The 2nd Sunday of Epiphany – 20 Jan 2019 – John 2:1-11 ~ Jesus’ glory revealed

Second Sunday of Epiphany

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Prayer

God of wonders, at Cana in Galilee you revealed your glory in Jesus Christ and summoned all humanity to life in him. Show us your transforming power and give us a foretaste of the new wine you keep for the age to come. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” – Mass Choir, India

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Gospel Reading: John 2:1-11 (NLT)

The Wedding at Cana

The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.”

“Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”

But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions.

When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!”

This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
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Prayers of Intercession:

God of wonders: Reveal the glory of your Son, Jesus Christ, to every tribe and nation. We pray especially –

+ For believers everywhere who are seeking to follow Christ – unite us in faith, hope and love….
+ For believers facing persecution and dislocation in Africa and the Middle East – shield and protect them, and deliver them from evil….
+ For believers returning to their war-ravaged communities in Africa and the Middle East – sustain them and restore them….
+ For believers everywhere who are sick in body, mind, or spirit – reveal your glory and show them your loving-kindness….
+ For believers everywhere who are preparing to marry – unite them in Christ, and fill them with joy….
+ For believing families everywhere – unite them in Christ, and give them wisdom and sound judgement….

God of wonders: We proclaim to the nations – ‘God is king!’ Reveal your glory in answer to our prayers, we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
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“Open up the Heavens” – Vertical Church Band

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Blessing – Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do far more than all that we ask or imagine, according to his power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

The Baptism of the Lord – 13 Jan 2019 – Luke 3:15-22 ~ You bring me joy!

The Baptism of the Lord

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Prayer

Open the heavens, almighty Father, and pour out your Spirit on your people. Renew the power of our baptismal cleansing and fill us with enthusiasm for good deeds. Speak to us once again, that we may joyfully follow your beloved Son our certain hope of eternal life. Grant this through Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendor of eternal light, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Down In The River To Pray” – ALISON KRAUSS

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Gospel Reading: Luke 3:15-22 (NLT)

Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” John used many such warnings as he announced the Good News to the people.

John also publicly criticized Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, for marrying Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for many other wrongs he had done. So Herod put John in prison, adding this sin to his many others.

The Baptism of Jesus

One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”
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Prayers of Intercession:

Loving God, whose Spirit renews the face of the earth: send your Spirit to us today. We pray especially –

+ For all who have been baptized into your family, fill us with your Spirit that we will faithfully follow you….
+ For newly baptized believers, that they will grow in faith and understanding as they discover the gift’s of your Spirit….
+ For all baptized believers, that our lives will bear witness to your loving-kindness, mercy, and grace….
+ For all newborn babies, that their parents will shepherd them into a baptized, saving relationship with your Son, Jesus Christ….
+ For expectant mothers, and parents hoping for a baby, that their dream of a happy, healthy child will become a reality….
+ For leaders of tribes and nations, that you raise up people of faith and wisdom who will help them face the challenges of today….
+ For our friends and loved ones who have gone before us in faith, that they will rejoice as eternal citizens of your Kingdom….

Loving God, your creative Spirit renews humanity and sustains us always: hear our prayers and continue to support us by your mercy and grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Baptizing my son in the Jordan River. No greater joy!” – Andres Bisonni

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Blessing –

Almighty God: Send us out in the power of the Holy Spirit, that we may follow in Jesus’ footsteps – going around doing good, healing the sick, and bringing the Good News of your great love for all people everywhere.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Epiphany Sunday – 06 Jan 2019 – Matthew 2:1-12 ~ wise men worship Him

Epiphany Sunday

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Prayer

Lord God of the nations, we have seen the star of your glory rising in splendor. The radiance of your incarnate Word pierces the darkness that covers the earth and signals the dawn of peace and goodwill. Make radiant the lives of your people with that same brightness, and beckon all the nations to walk as one in your light. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendor of eternal light, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“We Three Kings of Orient Are” – Angel City Chorale

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 Night,
Star with Royal Beauty bright,
Westward leading, Still proceeding,
Guide us to Thy perfect Light.

Born a King on Bethlehem plain,
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King for ever, Ceasing never
Over us all to reign.

Glorious now behold Him arise,
King, and God, and Sacrifice;
Heav’n sings Hallelujah:
Hallelujah the earth replies.
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Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12 (NLT)

Visitors from the East

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”

“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:

‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”

Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”

After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
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Prayers of Intercession:

Almighty God: We join today with wise men and women throughout the ages who have worshiped King Jesus, born in Bethlehem in a manger. Shine your light in our darkness that we may be filled with hope in every circumstance.

We pray especially –

+ For the people of all tribes and nations, that they may hear and believe the Good News of your saving grace….
+ For believers in the Middle East, suffering persecution, that the light of Christ will lead them to safety….
+ For Orthodox believers, who celebrate Christmas on January 7th, that together we may all draw closer to you and be one in Christ….
+ For the Jewish people, our brothers and sisters, that through the faithful study of your word, they too may recognize Yeshua Mashiach….
+ For people of all faiths and of none, that in this New Year they too may grow in peace and goodwill….
+ For our friends and relatives who have died in Christ, that may rejoice in the perfect light of your presence….

Almighty God, Ruler of all nations: help us according to our needs, and guide us on our pilgrimage to eternity. We pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” – Six-String Soldiers

Oh beautiful star of Bethlehem | Shining far through shadows dimmed
Giving the light for those who long have gone
Guiding the wise men on their way | Unto the place where Jesus lay
Oh beautiful star of Bethlehem shine on

Oh beautiful star (beautiful, beautiful star) of Bethlehem (star of Bethlehem)
Shine upon us until the glory dawns
Give us a lamp to light the way | Unto the land of perfect day
Oh beautiful star of Bethlehem shine on

Oh beautiful star the hope, the grace | For the redeemed the good and the blessed
Yonder in glory when the crown is won
Jesus is now the star divine | Brighter and brighter he will shine
Oh beautiful star of Bethlehem shine on

Blessing –

+ May God who called you from darkness into his marvelous light shower you with his blessings and strengthen you in faith, hope, and love.
+ May God whose only-begotten Son enlightened the world on this day make you also a light to your family, friends, and neighbors.
+ May God who guided the Magi with a star lead you to the perfect light of Christ when your earthly pilgrimage is done.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

First Sunday of Christmas – 30 Dec – John 1:1-18 ~ Christmas reveals God’s unfailing love and faithfulness

First Sunday of Christmas

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Prayer

As your sons and daughters, O loving God, we come before you in thanksgiving, called and united by your eternal Word. Teach us to ponder the mystery of Christmas, that we may always find in you the source of our strength and the unity of our life together. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendor of eternal light, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Adore” – Chris Tomlin

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Gospel Reading: John 1:1-18 (NLT)

Prologue: Christ, the Eternal Word

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

+ He existed in the beginning with God.
+ God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.
+ The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.
+ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’”

From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.
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Prayers of Intercession:

God our Creator: You made us and spoke life into us, and you adopted us into your family. Make plain your unfailing love and faithfulness to us today. We pray especially –

+ For all the members of your family, that joy and peace may be theirs through the celebration of Christmas…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who are displaced and dispossessed, that they may be protected and find comfort and rest…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all our friends and neighbors, that the Word made flesh may be at the center of every home…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all families where there is heartache or hurt, that everyone involved may experience reconciliation and healing…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who look to the future with fear, that the unfailing love of Christ may dispel their anxiety as they approach the coming year…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who are sick, in hospitals or living in nursing homes, that we may remember them and honor them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have died in Christ, especially during the past year, that they may rejoice in eternal life with the angels of heaven…. Lord, hear us.

God our Creator: Your strength sustains us all our days, hear our prayers and reveal your heart to us throughout the New Year, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“In the beginning” – Joel Payne

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Blessing – Ephesians 3:20-21 (NLT)

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Fourth Sunday of Advent – 23 Dec – Luke 1:39-56 ~ Blessed because you believed.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Prayer

Who are we, Lord God, that you should come to us? Yet you have visited your people and redeemed us in your Son. As we prepare to celebrate his birth, make our hearts leap for joy at the sound of your Word, and move us by your Spirit to bless your wonderful works. We ask this through him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near: your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Canticle of Magnificat” (Lk 1:46-55) – Song of Mary sung in Latin by the Daughters of Mary

[46] And Mary said: My soul * doth magnify the Lord: [47] and my spirit hath rejoiced * in God, my Savior.

[48] Because He hath regarded the humility of His handmaid: * for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed, [49] because He that is Mighty hath done great things to me; * and Holy is His Name. [50] And His Mercy is from generation unto generations, * to them that fear Him. [51] He hath shewed might in His arm: * He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. [52] He hath put down the mighty from their seat, * and hath exalted the humble. [53] He hath filled the hungry with good things: * and the rich He hath sent empty away. [54] He hath received Israel, His servant, * being mindful of His Mercy: [55] as He spoke to our fathers, * to Abraham and to his seed for ever.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, * and will be forever. Amen.
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Gospel Reading: Luke 1:39-56 (NLT)

A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”

Mary responded,

“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!

_ For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed.
_ For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me.
_ He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him.
_ His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
_ He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.
_ He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble.
_ He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands.
_ He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful.
_ For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”

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Prayers of Intercession:

Mighty God: We rejoice with the blessed virgin Mary at the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. Pour out your Spirit on us and fill us with an abundance of faith that we might receive your blessing as well. We pray especially –

+ for all believers around the world, that their faith may be strengthened at the celebration of Christmas…
+ for all who faithfully labor in obscurity, that they may receive your blessing at the celebration of Christmas…
+ for all who are burdened by sin and shame, that they may receive mercy and pardon at the celebration of Christmas…
+ for all who are waiting for a miracle, that they may be encouraged by the wonder and mystery of Christmas…
+ for all who are waiting for justice, that they may be confident in the truth and righteousness of Christmas…
+ for all who are poor and needy, that they may receive the essentials of life through the generosity of Christmas…

Mighty God: We rejoice with the blessed virgin Mary at the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. Fill us with wonder and joy at his Birth, and prepare us to welcome his Return with confidence and faith, through the power of our Word and Spirit at work within us – all to your glory. Amen.
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“Magnificat” – by Kim André Arnesen (Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim, Norway)

(Lk 1:46-55) [46] Et ait María: Magníficat * ánima mea Dóminum: [47] et exsultávit spíritus meus * in Deo, Salutári meo.

[48] Quia respéxit humilitátem ancíllæ Suæ: * ecce enim ex hoc beátam me dicent omnes generatiónes, [49] quia fecit mihi magna qui Potens est: * et Sanctum Nomen Eius. [50] Et Misericórdia Eius a progénie in progénies * timéntibus Eum. [51] Fecit poténtiam in bráchio Suo: * dispérsit supérbos mente cordis sui. [52] Depósuit poténtes de sede, * et exaltávit húmiles. [53] Esuriéntes implévit bonis: * et dívites dimísit inánes. [54] Suscépit Ísraël, púerum Suum, * recordátus Misericórdiæ Suæ: [55] sicut locútus est ad patres nostros, * Ábraham et sémini eius in sǽcula.
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Blessing –

May God the almighty and merciful bless you by the light of Christ’s coming, and enrich your lives with every grace. May God make you steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, and untiring in love all the days of your life. And may God reward you with eternal life when our Redeemer comes again in glory.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

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