August 10, 2025 Bulletin
welcome to
Saint Thomas of Canterbury
Episcopal Church
Ninth Sunday After Pentecost
August 10, 2025
The Rev. Valerie Hart, Priest
Allen Stout, Bishop's Warden
Jane Gordon-Topper, People's Warden
Shelley Arnold, Treasurer
Andrea Utzman, Clerk
Lynne Richmond, Minutes Secretary
Minister of Music & Organist
Rick Fridrick, Office Administrator
5306 East Arbor Road, Long Beach, CA 90808
Phone 562-425-4457
Web page: http://www.stthomascanterbury.org/ Email: stlb47@verizon.net
VOLUNTARY
OPENING HYMN
THE WORD OF GOD
Priest: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen.
Priest: 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.
Canticle of Praise (tune: Hymn to Joy)
Glory be to God in heaven; peace, goodwill to all the earth.
Mighty God of all creation, Father of surpassing worth:
we exalt you, we adore you, we lift high our thanks and praise.
Saints and angels bow before you; here on earth our songs we raise.
Glory be to Christ forever, Lamb of God and Lord of love.
Son of God and gracious Savior, you have come from heav’n above;
on the cross you died to save us; now you reign at God’s right hand.
Hear our prayer; restore, forgive us; in your promise firm we stand.
Holy One we now acclaim you; Lord alone, to you we call;
Holy One in faith we name you, God most high, yet near to all;
Jesus Christ, with God the Spirit, in the Father’s splendor bright.
For the peace that we inherit, glory be to God on high!
Collect of the Day
Priest: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Priest: Let us pray.
Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
THE FIRST READING
Lector: A Reading from the Book of Isaiah Isaiah 1:1, 10-20
The vision of Isaiah son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
Hear the word of the Lord,
you rulers of Sodom!
Listen to the teaching of our God,
you people of Gomorrah!
What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices?
says the Lord;
I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams
and the fat of fed beasts;
I do not delight in the blood of bulls,
or of lambs, or of goats.
When you come to appear before me,
who asked this from your hand?
Trample my courts no more;
bringing offerings is futile;
incense is an abomination to me.
New moon and Sabbath and calling of convocation--
I cannot endure solemn assemblies with iniquity.
Your new moons and your appointed festivals
my soul hates;
they have become a burden to me,
I am weary of bearing them.
When you stretch out your hands,
I will hide my eyes from you;
even though you make many prayers,
I will not listen;
your hands are full of blood.
Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean;
remove the evil of your doings
from before my eyes;
cease to do evil,
learn to do good;
seek justice,
rescue the oppressed,
defend the orphan,
plead for the widow.
Come now, let us argue it out,
says the Lord:
though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be like snow;
though they are red like crimson,
they shall become like wool.
If you are willing and obedient,
you shall eat the good of the land;
but if you refuse and rebel,
you shall be devoured by the sword;
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Lector: The word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
The Response Psalm 50:1-8, 23-24 Pray Responsively
1 The Lord, the God of gods, has spoken; *
he has called the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
2 Out of Zion, perfect in its beauty, *
God reveals himself in glory.
3 Our God will come and will not keep silence; *
before him there is a consuming flame,
and round about him a raging storm.
4 He calls the heavens and the earth from above *
to witness the judgment of his people.
5 "Gather before me my loyal followers, *
those who have made a covenant with me
and sealed it with sacrifice."
6 Let the heavens declare the rightness of his cause; *
for God himself is judge.
7 Hear, O my people, and I will speak:
"O Israel, I will bear witness against you; *
for I am God, your God.
8 I do not accuse you because of your sacrifices; *
your offerings are always before me.
23 Consider this well, you who forget God, *
lest I rend you and there be none to deliver you.
24 Whoever offers me the sacrifice of thanksgiving honors me; *
but to those who keep in my way will I show the salvation of God."
The Second Reading
Lector: A Reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old-- and Sarah herself was barren-- because he considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore, from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, "as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore."
All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.
Lector: The word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Alleluia Verse
Choir: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
People: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
Choir: Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
People: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
The Gospel Luke 12:32-40
Priest: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said to his disciples, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
"Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.
"But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour."
Priest: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The hOMILY The Rev. Valerie Hart
The 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 I The Leader and People pray responsively
Deacon or other leader
With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the
Lord, saying "Lord, have mercy."
For the peace from above, for the loving-kindness of God,
and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the world, for the welfare of the Holy Church
of God, and for the unity of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For our Bishop, and for all the clergy and people, let us pray
to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For our President, for the leaders of the nations, and for all in
authority to lead with justice, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this city, for every city and
community, and for those who live in them, let us pray to
the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For seasonable weather, and for an abundance of the fruits of
the earth, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For those who travel on land, on water, or in the air, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the aged and infirm, for the widowed and orphans, and
for the sick and the suffering, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the poor and the oppressed, for the unemployed and the
destitute, for prisoners and captives, and for all who
remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, and for
all the departed, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
The People may add their own petitions.
Priest Concludes by Saying:
Almighty and eternal God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth: mercifully accept the prayers of your people and strengthen us to do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Confession of Sin
The Priest says
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept.
Priest 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
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
Priest: Yours, O Lord is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory and the majesty. For everything in heaven and on earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom, and you are exalted as head over all. 1Chronicles 29:11
OFFERTORY Hymn
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise Him all creatures here below.
Praise Him above the heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER B
Priest The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Priest Lift up your hearts.
People We lift them up to the Lord.
Priest Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Priest
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who on the first day of the week overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. .
Therefore, we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
The people stand or kneel
Then the Priest continues
We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of 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 Savior 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 before he died for us, 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, according to his command, O Father,
Priest and People
We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory;
The Priest continues
And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O 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 may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with St Thomas of Canterbury and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our
salvation. 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 forever. AMEN.
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
Celebrant and 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.
The Breaking of the Bread
The Priest breaks the consecrated Bread.
A period of silence is kept.
Priest: Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
People: Therefore, let us keep the feast.
Priest: The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
communion hymn:
Lector
My Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. I love you above all things, and long for you in my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though you have already come, I embrace you and unite myself entirely to you; never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.
After Communion, the Priest says
Let us pray.
Priest and People
Eternal God, 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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please stand, as you are able.
The Blessing:
Priest: The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you forever. Amen
Dismissal:
Priest: Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
People: Thanks be to God.
CLOSING HYMN
Voluntary
Prayers and Thanksgivings
Birthday Prayer
Watch over your child, O Lord, as her/his days increase; bless and guide her/him wherever s/he may be. Strengthen her/him when s/he stands; comfort her/him when discouraged or sorrowful; raise her/him up if s/he falls; and in her/his heart may your peace which passes understanding abide all the days of her/his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Safe Travel
Living God, the creator of all there is and whose presence we find wherever we go: Preserve those who travel; surround him/her with your loving care; guard him/her from all that may harm them; and bring him/her in safety to their journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thanksgiving for an Anniversary
God of peace, your love is generous and reaches out to hold us all in your embrace. We pray now for this/these couple(s) who is committed to each other in love. Fill their hearts with tenderness. Stay with them as they travel through good times, through trouble, or through change. Bless their home, their partings and their meetings. Make them worthy of each other’s best, and tender with each other’s dreams, and trusting only in their love. Amen.
Thanksgiving for a Special Blessing or Event
Praise to you, abundant God, for when we ask, you give; when we seek, you show the way; When we knock, you answer. Praise to you for ___________. Praise to you for your unfailing grace. Make us always your faithful people. Amen.
Prayer for Remembering our Departed Love Ones:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the life/lives of (name/s) whom we remember this day. We give you thanks for the love and joy they brought into our lives, and for all the ways their spirit touched those around them. Though we grieve their absence, we hold fast to the promise of your unending love and the hope of resurrection. Comfort us in our sorrow, strengthen us in our faith, and lead us all, to that eternal home where there is no pain or sorrow, but only light and peace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Your Prayers
On the Anglican Cycle of Prayer: We pray for the church of Ruwanda
On the St. Thomas Cycle of Prayer: Bishop’s Committee, Buildings & Grounds Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Memorial Garden Team
We pray for the world, especially the people of the United States, and for peace all over the world and wherever there is oppression and trouble.
Serving in the Armed Force at home and around the world: members of the U. S. Army: Adam, Boston; Riley H.; the U. S. Marine Corps: Sean, Adelangel and Jesse; the U. S. Air Force: Jordan, Joshua, and Carlos; the U. S. Navy: Jonathan and the U. S. Coast Guard: Corey.
The protection and guidance of Parishioners and Friends: Bertha, Ariana, Alyssa, Ana, Deb, Joey and his mother’s Beth and Jan, Penny and her family, Chris and his family, Daniel, Becky, Sandra, Alex, Josef, Brandon, Rosie, Nathan, Paul, Gayle’s doctor, Patricia’s children, Sarah S., Ginny, Charlene, baby Jordan’s family, Pam.
The healing of Parishioners and friends: Linda M., Rae Ann, Linda O., Asgeir and Rosa, Mary Ellen, Nancy W., Patricia B., David F., Stacey D., Larry F., Suzanne M., Jean H., Susan K., Diane B., Jim C., Andrew F., Bill Henderson, Samantha Heatherly, Allyson Shaw, Becky Ruiz, Jim Lisanti, Gingi Stout, Patrick Riley, Darlene Harrison, Carlene Owen, Liz Pezone, Joanne Jovanovic, Lillian Bennett, Lance Brooks, Amanda Utzman Deborah Wright and Linda Sherwood, Donald Wood. We pray for the support for all families and friends caring for loved ones all parishioners and friends with health problems.
We Pray for the people of Ukraine, India, Vietnam, Peru, Nigeria, Haiti, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Sudan, and Myanmar.
Homebound and Special Needs: Lea Lahr, Samantha Heatherly, Becky Ruiz, Jim Licanti. We pray for the homeless, the poor and the unemployed, affordable housing for families, the end of COVID-19, Ebola, AIDS, and Cancer in the world, and for those suffering from mental illness.
To add someone to the prayer list. (First, Last name and what the prayer is for) Please Call 562-425-4457 or email stlb47@verizon.net the office
Birthdays: 8/10 Larry Shaw; 8/12 Alberto Ossa; 8/15 Tim Garvin
Anniversaries:
In Memorium:
Altar Flowers
“Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE with license # A-720182. All Rights Reserved”
“Glory be to God in heaven” is reprinted by permission of Augsburg Fortress.