Worship Bulletin

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
HOLY EUCHARIST
JUNE 29, 2025 | 9:30 AM

Welcome to St. John’s! If you are new, please sign our Guest Book in the back of the church and join us for Coffee Hour in our Parish Life Center. Please let an usher know if you require hearing assistance.

This is a family friendly congregation. If you have toddlers, please feel free to sit to the front right where we have a “soft space,” and a nursery room is available in the back as needed. Please let an usher know if you require hearing assistance.

Today we celebrate Holy Communion. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, all are welcome to receive at the Lord’s Table.

PRELUDE Come Holy Ghost, God and Lord (BuxWV 199) Dieterich Buxtehude

PROCESSIONAL HYMN   The Church’s One Foundation Blue Hymnal #525

OPENING ACCLAMATION Book of Common Prayer p.355

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

SONG OF PRAISE All Glory be to God on High Blue Hymnal #421

1. All glory be to God on high,
and peace on earth from heaven,
and God’s good will unfailingly
be to all people given.
We bless, we worship you, we raise
for your great glory thanks and praise,
O God, Almighty Father.

2. O Lamb of God, Lord Jesus Christ,
whom God the Father gave us,
who for the world was sacrificed
upon the cross to save us;
and, as you sit at God’s right hand
and we for judgment there must stand,
have mercy, Lord, upon us.

3. You only are the Holy One,
who came for our salvation,
and only you are God’s true Son,
who was before creation.
You only, Christ, as Lord we own and,
with the Spirit, you alone
share in the Father’s glory. Amen.

COLLECT OF THE DAY (PROPER 8) Book of Common Prayer p.230

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.Amen.

FIRST READING 2 KINGS 2:1-2, 6-14

Reader: A reading from the Second Book of Kings

When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.

Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground.

When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” He responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.” As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!”But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.

He picked up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. He took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, saying, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” When he had struck the water, the water was parted to the one side and to the other, and Elisha went over.

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

PSALM 77:1-2, 11-20

1 I will cry aloud to |God; *
I will cry aloud, and he will |hear me.

2 In the day of my trouble I sought the |Lord; *
my hands were stretched out by night and did not tire;
I refused to be |comforted.

11 I will remember the works of the |Lord, *
and call to mind your wonders of old |time.

12 I will meditate on all your |acts *
and ponder your mighty |deeds.

13 Your way, O God, is |holy; *
who is so great a god as |our God?

14 You are the God who works |wonders *
and have declared your power among the |peoples.

15 By your strength you have redeemed your |people, *
the children of Jacob and |Joseph.

16 The waters saw you, O God;
the waters saw you and |trembled; *
the very depths were |shaken.

17 The clouds poured out water;
the skies |thundered; *
your arrows flashed to and |fro;

18 The sound of your thunder was in the whirlwind;
your lightnings lit up the |world; *
the earth trembled and |shook.

19 Your way was in the sea,
and your paths in the great |waters, *
yet your footsteps were not |seen.

20 You led your people like a |flock *
by the hand of Moses and |Aaron.

SECOND READING GALATIANS 5:1,13-25

Reader: A reading from the Letter of Paul to the Galatians

For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.

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

SEQUENCE HYMN Jesus calls us o’er the Tumult Blue Hymnal #550 vv. 1–4

THE HOLY GOSPEL  Luke 9:51-62

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
The Holy Gospel of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ according to Luke.
People: Glory be to you, Lord Christ.

When the days drew near for Jesus to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village.

As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

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

SEQUENCE HYMN Blue Hymnal #550, v.5

SERMON The Reverend Tammy Smith-Firestone

NICENE CREED

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.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE FORM III Book of Common Prayer p.387

The Leader and People pray responsively:

Leader: Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
People: That we all may be one.

Leader: Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;
People: That your Name may be glorified by all people.

Leader: We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
People: That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.

Leader: We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world;
People: That there may be justice and peace on the earth.

Leader: Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
People: That our works may find favor in your sight.

Leader: Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;
People: That they may be delivered from their distress.

Leader: Give to the departed eternal rest.
People: Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Leader: We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy;
People: May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.

Leader: Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.
Silence
The People may add their own petitions. The Celebrant concludes with a collect

CONFESSION OF SIN
Celebrant: Let us confess our ins against God and our neighbor.

Silence

Celebrant and People:
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 Chrsit, have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways,
to the 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.

The Ministers and People greet one another in the name of the Lord.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE LITURGY OF THE TABLE

OFFERTORY ANTHEM How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds (tune: Ortonville) Thomas Hastings

PRESENTATION HYMN
Holy Father, holy Son,
Holy Spirit, Three we name thee,
while in essence only One,
undivided God we claim thee;
then, adoring, bend the knee
and confess the mystery.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING Eucharistic Prayer A Book of Common Prayer p. 361
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.
Celebrant: It is truly right, and a good and joyful thing…

…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  
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.

Celebrant: …Therefore, we proclaim the mystery of faith:
People: Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
Celebrant: And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you…

…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.
People: Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

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

The Celebrant breaks the bread.

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

FRACTION HYMN CRIST LIM, CRIST REMAM Blue Hymnal #370, v. 6

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

THE INVITATION TO COMMUNION

INSTRUCTIONS FOR RECEIVING COMMUNION
Please follow the directions of the ushers. We go to the communion rail to receive. Respond to the words: “The Body of Christ, the Bread of Life” and “The Blood of Christ, the Cup of Salvation” with a hearty “Amen.” After receiving Communion it is appropriate to return to your seat to kneel or sit in silence for personal prayer and thanksgiving.
There are two options for reception. First is drinking from the common cup. When approaching the priest giving the bread or host, raise cupped hands to receive the bread. Consume and then take the cup by its base to tip to your lips to drink. Return to your seat by way of the side aisles.
The second option for reception is intinction (bread dipped into the wine). As the clergy person approaches, point to the chalice that the priest may take a wafer, intinct it in the wine, and give to you to consume. Return to your seat by way of the side aisles.
If you are unable to come forth to receive Communion, simply make it known to the usher and the clergy will come out to you to bring the bread and wine. The priest will instinct the bread into the wine and give it to you to consume.
If you are not communing, please consider coming forth for a blessing. As you approach the priest, cross your arms across your chest to indicate you desire a blessing. 

COMMUNION ANTIPHON INCLINA

COMMUNION HYMN Lead us, Heavenly Father, Lead us Blue Hymnal #559

POST COMMUNION PRAYER Book of Common Prayer p. 366

Celebrant: Let us pray. Eternal God,
Celebrant and People: 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.

PRAYERS FOR BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

BLESSING

FINAL HYMN O Jesus, I have Promised Blue Hymnal #655

DISMISSAL
Celebrant: Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
People: Thanks be to God.

VOLUNTARY All Glory be to God on High (BWV 677) J. S. Bach

Thank you for worshipping with us this morning. If you are new, please sign our Guest Book in the back of the church and join us for Coffee Hour in our Parish Life Center.

       

   St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church
2341 Floral Avenue, Chico, CA 95926
(530) 894-1971 · office@stjohnschico.org
The Very Reverend Tammy Smith-Firestone, Rector
Jeffrey Cooper, Director of Music

Hymn permission used by Rite Song a one-time use reprint license for congregational use
"Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License # A-735293. All rights reserved.”