St. James Episcopal Church Dillon, Montana February 4, 2018 The Fifth Sunday After the Epiphany: HOLY EUCHARIST Rt. Rev Dr. C. Franklin Brookhart, Jr, IX Bishop of Montana The Rt. Rev. Carol Gallagher, Bishop for Native American Ministries & Assistant Bishop The Reverend Sue Eades, Rector The Reverend Steve DeHart, Deacon George Johnston and Bob Hutfles, Guest musicians Email stjamesdillon@live.com Website stjamesdillon.org Phone 406/683-2735 (Cell) 925-3290 Mother Sue s Office hours: Mon, Tues. & Thur. 9-12 Deacon Steve available by appointment If you are visiting St. James we WELCOME you! We pray your visit is as much a blessing to you as it is to us. Mission Statement: We at St. James Parish believe that we are Christ s own, and that our reason for existence is to follow his commandments to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves. God, I bring all that I am today before you. Thank you for always welcoming me with open arms. 1
PRELUDE More love more power Bob & George PROCESSIONAL HYMN We gather together Hymnal 433 1 We gather together to ask the Lord s blessing; he chastens and hastens his will to make known; the wicked oppressing now cease from distressing: sing praises to his Name; he forgets not his own. 2 Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining, ordaining, maintaining his kingdom divine; so from the beginning the fight we were winning: thou, Lord, wast at our side: all glory be thine! 3 We all do extol thee, thou leader triumphant, and pray that thou still our defender wilt be. Let thy congregation escape tribulation: thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free! LITURGY OF THE WORD Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen. 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. OPENING ANTHEM Spoken Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen 2
COLLECT OF THE DAY Celebrant The Lord be with you People And also with you. Celebrant 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. HEBREW SCRIPTURE A Reading from the prophet Isaiah 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. Reader People Hear what the Spirit is saying to the God s people. Thanks be to God. Psalm 147:1-12,21c Responsively by full verse BCP 804 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; 3
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! THE EPISTLE A reading from the Paul s 1 st. letter to the church in Corinth. 1 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 4
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. Reader People Hear what the Spirit is saying to the God s people. Thanks be to God. GOSPEL HYMN O How He Loves You and Me LEVAS 35 5
HOLY GOSPEL Mark 1:29-39 Deacon: People The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark. Glory to you, Lord Christ. When 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. Deacon: People The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ SERMON The Reverend Sue Eades 6
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 and the Son, 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 Form 4 BCP. Pg. 388 Deacon Steve Let us pray for the Church and for the world. Grant, Almighty God, that all who confess your Name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world. Silence Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations, in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good. Silence 7
Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory. Silence Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours, and grant that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as he loves us. Silence Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation. Silence Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. We commend to your mercy all who have died, that your will for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all your saints in your eternal kingdom. Silence Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. Prayer for Discernment in the search for our next Bishop: All: Loving God, raise up for the Diocese of Montana a shepherd who will lead with compassion, with courage and with comprehension of the needs of all your people, that we may be led by a bishop who is committed to ministering from the mountains to the plains, from cities to rural areas always remembering the poor, the marginalized and those with no voice... This we ask Father in the name of your Son, Jesus, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 8
Concluding Collect Celebrant: Heavenly Father, you have promised to hear what we ask in the Name of your Son: Accept and fulfill our petitions, we pray, not as we ask in our ignorance, nor as we deserve in our sinfulness, but as you know and love us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. CONFESSION OF SIN Kneel as able Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. 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. Celebrant: Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen. THE PEACE People The peace of the Lord be with you. And also with you. The psalmist declares: How good it is to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious (Psalm 147:1, NRSV). So then, let us worship. OFFERTORY SENTENCE Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and make good your vows to the Most High. Psalm 50:14 9
OFFERTORY HYMN Abba! Father! 10
THE DOXOLOGY Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him all creatures here below; Praise Him above ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. THE GREAT THANKSGIVING EOW 2 Celebrant People Celebrant People Celebrant People 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. The Celebrant proceeds Because in the mystery of the Word made flesh, you have caused a new light to shine in our hearts, to give the knowledge of your glory in the face of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 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 (say): Sanctus Celebrant and People 11
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The people stand or kneel. The Celebrant continues 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 friends. He took bread, gave thanks to you, broke it, and gave it to them, 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. Again, he gave thanks to you, 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. 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 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. THE LORD S PRAYER Sung together As our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, 14
Breaking of the Bread The bread which we break is a sharing in the Body of Christ. All: We being many are one bread, one body, for we all share in the one bread. The Gifts of God for the People of God. 15
COMMUNION HYMN One Bread, One Body LEVAS 151 16
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POST COMMUNION PRAYER Let us pray. 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 for ever in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen. ANNOUNCEMENTS BLESSING God s Blessing be with you, Christ s peace be with you, the Spirit s outpouring be with you, now and always. Amen. (source: Celtic) RECESSIONAL HYMN Lead me, Lord 18
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DISMISSAL Deacon Steve The flowers that adorn our Altar this morning are given by Mike & Natalie English and children in loving memory of parents and grandparents, Robert and Carol English. The Nursery is funded this week by??? We offer prayers of Thanksgiving for the Birthdays of Alan Zetler and Jeannie James Ministers of the Congregation Ministry February 4 February 11 February 18 February 25 Acolyte Dorothy Martha Kathryn Dorothy Chalice Bearer Steve Martha Katie Deacon Lector Mary Jo Martha T Lee Carol Altar Guild Alyce/Marilyn Alyce/Marilyn Alyce/Marilyn Alyce/Marilyn Greeter Louise Louise Louise Louise Welcome Amb. Alma Alma Alma Alma Coffee Host Could be U Could be U Dorothy Deb Counters Kathryn/Bob Bob/Alma Marth/Ellen Elln/Carol Sunday School Louise Dorothy Jessi Louise Bible Study: 9:30 Wednesday morning at the church. We will be discussing the readings for Sunday, February 11. Synthesis CE are on the table in the Narthex. We need Sponsor for the Nursery. The cost is $28.00 a week and we are so grateful for your financial support of this valuable ministry. We invite you to make it in the form of a Thanksgiving or Memorial. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE!!! There are 4 open Sunday s if you would like to purchase the flowers for the Altar. The Sundays are: August 26, September 30, November 11 or December 9. Just let Jane Howard know and tell her if you want it to be a Memorial or Thanksgiving. Sig-up quick because they go fast. 21
We are in need of Coffee Hour hosts, please signup on the sheet on the bulletin board by the kitchen. When no one has signed up we will not be able to have coffee hour. TODAY we will gather at the church from 4-6 to discuss the Gospel of Thomas. Join us for soup, bread and lively conversation. LENTEN SCHEDULE Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 5:30- &PM Wednesday, February 14 th. ASH WEDNESDAY Service of Ashes 12:15 pm & 6 PM Lenten Soup & Study, Sunday s TBA 4-6 PM Sundays of Lent: February 18, 25; March 4,11,18 10:00 AM Sunday, March 25 Palm Sunday 10:00 AM Holy Week: Mar. 26-31 Monday Holy Eucharist Noon Tuesday Holy Eucharist Noon Wednesday Holy Eucharist Noon Thursday Maundy Thursday service 6:00 PM Friday Good Friday service 6:00 PM Holy Saturday Holy Saturday service Noon Saturday, March 31 Easter Vigil 7:30 PM Sunday, April 1 Easter morning 10:00 AM VESTRY MEETING NEXT SUNDAY is our Vestry meeting following coffee hour. 22
A Note on Today s Readings The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany Year B Welcome to St. James Episcopal Church. Today s Gospel continues Mark s account of the first events in Jesus ministry. Once again, Jesus was faced with illness which he cured and evil spirits which he cast out. But rather than stay in that place as a healer, he moves on to announce the good news of God s Kingdom in other places as well. The first reading proclaims God as ruler and creator of all things. God is incomparable and inexhaustible, and God s power is the source of our life and that power animates our lives and our ministry. In the second reading, Paul is responding to another problem in the Corinthian church. Wandering preachers had come to them and, preaching for money, had proclaimed strange versions of the Gospel. Paul wants to make it clear that his is the Gospel of Christ and the proof that he is not altering it to be popular is that he does not ask for money. It is the proclamation of Christ that is central. We are called and converted by that message and baptized into that faith. We gather at the Lord s Table in response, for empowerment, but we also gather in order to be sent forth in that power to proclaim the message to others. From The Rite Light: Reflections on the Sunday Readings and Seasons of the Church Year. Copyright 2007 by Michael W. Merriman. Church Publishing Incorporated, New York. L 151-1978 John B. Foley, SJ and New Dawn Music, P.O. Box 13248, Portland, OR 97213. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. CLI # 11058789 Prayer of Discernment in the search for our new Bishop Loving God, raise up for the Diocese of Montana a shepherd who will lead with compassion, with courage and with comprehension of the needs of all your people, that we may be led by a bishop who is committed to ministering from the mountains to the plains, from cities to rural areas always remembering the poor, the marginalized and those with no voice... This we ask Father in the name of your Son, Jesus, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (We encourage you to take this prayer home for use during your daily devotions) 23
Bishop Brookhart will make his official visit on March 11, 2018. If you are interested in being Baptized, Confirmed, Received, or Reaffirmed please let Mother Sue know as soon as possible. That service will begin at 10:00 am as usual and we will enjoy a Potluck lunch after. We hope you will join us in welcoming our Bishop to St. James. One of the scribes asked him Of all the commandments, which is the most important? The most important one, answered Jesus, is this: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these. Mark 12:28-31 24