FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
September 28, 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
Back in 1979, Bob Dylan, famously wrote,
You may be an ambassador to England or France
You may like to gamble, you might like to dance
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world
You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You’re gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody.
Bob Dylan’ lyric was a riff off today’s Gospel where Jesus gives a name to the devil that we invariably serve if we are not serving Christ: it is money or as the older translations have it, “Mammon. Unlike Christ, “whose service is perfect freedom”, service to Mammon is perfect slavery, filling us with anxiety in a never ending search for financial security. As an antidote and alternative to the anxiety stemming from the false worship of money, Jesus invites to consider the birds and the flowers and in so doing place our trust in God’s providence. In our Epistle reading, St. Paul shows us how, in the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “In a world where success is the measure and justification of all things, the figure of Him who was sentenced and crucified remains a stranger and is at best the object of pity. The world will allow itself to be subdued only by success. It is not ideas or opinions which decide, but deeds. Success alone justifies wrongs done. . . . The figure of the Crucified invalidates all thought which takes success for its standard.”
THE LESSON : Galatians 6:11-18
See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God.Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
THE GOSPEL : Matthew 6:24-34
No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day.
PARISH LIFE NOTES
HOLY BAPTISM today we will joyfully celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Baptism for Claire, Evander and Kellianne, a moment of spiritual rebirth through the waters of regeneration and entrance into Christ’s Holy Catholic Church. May God grant the newly baptized many blessed years!
BAPTISM LUNCH INVITATION Join us in celebrating the baptism with a potluck lunch after the service! Cake, buns, coffee, tea, and refreshments will be provided.
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY NIGHT PRAYER Every Sunday • 7:00–8:00 PM , Sanctuary , come experience the power of prayer and community. All are welcome, bring your heart, your hopes, and your faith.
St. Mary’s Prayer Chain consists of a group of participants who are dedicated to prayer. The prayer chain is available to us who need prayer for things such “trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity”. Requests may be sent to Ann by text or email or phone call. The request will then be directed to the other participants for prayer. Confidentiality will be maintained.
HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF ST. MARY’S
As we begin the important journey of calling a new priest, your voice matters. Our Search Committee is inviting input from the congregation to help answer two key questions:
- Who are we at St. Mary’s?
- What are our ministry strengths and weaknesses?
Your responses will help shape our Parish Profile, which is essential in guiding potential candidates and helping them understand who we are—and where God is calling us as a church community. Please provide your answers confidentially to Yvonne at the church office. Email: stmarysanglican@sasktel.net
All responses will be handled with care and respect.
WORSHIP THIS WEEK
Morning Prayer: Tuesday at 8.30 a.m.
Evening Prayer: Wednesday at 5.30 p.m.