The FIRST WEDNESDAY in our LENTEN SERIES – February 24, 2021

Historic

Saint Thomas’ ParishFounded 1835 A.D.

2 East High Street Hancock, Maryland 21750

Office Telephone: 301-678-6569E-Mail: StThomasHancock@aol.com ● Website:

stthomashancock.orgThe Reverend F. Allan Weatherholt, Jr., Rector

The Reverend Anne O. Weatherholt, Priest-in-ResidenceThe Reverend Kirk E. DeVore, Deacon

J. Gwynne Cavey, Minister of MusicPamela J. S. Mann, Office Assistant

Tracy L. Salvagno, Church School Coordinator

Saint Thomas’ Episcopal Parish – Founded 1835 A.D.

Hancock, Maryland 21750Office: 301-678-6569 Rectory: 301-678-6888 Rector’s Cell: 301-491-6888

E-Mail: StThomasHancock@aol.com ● Website: stthomashancock.org

In the Holy Name of Jesus Christ, Welcome to Saint Thomas’ Church!

We are a lively, active community of faith. We strive to be a loving congregation, committed to welcoming ALL and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Our Church building is a beautiful and distinguished historic site. We invite you to read more about us. There is information on our Literature Table at the back of the Church and on our website. We are happy that you are here with us today! Please learn more about our worship from the notes below.

ABOUT THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH and OUR WORSHIP The Episcopal Church, USA, is the American branch of the 85-million member worldwide

Anglican Communion – those Churches born out of The Church of England. Of the world’s 2.2 billion Christians, we are the third largest body.

In our worship, there is strong emphasis upon congregational participation. The Clergy and the congregation together conduct our services. Worshippers are involved participants, not mere spectators. Please use The Book of Common Prayer (red), this Service Program and The Hymnal (blue) to worship God with joy and enthusiasm! Join in the responses, sing along on the Hymns. Hymn numbers preceded by ‘S’ are Service Music in the front of The Hymnal. Share with us in praising and thanking our loving God for all His blessings!

Our 10:A.M. service and many of our special services are live streamed on Facebook, then archived for later viewing. Note that you may be on camera at some point!

Our accessible entrance and restroom are on the west (left) side of the Church building.

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The FIRST WEDNESDAY in our LENTEN SERIESFebruary 24, 2021

7:30 P.M. EVENING PRAYER [Rite Two] and LENTEN PREACHINGVoluntary - Please use the time before the service for prayer and quiet reflection.

SILENT PROCESSION

OPENING HYMN 150, “Forty days and forty nights” Aus der Tiefe rufe ich

[ Hymns are printed on the final pages of this Service Booklet. ]

The Officiant begins the service with one or more of the following sentences of Scripture.

Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.    Psalm 141:2

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.     Philippians 1:2

Worship the Lord in the beauty of his holiness; let the whole earth tremble before him. Psalm 96:9

Yours is the day, O God, yours also the night; you established the moon and the sun. You fixed all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.     Psalm 74:15,16

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.

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Psalm 16:7,8

Seek him who made the Pleiades and Orion, and turns deep darkness into the morning, and darkens the day into night; who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out upon the surface of the earth: The Lord is his name.    Amos 5:8

If I say, “Surely the darkness will cover me, and the light around me turn to night,” darkness is not dark to you, O Lord; the night is as bright as the day; darkness and light to you are both alike.    Psalm 139:10,11

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” St. John 8:12

The Confession of Sin

The Officiant says to the people

Dear friends in Christ, here in the presence of Almighty God, let us kneel in silence, and with penitent and obedient hearts confess our sins, that we may obtain forgiveness by his infinite goodness and mercy.

Silence may be kept. Kneeling (as able), the Officiant and People say together

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against youin 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. 

The Priest alone stands and says

Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sinsthrough our Lord Jesus Christ [], strengthen you in all

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goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you ineternal life. Amen.

The Invitatory and Psalter – All stand.

Officiant: O God, make speed to save us.

People: O Lord, make haste to help us.

Officiant & People: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. INVITATORY: Phos hilaron –“O Gracious Light” – Hymnal S-59 – Sung by ALL

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The Psalter: Psalm 25:1-9 - - Said RESPONSIVELY, by Verses – ALL STANDING

1 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; my God, I put my trust in you; * let me not be humiliated, nor let my enemies triumph over me. 2 Let none who look to you be put to shame; * let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes. 3 Show me your ways, O LORD, * and teach me your paths. 4 Lead me in your truth and teach me, * for you are the God of my salvation;

in you have I trusted all the day long. 5 Remember, O LORD, your compassion and love, * for they are from everlasting. 6 Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; * remember me according to your love and for the sake of your goodness, O LORD. 7 Gracious and upright is the LORD; * therefore he teaches sinners in his way. 8 He guides the humble in doing right * and teaches his way to the lowly. 9 All the paths of the LORD are love and faithfulness * to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

At the end of the Psalm, ALL say

Officiant & People: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

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The Lessons

The Old Testament Lesson: Genesis 9:8-17

A Reading from the Book of Genesis. God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” God said to

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Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”

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

CANTICLE: Quaerite Dominum –“Second Song of Isaiah” – Hymnal S-217 – Sung by ALL

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The New Testament Lesson: Saint Mark 1:9-15

A Reading from the Gospel according to Saint Mark.

n those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit

descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

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

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CANTICLE: Nunc dimittis – “The Song of Simeon” – Hymnal S-253 - Sung by ALL

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The Apostles’ Creed – Said by ALL, Standing

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

and born of the Virgin Mary.He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried.He descended to the dead.On the third day he rose again.He ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church,

the communion of saints,the forgiveness of sins,the resurrection of the body,and the life everlasting. Amen.

Welcome and Announcements

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SERMON HYMN 530, “Spread, O spread, thou mighty word” Gott sei Dank

[ Hymns are printed on the final pages of this Service Booklet. ]

The Sermon: The Reverend Anne O. Weatherholt, Priest-in-Residence

OFFERTORY ANTHEM: “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind” Frederick C. Maker

PRESENTATION HYMN: The Doxology Old Hundredth

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

The Prayers

Officiant: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Officiant: Let us pray.

The People kneel, as able.

Officiant & People: 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.

Then follows one of these sets of Suffrages

              Form A

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V.    Show us your mercy, O Lord; R.    And grant us your salvation. V.    Clothe your ministers with righteousness; R.    Let your people sing with joy. V.    Give peace, O Lord, in all the world; R.    For only in you can we live in safety.V.    Lord, keep this nation under your care; R.    And guide us in the way of justice and truth. V.    Let your way be known upon earth; R.    Your saving health among all nations. V.    Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; R.    Nor the hope of the poor be taken away. V.    Create in us clean hearts, O God; R.    And sustain us by your Holy Spirit. 

Or this

Form BThat this evening may be holy, good, and peaceful,We entreat you, O Lord. 

That your holy angels may lead us in paths of peace and goodwill,We entreat you, O Lord. 

That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses,We entreat you, O Lord. 

That there may be peace to your Church and to the whole world,We entreat you, O Lord. 

That we may depart this life in your faith and fear, and not be condemned before the great judgment seat of Christ,We entreat you, O Lord. 

That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit in the communion of the Ever-Blessed Virgin Mary, Blessed Thomas and all your saints, entrusting one another and all our life to Christ,We entreat you, O Lord. 

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The Officiant then says the Collect of the Day and one or more of the following Collects.

The Collect of the Day (Lent I) Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

A Collect for Lent and Other Times of PenitenceAlmighty and most merciful God, kindle within us the fire of love, that by its cleansing flame we may be purged of all our sins and made worthy to worship you in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A Collect for Peace 

Most holy God, the source of all good desires, all right judgements, and all just works: Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, so that our minds may befixed on the doing of your will, and that we, being delivered from the fear of all enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through the mercies of Christ Jesus our Savior.  Amen. 

A Collect for Aid against Perils Be our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen. 

A Collect for Protection O God, the life of all who live, the light of the faithful, the strength of those who labor, and the repose of the dead: We thank you for the blessings of the day that is past, and humbly ask for your protection through the coming night. Bring us in safety to the morning hours; through him who died and rose again for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. 

A Collect for the Presence of Christ 

Lord Jesus, stay with us, for evening is at hand and the day is past; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake of your love.  Amen. 

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OFFICE HYMN 24, “The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended” - Sung Kneeling St. Clement

[ Hymns are printed on the final pages of this Service Booklet. ]

The Intercessor prays for the sick and the departed, first saying

In our prayers tonight, we pray for God’s help and healing for those on our Sick and Shut-in Lists, including . . .

And we pray to God for those who have departed this life, including . . .

At the conclusion of the Prayers, the Officiant prays

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your 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 your love's sake. Amen.The General Thanksgiving – Said by 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.

The Priestly BlessingThe mercy, grace and blessing of God Almighty, the Father [],

the Son [], and the Holy Spirit [], be upon you and remain with you this day and always. Amen.

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RECESSIONAL HYMN 142, “Lord, who throughout these forty days” St. Flavian

[ Hymns are printed on the final pages of this Service Booklet. ]

Silent Prayer – All are invited to kneel for a moment of silent prayer before the Dismissal.

The Dismissal

Deacon or Priest: Let us go forth in the Name of Christ.

People: Thanks be to God.

Voluntary

© 2020 Saint Thomas’ Parish, Hancock, Maryland – All rights reservedCCLI License 3010338

Streaming License 2039863LITURGICAL MINISTERS for TONIGHT’S SERVICE:

Lector: Pam Mann

Acolyte: Jackson Walter

Choral Ensemble: Tracy Salvagno, Sylvia Moats, David Walter, Ralph Salvagno

Altar Guild This Month: Meredith Hendershot, Robin Mosier

PRAYER LIST: Parish Sick/Ongoing Concern – Doug Sensel, Sue Hinckle, Gail Fitzwater, Steven Boden, Kenneth Wagner, Ruth McCarty, William Whiteside, Bob Barnhart, Theron Reed, Tim Smith, Alice Gerber, Mary Lee Yost, Michael Schetrompf, Ron Jones, Alda Lashley, Steve McKinley, Debbie Henderson, Stephanie Shives, Douglas Parker, Ramona Creek, Frank Thomas, Lisa Obrecht, Tom Mossellem, Betty Sipes, John Robinson, Bobby Duncan, Virginia Coleman, Ron Hinckle, Jayden Sweet, Jack Joynt, Atlee Unger, Rodney Weaver, Tim Stotler, Tina Brown, Tina Aaron, Stephanie Kennedy, James Walter, Alethea Shiplett, Jason Roderick, Diane Diehl, Allen Wilt, David Walter Sr., Robbie Barnhart, Tori Anderson, Ronnie Zimmerman.

Shut-ins – Pam Trumpower, Sally Fost, Don Reed, Ralph Wachter, Frances Younker, Mary Ann Mortzfeldt, Beverly Hershberger, Ernie Truax, Pat McKinley, Catherine Durst, Barbara Smith, Janice Trail, Edna Younker.

Recently Departed – Emlyn Shives

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+ + +OUR FIRST 2021 LENTEN GUEST is The Rev’d Anne O. Weatherholt, our Priest-in-Residence here at St. Thomas’ and retired Rector of St. Mark’s, Lappans. Anne is currently serving as part-time Interim Rector of Trinity Church, Martinsburg. She will open our 2021 series “The Lord’s Prayer”, reflecting upon the prayer which Jesus Himself gave us. We know you will enjoy this series and hearing Rev’d Anne tonight! Next Wednesday’s guest: The Rev’d Steven L. McCarty.

GOD WILLING, IN-PERSON WORSHIP RETURNS one week from tonight, when Fr. Steven McCarty, of St. Andrew’s, Clear Spring, will be our Lenten Guest. Canon Scott Slater, acting on behalf of Bishop Sutton, has given permission to those congregations that have asked to resume in-person worship. Virus numbers have been declining across most of the state, and we pray this continues. On Sunday, March 7, we will return to our regular schedule of services at both 7:30 A.M. and 10:A.M. Sunday School will also resume. Of course, all COVID-19 precautions will remain in place.

BRIEFLY – Installation of the MIDI recording devise on the Organ has begun and will continue for about two weeks. Our Choral Ensemble will be singing with the piano until the Organ returns . . . Easter Memorial Flowers Slips are enclosed with each bulletin between now and Palm Sunday. We invite your loving gifts to our beautiful Easter Altar! . . . Please help yourself to the various Lenten items which are available from the Baptistery area – pocket crosses, devotionals, Mite Boxes, etc. OPENING HYMN 150, “Forty days and forty nights” Aus der Tiefe rufe ich

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SERMON HYMN 530, “Spread, O spread, thou mighty word” Gott sei Dank

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OFFICE HYMN 24, “The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended” - Sung Kneeling St. Clement

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RECESSIONAL HYMN 142, “Lord, who throughout these forty days” St. Flavian

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