Sunday Worship on February 19, 2023
Updated: Feb 25
The Holy Eucharist
The Last Sunday after the Epiphany (Year A)
February 19, 2023 at 9:30 AM
Celebrant and Preacher: The Rev. Guillermo A. Arboleda
Deacon: The Rev. Ella Roundtree-Davis
Watch the Livestream at www.Facebook.com/StMattSav/Live/
The Holy Eucharist: Rite II
Hymn #427: When Morning Gilds The Skies
1 When morning gilds the skies,
my heart, awaking, cries,
may Jesus Christ be praised!
When evening shadows fall,
this rings my curfew call,
may Jesus Christ be praised!
2 When mirth for music longs,
this is my song of songs:
may Jesus Christ be praised!
God's holy house of prayer
hath none that can compare
with: Jesus Christ be praised!
3 No lovelier antiphon
in all high heaven is known
than, Jesus Christ be praised!
There to the eternal Word
the eternal psalm is heard:
may Jesus Christ be praised!
4 Ye nations of mankind,
in this your concord find:
may Jesus Christ be praised!
Let all the earth around
ring joyous with the sound:
may Jesus Christ be praised!
5 Sing, suns and stars of space,
sing, ye that see his face,
sing, Jesus Christ be praised!
God's whole creation o'er,
both now and evermore
shall Jesus Christ be praised!
[Words: German, ca. tr. Robert Seymour Bridges, alt. Music: Laudes Domini, Joseph Barnby. Arranged by Fred Bock © Copyright 1968 Fred Bock Music Company. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #FBCA004548. All rights reserved.]
The Opening Acclamation
[BCP, p. 355]
Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
And blessed be God's kingdom, now and forever! Amen!
A Collect for Purity
[BCP, p. 355]
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hymn S-280: Glory to God
[See also BCP, p. 356]
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.
[Words: Public Domain. Music: Robert Powell © 1985, Church Publishing, Inc. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #28331. All rights reserved.]
The Collect of the Day
[BCP, p. 357, 165]
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray:
O God, who before the passion of your only begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
A Reading from the Book of Exodus 24:12-18
The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.” So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. To the elders he had said, “Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them.”
Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 2
[BCP, p. 586-587]
Read responsively by half-verse (at the asterisk).
1 Why are the nations in an uproar? * Why do the peoples mutter empty threats?
2 Why do the kings of the earth rise up in revolt, and the princes plot together, * against the Lord and against his Anointed?
3 "Let us break their yoke," they say; * "let us cast off their bonds from us."
4 He whose throne is in heaven is laughing; * the Lord has them in derision.
5 Then he speaks to them in his wrath, * and his rage fills them with terror.
6 "I myself have set my king * upon my holy hill of Zion."
7 Let me announce the decree of the Lord: * he said to me, "You are my Son; this day have I begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance * and the ends of the earth for your possession.
9 You shall crush them with an iron rod * and shatter them like a piece of pottery."
10 And now, you kings, be wise; * be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11 Submit to the Lord with fear, * and with trembling bow before him;
12 Lest he be angry and you perish; * for his wrath is quickly kindled.
13 Happy are they all * who take refuge in him!
A Reading from the Second letter of Peter 1:16-21
We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.
So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Hymn #135: Songs of Thankfulness and Praise (Verses 1-3)
1. Songs of thankfulness and praise, Jesus, Lord, to thee we raise,
manifested by the star to the sages from afar;
branch of royal David's stem in thy birth at Bethlehem;
anthems be to thee addressed, God in man made manifest.
2. Manifest at Jordan's stream, Prophet, Priest, and King supreme;
and at Cana, wedding-guest, in thy Godhead manifest;
manifest in power divine, changing water into wine;
anthems be to thee addressed, God in man made manifest.
3. Manifest in making whole palsied limbs and fainting soul;
manifest in valiant fight, quelling all the devil's might;
manifest in gracious will, ever bringing good from ill;
anthems be to thee addressed, God in man made manifest.
[Words: Sts. 1-3, Christopher Wordsworth; st. 4, F. Bland Tucker. Music: Salzburg, melody Jakob Hintze; harm. Johann Sebastian Bach. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #84263. All rights reserved.]
The People stand, as they are able, for the reading of the Gospel.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ According to Matthew 17:1-9
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Hymn #135: Songs of Thankfulness and Praise (Verse 4)
4 Manifest on mountain height, shining in resplendent light,
where disciples filled with awe thy transfigured glory saw
When from there thou leddest them steadfast to Jerusalem
cross and Easter Day attest God in man made manifest
[Words: Sts. 1-3, Christopher Wordsworth; st. 4, F. Bland Tucker. Music: Salzburg, melody Jakob Hintze; harm. Johann Sebastian Bach. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #84263. All rights reserved.]
The Sermon
"An Old Testament Crossover Event!" by The Rev. Guillermo A. Arboleda, Rector
In the last year or so, when I have some down time, I have been re-watching The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996). It’s available for streaming right now on HBO Max (nobody from Warner Bros. paid me to say that, but they should). I grew up loving that show, and I appreciate the humor even more as an adult than I did as a child. But, back then, I usually watched it in syndication (on Nickelodeon’s Nick at Nite) where the episodes were out of order. And, of course, there were plenty of episodes that I missed along the way.
So while doing this re-watch, I discovered something that you may remember if you were keeping up with TV back then. There is a 1995 episode of Fresh Prince (S5.E17) where Will Smith’s character meets George and Louise Jefferson from the hit sitcom The Jeffersons (1975-1985). Actors Sherman Helmsley and Isabel Sanford reprised their roles for this stunning crossover. I also loved watching The Jeffersons reruns on Nick at Nite as a kid, so I got a hoot out of this. I’m guessing that this episode of Fresh Prince was a huge deal with a lot of hype at the time. As you know, these older sitcoms were filmed in front of live studio audiences. So whenever there were special celebrity guest appearances, the crowd went nuts. In this case, the actors entered the set and had to pause the scene for a moment to wait until the cheering died down. They couldn’t deliver their next line until the crowd settled down. These sorts of crossover events are really fun, especially when they feature returning characters from a story that you thought was over.
Will Smith as "Will Smith" and Sherman Helmsley as "George Jefferson"
on an episode of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
If the Gospel of Matthew were filmed in front of a live studio audience, this story would have been one of those moments. Jesus, Peter, James, and John (our story’s main characters) climb up a mountain to pray. Then, Jesus is transfigured, shining brightly in dazzling white. But then, “suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him” (Matt 17:3). This is where the crowd goes nuts. They are totally surprised to see Moses and Elijah! Moses’ character was written off way back in the season 2 finale of The Old Testament and Elijah hasn’t appeared since season 6. Now, suddenly, in the spinoff series, The New Testament, these old favorites are back on the scene.
This playful analogy is there to help us see that Moses and Elijah bring lots of background stories with them into the Transfiguration.
God sent Moses to speak to Pharaoh and demand that he “let my people go!” Moses was the Liberator who God chose to lead the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt. God spoke with Moses and gave him the Ten Commandments and the rest of the ancient Law. These Laws helped them to form a community of people working together to be righteous, striving for justice and peace. Moses then led the people through their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness before they arrived in the Land of Canaan.
Elijah lived centuries later, and he was also God’s servant. He was a prophet who spoke God’s word to people in power. He confronted the kings of Israel and Judah because they were oppressing the people, exploiting the poor, and letting greed destroy them from within.
Elijah and Moses represent God’s history with the people of Israel, the history of social justice and interpersonal righteousness. They reminded Jesus’ disciples (and us) that the Good News is about love, faithfulness, mercy, and justice. God is love, and the power of Love across time and space, for people of different races and cultures, that can change the world. God’s love can transform us.
At the end of the day, we’re not a live studio audience. Christianity is not a spectator sport. We are a congregation of Jesus followers. God the Father tells the disciples that Jesus is “my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” So our calling as a community is to listen to Jesus and to follow his teachings. We are trying to live the way of love that Jesus taught through his own life, ministry, death, and resurrection. We proclaim that in Jesus there is new life and freedom from evil and oppression in all its forms. We dedicate ourselves to building loving relationships here among ourselves and out there with people we have not met yet. And we do so with love, graciousness, and respect at the forefront.
In order for our community to follow Jesus, we must focus on the hard, everyday work of loving our neighbors. By comparison, loving God is pretty easy. The people are the hard part. But, in all seriousness, there’s a reason we sing songs like “We Are One in the Bond of Love” and “One Bread, One Body.” Jesus calls us to love and unity, and that is the clearest way that we can follow his commandments. The world will recognize Jesus’ disciples by their love for one another. This “crossover episode” of the Bible is a reminder to follow Moses’ Law, Elijah’s zeal for justice, and Jesus’ command to love. He is God’s Beloved, so let us listen to him. Amen.
The Nicene Creed
[BCP, p. 358]
All standing as they are able, the People pray:
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 from 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.
The Prayers of the People
[Adapted from http://www.rickmorley.com/archives/1355]
Let us pray to God, who is made manifest in Jesus Christ.
As the prophet Isaiah rang out, “Arise, shine; for your light has come”; empower your Church, O God, to ring out the Good News of the Light of your son Jesus, which pierces even the deepest darkness. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
As a star rose high into the sky to draw the nations to the Christ-child; send your blessing, O God, on this nation, and every nation, and draw the whole world to your peace and truth. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
As John the Baptist guided crowds of people to the edge of the wilderness and baptized Jesus in the River Jordan, we pray that you would guide our country and our leaders to the ways of justice and righteousness. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Like the Magi who traveled from afar to bring gifts and celebrate the Savior’s birth; we pray for this community, and for those who celebrate birthdays, especially Blair Berksteiner (2/21), Charles Gordon (2/21), Christine Folsome (2/22), JoAnne MItchell (2/23), Robert Day (2/24), and Rev. Kelly Steele (2/24), and any other thanksgivings we offer now... Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
As Jesus climbed the mountaintop, and proclaimed blessings on the people of the world; we pray for the sick and the distressed, the poor and the lame. We especially pray for the people of our Parish Prayer List: Martha Avery, Mary Bonaparte, Jacqueline Bryant, Lazola Cope, Aaron Duplechien, Jr., Loretta Harmond, Marva Harris, Beverly Kemp, Whitney Kennedy, Sada Maxwell, Jeannette Outing, Nicki Ramsey, and Jewel Wheeler. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
As Jesus called his disciples to leave their nets and boats, and follow him; we pray for the departed whom we love and have answered your call to follow Jesus to your Heavenly Kingdom especially Bette Milledge, Ella Marie Solomon Capers Hoskins, and Loretta Harmond. Give them your peace. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
The Celebrant concludes with a suitable Collect
Lord Jesus, Light of the World, hear our prayers, and make us reflections of your Light, that the places of darkness in our world would be pierced by your Light, and that all nations would be drawn to you and be overwhelmed with joy. Amen.
Confession of Sin
[BCP, p. 360]
The Deacon says
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept.
Deacon and People
Most merciful God, we confess that we have 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 Bishop, when present, or the Priest, stands and says
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
[BCP, p. 360]
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
Parish Announcements
Sign up for our e-Newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/StMattSavNews)
New Vestry Clerk 2023: The Vestry is proud to announce the appointment of Ja'wana Baker Pennamon as its next Clerk. The Vestry held its Annual Orientation Meeting on Saturday, February 18, 2023, and it was her first official day of service. The Rector, Wardens, and Vestry again thank Sandra Mitchell and all past Clerks for their dedicated service.
Strategic Planning Congregational Meeting #1 on 2/26: St. Matthew's Strategic Planning Team invites YOU to attend the first Strategic Planning Congregational Meeting, called "St. Matthew's Past: Celebrating and Learning from our Parish's History." This meeting will take place on Sunday, February 26 in Toomer-Walker Hall from 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM. It will begin with a catered meal and feature engaging presentations and activities led by our Strategic Planning consultants from the Kaleidoscope Institute. Learn more in this invitation, which is also available in church and will be mailed to church members this week. PLEASE RSVP by Wednesday, February 22!
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on 2/21: The Pancake Supper will take place on Shrove Tuesday, February 21, 2023, in Toomer-Walker Hall from 4:00-7:00 PM. Dinners cost $6.00 each, with an option for pork sausage or beef sausage with your pancakes. You may eat-in or take-out. You may order your meal ahead of time using tickets available in church. This fundraiser benefits the charitable work of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church Women (ECW)!
Ash Wednesday Worship at 7 AM & 6 PM: Ash Wednesday is on February 22, 2023. We will hold two worship services including Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion. The first will be at 7:00 AM and will not include any music. The second will be at 6:00 PM and will feature our choir. Both services will be live-streamed to our Facebook page. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, the 40-day season of preparation for Easter. This is a good time to refocus your spiritual life by taking on practices of prayer, fasting, and/or works of mercy.
Confirmation & Episcopal Refresher Class #2 TODAY: This spring, Fr. Arboleda will teach an eight-session course to prepare people for Confirmation, Reception, or Renewal of Baptismal Vows. This course is also open to anyone in the church who wants a "refresher" on fundamental Episcopal beliefs and practices. Confirmations and Renewals of Baptismal Vows will take place on Sunday, May 28, 2023, the Day of Pentecost, when Bishop Frank Logue will conduct his annual visitation to St. Matthew's. Each session of the class will take place after Sunday worship from about 11:15-12:15.
Confirmation & Episcopal Refresher Class Schedule
February 19: Church Calendar & History
March 5: Christian Beliefs and Creeds
March 19: The Bible and You
April 2: Other Sacraments (Marriage, Confession, Anointing, & Burial)
April 23: Using The Book of Common Prayer
May 7: Faith Outside the Church
May 21: Faith Inside The Episcopal Church
This is a space for learning and growth. In these classes, we will listen carefully to one another and honor each other as siblings, even if we disagree. We will not shame anyone for asking questions, not knowing something, or sharing their honest beliefs.
2022 Giving Statements Available Now: If you contributed over $100.00 to St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in the calendar year 2022, we have prepared giving statements for you. They were mailed to people's homes on Wednesday, February 15.
Valentine's Day Gifts for Day Care Students: The Rector, Deacon, and Vestry would like to thank Ms. Toni Blue and Ms. Christina Folsome for donating school supplies, stickers, toys, bookmarks, and coloring books to our Day Care students in Valentine's Day gift bags.
Wellness Wednesdays in Lent: Every Wednesday in Lent, beginning on March 1, will be Wellness Wednesday! We will gather for worship, food, and discussion about finding wellness in our community. Using tools from Kaleidoscope Institute, such as Holy Currencies, we will reflect on Bible passages relating Wellness to Time & Place, Relationships, Gracious Leadership, Truth, and Money. March 29 will be our second Strategic Planning Congregational Meeting in place of the usual programming. Below is the weekly schedule. Even if you miss worship, you can still come!
5:00 - 5:30 Evening Prayer
5:30 - 6:00 Dinner
6:00 - 7:00 Wellness Bible Reflections
There is a sign-up sheet in the parish hall for individuals or groups who want to prepare a simple meal for each of the Wednesdays.
Loretta Harmond Funeral on 2/25 in Darien: Loretta Harmond passed on February 15, 2023. Her funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, February 25 at 11:00 a.m. at Darien Funeral Home Chapel, 1000 C. A. DeVillars Rd, Darien, GA 31305. We hope some of us will be able to attend and represent for St. Matthew's.
Sermon Book Committee: The committee compiling a book of Rev. Guillermo Arboleda's sermons is looking or additional members to read the sermons from 2019-2023. If you are interested, please see Karsten Tyson or Idella Jones.
Diocesan Bicentennial 2/25: On Saturday, February 25, 2023, the people of the Diocese of Georgia will gather at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church in Augusta to celebrate the Bicentennial of our diocese's founding. The Eucharist at 2 pm will be followed by a reception. Bishop Logue will preside and the Rt. Rev. Robert C. Wright, Bishop of Atlanta will preach.
Bette Milledge Memorial Service Planned for May 28: Beloved member Bette Milledge passed away on January 29 surrounded by family and loved ones in Michigan. She has been cremated and her family will hold a memorial service here at St. Matthew's with a burial to follow at Laurel Grove South on Saturday, May 28. Other details are still to be determined. Stay tuned for more.
T/W/Th Evening Prayer: On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, St. Matthew's invites you to pray Evening Prayer over Zoom. The video will continue to stream to Facebook Live at 5:00 PM. Please join the Zoom call by 4:55 PM. Otherwise, watch the prayer service as you have been on Facebook Live.
Wednesday Bible Study: Deacon Davis and Fr. Arboleda currently host a weekly Zoom Bible Study at 5:30 PM on Wednesdays after Evening Prayer. The group uses the same Zoom link as Evening Prayer.
The Offertory
[BCP, p. 376]
Giving to St. Matthew's:
Mail us a check or money order at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 1401 Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd, Savannah, GA 31415; OR
Make a secure online gift to St. Matthew’s and/or automate future gifts at: https://onrealm.org/StMattSav/-/give/now; OR
Text “stmattsav” to 73256 to make a secure online donation through your phone.
NOTE: Donations made online (#2 or #3) through Realm incur a processing fee of about 2.5%. Please consider adding an additional 2.5% to your online gift to cover these costs.
"Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God." [Ephesians 5:2]
Give online at: https://onrealm.org/StMattSav/-/give/now
Pledge online at: https://tinyurl.com/StMattSav2023
Hymn #618: Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones
1 Ye watchers and ye holy ones,
bright seraphs, cherubim, and thrones,
raise the glad strain,
Alleluia!
Cry out, dominions, princedoms, powers,
virtues, archangels, angels' choirs,
REFRAIN:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! alleluia!
2 O higher than the cherubim,
more glorious than the seraphim,
lead their praises,
Alleluia!
Thou bearer of the eternal Word,
most gracious, magnify the Lord, [Refrain]
3 Respond, ye souls in endless rest,
ye patriarchs and prophets blest,
Alleluia,
alleluia!
Ye holy twelve, ye martyrs strong,
all saints triumphant raise the song, [Refrain]
4 O friends, in gladness let us sing,
supernal anthems echoing,
Alleluia,
alleluia!
To God the Father, God the Son,
and God the Spirit, Three in One, [Refrain]
[Words: John Athelstan Laurie Riley. Music: Last uns erfreuen, melody from Auserlesene Catholische Geistliche Kirchengeseng; adapt. and harm. Ralph Vaughn Williams. Words and Music by permission of Oxford University Press. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #87497. All rights reserved.]
AAHH #651: Doxology
[See also Hymn # 380, v. 3]
Praise God, Praise God, Praise God!
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
[Words: Thomas Ken, Public Domain. Music: Old 100th, attributed to Louis Bourgeois, Public Domain. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #84260. All rights reserved.]
Eucharistic Prayer D
[BCP, p. 372]
It is truly right to glorify you, Father, and to give you thanks; for you alone are God, living and true, dwelling in light inaccessible from before time and for ever. Fountain of life and source of all goodness, you made all things and fill them with your blessing; you created them to rejoice in the splendor of your radiance. Countless throngs of angels stand before you to serve you night and day; and, beholding the glory of your presence, they offer you unceasing praise. Joining with them, and giving voice to every creature under heaven, we acclaim you, and glorify your Name, as we sing,
Hymn S-125:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
[Word: Public Domain. Music: From A Community Mass, Richard Proulx © 1971, 1977 GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #00216. All rights reserved.]
The people stand or kneel.
We acclaim you, holy Lord, glorious in power. Your mighty works reveal your wisdom and love. You formed us in your own image, giving the whole world into our care, so that, in obedience to you, our Creator, we might rule and serve all your creatures. When our disobedience took us far from you, you did not abandon us to the power of death. In your mercy you came to our help, so that in seeking you we might find you. Again and again you called us into covenant with you, and through the prophets you taught us to hope for salvation.
Father, you loved the world so much that in the fullness of time you sent your only Son to be our Savior. Incarnate by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, he lived as one of us, yet without sin. To the poor he proclaimed the good news of salvation; to prisoners, freedom; to the sorrowful, joy. To fulfill your purpose he gave himself up to death; and, rising from the grave, destroyed death, and made the whole creation new.
And, that we might live no longer for ourselves, but for him who died and rose for us, he sent the Holy Spirit, his own first gift for those who believe, to complete his work in the world, and to bring to fulfillment the sanctification of all.
When the hour had come for him to be glorified by you, his heavenly Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end; at supper with them he took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me."
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "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. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me."
Father, we now celebrate this memorial of our redemption. Recalling Christ's death and his descent among the dead, proclaiming his resurrection and ascension to your right hand, awaiting his coming in glory; and offering to you, from the gifts you have given us, this bread and this cup, we praise you and we bless you.
Hymn S139:
We praise you, we bless you,
We give thanks to you,
And we pray to you, Lord our God
[Words: Public Domain. Music: Plainsong, Te Deum Tone; adapt. Mason Martens, Copyright © 1983 Mason Martens. All rights reserved.]
Lord, we pray that in your goodness and mercy your Holy Spirit may descend upon us, and upon these gifts, sanctifying them and showing them to be holy gifts for your holy people, the bread of life and the cup of salvation, the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ.
Grant that all who share this bread and cup may become one body and one spirit, a living sacrifice in Christ, to the praise of your Name.
Remember, Lord, your one holy catholic and apostolic Church, redeemed by the blood of your Christ. Reveal its unity, guard its faith, and preserve it in peace.
And grant that we may find our inheritance with the Blessed Virgin Mary, with patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, with Blessed Matthew and all the saints who have found favor with you in ages past. We praise you in union with them and give you glory through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, all honor and glory are yours, Almighty God and Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
[BCP, p. 364]
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.
The Fraction Anthems
[BCP, p. 364, 407]
Hymn S-152:
Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us!
Therefore let us keep the feast! Alleluia!
[Words: Public Domain. Music: Ambrosian chant; adapt. Mason Martens © 1971 Mason Martens. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #52588. All rights reserved.]
LEV #269:
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
grant us peace.
[Words: Public Domain. Music: Lena McLin, Eucharist of the Soul © 1972 General Words and Music Co. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #57436. All rights reserved.]
Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
The Gifts of God for the people of God.
Hymn 328: Draw Nigh And Take The Body of The Lord
1 Draw nigh and take the Body of the Lord,
and drink the holy Blood for you outpoured.
2 Saved by that Body and that holy Blood,
with souls refreshed, we render thanks to God.
3 Salvation's giver, Christ, the only Son,
by his dear cross and blood the victory won.
4 Offered was he for greatest and for least,
himself the Victim, and himself the Priest.
5 Approach ye then with faithful hearts sincere,
and take the pledges of salvation here.
6 He that his saints in this world rules and shields
to all believers life eternal yields;
7 with heavenly bread he makes the hungry whole,
gives living waters to the thirsting soul.
8 Alpha-Omega, unto whom shall bow
all nations at the doom, is with us now.
[Words: Bangort Antiphomer, ca; tr. John Mason Neale, alt. Music: Song 46j, melody and most of the bass from a longer tune by Orlando Gibson; harm. The English Hymnal. Reprinted with permission. All Rights Reserved.]
The Post-Communion Prayer
[Enriching our Worship 2 [2000], pp. 56-57]
Let us pray.
For In-Person Worshippers:
Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Online Worshippers and Those Receiving Spiritual Communion:
Faithful God, in the wonder of your wisdom and love you fed your people in the wilderness with the bread of angels, and you sent Jesus to be the bread of life. Though we cannot consume now these gifts of bread [and wine], we thank you that we have received the sacrament of Christ’s presence, the forgiveness of sins, and all other benefits of Christ’s passion. By the power of the Holy Spirit, may we embody your desire and be renewed for your service through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
The Blessing of the People
[Adapted from Enriching Our Worship 1, p. 71]
Live without fear: your Creator has made you holy, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother. Go in peace to follow the good road and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.
Hymn #137: O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair
1. O wondrous type! O vision fair
of glory that the Church may share,
which Christ upon the mountain shows,
where brighter than the sun he glows!
2. With Moses and Elijah nigh
the incarnate Lord holds converse high;
and from the cloud, the Holy One
bears record to the only Son.
3. With shining face and bright array,
Christ deigns to manifest today
what glory shall be theirs above
who joy in God with perfect love.
4. And faithful hearts are raised on high
by this great vision's mystery;
for which in joyful strains we raise
the voice of prayer, the hymn of praise.
5. O Father, with the eternal Son,
and Holy Spirit, ever One,
vouchsafe to bring us by thy grace
to see thy glory face to face.
[Words: Latin, 15th cent.; tr. Hymns Ancient and Modern, after John Mason Neale, alt. Music: Wareham, melody William Knapp, alt.; harm. Hymns Ancient and Modern, after James Turle; desc. Sydney Hugo Nicholson, by permission of Royal School of Church Music. Reprinted with permission. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #194311. All Rights Reserved.]
The Dismissal
[BCP, p. 366]
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!
Thanks be to God!
The Parish Prayer List
PRAYER LIST: Martha Avery, Mary Bonaparte, Jacqueline Bryant, Lazola Cope, Aaron Duplechien, Jr., Loretta Harmond, Marva Harris, Beverly Kemp, Whitney Kennedy, Sada Maxwell, Jeannette Outing, Nicki Ramsey, and Jewel Wheeler.
BIRTHDAYS: Blair Berksteiner (2/21), Charles Gordon (2/21), Christine Folsome (2/22), JoAnne MItchell (2/23), Robert Day (2/24), and The Rev Kelly Steele (2/24).
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES: N/A
RECENT DEATHS: Bette MIlledge (1/29), Ella Marie Solomon Capers Hoskins (2/9/23) and Loretta Harmond (2/15/23)
May the souls of all the departed rest in peace; and may light perpetual shine upon them. Amen.
Permissions and Credits: This service is reproduced from The Book of Common Prayer 1979 (BCP), Enriching Our Worship 1 (EOW1), The Hymnal 1982 (Hymn), Lift Every Voice and Sing II: An African American Hymnal (LEV), and other sources cited. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture readings are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible.
Image Credits: https://i.pinimg.com/236x/63/f3/98/63f3981ae41cddb77abae70d6b8ece73.jpg