THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT

March 14, 2021 1 5:00 p.m. – CHORAL EVENSONG

Welcome! We are delighted to have you join us for worship today! Everything you need to follow along with the service is contained in this bulletin. For a complete list of safety protocols for worship, please see page 7 of this bulletin.

VOLUNTARY Evening Song Edward C. Bairstow

INTROIT A Prayer of King Henry VI Henry G. Ley Lord Jesus Christ, who created, redeemed, and preordained me to be this that I am, you know what you wish to do with me; do with me in accordance with your will, with mercy. Amen. – Text: Eton College founder’s prayer, attributed to Henry VI, sung in Latin

Please stand OPENING HYMN Dear Lord and Father of mankind (Repton)

Dear Lord and Father of mankind, forgive our foolish ways! Re-clothe us in our rightful mind, in purer lives thy service find, in deeper reverence, praise; in deeper reverence, praise.

In simple trust like theirs who heard, beside the Syrian sea, the gracious calling of the Lord, let us, like them, without a word, rise up and follow thee; rise up and follow thee.

O Sabbath rest by Galilee! O calm of hills above, where Jesus knelt to share with thee the silence of eternity interpreted by love; interpreted by love!

Drop thy still dews of quietness, till all our strivings cease; take from our souls the strain and stress, and let our ordered lives confess the beauty of thy peace; the beauty of thy peace.

Breathe through the heats of our desire thy coolness and thy balm; let sense be dumb, let flesh retire; speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire, O still, small voice of calm; O still, small voice of calm.

Words by John Greenleaf Whittier; Music by C. Hubert H. Parry; both © Public Domain. 1

CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

Officiant I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; my heart teaches me, night after night. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not fall. – Psalm 16:7-8

Officiant Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.

All kneel and say the Confession Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep, we have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts, we have offended against thy holy laws, we have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, spare thou those who confess their faults, restore thou those who are penitent, according to thy promises declared unto mankind, in Christ Jesus our Lord; and grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake; that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of thy holy Name. Amen.

Officiant The almighty and merciful Lord grant you absolution and remission of all your sins, true repentance, amendment of life, and the grace and consolation of his Holy Spirit. Amen.

Please stand INVITATORY AND PSALTER

The Preces and Responses Setting by David Drinkell Officiant O Lord, open thou our lips; Choir And our mouth shall show forth thy praise. Officiant O God, make speed to save us. Choir O Lord, make haste to help us. Officiant Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; Choir As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Officiant Praise ye the Lord. Choir The Lord’s name be praised.

Phos Hilaron – O gladsome Light (Le Cantique de Siméon)

O gladsome Light, O grace of God the Father’s face, the eternal splendor wearing; celestial, holy, blest, our Savior Jesus Christ, joyful in thine appearing.

Now, ere day fadeth quite, we see the evening light, our wonted hymn outpouring; Father of might unknown, thee, his incarnate Son, and Holy Spirit adoring. To thee of right belongs all praise of holy songs, O Son of God, Life-giver; thee, therefore, O Most High, the world doth glorify, and shall exalt forever.

Words Greek, 3 rd century, trans. Robert Seymour Bridges; Music: melody by Louis Bourgeois, harm. Claude Goudimel; both © Public Domain.

The Congregation may be seated as the Choir sings Psalm 46 chant: adapted from “A mighty fortress” by Martin Luther 1 God is our refuge and strength, * a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, * and though the mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea; 3 Though its waters rage and foam, * and though the mountains tremble at its tumult. 4 The LORD of hosts is with us; * the God of Jacob is our stronghold. 5 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, * the holy habitation of the Most High. 6 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be overthrown; * God shall help her at the break of day. 2

7 The nations make much ado, and the kingdoms are shaken; * God has spoken, and the earth shall melt away. 8 The LORD of hosts is with us; * the God of Jacob is our stronghold. 9 Come now and look upon the works of the LORD , * what awesome things he has done on earth. 10 It is he who makes war to cease in all the world; * he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear, and burns the shields with fire. 11 “Be still, then, and know that I am God; * I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.” 12 The LORD of hosts is with us; * the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

THE FIRST LESSON Jeremiah 14:1-9, 17-22 The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought: Judah mourns and her gates languish; they lie in gloom on the ground, and the cry of Jerusalem goes up. Her nobles send their servants for water; they come to the cisterns, they find no water, they return with their vessels empty. They are ashamed and dismayed and cover their heads, because the ground is cracked. Because there has been no rain on the land the farmers are dismayed; they cover their heads. Even the doe in the field forsakes her newborn fawn because there is no grass. The wild asses stand on the bare heights, they pant for air like jackals; their eyes fail because there is no herbage. Although our iniquities testify against us, act, O Lord, for your name’s sake; our apostasies indeed are many, and we have sinned against you. O hope of Israel, its savior in time of trouble, why should you be like a stranger in the land, like a traveler turning aside for the night? Why should you be like someone confused, like a mighty warrior who cannot give help? Yet you, O Lord, are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name; do not forsake us! You shall say to them this word: Let my eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease, for the virgin daughter—my people—is struck down with a crushing blow, with a very grievous wound. If I go out into the field, look—those killed by the sword! And if I enter the city, look—those sick with famine! For both prophet and priest ply their trade throughout the land, and have no knowledge. Have you completely rejected Judah? Does your heart loathe Zion? Why have you struck us down so that there is no healing for us? We look for peace, but find no good; for a time of healing, but there is terror instead. We acknowledge our wickedness, O Lord, the iniquity of our ancestors, for we have sinned against you. Do not spurn us, for your name’s sake; do not dishonor your glorious throne; remember and do not break your covenant with us. Can any idols of the nations bring rain? Or can the heavens give showers? Is it not you, O Lord our God? We set our hope on you, for it is you who do all this.

Magnificat sung by the choir Basil Harwood My soul doth magnify the Lord, * and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. For he hath regarded * the lowliness of his handmaiden. For behold from henceforth * all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath magnified me, * and holy is his Name. And his mercy is on them that fear him * throughout all generations. He hath showed strength with his arm; * he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seat, * and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath filled the hungry with good things, * and the rich he hath sent empty away. 3

He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel, * as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

THE SECOND LESSON Galatians 4:21-5:1 Tell me, you who desire to be subject to the law, will you not listen to the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and the other by a free woman. One, the child of the slave, was born according to the flesh; the other, the child of the free woman, was born through the promise. Now this is an allegory: these women are two covenants. One woman, in fact, is Hagar, from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the other woman corresponds to the Jerusalem above; she is free, and she is our mother. For it is written, “Rejoice, you childless one, you who bear no children, burst into song and shout, you who endure no birth pangs; for the children of the desolate woman are more numerous than the children of the one who is married.” Now you, my friends, are children of the promise, like Isaac. But just as at that time the child who was born according to the flesh persecuted the child who was born according to the Spirit, so it is now also. But what does the scripture say? “Drive out the slave and her child; for the child of the slave will not share the inheritance with the child of the free woman.” So then, friends, we are children, not of the slave but of the free woman. For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Nunc dimittis sung by the choir Basil Harwood Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, * according to thy word; For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, * which thou hast prepared before the face of all people, To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, * and to be the glory of thy people Israel. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Please stand THE APOSTLES’ CREED Officiant and People together I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

THE PRAYERS The people stand or kneel Setting by David Drinkell Officiant The Lord be with you. Choir And with thy spirit. Officiant Let us pray. Choir Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us.

Officiant and Choir 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.

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Officiant O Lord, show thy mercy upon us; Choir And grant us thy salvation. Officiant O Lord, save the State; Choir And mercifully hear us when we call upon thee. Officiant Endue thy ministers with righteousness; Choir And make thy chosen people joyful. Officiant O Lord, save thy people; Choir And bless thine inheritance. Officiant Give peace in our time, O Lord; Choir Because there is none other that fighteth for us, but only thou, O God. Officiant O God, make clean our hearts within us; Choir And take not thy Holy Spirit from us.

THE COLLECTS

Officiant Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which giveth life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Choir Amen.

Officiant Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Choir Amen.

Officiant Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give thine angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for thy love’s sake. Choir Amen.

The Congregation may be seated as the Choir sings THE ANTHEM Expectans expectavi Charles Wood [From morn to midnight, all day through, And all year long upon the stage I have a temple I do not I laugh and play as others do, I dance and tumble and do rage Visit, a heart I have forgot, I sin and chatter, just the same So vehemently, I scarcely see A self that I have never met, As others with a different name. The inner and eternal me. A secret shrine—and yet, and yet]

This sanctuary of my soul With parted lips and outstretched hands Unwitting I keep white and whole, And listening ears Thy servant stands, Unlatched and lit, if Thou should’st care Call Thou early, call Thou late, To enter or to tarry there. To Thy great service dedicate.

A note on the text: This wonderful poem was written by Charles Hamilton Sorley. The title is the Latin incipit of Psalm 40 and means, “I waited patiently for the Lord.” We are to have this idea of waiting for the Lord in mind as we read the poem (and listen to the anthem), which is perfect for Lent since it describes the poet as a sinner caught up in life just like everyone else who, nevertheless, has a sanctuary inside himself, waiting for the Lord to enter. While the poem is excellent in its own right, it was made even more famous when Charles Wood chose to set it to hauntingly beautiful music, calling attention with a dramatic pause to the words, “Call Thou early, call Thou late,” since he was composing in 1919, a mere four years after Sorley was “called early” by his tragic death in WWI at the age of 20. The entire text is included, but Wood’s music only sets the final two stanzas.

Please stand PRESENTATION HYMN Eternal Lord of love, behold your Church walking once more the pilgrim way of Lent, led by your cloud by day, by night your fire, moved by your love and toward your presence bent: far off yet here the goal of all desire.

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THE GENERAL THANKSGIVING said by all Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we thine unworthy servants do give thee most humble and hearty thanks for all thy goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all men. We bless thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for thine inestimable 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 beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful; and that we show forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to thy service, and by walking before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

THE GRACE Officiant The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.

CLOSING HYMN Now the day is over (Merrial)

Now the day is over, night is drawing nigh, shadows of the evening steal across the sky.

Jesus, give the weary calm and sweet repose; with Thy tenderest blessing may mine eyelids close.

Grant to little children visions bright of thee; guard the sailors tossing on the deep, blue sea.

Comfort every sufferer, watching late in pain; those who plan some evil from their sin restrain.

Through the long night watches may thine angels spread their white wings above me, watching round my bed.

When the morning wakens, then may I arise pure, and fresh, and sinless in thy holy eyes.

Words by Sabine Baring-Gould; music by Joseph Barnby; both © Public Domain.

VOLUNTARY AND PROCESSION Prelude in F Franz Tunder

 Music Notes Tonight’s Evensong is a hybrid. On the one hand we have celebratory music that reflects the Fourth Sunday in Lent, known as “Laetare”, meaning “rejoice”, from the Latin incipit of the Introit for the Fourth Sunday in Lent, representing an easing off from the usual rigors of Lent at about the midpoint of the season. On the other hand, the opening introit and hymn are specifically Lenten in nature as is the wonderful anthem by Charles Wood (see further note earlier in this bulletin). It’s the best of both worlds in this lovely “mid-Lent” service.

WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS

Clergy – Rev. William Stokes

St. Mark’s Choir – Christian Bolante, Tavian Cox, Lee Haramis, Hugh Morris, Maggie Rowe, Brittany Santos, Cameryn Valiente, Jon Woodbine

Director of Music – James Holyer

Crucifer – Jacob Holyer Lector – Payson Tilden Verger – Keith Daw

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Parish News – March 14, 2021 INSTRUCTIONS for SAFETY DURING WORSHIP Please note the following guidelines below that are in place to safeguard the health and well-being of our fellow parishioners. Note that any public location where people are present provides an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19. While protocols are in place to sanitize all surfaces and follow safety guidelines, there is a risk that you may be exposed during your visit. - Please wear face masks or face-coverings throughout the service. Face masks should cover your mouth and nose at all times, except when consuming the Communion wafer. - Observe 6 feet distancing guidelines and avoid physical contact with folks outside of your immediate family .

THIS WEEK AT ST. MARK’S - - Sunday, March 14 – 10 a.m. – Fundamentals of our Faith Lion’s Forum – Chapel - Sunday, March 14 – 10 a.m. – Sunday School for all ages – see details below - Sunday, March 14 – 10 a.m. – Christianity Today – via Zoom - Sunday, March 14 – 5 p.m. – Choral Evensong – Church and virtual worship - Sunday, March 14 – 6-6:45 p.m. – Junior High EYC – Youth Center - Sunday, March 14 – 6:45-7:15 p.m. – EYC dinner – Youth Center - Sunday, March 14 – 7:15-8 p.m. – Senior High EYC – Youth Center - Wednesday, March 17 – 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. – Holy Eucharist – Chapel - Friday, March 19 – Men’s Bible Study – Youth Center in person and via Zoom

Sunday School for all ages In addition to our two ongoing adult classes, Sunday School for children and youth has begun again from 10 to 10:50 a.m. in the following locations: - Pre-K through 3 rd grade – Hope House - Breakfast Club (4 th through 6 th grades) – Grace House - Junior and Senior High Youth – Youth Center Thank you to all the volunteers who have made this exciting return of Sunday School possible!

Fundamentals of our Faith Lions Forum Series – TODAY IN THE CHAPEL Join us for this series in person on Sundays at 10 a.m. through March 28. If you are interested in becoming a confirmed member of St. Mark’s or just want to learn about faith in our tradition, then we invite you to explore the Fundamentals of our Faith. This clergy-led class will take a look at different aspects of our church and faith and answer any questions that you might have about the Episcopal Church. All are welcome to attend! This series will also be available to view on our website and through our Teaching Tuesdays email.

EYC resumes TONIGHT! Join us TONIGHT for Shaving Cream Baseball as we kick-off our NEW Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) spring schedule! Junior High (grades 6-8) will meet from 6 to 6:45 p.m.; Senior High (grades 9-12) will meet from 7:15 to 8 p.m.; and the two groups will overlap for dinner from 6:45 to 7:15 p.m. Contact Nic Mandolini if you have questions or to let us know you’re coming at (813) 447-9975 or [email protected]. Hope to see you there!

Wednesdays in Lent – On the Seven Deadly Sins This year’s Wednesdays in Lent class will be led by The Rev. Cn. Dr. Douglas Dupree who will explore what theologians, artists, poets, satirists, and the Bible have to say about the seven deadly sins. The series will be virtual-only, so look for the email to view the recording at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays.

Service Opportunity: Community Health Outreach (CHO) Thanks to all who provided diapers, wipes and formula to our neighbors in need through CHO! We are now collecting baby formula AND new clothes for 2-year-olds. Collection bins are located outside the chapel, under the covered walkway, or you may bring your donation to the church office. Thank you! 7

Upcoming Youth Activities Join us Saturday, March 20, from 7-9 p.m. “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” as we enjoy a movie night and food truck at the youth center. Then on March 21, from 6-8 p.m., come join us for a progressive dinner at Bettes Park. Please contact Nic Mandolini, Director of Youth Ministry for more information.

Support Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) ERD has responded and provided relief funds to natural disasters, at home and abroad, for over 80 years. If you would like to give to ERD, you may do so through St. Mark’s in several different ways: 1) by giving online, 2) making your check payable to the church and noting ERD in the memo line or 3) picking up a mite box to collect loose change. You may also designate those funds to go specifically to relief in Texas. Thank you for your generous support!

Palm Sunday crosses assembly Thurs., March 25, 9 a.m. – Noon, Leatherbury Hall. Enjoy fellowship and help make crosses for Palm Sunday.

Dedicate Flowers for Easter Remember or honor your loved ones by giving and dedicating altar or memorial garden flowers this Easter Sunday. Please contact Denise Hudmon at (904) 388-2681 or [email protected] by Friday, March 26.

Holy Baptism at St. Mark’s

Holy Baptism is one of the two Sacraments instituted by Jesus, and is an occasion of great celebration in the community of faith! Not only do we bear witness to the claiming of an individual as “Christ’s own forever,” we also promise to “support these persons in their life in Christ.” Additionally, we reaffirm our own commitment, re-claiming Christ as our Savior and promising to follow Him as our Lord.

There are certain Sundays throughout the Church Year when it’s especially appropriate to administer baptism. Typically, St. Mark’s offers baptisms on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord, the Sunday after Easter, the Day of Pentecost, All Saints’ Sunday, and other specified Sundays during the year. In 2021, our Sunday baptism dates are: January 10, February 14, April 11, May 23, August 22, and November 7.

Due to the pandemic, we are currently limiting the number of baptisms to one per service, so if you’re interested we encourage you to sign up quickly. In addition to the above Sunday morning dates, we are also offering “family baptisms” for families and small groupings of friends who would feel safer gathering at home or in the church on an agreed upon Saturday morning.

If you’re interested in baptism at St. Mark’s, please contact one of the clergy!

BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS – Week of March 14 – March 20 Patty Baldwin, Susan Bancks, Dick Barker, Norma Basford, Kate Bates, Catherine Baum, Margaret Brent, Catherine Brewer, Harris Collins, Billy Crosby, Luke Dearing, Stephanie Deimling, Kate Fackler, Laura Fackler, Katie Gabriel, John Godfrey, Bette Hagel, Anna Hammond, Ford Houston, Robert Kincaid, Bon Martens, Liz Mundin, Tom Murray, Julie Pope, Brooke Robertson, Anne Romaine, Carol Rountree, John Summerlin, Bennett Surface, Holly Upchurch, Johnny Valentino, Penny Ware and Lance Windley.

If your birthday is this week and your name is not listed or if you do not want your birthday to be listed, please contact the church office.

Serving Christ in the Episcopal Diocese of Florida since 1922 4129 Oxford Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32210  (904) 388-2681  www.stmarksjacksonville.org ______

Church Office and The Red Lion Gift Shop Hours Office: 8:30 a.m.– 5 p.m. Mon–Thurs; 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. Fri Gift Shop: 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Mon–Fri; 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sun Online giving – stmarksjacksonville.org/give Text giving – Simply text STMARKSJAX to 73256 to give from your phone 8