The First Sunday After the Epiphany: The Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ

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.

Prelude               

The Bidding PrayerBCP, p. 833

O Almighty God, who pours out 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 you in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.

 Processional HymnHail to the Lord’s Annointed PowerH-616
The Opening AcclamationEOW, p.50

Celebrant     Blessed are you, holy and living One.

People         You come to your people and set them free.

Celebrant

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. 

The Gloria[Spoken at 8:30 a.m.]                                          [Sung at 10:30 a.m.]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

Celebrant     God be with you.

People         And also with you.

Celebrant     Let us pray.

The Collect of the Day                     

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.

The Lessons

The First LessonIsaiah 43:1-7

Reader         A reading from the prophet Isaiah.

Thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,

he who formed you, O Israel:

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;

when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.

For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

I give Egypt as your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you.

Because you are precious in my sight,
and honored, and I love you,

I give people in return for you,
nations in exchange for your life.

Do not fear, for I am with you;
I will bring your offspring from the east,
and from the west I will gather you;

I will say to the north, “Give them up,”
and to the south, “Do not withhold;

bring my sons from far away
and my daughters from the end of the earth–

everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made.”

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

People:   Thanks be to God.

At 8:30 a.m.

The Psalm      29Afferte DominoBCP, p.620

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.

At 10:30 a.m.

Hymn of PraiseTake Me to the WaterLEVAS II #134
The Second Lesson      Acts 8:14-17

Reader         A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

When the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

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

People:   Thanks be to God.

The Sequence HymnSweet, Sweet SpiritA-326
The Holy Gospel                           Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Please stand as you are able.

Gospeller     The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Luke.

People         Glory to you, Lord Christ.

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

Gospeller     The Gospel of our Savior.

People         Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Sermon                                                       The Rev. Valerie J. Mayo

We will maintain a brief silence to allow for reflection.

The Renewal of Baptismal Vows

Celebrant     People of St. Titus’: in Holy Baptism we received full adoption through God’s grace and full empowerment for ministry through the Holy Spirit. Will you work together as partners in the mission of the Church, to reconcile all people to God through Christ?

People         We will, with God’s help.

Celebrant     The water of baptism signifies our eternal covenant with God. In it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit. Therefore in joyful obedience to Christ, we bring into his fellowship those who come to him in faith, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

The Celebrant blesses the water.

We pray you, O God, sanctify this water by the power of your Holy Spirit, that all who in baptism are cleansed from sin and born again may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Savior.

Celebrant     Let us renew the solemn promises and vows of Holy Baptism, by which we renounce Satan and all his works, and promise to serve God faithfully in God’s holy Catholic Church.

Water is poured into the font and the Celebrant leads 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.

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

The congregation may be sprinkled with water.

The Prayers of the People

The Lord shall give us the blessings of strength and peace. Beloved of God, let us pray, “Walk with us through the waters, O God; walk with us through the fire.”

Deliver your church, O God, from fear. Strengthen those you have redeemed by your presence. Give us all the courage to keep our baptismal promises.

Silence

Walk with us through the waters, O God.

          Walk with us through the fire.

O God, you have blessed us to be members of your household. We pray for all those baptized. Strengthen the unity of the Church—those serving you in the east, west, north and south.

Silence

Walk with us through the waters, O God.

          Walk with us through the fire.

Your power, O God, is evident in the mysteries of the universe. By water and your Holy Spirit, you have made us a new people. We give you thanks and praise.

          [The people may add their own thanksgivings, followed by silence.]

Walk with us through the waters, O God.

          Walk with us through the fire.

Break down the walls of division in our city and our nation. Bring us together as one human family, formed and made by your great hands.

Silence

Walk with us through the waters, O God.

          Walk with us through the fire.

Heal and comfort your beloved children, O God. Be with the needy in their trials. May they know that they are precious in your sight.

We pray especially for: Gloria, Chuck, Lauriette, O. Ray, Lafayette, Margaret, Darryl, Dennis, Jr., The St. Augustine’s University Community, Elijah, Marissa, Margo, Charles, Ethel, Brian, Terrence, Carolyn, Tyna, Dennis, Marjorie, Ama, Dorothy, Lawrence, Derek, Walter, Vivian, Danita, Lionell, Vincent, Howard, Sydney, Carol, Robert, Beverly, Harmon, Allen, and Damon.

          [The people may add their own petitions, followed by silence.]

Walk with us through the waters, O God.

          Walk with us through the fire.

Source and Parent of all, you have accepted us as your children. You have made us heirs with Christ. In your great mercy, receive us, and all who have died, into glory everlasting.

Silence

Walk with us through the waters, O God.

                Walk with us through the fire.

For whom or what else shall we pray today?

          [The congregation may offer their petitions in the silence of their hearts or aloud.]

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The 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.

The Concluding Collect

Celebrant

God of all families and peoples, accept the prayers we offer in this season. As we welcome this mystery of your love, may we delight in our joy as children and heirs of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The ConfessionEOW, p.19 

Celebrant          Let us confess our sins to God.

Silence may be kept.

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 AbsolutionEOW, p.20

Celebrant

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 Exchange of the PeaceEOW, p.56

Celebrant               The peace of Christ be always with you.

People                   And also with you.

Celebrant               Let us share the peace with one another and our guests.

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

The Words of WelcomeSt. Titus’Vestry Member
The Holy Communion             EOW, pp.60-62

The Offertory

[On the second Sunday of each month, the loose plate collection supports the Rector’s Discretionary Fund, which is used to provide our neighbors with assistance with their rent or utility bills. Please use the QR code at the end of this program to donate to St. Titus’.]

The Offertory Sentence                  Ephesians 5:2

Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God.

The Offertory HymnAmazing Grace, Shall Always by My Song of Praise Text: Dottie Rambo; tune Londonderry aire/TraditionalJoy Morgam, Soloist
The Great Thanksgiving(standing)EOW 1, Eucharistic Prayer 1

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.    

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 a.m.]                                             [Sung at 10:30 a.m.]  L-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.

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 a.m.]                             [Sung at 10:30 a.m.]LEVAS II #264

The Celebrant says

As our Savior Christ has taught us we are bold to say (sing):

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 BreadEOW, p.69

Celebrant   We break this bread to share in the Body of Christ.

People         We who are many are one body; for we all share in the one bread.

The Fraction AnthemLamb of God LEVAS II #270

Celebrant

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.

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.

The Bread and cup are given to the communicants with these words:

The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven. Amen.

The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation. Amen.

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

The Communion HymnsShine on Me There is a Balm in GileadA-527 A-524
The Post-Communion PrayerEOW, 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

The Corporate BlessingBOS, p.12

Celebrant

May Almighty God, who led the Wise Men by the shining of a star to find the Christ, the Light from Light, lead you also, in your pilgrimage, to find the Lord. Amen.

May God, who sent the Holy Spirit to rest upon the Only- begotten at his baptism in the Jordan River, pour out that Spirit on you who have come to the waters of new birth. Amen.

May God, by the power that turned water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana, transform your lives and make glad your hearts. Amen.

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

The Recessional Hymn I Have Decided to Follow JesusA-400

The Dismissal                                           

Celebrant     Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

People                   Thanks be to God.

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