Traditionally, the Rogation Days were days set aside for processions in which the church prayed for blessings upon our fields, protection from plague and defense against both visible and invisible enemies. The procession route would follow the territorial boundaries of the parish, with the people using sticks to strike the parish boundary markers. Hence the term “beating the bounds,” and the development of a corporate kinetic memory regarding the administrative and pastoral boundaries of the parish.
More recently, the focus of our prayers for Rogation Days has shifted to the labor of the church and its people. Since Holy Trinity has a community garden, we still bless our “fields,” but we also bless the work being done in the neighborhood around us. Although we don’t have formal parish boundaries, we do have an “axis” for our ministry in the main road that runs right past the church. Last year our procession went south on N. Olive Street as far as the fire station. This year we went north, going up N. Olive Street before going east and west on Lincoln Way West.
Gathering
The people gather in front of the church.
Officiant: Alleluia Christ is risen.
People: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
The Gospel Matthew 6:25-34
Procession
Officiant: Let us go forth in peace, Alleluia.
People: In the Name of Christ, Alleluia.
The people process to the Unity Garden, singing, “O Lord, hear my prayer.”
Officiant: He changed deserts into pools of water and dry land into water-springs. He settled the hungry there, and they founded a city to dwell in.
People: They sowed fields, and planted vineyards, and brought in a fruitful harvest.
Officiant: Let us pray.
Almighty God, Lord of heaven and earth: We humbly pray that your gracious providence may give and preserve to our use the harvests of the land and of the seas, and may prosper all who labor to gather them, that we, who are constantly receiving good things from your hand, may always give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The people then process around the church to Olive Street, singing “O Lord, hear my prayer.” Turning North on Olive, they come to Sanco, a distributor of cleaning supplies.
Officiant: The priests went inside to King Hezekiah and said, ‘We have cleansed all the house of the Lord,
People: the altar of burnt-offering and all its utensils, and the table for the rows of bread and all its utensils.”
Officiant: Let us pray.
O Lord, holy Father, without whose help nothing is truly made clean, bless those who give to your people the means by which to wash, so that in the cleansing of their homes and businesses they may be moved to seek purity of heart. Through your Son who makes all things new, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The people then process north on Olive Street to the Hope Chest Thrift Store, singing “O Lord, hear my prayer.”
Officiant: when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing?
People: Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.
Officiant: Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, when we found ourselves naked in the garden, you lovingly made garments for us: bless all those who work here to provide clothes for your people, that they may receive in return both the warmth and the dignity they have afforded to others, though Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The people then process north on Olive Street to Lincoln Way West. Turning the corner, they process west to the Minority Health Coalition, singing “O Lord, hear my prayer.”
Officiant: For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, says the Lord,
People: because they have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion; no one cares for her!’
Officiant: Let us pray.
Sanctify, O Lord, those whom you have called to the study and practice of the arts of healing, and to the prevention of disease and pain. Strengthen them by your life-giving Spirit, that by their ministries the health of the community may be promoted and your creation glorified; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The people then cross to the north side of Lincoln Way West. Turning east, they process to DC Tire and Auto, singing “O Lord, hear my prayer.”
Officiant: The metal on the chariots flashes on the day when the Lord musters them;
People: the chariots race madly through the streets, they rush to and fro through the squares; their appearance is like torches, they dart like lightning.
Officiant: Let us pray.
Most Gracious God, you give your people skill to operate many different machines and wisdom with which to understand their innermost works, bless all who labor here to make whole what has been broken, and strengthen them in their commitment to others’ safety, that in their own care they might experience yours; through Jesus Christ, Our Lord, who labored among us to fulfill the commands of your love. Amen.
The people then process east to Popeye’s, singing “O Lord, hear my prayer.”
Officiant: They were there for three days, eating and drinking, for their kindred had provided for them
People: And also their neighbors, from far away
Officiant: Let us pray.
Most Gracious God, you make us glad with feasting, and you comfort us with the food of our ancestors; bless all those whose work in preparing food gives joy to the people of this neighborhood, that it may prepare both them and us in body, mind and strength to do the work you have given us to do, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The people then process east to Family Dollar, singing “O Lord, hear my prayer.”
Officiant: With the money secure in hand, go to the place that the Lord your God will choose;
People: spend the money for whatever you wish, and you shall eat in the presence of the Lord your God, you and your household rejoicing together.
Officiant: Let us pray.
God of justice and mercy, you provide for the needs of your people, even in times and places of famine: bless, we pray, all those who work here to put affordable goods within reach of the people of this neighborhood, that together we all might thrive in body, mind and spirit. Amen.
The people then process east to Metro PCS, singing “O Lord, hear my prayer.”
Officiant: How you have counselled one who has no wisdom, and given much good advice!
People: With whose help have you uttered words, and whose spirit has come forth from you?
Officiant: Let us pray.
God of all knowledge and wisdom, to whom all mysteries are open, we ask your blessing upon all those who work here to put information technology at the disposal of your people, that in their efforts to connect others, they may become ever more mindful of their connection with you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The people then process east to Kidz Komapny Daycare, singing “O Lord, hear my prayer.”
Officiant: Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
People: Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
Officiant: Let us pray.
Everliving Father, your Son Jesus gathered children to himself, blessing them and setting them before us as an example of godly life: bless all whose work fosters the well being of children in this place, that, having themselves been made your children by adoption and grace, they may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
The people then process east to Consuella’s Accounting, singing “O Lord, hear my prayer.”
Officiant: The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
People: Before God no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.
Officiant: Let us pray.
Almighty God, numberless are those who obey your command: pour out upon all those who work here a spirit of discernment, that they may see and know how to account rightly for the goods of the people and to measure those goods against the weight of justice, for you have arranged all things by measure and number and weight, and to you we give glory: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
The people then process east to Green Family Dentistry, singing “O Lord, hear my prayer.”
Officiant: Your teeth are like a flock of shorn ewes that have come up from the washing,
People: all of which bear twins, and not one among them is bereaved.
Officiant: Let us pray.
Most gracious God, who has made the mouths of the righteous to utter wisdom, and their tongues to speak justice, bless all those who work in this place to improve and protect the oral health of this community, that their own lips may be opened to sing your praise, though Christ our Lord, Amen.
The people then cross Lincoln Way West and process west along the south side of the street to the Youth Services Bureau, singing “O Lord, hear my prayer.”
Officiant: Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.
People: For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth.
Officiant: Let us pray.
God of hope, you have known us since we were in our mothers’ wombs: bless all those who work to provide the youth of this neighborhood with a personal sense of safety and well-being, support to work toward a higher degree of self-sufficiency and positive relationships with caring adults, that they in their turn might find themselves wrapped in your safety, support and care, through Christ our Lord, Amen.
The people process west to Unique Beauty Supply, singing “O Lord, hear my prayer.”
Officiant: Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight.
People: But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Officiant: Let us pray.
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: bless those whose work strives to bring out the beauty and dignity of each person, that we might catch in each other’s faces some glimpse of your beauty, and be made worthy at length to behold it unveiled for evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The people process west to J.J. Fish at the corner of Lincoln Way West and Olive Street, singing “O Lord, hear my prayer.”
Officiant: Jesus took the seven loaves and the fish; and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples,
People: and the disciples gave them to the crowds, and all of them ate and were filled.
Officiant: Let us pray.
Lord Jesus Christ, you blessed and broke for your followers fish and bread in the wilderness so that all of them ate and were filled: so bless the hands of all those work in this place, that they too might find themselves filled with your love. In your name we pray. Amen.
The people process south on Olive Street, stopping half-way between Epworth UMC and Fountain of Faith, singing “O Lord, hear my prayer.”
Officiant: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;
People: therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’
Officiant: Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, especially in these our neighboring churches, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The people process south on Olive to Prast, crossing Olive Street to the convenience store, singing “O Lord, hear my prayer.”
Officiant: All creatures look to you, O Lord, to give them their food in due season.
People: You give it to them; they gather it; you open your hand, and they are filled with good things.
Officiant: Let us pray.
Almighty and Everlasting God, our times are in your hand: pour out your blessing upon all who come here to buy or to sell, watching over them in their going out and in their coming in, that all may be clothed in righteousness and all may prosper in body, mind and spirit. Amen.
The people return to the front of the church, singing, “O Lord, hear my prayer.”
Officiant: Happy are they all who fear the Lord, and who follow in his ways!
People: They shall eat the fruit of their labor; happiness and prosperity shall be theirs.
Officiant: Let us pray.
Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ in his earthly life shared our toil and hallowed our labor: Be present with your people where they work; make those who carry on the industries and commerce of this land responsive to your will; and give to us all a pride in what we do, and a just return for our labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Passing of the Peace:
Officiant: My brothers and sisters in Christ, the peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.
All are invited to share a sign of God’s peace with one another
as they enter the church and take their seats.
Holy Eucharist
All baptized Christians are invited to share in Communion, and Gluten free wafers are available on request. Un-baptized persons or those wishing not to receive communion for any reason are welcome to come forward for a blessing, crossing their hands over their chests in indication.
Offertory Prayer:
O merciful Creator, your hand is open wide to satisfy the needs of every living creature: Make us always thankful for your loving providence; and grant that we, remembering the account that we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your good gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Great Thanksgiving: Eucharistic Prayer B BCP 367
The Lord’s Prayer traditional BCP 364
Breaking of the Bread: BCP 364
Invitation to Holy Communion: Communion is distributed to the people.
Post Communion Thanksgiving and Blessing: BCP 366
Announcements:
The Dismissal: BCP 366
Please join us after the service
for refreshments and reflection
in the parish hall
Does the smoke from your brisket or ribs ascend before the Lord like the incense of the evening sacrifice? Do you think you’ve got a heavenly pulled pork recipe? Do your wings inspire the weeping of angels? Do you just love a good ‘cue ? Then Holy Smoke is the event for you! Join us at Holy Trinity on October 1 for food, fellowship and maybe just a little bit of healthy competition at . . .
Church of the Holy Trinity, South Bend 