Monday, December 29, 2014

An Order for the Celebration of the Epiphany (4 January 2015)

Saint Faith's welcomes Bishop Melissa Skelton on Sunday, the 4th of January 2015.  In keeping with the calendar of The Book of Alternative Services, we are celebrating the Epiphany of Christ on this day.  Bishop Melissa will preach and will bless the new memorial plaques recording the names of those buried in our Memorial Garden.

feast of the epiphany
4 January 2015

The Gathering of the Community

Processional Hymn

‘Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness’ Common Praise #385 vv. 1, 2, 3

Introductory Responses

Blessed are you, Son of David;
born to rule,
you received gifts from the magi.
Blessed are you, Son of Man;
baptized by John,
you saved us from ourselves.
Blessed are you, heavenly Sovereign;
teaching and preaching, healing and comforting,
you proclaimed God’s gracious reign.
Let heaven and earth shout their praise.

With all the voices of heaven
we celebrate the coming of our Saviour.
Let heaven and earth shout their praise.

With all the creatures on earth
we sing and dance at Christ’s birth.
Praise and honour and glory to you, O Lord most high.

Hymn of Praise

Gloria in excelsis [i]

Collect

Let us pray.

Almighty and everliving God,
you revealed the incarnation of your Son
by the brilliant shine of a star.
Shine the light of your justice
in our hearts and over all lands,
and accept our lives as the treasure we offer
in your praise and for your service,
through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.  Amen. [ii]

The Proclamation of the Word

First Reading

A reading from the prophet Isaiah (60.1-6).

            Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.  For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.  Nations shall come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.  Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms.  Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you.  A multitude of camels shall cover you,
the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come.  They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
Thanks be to God.

The Psalm

Psalm 72.1-7, 10-14 with refrain from Songs for the Holy One

Refrain (sung twice):  May the Holy One guide and guard all rulers.

1 Give the king your justice, O God, *
            and your righteousness to the king’s son;
2 that he may rule your people righteously *
            and the poor with justice;
3 that the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, *
            and the little hills bring righteousness.
4 He shall defend the needy among the people, *
            rescuing the poor and crushing the oppressor.

Refrain (sung twice):  May the Holy One guide and guard all rulers.

5 He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure, *
            from one generation to another.
6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, *
            like showers that water the earth.
7 In his time shall the righteous flourish; *
            there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.

10 The rulers of Tarshish and of the isles shall pay tribute, *
            and the rulers of Arabia and Saba offer gifts.

Refrain:  May the Holy One guide and guard all rulers.

11 All rulers shall bow down before him, *
            and all the nations do him service.
12 For he shall deliver the poor who cries out in distress *
            and the oppressed who has no helper.
13 He shall have pity on the lowly and poor *
            and shall preserve the lives of the needy.
14 He shall redeem their lives from oppression and violence, *
            and dear shall their blood be in his sight.

Refrain:  May the Holy One guide and guard all rulers.

Second Reading

A reading from the Letter to the Ephesians (3.1-12).

            This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles — for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ.  In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

            Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given me by the working of his power.  Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.  This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him.

The Gradual Hymn

‘Wise Men, They Came to Look for Wisdom’ Common Praise #161

The Gospel

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (3.1-12).
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

            In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?  For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”  When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.  They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:  ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

            Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared.  Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”  When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was.  When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.  On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage.  Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

The Gospel of Christ.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

The Sermon

The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
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 worshipped 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. [iii]


The Prayers of the Community

Intercessions, Thanksgivings and Petitions

The appointed person leads the congregation in prayer.

Let us pray to the Source of all life, saying, “Show forth your Spirit in us.”

Inspire our minds and hearts with a vision of your reign of peace and justice. 
Show forth your Spirit in us.

Touch our eyes, that we may see your glory in all creation. 
Show forth your Spirit in us.

Touch our ears, that we may hear from every mouth
the hunger for hope and stories of refreshment. 
Show forth your Spirit in us.

Touch our lips, so that we may tell in every tongue and dialect your wonderful works.  Show forth your Spirit in us.

Touch our hearts, that we may discern the mission to which you call us. 
Show forth your Spirit in us.

Touch our feet, that we may take your good news into our neighbourhoods,
our communities and all parts of the world. 
Show forth your Spirit in us.

Touch our hands, that we may each accomplish the work you give us to do. 
Show forth your Spirit in us.

Strengthen and encourage all who minister in your name
in lonely, dangerous and unresponsive places. 
Show forth your Spirit in us.

Open the hearts and hands of many to support the ministry of the church
in this and every place. 
Show forth your Spirit in us.

Christ Jesus, you go before and behind us,
you are our light and our shield;
guide our path, be our clear sight,
lift us up in your gospel joy,
and bless the work we do in your name and honour,
for you are our beloved,
and our life made new.  Amen.

The Blessing of the Memorial Plaques

The Bishop offers the following blessing.

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Blessed are you, gracious God,
creator of heaven and earth;
we give you thanks and praise
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
whose victorious rising from the dead
has given to us the hope of resurrection
and the promise of eternal life.
Grant your peace to all those whom we love,
but see no longer.
Let light perpetual shine upon them,
and in your loving wisdom and almighty power,
work in them the good purpose of your perfect will.
May their memory always be a blessing to us
and to all who seek to follow the way of Christ.
Blessed are you, O Holy One of Israel,
who gives life to all creation.  Amen.

The Exchange of the Peace

May the peace of Christ be always with you.
And also with you.

The Holy Communion

The Offertory Hymn

‘What Child Is This’ Common Praise #137

Prayer over the Gifts

Good and loving God,
we rejoice in the birth of Jesus,
who came among the poor
to bring the riches of your grace.
As you have blessed us with your gifts,
let them be a blessing for others.
With the trees of the field,
with all earth and heaven,
we shout for joy at the coming of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. [iv]

Thanksgiving at the Table

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.

Blessed are you, gracious God,
creation of heaven and earth;
you have revealed your eternal plan of salvation,
and have shown your Son Jesus Christ
to be the light of all peoples.
Therefore with angels and archangels
we raise our voices in joyful praise
to proclaim the glory of your name. [v]

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. [vi]

Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life:
Blessed are you for the birth of creation.
Blessed are you in the darkness and in the light.
Blessed are you for your promise to your people.
Blessed are you for the prophets’ hopes and dreams.
Blessed are you for Mary’s openness to your will.
Blessed are you for your Son, Jesus, the Word made flesh.

In the night in which he was betrayed,
our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;
broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take and eat; this is my body given for you.
Do this for the remembrance of me.

Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,
and gave it for all to drink, saying:
This cup is the new covenant in my blood,
shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.
Do this for the remembrance of me.

[Therefore let] us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.

With this bread and cup we remember
your Word dwelling among us, full of grace and truth.
We remember our new birth in his death and resurrection.
We look with hope for his coming.
Come, Lord Jesus.

Holy God, we long for your Spirit.
Come among us.  Bless this meal.
May your Word take flesh in us.
Awaken your people.  Fill us with your light.
Bring the gift of peace on earth.
Come, Holy Spirit.

All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel,
Word of God incarnate, Power of the Most High,
one God, now and for ever.  Amen. [vii]

The Lord’s Prayer

As our Saviour taught us, let us pray,
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial,
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever.  Amen. [viii]

The Breaking of the Bread

We break the bread of life,
and that life is the light of the world
God here among us,
light in the midst of us,
bring us to light and life.

The gifts of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God.

The Communion

Communion Hymn

‘I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light’ Evangelical Lutheran Worship #815

The Sending Forth of the Community

Prayer after Communion

Radiant God,
with our eyes we have seen your salvation,
and in this meal we have feasted on your grace.
May your Word take flesh in us,
so that we may be your holy people,
revealing your glory made known to us
in Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen. [ix]

Glory to God,
whose power, working in us,
can do infinitely more
than we can ask or imagine.
Glory to God from generation to generation,
in the Church and in Christ Jesus,
for ever and ever.  Amen.

Blessing

The Bishop blesses the Community.

Our help is in the name of the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.
Blessed be the name of the Lord,
from this time forth for evermore.

The blessing, mercy and grace of God almighty,
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,
be upon you and remain with you for ever.  Amen.

Closing Hymn

‘Good Christians All, Rejoice’ Common Praise #153

Dismissal

Let us go forth in the light of Christ.
Thanks be to God.



[i] Lang Carol Mass.

[ii] Liturgy Task Force, ‘Trial Use Collects for Advent 1 to the Baptism of Christ’ (2014), 6.

[iii] Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), p. 104.

[iv] Liturgy Task Force, ‘Trial Use Collects for Advent 1 to the Baptism of Christ’ 2014), 7.

[v] Epiphany Preface from The Book of Alternative Services (1985), 220.

[vi] Lang Carol Mass.

[vii] Thanksgiving at the Table III from Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), 110.

[viii] Common Worship #744.

[ix] Liturgy Task Force, ‘Trial Use Collects for Advent 1 to the Baptism of Christ’ 2014), 7.

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