Celebration of the Eucharist on The Feast of The Epiphany of Our Lord with The Blessing of Chalk

Transcription

1 St Stephen with St John Westminster Celebration of the Eucharist on The Feast of The Epiphany of Our Lord with The Blessing of Chalk Sunday 6 th January

2 The Gathering Welcome and Prayer of Preparation Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: 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. Processional Hymn: Brightest and best of the sons of the morning NEH 49 In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Amen. Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe. From the rising if the sun to its setting Your name is proclaimed in all the world. The Lord of glory be with you. The Lord bless you. Invitation to Confession The grace of God has dawned upon the world through our savior Jesus Christ, Who sacrificed himself for us to purify a people as his own. Let us confess our sins. God be gracious to us and bless us, and make your face shine upon us: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. May your ways be known on the earth, your saving power among the nations: Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

3 You, Lord, have made known your salvation, and reveal your justice in the sight of the nations: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Gloria in Excelsis Funny kind of night, funny kind of day, tax collectors, child inspectors, all in disarray; funny kind of day, funny kind of night, royal kings and lesser things align with dark and light. To God in the highest, be glory which never ends, and on earth be peace and goodwill to all God s friends. Funny kind of day, funny kind of night, babies cry, traditions die, and fear itself takes fright; country folk enquire what is right or wrong while above, in tongues of love, the sense is veiled in song. Funny kind of night, funny kind of day, first begotten, half-forgotten treasure lies in hay; wise men on the move wonder what to bring, while innkeepers and light sleepers hear poor shepherds sing. The Liturgy of the Word The Collect on the Feast of The Epiphany of Our Lord O God, who by the leading of a star manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: mercifully grant that we, who know you now by faith, may at last behold your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. First Reading: Isaiah 60: 1-6 This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

4 Gradual Hymn (solo) I sought him dressed in finest clothes, where money talks and status grows; but power and wealth he never chose: it seemed he lived in poverty. I sought him in the safest place, remote from crime or cheap disgrace; but safety never knew his face: it seemed he lived in jeopardy. I sought him where the spotlights glare, where crowds collect and critics stare; but no one knew his presence there: it seemed he lived in obscurity. Then, in the streets, we heard the word which seemed, for all the world, absurd: that those who could no gifts afford were entertaining Christ the Lord. And so, distinct from all we d planned, among the poorest of the land, we did what few might understand: we touched God in a baby s hand. Second Reading: Ephesians 3: 1-12 Gospel Reading: Matthew 2: 1-12 Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord. At the end This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

5 The Sermon Intercessions for Epiphany Let us worship the Saviour with joy and make our prayer to our heavenly Father. The magi came from the east to worship your Son: Father, grant to Christians everywhere the spirit of adoration Lord of glory, hear our prayer. The infant Christ received gifts of gold, incense and myrrh: Father, accept the offering of our hearts and minds [at the beginning of this year] Lord of glory, hear our prayer. The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ: Father, grant an abundance of peace to your world Lord of glory, hear our prayer. The Holy Family lived in exile and in the shadow of death: Father, look in mercy on all who are poor and powerless, and all who suffer Lord of glory, hear our prayer. Your Son shared the life of his home and family at Nazareth: Father, protect in your love our neighbours, our families and this community of which we are a part Lord of glory, hear our prayer. Father, we rejoice in our fellowship with the shepherds, the angels, the magi, the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and all the faithful departed. In your unfailing love for us and for all people, hear and answer our prayers through your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

6 The Peace Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and his name shall be called the Prince of Peace. The peace of the lord be always with you and also with you. Offertory Hymn: O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness NEH 52 The Blessing of Chalk on the Feast of The Epiphany of Our Lord Our help is in the name of the Lord. Who is making heaven and earth. The Lord be with you and also with you. Lord God, among the gifts of creation you have given chalk to be of benefit to us all. We call on your holy name to bless these pieces of chalk. May those who take them and write with them on the doors of their homes the names of your holy Wise Men, Kasper, Melchior and Balthazar, be aided by their intercession and have a share in their merits; may their bodies be healthy and their souls saved. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. The Eucharistic Prayer Children and young people are invited to gather around the Altar during the Eucharistic Prayer 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 thanks and praise.

7 Lord of all life, you created the universe, where all living things reflect your glory. You give us this great and beautiful earth, to discover and to cherish. You give us happy times and things to celebrate. In these we taste your kingdom, a feast for all your children. You made us all, each wonderfully different, to join with the angels and sing your praise: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord, Holy is the Lord God Almighty. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord, Holy is the Lord God Almighty: Who was, and is, and is to come Holy, holy, holy is the Lord. We thank you, loving Father, because, when we turned away, you sent Jesus, your Son. He gave his life for us on the cross and shows us the way to live. Send your Holy Spirit that these gifts of bread and wine may be for us Christ's body and his blood. On the night before he died, when darkness had fallen, Jesus took bread. He gave thanks, broke it, and shared it with his disciples, saying: This is my body, given for you. Do this to remember me. After they had eaten, he took the cup of wine, gave thanks, and shared it with his disciples, saying: This is my blood, poured out for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins. So Father, with this bread and this cup we celebrate his love, his death, his risen life. As you feed us with these gifts, send your Holy Spirit, and change us more and more to be like Jesus our Saviour. Help us, Father, to love one another, as we look forward to that day when suffering is ended, and all creation is gathered in your loving arms.

8 And now with Mary, the Mother of God, St Stephen, St John, Kaspar, Melchior, Balthazar, and all your saints, we give you thanks, because you anointed Jesus Christ, your only Son, as priest and King, Crowned with thorns, he offered his life upon the cross, that he might draw all people into that kingdom where he how reigns in glory. Amen. The Lord s Prayer As our Saviour taught us, so we pray: 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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Breaking of the Bread We break this bread to share in the body of Christ. Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread. Agnus Dei Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, grant us peace.

9 Giving of Communion Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Blessed are those who are called to his supper. Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word, and I shall be healed. The president and people receive Holy Communion. All are welcome to come forward to receive. Please bring this Order of Service with you if you would prefer to receive a Blessing. The Ministry of Healing will be available in the Tennant Chapel during Communion. Post Communion Hymn: The fist Nowell the angel did say NEH 36 Post Communion Prayer Lord God, the bright splendour whom the nations seek: may we who with the wise men have been drawn by your light discern the glory of your presence in your Son, the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Prayer after Communion Father of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace, and opened the gate of glory. May we who share Christ s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us, so we and all your children shall be free, and the whole earth live to praise your name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

10 Final Hymn 1. We three kings of Orient are; bearing gifts we traverse afar, field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star. O star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light. 2. Born a King on Bethlehem s plain gold I bring to crown him again, King forever, ceasing never, over us all to reign. 3. Frankincense to offer have I; incense owns a Deity nigh; prayer and praising, all men raising, worship him God Most High. 4. Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom; sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone cold tomb. The lintel of the main door of the church is marked by the president in the following way: 20 + K + M + B + 1 _ (year) 5. Glorious now behold Him arise; King and God and sacrifice; Heav n sings Alleluia!, Alleluia!, the earth replies.

11 Prayer Almighty God, incline your ear. Bless us and all who are gathered here. Send your holy angel who will defend us and fill with grace all who dwell here. Amen. The Dismissal The Blessing Christ our Lord, To whom kings bowed down in worship and offered gifts, reveal to you his glory and pour upon you the riches of his grace; and the blessing of God Almighty Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.

12 St Stephen with St John Westminster Weekly Notes The 6 th January 2019 Epiphany Today 8.00am Holy Communion (BCP) 10.00am Parish Eucharist 6.00pm Evensong The week ahead Today: Epiphany party for our young people after the service, all our young people are warmly invited to stay in church for pizza, films and games from midday to 3pm. Speak to Tony, our weekend verger, if you would like to come along. Tomorrow: 7 th January - at 1pm, a Eucharist will take place at St John s Smith Square to mark the feast of St John. Faith and Fitness Conference: this is taking place at St Stephen s church all day on Thursday 10 th January; flyers can be found at the back of church. Questions Group: join with others who have questions about faith. The next meeting will be on Sunday 13 th January at 12 noon. Please contact Annie for more details: anne.power@gmail.com. PCC away morning: on Saturday 19 th January, PCC members are reminded that there is an away morning details to be confirmed. Candlemas Parish Lunch: the next Parish Lunch will take place 3 rd February in Napier Hall. Bible Reading Fellowship: please contact Joanna Smith ( ) for the next issue of notes. The Parish Office: we are excited to announce that our new Parish Administrator is Jessie Campbell, a member of our congregation. We are very grateful to Caitlin for all her hard work in the office in the lead up to Christmas. Registered Charity No CCL Licence: 6175