Eucharist

The Blessèd Virgin Mary — Patronal Festival

Sunday 13 September 2026, 9.00am

Please stand as the President, Canon Jeremy Clark-King, Treasurer, enters.

The Gathering

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. All: Amen.

The Lord be with you. All: and also with you.

The President welcomes the congregation and introduces the celebration.

The Prayers of Penitence

The grace of God has dawned upon the world with healing for all. Let us come to him, in sorrow for our sins, seeking healing and salvation.

Silence is kept.

The Angel announced to Mary, and she said, 'Here am I, the servant of the Lord,' but we have run away from your call. Lord, have mercy. All: Lord, have mercy.

Mary awaited the fulfilment of all that was promised to her, but we have been distracted and rebellious. Christ, have mercy. All: Christ, have mercy.

Mary cared for Christ from the cradle to the cross, but we struggle to be faithful to you, to one another or ourselves. Lord, have mercy. All: Lord, have mercy.

The Absolution

May the God of love and power forgive you and free you from all your sins, heal and strengthen you by his Spirit, and raise you to new life in Christ our Lord. All: Amen.

Gloria in Excelsis

All: 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

Let us pray.

Silence is kept.

Almighty God, who looked upon the lowliness of the Blessèd Virgin Mary and chose her to be the mother of your only Son: grant that we who are redeemed by his blood may share with her in the glory of your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen.

The Liturgy of the Word

Please be seated.

The First Reading

Isaiah 61.10-end Read by the Duty Verger

A reading from the Book of Isaiah.

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.

This is the word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

The Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 45.10-17

The response is:

On your right stands the Queen in garments of gold.

Hear, O daughter; consider and incline your ear; forget your own people and your father's house. So shall the king have pleasure in your beauty; he is your lord, so do him honour. R

The people of Tyre shall bring you gifts; the richest of the people shall seek your favour. The king's daughter is all glorious within; her clothing is embroidered cloth of gold. R

She shall be brought to the king in raiment of needlework; after her the virgins that are her companions. With joy and gladness shall they be brought and enter into the palace of the king. R

'Instead of your fathers you shall have sons, whom you shall make princes over all the land. 'I will make your name to be remembered through all generations; therefore shall the peoples praise you for ever and ever.' R

The Second Reading

Galatians 4.4-7 Read by Caroline Bennett

A reading from the Letter of Paul to the Galatians.

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

This is the word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

The Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia! My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. All: Alleluia!

The Gospel

Luke 1.46-55

The Lord be with you All: and also with you.

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. All: Glory to you, O Lord.

Mary said, 'My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.'

This is the Gospel of the Lord. All: Praise to you, O Christ.

Please be seated.

The Sermon

Canon Jeremy Clark-King, Treasurer

The Creed

Please stand.

All: 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, was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and 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, who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who 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 Intercession

In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ let us pray to the Father.

Please be seated or kneel.

The prayers are led by Grant Tripp

These responses may be used:

Lord, in your mercy, All: hear our prayer.

(or)

Lord, hear us. All: Lord, graciously hear us.

And at the end:

Merciful Father, All: accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Liturgy of the Sacrament

Please stand.

The Peace

Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and his name shall be called the Prince of Peace. The peace of the Lord be always with you All: and also with you.

Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

Bread and wine are presented at the Altar. We receive a collection at the end of the service, but you can also donate by following the QR code.

The Prayer Over the Gifts

God our Father, your handmaid Mary fed your son at the breast. nourish us at this table with the bread of heaven and the cup of salvation. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen.

The Eucharistic Prayer

The Lord be with you All: and also with you.

Lift up your hearts. All: We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. All: It is right to give thanks and praise.

It is indeed right and good, our duty and our salvation, almighty Father, ever-living God, to proclaim the wonders you have worked in all your saints, and on this feast of Mary, ever blessèd, to echo her praise of your loving kindness. For you have truly done great things and holy is your name, and your mercy is on those who fear you in every generation.

When you looked with favour on your lowly servant you remembered your promise of mercy and gave the world through her your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Through him the hosts of heaven adore you and rejoice in your presence for ever. May our voices join with theirs in the triumphant hymn of praise: All: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessèd is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Lord, you are holy indeed, the source of all holiness; grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit, and according to your holy will, these gifts of bread and wine may be to us the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ; who, in the same night that he was betrayed, took bread and gave you thanks; he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way, after supper he took the cup and gave you thanks; he gave it to them, saying: 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. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.

Great is the mystery of faith: All: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

And so, Father, calling to mind his death on the cross, his perfect sacrifice made once for the sins of the whole world; rejoicing in his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension, and looking for his coming in glory, we celebrate this memorial of our redemption. As we offer you this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, we bring before you this bread and this cup and we thank you for counting us worthy to stand in your presence and serve you.

Send the Holy Spirit on your people and gather into one in your kingdom all who share this one bread and one cup, so that we, in the company of the Blessèd Virgin Mary, and all the saints, may praise and glorify you for ever, through Jesus Christ our Lord; by whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory be yours, almighty Father, for ever and ever. All: Amen.

The Lord's Prayer

As our Saviour taught us so we pray.

Please pray in whichever language you feel most comfortable.

All: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

Baba wa… Notre Père… 天におられる私たちの父よ … Nna anyiִׅ … Fader vår… Pai nosso… हे हमारे स्वर्गबासी पिता… Padre nuestro… 我們在天上的父 … Отче наш… 하늘에 계신 우리 아버지… Πάτερ ἡμῶν… ےا ےرامہ پاب

The Breaking of the Bread

We break this bread to share in the body of Christ. All: Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread.

Agnus Dei

All: Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world, grant us peace.

The Invitation to Communion

Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Blessèd are those who are called to his supper. All: Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word, and I shall be healed.

Please be seated. If you wish to receive Holy Communion or a blessing, please follow the directions of the Stewards. Please do not dip the host into the chalice. If you would like to receive a blessing, please bow your head.

Members of all Christian churches are welcome to receive Communion. Whatever your faith tradition or background, you are most welcome to draw near for a blessing.

The Prayer After Communion

Please stand.

Let us pray.

Silence is kept.

God most high, whose handmaid bore the Word made flesh: we thank you that in this sacrament of our redemption you visit us with your Holy Spirit and overshadow us by your power; strengthen us to walk with Mary the joyful path of obedience and so to bring forth the fruits of holiness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen.

The Notices

Please be seated.

The Blessing & Dismissal

Please stand.

The Lord be with you All: and also with you.

May the Father, who has loved the eternal Son from before the foundation of the world, shed that love upon you his children. All: Amen.

May Christ, who by his incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill you with joy and peace. All: Amen.

May the Holy Spirit, by whose overshadowing Mary became the God-bearer, give you grace to carry the good news of Christ. All: Amen.

And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. All: Amen.

As living stones, precious in his sight, go in peace to proclaim the mighty acts of God. All: Thanks be to God.

Please leave the Cathedral by the North West doors and the Millennium Courtyard. Thank you for joining us. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Retiring Collection

The stewards will be on hand to collect monetary donations, gift aid envelopes and contactless donations. Alternatively, you can donate by following the QR code.

Notices

Worship

Services marked with an * are livestreamed on the Cathedral's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@southwarkcathedral2224/streams

Services marked with a † are only available online.

Preachers are indicated in italics.

Sunday 13 September • The Blessèd Virgin Mary, Patronal Festival

8.30am Morning Prayer* 9.00am Eucharist Canon Jeremy Clark-King, Treasurer 9.30am Eucharist at St Hugh's The Rev'd Ben Bell 11.00am Choral Eucharist* Canon Jeremy Clark-King, Treasurer 3.00pm Choral Evensong Canon Wendy Robins, Chancellor 6.00pm Compline†

Monday 14 • Holy Cross Day — Friday 18 September

9.00am Morning Prayer* 9.30am Eucharist (Tuesday only) 12.30pm Midday Prayer with the Litany of Reconciliation (Friday only) 12.45pm Eucharist 5.30pm Choral Evensong (Mon, Tue, Fri) or Evening Prayer (Wed, Thu)

Saturday 19 September

9.00am Morning Prayer* 9.30am Eucharist 4.00pm Evening Prayer

Sunday 20 September • The Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity

8.30am Morning Prayer* 9.00am Eucharist Canon Wendy Robins, Chancellor 9.30am Eucharist at St Hugh's Canon Kathryn Fleming, Precentor 11.00am Choral Eucharist with Farewell to the Canon Chancellor* Canon Wendy Robins, Chancellor 3.00pm Choral Evensong Canon Kathryn Fleming, Precentor 6.00pm Compline†

A Safe Church

Canon Kathryn Fleming, Precentor, is Chapter Lead for Safeguarding. Any issues relating to the safeguarding of children or vulnerable adults should be directed to the Cathedral Safeguarding Officer (CSO) or Representatives (CSRs) in the first instance:

CSO Neil Morter [email protected] CSRs Cherry James [email protected] Jill Tilley [email protected] Russell Silverwood [email protected]

Concerns can be brought to any member of the clergy.

Children and Young People

Children and young people are an important part of our Cathedral family and play a vital role in our life together. We would love to encourage your children to join one of our Sunday groups for young people.

Crèche

During the 11.00am Sunday Eucharist, crèche facilities are available in the Chapter Room for accompanied children under 4.

JUNIOR and YOUTH XPRESS are on their summer break and resume on Sunday 13 September.

Cathedral Listening Team

Would you like to talk to someone confidentially? Is something/one on your heart? The Cathedral Listening team are volunteers, who sit in the Retrochoir behind the High Altar after the Choral Eucharist on a Sunday, ready to listen to anyone who would like to talk in confidence. They are available from after the service until 1.00pm. If you would like to talk to a Cathedral Listener, please approach them directly or sit nearby if they are already occupied.

Gift Aid on Contactless

During the collection, our stewards will have offered you a basket or a contactless device. If you gave your collection by contactless, did you know that you can gift aid your donation? To gift aid your donations simply donate one week on the fixed giving points as you came in, perhaps make a small donation one of these devices and it will ask you to enter your details for gift aid and the system will automatically apply gift aid on any future donation with the same card.

Holy Cross Day & Francis of Assisi 800

Monday 14 September, Eucharist at 12.45pm

We welcome members of the Franciscan community to mark Holy Cross Day and the 800th anniversary of St Francis of Assisi's death. We will re-dedicate the beautifully restored altar hangings in the Chapel of St Francis and St Elizabeth, conserved by the Cathedral Broderers. All are welcome.

The Retirement of Canon Wendy Robins

Sunday 20 September 2026

We will celebrate Wendy's long and much-valued ministry here at the Cathedral and in the Diocese on Sunday 20 September. Alan has been very much part of Wendy's ministry here and has his own ministry as a server and listener. Wendy is going to take some time out, but Alan will still be around. Our thoughts and prayers will be with them both in this time of transition. Please join us for celebratory drinks following the 11am Choral Eucharist.

The Friends of Southwark Cathedral

The Spring edition of the Friends newsletter is available on the Cathedral website.

Save the Date, Cèilidh in the Cathedral, Friday 9 October

After the success of last year we will be holding our Ceilidh again this year. Tickets will go on sale in the summer but please keep the date and share with your friends.

Become a Friend

Still thinking of joining us? We'd love to welcome you. The Friends play a vital part in contributing to the future of the Cathedral and its missions. Membership costs from £25 a year. Join the Friends today!

Contact Friends' Office

You can email the Friends: [email protected], call 020 7367 3724 or post to:

The Friends of Southwark Cathedral Southwark Cathedral London Bridge London, SE1 9DA

Flowers in Memoriam

The flowers today are given by Heather and Augustus Boothe in memory of Heather's son, Mark.

Giving to the Cathedral

We are encouraging everyone to join the Parish Giving Scheme. If you need any help signing up online or if you would prefer to have a paper copy of the application form please speak with our wardens, Maggie and Kristin or contact Canon Michael Rawson.

The Cathedral is keen to change to a more ethical and environmentally friendly bank and the move from many standing orders to one monthly transfer from the Parish Giving Scheme makes this aspiration achievable.

You can sign up at: https://tinyurl.com/bdzdpuhp. You will need your personal bank account details; the name of our parish: Southwark Cathedral; the PGS code for our parish: 370637001; and whether you are eligible for Gift Aid.

Praying for a New Bishop of Southwark

Bishop Christopher has now retired and work is progressing on the discernment process for the appointment of a bishop to succeed him and to build on all that Bishop Christopher has achieved. This will be a particular focus at Evensong on 13 September. Please join in the Diocese's prayer:

God of all times and places, send us a Bishop who will lead us faithfully through days of rejoicing and nights of challenge, with prayer and Scripture, with love and laughter, with bread and wine. Send your Holy Spirit to guide those entrusted with this process. May they recognise the person of your choice, with ears that are open and hearts that are wise. Make us thankful for all that has gone before, ready and hopeful for all that lies ahead, led by a Bishop whose ministry is a blessing to everyone in Southwark Diocese, as we hear the good news of Jesus and delight in the love of God. Amen.

Using a Device to Read the Service Sheet

As you came into church, one of our stewards will have asked you if you wanted to take the service sheet on your phone. By reading the service sheet in this way you are helping us each week reduce our paper use and our printing costs. Thank you for playing your part. Every copy we don't have to print saves us a couple of pounds and also helps us become more sustainable by using less paper. We will always have paper copies for those who prefer it, but if you can think about switching to using your device, we would be grateful.

Southwark Cathedral Podcast

Episode 24 • Adrian Thatcher on Ending Abusive Theologies

In this episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast, recorded live in August 2026, Professor Adrian Thatcher discusses his new book Ending Abusive Theologies. He argues that, alongside safeguarding processes, the Church of England must also examine its theology and the ways in which certain teachings can cause harm. Drawing on his work on sexuality, gender, race and power, Thatcher explores the impact of shame, exclusion and harmful interpretations of scripture. He challenges biblical literalism, places Jesus at the centre of Christian faith, and considers how the Church should respond to difficult passages about divine violence in the Hebrew Bible.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts. https://southwarkcathedralpodcast.podbean.com/

Are You New to the Cathedral?

We would love to get to know you, so please complete a Newcomer form, available from the stewards or contact the Sub Dean [email protected]

Harry Bramma

We are sorry to learn of the death of Harry Bramma who was Director of Music at Southwark Cathedral from 1976-1989. May he rest in the love and peace of Christ. We will share details of Harry's funeral service in due course.

Mothers' Union New Banner Appeal

Members of the Mothers' Union are very grateful for the overwhelming generosity of the congregation, in response to the appeal for a new banner. The amount raised to date is £4475 and we have raised the deposit, thus ensuring that the banner can be ordered once the design is approved. Thank you everyone and we hope to see you at our next fundraising event, which is the cake sale after the 11.00am Eucharist today.

Donations can still be made using this QR code:

Mothers' Union 150th Anniversary Display

Please do take time to enjoy the Mothers' Union 150th Anniversary display in the Retrochoir.

Organ Recitals

Mondays, 1.20pm, Free Entry

14 September Ben Sheen (Jesus College, Cambridge) 21 September Michael Heighway (Westminster School) 28 September Simon Hogan (Organist, Southwark Cathedral)

Ninian Comper East Window

Following concerns about the condition of the East Window above the High Altar, a detailed inspection has now revealed it to be in a fragile state. The entire window will need to be removed and stored pending a comprehensive plan for conservation and reinstatement. We are currently working on a fundraising strategy and will provide updates when we have further information. Please direct any questions to [email protected] or [email protected]

Music Recital

Tuesday 15 September, 3.15pm

Join us as musicians Issa Diallo & Josephine Russell from the Royal Academy of Music perform music for piano and oboe by Schumann, Janáček and Saint-Saëns.

Lancelot 400

Lancelot 400 marks the 400th anniversary of the death of Bishop Lancelot Andrewes with a weekend of worship, music, talks, tours and exhibitions at Southwark Cathedral. Andrewes was Bishop of Winchester from 1619 and became closely associated with Southwark, where he died in 1626. He is the only Bishop of Winchester buried in Southwark Cathedral. A brilliant scholar, linguist and preacher, he was also one of the translators of the King James Bible. His sermons and writings continued to influence figures including T. S. Eliot, and his legacy remains significant in Anglican worship, theology and English literature.

Join us as we celebrate the life and enduring legacy of one of the Church of England's greatest scholars, in the place where he is laid to rest. Tickets available on Eventbrite.

Saturday 26 September

All Day Exhibition of Lancelot Andrewes' Volumes Discover a display of facsimile manuscripts and documents relating to Andrewes and his life.

Southwark Cathedral Walking Tour: Lancelot Andrewes' London, 10.30am–12.00pm Explore landmarks connected with Andrewes' childhood, priesthood and time as a bishop on a guided walk through the City of London. Please note this involves long periods of standing. Tickets from £10 via Eventbrite.

Cathedral Guided Tour: Lancelot Andrewes Special, 11.00am–12.00pm Discover Southwark Cathedral's connections with Andrewes as part of the Lancelot 400 celebrations. Tickets from £7 via Eventbrite.

Book of Common Prayer Eucharist, 12.30pm Celebrate Holy Communion following the Book of Common Prayer, including one of Andrewes' own sermons.

Talk by Rowan Williams — Releasing the Spirit: Lancelot Andrewes and the Poetics of Preaching, 2.00pm–3.30pm Former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams explores Andrewes' life, faith and distinctive approach to preaching. Free, but pre-booking is recommended via Eventbrite. The lecture will be followed by 4.00 Choral Evensong

Sunday 27 September

All Day Exhibition of Lancelot Andrewes' Volumes Discover a display of facsimile manuscripts and documents relating to Andrewes and his life.

Choral Eucharist, 11.00am The Very Rev'd David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, will preach. The service will include the first performance of a newly commissioned hymn by Malcolm Guite, written for the anniversary.

Festal Choral Evensong, 3.00pm The Cathedral Choir is joined by the Choir of Pembroke College, Cambridge, where Andrewes was Master, for a special service.

Threads Through the Cross

3 September — 7 October 2026

Experience a stunning textile journey through Jesus' life, death and resurrection in the Cathedral over the next month.

Part of the hugely popular Threads Through the Bible trilogy by artist Jacqui Parkinson, Threads Through the Cross showcases the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus through intricate textile panels, with each panel over 2 metres high and ranging from 1.5 to over 3 metres wide.

Threads through the Bible is an incredible display of three sequences – Threads Through Creation, Threads Through the Cross and Threads through Revelation. Taking over 10 years to complete, a total of 44 panels and over 25 million stitches, this impressive trilogy of work would reach more than 80 meters long when exhibited together.

Free entry, donations welcome.

Weekly Bible Study at St Hugh's

Thursdays, 7.30pm

The Thursday Bible Study at St Hugh's, Bermondsey, SE1 3PT is inclusive, friendly and perfect for beginners or growing your confidence. Contact Bukky Omisakim for more information: https://sthughsbermondsey.org.uk/bible-study/

Prayer List

The Sick

Michael W, Dee Dee HS, Sylvie A, Rob B, Augustus B, Julie A, Justine M, Sarah M, Andy B, Jack C, Tom D, Madeleine L, Cyril B, Adrian C, Judy, Tom J, Carla S, Bryan S, Susan P, Margaret B, Eden, Lizzie-Ann, Antony Z, Charlie R, Mary H, Frank C, Jean P, Pam M, Shireen, Dinah K, Sarah R, Sally P, Sam J, Elizabeth H, Christopher KD, Santou BC, Caroline C, Paul DF, Franki G, Frances G

The Departed

Harry Bramma, Susan Andrew, Bryan Harris, Nigel Worn, Emile Carew

Year's Mind

Richard Shaw, Peach Sholeh, Graeme Norwell, John Martin, Susan Cowdell, Emily Carew, Sheila Gilchrist, Roy Williamson, Virginia Davidson

Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, material from which is included in this service, is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2000.

All words covered by the Christian Copyright Licensing have been reproduced under CCL licence no. 223439 and livestreaming licence 145859.

The Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches in the USA: Scripture quotations from The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible © 1989 The Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.