The Second Sunday after the Epiphany: Holy Eucharist January 19, 2014 THE GATHERING After a greeting from the priest and a brief period of silence, all stand, as they are able, and sing. HYMN The Lord is my light (Sung 3 times) OPENING PRAYERS Blessed are you, holy and living one. You come to your people and set them free. Let us pray Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. SCRIPTURE HYMN I want to walk as a child of the light 1 Continued on page 2.
THE READING John 1:29-42 John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, `After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.' I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel." And John testified, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, `He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God." The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!" The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon. of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter). Thanks be to God. THE SERMON CONVERSATION The Rev. Jeffrey D. S. Thornberg, Vicar PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Celebrant God calls on us to follow Christ. Let us earnestly call on God to hear our prayers for the needs, Individuals in the congregation read For the church of Jesus Christ in every place. We pray especially for our sisters and brothers in Christ in South Sudan that the conflict and violence may be resolved quickly. For this country, for all nations and their leaders, and for all those who guard the peace. For our many blessings. 2
For all those in danger and need: the sick and the suffering, prisoners, captives, and their families, the hungry, homeless, and oppressed. For the dying and the dead. For all other concerns and thanksgivings we now offer (a moment is taken for people to add their own prayers, either silently or aloud). Celebrant Loving and all-seeing God, forgive us where we have failed to support one another and to be what we claim to be. Forgive us where we have failed to serve you; and where our thoughts and actions have been contrary to yours we ask your pardon. Celebrant God forgives you. Forgive others; forgive yourself. Through Christ, God has put away your sin: approach your God in peace. Amen. THE PEACE The peace of Christ be always with you. And also with you. The people greet THE ANNOUNCEMENTS THE OFFERTORY The Celebrant introduces the offertory. The people stand, as they are able, and the representatives of the people bring forward the offerings of our community. HYMN Precious Lord, take my hand Continued on page 4 3
THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER The people remain standing, as they are able, the Celebrant begins. The Lord is here. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Holy. We praise you and we bless you, holy and gracious God, source of life abundant. From before time you made ready the creation. Your Spirit moved over the deep and brought all things into being: sun, moon, and stars; earth, winds, and waters; and every living thing. You made us in your image, and taught us to walk in your ways. But we rebelled against you, and wandered far away; and yet, as a mother cares for her children, you would not forget us. Time and again you called us to live in the fullness of your love. And so this day we join with Saints and Angels in the chorus of praise that rings through eternity, lifting our voices to magnify you as we sing: 4
Holy, holy, holy Lord Sanctus and Benedictus Land of Rest Glory and honor and praise to you, holy and living God. To deliver us from the power of sin and death and to reveal the riches of your grace, you looked with favor upon Mary, your willing servant, that she might conceive and bear a son, Jesus the holy child of God. Living among us, Jesus loved us. He broke bread with outcasts and sinners, healed the sick, and proclaimed good news to the poor. He yearned to draw all the world to himself yet we were heedless of his call to walk in love. Then the time came for him to complete upon the cross the sacrifice of his life, and to be glorified by you. On the night before he died for us, Jesus was at table with his friend. He took bread, gave thanks to you, broke it, and ga As supper was ending, Jesus took the cup of wine. Again he gave thanks to you, gave it to them, and Blood of the new Covenant, which is poured out for you and Now gathered at your table, O God of all creation, and remembering Christ crucified and risen, who was and is and is to come, we offer to you our gifts of bread and wine, and ourselves, a living sacrifice. Pour out your Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Body and blood of Christ. Breathe your Spirit over the whole earth and make us your new creation, the Body of Christ given for the world you have made. In the fullness of time bring us, with blessed Mary the God-bearer, blessed Paul our patron, and all your saints, from every tribe and language and people and nation, to feast at the banquet prepared from the foundation of the world. 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. Now, in the words Jesus 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. 5
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD A brief period of silence follows. The Celebrant continues. The bread which we break is the communion of the Body of Christ. We are one body because we share one bread. The Celebrant invites the people to communion. done, no matter what has been done to you, nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Come without fear or hesitation because whoever you are and wherever you come from Jesus Christ is here for you to taste and see. The people sit. As the ushers direct them, the people come forward to receive Communion in front of the altar, and then return to their seats by the side aisles. If you do not wish to drink from the common cup, hold onto the bread after it is given to you then walk to eating it. Gluten free bread is available upon request. PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION The people stand, as they are able, and the Celebrant says. Let us pray Lord Jesus Christ, you have put your life into our hands; now we put our lives into yours. Take us, renew and remake us. What we have been is past; what we shall be, through you, still awaits us. Lead us on. Take us with you. Amen. BLESSING Give us courage, O God our strength, to see Christ in all who suffer, to be hands to the helpless, food for the hungry, and rescue for the oppressed. And the blessing of God our Creator, Redeemer and Giver of life be with you now, and remain with you always. Amen. HYMN We are marching in the light of God 6
DISMISSAL Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. Copyright permission: License.net #A-702801. Celebrant: The Reverend Jeffrey D. S. Thornberg, Vicar Musician: Brad Hughley 7