Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Morning Prayer Rite II
January 29, 2023 - 10am
Prelude: “O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High” ~D. Johnson
Ringing of the Bell
Opening Hymn: "Hail to the Lord’s Anointed" ~Hymnal 616
Opening Sentence
Officiant: Thus says the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy, "I dwell in the high and holy place and also with the one who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite." ~Isaiah 57:15
The Confession of Sin ~ BCP 79
Officiant: Dearly beloved, we have come together in the presence of Almighty God our heavenly Father, to set forth his praise, to hear his holy Word, and to ask, for ourselves and on behalf of others, those things that are necessary for our life and our salvation. And so that we may prepare ourselves in heart and mind to worship him, let us kneel in silence, and with penitent and obedient hearts confess our sins, that we may obtain forgiveness by his infinite goodness and mercy.
People: Most merciful God, we confess that we sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen
The Absolution ~BCP 80
Officiant: Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen
Officiant: Lord, open our lips.
People: And our mouths shall proclaim your praise.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 15
Cantor: “Those who do justice will live in the presence of the Lord.”
People: “Those who do justice will live in the presence of the Lord.”
Cantor: Lord, who shall be admitted to your tent
and dwell on your holy mountain?
People: “Those who do justice will live in the presence of the Lord.”
Cantor: Those who walk without fault,
those who act with justice
and speak the truth from their hearts,those who do not slander with their tongue.
People: “Those who do justice will live in the presence of the Lord.”
Cantor: Those who do no wrong to their kindred,
who cast no slur on their neighbors,
who hold the godless in disdain,
but honor those who fear the Lord.
People: “Those who do justice will live in the presence of the Lord.”
Cantor: Those who keep their word, come what may,
who take no interest on a loan
and accept no bribes against the innocent.
Such people will stand form forever.
People: “Those who do justice will live in the presence of the Lord.”
The First Lesson: Micah 6:1-8
Lector: Hear what the Lord says:
Rise, plead your case before the mountains,
and let the hills hear your voice.
Hear, you mountains, the controversy of the Lord,
and you enduring foundations of the earth;
for the Lord has a controversy with his people,
and he will contend with Israel.
“O my people, what have I done to you?
In what have I wearied you? Answer me!
For I brought you up from the land of Egypt,
and redeemed you from the house of slavery;
and I sent before you Moses,
Aaron, and Miriam.
O my people, remember now what King Balak of Moab devised,
what Balaam son of Beor answered him,
and what happened from Shittim to Gilgal,
that you may know the saving acts of the Lord.”
“With what shall I come before the Lord,
and bow myself before God on high?
Shall I come before him with burnt-offerings,
with calves a year old?
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
with tens of thousands of rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
Reader: (following the lesson) The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.
The Venite ~BCP 82 (sung)
Together: Come, let us sing to the Lord;
Let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving
and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.
For the Lord is a great God,
and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the caverns of the earth,
and the heights of the hills are his also.
The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hand have molded the dry land.
Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee,
and kneel before the Lord our Maker.
For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand.
O, That today you would hearken to his voice!
The Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Lector: The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength.
Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.
Sequence Hymn: "In the Cross of Christ I Glory" ~Hymnal 441
The Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12
Celebrant: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Celebrant: When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Lector: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon: Father Mike Floyd
Prayer for the Sermon:
Lord, you have promised that when two or three gather in your name you will be present with them. We depend on that promise today and pray that you will move among us. Lord, we pray that you have inspired Mike's preparation, that you will enliven his presentation and that you will empower our application. Amen
The Apostles’ Creed ~BCP 96
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
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.
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. Amen
The Prayers
Officiant: The Lord be with you
People: And also with you.
Officiant: Let us pray.
The Lord's Prayer - “Our Father” (sung)
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,
thine is the power, thine is the glory,
for ever and ever. ~Fr R. Bethancourt
Suffrages A ~BCP 97
Officiant: Show us your mercy, O Lord;
People: And grant us your salvation.
Officiant: Clothe your ministers with righteousness;
People: Let your people sing with joy.
Officiant: Give peace, O Lord, in all the world;
People: For only in you can we live in safety.
Officiant: Lord, keep this nation under your care;
People: And guide us in the way of justice and truth.
Officiant: Let your way be known upon earth;
People: Your saving health among all nations.
Officiant: Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten;
People: Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.
Officiant: Create in us clean hearts, O God;
People: And sustain us with your Holy Spirit.
The Collect: For the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany ~ BCP 215
Celebrant: Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
The Collect: For the Renewal of Life ~BCP 99
Officiant: O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Prayer of Mission 2: ~BCP 100
Officiant: O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Prayers of the People: Form III (with additions)
Lector: Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
Together: That we all may be one.
Lector: Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;
Together: That your Name may be glorified by all people.
Lector: We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons. We pray for Michael our Presiding Bishop, for Mark, Anne (Bishop Coadjutor), Bill and Arthur, for all bishops and other ministers, and for our own Priest, Father Mike. Today we pray for First Presbyterian Church and Pastor Sara Hodsden. In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer today we pray for The Church of Pakistan (United)
Together: That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.
Lector: We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world. We pray for our President, Joseph, and for the leaders of the nations. We pray for this city, especially our Mayor, City Manager, Police and Fire Chiefs, School Superintendent,
Together: That there may be justice and peace on the earth.
Lector: Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
Together: That our works may find favor in your sight.
Lector: Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble; especially Conrad.
Together: That they may be delivered from their distress.
Lector: Give to the departed eternal rest.
Together: Let light perpetual shine upon them.
Lector: We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy
Together: May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.
Lector: Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.
I invite your intercessions, petitions, and thanksgivings aloud or silently.
(Silence)
Celebrant: O Lord our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies, look with compassion upon us and all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
The Peace
Officiant: The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.
Offertory Anthem: "The People Who in Darkness Walked” ~ Morison/Ravencroft
The Doxology: (sung) ~ Hymnal 380: Verse 3
Praise God, from whom all blessing flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host:
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Officiant: All things come of thee O Lord
Response: And of thine own have we given thee.
The General Thanksgiving ~BCP 101
Together: Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made.
We bless you for your creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen
A Prayer of St. Chrysostom ~BCP 102
Together: Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen
Closing Hymn: “Christ Is the World’s True Light" ~Hymnal 542
* * * * *
Announcements: (recited together)
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
* * * * *
Benediction: (sung)
"Now Unto Him" ~O. Wood; Jude 24-25
Now unto Him who is able to keep,
able to keep you from falling,
And present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy;
To the only wise God our Savior,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power
both now and forever. Amen
Officiant: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen
~2 Corinthians 13:14
Postlude:
The Flowers on the Altar today are donated by Jack Pincura and Sue Cameron. HE IS COMING!
* * *
We use the Revised Common Lectionary for reading selections, Track 1. The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA,
and used by permission. The Collects, Psalms and Canticles are from the Book of Common Prayer, 1979.
* * *
Serving at Christ Church this morning:
OFFICIANT – The Reverend Michael S. Floyd
ORGANIST / CHOIR DIRECTOR – G. James Petersen Jr.
ALTAR GUILD – Sharon Miller
GREETER / USHER – Tom Wells
BELL RINGER – Chuck Bille
CANTOR – Mary Trout
LECTOR – Jack Pincura
ACOLYTE / BOOK – Lucy Bille
ACOLYTE / CROSS – Lily Bauman
Ringing of the Bell
Opening Hymn: "Hail to the Lord’s Anointed" ~Hymnal 616
Opening Sentence
Officiant: Thus says the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy, "I dwell in the high and holy place and also with the one who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite." ~Isaiah 57:15
The Confession of Sin ~ BCP 79
Officiant: Dearly beloved, we have come together in the presence of Almighty God our heavenly Father, to set forth his praise, to hear his holy Word, and to ask, for ourselves and on behalf of others, those things that are necessary for our life and our salvation. And so that we may prepare ourselves in heart and mind to worship him, let us kneel in silence, and with penitent and obedient hearts confess our sins, that we may obtain forgiveness by his infinite goodness and mercy.
People: Most merciful God, we confess that we sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen
The Absolution ~BCP 80
Officiant: Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen
Officiant: Lord, open our lips.
People: And our mouths shall proclaim your praise.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 15
Cantor: “Those who do justice will live in the presence of the Lord.”
People: “Those who do justice will live in the presence of the Lord.”
Cantor: Lord, who shall be admitted to your tent
and dwell on your holy mountain?
People: “Those who do justice will live in the presence of the Lord.”
Cantor: Those who walk without fault,
those who act with justice
and speak the truth from their hearts,those who do not slander with their tongue.
People: “Those who do justice will live in the presence of the Lord.”
Cantor: Those who do no wrong to their kindred,
who cast no slur on their neighbors,
who hold the godless in disdain,
but honor those who fear the Lord.
People: “Those who do justice will live in the presence of the Lord.”
Cantor: Those who keep their word, come what may,
who take no interest on a loan
and accept no bribes against the innocent.
Such people will stand form forever.
People: “Those who do justice will live in the presence of the Lord.”
The First Lesson: Micah 6:1-8
Lector: Hear what the Lord says:
Rise, plead your case before the mountains,
and let the hills hear your voice.
Hear, you mountains, the controversy of the Lord,
and you enduring foundations of the earth;
for the Lord has a controversy with his people,
and he will contend with Israel.
“O my people, what have I done to you?
In what have I wearied you? Answer me!
For I brought you up from the land of Egypt,
and redeemed you from the house of slavery;
and I sent before you Moses,
Aaron, and Miriam.
O my people, remember now what King Balak of Moab devised,
what Balaam son of Beor answered him,
and what happened from Shittim to Gilgal,
that you may know the saving acts of the Lord.”
“With what shall I come before the Lord,
and bow myself before God on high?
Shall I come before him with burnt-offerings,
with calves a year old?
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
with tens of thousands of rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
Reader: (following the lesson) The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.
The Venite ~BCP 82 (sung)
Together: Come, let us sing to the Lord;
Let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving
and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.
For the Lord is a great God,
and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the caverns of the earth,
and the heights of the hills are his also.
The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hand have molded the dry land.
Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee,
and kneel before the Lord our Maker.
For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand.
O, That today you would hearken to his voice!
The Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Lector: The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength.
Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.
Sequence Hymn: "In the Cross of Christ I Glory" ~Hymnal 441
The Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12
Celebrant: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Celebrant: When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Lector: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon: Father Mike Floyd
Prayer for the Sermon:
Lord, you have promised that when two or three gather in your name you will be present with them. We depend on that promise today and pray that you will move among us. Lord, we pray that you have inspired Mike's preparation, that you will enliven his presentation and that you will empower our application. Amen
The Apostles’ Creed ~BCP 96
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
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.
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. Amen
The Prayers
Officiant: The Lord be with you
People: And also with you.
Officiant: Let us pray.
The Lord's Prayer - “Our Father” (sung)
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,
thine is the power, thine is the glory,
for ever and ever. ~Fr R. Bethancourt
Suffrages A ~BCP 97
Officiant: Show us your mercy, O Lord;
People: And grant us your salvation.
Officiant: Clothe your ministers with righteousness;
People: Let your people sing with joy.
Officiant: Give peace, O Lord, in all the world;
People: For only in you can we live in safety.
Officiant: Lord, keep this nation under your care;
People: And guide us in the way of justice and truth.
Officiant: Let your way be known upon earth;
People: Your saving health among all nations.
Officiant: Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten;
People: Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.
Officiant: Create in us clean hearts, O God;
People: And sustain us with your Holy Spirit.
The Collect: For the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany ~ BCP 215
Celebrant: Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
The Collect: For the Renewal of Life ~BCP 99
Officiant: O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Prayer of Mission 2: ~BCP 100
Officiant: O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Prayers of the People: Form III (with additions)
Lector: Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
Together: That we all may be one.
Lector: Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;
Together: That your Name may be glorified by all people.
Lector: We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons. We pray for Michael our Presiding Bishop, for Mark, Anne (Bishop Coadjutor), Bill and Arthur, for all bishops and other ministers, and for our own Priest, Father Mike. Today we pray for First Presbyterian Church and Pastor Sara Hodsden. In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer today we pray for The Church of Pakistan (United)
Together: That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.
Lector: We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world. We pray for our President, Joseph, and for the leaders of the nations. We pray for this city, especially our Mayor, City Manager, Police and Fire Chiefs, School Superintendent,
Together: That there may be justice and peace on the earth.
Lector: Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
Together: That our works may find favor in your sight.
Lector: Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble; especially Conrad.
Together: That they may be delivered from their distress.
Lector: Give to the departed eternal rest.
Together: Let light perpetual shine upon them.
Lector: We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy
Together: May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.
Lector: Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.
I invite your intercessions, petitions, and thanksgivings aloud or silently.
(Silence)
Celebrant: O Lord our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies, look with compassion upon us and all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
The Peace
Officiant: The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.
Offertory Anthem: "The People Who in Darkness Walked” ~ Morison/Ravencroft
The Doxology: (sung) ~ Hymnal 380: Verse 3
Praise God, from whom all blessing flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host:
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Officiant: All things come of thee O Lord
Response: And of thine own have we given thee.
The General Thanksgiving ~BCP 101
Together: Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made.
We bless you for your creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen
A Prayer of St. Chrysostom ~BCP 102
Together: Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen
Closing Hymn: “Christ Is the World’s True Light" ~Hymnal 542
* * * * *
Announcements: (recited together)
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
* * * * *
Benediction: (sung)
"Now Unto Him" ~O. Wood; Jude 24-25
Now unto Him who is able to keep,
able to keep you from falling,
And present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy;
To the only wise God our Savior,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power
both now and forever. Amen
Officiant: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen
~2 Corinthians 13:14
Postlude:
The Flowers on the Altar today are donated by Jack Pincura and Sue Cameron. HE IS COMING!
* * *
We use the Revised Common Lectionary for reading selections, Track 1. The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA,
and used by permission. The Collects, Psalms and Canticles are from the Book of Common Prayer, 1979.
* * *
Serving at Christ Church this morning:
OFFICIANT – The Reverend Michael S. Floyd
ORGANIST / CHOIR DIRECTOR – G. James Petersen Jr.
ALTAR GUILD – Sharon Miller
GREETER / USHER – Tom Wells
BELL RINGER – Chuck Bille
CANTOR – Mary Trout
LECTOR – Jack Pincura
ACOLYTE / BOOK – Lucy Bille
ACOLYTE / CROSS – Lily Bauman
Sundays@Five
"The Joy of the Lord is my strength"
January 22, 2023
Video Prelude
A Song: “1000 Reasons” (music provided)
Opening Responses:
Officiant: In light and in darkness,
in peace and in confusion,
Jesus Christ wants to make his home
and meet his friends.
All: HE IS THE HOPE FOR THE WORLD
Officiant: In him there is neither Jew nor Gentile,
neither insider nor outsider;
All: ALL ARE ONE IN JESUS CHRIST.
Officiant: He is the Light of Life:
All: HE IS THE HOPE FOR THE WORLD.
Officiant: In him there is neither rich nor poor,
neither black nor white;
All: ALL ARE ONE IN JESUS CHRIST.
Officiant: He is the Light of Life:
All: HE IS THE HOPE FOR THE WORLD.
Officiant: In him there is neither male nor female,
neither master nor servant;
All: ALL ARE ONE IN JESUS CHRIST.
Officiant: He is the Light of Life:
All: HE IS THE HOPE FOR THE WORLD
A Song: “Emmanuel” (music provided)
Officiant: Let us pray.
In the mystery of your presence,
no words are needed.
In the depth of your silence,
no sound is necessary.
In the face of your Word,
no voice need respond.
'be still,' you say,
'and know that I am God.'
So, we will be still and listen ...
to the beating of our hearts,
to the racing of our minds,
to the pondering of our souls,
knowing that your Spirit, your Holy Spirit,
is beating moving, provoking
within us and among us.
(Pause)
And we will be still and listen ...
for the cry of the voiceless,
for the groaning of the weary,
for the pain of the wounded,
for the sigh of the victim,
for the laughter of children,
for the song of gladness,
knowing that your Spirit, your Holy Spirit,
enables crying, groaning, sighing,
and also brings song and laughter.
(Pause)
We will be still,
and if we do not take off our shoes,
we will yet remember that this is Holy Ground
because you have promised to be
where your people meet in Jesus' name.
So we will wait;
patiently or impatiently
we will wait for Jesus.
(Pause)
All: AMEN
(Silence)
Officiant: I waited patiently for God
and God bent down to hear me.
All: GOD LIFTED ME FROM A MURKY PIT
AND SET ME FIRMLY ON A ROCK
WHERE I CAN STAND CONFIDENTLY.
Officiant: God put a new song on my lips,
a song of praise to my Maker.
All: MANY WILL LOOK ON IN WONDER
AND PUT THEIR TRUST IN GOD.
Officiant: Countless are your wonders, O God;
in goodness you have no equal.
All: WE WOULD PROCLAIM ALL YOUR WORKS
WERE THEY NOT TOO MANY TO NUMBER.
The Collect for the Third Sunday after Epiphany
Celebrant: Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN
Readings from Holy Scripture
The First Lesson: Isaiah 9:1-4
There will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness--
on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
All: THANKS BE TO GOD
The Psalm: Psalm 27:1, 5-13
1. The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom then shall I fear?
the Lord is the strength of my life;
of whom then shall I be afraid?
5. One thing have I asked of the Lord;
one thing I seek;
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life;
6. To behold the fair beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.
7. For in the day of trouble he shall keep me safe in his shelter;
he shall hide me in the secrecy of his dwelling
and set me high upon a rock.
8. Even now he lifts up my head
above my enemies round about me.
9. Therefore I will offer in his dwelling an oblation
with sounds of great gladness;
I will sing and make music to the Lord.
10. Hearken to my voice, O Lord, when I call;
have mercy on me and answer me.
11. You speak in my heart and say, "Seek my face."
Your face, Lord, will I seek.
12. Hide not your face from me,
nor turn away your servant in displeasure.
13. You have been my helper;
cast me not away;
do not forsake me, O God of my salvation.
All: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
As it was in the beginning, is now and will be for ever. Amen
A Song: “Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song” –hymnal 513
The Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23
Officiant: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
All: GLORY TO YOU LORD CHRIST.
When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
“Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,
on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles--
the people who sat in darkness
have seen a great light,
and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death
light has dawned.”
From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.
Officiant: The Gospel of the Lord.
All: PRAISE TO YOU LORD CHRIST.
Homily: The Rev. Mike Floyd
"The Joy of the Lord is my strength"
"And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord, and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
~Nehemiah 8: 9-10
A Song:
Prayers for Others:
Officiant: Let us now, in prayer,
remember and call out to God
for those whom the following words of scripture
bring to mind.
Remember those who tonight will cry,
'I wish to God it were morning,'
and come morning will cry,
'I wish to God it were night.'
Remember those whose pillows are soaked with tears
and whose eyes are tired and dim
with weeping.
Remember those
who, for whatever reason,
may want to say,
'Jesus, remember me,
when you come into your kingdom.'
Remember those
for whom the light that was in them
has turned to darkness,
and that darkness is doubly dark.
Remember those who in looking to tomorrow,
deeply hope that
the sick will be healed,
the stranger welcomed,
the prisoner released,
the poor hear good news.
And let us, in confidence,
share with God our own hopes and longings.
Officiant: I invite your intercessions, petitions, and thanksgivings
aloud or silently.
(Soft music is played.)
All: GLORY TO GOD OUR MAKER
TO GOD'S SON WHO IS CHRIST OUR LORD
TO THE SPIRIT WHO DWELLS IN OUR HEARTS
BOTH NOW AND FOREVER. AMEN
A Song: “Spirit Song” (music provided)
Closing Responses
Officiant: God of Abraham and Sarah,
of Moses and Miriam,
of Mary and Joseph,
All: STAY WITH US NOW.
Officiant: God of Joshua and Rahab,
of Rizpah and David,
of Dorcas and Paul,
All: STAY WITH US NOW.
Officiant: God of Simeon and Anna
of Martha and Thomas,
God of the Eunuch at the Pool
and the Woman at the Well,
All: STAY WITH US NOW.
Officiant: Stay with us and go with us,
for we leave as we gathered
in Jesus' name.
All: AMEN.
Officiant: 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.
All: AMEN.
Benediction: (sung)
"Now Unto Him" ~O. Wood / Jude 24-25
Now unto Him who is able to keep,
able to keep you from falling,
And present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy;
To the only wise God our Savior,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power
both now and forever. Amen
Officiant: This service is over let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
A Song: “1000 Reasons” (music provided)
Opening Responses:
Officiant: In light and in darkness,
in peace and in confusion,
Jesus Christ wants to make his home
and meet his friends.
All: HE IS THE HOPE FOR THE WORLD
Officiant: In him there is neither Jew nor Gentile,
neither insider nor outsider;
All: ALL ARE ONE IN JESUS CHRIST.
Officiant: He is the Light of Life:
All: HE IS THE HOPE FOR THE WORLD.
Officiant: In him there is neither rich nor poor,
neither black nor white;
All: ALL ARE ONE IN JESUS CHRIST.
Officiant: He is the Light of Life:
All: HE IS THE HOPE FOR THE WORLD.
Officiant: In him there is neither male nor female,
neither master nor servant;
All: ALL ARE ONE IN JESUS CHRIST.
Officiant: He is the Light of Life:
All: HE IS THE HOPE FOR THE WORLD
A Song: “Emmanuel” (music provided)
Officiant: Let us pray.
In the mystery of your presence,
no words are needed.
In the depth of your silence,
no sound is necessary.
In the face of your Word,
no voice need respond.
'be still,' you say,
'and know that I am God.'
So, we will be still and listen ...
to the beating of our hearts,
to the racing of our minds,
to the pondering of our souls,
knowing that your Spirit, your Holy Spirit,
is beating moving, provoking
within us and among us.
(Pause)
And we will be still and listen ...
for the cry of the voiceless,
for the groaning of the weary,
for the pain of the wounded,
for the sigh of the victim,
for the laughter of children,
for the song of gladness,
knowing that your Spirit, your Holy Spirit,
enables crying, groaning, sighing,
and also brings song and laughter.
(Pause)
We will be still,
and if we do not take off our shoes,
we will yet remember that this is Holy Ground
because you have promised to be
where your people meet in Jesus' name.
So we will wait;
patiently or impatiently
we will wait for Jesus.
(Pause)
All: AMEN
(Silence)
Officiant: I waited patiently for God
and God bent down to hear me.
All: GOD LIFTED ME FROM A MURKY PIT
AND SET ME FIRMLY ON A ROCK
WHERE I CAN STAND CONFIDENTLY.
Officiant: God put a new song on my lips,
a song of praise to my Maker.
All: MANY WILL LOOK ON IN WONDER
AND PUT THEIR TRUST IN GOD.
Officiant: Countless are your wonders, O God;
in goodness you have no equal.
All: WE WOULD PROCLAIM ALL YOUR WORKS
WERE THEY NOT TOO MANY TO NUMBER.
The Collect for the Third Sunday after Epiphany
Celebrant: Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN
Readings from Holy Scripture
The First Lesson: Isaiah 9:1-4
There will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness--
on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
All: THANKS BE TO GOD
The Psalm: Psalm 27:1, 5-13
1. The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom then shall I fear?
the Lord is the strength of my life;
of whom then shall I be afraid?
5. One thing have I asked of the Lord;
one thing I seek;
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life;
6. To behold the fair beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.
7. For in the day of trouble he shall keep me safe in his shelter;
he shall hide me in the secrecy of his dwelling
and set me high upon a rock.
8. Even now he lifts up my head
above my enemies round about me.
9. Therefore I will offer in his dwelling an oblation
with sounds of great gladness;
I will sing and make music to the Lord.
10. Hearken to my voice, O Lord, when I call;
have mercy on me and answer me.
11. You speak in my heart and say, "Seek my face."
Your face, Lord, will I seek.
12. Hide not your face from me,
nor turn away your servant in displeasure.
13. You have been my helper;
cast me not away;
do not forsake me, O God of my salvation.
All: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
As it was in the beginning, is now and will be for ever. Amen
A Song: “Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song” –hymnal 513
The Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23
Officiant: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
All: GLORY TO YOU LORD CHRIST.
When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
“Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,
on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles--
the people who sat in darkness
have seen a great light,
and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death
light has dawned.”
From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.
Officiant: The Gospel of the Lord.
All: PRAISE TO YOU LORD CHRIST.
Homily: The Rev. Mike Floyd
"The Joy of the Lord is my strength"
"And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord, and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
~Nehemiah 8: 9-10
A Song:
Prayers for Others:
Officiant: Let us now, in prayer,
remember and call out to God
for those whom the following words of scripture
bring to mind.
Remember those who tonight will cry,
'I wish to God it were morning,'
and come morning will cry,
'I wish to God it were night.'
Remember those whose pillows are soaked with tears
and whose eyes are tired and dim
with weeping.
Remember those
who, for whatever reason,
may want to say,
'Jesus, remember me,
when you come into your kingdom.'
Remember those
for whom the light that was in them
has turned to darkness,
and that darkness is doubly dark.
Remember those who in looking to tomorrow,
deeply hope that
the sick will be healed,
the stranger welcomed,
the prisoner released,
the poor hear good news.
And let us, in confidence,
share with God our own hopes and longings.
Officiant: I invite your intercessions, petitions, and thanksgivings
aloud or silently.
(Soft music is played.)
All: GLORY TO GOD OUR MAKER
TO GOD'S SON WHO IS CHRIST OUR LORD
TO THE SPIRIT WHO DWELLS IN OUR HEARTS
BOTH NOW AND FOREVER. AMEN
A Song: “Spirit Song” (music provided)
Closing Responses
Officiant: God of Abraham and Sarah,
of Moses and Miriam,
of Mary and Joseph,
All: STAY WITH US NOW.
Officiant: God of Joshua and Rahab,
of Rizpah and David,
of Dorcas and Paul,
All: STAY WITH US NOW.
Officiant: God of Simeon and Anna
of Martha and Thomas,
God of the Eunuch at the Pool
and the Woman at the Well,
All: STAY WITH US NOW.
Officiant: Stay with us and go with us,
for we leave as we gathered
in Jesus' name.
All: AMEN.
Officiant: 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.
All: AMEN.
Benediction: (sung)
"Now Unto Him" ~O. Wood / Jude 24-25
Now unto Him who is able to keep,
able to keep you from falling,
And present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy;
To the only wise God our Savior,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power
both now and forever. Amen
Officiant: This service is over let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.