Zion Episcopal Church
SCRIPTURE - TRADITION - REASON
We promise to share the love of Christ with all of God’s children
in our worship, words and witness.
The 7th Sunday after Pentecost July 12, 2026
Year A 10:00 am
Holy Eucharist (Rite II)
Prelude
Welcome & Announcements
Processional Hymn: 8 " Morning has broken" Blue Hymnal
Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen.
The Celebrant says
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Glory to God in the highest,
And peace to his people on earth
Lord God, heavenly King,
Almighty God and Father,
We worship you,
We give you thanks,
We praise you for your glory
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father;
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen
The Collect of the Day
Celebrant: The Lord be with you
People: And also with you.
O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
First Reading: Genesis 25:19-34
These are the descendants of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah, daughter of Bethuel the Aramean of Paddan-aram, sister of Laban the Aramean. Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived. The children struggled together within her; and she said, “If it is to be this way, why do I live?” So she went to inquire of the Lord. And the Lord said to her,
“Two nations are in your womb,
and two peoples born of you shall be divided;
the one shall be stronger than the other,
the elder shall serve the younger.”
When her time to give birth was at hand, there were twins in her womb. The first came out red, all his body like a hairy mantle; so they named him Esau. Afterward his brother came out, with his hand gripping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them.
When the boys grew up, Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents. Isaac loved Esau, because he was fond of game; but Rebekah loved Jacob.
Once when Jacob was cooking a stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was famished. Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stuff, for I am famished!” (Therefore he was called Edom.) Jacob said, “First sell me your birthright.” Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank, and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 119:105-112
Lucerna pedibus meis
105 Your word is a lantern to my feet *
and a light upon my path.
106 I have sworn and am determined *
to keep your righteous judgments.
107 I am deeply troubled; *
preserve my life, O Lord, according to your word.
108 Accept, O Lord, the willing tribute of my lips, *
and teach me your judgments.
109 My life is always in my hand, *
yet I do not forget your law.
110 The wicked have set a trap for me, *
but I have not strayed from your commandments.
111 Your decrees are my inheritance for ever; *
truly, they are the joy of my heart.
112 I have applied my heart to fulfill your statutes *
for ever and to the end.
Second Reading: Romans 8:1-11
There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do: by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and to deal with sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, so that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law-- indeed it cannot, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Gradual Hymn: 512 "Come gracious spirit, heavenly Dove" Blue Hymnal
The Gospel: Matthew 13:1-9,18-23
The Holy Gospel of our Lord according to Matthew
Glory to you Lord Christ
Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!”
“Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon The Rev. Alexander Herasimtschuk
The 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.
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 he is worshiped and glorified.
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 Prayers of the People Form III
Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
That we all may be one.
Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;
That your Name may be glorified by all people.
We pray for our Presiding Bishop, Sean; our Bishops, Matthew and Allen; our Rector, Alex; and for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.
We pray for Gary and Peggy, our wardens, and for the members of our vestry, that the Lord may guide them, and bless them with wisdom, patience and fortitude.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer
We pray for our President, Donald; our Governor, Kathy; and all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world;
That there may be justice and peace on the earth.
We pray for all victims of violence and terrorism. We pray for all refugees and the countries who shelter them. We pray for our brothers and sisters in the Armed Forces. Protect them and safely bring them home to their family and friends. Comfort and sustain families and friends of those serving in the Armed Forces and deliver them through this time of trial. We pray for all people who are caught in the midst of war. We pray for peace among the nations. We pray for prisoners and their families, and those who minister to them.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
That our works may find favor in your sight.
Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;
That they may be delivered from their distress.
Give to the departed eternal rest;
Let light perpetual shine upon them.
We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy;
May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.
Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.
Silence
The People may add their own petitions.
In the Interparish Council rota of prayer, we pray this week for:
The Church of Saint John Evangelist, Barrytown.
In the communion of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Margaret of Antioch and of all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life, to Christ our God.
To thee, O Lord our God.
The Celebrant adds a concluding collect
The Confession of Sin
Celebrant Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your Name. Amen.
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all our sins through Jesus Christ our Lord, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen
The Peace
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.
Blessing of those celebrating Birthdays and Anniversaries
Offertory Sentence
Ascribe to the Lord the honor due his Name. Bring offerings and come into His courts.
Offering You may continue to bring your gift to the altar through the online payment application VANCO.
Offertory Hymn: 440 "Blessed Jesus at thy word" Blue Hymnal
The Liturgy of the Holy Communion
Eucharistic Prayer A
The people stand.
Celebrant: The Lord be with you
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts
People: We lift them to the Lord
Celebrant; Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and every-
where to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of
heaven and earth.
The Celebrant says a proper preface
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and
Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever
sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
The people stand or kneel.
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us
for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become
subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus
Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human
nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the
God and Father of all.
He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself,
in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our
Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks
to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take,
eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the
remembrance of me."
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given
thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you:
This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you
and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink
it, do this for the remembrance of me."
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
The Celebrant continues
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in
this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death,
resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.
Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the
Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new
and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully
receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy,
and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints
into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and
with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor
and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever.
And now, as our Savior
Christ has taught us,
we are bold to say,
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.
The Fraction
Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast.
Lamb of God
You take away the sins of the world
Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God
You take away the sins of the world
Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God
You take away the sins of the world
Grant us peace.
The Gifts of God for the People of God.
Take them in remembrance that Christ died for
you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith,
with thanksgiving.
The Distribution
All baptized Christians are welcome at the Lord’s table. Worshippers are welcome to receive the Eucharist in both kinds (bread and wine) or in one kind (bread only), as partaking in one kind is considered sufficient under certain circumstances, according to the Book of Common Prayer. If anyone receiving in one kind desires to reverence the holy chalice, please make the sign of St. Andrew’s cross. If anyone desires to receive a blessing instead of the Eucharist, please also make the sign of St. Andrew’s cross. For those who are joining us in worship and prayer, but do not yet feel called to receive the Eucharist, you are welcome to sing our communion hymns, or to spend time in prayer and reflection. Gluten-Free host, as always, is available upon request. May God’s peace and blessings be with you all.
Communion Hymn: 593 "Lord, make us servants of your peace" Blue Hymnal
Communion Hymn: 657 "Love divine all love excelling" Blue Hymnal
The Post Communion Prayer
The people kneel or stand.
Let us pray.
Eternal God, heavenly Father,
you have graciously accepted us as living members
of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ,
and you have fed us with spiritual food
in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood.
Send us now into the world in peace,
and grant us strength and courage
to love and serve you
with gladness and singleness of heart;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Benediction
The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father , the Son, and the Holy Spirit be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.
Recessional Hymn: 530 "Spread, o spread thou mighty word" Blue Hymnal
The Dismissal
Celebrant Let us go forth in to the world rejoicing in the power of the spirit.
People Thanks be to God.
Postlude
You are encouraged to stay to listen to the postlude.
Ministers of the Liturgy
Celebrant The Rev. Alexander Herasimtschuk
Organist Gregory Citarella
Reader Peggy Kelland
Lay Eucharistic Minister Frank Mariani
Altar Guild Nancy Rubsam
Usher TBA
Wardens
Greg Fredeman
Peggy Kelland
Treasurer
Maya Hennebery
Vestry
Barbara Clark
Phil Engle
Maya Hennebery
Wendy McNeil
Leo Ocola
Betty Oommen
Sylvia Propfe
Bishop The Rt. Rev. Matthew Heyd, Bishop of NY
Suffragan Bishop The Rt. Rev. Allen K. Shin
Please remember Zion Episcopal Church of Wappingers Falls in your will so this magnificent church may be upkept and mission in the name of the Lord Jesus may continue after you have joined the Church Triumphant.
Limited Podcast / Streaming License, Category A average weekly attendance 1 to 25. M-400628 for Jul 07, 2026 - Jul 06, 2027
Zion Episcopal Church
12 Satterlee Place, Wappingers Falls, New York
(845) 297-9797