The Holy
Eucharist – the Feast of the Creator
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 7, 2025 @ 10:00 a.m.
St. Paul’s Parish
Prelude: Chaconne
Jacques Champion De Chambionnières; The River Laurie Z
The Feast of Creation (the first
Sunday in September), also known as Creation Day or World Day of Prayer for
Creation, is the big celebration that inspires and nourishes the larger Season
of Creation that flows from it. Besides being a moment to repent for our sinful
desecration of the gift of Creation and pray for its healing, the feast honors
God as Creator and commemorates the great mystery of the creation of the
cosmos. This
feast is not just about celebrating “Creation as the created world” that God
gifted us, but most importantly it is about celebrating “Creation as
foundational mystery” of our Christian faith. Labor Day’s celebration of
honorable work and its advocacy of rest may be seen as applicable to the
mission of the Church in Creation, especially as it is connected to the
necessity of Sabbath for all beings.
The
Gathering of the Community
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with you all.
And also with you.
Bless our Lament
Creator God,
Bless the tear we shed for the resources we have squandered.
Bless the sigh we breathe out for the atmosphere.
Bless the head we hang for the creatures lost and exploited.
Bless the hands we wring for the things we have broken and wasted.
Bless us as we lament.
Cradle us as we regret.
Restore us as we start afresh. Amen
God has entrusted to us the care of creation,
the pursuit of truth and justice,
and the task of building communities of reconciliation and worth.
Often we fail.
Silence for reflection.
Almighty
God,
to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. 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.
412 O God, Beyond All Face and Form
The
Collect of the Day
Let us pray.
Grant us, O God, the courage to choose Jesus’ way even at great cost, bearing our cross and releasing our possessions, for the liberation and healing of your world; through Jesus Christ the Wisdom of Creation, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
The
Proclamation of the Word
Reading: Philemon 1-21
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and co-worker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus. I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ. I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother. For this reason, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do your duty, yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love - and I, Paul, do this as an old man, and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus. I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful both to you and to me. I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. I wanted to keep him with me, so that he might be of service to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel; but I preferred to do nothing without your consent, in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced. Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother - especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay it. I say nothing about your owing me even your own self. Yes, brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do more than I say.
For the Word of God in scripture, among us and with us.
Thanks be to God.
The
Gospel: Luke 14:25-33
And also with you.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ
according to Luke.
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Now large crowds were travelling with Jesus; and he turned and said to them, "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions."
The Gospel of Christ.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
SNC 115 Long Before the Night
Sermon
Profession
of Faith (South
Indian)
We believe in God, who creates all things,
who embraces all things, who celebrates all things,
who is present in every part of the fabric of creation.
We believe in God as the source of all life,
who baptizes this planet with living water.
We believe in Jesus Christ, the suffering one,
the poor one,
the malnourished one, the climate refugee,
who loves and cares for this world and who suffers with it.
And we believe in Jesus Christ, the seed of
life,
who came to reconcile and renew this world and everything in it.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the breath of
God,
who moves with God and who moves among and with us today.
We believe in everlasting life in God.
And we believe in the hope that one day
God will put an end to death and all destructive forces.
The
Prayers of the People
Loving God, even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest, where the young are placed near your altar. You are attentive to all you have made. God, who listens to every living thing,
Loving God, help us provide refuge to every animal and plant with whom we live. Help us be attentive to all you have made. God, in whom all creation subsists,
Help us listen as you do.
Loving God, when Jesus cried out and gave up his Spirit, the earth shook and the rocks split. You are known by the whole of Creation that listens to you. God, to whom all creation responds,
Help us respond to you.
Loving God, help us hear and know you just as the earth and rocks do. Help us to learn from the way in which we see Creation recognize your glorious beauty. God, to whom all creation responds,
Help us respond to you.
Loving God, you are present in your Creation and seek to heal her wounds. You can be found walking in the garden. Open our eyes to see you, the gardener. God, who is present with your Creation,
Help us be present too.
Loving God, we often abandon your creation and cause its wounds. Help us to follow in your footsteps and learn to walk in the garden like you. God, who is present with your creation,
Loving God, guide us in our labours: you have so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects all others; guide us in the work we do, so that we may do it for the common good. We pray for all who labour and for all who employ, and for fairness, safety and justice. God, who is present with your creation,
Loving God, be with all who give their energy or skill for the healing of those who are sick in body or in mind. We pray for all who are sick or in any need, remembering especially those we know who are ill at home or in the hospital,
-
… and others we may name out loud or in our hearts…
-
…that they may know your presence and healing power. God, who is present with your creation,
Loving God, guide those in danger, those who are far from home, prisoners, exiles, victims of oppression: grant them your salvation. And we pray for all who have died in the peace of Christ and whose faith is known to you alone, especially…
And for those who mourn. God, who is present with your creation,
Loving God, who hears every voice, knows each cry of injustice, and is attentive to the suffering of the earth: teach us to listen. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may listen to the world you have created and not close ourselves off from it. Reveal to us the ways in which we have failed to hear your voice in how we treat the earth. God, who listens to every living thing, help us listen as you do. In Christ’s name. Amen.
Confession
and Absolution
Because we view our lives in Christ through the forgiveness we receive from God, I invite us to join in this time of confession and absolution.
Let us confess our sins against God,
our neighbors, and all Creation.
Silence may be kept.
We have forgotten who we are.
We have alienated ourselves from the unfolding of the cosmos.
We have become estranged from the movements of the earth.
We have turned our backs on the cycles of life.
We have forgotten who we are.
We have sought only our own security.
We have exploited simply for our own ends.
We have distorted our knowledge.
We have abused our power
We have forgotten who we are.
So much land is barren.
And the waters and the air is polluted.
We have forgotten who we are.
The forests are and its creatures are disappearing.
And we despair.
We have forgotten who we are.
We ask forgiveness.
We ask for the gift of remembering.
We ask for the strength to change.
Help us to remember who we are.
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
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
Announcements
SNC 86 You Are Holy
The
Celebration of the Eucharist
The Prayer over the Gifts
Let us pray,
Great and holy God, accept our offering of labour and love. May we bring you true and spiritual worship and be one with you. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
The
Great Thanksgiving – Eucharistic Prayer 3
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; we
give you thanks and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, who on this first day
of the week overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection
opened to us the way of everlasting life.
In
our unending joy we echo on earth the song of the angels in heaven as we raise
our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
We give thanks
to you, Lord our God, for the goodness and love you have made known to us in
creation; in calling Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the
prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus your Son.
For in these
last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Saviour
and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us
worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into
truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
On the night
he was handed over to suffering and death, a death he freely accepted, 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,
Father, according to his command,
we remember his death,
we proclaim his resurrection,
we await his coming in glory;
and we offer
our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, Lord of all; presenting to
you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.
We pray you,
gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts, that they may be the
sacrament of the body of Christ and his blood of the new covenant. Unite us to
your Son in his sacrifice, that we, made acceptable in him, may be sanctified
by the Holy Spirit.
In the
fullness of time, reconcile all things in Christ, and make them new, and bring
us to that city of light where you dwell with all your children; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church,
and the author of our salvation;
by whom, and
with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory
are yours, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.
The
Lord’s Prayer
As our Saviour taught us, let us pray,
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
The
Breaking of the Bread
We break this bread
to share in the body of Christ.
We, being many, are one body,
for we all share in the one bread.
The gifts of God for the People of God.
Thanks be to God.
Lamb
of God
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world
grant us your peace.
Hymns-during-communion
PB 135 Gathered in His Name
The
Sending Forth of the Community
PB 135 Gathered in His Name
Prayer
after Communion
Let us pray,
Father, your word and sacrament give us food and life. May we who have shared in holy things bear fruit to your honour and glory, in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
The
doxology
Glory to God,
whose power, working in us,
can do infinitely more
than we can ask or imagine.
Glory to God from generation to generation,
in the Church and in Christ Jesus,
for ever and ever. Amen.
The
Blessing
May the everlasting God shield you wherever you go
And the blessing of God be upon you
the blessing of the Giver of life
The blessing of God be upon you
the blessing of the Christ of love
The blessing of God be upon you
the blessing of the Spirit of peace
386 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Dismissal
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 7, 2025 @ 10:00 a.m.
St. Paul’s Parish
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with you all.
And also with you.
Creator God,
Bless the tear we shed for the resources we have squandered.
Bless the sigh we breathe out for the atmosphere.
Bless the head we hang for the creatures lost and exploited.
Bless the hands we wring for the things we have broken and wasted.
Bless us as we lament.
Cradle us as we regret.
Restore us as we start afresh. Amen
the pursuit of truth and justice,
and the task of building communities of reconciliation and worth.
Often we fail.
to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. 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.
Let us pray.
Grant us, O God, the courage to choose Jesus’ way even at great cost, bearing our cross and releasing our possessions, for the liberation and healing of your world; through Jesus Christ the Wisdom of Creation, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
Reading: Philemon 1-21
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and co-worker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus. I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ. I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother. For this reason, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do your duty, yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love - and I, Paul, do this as an old man, and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus. I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful both to you and to me. I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. I wanted to keep him with me, so that he might be of service to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel; but I preferred to do nothing without your consent, in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced. Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother - especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay it. I say nothing about your owing me even your own self. Yes, brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do more than I say.
For the Word of God in scripture, among us and with us.
Thanks be to God.
And also with you.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ
according to Luke.
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Now large crowds were travelling with Jesus; and he turned and said to them, "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions."
The Gospel of Christ.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
We believe in God, who creates all things,
who embraces all things, who celebrates all things,
who is present in every part of the fabric of creation.
who baptizes this planet with living water.
the malnourished one, the climate refugee,
who loves and cares for this world and who suffers with it.
who came to reconcile and renew this world and everything in it.
who moves with God and who moves among and with us today.
We believe in everlasting life in God.
God will put an end to death and all destructive forces.
Loving God, even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest, where the young are placed near your altar. You are attentive to all you have made. God, who listens to every living thing,
Loving God, help us provide refuge to every animal and plant with whom we live. Help us be attentive to all you have made. God, in whom all creation subsists,
Help us listen as you do.
Loving God, when Jesus cried out and gave up his Spirit, the earth shook and the rocks split. You are known by the whole of Creation that listens to you. God, to whom all creation responds,
Help us respond to you.
Loving God, help us hear and know you just as the earth and rocks do. Help us to learn from the way in which we see Creation recognize your glorious beauty. God, to whom all creation responds,
Help us respond to you.
Loving God, you are present in your Creation and seek to heal her wounds. You can be found walking in the garden. Open our eyes to see you, the gardener. God, who is present with your Creation,
Help us be present too.
Loving God, we often abandon your creation and cause its wounds. Help us to follow in your footsteps and learn to walk in the garden like you. God, who is present with your creation,
Loving God, guide us in our labours: you have so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects all others; guide us in the work we do, so that we may do it for the common good. We pray for all who labour and for all who employ, and for fairness, safety and justice. God, who is present with your creation,
Loving God, be with all who give their energy or skill for the healing of those who are sick in body or in mind. We pray for all who are sick or in any need, remembering especially those we know who are ill at home or in the hospital,
-
… and others we may name out loud or in our hearts…
-
…that they may know your presence and healing power. God, who is present with your creation,
Loving God, guide those in danger, those who are far from home, prisoners, exiles, victims of oppression: grant them your salvation. And we pray for all who have died in the peace of Christ and whose faith is known to you alone, especially…
And for those who mourn. God, who is present with your creation,
Loving God, who hears every voice, knows each cry of injustice, and is attentive to the suffering of the earth: teach us to listen. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may listen to the world you have created and not close ourselves off from it. Reveal to us the ways in which we have failed to hear your voice in how we treat the earth. God, who listens to every living thing, help us listen as you do. In Christ’s name. Amen.
Because we view our lives in Christ through the forgiveness we receive from God, I invite us to join in this time of confession and absolution.
We have alienated ourselves from the unfolding of the cosmos.
We have become estranged from the movements of the earth.
We have turned our backs on the cycles of life.
We have sought only our own security.
We have exploited simply for our own ends.
We have distorted our knowledge.
We have abused our power
So much land is barren.
And the waters and the air is polluted.
The forests are and its creatures are disappearing.
And we despair.
We ask forgiveness.
We ask for the gift of remembering.
We ask for the strength to change.
Help us to remember who we are.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
The Prayer over the Gifts
Let us pray,
Great and holy God, accept our offering of labour and love. May we bring you true and spiritual worship and be one with you. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
we remember his death,
we proclaim his resurrection,
we await his coming in glory;
As our Saviour taught us, let us pray,
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
We break this bread
to share in the body of Christ.
We, being many, are one body,
for we all share in the one bread.
The gifts of God for the People of God.
Thanks be to God.
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world
grant us your peace.
PB 135 Gathered in His Name
PB 135 Gathered in His Name
Let us pray,
Father, your word and sacrament give us food and life. May we who have shared in holy things bear fruit to your honour and glory, in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
Glory to God,
whose power, working in us,
can do infinitely more
than we can ask or imagine.
Glory to God from generation to generation,
in the Church and in Christ Jesus,
for ever and ever. Amen.
May the everlasting God shield you wherever you go
And the blessing of God be upon you
the blessing of the Giver of life
The blessing of God be upon you
the blessing of the Christ of love
The blessing of God be upon you
the blessing of the Spirit of peace
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
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