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The Lessons Appointed for use on
The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Year B RCL
The Holy Eucharist: Rite Two
Ten o'clock in the morning
September 27, 2015
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Esther Preparing to Intercede with Assuerus c.1633.
Rembrandt Oil on canvas National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Canada
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THE COLLECT FOR SUNDAY
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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WORSHIP NOTES FOR THIS SUNDAY
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I may have stopped writing each week about the Bible Challenge, but I have not given it up in my daily life. This week's lessons from scripture provide some familiar passages for those of you reading regularly, and for those of you who are not in Bible Challenge mode, these readings could turn you toward some books of the Bible that you might enjoy reading in their entirety.
Our Old Testament lesson is from the end of the book of Esther. This relatively short book contains the dramatic story of a young Jewish woman named Esther, or Hadassah, who through the support of her family as well as her beauty and character became the queen of Persia and saved her people from destruction. This book is one of the five scrolls traditionally read for the sacred festivals of Judaism, in this case for Purim. It is a compelling story, easily read in a single sitting, and it will acquaint you with one of the great heroines of the Bible.
We conclude our series of readings from the letter of James this week with its closing words of encouragement. This letter is filled with wisdom material, as it describes relationships within a community that embodies the love-command. Our passage for this Sunday counsels patience as well as candor and clarity in speech, and it emphasizes the power of prayer over all sorts of sickness. Here again is a relatively brief book that well rewards reading as a whole in a concentrated period of time that allows the reader to be caught up in James' vision of the beloved community.
The gospel lesson this week continues our reading in Mark, the shortest, most concentrated and direct of the synoptic gospel accounts of Jesus' life and ministry. This week the disciples argue about who should have access to the healing power that Jesus bestows on his followers. Jesus replies, "Whoever is not against us is for us," and he teaches them the importance of not being impediments, or "stumbling blocks," for others, or for themselves. "Get out of the way!" Jesus might have said. Or, "Get out of your own way!" in living the life of a disciple.
I hope that you will read and re-read the lessons from scripture each week during your quiet time of reflection and prayer. That is one way that you can "get out of the way" and allow God to speak to you.
The Very Reverend Beverly Findley Gibson
Ph.D., Dean and Rector, Christ Church Cathedral
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MUSIC NOTES FOR THIS SUNDAY
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The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost descends upon us this Sunday, and we begin our liturgy by singing the first five verses of Holy God, we praise thy name. Especially for those of a Catholic background, this hymn will be very memorable to you. The text and tune, in their current forms, find their origin in 18th and 19th century Germany. However, the lyrics may remind you of something else, a far older prayer stretching back to the roots of Christianity. The Te Deum is a Christian hymn from the 4th century and attributed to various authors from that time. It is the most demonstrative and jubilant song of praise generated by the early church and is still sung by many Catholics, Anglicans, and Lutherans in observance of special feast days and other important events. Throughout history, the Te Deum has accompanied coronations, victory celebrations, and public displays of thanksgiving to God. There was a fanciful legend in the 19th century that the melody of the Te Deum originated in ancient Greece. While this isn't true, it shows the veneration and zeal people had for the hymn. Of course, the oldest tune is in the form of a chant pared with Latin words and not what we will sing on Sunday, but our processional hymn is a paraphrase of this ancient and venerable text. In its own right, Holy God, we praise thy name has perhaps surpassed the Te Deum in familiarity and accessibility for most modern Christians. This more modern hymn possesses a beautiful melody and poetic words, making the hymn more suitable for congregational singing (at least in most places). As you sing during the procession on Sunday, remember that these words are the successors to the chief hymn of praise of the church! We raise our voices, as so many have, in praise of God.
Our offertory anthem will be, I will lift up mine eyes, by Leo Sowerby (1895-1968). A Pulitzer Prize winning composer of American church music, Sowerby towered among liturgical musicians in the United States for most of his lifetime. It is remarkable that Sowerby was a largely self taught organist who rose to very prominent positions, namely, the Cathedral of St. James in Chicago and Washington National Cathedral. While he was chiefly an Episcopal church musician, his works are used in many branches of Christianity. Truly a composer of sacred music at heart, the majority of Sowerby's vast opus of over 500 works is written for the church. Sadly, much of his work is too difficult for the average choir today, but it merits discovery by church musicians in our time. Sowerby stood at the end of one era and the beginning of another, like almost all church musicians of his generation. Reared firmly in the musical traditions of the 19th century, Sowerby lived to see unthinkable changes affect his world and the continuity of church music. His music is poetic, just a tad modern, a bit Romantic, and at its heart, very spiritual. Sunday's anthem is one of his best known works, and we hope you enjoy its colorful musical texture.
Christopher Powell  Organist and Choir Master
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THE MINISTERS OF THE LITURGY
Celebrant and Preacher
Canon Wagner
Concelebrant
Dean Gibson
First Reading
Kennon Drew
Second Reading
Alison Mitchell
Intercessor
Lynn Yankie
Chalice Bearers
Robby McClure. Bradley Forster
Oblationer
Debra and Daly Baumhauer
Crucifers
Rose Elliott, Livy Ferguson
Acolytes
Blake Ferguson, Elizabeth Elliott, Jordan Chow,
Janaé Wilson, Tré Mitchell, Corinne Betbeze, Barbara Mitchell, Jordan Moore
Altar Guild
Perrin Drew, Barbara Archer, Harriet Jean Boughton,
Shannon Harris, Lissa Watkins, Barry Weeks
Flower Guil
Kay Whiting, Missy Patrick
Ushers
Homer McClure, Angus Cooper, Bart Elliott,
Christian Hines, Ritchie Harris
Hospitality Team
Betty Reniewicz, Ginny Behlen, Joy Dean,
Gaye Formanek, Shannon Harris, Laurie Koss, Patsy Seymour
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DISCOVER THE ORGAN
Sunday after the service.
Did you ever want to know more about our pipe organ? Today you are invited to stay and hear the Cathedral Organist and Choirmaster offer a 20 minute presentation on our Cathedral organ and pipe organs in general.
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
*Saturday, October 3 at 4:00 p.m.
in the Garden
*Please note the change of day! Many people bring their pets to the church to be blessed on or around St. Francis' feast day, October 4, because of his love for animals as expressed in his Canticle of Creatures. St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and the environment. The service includes a blessing and is held in the garden, where different animals can gather peacefully.
ACOLYTE TRAINING
Sunday, October 4
During Christian Education
Next Sunday will be our first group Christian Education class. All children and youth (Kindergarten and up) are asked to attend. This is a group class for everyone-those who serve regularly and those who have never served. The group will meet in church following the service.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON EUCHARIST IN OCTOBER
Sundays, October 4, 11, 18, & 25
at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel
Come experience quiet afternoon liturgies at the Cathedral, celebrating with alternative forms of worship approved by The Episcopal Church. The meditations and music will be beautiful and thought-provoking. These services will feature scripture, poetry, musical reflections, and prayers with Dean Gibson. Hear our Cathedral musicians in new and inventive ways.
2015 DILL LECTURE SERIES
Dauphin Way United Methodist Church
Sunday at 5:30 p.m.
Dr. Walter Brueggemann a renowned theologian will speak on "Truth Speaks to Power: The Countercultural Nature of Scripture."
KAPPA LEAGUE BRUNCH
Fall Christian Education Outreach Project
Sunday, October 18
after the 10:00 a.m. service
YOU MAY BUY YOUR TICKETS SUNDAY-Cost: $8
Please see members of the 3rd-12th grade Sunday School classes to buy your tickets.
This is our youth outreach project. The goal is to raise money for members of the Kappa League to prepare for and take college entrance exams. We are looking for sponsors who are willing to support the project for $100. If you would like to become a sponsor, please call Canon Wagner or place your check, with the notation Kappa League Brunch, in the alms basin.
VESTRY NOMINATING COMMITTEE
will meet Mondays,
September 28 and October 5
Graduating Vestry Class:
John Davidson, Mary Esther Elliott, Banks Ladd, Alison Mitchell, Lucy Moore, Henry Seawell
The Dean's Appointed Members:
Lucy Brady, Ginny Behlen, Kennon Drew, Tom Garth, Lucy Lyons, Robby McClure
Please speak with the members of the nominating committee and give them names of those you would like to have considered for vestry. You may submit names by phone or email, as well. It is not necessary for you to tell those you are suggesting for vestry that you are doing so.
Vestry and convention delegate elections will take place at the Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, December 6, during coffee hour.
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O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servants the help of your power, that their sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
We pray for:
Members:
Brink Brinkley, Butch Trawick, Alice Carwie, Katherine Deaton, Hank Cobb, Smitty Vanek, Jordan Moore
Friends & Family:
Peggy Naughton, Gary Davis, Harrison Leff, Michael Cameron, Nancy & Don Cameron, Rob & Amy Archer Ellis, Joyce Lee, Davis Nelson, Michael Sumrall, Gwen Cook, Alfred Showers, Jim Elia, Anne Brown, Mark Brown, Harriett Lillich, Dave Carlyn Block, Rachel McClanahan, Tom Cunningham, Francis Grace Hirs, Norma Beazley, Curtis Bullock, Valerie Boatman, Ann Jones, Hank Wozniek, Lisa Thompson, Stella Phillips, James Thomas, Ted Fraiche, Mark Miles, Tot Swanson, Art Swanson, Hayden Jenkins, Maggie Jenkins, Betty Ruth Patek, Carolyn Pryor, Merle Findley, Louise Douglas, Shirley & Dunlap Peeples, Steve Harris, Marian Macpherson Currie, Kit & Roger Geil and the Geil family, Angel & Larry Torres, Kathy Boucvalt, Bill Stevens, Ginger Simpson, Karen Sentilles, Lila Fisk, Tracey Johnson, Joe Lowrey, Temple Webber, Celeste Hall, Betty Browder, Allan Tucker, Wyatt Ison, Kathy Sanders, Clarise Waters, Glenn Hill, Leslie Ellis Sharbel, Cora Lemmon, Marian Hall, Homer Kemp, Jane Behlen, Dan Jones, Florence Tucker, Betty Larison, Carolyn Graham, Ralph and Catherine Neal, Willie Thomas, Mark Mason, Anita Stead, Tim Fulton, Bennett Stenger, Gladys Crowson, Billy Yost, Noel Fell, the Ward Family, Sybil Willis Rodgers, Hap Myers, Jr., Paul Vickers, Sr., George Robison, Georgia Dominick, Robin Wade, Randy Moore, Rick Nichols, Kate Heddrich, Julie Brinson, Ceaser Bryant, Moana Karstater, Dianne McCall, Icy Lee Neel, Frances Robison, Jim McCall, Emily Hubbard, Mike Dowers, Jason Lockwood, Ainsely McNeely, Pat Fisher, Bubba Murray, Joleen Patrick, Sally McNeely, Bernice Vickers, Jerry Collins, Grady McMillan, Bobby Moss, Sàde McCall, Polly Garner, Kerry Goode
For Those Serving in the Military:
Brian Caselton, Louis Coggin, Jonathan Duralde, Tyler Gamble, Sam Garcia, Darrien Gibson, Parker Hollinghead, Kelley Hood, Brian Hudson, Abby Hutchins, Randy Johnson, Ron Lansong, Jean-Michael Lemieux, Chris Marslender, Zack Miller, Todd & Jordana Mouthaan, Keith Moss, Michael Nassar, Jerry Olin, Brian Pennell, Josh Power, Daniel White-Spunner Reed, Susan Reniewicz, Evan Sizemore, John Snyder, Conner Thigpen, Ryan Anthony Thomas, Ryan Walker, The Rev. Bowen Woodruff
Anglican Cycle of Prayer:
The Episcopal Diocese of Spokane
Cathedral Cycle of Prayer:
St. Christopher's, Pensacola, Florida; Sara Phillips, Pastoral Leader, St. Mary's, Coden
Ecumenical Cycle of Prayer:
The Church in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, and Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Mobile
Prison Ministry Cycle of Prayer:
Choctaw County Jail, Butler, Alabama
Flowers:
The flowers on the altar are given to the Glory of God and in memory of Anna Louise Morriss Staples, Alfred Lewis Staples, Emily Staples Hearin, William Jefferson Hearin, Jr., Sidney Phillip Van Antwerp.
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WILMER HALL NEWS
GET "FIRED UP"
FOR WILMER HALL!
The BBQ Rib Fundraiser is back!
On Saturday, October 17th, pick up your order in the drive through (circular driveway) on Wilmer Hall's front lawn.
PICK UP TIME
is 11 am - 2 pm.
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