St. Thomas Episcopal
The Tenth Sunday After Pentecost

Farmingdale
August 1, 2021


Morning Prayer

Zoom#  409 392 777     or     1-646-876-9923

Prelude & Welcome 

(Please Stand, as able)
Opening Hymn   #455    O Love of God, how strong and True            Hymnal 1982

Deacon:    Lord, open our lips.

People:    And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

ALL:    Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever.  AMEN
Alleluia
Venite:
ALL:    Come, let us sing to the Lord; *
let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *
and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.
For the Lord is a great God, *
and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the caverns of the earth, *
and the heights of the hills are his also.
The sea is his, for he made it, *
and his hands have molded the dry land.
Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, *
and kneel before the Lord our Maker.
For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. *
Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Deacon:    Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

People:    And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever.   Amen.




Collect for Purity

Deacon:    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. 


Deacon:    The Lord be with you. 
People:    And also with you. 
Deacon:    Let us pray

Collect of the Day

Deacon:    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, for ever and ever. Amen

First Reading: (Please be seated)
Reader:  A Reading from The Book of Exodus. (16:2-4; 9-15)         (Linda Kreussling)
“The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” 
Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not.”
Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, ‘Draw near to the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.’“ And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. The Lord spoke to Moses and said, “I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’“
In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.”

Reader:     The Word of the Lord.
People:    Thanks be to God.



(Please remain seated)Psalm 78 23 - 39  – (Said Together)
23 So he commanded the clouds above *
and opened the doors of heaven.
24 He rained down manna upon them to eat *
and gave them grain from heaven.
25 So mortals ate the bread of angels; *
he provided for them food enough.
26 He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens *
and led out the south wind by his might.
27 He rained down flesh upon them like dust *
and winged birds like the sand of the sea.
28 He let it fall in the midst of their camp *
and round about their dwellings.
29 So they ate and were well filled, *
for he gave them what they craved.
30 But they did not stop their craving, *
Though the food was still in their mouths.
31 So God’s anger mounted against them, *
      He slew their strongest men       And laid low the youth of Israel.
32 In spite of all this, they went on sinning *
          And had no faith in his wonderful works. 
33 So he brought their days to an end like a breath*
          And their years in sudden terror. 
34 Whenever he slew them, they would seek him, *
          And repent, and diligently search for God.
35 They would remember that God was their rock, *
          And the Most High God their redeemer.
36 But they flattered him with their mouths *
          And lied to him with their tongues.
37 Their heart was not steadfast toward him, *
          And they were not faithful to his covenant.
38 But he was so merciful that he forgave their sins And did not destroy them; *
                  Many times he held back his anger And did not permit his wrath to be roused.
39 For he remembered that they were but flesh, *
          A breath that goes forth and does not return. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen

Second Reading:  (Please remain seated)
A Reading from Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians  (4:1–16)    (​Carol Eskesen Smith)
“I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it is said,
"When he ascended on high he made captivity itself a captive;
he gave gifts to his people."
(When it says, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things.) The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people's trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love.”

Reader:    The Word of the Lord.  People:    Thanks be to God.  (Please stand, as able)
Gospel Hymn   #635   Vs. 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5.      
Just as I am, without one plea         Hymnal 1982


Gospel Reading: (Please remain standing, as able)                        John 6: 24 - 35
Deacon:      The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to John.
People:    Praise be to you, Lord Christ.                
Deacon:    “The next day, when the people who remained after the feeding of the five thousand saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. 
When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.” Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” 
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
Deacon:    The Gospel of The Lord.    People:    Thanks be to God.

Homily:                                            Rev. John M. Hunt

The Nicene Creed: (Please stand, as able)

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.



Prayers of the People Form VI: (Please remain standing, as able)                (Judy Aubin​)
Intercessor:  In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.

(Silence - The Intercessor continues)

Intercessor:    For all people in their daily life and work;
People:    For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone

Intercessor:    For this community, the nation, and the world;
People:    For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.

Intercessor:    For the just and proper use of your creation;
People:    For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression

Intercessor:    For those in the military and public service who risk their lives for our safety, and for all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble.   
People:    For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
Intercessor:    For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
People:    For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the truth.

Intercessor:    For Michael our Presiding Bishop, Lawrence our Diocesan Bishop, Geralyn, William and Daniel our Bishops, John our new Deacon and Priest-to-be, and for all other ministers 
People:    For all who serve God in his Church

Intercessor:    For the sick and suffering, for those who seek employment, housing, and hope, and those we now name, silently or aloud (time is given).

Intercessor:    Hear us, Lord;
People:    For your mercy is great.

(Silence)

People:    We thank you. Lord, for all the blessings of this life, especially those we now name, silently or aloud (time is given).

Intercessor:    We will exalt you, O God our King
People:    And praise your Name for ever and ever.

Intercessor:    We pray for all those who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom, especially those we now name, silently or aloud (time is given).

Intercessor:    We pray for those who are bereaved, that they find your comfort and peace.  Lord, let your loving kindness be upon them;

People:    Who put their trust in you.    

Intercessor:    We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.    


ALL:        God of all mercy, 
we confess that we have sinned against you, 
opposing your will in our lives.
We have denied your goodness in each other,
In ourselves, and in the world you have created.
We repent of the evil that enslaves us,
        The evil done on our behalf.
Forgive, restore, and strengthen us
Through our Savior Jesus Christ,
That we may abide in your love
And serve only your will. Amen.



Deacon:    Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen.

THE OFFERTORY


Thank you for your financial support of our shared ministries at St. Thomas!
Please continue to help St. Thomas and continue to pledge during the summer!


(Please stand, as able)
Offertory Hymn:         #380 v3  Doxology                            Hymnal 1982

Te Deum Laudamus: (Please stand, as able)
ALL:    You are God: we praise you; 
You are the Lord; we acclaim you; 
You are the eternal Father: 
All creation worships you. 
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, 
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: 
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, 
heaven and earth are full of your glory. 
The glorious company of apostles praise you. 
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. 
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. 
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you; 
Father, of majesty unbounded, 
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, 
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory, 
the eternal Son of the Father. 
When you became man to set us free 
you did not shun the Virgin's womb. 
You overcame the sting of death 
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. 
You are seated at God's right hand in glory. 
We believe that you will come and be our judge. 
Come then, Lord, and help your people, 
bought with the price of your own blood, 
and bring us with your saints 
to glory everlasting. AMEN

The Lord’s Prayer: (Please remain standing, as able)
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.

Deacon:    O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your 
law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen.



The General Thanksgiving:
ALL:    Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen. 


Deacon:    Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Deacon:    The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

And the blessing of God: Father, Son and holy Spirit, be upon us and all whom we love and pray for this day and forever more.  Amen


Deacon:    Let us bless the Lord.
People:    Thanks be to God!

Deacon:    The Peace of Christ be with you always.
People:    And also with you.


Closing Hymn   #414     God, my King, thy might confessing            Hymnal 1982

Deacon:    Let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
People:    Thanks be to God! 


​