The Presentation of Our Lord, February 2
Preparing to Worship
Cover Image:
“Remix Glitch Transfiguration” by Kelly Latimore
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A Poem for Epiphany:
“How the Light Comes” by Jan Richardson
I cannot tell you
how the light comes.
What I know
is that it is more ancient
than imagining.
That it travels
across an astounding expanse
to reach us.
That it loves
searching out
what is hidden,
what is lost,
what is forgotten
or in peril
or in pain.
That it has a fondness
for the body,
for finding its way
toward flesh,
for tracing the edges
of form,
for shining forth
through the eye,
the hand,
the heart.
I cannot tell you
how the light comes,
but that it does.
That it will.
That it works its way
into the deepest dark
that enfolds you,
though it may seem
long ages in coming
or arrive in a shape
you did not foresee.
And so
may we this day
turn ourselves toward it.
May we lift our faces
to let it find us.
May we bend our bodies
to follow the arc it makes.
May we open
and open more
and open still
to the blessed light
that comes.
A Prayer in a Season of Discernment
Today, O God of all days, give us an experience of your heart. Draw us deep into your very being, into the core of your love for us, others, and the world. Give us a glimpse of others the way you see others: loving them, forgiving them, and delighting in the way they give glory to God through their very existence. Help us to discern out of that open place of deep affection so that we too might be useful vessels of your love in the world. Amen.
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Prelude (10:30 Service)
Welcome
Processional Hymn (10:30 Service) SEE INSERT
Opening Acclamation
Please rise in body or spirit
Celebrant Blessed be the one, holy, and living God.
People Glory to God for ever and ever.
Celebrant Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from your 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.
Song of Praise Arise Shine
Liturgy of the Word
The first part of the service is the Liturgy of the Word, in which we read and respond to appointed lessons from Scripture. We hear the stories of the experience of God from our spiritual ancestors. Following an ancient pattern originally from Jewish synagogue worship, readings follow a calendar, or “lectionary,” shared by Christians around the world.
The Collect of the Day SEE INSERT
Celebrant God be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.
The Lessons
First Lesson SEE INSERT
Reader The Word of the Lord
People Thanks be to God.
The Psalm (spoken responsively by whole verse) SEE INSERT
Second Lesson SEE INSERT
Reader The Word of the Lord
People Thanks be to God
Gospel Processional Hymn (10:30 Service) Angels We have Heard on High
The Holy Gospel SEE INSERT
Please rise in body or spirit.
Before the Gospel Reading
Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to ______.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
After the Gospel Reading
Deacon The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Sermon
A moment of silence is observed, following the sermon.
Nicene Creed (spoken in unison)
Celebrant Let us affirm our faith in God.
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,
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
Deacon Let us pray for the Church and for the world.
Leader 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
People Hear our prayer.
Leader 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
Leader Lord, in your mercy
People Hear our prayer.
Leader 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
Leader Lord, in your mercy
People Hear our prayer.
Leader 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
Leader Lord, in your mercy
People Hear our prayer.
Leader Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, remembering especially __________________. The congregation may add their own petitions, silently or aloud.
Give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation.
Silence
Leader Lord, in your mercy
People Hear our prayer.
Leader 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
Leader Lord, in your mercy
People Hear our prayer.
The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.
The Peace
Please rise in body or in spirit.
Celebrant Sisters and Brothers, the peace of Christ be always with you.
People And also with you.
We greet one another with a sign of God’s peace.
Welcome and Announcements
Please be seated for a few brief announcements. On the first Sunday of the month, we remember birthdays for the month, and invite those celebrating birthdays to come forward, as one of the clergy offers prayers and blessings.
Offertory Sentence
Celebrant
Offertory Anthem
At the 10:30 service, a musical offering is presented by the choir or soloist.
Offertory Hymn I Come with Joy
At the 10:30 service, please rise in body or in spirit and sing as the ushers bring forward our offerings.
The Liturgy of the Table
The second part of the liturgy moves to the Table. As we remember Jesus’ last supper with his disciples, we gather in a way Christians have done since earliest times. At Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, all are welcome at the Communion Table.
The Eucharistic Prayer
Celebrant God be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Lift up your hearts
People We lift then to the Lord.
Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give our thanks and praise.
The Celebrant continues
It is truly right, and good and joyful, to give you thanks,
all-holy God, source of life and fountain of mercy.
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.
Therefore, joining with Angels and Archangels
and with the faithful of every generation,
we lift our voices with all creation as we sing (say):
Celebrant and People
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
The Celebrant continues
Blessed are you, gracious God,
creator of the universe and giver of life.
You formed us in your own image
and called us to dwell in your infinite love.
You gave the world into our care
that we might be your faithful stewards and show forth your bountiful grace.
But we failed to honor your image
in one another and in ourselves;
we would not see your goodness in the world around us;
and so we violated your creation,
abused one another,
and rejected your love.
Yet you never ceased to care for us,
and prepared the way of salvation for all people.
Through Abraham and Sarah
you called us into covenant with you.
You delivered us from slavery,
sustained us in the wilderness,
and raised up prophets
to renew your promise of salvation.
Then, in the fullness of time,
you sent your eternal Word,
made mortal flesh in Jesus.
Born into the human family,
and dwelling among us,
he revealed your glory.
Giving himself freely to death on the cross, he triumphed over evil,
opening the way of freedom and life.
On the night before he died for us,
Our Savior Jesus Christ took bread,
and when he had given thanks to you,
he broke it, and gave it to his friends, 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, 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 poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Therefore, we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Celebrant and People
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
The Celebrant continues
Remembering his death and resurrection,
we now present to you from your creation
this bread and this wine.
By your Holy Spirit may they be for us
the Body and Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ. Grant that we who share these gifts
may be filled with the Holy Spirit
and live as Christ’s Body in the world.
Bring us into the everlasting heritage
of your daughters and sons,
that with [ ___________ and] all your saints, past, present, and yet to come,
we may praise your Name for ever.
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
Celebrant And now as our Savior Christ has taught us, and in the language of our heart, we 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
Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo, santificado sea tu Nombre, venga tu reino, hágase tu voluntad, en la tierra como en el cielo. Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día. Perdona nuestras ofensas, como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden. No nos dejes caer en tentación y líbranos del mal. Porque tuyo es el reino, tuyo es el poder, y tuya es la gloria, ahora y por siempre. Amén
The Breaking of the Bread
Celebrant Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
People Therefore, let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Celebrant The Gifts of God for the People of God.
Communion Hymns SEE INSERT
The congregation is invited to join in the singing of communion hymns
Post Communion Prayer
Please rise in body or in spirit.
Celebrant Together, let us pray
Celebrant and People Almighty and everliving God,
we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food
of the most precious Body and Blood
of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ;
and for assuring us in these holy mysteries
that we are living members of the Body of your Son,
and heirs of your eternal kingdom.
And now, Father, send us out
to do the work you have given us to do,
to love and serve you
as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.
To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Sending of Lay Eucharistic Visitors
At various times, Lay Eucharistic Visitors take the consecrated bread and wine to those who cannot
physically be present for worship. When we do so, the following prayer may be offered:
Deacon We send you forth, bearing these holy gifts, that those to whom you go may share with us in the Body and Blood of Christ our Savior.
People We who are many are one body, because we all share one bread, one cup.
The Blessing
Celebrant May Christ, the Son of God, be manifest in you, that your
lives may be a light to the world; 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 SEE INSERT
Dismissal
Deacon Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!
People Thanks be to God!
Postlude (10:30 Service)
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Parish Staff
The Rev. C. Earl Mahan, Interim Rector
call 314-721-7401 x303 text 314-996-9814
The Rev. Julie Graham, Associate Rector
call 314-721-7401 x302 text 314-886-7594
The Rev. Chester Hines, Deacon
call 314-367-7332
Darcy Brainard, Parish Administrator
call 314-721-7401 x301
Mary Chapman, Director of Music
Jim Kern, Financial Administrator
Liturgical Source Material: The 1979 Book of Common Prayer, Enriching Our Worship, The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version
Music used and reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A-704988, WorshipCast License #13476, and St. James Music Press License #14747
The Presentation of Our Lord, February 2
Prelude: Wie Schoen Leuchet der Morganstern by Neils Gade
Processional Hymn: O Day of Radiant Gladness H48
Offertory Anthem: We Walk in Love by Deanna Witkowski
Communion Hymns: Marching to Zion L12
Be not Dismayed Whate’er Betide L183
Recessional Hymn: There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit L120
Postlude: Toccata in C Major by Johann Pachelbel
The Collect
Almighty and ever-living God, we humbly pray that, as your only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple, so we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts by Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
First Lesson: Malachi 3:1-4
Thus says the Lord, See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight-- indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?
For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.
Psalm 84
1 How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts! *
My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.
2 The sparrow has found her a house
and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young; *
by the side of your altars, O Lord of hosts,
my King and my God.
3 Happy are they who dwell in your house! *
they will always be praising you.
4 Happy are the people whose strength is in you! *
whose hearts are set on the pilgrims' way.
5 Those who go through the desolate valley will find it a place of springs, *
for the early rains have covered it with pools of water.
6 They will climb from height to height, *
and the God of gods will reveal himself in Zion.
7 Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; *
hearken, O God of Jacob.
8 Behold our defender, O God; *
and look upon the face of your Anointed.
9 For one day in your courts is better than a thousand in my own room, *
and to stand at the threshold of the house of my God
than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.
10 For the Lord God is both sun and shield; *
he will give grace and glory;
11 No good thing will the Lord withhold *
from those who walk with integrity.
12 O Lord of hosts, *
happy are they who put their trust in you!
Second Lesson: Hebrews 2:14-18
Since God's children share flesh and blood, Jesus himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
The Gospel: Luke 2:22-40
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."
Now 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. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided 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, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
"Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."
And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then 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 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed-- and a sword will pierce your own soul too."
There 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, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At 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.
When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him
Announcements
More information on upcoming events can be found at holycommunion.net/info
The Healing Power of a Person: Join Adult Forum TODAY, February 3, and learn about and reflect on the pastoral care ministries of our Lay Eucharistic Visitors and Community of Hope Lay Chaplains. Led by Marlene O'Brien and Denise Carpenter, along with clergy staff. Meet in Mitchell Hall at 9 a.m.
Black History Adult Forum: On Sunday, February 9, you are invited Adult Forum for overview of Black History in America including: Slavery in the United States, Abolition of Slavery, The Emancipation Proclamation, The Period of Reconstruction, Racial Segregation in the United States, Black Migration and Civil Rights. This program will be presented by Rev. Chester Hines in Mitchell Hall at 9 a.m.
Baptism Sunday: February 9, at 10:30 a.m., let us welcome Thea Day Knipp, daughter of Cortney and Griffin Knipp, into the household of God! Come surround her with the fellowship of God's community. All are invited to the family's chili luncheon and baptism cake after the service.
Acolyte Training: Immediately following the service, February 9 & 16, for anyone interested, curious or feeling you want to do more in worship. You are needed to be an acolyte on Sunday Mornings! Come learn what an acolyte does and how this role makes our worship vibrant and beautiful! All ages welcome! Please sign up with Rev. Julie at jgraham@holycommunion.net.
Black History St. Louis at Adult Forum: On Sunday, February 23, 2025 the you are invited to Adult Forum for an overview of Black History in St. Louis. This program will focus on portions St. Louis’ Black history. Sketches of St. Louis historical content on slavery and immigration will be presented and discussed as well as the abolishment of slavery and the existing problems after slavery including the continuing problematic issues faced by our community today. This program will be presented by Elizabeth Hines at 9 a.m. in Mitchell Hall.
Pádraig Ó Tuama Writing Workshop: On Saturday, March 1, from 6-8 p.m., St. Stephens & the Vine will be hosting a Community Evening with dinner, and a poetry writing workshop. Pádraig is an Irish poet, theologian, and conflict mediator who thrives in education & storytelling. Join for an evening of fun with no writing experience needed! Location: St. Stephen’s Church: 33 N. Clay Ave, Ferguson, MO. If you would like to travel as a group, please contact Julie at jgraham@holycommunion.net.
Pick-Up Choir - First Sunday of Each Month: Join Pick-Up Choir every first Sunday of the month! Please meet in the Sanctuary at 9:30 before the service to review music for that day. No experience needed to participate! Contact Music Director, Mary Chapman for more info at mchapman@holycommunion.net.
Servers
Preacher: The Reverend Earl Mahan
Celebrant: The Reverend Julie Graham
Deacon: The Reverend Chester Hines
Organist: Earl Naylor
Readers: Lisa Hummel (8), Katherine Bertelsen, Andrew Wasson (10:30)
Intercessor: Alison Nash (8), (10:30)
Announcements: (8), (10:30)
Greeters: Adam Pearson (8), Carol Schmidt, Heidi Volkl (10:30)
Crucifer: William Kelly
Chalice Bearers: Elizabeth Hines (8), Kari Potts (10:30)
Streamer: Lucas Kerbs
