Acclamation
Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People: And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and forever. Amen.
The Miracle of Morning by Amanda Gorman
Looking for words to help us remember the horrific events of September 11, 2001, I found this poem
written by Amanda Gorman early in the coronavirus pandemic when we were only beginning to comprehend the
scale of national mourning to come. Amanda wanted to acknowledge the promise of healing, like the light of morning
that springs from despair. I hope the lessons we are learning even today will help us honor and remember the events,
the people, the heros, and national mourning of twenty years ago on 9/11. And may we also remember
and honor the people, the heros and the sacrifices made during the twenty years of war in Afghanistan.
“When this ends, we’ll smile sweetly, finally seeing
in testing times, we became the best of beings.”
PLMcP+
THE MIRACLE OF MORNING
I thought I’d awaken to a world in mourning.
Heavy clouds crowding, a society storming.
But there’s something different on this golden morning.
Something magical in the sunlight, wide and warming.
I see a dad with a stroller taking a jog.
Across the street, a bright-eyed girl chases her dog.
A grandma on a porch fingers her rosaries.
She grins as her young neighbor brings her groceries.
While we might feel small, separate, and all alone,
Our people have never been more closely tethered.
The question isn’t if we will weather this unknown,
But how we will weather this unknown together.
So on this meaningful morn, we mourn and we mend.
Like light, we can’t be broken, even when we bend.
As one, we will defeat both despair and disease.
We stand with healthcare heroes and all employees;
With families, libraries, schools, waiters, artists;
Businesses, restaurants, and hospitals hit hardest.
We ignite not in the light, but in lack thereof,
For it is in loss that we truly learn to love.
In this chaos, we will discover clarity.
In suffering, we must find solidarity.
For it’s our grief that gives us our gratitude,
Shows us how to find hope, if we ever lose it.
So ensure that this ache wasn’t endured in vain:
Do not ignore the pain. Give it purpose. Use it.
Read children’s books, dance alone to DJ music.
Know that this distance will make our hearts grow fonder.
From a wave of woes our world will emerge stronger.
We’ll observe how the burdens braved by humankind
Are also the moments that make us humans kind;
Let every dawn find us courageous, brought closer;
Heeding the light before the fight is over.
When this ends, we’ll smile sweetly, finally seeing
In testing times, we became the best of beings.
Opening Hymn
Christ whose glory fills the skies 1982 Hymnal – 7
The Collect
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 Gospel and Reflection
Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people
say that I am?” And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” He asked them,
“But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone
about him. Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders,
the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him
aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan!
For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them,
“If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save
their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them
to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me
and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes
in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
Prayers of the People
Leader: In peace, we pray to you, Lord God. For all people in their daily life and work;
People: For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
Leader: For this community, the nation, and the world;
People: For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
Leader: For the just and proper use of your creation;
People: For victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
Leader: For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
People: For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
Leader: For Michael, our Presiding Bishop, for Eugene and Robert, our bishops; for all clergy and laity;
People: For all who serve God in his Church.
Leader: For the special needs and concerns of this congregation, especially for all those effected by the Coronavirus and for those working for racial justice. And also those for whom we offer our prayers, aloud or silently _________. (Silence)
Hear us, Lord;
People: For your mercy is great.
Leader: We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life, we offer our prayers aloud or silently __________. (Silence)
We will exalt you, O God our King;
People: And praise your Name for ever and ever.
Leader: We pray for all who have died, remembering especially_______, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom. (Silence)
Lord, let your loving kindness be upon them;
People: Who put their trust in you.
Celebrant: O Lord our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies, look with compassion upon us and all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
The Great Thanksgiving
Eucharistic Prayer A Book of Common Prayer – 361
Presentation Hymn
Diverse in culture, nation, race, we come together by your grace.
God help us be a meeting ground where hope and healing can be found.
God, let us be a bridge of care connecting people everywhere.
Help us confront all fear and hate and lust for pow’r that separate.
When chasms widen, storms arise, O Holy Spirit, make us wise.
Let our resolve, like steel, be strong to stand with those who suffer wrong.
God, let us be a table spread with gifts of love and broken bread,
Where all find welcome, grace attends, and enemies arise as friends.
Communion Hymn
Spirit, be our Spirit Listening Hearts Hymnal – 2
Communion Prayer
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.
Prayer for Peace
O God, the Father of all, guide us into the ways of peace. Lead us from prejudice to truth; deliver us from hatred,
cruelty, violence, and mean spiritedness; fill us with generosity, hospitality and love, and in your good time
enable us all to stand reconciled before you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Closing Hymn
His Eye Is on the Sparrow LEVAS Hymnal – 191
Final Blessing
All: Go forth into the world in peace; be of good courage; hold fast to that which is good; render to no one, evil for evil; strengthen the fainthearted; support the weak; help the afflicted; honor all; love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Celebrant: And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
be upon us, and remain with us, now and forever. Amen.
The Peace of the Lord be always with you.