Welcome to St. John’s! We are so glad you are joining us at home online.All of the prayers & responses can be found bolded in this bulletin.

We hope you will join in from home!

Welcome The Rev. Candace Sandfort

The Word of God

Presider Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.People And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

Presider Lord, have mercy.People Christ, have mercy.Presider Lord, have mercy.

The Collect of the DayThe Presider says to the people

The Lord be with you.People And also with you. Presider Let us pray.Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Reading from the Book of Deuteronomy Susan Ripoll

Moses said: The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. This is what you requested of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said: “If I hear the voice of the LORD my God any more, or ever again see this great fire, I will die.” Then the LORD replied to me: “They are right in what they have said. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command. Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. But any prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, or who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded the prophet to speak—that prophet shall die.” (18:15-20)

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

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St. John’s Episcopal ChurchThe Liturgy of the WordThe Fourth Sunday after the

Epiphany31 January 2021 10

Please join us at home as we say the Psalm in unison Psalm 111 Confitebor tibi Susan Ripoll

Hallelujah!I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, *in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.

Great are the deeds of the LORD! *they are studied by all who delight in them.

His work is full of majesty and splendor, *and his righteousness endures for ever.

He makes his marvelous works to be remembered; *the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.

He gives food to those who fear him; *he is ever mindful of his covenant.

He has shown his people the power of his works *in giving them the lands of the nations.

The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice; *all his commandments are sure.

They stand fast for ever and ever, *because they are done in truth and equity.

He sent redemption to his people;he commanded his covenant for ever; *holy and awesome is his Name.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; *those who act accordingly have a good understanding;his praise endures for ever.

A Reading from the First Letter to the Corinthians Deirdre ComeyNow concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge; but anyone who loves God is known by him. Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “no idol in the world really exists,” and that “there is no God but one.” Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as in fact there are many gods and many lords— yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. It is not everyone, however, who has this knowledge. Since some have become so accustomed to idols until now, they still think of the food they eat as food offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. “Food will not bring us close to God.” We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if others see you, who possess knowledge, eating in the temple of an idol, might they not, since their conscience is weak, be encouraged to the point of eating food sacrificed to idols? So by your knowledge those weak believers for whom Christ died are destroyed.

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But when you thus sin against members of your family, and wound their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them to fall. (8:1-13)

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

Sequence Hymn

The Gospel: Mark 1:21-28People’s response before the Gospel Glory to you, Lord Christ.People’s response after the Gospel Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Homily Ellen Lentz, Stephen Ministry

Commissioning for Lay Ministries in the Church

The ExaminationThe Presider says these wordsThe ministry of all lay persons is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church.Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we are all baptized by the one Spirit into one Body, and given gifts for a variety of ministries for the common good. Our purpose here today is to commission this person in the Name of God and of this congregation to a special ministry to which she is called.

The Presider then asksAre you prepared for this new ministry by a commitment to Jesus Christ, by regular attendance at worship, and by the training you have received?Candidate I am.

The Presider then says these words You have been called to the lay ministry of Stephen Minister and Leader in this congregation. Will you, as long as you are engaged in this work, perform it with diligence? Candidate I will.Presider Will you faithfully and reverently execute the duties of your ministry

to the honor of God, and the benefit of the members of this congregation?

Candidate I will.

The Commissioning

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Presider I present to you this person to be admitted to the lay ministry of Stephen Minister and Leader in this congregation.

Presider Remember our Lord’s own words as you carry out this ministry: Come to me all you who are weary and carrying heavy burdens;

Candidate And I will give you rest.

Presider Let us pray.

O God, your son Jesus Christ said that we minister to him when we clothe the naked, give food to the hungry, visit the sick, comfort the weary, and soothe the suffering; Go with all those who, following the command of your Christ, visit your people in his Name; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

In the Name of God and of this congregation, I commission Ellen as a Stephen Minister and Leader in this Parish.

Our first Stephen Minister volunteers being trained by Ellen with help from Deirdre Comey are:

† Lorita Jackson † Monique Omar† Angela Roy† Reina Smith† Paul Sugarman

Please join us at homeThe 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.

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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 s/he is worshiped and glorified.S/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

The People respond to each petition from their home.The Prayers of the People Deirdre ComeyLeader God of Peace: We pray for our country in this time of transition as our

new President and Vice President become the leaders of this nation. We ask for an orderly transition of power and wise decisions in the days ahead. Bring healing to our nation Lord, help us listen to one another with respect, always seeking the good in the other. Reconcile families and friends divided. Help us learn to love each other despite our differences and focus on the work before us: the work of truth-telling, forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace. Inspire the people of this nation to speak out against racism, and resist all forms of injustice and oppression, as we strive to form a more perfect union in 2021.

Leader God of Peace:People Hear our prayers for reconciliation.

Leader God of Freedom: We pray for all who have been recently sworn into office to serve in our national and local government. We pray especially for Joe our President that you would give him wisdom and courage as he takes on the challenge of his first 100 days in office. May he, and all those chosen to carry the burden of office, be given the discernment to know what is right, the compassion to seek the common good, and a spirit of service to this nation.

Leader God of Freedom:People Hear our prayers for this nation.

Leader God of Grace: We pray for our Presiding Bishop, Michael, our Bishop, Carlye, and all other bishops and ministers. Nurture and refresh them with the water of life, that they may have the strength to carry the weight of office in this difficult and demanding time.

Leader God of Grace:People Hear our prayers for your servants. Leader God of Compassion: We pray that you keep the merciful face of Christ

ever before us as we strive to be more fully your healers of this broken world. We pray for the first-responders, medical personnel, and essential workers on the frontlines of this pandemic. We give thanks for the many scientists around the world who have worked

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diligently and selflessly to find a vaccine, and we pray that soon everyone throughout the earth will be vaccinated and safe from COVID-19. We pray for those who are lonely, isolated, sick or suffering physically or financially. We pray for the poor, the refugees, the immigrants, and all who are without homes, or food, or meaningful work. We pray especially for those unfairly incarcerated who received no justice or mercy from our court system because of the color of their skin.

Leader God of Compassion:People Hear our prayers for those who are exhausted, despondent, or suffering in any way.

Leader God of Creation: We pray for the Earth, entrusted to our care: For animals, atmosphere, aquifers, rainforests, oceans, and all parts of your creation struggling with global warming that have no voice of their own. Throughout the world stir up a spirit that seeks to protect the Earth and all its resources, that we may leave to our children’s children’s children the beauty and abundance you have given us.

Leader God of Creation: People Hear our prayers for the Earth.Leader God of Mercy: We pray for those who have died, especially those who

have died alone from Covid-19. For the faithful in past generations and for the prophets who called us to racial reconciliation, sometimes at the cost of their own lives. We pray that you would continue to bring prophets into our midst who can tell the truth so there could be real healing and justice for the black people of this nation who have been unfairly incarcerated, mistreated and oppressed for centuries. Help us remember the saints of the past that they might inspire us to proclaim your Good News to all people, by our words and actions, and bring us at last into the glorious company of the saints in light.

Leader God of Mercy:People Hear our prayers for the faithful in all generations.Leader We pray for the special needs and concerns of this congregation. Leader The People may add their own petitions silently or aloud from home.

Please remember to unmute yourself, and then mute yourself again when finished.

The Presider adds a concluding CollectAlmighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of this nation and our newly elected officials as we begin this new year; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Confession & Absolution Church of England BCPPresider

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

AllAlmighty God, source of all that is, and giver of every good gift. You create all people in your image and call us to love one another as you love us.We confess that we have failed to honor you in the great diversity of the human family. We have desired to live in freedom, while building walls between ourselves and others.We have longed to be known and accepted for who we are, while judging others based on the color of their skin, or cultural differences.Forgive us, Holy God.Give us eyes to see you as you are revealed in all people.Strengthen us for the work of reconciliation rooted in love.

Restore us in your image, to be the Beloved Community, united in our diversity; even as you are one with Christ and the Spirit, Holy and undivided Trinity, now and for ever. Amen.

The Presider 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 Presider then saysAnd now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

The Lord’s Prayer

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.

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The Blessing

The flowers today are given to the Glory of God by Felice Rubenstein

“honoring all those striving to be a light in the world”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Enrich yourself during Lent, and make good use of another 40 days of the Pandemic…

Lent begins February 17th and I am putting together a study of the Old Testament Book of Job and the meaning of suffering—a timely subject—I hope you’ll consider joining in what could be your “Lenten Discipline” perhaps? We will read the contemporary play “JB,” which tells the story of Job through a twentieth-century American banker/millionaire whom God commands be stripped of his family and wealth, but who refuses to turn his back on God. J.B. won the Pulitzer Prize for drama and the Tony Award for best play. We will also watch (at home) and discuss two movies in the course of the 40 days: The Tree of Life, from the great director Terrence Malick, and A Serious Man, directed by the equally amazing Coen brothers. Let me know if you’re interested by calling the office, texting me, or emailing: Rectorstjmontclair@gmail.com

Prayer & Share

Peace be with you, Brothers and Sisters! A few of us get together to share and pray together in the following ways. You are most welcome to join us!  1.Future hosts:2/4: Marci Tedesco2/11: Patty Dreher2. Please join us in "the Prayer and Share Zoom Meeting", weekly at 7 p.m. every Thursday.Join Zoom Meeting (Same link, same password every week)https://us04web.zoom.us/j/823943733Meeting ID: 823 943 733Password: 406925

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3. You are welcome to post prayer requests for participants to keep in their prayers. The prayers will also be read at the Sunday service. Besides sharing prayer requests, you are also welcome to share useful information or meaningful messages with us in the GoogleDoc below: This document is titled "Share, Pray & Come Alive Together." https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mvaRdENeWL0NKbREuAKE1BQNbHnbhX4SvLMxxEhrujU/edit?usp=sharing

No Friend Left Behind: 4Cs of Passaic CountyThe four “C’s” in 4Cs of Passaic County stands for Community Coordinated Child Care. This organization provides childcare subsidies to individuals and families who meet eligibility guidelines. As any parent who has a son or daughter in childcare can tell you, it is an expense which can really eat up a large portion of the weekly or monthly budget. The much needed financial help provided through 4Cs often makes the difference as to whether a parent will be able to work outside of the home. In addition to a host of other social resource and referrals coordinated through 4Cs, the organization also provides training and certification to childcare providers. This ensures the best prepared providers are taking care of our children.Over the past few years, St. John’s has provided toys to the neediest families during our holiday toy drive and has purchased coats with funds from our Outreach budget. Sadly, in 2020, the pandemic precluded us from having any coat or toy drive, but we were able to provide 4Cs with a $360 check to use towards many of the uncovered and unexpected pandemic-incurred expenses.4Cs caring staff knows the needs of the families they serve. Please consider sending a check to this worthwhile organization. Questions can be directed to Bev Vollaro, at bev9497@verizon.net. If you’d like to donate on-line, you can go to the donation page on the St. John’s website or donate directly at 4Cspassaic.org

Give thanks in all circumstances. I Thessalonians 5:18

THE STATE OF OUR UNION

LAST YEAR @ this time

61 households pledged

$194,197

THIS YEAR 61 households

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have pledged $193,819

We’re in the home stretch! Only $7,189 is needed to reach our goal and support our Absence makes the heart grow fonder… $200,000 operating budget!

Need a pledge card? Let Michelle know at the office and she’ll send one out to you pronto!

Pledging made easy: Just fill out your card and drop it in the mail or the mail slot next to the

Parish Hall door. OR use the “Online Payments” tab on our website to set up automatic pledge

payments on our secure Vanco page. OR easier yet, use this QR code which will go directly to our Vanco page to

pledge:How to use the QR code:

1. Simply point your phone’s camera at the QR code below (don’t click!) 2. Tap the drop-down message that appears. 3. You will automatically be taken to our website’s “Online Payments” page.

Here’s what you’ll see when you get to the Vanco page:

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The "Bishop's Study Group: Pursuing Racial Reconciliation

Here is a list with links to all the readings/movies recommended by the Bishop so far in our Anti-Racism study group. I highly recommend all of them!

The Smithsonian Institute recently said that 12 Years a Slave, The Free State of Jones, and Lincoln (all below) are the most authentic movie portrayals of slavery & the Civil War, and seeing them will give you a well-rounded and honest view of that time.

Watch the film Harriet Watch the film 12 Years a Slave Watch Alvin Ailey’s Revelations Read:   Frederick Douglass, Fourth of July Address Read John Newton’s biography entry. Open attachments at bottom of the

webpage to read his account of slavery and original lyrics of Amazing Grace. Read William Lloyd Garrison's 1854 speech, No Compromise with the Evil of

Slavery Read Angelina Grimke's Address to the Massachusetts Legislature, 1938 Read Angelina Grimke Weld's speech at Pennsylvania Hall Read Sojourner Truth's 1851 speech, Ain't I a Woman? Watch The Free State of Jones Watch Lincoln Read the transcript of Richard Rothstein's interview on NPR's Fresh Air: A

'Forgotten History' Of How The U.S. Government Segregated America

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Read Richard Rothstein's opinion piece in the NY Times: The Black Lives Next Door

Read Béla Fleck’s Journey To Find Truth In Origins Of The Banjo, WBUR

Stephen Ministry CornerUpdate: Ellen Lentz has completed the Stephen Ministry Leader training, and will be commissioned at our regular Sunday service today. Ellen will also be giving the Homily today and telling us why she felt inspired to begin this ministry at St. John’s, and what additional inspiration she found during her recent training intensive. Ellen has now begun training our five future St. John’s Stephen Ministers. The 50-hour training course for these volunteers requires twice a week 2 ½ hour sessions for ten weeks (!) Once trained, the Stephen Ministers will be available to help (on a weekly basis) anyone going through a difficult time in their life.Our first Stephen Minister volunteers are:

† Paul Sugarman † Reina Smith† Angela Roy† Monique Omar† Lorita Jackson.

Our St. John’s community, and our community beyond the doors of St. John’s, is very blessed by the love, patience and commitment of these future Stephen Ministers now preparing themselves to walk with people experiencing a difficult time in their lives. We ask for your prayers and blessing for them as they go through this demanding training process.

DismissalPresider Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia.People Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.

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