HOLY EUCHARIST for the BAPTISM OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

The Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ
January 1, 2023

Welcome to St. Titus’ Episcopal Church
Whether you are here for the first time or your family has been part of St. Titus’ for generations, whether you’re here in person or watching online, the Holy Spirit has brought you to this place. We’re glad you’re here! Our Mission and Vision Statements are printed below. You can learn more about this faith community on our website, sttitusdurham.org. Our interim rector, Rev. Alicia or our deacon, Rev. Sarah, would be happy to talk with you about who we are and what we do at St. Titus’. We invite you to join us on our journey of faith.

Our Mission Statement
St. Titus’ is a diverse and growing community committed to walking with Christ by serving others, pursuing justice and welcoming all.

Our Vision Statement
God dreams for St. Titus’ to be sacred ground where all of God’s children experience the unconditional love of Jesus. In faithful response, we will offer Spirit-filled worship where people from diverse backgrounds encounter God. As an intergenerational community, we will deepen our faith through sharing scripture, Christian tradition and our own experience. We will be open and authentic with one another, and respond to the needs of our neighbors with compassion and creativity. Our passion for God’s justice and peace will compel us to become agents for social, political, and economic transformation. St. Titus’ will be Beloved Community.

Celebrant The Rev. Dr. Alicia Alexis
Preacher The Rev. Sarah Woodard
Deacon The Rev. Sarah Woodard
Eucharistic Minister Lionell Parker
First Lesson Henry Kennelly
Epistle Chuck Hennessee
Intercessor Yvette Matthews
Altar Guild Danita and Lionell Parker
Tech Team Livio Carnera, Yvette Matthews
Ushers Valerie Quiett, Kenneth Valentine

The Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ
Holy Eucharist, Rite II
January 8, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.

Prelude

Welcome

Processional Hymn O Love, how deep, how broad, how high The Hymnal 1982 #448

Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and forever. Amen.

The Celebrant then continues
There is one Body and one Spirit;
People There is one hope in God’s call to us;
Celebrant One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism;
People One God and Father of all.

Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.

The Celebrant says
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.

Glory to God LEVAS II #243

Refrain:
Glory, Glory, hallelujah,
Lord we praise your Holy name,
Glory, Glory hallelujah,
Lord we praise your Holy name.

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, Refrain

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. Refrain Amen.

The Celebrant says to the people
The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.

Collect for the Baptism of our Lord

Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

First Reading Isaiah 42:1-9

Reader A Reading from the Book of Isaiah

Here is 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.

He will not cry or lift up his voice,
or make it heard in the street;
a bruised reed he will not break,
and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice.
He will not grow faint or be crushed
until he has established justice in the earth;
and the coastlands wait for his teaching.
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 upon it
and spirit to those who walk in it:
I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness,
I have taken you by the hand and kept you;
I have given you as a covenant to the people,
a light to the nations,
to open the eyes that are blind,
to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
from the prison those who sit in darkness.
I am the Lord, that is my name;
my glory I give to no other,
nor my praise to idols.
See, 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 29 Afferte Domino
1 Ascribe to the Lord, you gods, *
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his Name; *
worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
3 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters;
the God of glory thunders; *
the Lord is upon the mighty waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is a powerful voice; *
the voice of the Lord is a voice of splendor.
5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedar trees; *
the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon;
6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, *
and Mount Hermon like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the Lord splits the flames of fire;
the voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; *
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
8 The voice of the Lord makes the oak trees writhe *
and strips the forests bare.
9 And in the temple of the Lord *
all are crying, “Glory!”
10 The Lord sits enthroned above the flood; *
the Lord sits enthroned as King for evermore.
11 The Lord shall give strength to his people; *
the Lord shall give his people the blessing of peace.

Second Reading Acts 10:34-43
Reader A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles

Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ–he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Reader The Word of the Lord
People Thanks be to God

Sequence Hymn On Jordan’s banks the baptist’s cry (vs. 1-3) The Hymnal 1982 #76

Gospel Matthew 3:13-17

The Deacon says
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

After the Gospel the Deacon says
The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Sermon The Rev. Sarah Woodard

The Renewal of Baptismal Vows  

Celebrant   Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?

People      I do.

Celebrant Do you believe in God the Father?

People   I believe in God, the Father almighty,

            Creator of heaven and earth.

Celebrant  Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

People      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.

Celebrant  Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

People     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.

Celebrant  Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship,

   in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?

People      I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant  Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin,

   repent and return to the Lord?

People      I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant  Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?

People      I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant  Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?

People      I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant  Will you strive for justice and peace among all people,

   and respect the dignity of every human being?

People      I will, with God’s help.

The Celebrant concludes the Renewal of Vows as follows

May Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and bestowed upon us the forgiveness of sins, keep us in eternal life by his grace, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of the People

The intercessor and people pray responsively.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due God’s name;
worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

Let us pray to the Lord saying, “In the house of the Lord all are crying,
‘Glory.’ ”

Lord, give your Church the blessing of peace. Give us the power to testify about your Son, Jesus. Give us your Spirit that we may live fully into your righteous calling.

Silence

In the house of the Lord all are crying,
‘Glory.’

Lord, give this nation the blessing of peace. Make our hearts understand that you show no partiality, but know that in every nation you accept anyone who does what is right.

Silence

In the house of the Lord all are crying,
‘Glory.’

Lord, give your creation the blessing of peace. You make yourself known to us in your works. You created the heavens and stretched them out; you spread out the earth and what comes from it. You are upon the mighty waters. May we witness your presence all around us.

Silence

In the house of the Lord all are crying,
‘Glory.’

Lord, give this region the blessing of peace. May we not grow faint until your justice has been established in our hearts and lives.

Silence

In the house of the Lord all are crying,
‘Glory.’

Lord, give to our friends and family the blessing of peace. Bring your light to those who sit in darkness. In their places of hurt, pain, and death, declare new things and spring forth new life.

We pray for:
Toby, Ama, Dorothy, Lawrence, Ann, Murphy, Karen, Derek, Walter, Mary, Vivian, Danita, Lionell, Vincent, Howard, Sydney, Carol, Robert, and Beverly

Silence

In the house of the Lord all are crying,
‘Glory.’

Lord, give to those who have died the blessing of everlasting peace. May those who ate and drank of the body and blood of Christ in this life also know his resurrection life.

Silence

In the house of the Lord all are crying,
‘Glory.’

A Prayer for a Rector Search

Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The celebrant adds a concluding collect.
Almighty God, to whom our needs are known before we ask: Help us to ask only what accords with your will; and those good things which we dare not, or in our blindness cannot ask, grant us for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Confession

The deacon says
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. [The people may stand or kneel.]
[Silence may be kept.]

Minister and People
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 have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

The Peace

Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.

The Ministers and People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.

Welcome and Announcements

The Holy Communion
Offertory Sentence

If you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23,24

Offertory Hymn Wade in the water LEVAS II #143
The Great Thanksgiving (Eucharistic Prayer B)

Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Lift up your hearts.
People We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Celebrant
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Because in Jesus Christ our Lord you have received us as your sons and daughters, made us citizens of your kingdom, and given us the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth.

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:

Hosanna in the highest.

LEVAS II #255

Holy, holy, holy, holy,
holy Lord God of hosts,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in
the name of the Lord, of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Hosanna in the highest.

Then the Celebrant continues
We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of 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 Savior 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.
At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it, or to lay a hand upon it; and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing wine to be consecrated.

On the night before he died for us, 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, according to his command, O Father,

Celebrant and People
We remember his death,
We proclaim his resurrection,
We await his coming in glory;

The Celebrant continues
And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O 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 may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with St. Titus and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of 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 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
(The congregation is invited to raise their hands when singing “For thine is the kingdom”)

The Celebrant says
As our Savior Christ has taught us we are bold to sing:

Our Father, which 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 debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
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

Celebrant Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People Therefore let us keep the feast.

The Priest invites the people to Communion
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.

Administration of Communion

At the time of communion, you are invited to come forward and receive the bread and wine. The priest will place a wafer in your hand. You may then receive wine either by direct consumption from a chalice (Common Cup) or you may give the wafer to the Eucharistic minister who will dip the wafer in the wine and place the wafer on your tongue. You may also still come forward to receive a blessing. Simply cross your arms over your chest before the priest for the blessing. After receiving communion or a blessing, you may return to your seat.

Communion Hymn This is my body LEVAS II #155

For those of you who are participating in this celebration of Holy Eucharist from a different location, we invite you to pray with these words during the distribution of the holy sacrament:

A Prayer for Spiritual Communion

In union, O Lord, with your faithful people at every altar of your Church, where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, I desire to offer to you praise and thanksgiving. I remember your death, Lord Christ; I proclaim your resurrection; I await your coming in glory. Since I cannot receive you today in the Sacrament of your Body and Blood, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. Cleanse and strengthen me with your grace, Lord Jesus, and let me never be separated from you. May I live in you, and you in me, in this life and in the life to come. Amen.

Post-communion Prayer

The celebrant says
Let us pray.

The celebrant and people say together
Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Blessing

The Celebrant says

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 God the omnipotent! The Hymnal 1982 #569

Deacon Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
People Thanks be to God.

Postlude
Announcements

Come and join full parish meeting for Rector Search! Please join the Rector Search Committee, along with the NC Episcopal Diocese staff to share St Titus’ story on January 29, 2023. Whether you are a longtime or new member- All are welcome! We will use the results of the meeting to complete our Community Ministry Portfolio. This tool will be used to highlight St Titus for prospective candidates as our next priest.
There will be one service at 10:30, the meeting will begin immediately after service along with a coffee hour. Please reach out to any member of the Rector Search Committee with questions.

Calling young adults! This new year, a new small group is forming for St. Titus young adults. This will be a quite open form chance for young adults to gather together and share about life experience, pray, and read a small bit from Scripture. Please contact Jenifer Brown (brownjen03@gmail.com) or Henry Kennelly (hbkennelly@gmail.com) if you are interested!

Support St. Titus’: If you would like to support our ministries you can make an online donation here by following the QR code or by visiting our homepage: sttitusdurham.org. You can also mail or hand-deliver a check to St. Titus’ at 400 Moline St., Durham, NC, 27707. Thank you

Stay in Touch: To receive weekly email announcements from St. Titus’, email the Parish Secretary email or sign up by following this link: http://eepurl.com/htIWIr .

Sign up for The Titusian, St. Titus’ monthly newsletter, on the St. Titus’ homepage: sttitusdurham.org, or by emailing the Parish Secretary email address.

Subscribe to Please Note, a weekly update from the Diocese of North Carolina by following this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/QCPKOTo .

Leaders Needed for Wednesday Evening Prayer
During Covid, we began streaming Evening Prayer on Wednesdays using Facebook and Zoom. Parishioners are welcome (and needed) to lead Evening Prayer on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. If you are interested, please contact Deacon Sarah Woodard, and she will schedule a time to meet with you: sarah.woodard@duke.edu
Upcoming Events

Diocesan Book & Video Study: How to Fight Racism
The Diocese of North Carolina is offering a 10-part video and book study of Jemar Tisby’s second book, How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey toward Racial Justice. Tisby provides a practical framework for pursuing racial justice with hands-on suggestions bolstered by real-world examples of change. The study takes place on Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. via Zoom. Remaining meeting dates are: January 17, 24 31
This book study is for anyone who believes it is time to stop compromising with racism and courageously confront it. NO COST to attend this event; registration is required. For more information, contact Jenny Beaumont, missioner for adult and lifelong formation, at jenny.beaumont@episdionc.org. Our own Rev. Dr. Althea Alton is one of the leaders of this program.

Annual Parish Meeting with Vestry Election, Sunday, January 22, 2023 after the 10:30 service (one service only that day)

Martin Luther King Service Day Monday, January 16, 2022. Shifts: 9 a.m.-11 a.m. and from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Duke School for Children located at 3716 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27705

Transformation, Renewal and Revival 2023
It’s Stewardship Time!

In this season when we celebrate the greatest gift of all, let us offer to God our gifts of time, talent, and treasure. Your Vestry has developed a budget for 2023 that allows us to accommodate our search for a new rector but is still conservative.

Pledge cards are in the mail and will also available in the Narthex this Sunday. Your faithful and timely response would be greatly appreciated. If at all possible, returning your pledge card in the Offering Plate would be a lovely way to honor our Lord in the season of his birth. If you are traveling over the holidays, please return your pledge card by January 8, 2023.

Clergy & Staff

Interim Rector: The Rev. Dr. Alicia Alexis (336) 541-3161 st.titusrevalexis@gmail.com
Deacon: The Rev. Deacon Sarah Woodard (919) 599-5227 sarah.woodard@duke.edu
Administrator: Vacant st.titussecretary@gmail.com
Choir Director: Ramon Holloway (919) 886-5325 sainttitusmusic@yahoo.com

Vestry Roster

Senior Warden Diane Hundley 2022 dianehundley@bellsouth.net
Junior Warden Keith Bishop 2023 KeithBishop@keithbishoplaw.com
Meisha Davis 2022 meisha.davis1@gmail.com
Marguerite Peebles 2022 apeeblesmarguerit@bellsouth.net
Gloria Drew 2023 gdrew41@att.net
Chuck Hennessee 2023 wllmhennessee@aol.com
Treasurer Mary Hawkins st.titustreasurer@gmail.com

Church Organizational Leaders

Altar Guild Hazel Brown hazelyb24@gmail.com
Acolyte Warden Vincent Quiett quiettv@msn.com
Benevolent Team Coordinator Willette Crews willettec@legalaidnc.org
Card Ministry Alexine Miller alexinemiller@yahoo.com
Communications Ministry Mary Hawkins pisces0835@gmail.com
Episcopal Church Women Valerie Quiett quiettv@msn.com
Episcopal Church Women Vickie Miller vickiemiller746@yahoo.com
Memorial Garden Warden James Barnes jbarnl3719@aol
Parish Outreach Coordinator Willette Crews willettec@legalaidnc.org
Parish Outreach Coordinator William Hennessee wllmhennessee@aol.com
St. David’s Usher Guild Dwight Peebles dapeebles@bellsouth.net
Invite.Welcome.Connect Committee Sarah Woodard sarah.woodard@duke.edu
Youth Coordinator (open)

St. Titus’ Episcopal Church
400 Moline St., Durham, NC 27707
(919) 682-5504
st.titusepiscopal@gmail.com
sttitusdurham.org