HOLY EUCHARIST for the SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT

The Second Sunday in Lent
Holy Eucharist, Rite II
March 5, 2023 at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Prelude

Welcome

Processional Hymn How firm a foundation The Hymnal 1982 #636

A Penitential Order

Celebrant Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins.
People His mercy endures for ever.

The people may stand or kneel

The Celebrant says
Jesus said, “The first commandment is this: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is the only Lord. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all you soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”

The Celebrant then says
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

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.

Absolution

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.

10:30 am Kyrie LEVAS II #239

Kyrie Eleison (2x)
Christie Eleison (2x)
Kyrie Eleison (2x)

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

Collect of the Day

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Reading Genesis 12:1-4a

The Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him.

Reader The Word of the Lord
People Thanks be to God

Psalm Psalm 121

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills; *
from where is my help to come?
2 My help comes from the LORD, *
the maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot be moved *
and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.
4 Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel *
shall neither slumber nor sleep;
5 The LORD himself watches over you; *
the LORD is your shade at your right hand,
6 So that the sun shall not strike you by day, *
nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; *
it is he who shall keep you safe.
8 The LORD shall watch over your going out and your coming in, *
from this time forth for evermore.

Second Reading Romans 4:1-5, 13-17

What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness.

For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation.

For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”) —in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.

Reader The Word of the Lord
People Thanks be to God

Gradual Anthem O Love, how deep, how broad, how wide Hymnal 1982 #448

Gospel John 3:1-17

There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?

“Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

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

[Please stand as you are able.]

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.
Behold, children of God, it is the Lord who watches over you. As people sent forth into the world, let us pray, saying,
“Lord, bless us,
so that we may bless others.”

Lord, preserve your Church from all evil. May we, who have been born of water and the Spirit, proclaim the kingdom of God in all the world.

The congregation is invited to add their thanksgivings.

Silence

“Lord, bless us,
so that we may bless others.”

O God, may the leaders of the nations ever seek the truth. Open their hearts to true conversion and divine guidance.

Silence

“Lord, bless us,
so that we may bless others.”

Maker of heaven and earth, you have blessed us with a wondrous and dynamic creation. Protect us from its rage; comfort us by its tranquility. Give us eyes to see your handiwork in the world around us.

Silence

“Lord, bless us,
so that we may bless others.”

Lord, your eyes never close on your people. We thank you for your mindfulness of us and our community. Be our help and our safety.

Silence

“Lord, bless us,
so that we may bless others.”

You did not send your Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world may see and experience your salvation. Bring wholeness to those who look to your Son for their help.

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

Silence

“Lord, bless us,
so that we may bless others.”

O God, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist, keep the dying and the dead from this time forth and for evermore. Give eternal life to all those who trust in you, especially Roxanne Horne, niece of Gloria Drew and Paula Drew-Estes; and John Taylor, son of Coral Taylor, brother of Rev. Stephanie Yancy and Sharon Taylor, and brother-in-law to Spike Yancy and Willie Covington.

Silence

“Lord, bless us,
so that we may bless others.”

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 and eternal God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth: Mercifully accept the prayers of your people, and strengthen us to do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Romans 12:1

Offertory Hymn We’ve come this far by faith LEVAS #208

The Great Thanksgiving
The people remain standing.

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.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who was tempted in every way as we are, yet did not sin. By his grace we are able to triumph over every evil, and to live no longer for ourselves alone, but for him who died for us and rose again.

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:

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.

The people stand or kneel.

Then the celebrant continues
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.

He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, 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 we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Celebrant and People
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.

The Celebrant continues
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.

Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: 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 am; sung at 10:30 am]

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

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,
or 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 celebrant 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.

Communion Hymn Praise the Lord The Hymnal 1982 #334

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 people stand as they are able.]

The Celebrant says
Let us pray.

The Celebrant and People say together
Almighty God, we thank you for feeding us with the holy food of the Body and Blood of your Son, and for uniting us through him in the fellowship of your Holy Spirit. We thank you for raising up among us faithful servants of your Word and Sacraments. Grant that we may serve you in the days ahead, and always rejoice in your glory, and come at length into your heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Blessing

The Celebrant says
May the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

Closing Hymn Lift high the cross The Hymnal 1982 #473

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

Postlude

Announcements

Rev. Alicia Alexis continues to heal and is doing well. Her first Sunday back (after her official medical release) will be on Sunday, March 12, 2023. She thanks everyone for their thoughts and prayers of healing.

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 .

Lenten Study and Worship Offerings

While it’s often asked, “What will you give up for Lent?” it’s often just as common to take on a new discipline as a means of observance. Here are 2 opportunities to deepen your relationship with God and our neighbors.

A Lenten Series on Pauli Murray will be held on the following Wednesday evenings from 7-8 p.m. These sessions will be led by Callie Swaim-Fox who developed the curriculum on Pauli Murray’s life and works. Callie is a former participant in the Johnson Service Corps and now works at the Pauli Murray Center for History and Racial Justice. The Rev. Dr. Murray, the first African-American woman Episcopal priest was a member of St. Titus’. Join us!

Zoom Link forthcoming.

March 8 – Gifts of the Holy Spirit
March 15 – Historic Ordination
March 22 – Eucharistic Celebration and Interconnectedness
March 29 – Integrated Body, Mind and Spirit

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)