Rogation Sunday

Today’s liturgy begins with a procession outdoors to pray for God’s blessing on this parish, our immediate neighborhood, and on our fields of service in the world.

The Rogation Days (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this week) originated in Vienne, France, in 470 ad after a series of natural disasters had caused much suffering among the people. Archbishop Mamertus proclaimed a fast and ordered that special litanies and prayers be said as the population processed around their fields, asking God’s protection and blessing on the crops that were just beginning to sprout. The Latin word rogare means “to ask,” thus these were “rogation” processions.

In an agricultural society, closely connected with the soil and highly vulnerable to the uncertainties of nature, this was an idea that took root quickly, and the custom spread around Europe and over to Britain. The Sunday before the Rogation Days came to be considered a part of Rogationtide. While technically they were days of fasting, for which they were also known as “Grass Days,” for the meatless meals that were enjoyed, the Rogation Days developed into a popular festival, celebrating the arrival of spring and serving other purposes, as well.

In some parishes, the procession took more than one day and the whole business became an occasion for several days of picnics and revels of all sorts, particularly among those who trooped along at the fringes of the religious aspects of the procession. The route of the walk was around the boundaries of the parish, which was a civil as well as a religious unit. Thus, the processions were useful in teaching people, particularly the young, their parish boundaries. Known as “beating the bounds,” the processions customarily stopped at boundary marks and other significant landmarks of the parish, such as a venerable tree, or a great rock, or perhaps a pond. The priest would read the Gospel and perhaps affix the sign of the cross to the landmark. The boys of the parish would often be bumped about against rocks and trees, thrown into the water, held upside-down over fences, or even thrown into bramble patches to remember God’s blessing of that place. However this Sunday, we will fix our attention upon the Creation and our neighborhood, and leave the boys alone.

In our tradition, we “beat” the things we desire for God to bless. Thus, on procession, the Church uses the staves to (lightly and playfully) strike the boundaries, the pathways, even the trees. May God bless our parish, neighborhood, country, and world. May the New Creation spread from this place, which God has stewarded to us as a New Eden. For this, we ask God today.

Rogation Sunday Procession

The congregation shall gather outside, east of the entrance of the church on the north side of Kanawha St, lining up behind the processional cross.

collect for rogation days

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.

for social justice

Almighty God, you created us in your own image: Grant us grace to contend fearlessly against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and help us to use our freedom rightly in the establishment of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Celebrant Let us go forth in peace.

People In the name of the Lord. Amen.

Please follow the Processional Cross to Station 1 in front of the Sylvia School.

Station One: Sylvia School

for schools, colleges, and universities

Almighty God, by your gift alone we come to wisdom and true understanding: Look with favor, we pray, on our universities, colleges, and schools, especially each and every elementary school, middle school, and high school in Raleigh County Schools, for West Virginia Tech, for local community colleges and trade schools, for home schools, for private schools, that knowledge may be increased among us, and wholesome learning flourish and abound. Bless those who teach and those who learn; and grant that in humility of heart they may ever look to you, the fountain of all wisdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

for the good use of leisure

O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Psalm 25:4-10

Lead me forth in your truth and teach me, *
for you are the God of my salvation; in you has been my hope all the day long.
Call to remembrance, O Lord, your tender mercies, *
and your loving-kindnesses, which have been from of old.
O remember not the sins and offenses of my youth, *
but according to your mercy think on me, O Lord, in your goodness.
Gracious and righteous is the Lord; *
therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
Those who are meek shall he guide in judgment, *
and those who are gentle shall he teach his way.
All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth *
to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
For your Name’s sake, O Lord, *
forgive my sin, for it is great.

Please follow the Processional Cross to the next station. Please stay on the sidewalk on the north side of the street, and be careful when crossing Myers Ave and Allen Ave.

Station Two: Rose & Quesenberry

for those who serve others

O Lord our heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served, but to serve: We ask you to bless all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of others especially Green Leaf Ministries, Rose & Quesenberry Funeral Chapels, and the Raleigh County Commission on Aging; endue them with wisdom, patience, and courage, that they may strengthen the weak and raise up those who fall, and, being inspired by your love, may worthily minister to the suffering, the friendless, and the needy; for the sake of him who laid down his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

for first responders and emts

O Lord God, whose Son came among us to serve and to be served: Bless all those who, following his example, step forward in times of crisis—especially first responders, EMTs, police, and firefighters. Give them courage, protection, and strength. Grant them wisdom and compassion in their work, and return them safely to their families. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

psalm 91:1-8

Whoever dwells under the defense of the Most High *
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say unto the Lord, “You are my refuge and my stronghold, *
my God in whom I will trust.”
For he shall deliver you from the snare of the hunter *
and from the deadly pestilence.
He shall defend you under his wings, and you shall be safe under his feathers; *
his faithfulness and truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid of any terror by night, *
nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Of the pestilence that walks in darkness, *
nor of the sickness that destroys at noonday.
A yousand shall fall beside you, and ten yousand at your right hand, *
but it shall not come near you.
Indeed, with your eyous you shall behold *
and see the reward of the ungodly.

Please follow the Processional Cross north on Bostick Ave to the next station at the corner of Bostick and Worley. When walking on Bostick Ave, stay on the far right (east) side of the road.

Processional Litany

All you Works of the Lord, bless the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Heavens, bless the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Waters above the land, bless the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O all you Powers of the Lord, bless the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Sun and Moon, bless the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Stars of heaven, bless the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Showers and Dew, bless the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you winds of God, bless the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Fire and Heat, bless the Lord * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Winter and Summer, bless the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Dews and Frosts, bless the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Frost and Cold, bless the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Ice and Snow, bless the Lord * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Nights and Days, bless the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Light and Darkness, bless the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Lightnings and Clouds, bless the Lord * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O let the Earth bless the Lord: *   let it praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Mountains and Hills, bless the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O all you green things upon the earth, bless the Lord:praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Wells, bless the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Seas and Floods, bless the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O all you Birds of the air, bless the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O all you Beasts and Cattle, bless the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O you Children of Men, bless the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
Let us bless the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit:* praise him, and magnify him for ever.

Station Three: Corner of Bostick & Worley

for cities, towns, and other communities

Heavenly Father, you sent your Son among us to proclaim the kingdom of God in cities, towns, villages, and lonely places. Behold and visit, we pray, the community of Beckley. Renew the bonds of charity that uphold our civic life. Send us honest and able leaders. Deliver us from poverty, prejudice, and oppression, that peace may prevail with righteousness, and justice with mercy. And at the last, bring us to your Holy City, the new Jerusalem, where we shall know perfect unity and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

for the universal church

O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church,  that wonderful and sacred mystery, especially the churches in our neighborhood, Heart of God, Memorial Baptist, New Hope, Holiness Church, Beckley Church of God, Beckley United Pentecostal Church; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

psalm 104:19-24

You appointed the moon to mark the seasons, *
and the sun knows its going down.
You make darkness that it may be night, *
in which all the beasts of the forest move.
The lions, roaring after their prey, *
seek their meat from God.
The sun arises, and they go away together, *
and lay themselves down in their dens.
Man goes forth to his work, *
and to his labor until the evening.
O Lord, how manifold are your works; *
in wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.

Please follow the Processional Cross east on Worley Rd to the next station at the corner of Worley and Myers. When walking on Worley Rd, stay on the far right (south) side of the road.

Processional Litany

That you will give men skill and enterprise in husbanding the resources of the earth,
that all your children may have meat enough;
We beseech you to hear us good Lord.
That we may not try to live by bread alone,
but measure all our wealth and all our labor by your standards;
We beseech you to hear us good Lord.
That the condition of men’s daily toil may not starve the souls whom you have made for yourself;
We beseech you to hear us good Lord.
That the conscience of mankind may be so aroused
that we shall no more eat the bread of oppression,
but work together in charity and justice;
We beseech you to hear us good Lord.
That you will give us all a deeper sense of our membership one of another,
so that the bonds of our economic life may be the expression of our fellowship in Christ.
We beseech you to hear us good Lord.

Station Four: Corner of Worley & Myers

for the children

Almighty God, heavenly Father, who has blessed us with the joy and care of children; Give us light and strength so to train them, that they may love whatsoever things are true and pure and lovely and of good report, following the example of their Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

for a blessing on the families of the land

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who sets the solitary in families; We commend to your continual care the homes in which your people dwell. Put far from them, we beseech you, every root of bitterness, the desire of vain-glory, and the pride of life. Fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness. Knit together in constant affection those who, in holy wedlock, have been made one flesh; turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to the fathers; and so enkindle fervent charity among us all, that we be evermore kindly affectioned with brotherly love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

for all poor, homeless, and neglected people

O God, Almighty and merciful, who heals those that are broken in heart, and turns the sadness of the sorrowful to joy; Let your fatherly goodness be upon all that you have made. Remember in pity such as are this day destitute, homeless, or forgotten of their fellow men. Bless the congregation of your poor. Uplift those who are cast down. Mightily befriend innocent sufferers, and sanctify to them the endurance of their wrongs. Cheer with hope all discouraged and unhappy people, and by your heavenly grace preserve from falling those whose poverty tempts them to sin; though they be troubled on every side, suffer them not to be distressed; though they be perplexed, save them from despair. Grant this, O Lord, for the love of him, who for our sakes became poor, your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

psalm 121

I will lift up my eyes unto the hills; *
from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord, *
who has made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved, *
and he who keeps you will not sleep.
Behold, he who keeps Israel *
shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord himself is your keeper; *
the Lord is your defense upon your right hand,
So that the sun shall not burn you by day, *
neither the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; *
indeed, it is he who shall keep your soul.
The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in, *
from this time forth for evermore.

Please follow the Processional Cross south on Myers Ave to the next station. When walking on Myers Ave, stay on the far right (west) side of the road.

Processional Litany

From God comes every good and perfect gift;
From God comes every good and perfect gift.
The rich soil, the smell of the fresh-turned earth;
Come from God.
The keenness of the winter’s frost, men’s breath, and horses, steaming;
Come from God.
The clatter of the tractor, the gleam of a cutting edge;
Come from God.
The wheeling of the birds, men’s shouts and laughter;
Come from God.
The seamed hand, the knotted arm, the sweat of the brow, the skill of the plowman;
Come from God.
The beauty of a clean-cut furrow, the sweep of a well-plowed field;
Come from God.
The simple, honest, and clean things of life;
Come from God.
The stirrings of all young life throughout the countryside.
Come from God.
Hard work in the open that wearies and satisfies a man;
Comes from God.
The security of a home to come back to, a roof over our heads, a fire in our kitchens, food to eat, and sound sleep at night;
Come from God.
Blessed be God in all his gifts.
And holy in all his works.

The procession will pause at the intersection of Myers and Kanawha.

psalm 132:8-17

Arise, O Lord, into your resting-place, *
you and the ark of your strength.
Let your priests be clothed with righteousness, *
and let your saints sing with joy.
For your servant David’s sake, *
turn not away the presence of your Anointed.
The Lord has made a faithful oath unto David, *
and he shall not shrink from it:
“Of the fruit of your body *
shall I set upon your throne.
If your children will keep my covenant, and my testimonies that I shall teach them, *
their children also shall sit upon your throne for evermore.”
For the Lord has chosen Zion for himself; *
he has longed for her to be his habitation:
“This shall be my rest for ever; *
here will I dwell, for I have a delight therein.
I will bless her provisions with increase, *
and will satisfy her poor with bread.
I will clothe her priests with salvation, *
and her saints shall rejoice and sing.

Please be especially careful crossing Kanawha St as we gather in front of the church.

Station Five: Parish Steps

blessing of the parish

O God our Father, whose Son was content to share the life of his village at Nazareth: We ask You to bless the life of this parish with your continual presence. Grant that in every home your Name may be hallowed and your will be done, that our people may learn to love every neighbor and live godly lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

for the church

O Gracious Father, we humbly beseech you for your holy catholic Church; that you would be pleased to fill it with all truth, in all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, establish it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of him who died and rose again, and ever liveth to make intercession for us, Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And with your spirit.
Celebrant Let us pray.

collect for the sixth sunday of easter

O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

acts 17:22–34

So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for
“‘In him we live and move and have our being’;
as even some of your own poets have said,
“‘For we are indeed his offspring.’
Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” So Paul went out from their midst. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.

After each Lesson the Reader may say

The Word of the Lord.
People  Thanks be to God.

All standing, the Deacon or Priest reads the Gospel, first saying

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St John 15:1-11.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

After the Gospel, the Reader says

The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Please follow the Processional Cross into the nave of the church.