5 pm Wilderness Service Leaflet – November 1, 2026

5 pm The Wilderness Leaflet

THE WORD OF GOD

PRELUDE
The Wilderness Musicians

HYMN 293
I sing a song of the saints of God

1) I sing a song of the saints of God, patient and brave and true, who toiled and fought and lived and died for the Lord they loved and knew. And one was a doctor, and one was a queen, and one was a shepherdess on the green: they were all of them saints of God—and I mean, God helping, to be one too.

2) They loved their Lord so dear, so dear, and his love made them strong; and they followed the right, for Jesus’ sake, the whole of their good lives long. And one was a soldier, and one was a priest, and one was slain by a fierce wild beast: and there’s not any reason—no, not the least, why I shouldn’t be one too.

3) They lived not only in ages past, there are hundreds of thousands still, the world is bright with the joyous saints who love to do Jesus’ will. You can meet them in school, or in lanes, or at sea, in church, or trains or in shops, or at tea, for the saints of God are just folk like me, and I mean to be one too.

OPENING ACCLAMATION

Presider  Blessed be the one, holy, and living God.
People  Glory to God for ever and ever.

THE CONFESSION and ABSOLUTION

Presider  Let us prepare our hearts and minds for worship as we confess our sins to God.

Presider and People

God of all mercy, we confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your will in our lives. We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and in the world you have created. We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf. Forgive, restore, and strengthen us through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we may abide in your love and serve only your will. Amen.

Presider

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 PRAYER OF THE DAY

Presider  God is with you.
People  And also with you.
Presider  Let us pray.
Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

All sit.

THE READING
Revelation 7:9-17

After this I looked, and there was a great crowd that no one could number. They were from every nation, tribe, people, and language. They were standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They wore white robes and held palm branches in their hands. They cried out with a loud voice: “Victory belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” All the angels stood in a circle around the throne, and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell facedown before the throne and worshipped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and always. Amen.” Then one of the elders said to me, “Who are these people wearing white robes, and where did they come from?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.”Then he said to me, “These people have come out of great hardship. They have washed their robes and made them white in the Lamb’s blood. This is the reason they are before God’s throne. They worship him day and night in his temple, and the one seated on the throne will shelter them. They won’t hunger or thirst anymore. No sun or scorching heat will beat down on them, because the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them. He will lead them to the springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Reader  Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.
People  Thanks be to God.

PSALM 34:1-10, 22

All recite responsively by whole verse.

1 I will bless the Lord at all times; *

 his praise shall ever be in my mouth.
2 I will glory in the Lord; *
 let the humble hear and rejoice.
3 Proclaim with me the greatness of the Lord; *
 let us exalt his Name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me *

 and delivered me out of all my terror.
5 Look upon him and be radiant, *
 and let not your faces be ashamed.
6 I called in my affliction and the Lord heard me *
 and saved me from all my troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encompasses those who fear him, *
 and he will deliver them.
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; *
 happy are they who trust in him!
9 Fear the Lord, you that are his saints, *
 for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger, *
 but those who seek the Lord lack nothing that is good.
22 The Lord ransoms the life of his servants, *
 and none will be punished who trust in him.

All stand.

THE GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Choir and Congregation sing the Acclamation.


Verse Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

THE GOSPEL
Matthew 5:1-12

Presider  We stand to hear the Good News of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
People  Praise and glory to Christ.
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up a mountain. He sat down and his disciples came to him. He taught them, saying: “Happy are people who are hopeless, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs. “Happy are people who grieve, because they will be made glad. “Happy are people who are humble, because they will inherit the earth. “Happy are people who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness, because they will be fed until they are full. “Happy are people who show mercy, because they will receive mercy. “Happy are people who have pure hearts, because they will see God. “Happy are people who make peace, because they will be called God’s children. “Happy are people whose lives are harassed because they are righteous, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs. “Happy are you when people insult you and harass you and speak all kinds of bad and false things about you, all because of me. Be full of joy and be glad, because you have a great reward in heaven. In the same way, people harassed the prophets who came before you.

Presider  This is the Gospel of Christ.
People  Praise to Christ our Savior.

At the bidding of the Preacher, all sit.

THE REFLECTION
The Very Reverend Patrick Gahan
Interim Dean

RENEWAL OF BAPTISMAL VOWS

Presider  Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?
People  I do.
Presider  Do you believe in God the Father?
People  I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Presider  Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People  I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Presider  Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People  I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Presider  Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
People  I will, with God’s help.
Presider  Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People  I will, with God’s help.
Presider  Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People  I will, with God’s help.
Presider  Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People  I will, with God’s help.
Presider  Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People  I will, with God’s help.
Presider  May Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and bestowed upon us the forgiveness of sins, keep us in eternal life by his grace, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

INTERCESSIONS OF THE PEOPLE

The Presider reads the names of those who have asked for our prayers.

We pray for our discernment and calling of a new dean saying,

Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a dean for this cathedral and parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

OPEN SPACE

The People are invited to wander in prayer, receive an anointing at the font, or remain in their seats.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Presider  God of new creation, we offer to you our joys, concerns, and disappointments, trusting in your promise to hear us.
People  Amen.

THE PEACE

Presider  The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
People  And also with you.

The People greet one another with a sign of Peace and are then seated for announcements.


ANNOUNCEMENTS and STEWARDSHIP

Stay connected and check out upcoming opportunities here.

Support the work of Saint John’s by making by making a financial gift.

THE HOLY COMMUNION

OFFERTORY SONG
Will the Circle be Unbroken
Ada R. Habershon and Charles H. Gabriel

All stand.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
Enriching Our Worship, Eucharistic Prayer 3

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.

All thanks and praise are yours at all times and in all places, our true and loving God; through Jesus Christ, your eternal Word, the Wisdom from on high by whom you created all things. You laid the foundations of the world and enclosed the sea when it burst out from the womb; You brought forth all creatures of the earth and gave breath to humankind.

Wondrous are you, Holy One of Blessing, all you create is a sign of hope for our journey; And so as the morning stars sing your praises we join the heavenly beings and all creation as we shout with joy:

SANCTUS & BENEDICTUS

All sing.

Presider
Glory and honor are yours, Creator of all, your Word has never been silent; you called a people to yourself, as a light to the nations, you delivered them from bondage and led them to a land of promise.

Of your grace, you gave Jesus to be human, to share our life, to proclaim the coming of your holy reign and give himself for us, a fragrant offering.

Through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, you have freed us from sin, brought us into your life, reconciled us to you, and restored us to the glory you intend for us.

We thank you that on the night before he died for us Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, gave it to his friends and said: “Take, eat, this is my Body, broken for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

After supper Jesus took the cup of wine, said the blessing, gave it to his friends and said: “Drink this, all of you: this cup is the new Covenant in my Blood, poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

And so, remembering all that was done for us: the cross, the tomb, the resurrection and ascension, longing for Christ’s coming in glory, and presenting to you these gifts your earth has formed and human hands have made, we acclaim you, O Christ:

Presider and People
Dying, you destroyed our death.
Rising, you restored our life.
Christ Jesus, come in glory!

Presider
Send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts of bread and wine that they may be to us the Body and Blood of your Christ. Grant that we, burning with your Spirit’s power, may be a people of hope, justice and love.

Giver of Life, draw us together in the Body of Christ, and in the fullness of time gather us with blessed Mary, Mother of God, blessed John our Patron and all your people into the joy of our true eternal home.

Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, we worship you our God and Creator in voices of unending praise.

Blessed are you now and for ever. AMEN.

Silence.

And now as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

Presider and People

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.

THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD

The Presider breaks the consecrated bread and says,

The Body and Blood of Christ. Behold who you are.
May we become what we receive.

The Presider and assistant break the Bread and fill the chalices with Wine.

THE INVITATION TO COMMUNION

The Gifts of God for the People of God.

Following the invitation to Communion, all are invited forward. Extend your hands to receive bread from the priest. Gluten-free is available upon request. For those desiring to receive wine, it is available from the common Cup or you are invited to intinct your bread in the chalice. When receiving the wine from the chalice, please help guide the chalice to your lips. If you choose to receive a blessing, please cross your arms over your chest.

MUSIC DURING COMMUNION

All stand.

THE PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.


God of abundance, you have fed us with the bread of life and cup of salvation; you have united us with Christ and one another; and you have made us one with all your people in heaven and on earth. Now send us forth in the power of your Spirit, that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world and continue for ever in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen.

THE BLESSING

The wisdom of God, the love of God, and the grace of God, strengthen you to be Christ’s hands and heart in this world, in the name of the Holy Trinity. Amen.

HYMN LEVAS II 141
Shall we gather at the river

1 Shall we gather at the river, where bright angel feet have trod; with its crystal tide forever flowing by the throne of God? *

2 On the margin of the river, washing up its silver spray, we will walk and worship ever, all the happy golden day. *

3 Ere we reach the shining river, lay we ev’ry burden down; grace our spirits will deliver, and provide a robe and crown. *

4 Soon we’ll reach the shining river, soon our pilgrimage will cease, soon our happy hearts will quiver with the melody of peace. *

Refrain Yes, we’ll gather at the river, the beautiful, the beautiful river; gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God.

THE DISMISSAL

Presider  Let us go forth into the world rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
People  Thanks be to God.

CATHEDRAL CHAPTER
The Very Reverend Patrick Gahan
Interim Dean

The Right Reverend Rob O’Neill
Bishop-in-Residence

The Reverend Canon Paul Keene
Canon for Parish Life

The Reverend Deacon Jack Karn
Deacon for Community Partnerships

THE WILDERNESS MUSICIANS
China Kent
Luke Halpin
Dan Geisler
Allen Russell

ALTAR GUILD
Robin Van Atta
Director

FLOWER TEAM
Kathy Graveley & Jane Ellis
Co-Directors

SACRISTAN
Mason McKay