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Service of the Word
Prelude Canticle of the Sun Text and Music Marty Haugen ©1980 GIA Publications
Chorus
The heavens are telling the glory of God,
and all creation is shouting for joy.
Come, dance in the forest, come, play in the field,
and sing, sing to the glory of the Lord.
Praise for the sun, the bringer of day,
he carries the light of the Lord in his rays;
the moon and the stars who light up the way unto your throne. Chorus
Praise for the wind that blows through the trees,
the seas’ mighty storms, the gentlest breeze;
they blow where they will, they blow where they please to please the Lord. Chorus
Praise for the rain that waters our fields,
and blesses our crops so all the earth yields;
from death unto life her mystr’y revealed springs forth in joy. Chorus
Praise for the fire who gives us his light,
the warmth of the sun to brighten our night;
he dances with joy, his spirit so bright, he sings of you. Chorus
Praise for the earth who makes life to grow,
the creatures you made to let your life show;
the flowers and trees that help us to know the heart of love. Chorus
Praise for our death that makes our life real,
the knowledge of loss that helps us to feel;
the gift of yourself, your presence revealed to bring us home. Chorus
Acknowledgement
Welcome
Gathering Hymn 397 CP Praise the One Words © 1987 Hope Publishing Company, 380 S Main Pl, Carol Stream, IL 60188
Praise the One who break the darkness with a liberating light. Praise the One who frees the prisoners turning blindness into sight. Praise the One who preached the Gospel healing every dread disease. Calming storms and feeding thousands with the very bread of peace. Praise the One who blessed the children with a strong yet gentle word. Praise the One who drove out demons with a piercing two-edged sword. Praise the one who brings cool water to the desert's burning sand. From this well comes living water quenching thirst in every land. Praise the one true love incarnate: Christ who suffered in our place. Jesus died and rose for many that we may know God by grace. Let us sing for joy and gladness seeing what our God has done. Praise the one redeeming glory, praise the One who makes us one.
Gathering Sentences (BAS)
Blessed are you, O Christ, Son of God,
you were before time began
and came into the world to save us.
Blessed are you, Sun of righteousness;
you shine with God’s love
and illumine the whole universe.
Blessed are you, Son of Mary;
born a child, you shared our humanity.
Let heaven and earth shout their praise.
Blessed are you, Son of David;
born to rule,
you received gifts from the wise men.
Blessed are you, Son of Man;
baptized by John,
you saved us from ourselves.
Blessed are you, heavenly King;
teaching and preaching, healing and comforting,
you proclaimed the kingdom.
Let heaven and earth shout their praise.
With all the voices of heaven
we celebrate the coming of our Saviour.
Let heaven and earth shout their praise.
With all the creatures on earth
we sing and dance at his birth.
Praise and honour and glory to you, O Lord most high.
The Invitatory
The Lord is our light and our life: O come, let us worship
The Venite, Come Let us Sing ©1992 Jancis Harvey
Refrain: Come let us sing, sing together.
Let us raise our voices in one song.
Let us gather in his presence
and praise the Lord for all that he has done.
Great Creator, mighty God
who made the earth and all upon the land.
Who like a shepherd gently leads us
and ever keeps us safely in his hand. Refrain
In temptation listen to Him
hear the words and understand his ways.
For God is always there beside us
And forever shall be all our days Refrain
Glory be to God the father
And glory be to Jesus Christ the son.
And glory to the holy spirit
forever more and while all ages run. Refrain
Psalm 19 Refrain: The words of the Lord are spirit and life
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows the handiwork of the Lord. One day tells its tale to another, and one night imparts knowledge to another.
The words of the Lord are spirit and life
Although they have no words or language, and their voices are not heard, their sound has gone out into all lands, and their message to the ends of the world.
The words of the Lord are spirit and life
In the deep has God set a pavilion for the sun; it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber; it rejoices like a champion to run its course. It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens and runs about to the end of it again; nothing is hidden from its burning heat.
The words of the Lord are spirit and life
The law of the Lord is perfect and revives the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure and gives wisdom to the innocent. The statutes of the Lord are just and rejoice the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear and gives light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean and endures for ever; the judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
The words of the Lord are spirit and life
More to be desired are they than gold, more than much fine gold, sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb. By them also is your servant enlightened, and in keeping them there is great reward.
The words of the Lord are spirit and life
Who can tell how often they offend? Cleanse me from my secret faults. Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not get dominion over me; then shall I be whole and sound, and innocent of a great offense. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight; O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
The words of the Lord are spirit and life
A Reading from the prophet Nehemiah (8.1-3, 5-6, 8-10)
All the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel. Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, ‘Amen, Amen’, lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground. So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, ‘This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.’ For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, ‘Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God
Canticle This is the Feast 242 CP
Chorus
This is the feast of victory for our God,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Worthy is Christ, the lamb who was slain,
whose blood set us free to be people of God. Chorus
Power, riches, wisdom, and strength
and honour, blessing and glory are his. Chorus
Sing with all the people of God,
and join in the hymn of all creation. Chorus
Blessing, honour, glory, and might
be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen. Chorus
For the Lamb who was slain
has begun his reign. Alleluia! Chorus
A Reading from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians (12.12-31a)
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot were to say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body’, that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear were to say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body’, that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’, nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’ On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body that we think less honourable we clothe with greater honour, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honour to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it.
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God
Gradual Hymn The Spirit of the Lord
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because God has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
God has sent me to proclaim: release to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. (3x)
The Gospel
The Lord be with you And also with you
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Luke (4.14-21)
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ
Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’ And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’
The Gospel of Christ Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
The Homily
Offering Hymn Many are the Light beams Many are the light beams from the one light. Our one light is Jesus. Many are the light beams from the one light; we are one in Christ. Many are the branches of the one tree. Our one tree is Jesus. Many are the branches of the one tree; we are one in Christ. Many are the gifts giv’n, love is all one. Love’s the gift of Jesus. Many are the gifts giv’n, love is all one; we are one in Christ. Many ways to serve God, the Spirit is one, Servant spirit of Jesus. Many ways to serve God, the Spirit is one, we are one in Christ. Many are the members, the body is one, Members all of Jesus. Many are the members, the body is one, we are one in Christ.
Prayer over the Gifts
Loving God, before the world began you called us. Make holy all we offer you this day, and strengthen us in that calling. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen
Shema “Hear O Israel” © 2006 The Paulinians
Traditional, alt. G. Woodcroft
Hear O Israel! God is one.
Love God with heart, mind, soul and strength.
Hear O Israel! God is one.
Love God with heart, mind, soul and strength.
As ourselves, let us love one another;
Nothing’s greater than this.
Hear O Israel! God is one.
Love God with heart, mind, soul and strength.
Hear O Israel! God is one.
Love God with heart, mind, soul and strength.
Prayers of the People - Epiphany Season
God of light and life our prayers rise before you this day in hope and faith.
We pray for your church, for our diocese, bishops, clergy and all people... (petitions may be added)
Flame of abundant love, be our Joy in proclaiming your Good News to the world.
We pray for all who are coming to faith, all who wonder about faith, and all who are struggling with faith... (petitions may be added)
Light of all creation, guide us to lead, teach and nurture your disciples
We pray for those in need of food, shelter, clothing, and of God's healing touch, especially those for whom our prayers are especially desired ... (petitions may be added)
Comforter of the suffering, warm our hands to loving service
We pray for the world, especially where there is trouble and suffering, far away or nearby... (petitions may be added)
Ember of steadfast care, fuel our passion to challenge injustice and violence and to pursue peace and reconciliation
We pray for the land on which we stand, the peoples, creatures, plant life and waters around us... (petitions may be added)
Star blaze of glory, lead us to care for this fragile earth, our island home, and to heal the circle of creation
God of radiant light, your love illumines our hopes before we know them,
And our needs before we ask. Kindle your flame within us, that in our prayers and service,
we may know your transforming presence at work in the world around us.
All this we ask through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
The Collect
God of all mercy, your Son proclaimed good news to the poor, release to the captives, and freedom to the oppressed: anoint us with your Holy Spirit, so that all people may be free to praise you in Christ our Lord. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
As our Saviour taught us, let us pray
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread and forgive us our sins.
As we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
For the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory are yours.
Now and forever. Amen.
The Blessing
Closing Hymn They’ll Know We Are Christians by our Love We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord, We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord, And we pray that all unity may one day be restored. Chorus And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love. We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand, We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand, And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land. Chorus We will work with each other, we will work side by side, We will work with each other, we will work side by side, And we’ll guard each one’s dignity and save each one’s pride. Chorus
All praise to Creator from whom all things come, And all praise to Christ Jesus, God’s only son, And all praise to the Spirit, who makes us one. Chorus
The Dismissal
The Spirit is upon us, so go out into the world, for we have been anointed: to share the good news with everyone we meet, to bring freedom to those held captive, to bring hope to those who have been displaced, to tear down all structures of oppression, to declare that this is God’s time. Amen! Alleluia!!
Postlude I Am the Light of the World Chorus “I am the light of the world! You people come and follow me!” If you follow and love, You’ll learn the mystery of what you were meant to do and be. When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and the shepherds have found their way home, the work of Christmas is begun: Chorus To find the lost and lonely one, to heal the broken soul with love, to feed hungry children with warmth and good food, to feel the earth below, the sky above! Chorus To free the prisoners from all chains, to make the powerful care, to rebuild the nations with strength of good will, to call a man your brother everywhere! Chorus
To bring hope to every task you do, to dance at a baby’s new birth, to make music in an old woman’s heart, and sing to the colours of the earth! Chorus