This Sunday at St. John's
A Celebration of
Holy Eucharist
10:00 a.m.
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 20, 2026
Follow along with Sunday's service
Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
Matthew 20:1–16
Today's Ministers
Want to know who’s leading different parts of the service?
Altar Guild Caroline Clark, Maureen Schroder, Jan Spangenberg
Flowers Leslie Seabrook
Ushers Joe Kattenhorn, Tony Martin, Bruce Pitts
Sound Evan Ortega
1st Reader Grace Vogelzang
2nd Reader Carolyn McConnell
Intercessor Valerie Merrill
Altar Server Connie Lightbody
Chalice Bearers Pat Davis, Rick Long
September Coffee Hour Hosts Carolyn McConnell & Marilyn Robinson
Music Minister Michael Monnikendam
Choir St. John’s Choir
Presider Fr. Michael Ryan
The Prelude
Ubi Caritas
Carson Cooman
Word of Welcome
Grace Vogelzang
Vestry Person of the Month
All who hunger gather gladly
WLP #761
The Acclamation
Presider: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People: And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
The Gloria
Hymn #S-280
The choir will sing the refrain first and then the congregation is invited to sing the refrain subsequent times.
The Collect of the Day
Presider: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Presider: Let us pray.
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The First Reading
Exodus 16:2-15
Lector: A Reading from the Book of Exodus.
The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”
Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days.” So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you shall know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your complaining against the Lord. For what are we, that you complain against us?” And Moses said, “When the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, because the Lord has heard the complaining that you utter against him—what are we? Your complaining is not against us but against the Lord.”
Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, ‘Draw near to the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.’” And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. The Lord spoke to Moses and said, “I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’”
In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.”
Lector: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
The Psalm
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
The choir will sing the antiphon once, and the congregation is invited to sing it subsequent times.
Give thanks to the LORD and call upon his Name; * make known his deeds among the peoples.
Sing to him, sing praises to him, * and speak of all his marvelous works.
Glory in his holy Name; * let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
Antiphon
Search for the LORD and his strength; * continually seek his face.
Remember the marvels he has done, * his wonders and the judgments of his mouth,
O offspring of Abraham his servant, * O children of Jacob his chosen.
He led out his people with silver and gold; * in all their tribes there was not one that stumbled.
Egypt was glad of their going, * because they were afraid of them.
Antiphon
He spread out a cloud for a covering * and a fire to give light in the night season.
They asked, and quails appeared, * and he satisfied them with bread from heaven.
He opened the rock, and water flowed, * so the river ran in the dry places.
Antiphon
For God remembered his holy word * and Abraham his servant.
So he led forth his people with gladness, * his chosen with shouts of joy.
He gave his people the lands of the nations, * and they took the fruit of others' toil,
That they might keep his statutes * and observe his laws. Hallelujah!
Antiphon
The Second Reading
Philippians 1:21-30
Lector: A Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Church in Philippi.
It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labour for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.
Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well— since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Lector: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Presider: Please stand as you are able for the Sequence Hymn and the reading of the Gospel.
The Sequence Hymn
Shepherd of souls, refresh and bless
Hymn #343
The Gospel
Matthew 20:1-16
Presider: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Presider: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon
The Rev. Michael Ryan, Rector
A Period of Silence is observed following the Sermon
The Nicene Creed
All stand as able.
Presider: Let us affirm our faith in the words of 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.
A Word about the Prayers of the People
Every week we distribute green and purple prayer cards during worship. If you have one of these cards, please say the person's name aloud at the intercessor's invitation toward the end of today's intercessions. Green cards indicate the names of people who are sick and suffering, or who have asked to be remembered today in our prayer. Purple cards have inscribed on them the names of the recently departed.
If you received a prayer card today, you're invited to take it home and continue praying for that person during the week using the prayer on the reverse side.
Even if you don't hear the name of the person for whom you requested prayer to be read aloud, everyone on our prayer list receives our prayers when we gather to worship on Sunday. To keep the flow of the liturgy consistent, the intercessor offers only a handful of names from the lectern. Trust that someone offered that requested prayer today.
The Prayers of the People
Please stand or kneel as you are able.
Intercessor: Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
People: That we all may be one.
Intercessor: Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;
People: That your Name may be glorified by all people.
Intercessor: We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
People: That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.
Intercessor: We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world;
People: That there may be justice and peace on the earth.
Intercessor: Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
People: That our works may find favor in your sight.
Intercessor: Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;
People: That they may be delivered from their distress.
Intercessor: Give to the departed eternal rest.
People: Let light perpetual shine upon them.
Intercessor: We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy;
People: May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.
Intercessor: For all those who have asked for our prayers for healing, especially those who are contending with COVID in our community that includes Fr. Brian and Becky Lennstrom, and Susan Isaac and Anya. And prayers for healing for Joni, Paul, Monica, Norma, Dana, Sandy and Bari, Peggy, Steve, Caroline C., Karen R., Alesia, Jeff, Ethan, Alice N., Robin, Vernie, Thomas, and Tara. And we pray for expectant mothers, especially Katie Friedman.
Are there others? (Please offer your own prayers for those in need.)
If you have a green prayer card, please speak the name of the person written on the back.
Intercessor: We pray for the repose of the souls of all those we love but no longer see. We pray especially for Thomas Ellertson, father of Dana Pitts, and for Eileen Jack, aunt and godmother of Paula Miller, who passed away this week. Please pray for the departed.
And we remember good cat, Jumbie, the faithful companion of Paula Copley, who died last week.
(Please offer your own prayers for the departed and all who mourn.)
If you have a purple card, please speak the name of the departed written on it.
The Concluding Collect
After a period of silence, the presider offers the closing collect.
Almighty God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you, bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit upon all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Confession
Presider: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
A significant period of silence is kept; people kneel or stand.
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.
The Presider pronounces absolution.
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
The Peace
All stand.
Presider: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.
The Liturgy of the Table
The Offertory
The Presider begins the Offertory by saying:
Let us, with gladness, present the offerings and oblations of our life and labor to the Lord.
Offertory Anthem
King of Glory, King of Peace
Mark Schweizer
The Prayer Over the Gifts
Presider and People: Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received this bread and this wine and with it we make our offering to you, the fruit of the vine, the grain of the field, the work of human hands. It will become for us the bread of life. Amen.
The presider bows and approaches the table.
The Great Thanksgiving
Presider: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Presider: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Presider: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Presider: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who on the first day of the week overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.
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:
The Sanctus
The Sanctus (Mass of Creation)
Marty Haugen
Please kneel or stand, as you are able.
We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days, you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
On the night before he died for us, 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 all for the forgiveness of sins.
Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Therefore, according to his command, O Father,
We remember his death,
We proclaim his resurrection,
We await his coming in glory.
And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.
We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with the Blessed Virgin Mary, John, and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.
By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory are yours, Almighty Father, now and forever. Amen.
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
The Lord's Prayer
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,
forever and ever. Amen.
The Fraction
The Presider breaks the consecrated Bread. Silence is observed.
Presider: Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People: Therefore, let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Presider: The Gifts of God for the People of God. Whoever you are and wherever you find yourself on the journey of faith, you are welcome to God's Table to receive the Bread and Wine made Holy.
Presider: The Gifts of God for the People of God. Whoever you are and wherever you find yourself on the journey of faith, you are welcome to God's Table to receive the Bread and Wine made Holy.
The Administration and Reception of Holy Communion.
The ministers receive the Sacrament in both kinds, and then immediately distribute it to the people.
The ushers guide the people to Holy Communion by pew row.
When receiving the bread, please cup your hands together and extend them to receive the bread. The presider or altar server will lay the consecrated bread into your cupped hands, saying: "The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven."
Communicant: Amen.
When receiving the wine, the Chalice Bearer will extend the cup to you saying: ‘The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation’. Guide the chalice to your mouth for the minister to gently tip the cup to drink.
Communicant: Amen.
Communion Music
Michael Monnikendam
The Prayer of Thanksgiving
Presider: Let us pray.
Almighty and ever-living God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.
The Blessing
Presider: God bless you and keep you. Christ’s face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Holy Spirit’s whisper of well done fill you and bring you peace. And the blessing of the Holy Trinity, one God, be upon you now and remain with you always. Amen.
The Post-Communion Hymn
There’s a wideness in God’s mercy
Hymn #470
The Dismissal
Presider: The grace we receive today is not ours alone. Let us go forth in the knowledge that God shall surely call us to be the answer to another’s prayer.
People: We will, with God’s help!
The Postlude
Toccata Festiva
Gerald Petterson
Stay Connected or Share a Prayer Request
Stay Connected or Share a Prayer Request
We’d love to stay in touch. Share as much or as little as you’d like.
Birthdays
Gary Hill September 22
Rick Long September 26
Anniversary
Bryan and Stephanie Hurd September 8
Flower Dedication
This Sunday’s altar flowers are given in Thanksgiving to God and in celebration of Mary Catherine Thome and Simon Rozario’s wedding on September 19, 2026.
Today at St. John's
Sunday School Classes Begin TODAY
Sunday School classes for preschoolers, elementary school children, and our youth will start today, during the first part of our 10:00 a.m. Eucharistic Celebration.
Women's Bible Study Begins TODAY
A historical, literary and theological study of The New Testament.
A new women's Bible study will begin TODAY, ten minutes after church service in the chapel.
The next women's Bible study will be October 4, 2026. We meet on the first and third Sundays in the chapel after our Eucharistic Celebration.
For questions contact Caroline Clark at 425-445-2031 or Marti Riley at 206-390-9352.
Today at St. John's
Book Group News - Meeting Today
The Book Group will meet today in Marsh Hall after the Sunday service. The selected title is At Midnight Comes the Cry by Julia Spencer Fleming. Everyone is welcome! If you have any questions, please talk with Maureen Schroder.
Today at St. John's
Rector’s Discretionary Fund Collection
All "loose plate" offerings (i.e., cash and checks that are not related to the fulfillment of one's pledge) will be given to this fund. The Discretionary Fund exists to help those who are in need in the congregation and in the larger community. The funds are entrusted to Fr. Michael+ for charitable and pious purposes. Typical uses include helping with food, utilities, and emergency expenses. The church office receives calls daily for assistance. Your generosity is appreciated.
Today at St. John's
Merrill Gardens Eucharist Today
Following this morning's service, St. John's will celebrate Holy Eucharist at Merrill Gardens Senior Living Community at 1:00 p.m. in the Movie Room.
All are welcome.
This Week & Beyond
Food Pantry (Urgent Needs)
Canned proteins (tuna, chicken, stew, soup), peanut butter, and pet food needed.
(We currently have enough ramen and mac & cheese.)
Coffee Hour Hosts
Volunteers needed for August–December.
Host as an individual or team—just organize simple treats.
Contact Michael Monnikendam to sign up.
Arts Ministry: “Trees” Exhibit
Now on display in the narthex.
Photos and watercolors by Doug Pascoe and Carolyn McConnell.
Select works available for purchase benefiting St. John’s.
Women’s Fellowship Update
April lunch rescheduled to fall.
Spring Tea: June 6 (featuring storyteller Debbie Demitri).
Book Group
Next meeting: May 3 after the service (Marsh Hall).
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See.
All are welcome.