Jesus’ parable about two sons who don’t do what they say reveals surprises in the reign of God. Paul urges us to look to Christ as a model of humility, putting the interests of others above our own. Nourished by the broken bread and shared cup, we offer our lives for the sake of our needy world.
The people’s responses are given in bold.
ENTRANCE PROCESSION
The people are invited to stand as they are able as the sacred ministers enter the church from the south-east door.
THE GREETING
We share in the Apostolic Greeting.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
THE COLLECT FOR PURITY
Almighty God,
unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hid:
Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
ACT OF PRAISE
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
The collect is the prayer appointed for the day that reflects the theme of the day or season, and which celebrates the attributes of God revealed in the readings of the day.
Grant, O merciful God,
that your Church,
being gathered by your Holy Spirit into one,
may show forth your power among all peoples,
to the glory of your name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The people may be seated.
THE FIRST READING Exodus 17. 1–7 Stephen White
Because the thirsty Israelites quarreled with Moses and put God to the test, Moses cried out in desperation to God. God commanded Moses to strike the rock to provide water for the people. The doubt-filled question—“Is the Lord among us or not?”—received a very positive answer.
From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. The people quarrelled with Moses, and said, ‘Give us water to drink.’ Moses said to them, ‘Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?’ But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, ‘Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?’ So Moses cried out to the Lord, ‘What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.’ The Lord said to Moses, ‘Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.’ Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarrelled and tested the Lord, saying, ‘Is the Lord among us or not?’.
¶The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM Psalm 78. 1–4, 12–16
The Psalms form the ancient songbook of God’s people.
The people are invited to join in saying the Psalm responsively by the full verse as indicated.
1 Hear my teaching, O my people; incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will declare the mysteries of ancient times.
3 That which we have heard and known, and what our forefathers have told us, * we will not hide from their children.
4 We will recount to generations to come the praiseworthy deeds and the power of the Lord, * and the wonderful works he has done.
12 He worked marvels in the sight of their forefathers, * in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.
13 He split open the sea and let them pass through; * he made the waters stand up like walls.
14 He led them with a cloud by day, * and all the night through with a glow of fire.
15 He split the hard rocks in the wilderness * and gave them drink as from the great deep.
16 He brought streams out of the cliff, * and the waters gushed out like rivers.
THE SECOND READING Philippians 2. 1–13 Stephen White
As part of a call for harmony rather than self-seeking, Paul uses a very early Christian hymn that extols the selflessness of Christ in his obedient death on the cross. Christ’s selfless perspective is to be the essential perspective we share as the foundation for Christian accord.
If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross.
Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
¶The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 21. 23–32
After driving the moneychangers out of the temple (21:12), Jesus begins teaching there. His authority is questioned by the religious leaders, who are supposed to be in charge of the temple.
The Lord be with you.
And with thy spirit.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew.
Glory to thee, O Lord.
When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?’ Jesus said to them, ‘I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?’ And they argued with one another, ‘If we say, “From heaven”, he will say to us, “Why then did you not believe him?” But if we say, “Of human origin”, we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.’ So they answered Jesus, ‘We do not know.’ And he said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
‘What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not”; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, “I go, sir”; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?’ They said, ‘The first.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, the tax-collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax-collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.
¶The Gospel of Christ.
Praise be to thee, O Christ.
THE SERMON The Reverend Canon Dr. David Anderson
The sermon follows the readings and reflects on one or more the readings, relating them to our Christian discipleship and daily life.
The people are seated.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Nicene Creed
Let us confess the faith as we say,
I believe in one God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
and of all things visible and invisible;
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of the Father before all worlds,
God, of God; Light, of Light; very God, of very God;
begotten, not made; being of one substance with the Father;
through whom all things were made:
who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven,
and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man,
and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.
He suffered and was buried, and the third day he rose again
according to the scriptures, and ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of the Father.
And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead:
whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceedeth from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified,
who spake by the prophets.
And I believe one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins.
And I look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
COMMISSIONING OF A PASTORAL INTERN
The Rector comes to the altar steps with minister to be commissioned.
Dear friends, Jason Dockeray is discerning a call to ordained ministry in the Anglican Church. He comes to us with a wealth of experience, having served many years as an officer in the Salvation Army. Today we recognize his ministry and welcome him as a pastoral intern to work among us as part of his preparation for, and discernment of, a call to ordained ministry in our Anglican Church. Our purpose today is to commission him to this work in the service of Jesus Christ.
Jason will proclaim God’s word among us, and share in pastoral care and leadership, and other such ministries that are assigned to him. We will commit to support him and receive his ministry.
Jason, do you accept the trust committed to you?
I do.
People of St. Jude’s, will you receive this ministry and seek to encourage and support Jason in the work to which he as been called.
We will.
Jason, in the name of Jesus Christ, I commission you to this work and pledge to you our prayers, encouragement, and support.
May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you, that in this and in all things, you may do God's will in the service of Jesus Christ.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, look with favour upon Jason who today has reaffirmed his commitment to follow Christ and to serve in his name. Give him courage, patience, and vision; and strengthen us all in our Christian vocation of witness to the world and of service to others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The people may welcome the new pastoral intern. The people may be seated for the prayers.
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Stephen White
We pray for the Church throughout the world; the flourishing of creation; the nation, our King and all in authority under him; the needs of the world, the concerns of our community of faith, especially those who have requested our prayers; and for the departed.
The people are seated.
Reminded of God’s gracious and abundant love, we offer our prayers, confident that God hears us.
A brief silence.
Center your church in humility as we strive to follow in your way. We especially pray for the worldwide Anglican Communion, and in our cycle of prayer, particularly today for St. Saviour, The Brock Memorial Church, Queenston; The Reverend Janet Cashin, Priest-in-Charge; and the people of that parish. We pray for Susan and Colin our bishops; David and Patrick our priests, Adedayo our deacon, Jason our intern, and for our other parish leaders and all the people. Help us listen to the cries of those who have been unfairly hurt by the church and dare to name difficult truths. Show all your love. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
You call us to care for your creation. Lead us into your promise of a better world through sustainable practices and respect for your handiwork. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Inspire all in positions of authority to act honorably. We pray for Charles our King and all in authority under him. We pray for the leaders of nations and for peace around the world. We pray for peace in throughout the Middle East, Ukraine and Russia, Myanmar, and South Sudan. Remind leaders of their call to use their authority for the sake of the common good. Give them the gift of humility. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Comfort those who come before you in fear and trembling. Calm troubled hearts with your forgiveness. Help all those in need. We pray for all those who have requested our prayers: Bruce, Kevin, Marlene, Moira, Brooke, Kathryn, Peter, Eileen, Madison, Mary, Cheryl, Scott M, Cam, Freda, Melissa, Carter, Andreas, Barence, Sandi, Adam, Glen, Avril, Bob, Chloe, Terry, Clare, Lindsay, Ray, Arthur, Carol, ian and Kathy. Grant us your salvation. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Change this congregation’s heart when we say no to your call. Open us to courageous learning and service in our community, especially in new or challenging places. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Your steadfast love holds all the saints who have finished their work and are at rest. We give thanks for the life of David Michael Thompson and Helena McDonald and pray for those who mourn. We also remember Jean & Gerry Coffin and Anne Milford in whose memory flowers have been given. As we grieve, remind us of your mercy so we may also give thanks. Bring us with all who have died in the peace of Christ, St. Jude, and all the saints, to feast with you in the fullness of your kingdom. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Grant the prayers we have offered, what we have forgotten to ask, and whatever else you see that we need. We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION
We confess our sins in confidence that God forgives.
Let us humbly confess our sins to almighty God.
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Maker of all things and judge of all people:
We acknowledge and confess our manifold sins and wickedness,
Which we from time to time most grievously have committed,
By thought, word and deed,
Against thy divine majesty.
We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings.
Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father;
For thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake,
Forgive us all that is past; And grant that we may ever hereafter
Serve and please thee In newness of life,
To the honour and glory of thy name;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father,
who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins
to all them that with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him:
have mercy upon you; pardon and deliver you from all your sins;
confirm and strengthen you in all goodness;
and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE PEACE
As forgiven and reconcile people we exchange words of peace with one another.
The people may stand.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And with thy spirit.
The people are invited to share words of peace with one another.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Eternal God,
in Jesus Christ we behold your glory.
Receive the offering of your people gathered before you,
and open our hearts and mouths
to praise your great salvation,
the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you.
And with thy spirit.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up unto the Lord.
Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.
It is meet and right so to do.
It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, creator and preserver of all things, through Jesus Christ our Lord. And now we give you thanks for your ancient promise that while the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, will never cease. Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name; evermore praising thee and saying:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts,
heaven and earth are full of thy glory.
Glory be to thee, O Lord most high.
Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessing and glory and thanksgiving be unto thee, almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of thy tender mercy didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to take our nature upon him, and to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption; who made there, by his one oblation of himself once offered, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memorial of that his precious death, until his coming again.
Hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly beseech thee; and grant that we receiving these thy creatures of bread and wine, according to thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ’s holy institution, in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers of his most blessed body and blood; who, in the same night that he was betrayed, took bread; and, when he had given thanks, he brake it; and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you: Do this in remembrance of me.”
Likewise after supper he took the cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink ye all, of this; for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins: Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.”
Wherefore, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, we thy humble servants, with all thy holy Church, remembering the precious death of thy beloved Son, his mighty resurrection, and glorious ascension, and looking for his coming again in glory, do make before thee, in this sacrament of the holy bread of eternal life and the cup of everlasting salvation, the memorial which he hath commanded:
We praise thee, we bless thee, we thank thee,
and we pray to thee, Lord our God.
And we entirely desire thy fatherly goodness mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, most humbly beseeching thee to grant, that by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we and all thy whole Church may obtain remission of our sins, and all other benefits of his passion; And we pray that by the power of thy Holy Spirit, all we who are partakers of this holy communion may be fulfilled with thy grace and heavenly benediction; through Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end.
Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Rejoicing in God’s new creation and gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us pray as our Saviour taught us,
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, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD
We do not presume to come to this thy table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy: grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.
FRACTION ANTHEM Agnus Dei
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world: have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world: have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world: grant us thy peace.
THE COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE
All people who seek to follow Jesus are welcome to receive the Holy Communion. The Holy Communion is distributed at the altar rail. You are welcome to kneel or stand to receive. You may receive Holy Communion in either, or both the bread and the wine. Gluten free bread is available; if you prefer gluten free, please ask the priest distributing the bread. Receive the bread in your open and outstretched hands, responding, Amen. The wine is offered from a common cup. To receive please assist by helping guide the cup to your lips. If you prefer not to receive the cup, cross your arms across your chest. If you prefer to receive a blessing rather than the bread and wine of communion, again, cross your arms over your chest as the priest comes to distribute the bread and the priest will bless you.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
The people may stand.
Father in heaven,
strengthen the unity of your Church,
so that we who have been fed with holy things
may fulfil your will in the world.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Glory to God,
whose power, working in us,
can do infinitely more
than we can ask or imagine.
Glory to God from generation to generation,
in the Church and in Christ Jesus,
for ever and ever. Amen.
BLESSING
God the Father, who created the world,
give you grace to be wise stewards of his creation.
God the Son, who redeemed the world,
inspire you to go out as labourers into his harvest.
God the Holy Spirit, whose breath fills the whole creation,
help you to bear his fruits of love, joy and peace
and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
If it is needful that any announcements concerning the life and work of the church be made, they are given at this time.
DISMISSAL
The assisting minister dismisses the people to go forth to share in God’s mission in the world.
Go in peace.
Tend the earth, care for God’s good creation;
as you have received freely, so freely give.
Thanks be to God.
As you are able, please remain standing as the sacred ministers make their way from the church.
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TODAY’S MINISTERS. Presiding Celebrant and Preacher: The Reverend Canon Dr. David Anderson, Rector. Reader & Greeter: Stephen White. Altar Guild: Judy Bindon, Patty Winter.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This liturgy is in the tradition of the Book of Common Prayer (Canada, 1962), and is adapted from the Book of Alternative Services, The General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada (1984), and from other sources as follows. ‘The Prayers of the People’ are adapted from Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress, © 2025, used by permission. This liturgy is used at St. Jude’s Church by permission of the Bishop of Niagara.
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ALTAR FLOWERS
The flowers on the stands are to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Jean & Gerry Coffin and Anne Milford, given by Mike & Martha Bingham.
All are invited to make a gift to support
St. Jude’s ministry of sharing God’s love.
As the plate is passed or by scanning the QR code at the left or
online at stjudeschurch.net/give.
Thank you for your generosity.
St. Jude’s Church
www.stjudeschurch.net
office@stjudeschurch.net
905-844-3972
Clergy and Staff
The Right Reverend Dr. Susan J.A. Bell, Bishop of Niagara
The Reverend Canon Dr. David Anderson, Rector anderson@stjudeschurch.net
The Reverend Canon Dr. Patrick Patterson, Priest Assistant pat.macrae.pat@gmail.com
The Reverend Deacon Adedayo Olomodosi, Student Minster
Sebastian Moreno, Director of Music choir@stjudeschurch.net
Dr. Andrei Streliaev, Associate Organist
Corinne DeJong, Choral Lead and Youth Chorus Director choir@stjudeschurch.net
Grace D’Mello, Choral Scholar
Carmen Almeida, Coordinator of Youth and Children’s Ministry carmen@stjudeschurch.net
Amanda Judd, Operations Manager manager@stjudeschurch.net
Bea Malik, Parish Secretary office@stjudeschurch.net
Churchwardens
Kevin Coleman, People’s Warden peopleswarden@stjudeschurch.net
Nancy Coombs, Rector’s Warden rectorswarden@stjudeschurch.net
Dave Haslett, Deputy People’s Warden
Matt Stevenson, Deputy Rector’s Warden
Nick Choules-Burbidge, Treasurer nwrburbidge@gmail.com
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ANNOUCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS
Men’s Breakfast- Sat, Oct 3 @ 7:30am
The Men’s Fellowship group invites you to join them in Victoria Hall for a buffet-style breakfast, cooked by our very own Pantry Program volunteers. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Pantry Program to help continue their good works.
Tickets are $35, and can be purchased on our website or in the Church Office.
Blessing of the Animals – Sun, Oct 4 @ 2:00pm
Join us as we celebrate the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi with a special Blessing of the Animals service. Bring your beloved pets for a short service of prayer, scripture, and individual blessings as we give thanks for all of God’s creatures.
No registration necessary. All are welcome!
Jazz Vespers: Sunday, Oct 4 @ 4 PM
Join us for music with a Jazz Quartet, evening prayers, readings, and a short reflection. A free will offering is appreciated.
St Jude's Book Club - Tue, Oct 6 @ 12pm
Join us in the library to discuss- The Patron Saint of Second Chances by Christine Simon.
~A small-town Italian mayor makes an outrageous promise to save his struggling village—but keeping that promise means bringing together a cast of unforgettable characters, confronting old grudges, and taking a few unexpected risks. Filled with humour, heart, family drama, and second chances, this charming novel is a celebration of community and the wonderfully messy ways people can come together~
Parish Lunch: Wed, Oct 14 @ 11:30 AM
Don’t miss out on next month’s Parish Lunch, lovingly prepared by our volunteers, For just $8, enjoy lunch, a sweet dessert, and a glass of wine. Coffee and tea will also be available.
Please register online or at the office.
Choral Evensong: Sunday, Oct 18 @ 4 PM
Experience the beauty and serenity of Choral Evensong, a cherished tradition of the Anglican Church. This contemplative service of Evening Prayer brings together Scripture, prayer, and glorious choral music in an atmosphere of beauty, reflection, and reverence.
Rag Dolls and Rage: A Book Talk with Sheila Tucker - Mon, Oct 26
Join us for an inspiring and moving book talk in Victoria Hall with Sheila Tucker, author of Rag Dolls and Rage, her memoir of surviving a turbulent childhood and finding healing, resilience, and hope. All women of St. Jude’s are warmly welcome to attend.
Books are available for $25 cash at the St. Jude’s office or through e-transfer. Purchasing a book also enters your name into a raffle, even if you are unable to attend the talk.
All proceeds from book sales will be donated to Home Suite Hope.
Tea, coffee, and light refreshments will be available.
Nosferatu (1922): Silent Film Fundraiser – Fri, Oct 30 @ 7:00pm
A special screening of Nosferatu (1922), one of the most influential horror films ever made, will take place in Victoria Hall at St. Jude’s Church. Experience the haunting story of Count Orlok accompanied live by acclaimed silent film pianist William O’Meara, who has accompanied more than 300 silent films across Europe, North America, China, and Japan.
All proceeds from the fundraiser will support St. Jude’s Choral Scholarship Program.
Tickets: $25 per person. Enjoy cinema-style concessions available for purchase throughout the evening. Tickets may be purchased through the Parish Office or online.