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THE FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
The Holy Eucharist - Rite II
September 14, 2025 9:30 AM
THE ENTRANCE RITE
(In preparation for worship, please remain in silent meditation, ensuring that your mobile devices are silenced.)
Opening Sentence and Prayer
Entrance Hymn (The Hymnal 1982, #645) ‘The King of love my shepherd is’
Greeting and Acclamation Prayer Book, page 355
Prayer of the Day Prayer Book, page 192
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
A Reading from the Book of Isaiah (45: 21 - 25) Stephanie Glasgow
21Thus says the Lord, “Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the Lord? There is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is no one besides me. 22Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. 23By myself I have sworn, from my mouth has gone forth in righteousness a word that shall not return: “To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” 24Only in the Lord, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength; all who were incensed against him shall come to him and be ashamed. 25In the Lord all the offspring of Israel shall triumph and glory.
The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
Psalm (98: 1 - 4) Cantate Domino The Portland Psalter, Book 1 Choir
Refrain: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God
1 Sing to the Lord a new song, * for he has done marvelous things.
2 With his right hand and his holy arm * has he won for himself the victory. (Refrain)
3 The Lord has made known his victory; * his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.
4 He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel, * and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. (Refrain)
Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Philippians (2: 5 - 11) Ursula Brown
5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, 6who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, 7but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, 8he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
Sequence Hymn (The Hymnal 1982, #474) ‘When I survey the wondrous cross’
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (12: 31 - 36a)
Jesus said, 31“Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. 34The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. 36While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.” After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them.
Sermon
Profession of Faith (The Nicene Creed) Prayer Book, page 358
Prayers of the People (Form II) Sandra Legall-Leys Prayer Book, page 385
Confession of Sin and Absolution Prayer Book, page 360
Gesture of Peace ‘Let there be peace on earth’
THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
Offertory Hymn (Church in the Province of the West Indies, #496)
‘And can it be that I should gain’
And can it be that I should gain An int’rest in the Savior’s blood? Died He for me, who caused His pain? For me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! how can it be That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me! Amazing love!
’Tis mystery all! The Immortal dies: Who can explore His strange design? In vain the firstborn seraph tries To sound the depths of love Divine. ’Tis mercy all! let earth adore, Let angel minds inquire no more.
He left His Father’s throne above, So free, so infinite His grace, Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam’s helpless race. ’Tis mercy all, immense and free; For, O my God, it found out me!
Long my imprisoned spirit lay Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quickening ray, I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains fell off, my heart was free. I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him, is mine! Alive in Him, my living Head, And clothed in righteousness Divine. Bold I approach the eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Doxology (African American Heritage Hymnal, #651)
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING (Eucharistic Prayer B) Prayer Book, page 367
The Preface of the Lord’s Day Prayer Book, page 377
Sanctus and Benedictus (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #255)
Memorial Acclamation (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #260)
The Great Amen (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #233)
The Lord’s Prayer (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #264)
Agnus Dei (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #270)
Hymns during the Administration of Holy Communion
(Lift Every Voice and Sing II, # 29) ‘Near the cross’
(The Hymnal 1982, #441 / #693) ‘In the cross‘ / ‘Just as I am’
Prayer after Communion (Stand or kneel) Prayer Book, page 366
The Blessing
Welcome / Announcements (Blessings: Birthday, Travel, Children, Other)
Mission Hymn (The Hymnal 1982, #675) ‘Take up your cross, the Savior said’
Organ Postlude
(Please remain seated until the Postlude ends and the candles are extinguished. Be mindful of those who have stayed behind for prayer.)
WELCOME * BIENVENIDOS * BIENVENUE
The Clergy, Wardens, and Vestry of our Parish welcome all visitors and members who have joined us in celebrating God in Christ Jesus.
We hope that you have had a rewarding spiritual experience, and we pray that you will come again. If you are looking for a spiritual home, we invite you to join our fellowship and worship. Please speak with the Priest or one of the Ushers.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS: SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER
Holy Eucharist, Sundays, 9:30am (Sanctuary / Online)
(Facebook / YouTube / Zoom ID: 970 3502 6969 / Passcode: 026667)
1st and 3rd Sundays, Community Prayer Walk, 1pm
Holy Eucharist, Wednesdays, 10 am (Sanctuary / Zoom ID: 953 4196 0007 / Passcode: 025388 / Telephone: 1.646.876.9923 / ID: 953 4196 0007)
Sunday, September 14, Parish Meeting after Mass (Golden Hall)
(120th Anniversary Awardees, Bishop Allotey; Cry Room; Membership in Organizations/Ministries; Rental of the Golden Hall by members; Summer Camp; Volunteers and the Church)
Wednesday, September 17, 7:30 pm, Bible Study (The Qualities of the Fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23)
Sunday, September 21, 9:30 am, National Back to Church Sunday
1pm, Vestry Meeting (Conference Room)
Friday, September 26, 120th Anniversary Awards Gala and Dance (Glen Terrace)
Sunday, September 28, 9:30 am, Patronal Festival
Sunday, October 12, 9:30am, International Sunday
Friday/Saturday, November 14 - 15, Diocesan Convention
Sunday, November 23, 9:30 am, Harvest Thanksgiving Festival and Talent Ingathering
SPECIAL OFFERINGS AND INTENTIONS
ANGLICAN CYCLE OF PRAYER: The Anglican Church of South America; Omu-Aran, Nigeria; Ondo, Nigeria; Ontario, Canada; Oregon, The Episcopal Church; Eastern Oregon, The Episcopal Church; Orlu, Nigeria.
BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY: Maureen Proute (14), Faye Cumberbatch (16), Lynette Gravesande (18), Margaret James (18), Pearl Fox (19).
BIRTHDAY:
Candles, bread and wine are given by Meta Lenora Kane in celebration of her 85th birthday anniversary (September 7). To God be the Glory!
Candles and flowers are given by Esther Elder as she celebrated her 88th birthday anniversary (September 9). To God be the Glory!
Flowers are given for Maureen Proute as she celebrates her birthday anniversary on September 14. Given by her daughter Shellie Ann and the entire family.
Flowers are given in thanksgiving for Bertina Wiltshire as she celebrates her 97th birthday anniversary on September 15. Given with love by her friends of St. Gabriel’s Church. ‘The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?’ The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid?’ (Psalm 27).
DIOCESAN CYCLE OF PRAYER: Iglesia de la Santa Cruz; Eucharistic Ministers and Visitors; Zion Church, Douglaston; Diocese of Western New York, Province II; Saint James', Elmhurst; Staff and Board of Managers of Episcopal Health Services; Saint George's, Flushing.
HEALING PRAYERS for SICK and SHUT-IN MEMBERS: Nola Archer-Springer, Claudette Baptiste, Janet Beaton, Orion Best, Gwendolyn Blackett, Joyce Bourne, Eleanor Brown, Margaret Burke, Beverly Clark, Andria Clarke-Worrell, Marie Clarke, Ena Dixon, Harris Edwards, Kenneth Fleary, Pearl Fox, Hazel Gittens, Dolsy Greaves-Prince, Lindora Hall, Nerissa Hawker-King, Alice Herbert, Althea Howell, Lynette Hunte, Monica Jones, Mavis King, Emmie Lambert, Germaine Mascoll, Raymond Maynard, Norma McKenzie, Deborah McPherson, Lynette Neptune, Ashton Parris, Lucille Peters, Miriam Prince, Erene Radix, Ursula Richards, Edgar Roper, Mavis Rose, Barbara Sammerson, Deonne Squires-Gilbert, Frederica Smith, Jean Soso, Pauline Thomas, Ivonne Waldron, Winslow Wilson, Ines Wyatt.
HEALING PRAYERS for SICK and SHUT-IN RELATIVES and FRIENDS: Jennifer Allen, Sandra Alleyne, Claudette Butler, Adrian Garner, Carmen Baez, Manuela Blot, Richard Boyce, Cheryl Clarke, Tiffany Clarke, Patrick Codrington, Gilberto Donaldson, Cleve Esson, Sonia Estrada, Raymond Fenty, Celia Fikes, Denise Flatts, Zie Garraway, Avril Green, Al Shura Hayden, Anthony Hayden, Antonette Hayden, Vernice Hinds, Myrna Johnson, Edward Jones, Elizabeth Kane, Colleen Kane, Cyril Kane, Ika Kane, Thelma Kane, Vilima Kane, Carol Kane-Hicks, Syrrea Kane-Price, Cedric Layne, Adrienne Le’Blanc, Maureen Lewis, Mildred Liburd, Igor Nelubin, Princess O’Garro, Paul Oseni, Leroy Peterson, Jeannine Pierre-Louis, Margaret Roach, Pheobe Roberts, Joan Scott, Gamal Steele, Alana Tompkins, Philip Tudor, Ann Walker, Mary Forde-Walters, Bryon Wilson, Lemar Wynn.
STUDENTS AT COLLEGE: Jeremy Cox (University of Buffalo), Kesiena Gbidi (Medgar Evers College), Najite Gbidi (Kingsborough Community College), Aaron Grant (Point Park University), Elrid Holder (NYC College of Technology). Angelique Agard (Essex County College), Nyla Bartholomew (University of North Carolina), Desmond Jordan (Kingsborough Community College), Marshal Neptune (John Jay Community College), Jayden Richardson (University at Albany), Marliah Samuels (Binghamton University), Cynnia Semper (Norfolk State University), Jada Skye Spencer (Clark Atlanta University), Saige Wilson (Fordham University).
UNITED STATES MILITARY: Bernard Abraham (Army, North Carolina), Bennett Barnes (Army, Poland), Kibwe Cummings (Coast Guard, Maryland), Keron Glasgow (Army, Fort Bliss, Texas), Alonso Hall (Air Force, Japan), Richard Hinds (Army, South Korea), Trevaughn Luncheon (Navy, Florida), Shequita and Nephi Marston (Air Force, Germany), Shaquan McKenzie (Navy), Ashley McKenzie (Navy), Tacoma Washington (Army).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ADULT CHOIR: If you are interested in joining the choir, we encourage you to attend rehearsals after Mass on Sundays. Please speak with the Organist and Music Minister, Christopher Bryant.
FELLOWSHP HOUR: If you would like to host it on any given Sunday, please contact Cynthia Daniel, Fay Hunt, Dianne Miller, Gloria Miller or Zelma Murray.
HVAC SYSTEM: There are special offering envelopes provided in the pews. Thanks for your continued support.
OFFERINGS: Please bring your offering to the Office, mail it to the Church, or send it via Zelle (SaintGabrielsBrooklyn@gmail.com). Please write checks to St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, Inc.
PRACTICE OF HOLY HABITS: As a Christian Steward, I affirm that I am tithing or have adopted a plan to work towards tithing as a minimum standard of giving, and if I am not already doing so, I am committed to giving priority to Corporate Worship, Personal Daily Prayer and Study and Sabbath Time in my life.
PRAYER BOOKS, BIBLES and HYMNALS are available for purchase. They are $30 each. Please visit the Office if you need any of these books.
READINGS: WEDNESDAY, September 17 (Hildegard of Bingen): Sirach 43: 1 - 12 (Jean Cox Dickson); Psalm 8; John 3: 16 - 21; Prayers of the People, Form II (Carl Ebers). THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY after PENTECOST, September 21 National Back to Church Sunday): Amos 8: 4 - 7 (Clifford Loncke); Psalm 113 (Choir); 1 Timothy 2: 1 -7 (Edna Loncke); Luke 16: 1 - 13; Prayers of the People, Form III (Teon Loncke).
SUNDAY SCHOOL REGISTRATION FORMS are available to be filled out and returned to Edna Loncke or the office.
TRAINING (REHEARSALS) Acolytes: 1st and 2nd Sundays, 1 pm; Altar Guild: Saturdays, 12:30 pm; Eucharistic Ministers: 3rd Sundays, 1 pm
TREE OF LIFE: To memorialize your deceased loved ones, please call the Church Office for details.
UPDATES: If you have moved or changed your telephone number, please update your contact information with the Office!
WEEKLY BULLETIN: Please submit information for publication to the Office by noon on Wednesdays (stgabrielschurchbrooklyn@gmail.com).
YOUTH MINISTRY: Every First Sunday we will focused on our Children and Youth in the Ministry of the Church. Please indicate if you are interested in being a Lector on Youth Sundays.
SEARCH FOR THE NINTH BISHOP OF LONG ISLAND
COMMITTEE UPDATE
The Special Convention for the election of the Ninth Bishop of Long Island has been scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Cathedral of the Incarnation.
SAINT GABRIEL’S OLDER ADULT CENTER
(1.718.773.4049)
Monday, September 15: Computer Class / Walk with Ease / Tai Chi for Arthritis
Tuesday, September 16: Arts and Crafts /Exercise Class / Bingo
Wednesday, September 17: Computer / Walk with Ease / Bingo
Thursday, September 18: Arts and Craft / Current Hour / Tai Chi for Arthritis
Friday, September 19: Hypertension Screening / Exercise / Bingo
Spiritual Theme 2025
‘Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?’
(The Book of Common Prayer, Page 305)
Ministers of the Church
The Very Reverend Canon Donovan Ivanhoe Leys, Priest and Rector
1.917.216.7599 / sgecpriest@gmail.com
The Right Reverend Lawrence C. Provenzano
Bishop Diocesan, Diocese of Long Island
Jillian Gbidi and Noel Browne, Wardens
R. Clifford Loncke and Ivonne E. Waldron, Wardens Emeritus
Andrea Wesley, Administrative Assistant
Christopher Bryant, Organist and Music Minister
Pablo Martinez and Zelma Murray, Custodians
THE VESTRY OF OUR CHURCH
The Very Reverend Canon Donovan Ivanhoe Leys, Chair
Jillian Gibidi (1.718.219.0922) / Noel Browne (1.917.681.6312), Wardens
2026: Carl Elbers, Adrienne Sandiford, Linda Watson-Lorde
2027: Audrey Cox, Dianne Miller (Treasurer), Leila Reid (Secretary)
2028: Malike Cummings, Heather Moise, M. Helen Walker
Live Steaming
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