Saint Paul’s Parish 174 Whisconier Road Brookfield, CT 06804 “Transforming Lives Through Jesus Christ” (Episcopal/Anglican)

(203) 775-9587 (Office)

www.SaintPaulsBrookfield.com

Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost November 15, 2020

Celebrant & Preacher

The Reverend Joseph Shepley

11:00 am - Holy Eucharist

We extend a warm welcome to everyone who has joined us for worship this morning. We pray you experience the presence and love of Christ as we worship together!

Welcome Back

 Thank you for wearing your mask properly, covering your mouth & nose at all times.  Thank you for following the ushers directions.  Thank you for being respectful of others needs, their space and beliefs as we all deal with the Connecticut Covid-19 Phase 2.1 Guidelines.

Prelude Prelude on “Morning Song” S. Scott

All stand as able for hymns

Opening Hymn “Awake, awake to love and work!” Hymnal 9 (Verses 4 - 6)

2 The Word of the Lord

Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

Celebrant: 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.

Opening Praise “The Way” Through every battle, through every heartbreak, Bridge Through every circumstance, I believe, It's a new horizon and I'm set on You. That You are my fortress, You are my portion, And, You meet me here today, You are my hiding place, I believe, You are... With mercies that are new. All my fears and doubts, they can all come too. Chorus Because they can't stay long... The Way, the Truth, the Life. (When I'm here with You) I believe, You are, (When I believe You are) The Way, the Truth, the Life. Repeat I believe, (You are). Chorus Through every blessing, through every promise, Through every breath I take, I believe, Bridge That You are provider, You are protector, Chorus You are the One I love, I believe, You are.

Chorus Ben Smith | Daniel Bashta | Pat Barrett © Heritage Worship Publishing, Capitol CMG Genesis, Housefires Sounds, Go Forth Sounds, Bread & Wine Sounds CCLI License # 33760

3 The Collect of the Day

Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Celebrant: Let us pray together. Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(Please be seated for the readings)

The Old Testament Lesson Judges 4:1-7

The Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, after Ehud died. So the LORD sold them into the hand of King Jabin of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor; the commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-ha-goiim. Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD for help; for he had nine hundred chariots of iron, and had oppressed the Israelites cruelly twenty years.

At that time Deborah, a prophetess, wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the Israelites came up to her for judgment. She sent and summoned Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali, and said to him, “The LORD, the God of Israel, commands you, ‘Go, take position at Mount Tabor, bringing ten thousand from the tribe of Naphtali and the tribe of Zebulun. I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin’s army, to meet you by the Wadi Kishon with his chariots and his troops; and I will give him into your hand.’”

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

4 Psalm 123

1 To you I lift up my eyes, * to you enthroned in the heavens.

2 As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, * and the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,

3 So our eyes look to the Lord our God, * until he show us his mercy.

4 Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy, * for we have had more than enough of con-tempt,

5 Too much of the scorn of the indolent rich, * and of the derision of the proud.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,* and to the Holy Spirit:

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. A-men.

The Epistle 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and

5 be sober; for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.

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

(Please stand as able for the Gospel)

The Gospel Matthew 25:14-30

Celebrant: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. People: Glory to You, Lord Christ.

Jesus said, “It is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money

6 with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest.

So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’”

Celebrant: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Gospel Response “Lifted High” Majesty and glory that words fail to describe, May we imitate His holiness Expanses of the heavens that all might see the light that never met an eye, May your name be lifted high, Wonder fills this worshiper may your name be lifted high. with unreserved delight, Radiance and splendor May your name be lifted high. that fills the morning sky, Who is there like you, Intricate creations that baffle fragile minds, oh Lord, worthy of all praise Wonder fills this worshiper Who was there before you Lord, my joyful spirit cries, ancient of all days May your name be lifted high. Wonder fills this worshiper, Chorus 2x and all that I can say,

May your name be lifted high. © 2004 Andy Needham CCLI License No 33760

Chorus May the matchless name of Jesus be the anthem of our lives. May the power of His presence mark our hearts with holy fire.

The Sermon The Reverend Joseph Shepley

7 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.

8 The Prayers of the People

In the course of the silence during each bidding, the People offer their own prayers, either silently or aloud.

Leader: Let us pray for the Church and for the world. Grant, Almighty God, that all who confess your Name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world. Silence. Lord, in your mercy All Hear our prayer.

Leader: Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations, in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good. Silence. Lord, in your mercy All Hear our prayer.

Leader: Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory. Silence. Lord, in your mercy All Hear our prayer.

Leader: Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours, and grant that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as he loves us. Silence. Lord, in your mercy All Hear our prayer.

Leader: Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation. Silence. Lord, in your mercy All Hear our prayer.

Leader: We commend to your mercy all who have died, that your will for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all your saints in your eternal kingdom. We remember this day: Ralph Boyd DeCristoforo, Drew Lester Crocker, Elijah Michael O'Connors, Emanuel David O'Connors; and Brian Matthew Simon in whose memory the altar flowers are given. Silence. Lord, in your mercy All Hear our prayer.

9 (Click on blue links to see more prayers) Birthdays Anniversaries For Recovery from Sickness For Travelers For a Person in Trouble or Bereavement For Those to be Baptized For the Departed Consecration of Samuel Seabury Full list of prayers

The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.

Confession of Sin Please kneel as able.

Celebrant: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. Silence may be kept.

All: 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 heart; 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.

Announcements (Please be seated for the announcements)

10 All stand as able for hymns

Offertory Hymn “Stand in Your Love”

When darkness tries to roll over my bones, Chorus 1 When sorrow comes to steal the joy I own, There's power that can break off every chain. When brokenness and pain is all I know, There's power that can empty out a grave.

I won't be shaken, I won't be shaken. There's resurrection power that can save. There's power in Your name, Chorus 1 power in Your Name. My fear doesn't stand a chance (Repeat) When I stand in Your love. (Repeat 2x) Chorus 1

Shame no longer has a place to hide. Ethan Hulse | Josh Baldwin | Mark Harris | Rita Springer © 2018 Be Essential Songs, EGH Music Publishing, Gateway Create I am not a captive to the lies. Publishing, Gateway Worship Publishing, Coastal Lyric, Kindred I'm not afraid to leave my past behind. Joy Music, Bethel Music Publishing CCLI License # 33760 I won't be shaken, I won't be shaken.

Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise him above, ye heavenly host: Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

The Holy Communion

The Great Thanksgiving

(Remain standing as able)

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 him thanks and praise.

11 Celebrant It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who on the first day of the week overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.

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

12 You may stand or kneel.

Celebrant Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.

He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me."

After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me."

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

All: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

Celebrant We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and

ascension, we offer you these gifts.

Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom. All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.

13 The Lord’s Prayer

Celebrant: And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, All: 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.

The Breaking of the Bread

Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; All: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

Fraction Anthem: Lamb of God: Agnus Dei J. Merbecke

14 Spiritual Communion

Celebrant: In communion with those who cannot be with us today, let us pray together: All: In union, O Lord with the faithful at every altar of your Church, where the Holy Eucharist is celebrated, I desire to offer you praise and thanksgiving. I present to you my soul and body with the earnest wish that I may always be united to you. And since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I ask you to come spiritually into my heart. I unite myself to you, and embrace you with all the affections of my soul. Let nothing ever separate you from me. May I live and die in your love. Amen. (“The Armed Forces Prayerbook” (The Episcopal Church USA), 1951, adapted).

Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

(Please remain seated at your pew for distribution of the Bread and Wine.)

(Covenant Cards will be collected by an acolyte following the ministration of Communion.)

Communion Hymn “Build My Life” Worthy of ev'ry song we could ever sing. And show me who You are, Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring. And fill me with Your heart, Worthy of ev'ry breath we could ever breathe, And lead me in Your love to those around me. We live for You. Bridge Jesus the name above ev'ry other name. I will build my life upon Your love, Jesus the only one who could ever save. It is a firm foundation, Worthy of ev'ry breath we could ever breathe, I will put my trust in You alone, We live for You, we live for You. And I will not be shaken.

Chorus Brett Younker | Karl Martin | Kirby Kaple | Matt Redman | Holy, there is no one like You, Pat Barrett © 2016 Martin, Karl Andrew, Kaple Music, Capitol CMG Genesis, Housefires Sounds, Said And Done Music, There is none beside You. sixsteps Music, Thankyou Music, worshiptogether.com songs, Open up my eyes in wonder Bethel Music Publishing CCLI License # 33760 15 Postcommunion Prayer

All: 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.

Blessing

Closing Hymn “O God, our help in ages past” Hymnal 680

16 Dismissal

Celebrant: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Alleluia. Alleluia. All: Thanks be to God. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Postlude “Postlude in G Major” C. Franck

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“Celebrating 235 years in the Spirit”

18 Announcements

CT Phase 2.1 Guidelines - In accordance with the new CT Phase 2.1 guidelines, we are still allowed to use seating up to 50% of our capacity, while still subject to wearing facemasks and social distancing. Please follow all social distancing protocols.

Sunday School - Sunday School for grades K-5 is meeting during our 9:30 am service. For protocols or questions, contact Patrick O’Connors at [email protected] or Nicole O’Connors at [email protected].

Thanksgiving Baskets - Christmas Giving Tree – Brookfield Social Services has changed the process for their programs in this Covid season. There will be no Thanksgiving baskets or Christmas giving tree. The best way to deal with the challenges this year is to collect gift cards for each of their clients. For Thanksgiving, it will be grocery store cards- ShopRite, Big Y, Stop & Shop, etc. Christmas gift cards could be from Kohl’s, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, CVS, Bed, Bath and Beyond, or gas cards for area stations. We have a “mailbox” at the back of church for you to put your gift cards in. Please put it in an envelope and mark it clearly. Thanksgiving gifts cards are due in by Monday, November 16th, if possible. However we will continue to accept the Christmas gift cards until December 7th. If you have any questions, call Barbara DeAnzeris (203) 733-1763, or Bonnie Wanzer (203) 313-2814. Thank you.

Drive Thru Food Collection - Our next Drive-Thru Food Collection is Wednesday, November 18th from 11 am to 1 pm. Thanksgiving dinner food items welcomed. If you are unable to drop off during these hours, alternate arrangements can be made ([email protected]).

Tuesday Night Ladies Bible Study - Meets weekly on Tuesday nights on Zoom from 7- 8 pm. Fr. Joe will lead the Ladies evening Bible study this week, Nov 17th. They will be discussing Isaiah chapter 53, which includes familiar passages such as 53:5. Check our website for the link to the Zoom meeting or contact Carol Wheeler for more info at [email protected].

Prayer Needs? - You can let us know by submitting your need on our website or emailing [email protected] and our team of intercessors will pray for your request or you can ask for a prayer servant to call you and we can pray together!

Ladies Tuesday AM Bible Study - Meets weekly on Tuesday mornings from 9:30 am - 11 am. They are currently studying the Ten Commandments. Please contact Debbi Pomeroy by email at [email protected] for more info.

Holy Land 2021 – Join us on our pilgrimage as we walk on holy ground and experience God’s word come alive in Israel next April-May. Brochures are available at the back of the church or by contacting David Szen at [email protected].

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Calendar For The Week (We welcome and encourage parishioners to come to any of these ministries.) (Check website for up to date Zoom links - www.SaintPaulsBrookfield.com)

Sun., November 15 8:00 am - Traditional Holy Eucharist (YouTube Live) 9:30 am - Traditional Holy Eucharist (YouTube Live) 9:30 am - Sunday School 11:00 am - Contemporary Holy Eucharist (YouTube Live) 12:00 pm - What’s Cooking St. Paul’s? via Zoom Mon., November 16 7:00 pm - Men’s Bible Study via Zoom Tue., November 17 8:00 am - PraiseKicks via Zoom 9:30 am - Ladies Tuesday AM Bible Study via Zoom 7:00 pm - Tuesday Night Ladies Bible Study via Zoom Wed., November 18 10:00 am - Healing Prayer with Fr. Joe (Facebook Live) 11 - 1:00 pm - Drive Through Food Collection Sat., November 21 7:30 am - John 21:12 Group, Theo’s Diner, New Milford 10:00 am - PraiseMoves Live! via Zoom Sun., November 22 8:00 am - Traditional Holy Eucharist (YouTube Live) 9:30 am - Traditional Holy Eucharist (YouTube Live) 9:30 am - Sunday School 11:00 am - Contemporary Holy Eucharist (YouTube Live)

Next Sunday - Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King Holy Eucharist at 8:00 am, 9:30 am and 11:00 am Preacher: The Reverend Joseph Shepley

Readings for November 22nd Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Psalm 100; Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 25:31-46

Saint Paul’s Staff

Rector The Reverend Joseph Shepley Wardens Mary Perry and Lois Hunt Vestry Members Chuck Allen-Treasurer, David Williams-Clerk, Lin Bennett, Susan Champagne, Mary Beth Durkin, JoAnn Hornak, Max Kronberg, Dan Meyer, Alex Naradzay, Polly Sorentino, Lyndon Thomas, Sandra Visser Organist and Choirmaster Kirsten Peterson Coord. of Contemporary Worship & Family Ministries Patrick O’Connors Sunday School Administrator Nicole O’Connors Sexton Doug Melody

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