The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
PROPER 19 • YEAR A
[Image: Dramatic clouds at Sunset]
13th September 2026
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
402 Lincoln St, Santa Maria, Ca.
The Reverend Courtney A. U. Tan, Priest
The Reverend Judy Mackey, Deacon
Welcome to St. Peter’s. Please do not hesitate to ask anyone if you need directions or assistance. This Order of Service will guide you through the service. If you do not want to take it home, please leave it in your pew (seat) or on the table in the narthex (at the back of the church). If you have any questions, please ask someone.
We respectfully recognize that we are on traditional, ancestral territories of the Amuwu, Salinan, and Chumash Nations. We acknowledge their lasting impact and ongoing commitment to this area.
Thank you to everyone who makes this service possible – the Vestry, the Altar Guild, the musicians and all the volunteers.
Here is a handy map of the Church buildings to assist you in finding your way around.
¡Bienvenidos a la Iglesia de San Pedro! Si ocupan ayuda o direcciones, por favor pregunten a alguien. Aquí está un mapa de los edificios de la Iglesia para dirigirlos a los diferentes sitios. Este boletín le guiará a través del proceso de la misa. Si no se lo quiere llevar a casa por favor déjelo en la banca (asiento) o en la mesa en el nártex (en la parte trasera de la iglesia). Si tiene preguntas, pregúntele a alguien.
Reconocemos respetuosamente que estamos en territorios tradicionales y ancestrales de las naciones Amuwu, Salinan y Chumash. Reconocemos su impacto duradero y su compromiso continuo con esta área.
Gracias a todos que hacen este servicio posible – la Junta Parroquial, el Gremio de Altar, los músicos y todos los voluntarios.
Church Building Map / Mapa de los edificios de la Iglesia
[Map Layout: Sanctuary/Chancel/Sacristy on Cook Street side, Courtyard, Parish Hall with Offices, Classrooms, Kitchen, and Library on Lincoln Street side]
Serving Us Today
- Camera Operator: Terri Oneschuck
- Counter: Jan Townley
- Lay Eucharistic Minister: Ernie Houston
- Lectors: Michael Holiday, Marty Durrett
- Musician: Judy Brenneman
- Prayers of the People: Sara Macdonald, Daughters of the King.
- Ushers: Jan Lavelle, Patricia Wilson
- Vestry Representative: Bob Norwood
The Vestry
| Senior Warden | Marty Durrett (2026) |
| Junior Warden | Marianne Converse (2026) |
| Dawn Jimenez (2027) | |
| Clerk | Bob Norwood (2027) |
| Terri Oneschuck (2028) | |
| Lisa Ziemba (2028) | |
| Treasurer | Joe Ardizzone |
Staff & Contact
Priest-in-Charge:
The Reverend Courtney A.U. Tan
Phone: 408-431-6810
Email: priest@stpeterssm.org
Priest's Day of Rest: Friday
Office: Roberta Slosson, Ray Ayala (bilingual)
Parish Office Hours:
9:30 am – 1:00 pm, M-Th
Office Phone: 805-922-3575
Email: admin@stpeterssm.org
Weekly Service Times
Sunday 8 a.m. Spanish / Misa en español
Sunday 10 a.m. English / Misa en inglés
Wednesday 10 a.m. Contemplative Service followed by Bible Study
- bring a snack or lunch, if you would like.
Miércoles 10 a.m. Misa Contemplativa seguida por estudio bíblico.
THE SERVICE OF THE WORD
Welcome
Processional: Come, Christians, Join to Sing
Come, Christians, Join to Sing — please paste a MusicXML score or upload the music image.
Salutation
Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People: And blessed be God’s Kingdom, now and forever. Amen
Collect for Purity
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts through the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and glorify your Holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gloria S280
Gloria S280 — please paste a MusicXML score or upload the music image.
The Collect for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Celebrant: May God be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Old Testament Exodus 14:19-31
Lector: A reading from the Book of Exodus.
The angel of God who was going before the Israelite army moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from in front of them and took its place behind them. It came between the army of Egypt and the army of Israel. And so, the cloud was there with the darkness, and it lit up the night; one did not come near the other all night.
Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. The Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land; and the waters were divided. The Israelites went into the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. The Egyptians pursued, and went into the sea after them, all of Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and chariot drivers. At the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and cloud looked down upon the Egyptian army and threw the Egyptian army into panic. He clogged their chariot wheels so that they turned with difficulty. The Egyptians said, “Let us flee from the Israelites, for the Lord is fighting for them against Egypt.”
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, so that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots and chariot drivers.” So, Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at dawn the sea returned to its normal depth. As the Egyptians fled before it, the Lord tossed the Egyptians into the sea. The waters returned and covered the chariots and the chariot drivers, the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea; not one of them remained. But the Israelites walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left.
Thus, the Lord saved Israel that day from the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great work that the Lord did against the Egyptians. So, the people feared the Lord and believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.
Lector: Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.
People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 114 In exitu Israel
The Psalm is read as directed, reverently pausing between the verses
1 Hallelujah! When Israel came out of Egypt, *
the house of Jacob from a people of strange speech,
2 Judah became God's sanctuary *
and Israel his dominion.
3 The sea beheld it and fled; *
Jordan turned and went back.
4 The mountains skipped like rams, *
and the little hills like young sheep.
5 What ailed you, O sea, that you fled? *
O Jordan, that you turned back?
6 You mountains, that you skipped like rams? *
you little hills like young sheep?
7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, *
at the presence of the God of Jacob,
8 Who turned the hard rock into a pool of water *
and flint-stone into a flowing spring.
The Epistle Romans 14:1-12
Lector: A reading from the letter to the Romans.
Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat; for God has welcomed them. Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand.
Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord and give thanks to God.
We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written,
"As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall give praise to God."
So then, each of us will be accountable to God.
Lector: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Churches.
People: Thanks be to God.
Gradual: Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages — please paste a MusicXML score or upload the music image.
The Gospel Matthew 18:21-35 (NRV)
Celebrant: The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
“At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
“But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.
“His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’
“But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.
“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Celebrant: This is the Gospel of Christ.
People: Praise to you, O Christ.
The Sermon: Rev. Courtney Tan
After the sermon there will be a moment of silence for reflection.
The Nicene Creed
Celebrant or Leader: 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 of 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.
Prayers of the People
Presider: Let us offer our prayers to God saying, "Hear our prayer."
People: Hear our prayer.
Intercessor: At this time of changing seasons, we thank you, O Lord, for the beauty of our earth.
People: Hear our prayer.
Intercessor: We pray for the Church in all times and places. Strengthen our faith as we seek to do your will and become more and more your people.
People: Hear our prayer.
Intercessor: Guide the leaders of our land that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.
People: Hear our prayer.
Intercessor: Grant that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that we may live in justice and peace.
People: Hear our prayer.
Intercessor: Guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labor.
People: Hear our prayer.
Intercessor: O God, the strength of those who labor, grant that we may never forget that our common life depends upon each other’s toil.
People: Hear our prayer.
Intercessor: Remember, O Lord, in mercy all those who suffer or are in any trouble, knowing that you do not willingly afflict or grieve us.
People: Hear our prayer.
Intercessor: Grant your blessing to all who have died in the hope of resurrection; grant them rest from their labors.
People: Hear our prayer.
Intercessor: I invite any other prayers of intercession or thanksgiving, silently or aloud.
You are invited to add your own petitions here . . . Silence
Presider: Almighty and eternal God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth: Mercifully accept the prayers of your people and strengthen us to do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
[Illustration: Praying hands]
Confession of Sin
Celebrant: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept
Minister and People:
Lord Jesus Christ, you call on your church to be a place where we can find your forgiveness.
And in our doubting in our unfaithfulness, you offer us renewal and a share in your resurrection life.
And so we come to you with all our doubts, with all our faults and in silence ask to know of your presence forgiving each of us, as we forgive one another. Amen.
Absolution:
Celebrant: 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
Celebrant: May peace of Christ be always with you.
People: And also with you.
[Illustration: Peace dove]
THE SERVICE OF THE TABLE
Celebrant: Jesus said, “Come to me all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
Offertory Music: Seek Ye First
Seek Ye First — please paste a MusicXML score or upload the music image.
The representatives of the congregation bring forward the offerings of bread and wine and congregational gifts to the celebrant or deacon. The people stand while the gifts are presented and placed on the altar, singing:
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
[Illustration: Chalice and Host with grapes and wheat]
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
Preparation of the Table
Hymn: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing — please paste a MusicXML score or upload the music image.
Eucharistic Prayer 2 EOW 1
Presider: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Presider: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to God.
Presider: Let us give thanks to God.
People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Presider: We praise you and we bless you, holy and gracious God, source of life abundant. From before time you made ready the creation. Your Spirit moved over the deep and brought all things into being: sun, moon, and stars; earth, winds, and waters; and every living thing. You made us in your image and taught us to walk in your ways. But we rebelled against you and wandered far away; and yet, as a mother cares for her children, you would not forget us. Time and again you called us to live in the fullness of your love. And so, this day we join with Saints and Angels in the chorus of praise that rings through eternity, lifting our voices to magnify you as we sing:
Sanctus: Holy, holy, holy, Lord S129
Sanctus S129 — please paste a MusicXML score or upload the music image.
The presider continues:
Glory and honor and praise to you, holy and living God. To deliver us from the power of sin and death and to reveal the riches of your grace, you looked with favor upon Mary, your willing servant, that she might conceive and bear a son, Jesus the holy child of God. Living among us, Jesus loved us. He broke bread with outcasts and sinners, healed the sick, and proclaimed good news to the poor. He yearned to draw all the world to himself, yet we were heedless of his call to walk in love. Then, the time came for him to complete upon the cross the sacrifice of his life, and to be glorified by you.
On the night before he died for us, Jesus was at table with his friends. He took bread, gave thanks to you, broke it, and gave it to them, and said: “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” *
As supper was ending, Jesus took the cup of wine. Again, he gave thanks to you, gave it to them, and said: “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is poured out 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,
Celebrant and People
We remember his death,
We proclaim his resurrection,
We await his coming in glory;
At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it, or to lay a hand upon it; and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing wine to be consecrated.
Now gathered at your table, O God of all creation, and remembering Christ, crucified and risen, who was and is and is to come, we offer to you our gifts of bread and wine, and ourselves, a living sacrifice.
Pour out your Spirit + upon these gifts that they may be the Body and Blood of Christ. Breathe your Spirit + over the whole earth and make us your new creation, the Body of Christ given for the world you have made.
In the fullness of time bring us, with St. Peter and all your saints, from every tribe and language and people and nation, to feast at the banquet prepared from the foundation of the world. Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to you be honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever. AMEN.
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
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,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Fraction Anthem EOW 1
The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.
Presider: God of promise, you have prepared a banquet for us.
People: Happy are those who are called to the Supper of the Lamb.
Facing the people, the Celebrant says the following invitation:
Presider: The gifts of God for the people of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
All are welcome at God’s table.
All baptized persons are welcome to receive the Eucharist in the Episcopal Church.
If you would prefer a blessing, please indicate this by crossing your hands across your chest.
Gluten-free wafers are available, please indicate your preference when receiving the sacrament.
Please note, the Communion wine contains alcohol; receiving the sacrament in only one kind, i.e., bread is valid.
The Bread and the Cup are given to the communicants with these words
Minister: The Bread/Cup of blessing.
Response: Amen.
Communion Hymn: It Is Well with My Soul
It Is Well with My Soul — please paste a MusicXML score or upload the music image.
Post-Communion Prayer
Let us pray.
Celebrant and People:
In gratitude, in deep gratitude for this moment, this meal, these people, we give ourselves to you.
Take us out to live as changed people because we have shared the Living Bread and cannot remain the same.
Ask much of us, expect much of us, enable much by us, encourage many through us.
So, God, may we live to your glory, both as inhabitants of earth and citizens of heaven. Amen
Special Blessings for birthdays and other occasions and donations for ministry
You are invited to come forward for blessings and prayers for any significant event in your life or those close to you: Birthdays. Anniversaries, Healing, Sobriety Milestones, Travel, Graduations, etc.
Birthday Prayer BCP 51: Watch over thy children, O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide them wherever they may be. Strengthen them when they stand; comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and in their hearts may thy peace which passes all understanding abide all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Rev. Parke’s Birthday Prayer: Many happy returns on the day of your birth, may sunshine and gladness be given. May God in his mercy prepare you on earth for a beautiful birthday in Heaven. Amen. (Prayer written by a former rector of St. Peter’s)
Blessing of Gifts. Martha’s Market Wagon, and/or any other in-kind gifts are blessed.
Announcements
Blessing
Be careful as you go out into God’s creation, for it does not belong to you.
Be gentle with yourself and with one another, for you are the dwelling place of the Most High God.
Be alert and hesitant, for sometimes God is but a whisper.
And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
World Council of Churches • http://www.oikoumene.org/en/home.html
Recessional: Now Thank We All Our God
Now Thank We All Our God — please paste a MusicXML score or upload the music image.
Dismissal
Celebrant: Let us go forth rejoicing in the name of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia!.
People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia!
Announcements September 2026
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 402 S. Lincoln Street, Santa Maria, Ca 93458
Weekly Service Times: Sunday: 8 a.m. Spanish; 10 a.m. English, Wednesday 10 a.m.
Parish Office Hours: Weekday hours: Mon. to Thur. 9:30 to 1:00. Other times by appointment. Please phone before arrival, to be certain someone is available to assist you. Rev. Courtney is not in the Office on Fridays.
- Rev. Courtney out of Office, September 16th and 17th. In case of a pastoral emergency, please contact the parish office, or Marty Durrett or Marianne Converse.
- The Altar Flowers today are given to the glory of God, and in thanksgiving for the birthday of Julie Thompson.
- Book Group: Meets on Mondays at 2:00 p.m. in the Guild Room. We are engaging with a series of articles, other materials for a season.
- Bell Choir: Meets on Monday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. All are welcome to join. If you are interested, please contact the Parish Office or Marianne Converse (805-406-8196) for details.
- Bible Study: A look at the lessons and themes of the day’s readings and how they are at work in our own lives. Wednesdays at 11-ish, following the service. It is not necessary to attend the Wednesday service to attend. No meeting August 16th.
- First Sunday Brunch every first Sunday of each month. Please join us in the parish hall following the service. Everyone is welcome at the table. It is not necessary to bring a contribution to participate.
- Vestry Meetings: The Vestry (Parish Council) customarily meet on the third Tuesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. Next Meeting: September 22nd.
- Daughters of the King: Meet on the third Sunday of each month at 11:15 a.m. in the Guild Room. Please help yourself to coffee and join us in the guild room or multi-use room. Contact Martha Martel for details. Next meetings Sept. 20th, Oct. 18th.
- Stuffed Doll (Or Other Cuddly Toy) Ministry: Dolls are given to children undergoing treatment at the hospital. If you would like to participate in this project, please speak to Jan Lavelle, Rev. Courtney, or the Parish Office.
- Martha’s Market Food Pantry: Every Thursday, beginning at 7:30 am, we distribute food to those in need. Volunteers welcome to help sort, bag, unpack, and distribute food to clients. Community service hours are available.
- Martha’s Market Resurrection Collection: The Red Wagon is in the Narthex. Every item helps. Suggested items: cereal, crackers, pop-top or key opening canned fruits, meats or fish, toiletries. Thank you for your generous donations so far.
Forthcoming Services and Events:
Book Forum: Theo of Golden, a novel: Several members of the congregation have read, and been impacted by the writing, story and community energies of Alan Levi’s first novel. Copies of the book are available from the Parish Office. Sam Johnson will lead a discussion at a date to be determined.
Meet the New Bishop: September 12th, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our Deanery will be hosting the Rt. Rev. Antonio at the Church of the Epiphany, Oak Park, Ca, 91377 (Near Thousand Oaks). Anyone who wishes is welcome to attend.
Mutual Ministry Review: The required next step in the process to call Rev. Courtney as the next Rector of St. Peter’s. October 10th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Celebration of Life: Brian Hall. October 10th at 3 p.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. All are welcome to attend.
Baptismal preparation: We are planning a Baptism at the All Saints Day Service, if you think you might like to be baptized, please speak to Rev. Courtney.
Beginner Line Dancing: Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall. No experience necessary, all are welcome to our easy beginner friendly line dancing! No experience needed – just bring your comfortable shoes or boots and a smile. Classes are free. Donations/tips will go directly to support the church.
Citizenship Classes: The Central Coast Literacy Council will be holding classes for those wishing to apply for, or in the process of seeking citizenship in the United States of America. Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6 to 9.
Latin Dance Class: Tuesdays 7 - 9 p.m. Dance party with D.J. 9-10:30 p.m. Have fun learning Salsa, Bachata, and Cumbia from Raul Salas, an enthusiastic and experienced teacher. Held in the Parish Hall, $20 fee to cover expenses.
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