The Holy Eucharist
5th Sunday after The Epiphany (Year B)
February 4, 2024 at 9:30 AM
Presider & Preacher: The Rev. Guillermo A. Arboleda, Rector
Deacon: The Rev. Ella Roundtree-Davis, Deacon
St. Matthew's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/stmattsav
Watch the Livestream at www.Facebook.com/StMattSav/Live/
The Holy Eucharist: Enriching Our Worship
Note: In Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Seasons, St. Matthew's will use prayers from Enriching Our Worship 1 (1997). Enriching Our Worship is a series of supplemental worship resources for The Episcopal Church. One of its objectives is to honor the experience of women by providing gender-neutral language for God in its prayers, expanding the Church's vocabulary of prayer from other parts of Scripture and Christian Tradition. There are changes, small and great, throughout the service, so pay attention and ask questions during our Christian Education Hour.
Hymn #423: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
1 Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, thy great Name we praise.
2 Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
thy justice like mountains high soaring above
thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
3 To all life thou givest, to both great and small;
in all life thou livest, the true life of all;
we blossom and flourish, like leaves on the tree,
then wither and perish; but nought changeth thee.
4 Thou reignest in glory, thou rulest in light,
thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
all laud we would render: O help us to see
'tis only the splendor of light hideth thee.
[Words: Walter Chalmers Smith. Music: St. Denio, Welsh hymn, from Caniadau y Cyssegr, 1839; adapt. John Roberts; harm. The English Hymnal, 1906, alt. Reprinted with permission from ONE LICENSE #30145724.]
The Opening Acclamation
[EOW1, p. 50]
Blessed be the one, holy, and living God.
Glory to God forever and ever. Amen.
The 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.
LEV #243: Glory to God (Glory, Glory Hallelujah)
REFRAIN:
Glory, Glory, hallelujah,
Lord we praise Holy name,
Glory, Glory hallelujah,
Lord we praise your Holy name.
1. Glory to God in the highest
and peace to his people on earth.
2. Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
3. Lord Jesus Christ, only son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God [Refrain]
4. You take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us.
5. You are seated at the right hand of the Father;
receive our prayer.
6. For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord.
7. You alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. [Refrain]
[Music: Carl Haywood, from Mass for Grace, Copyright © 1992. Reprinted with permission by ONE LICENSE #246974.]
The Collect of the Day
[BCP, p. 357, 234]
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray:
Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
A Reading from the Book of Isaiah (40:21-31)
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
Has it not been told you from the beginning?
Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
It is he who sits above the circle of the earth,
and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers;
who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,
and spreads them like a tent to live in;
who brings princes to naught,
and makes the rulers of the earth as nothing.
Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown,
scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth,
when he blows upon them, and they wither,
and the tempest carries them off like stubble.
To whom then will you compare me,
or who is my equal? says the Holy One.
Lift up your eyes on high and see:
Who created these?
He who brings out their host and numbers them,
calling them all by name;
because he is great in strength,
mighty in power,
not one is missing.
Why do you say, O Jacob,
and speak, O Israel,
"My way is hidden from the Lord,
and my right is disregarded by my God"?
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and strengthens the powerless.
Even youths will faint and be weary,
and the young will fall exhausted;
but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.
Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 147:1-12, 21c
Read responsively by half-verse (at the asterisk).
1 Hallelujah!
How good it is to sing praises to our God! *
how pleasant it is to honor him with praise!
2 The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem; *
he gathers the exiles of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted *
and binds up their wounds.
4 He counts the number of the stars *
and calls them all by their names.
5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power; *
there is no limit to his wisdom.
6 The Lord lifts up the lowly, *
but casts the wicked to the ground.
7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; *
make music to our God upon the harp.
8 He covers the heavens with clouds *
and prepares rain for the earth;
9 He makes grass to grow upon the mountains *
and green plants to serve mankind.
10 He provides food for flocks and herds *
and for the young ravens when they cry.
11 He is not impressed by the might of a horse; *
he has no pleasure in the strength of a man;
12 But the Lord has pleasure in those who fear him, *
in those who await his gracious favor.
21 Hallelujah!
A Reading from the First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians (9:16-23)
If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission. What then is my reward? Just this: that in my proclamation I may make the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my rights in the gospel.
For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law) so that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.
Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.
Thanks be to God.
Hymn #8: Morning Has Broken (verses 1-2)
1 Morning has broken
like the first morning,
blackbird has spoken
like the first bird.
Praise for the singing!
Praise for the morning!
Praise for them, springing
fresh from the Word!
2 Sweet the rain’s new fall
sunlit from heaven,
like the first dewfall
on the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness
of the wet garden,
sprung in completeness
where his feet pass.
[Words: Eleanor Farjeon, alt. By permission of David Higham Associates limited London. Music: Bunessan, Gaelic melody; harm. Alec Wyton. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #118118.]
The People stand, as they are able, for the reading of the Gospel.
The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ According to St. Mark (1:29-39)
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
After Jesus and his disciples left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Hymn #8: Morning Has Broken (verse 3)
3 Mine is the sunlight!
Mine is the morning
born of the one light
Eden saw play!
Praise with elation,
praise every morning,
God’s recreation
of the new day!
[Words: Eleanor Farjeon, alt. By permission of David Higham Associates limited London. Music: Bunessan, Gaelic melody; harm. Alec Wyton. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #118118.]
The Sermon
"Simon Peter’s Mother-in-Law” by the Rev. Guillermo A. Arboleda, Rector
In today’s Gospel story, we are introduced to a somewhat-mysterious unnamed woman: Simon Peter’s mother-in-law. Simon, later called Peter, was one of Jesus’ first apostles. He is probably the most famous one because he becomes a key leader of the early church and is known in later traditions as the first Bishop of Rome (a.k.a. Pope Peter I). Without a lot of explanation, the Gospel writers mention that Jesus visited Simon and his brother Andrew’s home, met Simon Peter’s sick mother-in-law, and healed her of her fever. Peter’s mother-in-law, and by extension his wife, are only ever mentioned in this biblical story (and its parallels in Matthew 8:14ff. and Luke 4:38ff.).
We know incredibly little about Peter’s mother-in-law. The New Testament tells us dozens and dozens of stories about Simon Peter’s life as a follower of Jesus. We understand a lot about his personality and eventual leadership style. Simon Peter is brash, impulsive, often brave, sometimes fearful, but always faithful. But we hear just once about the rest of his family. Mark, Matthew, and Luke don’t name Peter’s wife or her mother. They don’t even mention that his wife is there, so one tradition speculates that she was deceased and Peter was a widower. The more well-known tradition from Eusebius and St. Clement says that Peter’s wife was alive at this time and was martyred for her Christian faith like her husband much later in Rome. We just don’t know.
I’m often curious about these lesser-known biblical characters. These ladies must have been important figures in Peter’s life. Assuming Peter’s wife was alive, they both met Jesus. They experienced a miracle. What is their story? Based on what the Gospel of Mark tells us, let’s use our holy imaginations to paint a more detailed picture of Peter’s mother-in-law.
Simon Peter and his brother Andrew worked as fishers on the Sea of Galilee. They were both relatively young men. Mark tells us that one day, Jesus passed by the Sea, saw Simon and Andrew working and called out, “‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.’ And immediately they left their nets and followed him” (Mark 1:17-18). So one day, Peter’s wife and mother-in-law learn that he quit his job midway through his shift to follow a traveling rabbi. I don’t know about you, but all the matriarchs in my family would be mad at me if I pulled a stunt like that. Peter’s decision to follow Jesus wasn’t just about leaving his nets, but also about leaving behind a source of income for his family. It was about leaving them behind to follow Jesus from town to town too. Put yourself in the mother-in-law’s shoes. How would you feel if that happened in your family?
The way Mark tells the story, later that same week, Jesus went with his new followers to the synagogue in Capernaum on the Sabbath (Mark 1:21-28). People listened to Jesus teach in astonishment. Then a man who was possessed by a demon entered the synagogue and Jesus cast out the demon, healing the man of his affliction right then and there. In Mark’s Gospel, this is Jesus’ first healing miracle and people are amazed. He is beginning to get famous.
Mark tells us, “As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them” (1:29-31). So it has been only a couple of days since the shock of Simon Peter’s decision to leave the fishing business. Maybe the mother-in-law came down with a fever because she was so upset. Sometimes we get physically sick because of mental and emotional unwellness. Either way, fevers are dangerous. Without the benefits of modern medicine, fevers could be deadly.
Peter’s mother-in-law is angry with him. She is afraid for her future without his economic and social support. She is sick with a fever. And now, from her perspective, the crazy man who deceived and stole her son-in-law with his slick preaching is in her home. She probably hasn’t heard about the miraculous healing of the man with an unclean spirit at the synagogue. It was earlier that same day. Instead, she just thinks this nuisance of a man, Jesus, is further inconveniencing her family in their hour of need.
But then Jesus enters the room. He took Peter’s mother-in-law by the hand and helped her stand up. As soon as he touched her hand, she felt the fever leaving her body. She felt herself restored to health and wellness. She encountered the power of God in his preacher man. I bet that in that moment, it wasn’t just her physical body that was healed. I believe that Jesus’ compassionate, healing touch also transformed her mental and emotional wellbeing. He reassured her that Simon Peter wasn’t crazy after all. He was doing the right thing by joining the Jesus Movement, and she could join too. She could become a follower of the Savior of Israel and the whole world.
The reason I wanted to meditate so thoroughly on Simon Peter’s mother-in-law is because of this deeper meaning. Simon Peter’s decision to leave his nets and boat and follow Jesus left his wife and mother-in-law in a vulnerable position. They were probably not on board at first. But Jesus met her in this time of need. Jesus came with his loving, liberating, life-giving presence to transform her world too. He was there when she was afraid, angry, and ill, and Jesus healed it all. That doesn’t mean that her life was never hard. If the ancient witnesses are right, her son-in-law and daughter were both eventually killed by Roman authorities just like Jesus was. But Jesus’ healing touch made it clear to Peter’s mother-in-law that this was all worth it.
These acts of healing are not just ancient history. God still acts in our lives today. I was talking with someone this week about moments like this when God shows up for us when we’re feeling down or scared or angry or sick or all of the above. He called these moments “God sends.” As in, God sends someone or something as a sign of love, peace, and healing. I believe that all of us have experienced God sends, though sometimes we overlook them. We sometimes need to slow down in order to notice the ways that God has sent love and healing into our lives.
Take a few moments to ponder the ways that you have seen God sends recently, and pray for eyes to see the God sends that are coming your way this week and beyond… Amen.
The Nicene Creed
[EOW1, p. 53]
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,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and became truly human.
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,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The Prayers of the People
[Adapted from http://www.rickmorley.com/archives/191.]
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 Jabbar Newton (2/10); and for those who celebrate anniversaries especially Charles & Ja'Wana (Baker) Pennamon (2/10),
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: Anthony Blue Sr., Harriette Brinson, Lazola Cope, Charles Gordon, Marva Harris, David Jones, Beverly Kemp, Whitney Kennedy, Sada Maxwell, Charles McMillan, John “Butch” Mitchell, Russell Nails, Jeannette Outing, 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. Give them your peace. We especially pray for Donald Ray Baynes, Jacqueline Bryant, and anyone else we remember now... Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
The Presider concludes with this or another 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.
The Confession of Sin
The Deacon (or Celebrant) says
Let us confess our sins to God.
Silence may be kept. All pray together, kneeling, as they are able,
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.
The Bishop, when present, or the Priest, stands and says:
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
The Peace
[EOW1, p. 56]
The peace of the Christ be always with you.
And also with you.
Parish Announcements
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, February 13, 2024: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Wednesday, February 14, 2024: Ash Wednesday
New Vestry, Officers, & Delegates: After last Sunday’s Annual Meeting, we are proud to announce our new Vestry and Officers for 2024-2025. The Vestry Members are Terry Newton, Senior Warden (2026); Rachael Blue-Jones, Junior Warden (2025); Paul Berksteiner (2025); Idella Jones (2027); Georgette Kelley (2027); Evadne Roberts (2026). Our Officers are Ja’wana Pennamon, Clerk; Patrece Grant, Treasurer; Margaret Anne Pearson, Assistant Treasurer; Evadne Roberts, Financial Secretary; Idella Jones, Assistant Financial Secretary. Our Lay Delegates to the 2024 Diocese of Georgia Convention are Rachael Blue-Jones, Paulette Siert, Avis Glover (1st Alternate), and Charlotte “Toni” Blue (2nd Alternate). Congratulations to all the elected and appointed and many thanks to them for their service.
Newcomer & Episcopal Refresher Class begins Feb. 4: Fr. Arboleda will lead a class for newcomers and those who want a "refresher" on Episcopal Church basics. These will meet every other Sunday for four total meetings: February 4, February 18, March 3, and March 17. If you are interested in becoming a member and/or getting baptized, confirmed, or received soon, this class is required. See Fr. Arboleda with any scheduling concerns.
Lent Wednesday Study on Everything Happens for a Reason: St. Matthew’s will host a dinner and book study on most Wednesdays in Lent from 5:30-7:00 PM about Dr. Kate Bowler’s memoir Everything Happens for a Reason (and Other Lies I’ve Loved). At the age of 34, Duke Divinity School professor Kate Bowler learned she had stage IV colon cancer. An able guide through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, Kate is a faithful follower of Jesus who reminds us that none of us is spared coming to terms with our mortality. Stripped of certainty, Kate discovers that life is difficult, but beautiful in a way it never has been before. Books are available for purchase for $15 in the church. Download the discussion guide here. The reading and meeting schedule is as follows:
Feb. 21: Preface - Chapter 3
Mar. 6: Chapters 4-5
Mar. 13: Chapters 6-7
Mar. 20: Chapters 8-9 and Appendices
Anne & Emmett Play at St. Matthew’s on Feb. 28: The Savannah Jewish Federation is sponsoring a performance of Janet Langhart Cohen’s critically-acclaimed play Anne & Emmett at St. Matthew’s Church on Wednesday, February 28 at 7:00 PM. This play explores the connections between Holocaust victim Anne Frank and lynching victim Emmett Till. This is a free event, no tickets required, with an offering collected for the Savannah Jewish Federation. Learn more here.
The Philadelphia Eleven Documentary Showing on Feb. 29: On Thursday, February 29 at 5:45 PM, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (Skidaway Island) will host a showing of the documentary film The Philadelphia Eleven, which tells the story of the first eleven women ordained as priests in The Episcopal Church. This is a free event, no tickets required, and snacks will be provided. (St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 3 West Ridge Road, Savannah, GA 31411)
Jacqueline Bryant Memorial Service on Mar. 2: St. Matthew’s will honor the life and legacy of Mrs. Jacqueline Hill Bryant on Saturday, March 2, at 11:00 AM. More details to be announced here and by Adams Funeral Services.
Yearly Giving Statements and Pledge Statements Available Now: 2023 Year-End Giving Statements are available in paper to pick up in Toomer-Walker Hall now. Any statements that are not taken home today will be mailed to the street address we have on file. Giving and Pledge Statements have also been sent via email if we have your email in our Realm accounting system. If you would like to save paper and have the office send future pledge and giving statements by email only in the future, please contact Pat Lanchester at Bookkeeper@StMattSav.org.
Chalk for House Blessings Available until Feb. 14: Blessed chalk for Epiphany House Blessings is available to pick up at the church until the beginning of Lent, which is Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2024. Traditionally, the chalking is done on or above all doors and takes this form: 20+C+M+B+24 - The letters are the abbreviation for the Latin phrase "Christus mansionem benedicat" - "Christ bless this house" (A second meaning and mnemonic device is Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar traditional names for the Magi). The + signs represent the cross, and 20-24 is the year.
Grow and Glow in Grace Gear!: St. Matthew's is producing branded clothes and other merchandise with our new Grow and Glow in Grace mission logo! Order T-shirts for $25, embroidered Polo shirts for $40, Mugs for $15, Pens for $2 each, and more! All proceeds will go to the Building Capital Campaign (for remodeling the kitchen, preserving the stained glass windows, replacing the roof, and more)! Order forms are available in church now.
T/W/Th Evening Prayer on Zoom/Facebook: On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, St. Matthew's invites you to pray Evening Prayer with us over Zoom at 5:00 PM. If you want to be in the Zoom call, please join by 4:55 PM using the link in the e-Newsletter.
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.
Nations shall come to your light, O Lord, and kings to the brightness of your rising. [Isaiah 60:3, alt..]
Give online at: https://onrealm.org/StMattSav/-/give/now
LEV #84: King Jesus is a-Listenin'
Refrain:
King Jesus is a-listening,
All day long King Jesus is a-listening,
All day long King Jesus is a-listening,
All day long to hear some sinner pray.
1 That Gospel train is comin',
A rumblin' through the lan',
But I hear them wheels a hummin',
get ready to board that train! [Refrain]
2 I know I been converted,
I ain't gon' make no alarm,
for my soul is bound for glory,
and the devil can't do me no harm. [Refrain]
3 Soma say that John the Baptist
was nothin' but a Jew,
but the Holy Bible tells us
that John was a preacher too. [Refrain]
[Words: Traditional. Music: Negro Spiritual; arr. Carl Haywood, from The Haywood Collection of Negro Spirituals, Copyright © 1992. Reprinted with Permission from ONE LICENSE #246875.]
Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow
Praise God, Praise God, Praise God!
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Circling through earth so all may grow
Vanquishing fear so all may give
Widening grace so all may live
Amen.
[Words: Eric H. F. Law, Copyright © 2015 Eric H. F. Law. Music: Old 100th, attributed to Louis Bourgeois, Public Domain. Reprinted with permission from Kaleidoscope Institute. All rights reserved.]
Eucharistic Prayer 1
[EOW1, p. 57]
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is truly right, and good and joyful, to give you thanks, all-holy God, source of life and fountain of mercy ... [The Presider inserts a proper preface] ... Therefore, joining with Angels and Archangels and with the faithful of every generation, we lift our voices with all creation as we sing:
Hymn S-130:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might
Heaven and earth are full, full of your glory
Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna in the highest!
[Music: Franz Peter Schubert from Deutsche Messe; arr. Richard Proulx, Copyright © 1985, 1989 G.I.A. Publications, Inc. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #00210. All rights reserved.]
The people stand or kneel.
Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of the universe and giver of life. You formed us in your own image and called us to dwell in your infinite love. You gave the world into our care that we might be your faithful stewards and show forth your bountiful grace.
But we failed to honor your image in one another and in ourselves; we would not see your goodness in the world around us; and so we violated your creation, abused one another, and rejected your love. Yet you never ceased to care for us, and prepared the way of salvation for all people.
Through Abraham and Sarah, you called us into covenant with you. You delivered us from slavery, sustained us in the wilderness, and raised up prophets to renew your promise of salvation. Then, in the fullness of time, you sent your eternal Word, made mortal flesh in Jesus. Born into the human family, and dwelling among us, he revealed your glory. Giving himself freely to death on the cross, he triumphed over evil, opening the way of freedom and life.
On the night before he died for us, Our Savior Jesus Christ took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his friends, and said: “Take, eat: This is my Body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
As supper was ending, Jesus took the cup of wine, 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 poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Therefore, we proclaim the mystery of faith:
LEV #258:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
[Music: Hezekiah Brinson, Jr., Copyright © 1990 Hezekiah Brinson, Jr. All Rights Reserved.]
Remembering his death and resurrection, we now present to you from your creation this bread and this wine. By your Holy Spirit, may they be for us the Body and Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ. Grant that we who share these gifts may be filled with the Holy Spirit and live as Christ’s Body in the world. Bring us into the everlasting heritage of your daughters and sons, that with Blessed Mary the Mother of God, Blessed Matthew our Patron, and all your saints, past, present, and yet to come, we may praise your Name for ever.
Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to you be honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever. AMEN.
LEV #264: The Lord’s Prayer
[Compare BCP, p. 364]
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to sing,
Our Father, which 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
[Music: Albert Hay Malotte; arr. Fred Bock, Copyright © 1934 (renewed) G. Schirmer, Inc. All Rights Reserved.]
The Breaking of the Bread
Silence may be kept.
The Fraction Anthems
[EOW1, p. 69]
We break this bread to share in the Body of Christ.
We who are many are one body, for we all share in the one bread.
Hymn S-164:
Jesus, Lamb of God: have mercy on us
Jesus, Bearer of our Sins: have mercy on us
Jesus, Redeemer, Redeemer of the World:
Give us your peace, give us your peace!
[Words: Traditional. Music: Franz Peter Schubert from Deutsche Messe; arr. Richard Proulx, Copyright © 1985, 1989 G.I.A. Publications, Inc. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #00614. All rights reserved.]
Look! Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The Gifts of God for the people of God.
The Distribution of Holy Communion
All baptized Christians of any denomination are invited to come forward to participate fully in Communion. Baptized children may receive at the discretion of their parents.
You may receive Communion kneeling or standing. Please extend your hands forward to receive the Body of Christ (bread). If you would like to receive the Blood of Christ (wine), the minister will take the bread from your hand and dip (intinct) it in the wine for you, then place it in your mouth. If you would only like to receive the bread, you may consume it and return to your seat.
If you need gluten-free bread for Communion, please raise your hand when you are at the altar rail.
If you would not like to receive Communion for any reason, please cross your arms over your chest, and the Priest will say a blessing over you.
If you are worshipping online, you may pray to receive spiritual communion using the following prayer:
In union, O Lord, with your faithful people at every altar of your Church, where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, I desire to offer to you praise and thanksgiving. I remember your death, Lord Christ; I proclaim your resurrection; I await your coming in glory. Since I cannot receive you today in the Sacrament of your Body and Blood, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. Cleanse and strengthen me with your grace, Lord Jesus, and let me never be separated from you. May I live in you, and you in me, in this life and in the life to come. Amen.
Hymn #683: O for a Closer Walk with God
1 O for a closer walk with God,
A calm and heavenly frame;
A light, to shine upon the road
That leads me to the Lamb!
2 Where is the blessedness I knew,
When first I saw the Lord?
Where is the soul-refreshing view
Of Jesus, and his word?
3 What peaceful hours I once enjoy'd!
How sweet their memory still!
But they have left an aching void,
The world can never fill.
4 Return, O holy dove, return,
Sweet messenger of rest!
I hate the sins that made thee mourn,
And drove thee from my breast.
5 The dearest idol I have known,
Whate'er that idol be,
Help me to tear it from thy throne,
And worship only thee.
6 So shall my walk be close with God,
Calm and serene my frame;
So purer light shall mark the road
That leads me to the Lamb.
[Words: William Cowper, alt. Music: Beatitudo, John Bacchus Dykes. Reprinted with Permission from ONE LICENSE #242328.]
Hymn #538: God of Mercy, God of Grace
1 God of mercy, God of grace,
show the brightness of thy face.
Shine upon us, Savior, shine,
fill thy Church with light divine,
and thy saving health extend
unto earth's remotest end.
2 Let thy people praise thee, Lord;
be by all that live adored.
Let the nations shout and sing
glory to their Savior King;
let all be, below, above,
one in joy, and light, and love.
[Words: Henry Francis Lyte. Music: Lucerna Laudoniae, David Evans. By permission of Oxford University Press. Reprinted with permission from ONE LICENSE #24929.]
The Post-Communion Prayer
[EOW1, p. 69; Enriching our Worship 2 (2000), pp. 56-57]
Let us pray.
For In-Person Worshippers:
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 forever in the risen life of Christ our Savior. 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.
AAHH #57: A Litany for Black History Month - ERD/
Oh God, you have heard the anguished cries of our ancestors. Their sounds echo and penetrate time to remind us of our foreparents who were brutally captured and forcibly enslaved, as they left the peaceful womb of their African homeland.
“Stony the road we trod.”
Oh God, you have seen the millions of Black bodies buried beneath the tumultuous waves of the deep: bodies of African men and women who held the seeds of greatness. You have seen our ancestors’ dreams for a united family vanish as they were sold at auction blocks. You have seen the legacy of the African American family decimated and demand by those who have attempted to control our destiny.
“Bitter the chastening rod, felt in the days when hope unborn had died.”
Oh God, you have ignited the sparks within us into a blazing demand for freedom, equality, and justice. This quest cost Harriet Tubman sleepless nights, as she led her people to freedom; it was an equality that Rosa Parks and civil rights activists fought for and gave their lives for; it was a justice that Martin Luther King, Jr., stood for, as thousands stood with him at the Lincoln Memorial.
“Yet with a steady beat, have not our weary feet come to the place for which our fathers sighed?
Oh God, you have seen our tears. You have been pained by the evil of human hearts. Yet, you loved humanity enough that you sent your only Son to identify with the outcast, marginalized, and rejected. As the cries of Jesus pierced your heart, so have the cries of your people—cries from different cultures and in different languages.
“God of our weary years, God of our silent tears.”
Oh God, you answered us during our exodus from Africa. You wiped every teardrop during our exile in captivity. Our foreparents dared to dream that one day, on these shores, we would become politicians, preachers, educators, doctors, writers, scientists, artists, and so much more.
“Let our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee.”
Our ancestors’ hard work, their courage, their convictions, and their belief in you paved the way for our emancipation and education. But it is clear that You have liberated us. You have set us free. “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty I’m free at last!”
“Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee. Shadowed beneath Thy hand, may we forever stand. True to our God and true to our native land.”
The Blessing of the People
[BOS22, p. 11]
LEV #62: In Christ there is no East or West
1. In Christ there is no east or west,
In Him no south or north,
But one great fellowship of love
Throughout the whole wide earth.
2. In Him shall true hearts ev'rywhere
Their high communion find;
His service is the golden cord
Close-binding all mankind.
3. Join hands then, brothers of the faith,
Whate'er your race may be;
Who serves my Father as a son
Is surely kin to me.
4. In Christ now meet both east and west,
In Him meet south and north;
All Christly souls are one in Him
Throughout the whole wide earth.
[Words: Galatians 3:28; adapt. John Oxenham. Words adapt. Copyright © 1989. Reprinted by permission of American Tract Society. Music: McKee, Negro Spiritual; adapt. Harry T. Burleigh. Used by permission. Reprinted with Permission under ONE LICENSE #84249.]
The Dismissal
[BCP, p. 366]
Let us go forth in the name of Christ!
Thanks be to God!
The Parish Prayer List
PRAYER LIST: Anthony Blue Sr., Harriette Brinson, Lazola Cope, Charles Gordon, Marva Harris, David Jones, Beverly Kemp, Whitney Kennedy, Sada Maxwell, Charles McMillan, John “Butch” Mitchell, Russell Nails, Jeannette Outing, and Jewel Wheeler
BIRTHDAYS: Jabbar Newton (2/10)
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES: Charles & Ja'Wana (Baker) Pennamon
RECENT DEATHS: Donald Ray Baynes (1/13/2024), Jacqueline Bryant (1/24/2024)
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 Enriching Our Worship 1 (EOW1), The Book of Common Prayer 1979 (BCP), 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.
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