The First Sunday in Epiphany
January 10, 2021
Please stand.
PROCESSIONAL HYMN “We Three Kings”
We three kings of Orient are, bearing gifts we traverse afar,
field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star.
Refrain: O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright;
westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light!
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain, gold I bring to crown him again,
King for ever, ceasing never over us all to reign. (Refrain)
Frankincense to offer have I: incense owns a Deity nigh;
prayer and praising, gladly raising, worship him, God Most High. (Refrain)
THE WORD OF GOD (Stand)
Celebrant: I will make you as a light for the nations,
People: That my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.
(Silence)
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.
THE SUMMARY OF THE LAW
Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ says: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 22:37-40
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
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.
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
(Silence)
Eternal Father, at the baptism of Jesus you revealed him to be your Son, and your Holy Spirit descended upon him like a dove: Grant that we, who are born again by water and the Spirit, may be faithful as your adopted children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
THE LESSONS OF THE DAY
A reading from Isaiah 42:1-9 ESV
1Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. 2 He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; 3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. 4 He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law. 5 Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it: 6 “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, 7 to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. 8 I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols. 9 Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.”
Reader: "The Word of the Lord."
People: Thanks be to God.
PSALM 89:20-29
20 I have found David my servant; *
with my holy oil have I anointed him.
21 My hand shall hold him fast, *
and my arm shall strengthen him.
22 The enemy shall not be able to do him violence; *
the son of wickedness shall not hurt him.
23 I will smite his foes before his face *
and strike down those who hate him.
24 My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him, *
and in my Name shall his horn be exalted.
25 I will give him dominion over the sea, *
and with his right hand shall he rule the rivers.
26 He shall say to me, “You are my Father, *
my God, and the rock of my salvation.”
27 And I will make him my firstborn, *
higher than the kings of the earth.
28 My mercy will I keep for him for ever, *
and my covenant shall stand fast with him.
29 His seed will I make to endure for ever *
and his throne as the days of heaven.
A reading from Acts 10:34-38 ESV
34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
Reader: "The Word of the Lord."
People: Thanks be to God.
THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO MATTHEW
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
THE GOSPEL Matthew 3:13-17
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
"The Gospel of the Lord.”
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
THE SERMON The Rev. Ronald J. Baillie, Rector
THE RENEWAL OF BAPTISMAL VOWS (Please stand)
Through the Paschal mystery, dear friends, we are buried with Christ by Baptism into his death, and raised with him to newness of life. I call upon you, therefore, to renew the solemn promises and vows of Holy Baptism, by which we once renounced the devil and all his works, and promised to serve God faithfully in his one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
Celebrant: Do you, here in the presence of God and the Church, renew the solemn promises and vows made at your Baptism and commit yourself to keep them?
People: I do.
Celebrant: Do you renounce the devil and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?
People: I renounce them.
Celebrant: Do you renounce the empty promises and deadly deceits of this world that corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
People: I renounce them.
Celebrant: Do you renounce the sinful desires of the flesh that draw you from the love of God?
People: I renounce them.
Celebrant: Do you turn to Jesus Christ and confess him as your Lord and Savior?
People: I do.
Celebrant: Do you joyfully receive the Christian Faith, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments?
People: I do.
Celebrant: Will you obediently keep God’s holy will and commandments, and walk in them all the days of your life?
People: I will, the Lord being my helper.
The Celebrant continues
Let us now reaffirm our faith in the words of the ancient baptismal confession, the Apostles’ Creed.
Celebrant: Do you believe and trust in God the Father?
People: I do. I believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Celebrant: Do you believe and trust in Jesus Christ?
People: I do. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Celebrant: Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit?
People: I do. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Celebrant concludes the Renewal of Vows as follows
Let us pray.
Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their doctrine, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE (Please stand)
Let us pray for the Church and for the world, saying, “hear our prayer.”
For the peace of the whole world, and for the well-being and unity of the people of God.
Reader: Lord in your mercy:
People: hear our prayer.
For the Primates of the Worldwide Anglican Communion; the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby and Caroline; Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America, Foley Beach and Allison; our Standing Committee; for our Interim Bishop, Martyn Minns and Angela; for all clergy and other ministers, especially our Rector, Father Ron and Sue; our Associate Rector, Father Chris and Katherine; our assisting clergy, Fr. Terry and Mary Anne; all missionaries, especially The Rev. Alison Barfoot, in Uganda; the Province of Sudan; the Diocese of San Joaquin; Advance Community Church; and for all the clergy and people of our Diocese and Congregation.
Reader: Lord in your mercy:
People: hear our prayer.
For all those who proclaim the Gospel at home and abroad; for all who teach and disciple others; and for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted for their faith.
Reader: Lord in your mercy:
People: hear our prayer.
For all the men and women in our Armed Forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; and give them courage to face the perils that beset them; and help them to know that nothing can separate them from your love.
Reader: Lord in your mercy:
People: hear our prayer.
For our nation, for those in authority, and for all in public service especially, our Congress, Supreme Court, our President, Donald Trump and President-Elect, Joe Biden.
Reader: Lord in your mercy:
People: hear our prayer.
For all of us affected by COVID-19. For those suffering with symptoms; those without symptoms but who carry the virus; and for those struggling with loneliness and depression from isolation. Pray for those who have died, provide rest for their souls and comfort for their families as they grieve. Protect and secure all health care workers and all those who provide essential services. Guide our leaders, and give us all wisdom as we seek to live as God's people striving for health and safety for everyone. Heal us.
Reader: Lord in your mercy:
People: hear our prayer.
For all those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity especially…
Reader: Lord in your mercy:
People: hear our prayer.
For all those who have departed this life in the certain hope of the resurrection, especially...
Reader: Lord in your mercy:
People: hear our prayer.
We thank you, Lord, for the Altar Flowers given to the Glory of the Lord by Nancy Davidson in memory of Herbert J. Davidson Jr. who passed away December 19, 2004 and for all the blessings of this life…
(The people are invited to share their thanksgivings aloud)
Reader: Lord in your mercy:
People: hear our prayer.
In thanksgiving for the fruitful discussions with the Episcopal Diocese regarding this property.
Reader: Lord in your mercy:
People: hear our prayer.
For our vestry, especially our wardens, Dave and Jeremy, that as your appointed leaders they may faithfully serve you and this church.
Reader: Lord in your mercy:
People: hear our prayer.
For the special needs and concerns of this congregation, especially…
(The people may share their petitions silently or aloud)
Reader: Lord in your mercy:
People: hear our prayer.
The Celebrant concludes with this or some other appropriate Collect.
Heavenly Father, grant these our prayers for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
THE CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION OF SIN
The Officiant says to the People
We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.
Silence is kept.
All standing, the Officiant and People pray
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
The Priest stands and says
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who in his great mercy has promised forgiveness of sins to all those who sincerely repent and with true faith turn to him, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hear the Word of God to all who truly turn to him.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
THE PEACE
Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And with your spirit.
BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY PRAYERS
Birthday: Lee Gilch, Marge Lytle, Gracie Wells, Ben Scott, Andrew Schnepp
Watch over your child, O Lord, as his days increase; bless and guide him wherever he may be. Strengthen him when he stands; comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful; raise him up if he falls; and in his heart may your peace which passes all understanding abide all the days of his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Anniversary: Gloria and George Drambel, Fr. Chris and Katherine Hill
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your continued blessings on the union of these your servants, that have enabled them to reach another anniversary. We thank You for letting their love deepen and for helping them in time of trial. We ask You to continue to watch over them, over their home and family. Help them to renew and strengthen their vows of love and commitment and to strive to remain united with You, steadfast in their faith and in your service. Amen.
THE HOLY COMMUNION
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? Romans 10:14-15
OFFERTORY ANTHEM “Brightest and Best”
Brightest and best of the stars of the morning,
dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid;
star of the east, the horizon adorning,
guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.
Cold on his cradle the dew-drops are shining;
low lies his head with the beasts of the stall;
angels adore him in slumber reclining,
Maker and Monarch and Saviour of all.
Shall we then yield him, in costly devotion,
odors of Edom, and offerings divine,
gems of the mountain, and pearls of the ocean,
myrrh from the forest, and gold from the mine?
You may give online: saintthomasanglican.org/give
DOXOLOGY (Spoken) (Please stand)
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.
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is right, our duty and our joy, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who took on our mortal flesh to reveal his glory; that he might bring us out of darkness and into his own glorious light.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
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.
THE PRAYER OF CONSECRATION (Please remain standing)
All praise and glory is yours, O God our heavenly Father, for in your tender mercy, you gave your only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the Cross for our redemption. He made there, by his one offering of himself once offered, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, offering, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world; and he instituted, and in his Holy Gospel commanded us to continue, a perpetual memory of his precious death and sacrifice, until his coming again.
So now, O merciful Father, in your great goodness, we ask you to bless and sanctify, with your Word and Holy Spirit, these gifts of bread and wine, that we, receiving them according to your Son our Savior Jesus Christ’s holy institution, in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers of his most blessed Body and Blood.
For on the night that he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is my Body, which is given for you: Do this in remembrance of me.”
Likewise, after supper, Jesus took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink this, all of you; for this is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you, and for many, for the forgiveness of sins: Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me.”
Therefore, O Lord and heavenly Father, according to the institution of your dearly beloved Son our Savior Jesus Christ, we your humble servants celebrate and make here before your divine Majesty, with these holy gifts, the memorial your Son commanded us to make; remembering his blessed passion and precious death, his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension, and his promise to come again.
And here we offer and present to you, O Lord, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice. We humbly pray that all who partake of this Holy Communion may worthily receive the most precious Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ, be filled with your grace and heavenly benediction, and be made one body with him, that he may dwell in us, and we in him.
By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
And now as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray:
Celebrant and People together 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, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD
Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
THE LAMB OF GOD
Celebrant: Lamb of God
People: 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 your peace.
THE MINISTRATION OF COMMUNION
Celebrant: The gifts of God for the people of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
FOR THOSE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE SERVICE TO PHYSICALLY RECEIVE THIS SACRAMENT
Silence is kept. Each member of the family may read and reflect on this prayer or otherwise meditate on Christ’s spiritual presence.
Dear Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Holy Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I desire to possess you within my soul, and since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. I unite myself to you, together with all your faithful people, gathered around every altar of your Church, and I embrace you with all the affections of my soul. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.
COMMUNION HYMN “Be Still for the Spirit of the Lord”
Be still, for the presence of the Lord, The holy One, is here;
Come bow before him now With reverence and fear
In him no sin is found We stand on holy ground.
Be still, for the presence of the Lord, The holy One, is here.
Be still, for the glory of the Lord Is shining all around;
He burns with holy fire, With splendour he is crowned:
How awesome is the sight Our radiant king of light!
Be still, for the glory of the Lord Is shining all around.
Be still, for the power of the Lord Is moving in this place:
He comes to cleanse and heal, To minister his grace
No work too hard for him. In faith receive from him.
Be still, for the power of the Lord Is moving in this place.
THE POST COMMUNION PRAYER (Please stand)
Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us, in these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us, through this Sacrament, of your favor and goodness towards us: that we are true members of the mystical body of your Son, the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs, through hope, of your everlasting kingdom. And we humbly ask you, heavenly Father, to assist us with your grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all the good works that you have prepared for us to walk in; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
CHRISTMAS BLESSING
The peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.
RECESSIONAL HYMN “Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun”
Jesus shall reign where'er the sun doth his
successive journeys run; his kingdom stretch from
shore to shore, till moons shall wax and wane no more.
To him shall endless prayer be made, and praises
throng to crown his head. His name like sweet perfume
shall rise with every morning sacrifice.
People and realms of every tongue dwell on his
love with sweetest song, and infant voices
shall proclaim their early blessings on his Name.
DISMISSAL
Celebrant: ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA! Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
People: Thanks be to God. ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA!
POSTLUDE