COLLECT OF THE DAY

Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The people sit.

THE LESSONS

THE FIRST READING: 1 KINGS 19:9-18

At Horeb, the mount of God, Elijah came to a cave, and spent the night there. Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He answered, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.”

He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He answered, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.” Then the LORD said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. Whoever escapes from the

sword of Hazael, Jehu shall kill; and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall kill. Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

THE GRADUAL: PSALM 85:8-13

(We will read alternating by half verse, broken at the asterisk)

THE EPISTLE: ROMANS 10:5-15

Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.” But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say?

(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

THE GOSPEL: MATTHEW 14:22-33

Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

THE HOLY COMMUNION

At Communion, the first chalice is for sipping, the second chalice is for dipping.

If you want to receive communion and you choose to remain in your pew for any reason, please let the ushers know.

COMMUNION HYMNS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WE WELCOME ALL VISITORS AND NEWCOMERS!

CHILDREN ARE WELCOME IN WORSHIP AT ST. JOHN’S SERVICES.

• ➢ Don’t forget to join us each week for coffee hour immediately following the service.
• ➢ Children are invited to join us for Children’s chapel each Sunday if they wish. Parents are welcome to accompany them. Children will be invited to attend following the collect and will return before communion.
• ➢ If you would like to give flowers for the altar the cost is $40.00. Please sign up on the calendar located in the Parish Hall entrance.
• ➢ Say Cheese! Sometimes it helps to put a name with a face. In an effort to add pictures to our Realm directory, Marsha East will be taking pictures during coffee hour on August 16, 23, and 30. Jenny will add the pictures to our Realm directory. Thanks for making our pictorial directory complete!
• ➢ Wilson will be on a retreat at Holy Cross Abbey in Berryville, Virginia next week. He will return on August 18^th. We will have Morning Prayer on Sunday, August 16^th. Please note he will not have any cell reception. If you need immediate assistance in his absence, please contact Jenny in the Church office at 540-586-9582 or on her cell at 540-588-2906, or the Senior Warden, Marsha East on her cell at 919-247-8300.
• ➢ St. John’s Drive Thru Dinner will take place on Thursday August 20^th from 5-7 p.m. The Dinner is Being Organized by Cathey and Winston Burks. Please let them know if you can help out!
• ➢ Lunch Buddies will take place on August 26^th at 11:30 a.m. All are welcome.
• ➢ Bible study will take place on August 26^th at 6:30 p.m. in the Rectors office. All are welcome.