THIRD SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
July 6 , 2025
THE FATHER IS MY HOPE; THE SON IS MY REFUGE;
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS MY PROTECTION.
ALL HOLY TRINITY, GLORY TO THEE!
LIVE AUDIO STREAMING during today’s service is available on the Order of Service page. Recorded audio will be added following worship.
GETTING READY FOR SUNDAY: PREVIEW OF THE READINGS
In this season of Trinity, which is the season dedicated to our spiritual growth as Christians, the Church invites us to become “partakers of the divine nature” ( 2 Peter 1.4). Our Epistle lesson for today describes what that means and what that looks like: we are to be subject to the elders, clothe ourselves with humility, cast our anxieties on God, resist the devil, embrace suffering, and greet one another with a “ holy kiss.” In all of our spiritual struggles and afflictions we rejoice that we worship a God who in Christ takes the initiative and seeks out those who have lost their way in life.
THE LESSON: 1 Peter 5:5-14
Likewise you that are younger be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you. Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you. Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some oneto devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you. To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen. By Silva′nus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God; stand fast in it. She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings; and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you that are in Christ.
THE GOSPEL: Luke 15:1-7
Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ So he told them this parable: ‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.
PARISH LIFE NOTES
Blessing of the Churchbell will take place before the 10.30 service this Sunday.
All Priests and Deacons, unless prevented by sickness or other urgent cause, are to say daily the Morning and Evening Prayer either privately, or openly in the Church. In the latter case it is desirable that the bell should be rung, in order that the people may come to take part in the Service, or at least may lift up their hearts to God in the midst of their occupations.
– Book of Common Prayer, 1962.
I went down to the sacred store
Where I’d heard the music years before
But the man there said the music wouldn’t play
And in the streets, the children screamed
The lovers cried and the poets dreamed
But not a word was spoken
The church bells all were broken
And the three men I admire most
The Father, Son and the Holy Ghost
They caught the last train for the coast
The day the music died.
Don McLean, American Pie, 1971
Priest: O Christ, the Almighty Ruler, as you once calmed the storm of the seas when awaken in the boat from the sleep of your human nature, so now come with your benign help to the needs of your people and pour out on this bell the dew of the Holy Spirit. Whenever it rings may the enemy of the good take flight, the Christian people hear the call to faith, the empire of Satan be terrified, your people strengthen as they are called together in the Lord, and may the Holy Spirit be with them as he delighted to be with David when he played his harp. And as onetime thunder in the air frightened away a throng of enemies, while Samiel slew an unweaned lamb as a holocaust to the eternal King, so when the peal of this bell resounds in the clouds may legions of angels stand watch over the assembly of your Church, the first fruits of the faithful, and afford them everlasting protection to them in body and spirit. We ask this through you Jesus Christ, who lived and reign with god the father in the unity or the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
People: Amen
Rector’s Farewell Breakfast with the clergy and people of St. Mary’s Ethiopian Orthodox Church took place Saturday, June 22 following the Divine Liturgy in the Lower Hall.
Rector’s Farewell Lunch will follow in the Upper Hall following the service today.
Berry Festival – Saturday, July 19th. Our much-loved Saskatoon Berry Festival is coming up on Saturday, July 19th, and we need your help to make it a success! Volunteers are needed. If you’d like to lend a hand, please talk to me, call or email, or look out for sign-up sheets at the back of the church. -Starr
Calling all St. Mary’s Bakers Let’s put all your talent to work for the Saskatoon Berry Festival Bake Sale on Sat. July 19th. All types of baking and preserves are welcome. Make your favorites but if you need ideas, some suggestions are: cakes, cookies, tarts, breads, muffins, pies, squares, jams, jellies, relish and pickles etc. Use your imagination! Have fun! If you choose to make Special items like nut free, gluten free, lactose free and sugar free (diabetic) Please include an ingredient list and securely wrap and clearly label your baking. Please bring your baking to the church on Friday July 18th anytime between noon until 4pm. Contact: Sharon
If you can help at the Saskatoon Berry Festival please sign up. Thank-you.
Summer Help Needed – Children’s Ministry. Do you have a heart for kids and a few hours to spare this summer? We’re looking for volunteers to help with our Children’s Ministry during the summer months. If you’re interested, please contact me directly. -Starr