HOLY EUCHARIST for the LAST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY

The Last Sunday after the Epiphany
Holy Eucharist, Rite II
February 19, 2023 at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Prelude

Welcome

Processional Hymn Ye watchers and ye holy ones The Hymnal 1982 #618

The Negro National Anthem The Hymnal 1982 #599

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

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 [spoken without refrain at 8:30 am; sung at 10:30 am] 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 Last Sunday after the Epiphany

O God, who before the passion of your only begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Reading Exodus 24:12-18

Reader A Reading from the Book of Exodus

The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.” So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. To the elders he had said, “Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them.”

Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.

Reader The Word of the Lord
People Thanks be to God


Psalm 2
1 Why are the nations in an uproar? *
Why do the peoples mutter empty threats?
2 Why do the kings of the earth rise up in revolt,
and the princes plot together, *
against the LORD and against his Anointed?
3 “Let us break their yoke,” they say; *
“let us cast off their bonds from us.”
4 He whose throne is in heaven is laughing; *
the Lord has them in derision.
5 Then he speaks to them in his wrath, *
and his rage fills them with terror.
6 “I myself have set my king *
upon my holy hill of Zion.”
7 Let me announce the decree of the LORD: *
he said to me, “You are my Son;
this day have I begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance *
and the ends of the earth for your possession.
9 You shall crush them with an iron rod *
and shatter them like a piece of pottery.”
10 And now, you kings, be wise; *
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11 Submit to the LORD with fear, *
and with trembling bow before him;
12 Lest he be angry and you perish; *
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
13 Happy are they all *
who take refuge in him!

Second Reading 2 Peter 1:16-21
Reader A Reading from the Second Letter of Peter

We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.

So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

Reader The Word of the Lord
People Thanks be to God

Gradual Anthem Christ upon the mountain peak The Hymnal 1982 #129

Gospel Matthew 17:1-9

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

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

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

Sermon The Rev. Sarah Woodard

The Nicene Creed

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:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
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 and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He 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.

Prayers of the People

The intercessor and people pray responsively.
When we call upon the Lord, God will answer us. So let us come before the Lord in prayer, saying,
“Majestic God,
Show us your glory.”

Lord our God, move your Church by your Holy Spirit. May we proclaim your greatness in the world. Inspire in us a prophetic message and let us not be overcome by fear.

Silence

“Majestic God,
Show us your glory.”

We pray especially today for our Bishop, Sam. May he, like your servant Moses, lead your people into a deeper experience of you.

Silence

“Majestic God,
Show us your glory.”

O mighty King, lover of justice, may this and every nation, strive for justice and peace. We pray that the leaders of the nations trust and care for those in their charge.

Silence

“Majestic God,
Show us your glory.”


Holy One, you have chosen to wear the clouds and meet our forebears on the mountains. In doing so, you remind us that you created all things good and continue to manifest your glory through those things you have created. Remind us to also honor your creation.

Silence

“Majestic God,
Show us your glory.”

O Lord, after they witnessed your majesty, Jesus led his disciples back down the mountain to minister to the people. Lead us to proclaim the Good News of God in Christ to our neighbors—to be your lamps shining in dark places.

Silence

“Majestic God,
Show us your glory.”

God our Father, touch those who are overcome by fear, sickness or any other adversity. Overshadow them with the healing power of your love.

We pray for:
Toby, Ama, Dorothy, Lawrence, Ann, Murphy, Karen, Derek, Walter, Vivian, Danita, Lionell, Vincent, Howard, Sydney, Carol, Robert, Barton, Beverly, Donna, Harmon, Cedric, Allen, Damon, Alicia, and Chuck

Silence

“Majestic God,
Show us your glory.”

God of Light, we pray for the dying and the dead. May all those who experience death also come to know the new day of resurrection that comes through your Risen Son.

Silence

“Majestic God,
Show us your 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.
Hasten, O Father, the coming of your kingdom; and grant that we your servants, who how live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. 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

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. For everything in heaven and on earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom, and you are exalted as head over all.
1 Chronicles 29:11

Offertory Hymn Little David, Play on Your Harp Negro Spiritual (arr. H.T. Burleigh)
Taquisha Coley-Rice (soprano)

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 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 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 (sung at 10:30 a.m.)

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
(Spoken at 8:30; at 10:30 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 The Blood will never lose its power African American Heritage Hymnal #256

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 Alleluia! Sing to Jesus! The Hymnal 1982 #460

Choral Benediction The Lord Bless you/Sevenfold Amen AAHH #636
Deacon Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
People Thanks be to God.

Postlude
Announcements

Letter from Rev. Alicia

Dear Saints:
I pray that all is well, especially for some of those of you who are recovering from surgery and illness.

It was my intent to join you on Sunday, February 19, but my doctor has not released me to drive such a long distance on that day. He wants to make sure I am healed properly with no setbacks.  I will miss being able to worship and fellowship in person with you.

My plan is to hold the vestry meeting on Sunday via zoom. Look for the zoom link closer to the date.

I plan to resume my priestly duties starting Tuesday, February 21, via zoom. So if you need any administrative, pastoral, or spiritual support, kindly reach me between the hours of 9 am to 5 pm.

After 5 pm, Deacon Sarah and I are available for pastoral emergencies.

God willing, I expect to be back serving you in person on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at both services.

Once again, thank you for your care, support and words of comfort. Mary and I appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

Let us pray
O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servants the help of your power, that our sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Keep the Faith,
Rev. Alicia+

Upcoming Events

Shrove Tuesday “Virtual” Pancake Supper brings Fun and an Exciting Speaker!

The Vestry and Episcopal Church Women are once again hosting a Virtual Pancake Dinner!

How The Virtual Pancake Dinner Will Work: 

Prepare your pancake dinner, or whatever dinner you prefer, and set up your zoom party using computers or cell phones.

Join Zoom Meeting (the link is available in the E-News)

Our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner program runs from 6:00 pm until 7:15 p.m. Join us as long as you’d like.

During the dinner, the congregation will hear from our speaker, Ms. Cassandra Deck-Brown, Retired Raleigh Chief of Police and Member of St. Ambrose. There will be door prizes too!

We will also share photos of from St Titus ́events and moments of fellowship. Please send any photos from you would like to share with the congregation to lorieann.lee@me.com

Ash Wednesday

We will host two Ash Wednesday services, Wednesday, February 22

12 noon and 4:00 p.m.

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

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 Cheryl Myers 2024 cheryl.myers@netzero.com
Junior Warden Lionell Parker 2024 lparker3141@gmail.com
Clerk of Vestry Chuck Hennessee 2023 wllmhennessee@aol.com
Assisting Clerk Robyn Furges 2024 robynfurges@gmail.com
Keith Bishop 2023 KeithBishop@keithbishoplaw.com
Vickie Miller 2024 leontyne1968@gmail.com
Kenneth Valentine 2024 patvalentine@nc.rr.com
Paula Drew-Estes 2024 pjdestes5@hotmail.com
Gloria Drew 2023 gdrew41@att.net
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)

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