The Last Sunday after the Epiphany, February 11, 2024

Please join the worship by following the liturgy (program) in this bulletin. We encourage you to use the time before worship to pray and invite the presence of the Holy Spirit to keep you centered and focused on what God may be saying to you. After worship, we invite you to pray for God’s strength to help you face and meet the demands of the world from this moment and in the days to come.

The Bidding Prayer                                                             BCP, p.833

Almighty God, who poursout on all who desire it the spirit of grace and of supplication: Deliver us, when we draw near to you, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affections we may worship youin spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Opening Hymn             Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!                                           H-460    

The Opening Acclamation                                                                             EOW, p.50

Celebrant     Blessed are you, holy and living One.

People         You come to your people and set them free. 

The Collect for Purity                                                                            BCP, p.55

The Celebrant then continues

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 at 8:30 am]Hymn of Praise [sung at 10:30am]
  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.               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.   Lift Every Voice and Sing                    L-1

The Collect of the Day

Celebrant         The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.

Celebrant         Let us pray.

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

 

The First Lesson                                                    2 Kings 2:1-12
 
Reader A reading from the Second Book of Kings
 

When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent.”

Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here; for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know; be silent.”

Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground.

When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” He responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.” As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.

Reader Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.

People Thanks be to God.

The Psalm      50:1-6              Deus deorum                                    BCP, p.654

1 The Lord, the God of gods, has spoken; *
he has called the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.

2 Out of Zion, perfect in its beauty, *
God reveals himself in glory.

3 Our God will come and will not keep silence; *
before him there is a consuming flame,
and round about him a raging storm.

4 He calls the heavens and the earth from above *
to witness the judgment of his people.

5 “Gather before me my loyal followers, *
those who have made a covenant with me
and sealed it with sacrifice.”

6 Let the heavens declare the rightness of his cause; *
for God himself is judge.

The Second Lesson                                                    2 Corinthians 4:3-6

Reader A reading from Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians         

Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Reader Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.

People Thanks be to God.

The Sequence Hymn            Christ upon the mountain peak                     H-129

 

The Holy Gospel  (all standing as able)                                         Mark 9:2-9

Gospeller         The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.

As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

Gospeller      The Gospel of the Lord

People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Introduction of Speaker                                                            The Reverend Valerie J. Mayo

The Message                                                    Mr. Leonardo Williams

                               Mayor, City of Durham

We will maintain a brief silence to allow for reflection.

The Nicene Creed                                                                                                 EOW, p.53

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,

               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

Celebrant:        My siblings in faith, through the light of Christ let us behold the needs of the world and offer our prayers, saying, Lord, reveal your glory through us.

Intercessor:      For the Body of Christ, its many members and ministries; for this parish and diocese; for the Episcopal Church, and Michael Curry, our Presiding Bishop; for the worldwide Anglican Communion and Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; for all believers wherever they may be.

Let us pray to the Lord.

            Lord, reveal your glory through us.

For this nation and for all nations; for nations and regions in conflict or facing catastrophe.

Let us pray to the Lord.

            Lord, reveal your glory through us.

For Joe Biden, President of the United States; Roy Cooper, our Governor; Leonardo Williams, our Mayor; for those serving in harm’s way; and for all those who serve in civil leadership.

Let us pray to the Lord.

            Lord, reveal your glory through us.

For those who suffer from illnesses of any kind; for those who are infirm, lonely, destitute or homeless; for those who are hungry and needy; for those oppressed by racism, sexism, homophobia, and every other exclusion; and for those whose needs we do not know.

Let us pray to the Lord.

            Lord, reveal your glory through us.

For those we lift up in prayer, especially,

The St. Augustine University Community, Elijah, Marissa, Margo, Charles, Ethel, Brian, Terrence, Bill, Melvin, Carolyn, Tyna, Dennis, Marjorie, Ama, Dorothy, Lawrence, Ann, Murphy, Karen, Derek, Walter, Vivian, Danita, Lionell, Vincent, Howard, Sydney, Carol, Robert, Beverly, Harmon, Cedric, Allen, Damon, Pam, and Denise.

[The congregation is invited to offer their own petitions.]

Let us pray to the Lord.

            Lord, reveal your glory through us.

For those who have died, we pray especially for

The Rev. Deacon Sarah Woodard, Mike Woodard, and their family on the death of her mother, Eleanor Wilson.

[The congregation is invited to offer their own petitions.]

Let us pray to the Lord.

            Lord, reveal your glory through us.

Lord Jesus Christ, you set your face steadfastly to go to Jerusalem: Deliver us from the temptation to shrink from the hard paths of a dutiful life. Make us ready to meet all the counsels of your will, and to be obedient even to death; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.

A Prayer to End Gun Violence

God of Justice, help us, your church, find our voice. Turn us from the worship of power. Give us courage to confront our false gods and to protest the needless deaths caused by gun violence. Help us rise above our dread that nothing can be done and grant us the conviction to advocate for change. For your dream of a world where children are safe and all of us live together without fear, Loving God, make us instruments of your peace. Amen.

Prayer for the Human Family                                              BCP, p. 815

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Concluding Collect                                                       BCP, p.395

Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, “Peace I give to you; my own peace I leave with you:” Regard not our sins, but the faith of your Church, and give to us the peace and unity of that heavenly City, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, now and for ever. Amen.

The Confession                                                             

Celebrant         Let us confess our sins to God.                                   EOW, p.56

silence

Celebrant and People                                  

God of all mercy, we confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your will in our lives. We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and in the world you have created. We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf. Forgive, restore, and strengthen us through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we may abide in your love and serve only your will. Amen.

The Absolution                                                                      EOW, p.56

The Celebrant stands and says:

Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

The Peace                                                                  EOW, p.56

Celebrant         The peace of Christ be always with you;

People And also with you.

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

The Words of Welcome                                                 Vestry Member

The Installation of New Vestry Members                  Cheryl Myers, Senior Warden

The newly elected and appointed leaders gather at the front of the altar.

Senior Warden: On behalf of the congregation of St. Titus’ Episcopal Church, in Durham County, within the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, I present Elizabeth Lippincott, Dwight Peebles, and Joseph Yancy as newly-elected members of the vestry

Celebrant: Have these leaders been elected by the congregation or appointed by the vestry in accordance with the bylaws of our congregation?

Senior Warden: They have.

Celebrant: (to the new leaders) Do you commit yourselves to carry out the responsibilities of the office to which you have been appointed?

Leaders: I do.

Celebrant: Do you reaffirm your commitment to follow Christ and to serve this congregation in his name?

Leaders: I do.

Celebrant: (to the congregation) Will you do all in your power to support these leaders with your prayers, your honest yet gracious communication with them, and your willingness to help them carry out Christ’s ministry in this church?

Congregation: We will.

Celebrant: In the name of this congregation, I commission you for this work, and pledge you our prayers, encouragement, and support. May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you, that in this, and in all things, you may do God’s will in the service of the kingdom of Christ. Amen.

Let us pray. Almighty God, look with favor upon these persons who have now reaffirmed their commitment to follow Christ and to serve in his name. Give them courage, patience, and vision; and strengthen us all in our Christian vocation of witness to the world, and of service to others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Holy Communion  (Eucharistic Prayer 1                                     EOW, pp.57-59

The Offertory Sentence                   

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory.

The Offertory

The Offertory Hymn Ride Up in the Chariot (Negro Spiritual)     Joy Morgan

Arr. Betty Jackson King                                  Soloist

The Great Thanksgiving (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 our thanks and praise.

Celebrant       It is truly right, and good and joyful, to give you thanks, all-holy God, source of life and fountain of mercy.   

Celebrant        

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:

   The Sanctus [spoken at 8:30 am]   Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.  LEVAS II #255 [sung at 10:30 am]   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.

Then 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 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   (spoken at 8:30 am, sung at 10:30 am)                      BCP, p.364

                                                                                      AAHH-663

Celebrant         And now as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to 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.

The Breaking of the Bread                                              EOW, p.69

Celebrant         Alleluia. God of promise, you have prepared a banquet for us.

People Happy are those who are called to the Supper of the Lamb. Alleluia.

The Fraction Anthem           Lamb of God                                        L-270

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.

The 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.

Celebrant         All are welcome to the Lord’s table. Won’t you come?

The Communion Hymn                   Spirit Song                                  AAHH-321

The Post-Communion Prayer                                                                                 EOW, p.70

Celebrant               Let us pray.

Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image and nourishing us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood. Now send us forth a people, forgiven, healed, renewed; that we may proclaim your love to the world and continue in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen.

Community Announcements

      If you have an announcement “from the floor,” please also email that announcement to st.titussecretary@gmail.com so that we can follow up and promote the information elsewhere.

The Corporate Blessing                                                               Source: Celtic

The Celebrant says

May Christ, who by his Incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill you with his joy and peace; and the blessings of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.

The Recessional Hymn      Since Jesus Came into my Heart                   AAHH-499

The Dismissal                      

Deacon            Let us go forth in the Name of Christ.

People Thanks be to God.

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