GodSong. Evening Worship and Festival Eucharist. Feast of the Epiphany

Transcription

1 GodSong presents Evening Worship and Festival Eucharist on the Feast of the Epiphany 6 January :30 p.m. St. Johns Church West Hartford, CT

2 Prelude Carillon Leo Sowerby Processional Hymn I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light It is the God who said, Let light shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 Great is the Lord and worthy of all praise! Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever! Amen. Song of Praise Wie Schön leuchtet der Morgenstern Michael Praetorius Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern voll Gnad und Wahrheit von dem Herrn, du süße Wurzel Jesse, mein König und mein Bräutigam, du Sohn Da- vid aus Jakobs Stamm, hast mir mein Herz besesen, lieblich, freundlich, schön und herrlich, groß und ehrlich, reich von Gaben, hoch und sehr prächtig erhaben. How lovely shines the Morning Star! The nations see and hail afar The light in Judah shining. My Bridegroom and my King of Grace, Thou David's Son of Jacob's race, For Thee my heart is pining. Lowly, Holy, Great and glorious, Thou victorious Prince of graces, Filling all the heavenly places.

3 Psalm 72:1-7,10-14 Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king s son May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice. May the mountains yield prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness. May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor. May he live while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations. May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth. In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound, until the moon is no more. May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles render him tribute, may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts. May all kings fall down before him, all nations give him service. For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence he redeems their life; and precious is their blood in his sight. Glory to the Father and to the Son: and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now: and shall be forever. Amen. Song of Praise O Nata Lux Michael Praetorius O nata lux de lumine, Jesu redemptor saeculi, Dignare clemens supplicum Laudes precesque sumere. Qui carne quondam contegi Dignatus es pro perditis, Nos membra confer effici Tui beati corporis. O Light born of Light, Jesus, redeemer of the world, with loving-kindness deign to receive suppliant praise and prayer. Thou who once deigned to be clothed in flesh for the sake of the lost, grant us to be members of thy blessed body. First Reading 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.

4 Song of Praise Videntes Stellam Francis Poulenc Videntes stellam Magi gavisis sunt gaudio magno: Et intrantes domum Obtulerunt Domino Aurum, tus, et myrrham. Seeing the star, The Magi were delighted with great joy: and entering the house, they offered to the Lord gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Second Reading Matthew 2:1-12 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. Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church. Thanks be to God. Magnificat Meine Seel erhebt den Herren, Und mein Geist freuet sich Gottes, meines Heilandes;. Denn er hat seine elende Magd angesehn. Siehe, von nun an werden mich selig preisen alle Kindeskinder. Denn Er hat große Dinge an mir getan, Der da mächtig ist und dessen Namen heilig ist. Und seine Barmherzigkeit währt von Geschlecht zu Geschlecht Bei denen, die ihn fürchten. Er übt Gewalt mit seinem Arm Und zerstreut, die hoffärtig sind in ihres Herzen Sinn. Er stößt die Gewaltigen von dem Thron Und erhebt die Niedrigen. Die Hungrigen füllt er mit Gütern, Und läßt die Reichen leer ausgehen. Er gedenket der Barmherzigkeit Und hilft seinem Diener Israel auf, Heinrich Schutz MY soul doth magnify the Lord: and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded: the lowliness of his handmaiden. For behold, from henceforth: all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath magnified me: and holy is his Name. And his mercy is on them that fear him: throughout all generations. He hath showed strength with his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away. He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel:

5 Wie er geredet hat zu unsern Vätern, Abraham und seinen Kindern in Ewigkeit. Ehre sei dem Vater und dem Sohn und dem Heiligen Geist wie im Anfang so auch jetzt und allezeit und in Ewigkeit Amen as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed, for ever. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Thanksgiving and Intercessions Caring God, we thank you for your gifts in creation: for our world, the heavens tell of your glory; for our land, its beauty and its resources, for the rich heritage we enjoy. We pray: for those who made decisions about the resources of the earth, that we may use your gifts responsibly; for those who work on the land and sea, in city and in industry, that all may enjoy the fruits of their labours and marvel at your creation; for artists, scientists and visionaries, that through their work we may see creation afresh. Silence We thank you for giving us life; for all who enrich our experience. We pray: for all who through their own or others actions are deprived of fullness of life, for prisoners, refugees, the handicapped, and all who are sick; for those in politics, medical science, social and relief work, and for your Church, for all who seek to bring life to others. Silence We thank you that you have called us to celebrate your creation. Give us reverence for life in your world. We thank you for your redeeming love; may your word and sacrament strengthen us to love as you love us. Silence God, Creator, bring us new life. Jesus, Redeemer, renew us. Holy Spirit, strengthen and guide us.

6 Collect of the Day Jesus, as we travel far and fast, lead our minds back to the wise men following your star, and forward to the day when all will see your shining light. Jesus, light of the world, let your bright star stand over the place where the poor have to live; lead our sages to wisdom and our rulers to reverence. In our darkness and in light, in trouble and in joy, help us, heavenly Father, to trust your love, to serve your purpose, and to praise your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Peace Blessed be Christ the Prince of Peace who breaks down the walls that divide. The peace of God be always with you. Praise to Christ who unites us in peace. The Preparation of the Gifts The Great Thanksgiving Christ is risen! He is risen indeed. Lift your hearts to heaven where Christ in glory reigns. Let us give thanks to God. It is right to offer thanks and praise.

7 It is the joy of our salvation, God of the universe, to give you thanks through Jesus Christ. You said, Let there be light ; there was light. Your light shines on in our darkness. For you the earth has brought forth life in all its forms. You have created us to hear your Word, to do your will and to be fulfilled in your love. It is right to thank you. You sent your Son to be for us the way we need to follow and the truth we need to know. His star, mysterious and inviting, calls us to worship the Christ who is born. For he is Emmanuel, God revealed in human form for all the human race; to him we offer our homage and our gifts. You sent your Son to give his life to release us from our sin. His cross has taken our guilt away. You send your Holy Spirit to strengthen and to guide, to warn and to revive your Church. Therefore, with all your witnesses who surround us on every side, countless as heaven s stars, we praise you for our creation and our calling, with loving and with joyful hearts; Holy God, holy and merciful, holy and just, glory and goodness come from you. Glory to you most high and gracious God. Blessed are you, most holy, in your Son, who washed his disciples feet. I am among you, he said, as one who serves. On that night before he died he took bread and gave you thanks. He broke it, gave it to his disciples, and said: Take, eat, this is my body which is given for you; do this to remember me. After supper, he took the cup, and gave you thanks. He gave it to them and said: Drink this. It is my blood of the new covenant, shed for you, shed for all, to forgive sin; do this to remember me. Therefore with this bread and wine we recall your goodness to us. God of the past and present, we your people remember your Son. We thank you for his cross and rising again, we take courage from his ascension; we look for his coming in glory and in him we give ourselves to you. Send your Holy Spirit, that we who receive Christ s body may indeed be the body of Christ, and we who share his cup draw strength from the one true vine. Called to follow Christ, help us to reconcile and unite. Called to suffer, give us hope in our calling. For you, the heavenly one, make all things new; you are the beginning and the end, the last and the first. Praise, glory and love be yours, this and every day, from us and all people, here and everywhere. Amen.

8 The Communion As Christ teaches us we 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 forever. Amen. The priest breaks the bread in silence and then says Christ s body was broken for us on the cross. Christ is the bread of life. His blood was shed for our forgiveness. Christ is risen from the dead. The Invitation Come God s people, come to receive Christ s heavenly food. The Distribution We Are One Ysaye M. Barnwell For each child that's born, a morning star rises and sings to the universe who we are. We are our grandmothers' prayers, We are our grandfathers dreamings, We are the breath of our ancestors, We are the spirit of God. We are Mothers of courage, Fathers of time, Daughters of dust and Sons of what vision, Sisters of mercy and Brothers of love, Lovers of life and Builders of nations, Seekers of truth and Keepers of faith, Makers of peace and the Wisdom of ages... Prayer After Communion Blessed be God who calls us together. Praise to God who makes us one people. Blessed be God who has forgiven our sin. Praise to God who gives hope and freedom. Blessed be God whose Word is proclaimed. Praise to God who is revealed as love. Blessed be God who alone has called us. Therefore we offer all that we are and all that we shall become. Accept, O God, our sacrifice of praise. Amen. Accept our thanks for all you have done. Our hands were empty, and you filled them. Blessing May Christ s star in heaven bring you to humility and worship, bring you to look upon God at work and the blessing of God our Creator, Redeemer and Giver of Life be with you always. Amen. Dismissal of the Community Go now to love and serve the Lord. Go in peace Amen. We go in the name of Christ.

9 Recessional Hymn We Are Marching in the Light of God Postlude How Brightly Shines the Morning Star Johann Pachelbel Please join us in the Parish Hall for a light reception. You may exit the sanctuary through the door in the front of the church to your right. The liturgy this evening was taken from The New Zealand Prayer Book. GodSong would like to thank the clergy and staff of St. John s Episcopal Church for the generous use of their facility.

10 Participating in the Service Celebrant Organist Lectors The Rev. Joseph Pace, Rector, St. John s, West Hartford Ralph Valentine, St. John s, West Hartford Nancy Gutreich, Concordia Lutheran, Manchester Dennis Bowin, Salvation Army Manchester Corps Ushers Ron Kraatz, The Lutheran Church of St. Mark, Glastonbury Rod Andersen, Emanuel, Manchester Tom Larsen, Grace Lutheran, Hartford Hal Rives, St. John s, West Hartford Crucifers Sarah Ineson, St.John s, West Hartford Instrumentalists Michael Orfitelli, Trumpet Ken Kirby, Trumpet Jonathan Reuning-Scherer, horn Peter Russell, trombone David Russell, tuba Richard Reuning, violin Crystal Hall, clarinet Sirkka Johnson, flute Kate Moser, flute Ralph Valentine, organ

11 GodSong Jonathan Reuning-Scherer, Artistic Director Martha Klein Larsen, Administrative Director Soprano I Debbie Bowin Linda Helmke Jocelyn Linnekin Holly Maynard Joan Niiler Andrea Olson Julie Reuning-Scherer Kate Moser Valerie Huestis* Bass Douglas Blake* Don Camper David Halmers Rod Johnson Alto Marge Andersen* Martha Annand Pat Bourret Gayle Campbell Martha Klein Larsen Eleanor Tunney Sirkka Johnson Tenor Nancy Benben D.J. Bukowy Raymond Frick Mark Johnson Peter Baron-Krieger* Brad Moser Douglas Johnson * denotes section leader Database Guru and Computer Master : Rod Johnson Poster Design: Maris Wimberly Web Master : Austin Wimberly Reception Hostess : Eleanor Tunney Press Release: Julie Reuning-Scherer Bulletin Formatting: Nancy Gutreich Accompanists: Joan Niiler, Kate Moser The following faith communities are represented among the members of GodSong: Christ Church Cathedral, Springfield, MA Emanuel Lutheran Church, Manchester St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Manchester Church of the Epiphany, Southbury Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Willimantic, CT North United Methodist Church, Manchester, CT St. James Roman Catholic Church, Manchester St. Mary Margaret's Catholic Church, South Windsor The Lutheran Church of St. Mark, Glastonbury Salvation Army, Manchester Corps Unitarian Universalist Society, Manchester

12 Join us for future GodSong events: Lenten Songs of Prayer and Repentance Wednesday, February 28 th, 7:30 p.m. Concordia Lutheran, Manchester, Ct The Vigil of Pentecost with Bach Cantatas Saturday, May 26 th, 7:30 p.m. Emanuel Lutheran church, Manchester, CT GodSong is an ecumenical choir which sings sacred music in the context of worship. To learn more about GodSong, visit out website at If you are interested in auditioning to sing with GodSong, contact Jonathan Reuning-Scherer at or The offering this evening helps to defray the costs of GodSong events publicity, music, instrumentalists. We are a non-profit volunteer organization. Thank you for your support!