Prelude  “Voluntary No.4”             
The Procession
Hymn #618 Ye watchers and ye holy ones

Word of God

Opening Acclamation
Prayer Book 355

The people standing, the Celebrant says

Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

Hymn of Praise S280                                                               

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father

we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God,

you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us;

you are seated at the right hand of the Father; receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,

you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,

in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

The Collect of the Day:

The Celebrant says to the people

The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.

Celebrant Let us pray.

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain:  Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

The Lessons

Exodus 34:29-35

Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

After each Reading, the Reader may say

The Psalm

Psalm 99

1 The Lord is King;

let the people tremble; *

he is enthroned upon the cherubim;

let the earth shake.

2 The Lord is great in Zion; *

he is high above all peoples.

3 Let them confess his Name, which is great and awesome; *

he is the Holy One.

4 “O mighty King, lover of justice,

you have established equity; *

you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.”

5 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God

and fall down before his footstool; *

he is the Holy One.

6 Moses and Aaron among his priests,

and Samuel among those who call upon his Name, *

they called upon the Lord, and he answered them.

7 He spoke to them out of the pillar of cloud; *

they kept his testimonies and the decree that he gave them.

8 O Lord our God, you answered them indeed; *

you were a God who forgave them,

yet punished them for their evil deeds.

9 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God

and worship him upon his holy hill; *

for the Lord our God is the Holy One.

The New Testament

2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2

Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.

Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.

After each Reading, the Reader may say

Sequence Hymn: #129  Christ upon the mountain top

Then, all standing, the Deacon or a Priest reads the Gospel, first saying

Luke 9:28-36, [37-43a]

Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”–not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

[On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. Just then a man from the crowd shouted, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It convulses him until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” Jesus answered, “You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And all were astounded at the greatness of God.]

After the Gospel, the Reader says

The Sermon         The Rev.  Elizabeth G. Jones

The Nicene Creed         page 358

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

Presider:  Gracious and loving One, you have revealed your glory in Christ, and you call your Church to be transformed into the image of Christ from one degree of glory to another:  Let your transfiguring grace be present with us, bringing the light of Christ’s resurrection to the needs of the world, as we pray:  Let us confess God’s Name, which is great and awesome;  God is the Holy One.

Litanist:  Holy and Transcendent One, through Christ, you have revealed your divine glory in our humanity:  Awaken the Church to see your presence manifested throughout the world, that we may serve you with a hope that acts with great boldness in your name.  Let us confess God’s Name, which is great and awesome;  God is the Holy One.

God reigns enthroned over all:  Let your glory be known among the leaders of our nation and all in authority in the world, that they may accomplish your purpose to establish equity and to execute justice and righteousness.   Let us confess God’s Name, which is great and awesome;  God is the Holy One.

Send your transfiguring light forth into all the world to heal and comfort all who suffer from sadness, illness, poverty, injustice or oppression:  Speak your healing words and show us the light of your countenance.  Let us confess God’s Name, which is great and awesome;  God is the Holy One.

Visit this community with your enlightening grace and reveal yourself as you did upon the holy mountain, that your brightness may shine forth from this place to the glory of your name.  Let us confess God’s Name, which is great and awesome;  God is the Holy One.

We have come to this holy place to wait and to pray:  Hear our intercessions on behalf of those whom we commend to you, especially those we now mention aloud or in the silence of our hearts  (pause); all those serving our country at home and abroad; and those on our prayer list We give you thanks for the light which shines into our lives, especially for those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries  Susan, Kathy, Jeanie, Debbie, Ann, Hal & Susan.  You have taken your own creation into the cloud of eternal life; may your eternal light shine upon those who have died and for whom we pray, especially those remember aloud or in the silence of our hearts (pause).  Let us confess God’s Name, which is great and awesome;  God is the Holy One.

Presider:  We give you thanks, O Holy One, for the dazzling vision of the glory of Christ, our hope and our inspiration: May all creation behold the light of your countenance and be changed into Christ’s likeness from glory to glory, through the power of your Holy Spirit, for you live in glory everlasting, now and forever.  Amen.

The Confession

The Celebrant says.

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor

Silence

Minister 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 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 says

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 

SANCTUARY CANDLE is given to the Glory of God by Ann Milsted in thanksgiving for Gina, Madison, and Penelope Khammar

EYC Sunday evenings at St. Mark’s.  4:30-5:30 5th– 8th grade; dinner for all at 5:30; 6-7 PM  9 – 12th grade.

WEDNESDAY at St. Peter’s.  Every Wednesday we have activities and hope you will consider joining us.

9AM Prayers in the chapel 10:30 Bible Study in the parish hall

12:05 Holy Eucharist

5:30 Compline         6:00 Family dinner and spiritual discussions for all ages

INQUIRER’S CLASSES – we are offering two opportunities to participate.  Wednesday evenings as part of our community dinner and discussions and Sunday mornings between services.  The Bishop will be with us March 30th to perform confirmations, reaffirmations, receptions and baptisms.

ALTAR FLOWERS/SANCTUARY CANDLE – if you would like to sponsor the altar flowers or candle – pick your date on the sign up calendar located on the parish hall bulletin board.  Flowers $60/ Candle  $10

LENT-urgical Art and Quiet Day Workshops
Join us for one or all of six Saturdays in Lent as St. Peter’s conducts a quiet day of prayer, meditation and beginner’s workshops carefully chosen crafts. Learn more and sign up on-line: https://stpetersbytheseagulfport.com/lent-urgical-arts-and-quiet-days/

Oblations brought forward (congregation stands)

Offertory     

Presentation Hymn  380 (vs. 3)          From all that dwell below the skies

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 Holy Communion

The Great Thanksgiving

Eucharistic Prayer A     Prayer Book 361

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 right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

The Celebrant adds an additional prayer (Proper Preface) followed by

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:

S124

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.

The Celebrant continues

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:

Celebrant and People say together                                                                               

Christ has died.

Christ is risen.

Christ will come again.

The Celebrant continues

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.

Celebrant:

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

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

The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread as a period of silence is kept.

Alleluia.  Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;

Therefore let us keep the feast.  Alleluia.

Celebrant:

The Gifts of God for the People of God. 

Communion of the People

Wherever you are on your journey of faith you are welcome at this table.

Post Communion Prayer                                                      Prayer Book 366

Celebrant Let us pray.

Celebrant and people

Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom.  And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.  To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever.  Amen.

The Blessing

The Retiring Procession
Hymn #665  All my hope on God is founded

Dismissal

Serving Today

Mellody Jenkins, Chalice     Steven Jenkins, Chalice

Trisha Switzer, 1st Lesson     Duncan Ing, 2nd Lesson

Carl Rackley, Usher     Harry Yoste, Usher          

       Altar flowers:  Sue Cassady and Patti Nicholas

Altar care:  Susan Pagano, Kerry & Derrick Hdson

  Karen Reuther, Vestry Person   

The Rev. Scott Williams, Deacon

The Rev. Elizabeth G. Jones, Celebrant