyan (banlyan@anlyanandhively.com) or Anne Frauens (annehi@mac.com) Thank you!

THE SOURCE, our church gift shop offers a large variety of items from scarfs, jewelry, books, hostess gifts, men's socks belts & hats. Come in and check us out! Last chance for 50% off clearance items. PLEASE come and help support THE SOURCE!! Fall and holiday items to be displayed shortly.

Prayer ListIn our parish… People requesting prayer

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Please note that names will be removed after one month on the prayer list.If you wish for continued prayer, please notify the office

September 10 September 248:00 Lay Ministers Rick Thayer M.J. Giammaria

Breakfast Chefs Keith Calder, Tom Erway Jim Edwards, Ron MillerAltar Guild Diane Trubia, Carolyn Demorest Anne Freeling, Zona Tounsley

Bread Bakers Valerie DeJarld Karen DeJarldFlower Guild Anne Freeling Cheryl Wagoner

Greeters David and Seton Webb, Trish Arnold Lillian West, Lynda Miller, Trish ArnoldHospitality Lavender TealIntercessor Kathryn Hedgepeth Cheryl Brainard

10:30Lay Ministers

Herb Gant, VergerLectors: Barbara Bucci, David Heath,

Kathryn HedgepethEMs: Dot Erway, Steve Bucci

Assisting Minister: Bill AnlyanCrucifer: Cheryl Wagoner

Gospel Book Bearer: Leon TilleryChildren’s Chaplain: Richard Rhoads

Herb Gant, VergerLectors: Chip Carter, Joan Rosko Miller,

Cindy MooreEMs: Cheryl Brainard, Don Brainard

Assisting Minister: Bob SwindellCrucifer: Chip Carter

Gospel Book Bearer: Royster HedgepethChildren’s Chaplain: Rev. Deacon Kay Swindell

Ushers Ron and Lynda Miller Mark Tedesco, Amanda MorganVestry Royster Hedgepeth Herb Gant

Ministry Schedule

WEEKLY CALENDARMON 9/18 WOMEN’S READING GROUP LIBRARY

10:00 AMCOASTAL CAROLINA PLANNING PARISH HALL 5:00

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MARY BRIDGESKAREN DEJARLD

CURTIS DALEAUDREY LEWIS

JERE LEWISELEANOR MORTONWILLIAM MURPHY

BARBARA O’ROURKEBARB SCALIABOB SCALIA

ROSS ALLENMARGIE HAYDENSHERRY HERMAN

HOPE LETTERIBETTY LETTERIROY LETTERI

BARBARA O’ROURKE(SIS.-IN-LAW OF

PARISHIONERBARBARA O’ROURKE)

RICHARD O’ROURKE

JESSICA PALLIARDI

LEO PALLIARDIHILDA POPLINCHARLES G. SCHAEFERRAYLIENE

STANFIELDJIM SORRENTI

CORLEEN THOMPSON

PMTUES 9/19 STUDY GROUP

7:30 AMLOBLOLLY GARDEN CLUB PARISH HALL 9:30

AMBOYS CHOIR PARISH HALL, CHURCH

6:00 PMEDUCATION FOR MINISTRY ATRIUM 2

6:00 PMWED 9/20 STAFF MEETING 10:00 AM

DEACON’S OFFICE HOURS 10:00 AM-2:00 PM

HOLY EUCHARIST CHANCEL 12:10 PM

COMMUNITY LUNCH PARISH HALL1:00 PM

CHOIR SCHOOL6:00 PM

ADULT CHOIR CHURCH7:00 PM

THU 9/21 THURSDAY WORKERS PARISH HALL8:30 AM

FRI 9/22 FAITHSHARE LIBRARY 10:00 AMSAT 9/23 ALTAR GUILD SACRISTY

9:00AM

Celebrating September Birthdays9/04 Eligayah Goodrich, Kathryn Hedgepeth, Paul Hosier, Cecelia

Peers 9/08 Valerie DeJarld, 9/09 Emily Carder, Jim Edwards

9/10 Brent Erway, Herb Gant, 9/11 Cindy Horrell Moore, 9/12 Bill Carder

9/14 Harriet Fowler, Sue Sramek, 9/16 Taylor Uzcategui, 9/19 Jenny Callison 9/20 Helen Worthy, 9/21 Ethan Bridges, Alix Dorr

9/22 Rev. John Cawthorne, Crystal Smith, 9/23 Anne Langan9/26 Sophie Hughes, 9/27 Pamela Lynch, 9/29 Courtney Sistrunk

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9/30 John Brobson, Dale Compito, Candace Halecki, Andrew Uzcategui

A Warm Welcome to All Guests!If you are new to our church, please fill out a visitor card and place it in the offering plate or give it to a member of our Welcoming Ministry.Thank you for worshiping with us today. We invite you to join us following the 8:00 a.m. Eucharist for breakfast in the parish hall. For those attending the 10:30 a.m. service, be sure to stay for fellowship in the parish hall. Please join us whenever you can, and please wear a guest name tag so we may introduce ourselves to you.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church16 North Sixteenth Street

Wilmington, North Carolina 28401www.spechurch.com (910) 762-4578

Bulletin submissions: bulletin@spechurch.com (Deadline Thursdays, 12:00 p.m.)

E-news submissions: e-news@spechurch.com (Deadline Wednesdays 5:00 p.m.)

The Rt. Rev. Robert Skirving, BishopThe Rev. Dena Bearl Whalen, Rector

The Rev. Deacon Kay SwindellThe Rev. Richard Banks, Priest Associate

Ronnie D. Wise, Director of Music and OrganistRichard Rhoads, Assistant Director of Music and Organist

Carl Samet, Parish AdministratorDiane Matz-Kane, Bookkeeper

Brent Erway and Walter Alonzo, Sextons

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