ST. MATTHEW’S 1 st Sunday after Christmas Book of Alternative Services.

ST. MATTHEW’S

1st Sunday after Christmas

Book of Alternative Services

WELCOME TO ST. MATTHEW’S

• Interim Priest: Murray Wright

• Honorary Priest: Blair Dixon

• Wardens: Mae Boa & Ben Harmsworth

• Sunday School: Marlene Skaalrud

• Music Ministry: Nicole Stenerson

• Treasurer: Tammy Weisgerber Gilbert

• Prayer Cycle: Bert Clarke

THE GATHERING OF THE COMMUNITY

Celebrant: The grace of our lord Jesus Christ the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Congregation: And also with you

COLLECT FOR PURITY

Celebrant: Almighty God…

Congregation: to you all hearts are open, all desires known and from you no secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthy magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord.

Opening Hymn:

#403 Let All Things Now Living

Blue Book

One let all things now livinga song of thanksgiving

to God the creator triumphantly raise,who fashioned and made us,

protected and stayed us,who still guides us on to the end of our days.

Love’s banners are o’er us;God’s light goes before us,

a pillar of fire shining force in the night,till shadows have vanishedand darkness is banished,

as forward we travel from light into Light.

God's law still enforcesthe stars in their courses

and causes the sun in its splendor to shine;the hills and the mountains,

the rivers and fountains,the deeps of the ocean in praises combine.

We too should be voicingOur love and rejoicing;

with glad adoration a song let us raisetill all things now livingunite in thanksgiving:

“To God in the highest, hosanna and praise!"

COLLECT

God, you have shed upon us the new light of your incarnate Word. May this light, enkindled in our hearts, shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

WORD OF GOD

Please be seated as we listen to the Word of God.

ISAIAH 61:10-62:3

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. 2The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will give. 3You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

PSALM 148

REFRAIN: Heaven and Earth Praise the Lord!

• 1Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights!

• REFRAIN: Heaven and Earth Praise the Lord!

• 2Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host! 3Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars! 4Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!


• 5Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created. 6He established them forever and ever; he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.


• 7Praise the LORD from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps,8fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling his command!


• 9Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! 10Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds! 11Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!


• 12Young men and women alike, old and young together! 13Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven.


• 14He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his faithful, for the people of Israel who are close to him. Praise the LORD!


GALATIANS 4:4-7

4But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. 6And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

Gradual Hymn (Blue Book):

# 5 Christ Whose Glory Fills The Skies

Christ whose glory fills the skies,

Christ the true, the only light,

Sun of Righteousness, arise!

Triumph o’er the shades of night:

Day-spring from on high, the near;

Day-star, in my heart appeared.

Dark and cheerless is to mourn

unaccompanied by thee;

joyless is the day’s return,

till then mercy’s beams I see,

till they inward light impart,

glad my eyes and warm my heart.

Visit then this soul of mine,

pierce the gloom of sin and grief;

fill me, Radiancy divine,

scatter all my unbelief;

more and more thyself display,

shining to the perfect day.

GOSPEL: LUKE 2: 22-40

22When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), 24and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” 25Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.

27Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,29“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; 30for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

33And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 36There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day.

38At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

SERMON

APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ , his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of 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. 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 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

• LITANY # 13 (page 120 of BAS, INCARNATION)

• RESPONSE: LORD, GRANT US PEACE.

• PERSONAL PRAYERS

• PRAYER FOR ST. MATTHEW’S

• Please stand, sit or kneel as may be most comfortable for you.

CONFESSION

Celebrant: Dear friends in Christ, God is steadfast in Love and infinite in mercy, he welcomes sinners and invites them to his table. Let us confess our sins, confident in God’s forgiveness.

Celebrant: Most Merciful God

ALL: 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 neighbor 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

ABSOLUTION

Celebrant: Almighty God have mercy upon us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, and keep us in eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

THE PEACE

Celebrant: THE PEACE OF THE LORD BE ALWAYS WITH YOU.

PEOPLE: AND ALSO WITH YOU

Offertory Hymn:

#370 Songs of Praise The Angles Sang

Blue Book

Representatives of the people will present the gifts of bread and wine for the Eucharist (with money and other gifts for the needs and responsibilities of the Church) to

the celebrant before the altar.

Songs of praise the angels sang,Heaven with alleluias rang when creation was begun,

when God spoke and it was done.

Songs of praise awoke the mornwhen the Prince of Peace was born;

songs of praise arose when hecaptive led captivity.

Heaven and earth must pass away;songs of praise show crown that day.

God will make new heavens and earth;songs of praise shall hail their birth.

And shall Christians fail to sintill on earth Christ come as King?No, the church to license to raise

psalms and hymns and songs of praise.

Saints below, with hard and voice,still in songs of praise rejoice,

learning here, by faith and love,songs of praise to sing above.

Hymns of glory, songs of praise, Father, unto you review the race.

Jesus, Saviour, living Word,with the Spirit be adored.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS

God of light, in the birth of your Son we see your glory. May we who share in this mystery grow daily in your love. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING (EUCHARIST) PRAYER #3 (PAGE 198, BAS)

•Celebrant: The Lord be with you

•People: And also with you

•Celebrant: Lift up your heart.

•People: we lift them to the Lord

•Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God

•People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Celebrant: Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; we give you thanks and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, who in the mystery of his incarnation was made perfect man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; in him we have seen a new and radiant vision of your glory. Therefore with all the angels of heaven, we lift our voices and sing our joyful hymn of praise to proclaim the glory of your name.

SANCTUS

•All: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might (REPEAT)

•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.

Celebrant: We give thanks to you, Lord our God, for the goodness and love you have made known to us in creation; in calling Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Saviour and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.

Celebrant: On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, a death he freely accepted, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “ Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: 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 for the remembrance of me.” Therefore, Father, according to his command…

ALL: we remember his death, we proclaim his resurrection, we await his coming in glory

Celebrant: and we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine. We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts, that they may be the sacrament of the body of Christ and his blood of the new covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we, made acceptable in him, may be sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, reconcile all things in Christ, and make them new, and bring us to that city of light where you dwell with all your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation; by whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory are yours, almighty Father, now and for ever.

People: Amen

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Celebrant: And now, as our Saviour Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

All: 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

THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD #6 (INCARNATION)PAGE 211 BAS

Celebrant: We break the bread of life, and that life is the light of the world.

All: God here among us, light in the midst of us, bring us to light and life.

THE COMMUNION

Celebrant: The gifts of God for the people of God.

People: Thanks be to God.

ALL BAPTIZED Christians are welcome to partake in Holy Communion.

If you wish a blessing from the priest, please come forward and cross your arms over your chest.

Communion Hymn:

#48 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent

Blue Book

Let all mortal flesh keep silence,

and with fear and trembling stand;

ponder nothing earthly-minded,

for, with blessing in his hand,

Christ our God to us approacheth,

our full homage to demand.

King of Kings, yet born of Mary,

as of old on earth he stood,

Lord of lords, in human vesture,

in the body and the blood,

he will give to all the faithful

his own self for heavenly food.

Rank on rank the host of heaven

spreads its vanguard on the way,

as the light of light descendeth

from the realms of endless day,

that the powers of hell may vanish

as the darkness clears away.

At his feet the six-winged seraph,

cherubim with sleepless eye

veil their faces to the presence,

as with ceaseless voice they cry,

“Alleluia, alleluia,

alleluia Lord most high!"

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Source of truth and joy, may we who have received the gift of divine life always follow the way of your Son. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.

DOXOLOGY

Celebrant: Glory to God,

All: Whose power, working in us can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. AMEN

Celebrant: The peace of God which passes all human understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and God’s son Jesus Christ our Lord: and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be with each of you and those whom you love during this Christmas season and into eternal life. Amen

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Recessional Hymn:

#434 The Love of Jesus Calls Us

Blue Book

The love of Jesus calls usour joyous praise to sing;

our deeply fell thanksgivingswe now together bring,

for all God's many blessings,I mass yet still received,and for the generationswho faithfully believed.

The love of Jesus calls us,that we may always be

companions on a journey,where all the world may see

that serving Christ is freedomwhich time does not destroy;

work Christ's command his duty,where every duty joy.

The love of Jesus calls us

to go or he would go,

to challenge all that limits,

to change, to learn, to grow,

to know the Christ has freed us,

that prisons are no more;

for those who seek his kingdom,

Christ opens every door.

The love that Jesus calls usis swiftly changing days,to be God's co-creators

in new and wondrous ways;that God with men and womenmay so transform the earth,

that love and peace and justicemay give God's kingdom birth.

DISMISSAL

Celebrant: Go in peace to love & serve

the Lord

All: Thanks be to God

Please join us downstairs for coffee and good food.

ST. MATTHEW’S 1 st Sunday after Christmas Book of Alternative Services.

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Transcript of ST. MATTHEW’S 1 st Sunday after Christmas Book of Alternative Services.