THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
St. John’s Episcopal Church
Epiphany Sunday
10 January 2021 10 a.m.
Welcome to St. John’s! We are so glad you are joining us at home
online.
All of the prayers & responses can be found bolded in this
bulletin.
We hope you will join in from home!
Welcome The Rev. Candace Sandfort
The Word of God
Presider Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
People And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
The Presider says
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the
truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God, who is
faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.
(1 John 1:8,9)
Confession & Absolution Church of England BCP
Presider
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
All
Almighty God, source of all that is,
and giver of every good gift.
You create all people in your image
and call us to love one another as you love us.
We confess that we have failed to honor you
in the great diversity of the human family.
We have desired to live in freedom,
while building walls between ourselves and others.
We have longed to be known and accepted for who we are,
while judging others based on the color of their skin,
or cultural differences.
Forgive us, Holy God.
Give us eyes to see you as you are revealed in all people.
Strengthen us for the work of reconciliation rooted in love.
Restore us in your image, to be the Beloved Community,
united in our diversity;
even as you are one with Christ and the Spirit,
Holy and undivided Trinity, now and for ever. Amen.
The Presider says to the people
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.
Please join in at home
Gloria in excelsis (said)
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to
God’s 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.
Amen.
The Collect of the Day
The Presider says to the people
The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
PresiderLet us pray.
O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only
Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by
faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and
the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
A Reading from the Book of Isaiah Deirdre Comey
Arise, shine; for your light has come,and the glory of
the Lord has risen upon you.
For darkness shall cover the earth,and thick darkness the
peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,and his glory will
appear over you.
Nations shall come to your light,and kings to the brightness of
your dawn.
Lift up your eyes and look around;they all gather together, they
come to you;
your sons shall come from far away,and your daughters shall be
carried on their nurses' arms.
Then you shall see and be radiant;your heart shall thrill and
rejoice,
because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you,the
wealth of the nations shall come to you.
A multitude of camels shall cover you,the young camels of Midian
and Ephah;all those from Sheba shall come.
They shall bring gold and frankincense,and shall proclaim the
praise of the Lord. (60: 1-6)
Lector The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Please join us at home as we say the psalm in unison
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Deus, judicium Deirdre Comey
Give the King your justice, O God, *and your righteousness to
the King's Son;
That he may rule your people righteously *and the poor with
justice;
That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, *and the
little hills bring righteousness.
He shall defend the needy among the people; *he shall rescue the
poor and crush the oppressor.
He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure, *from one
generation to another.
He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, *like showers
that water the earth.
In his time shall the righteous flourish; *there shall be
abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.
The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall pay tribute, *and
the kings of Arabia and Saba offer gifts.
All kings shall bow down before him, *and all the nations do him
service.
For he shall deliver the poor who cries out in distress, *and
the oppressed who has no helper.
He shall have pity on the lowly and poor; *he shall preserve the
lives of the needy.
He shall redeem their lives from oppression and violence, *and
dear shall their blood be in his sight.
A Reading from Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians Zander
Brietzke
This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus
for the sake of you Gentiles-- for surely you have already heard of
the commission of God's grace that was given me for you, and how
the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in
a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my
understanding of the mystery of Christ. In former generations this
mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been
revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is,
the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body,
and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Of
this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God's
grace that was given me by the working of his power. Although I am
the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to
bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ,
and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for
ages in God who created all things; so that through the church the
wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the
rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was in
accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in
Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness
and confidence through faith in him. (3:1-12)
Lector The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Sequence Anthem 109, “The first Nowell”
The first Nowell the angel did saywas to certain poor shepherds
in fields as they lay;in fields where they lay, keeping their
sheep,on a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,born is the King of Israel.
They looked up and saw a starshining in the east beyond them
far,and to the earth it gave great light,and so it continued both
day and night. Refrain
And by the light of that same starthree wise men came from
country far;to seek for a king was their intent,and to follow the
star wherever it went. Refrain
This star drew nigh to the northwest,o'er Bethlehem it took its
rest,and there it did both stop and stayright over the place where
Jesus lay. Refrain
Then entered in those wise men threefull reverently upon their
knee,and offered there in his presence,their gold, and myrrh, and
frankincense. Refrain
The Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12
People’s response before the GospelGlory to you, Lord
Christ.
People’s response after the GospelPraise to you, Lord
Christ.
The Sermon The Reverend Candace Sandfort
Please join us at home
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 s/he is worshiped and glorified.
S/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
The People respond to each petition from their home.
The Prayers of the People Zander Brietzke
LeaderGod of Peace: We pray for our nation in this time of
post-election division and turmoil. Help us listen to one another
with respect, always seeking the good in the other. Reconcile
families and friends divided. Help us learn to love each other
despite our differences and focus on the work before us: the work
of forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace. Inspire the people of
this nation to speak out against racism, and resist all forms of
injustice and oppression, as we strive to form a more perfect union
in 2021.
Leader God of Peace:
People Hear our prayers for reconciliation.
Leader God of Freedom: We pray for all who have been elected to
serve in our national and local government, especially the
President-elect and Vice President-elect. May all those chosen to
carry the burden of office be given the wisdom to know what is
right, the compassion to seek the common good, and a spirit of
service to this nation.
Leader God of Freedom:
People Hear our prayers for this nation.
Leader God of Grace: We pray for our Presiding Bishop, Michael,
our Bishop, Carlye, and all other bishops and ministers. Nurture
and refresh them with the water of life that they may have the
strength to carry the weight of office in this difficult and
demanding time.
LeaderGod of Grace:
People Hear our prayers for your servants.
Leader God of Mercy: We pray that you keep the merciful face of
Christ ever before us as we strive to be more fully your healers of
this broken world. We pray for the first-responders, scientists,
medical personnel, and essential workers on the frontlines of this
pandemic. We pray for those who are lonely, isolated, sick or
suffering physically or financially. We pray for the poor, the
refugees, the immigrants, and all who are without homes, or food,
or meaningful work. We pray especially for those unfairly
incarcerated who received no justice or mercy from our court system
because of the color of their skin.
Leader God of Mercy:
People Hear our prayers for those who are exhausted, despondent,
or suffering in
any way.
LeaderGod of Creation: We pray for the Earth, entrusted to our
care: For animals, atmosphere, aquifers, rainforests, oceans, and
all parts of your creation struggling with global warming that have
no voice of their own. Throughout the world stir up a spirit that
seeks to protect the Earth and all its resources, that we may leave
to our children’s children’s children the beauty and abundance you
have given us.
LeaderGod of Creation:
People Hear our prayers for the Earth.
Leader God of Mercy: We pray for those who have died, especially
those who have died alone from Covid-19. For the faithful in past
generations; for the prophets who called us to racial
reconciliation, sometimes at the cost of their own lives; for all
of the black people in this country who died because of police
brutality. Help us remember the saints of the past that they might
inspire us to proclaim your Good News to all people, by our words
and actions, and bring us at last into the glorious company of the
saints in light.
Leader God of Mercy:
People Hear our prayers for the faithful in all generations.
Leader We pray for the special needs and concerns of this
congregation.
The People may add their own petitions silently or aloud from
home. Please remember to unmute yourself, and then mute yourself
again when finished.
The Presider adds a concluding Collect
Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and
privileges: Guide and protect the people of this nation and our
newly elected officials and representatives; that by faithful
administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected
and our nation find peace in this polarized environment, so that we
can fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
3
The Holy Communion
Please join in singing from home
Offertory Hymn 124: “What star is this, with beams so bright”
John Sandfort
Eucharistic Prayer B p. 367, BCP
The Celebrant says to the people:
The Lord be with you.
PeopleAnd also with you.
CelebrantLift up your hearts.
PeopleWe lift them to the Lord.
CelebrantLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.
PeopleIt is right to give God thanks and praise.
All say
Sanctus
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.
Celebrant & People
The Acclamation
We remember his death ,
We proclaim his resurrection,
We await his coming in glory;
Fraction Anthem 301: “Bread of the world in mercy broken” John
Sandfort
All join in at home saying the
Prayer for Spiritual Communion
In union O Lord, with all the faithful, in our homes and at this
and every altar of your Holy Church where your blessed Body and
Blood is being offered, we present to you our souls and bodies. And
because we cannot all receive sacramentally, we ask that you come
spiritually into our hearts. Cleanse and strengthen us with your
grace Lord Christ and let us never be separated from you. May we
live in you, and you in us, in this life and in the life to come.
Amen.
All join in at home saying
The Postcommunion Prayer
CelebrantLet us pray.
Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image
and nourishing us with spiritual food. Now send us forth a people,
forgiven, healed, renewed; that we may proclaim your Christmas
message of love to the world and continue in the risen life of
Christ our Savior. Amen.
Epiphany Blessing
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 always. Amen.
The flowers today are given to the Glory of God
by Susan Dunn
"With love and compassion for all who suffer from
depression”
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Here’s a great way to enrich yourself during Lent,
and make good use of another 40 days of the Pandemic…
Lent begins February 17th and I am putting together a study of
the Old Testament Book of Job and the meaning of suffering—a timely
subject—I hope you’ll consider joining in what could be your
“Lenten Discipline” perhaps? We will read the contemporary play
“JB,” which tells the story of Job through a twentieth-century
American banker/millionaire whom God commands be stripped of his
family and wealth, but who refuses to turn his back on God. J.B.
won the Pulitzer Prize for drama and the Tony Award for best play.
We will also watch (at home) and discuss two movies in the course
of the 40 days: The Tree of Life, from the great director Terrence
Malick, and A Serious Man, directed by the equally amazing Coen
brothers. Let me know if you’re interested by calling the office,
texting me, or emailing: [email protected]
THE STATE OF OUR UNION
LAST YEAR @ this time 58 households
had pledged $202,132
THIS YEAR 50 households
have pledged $166,979
We’re in the home stretch!
Only $33,000 is needed to support
our $200,000 operating budget!
"Give thanks in all circumstances”
I Thessalonians 5:18 We are so grateful to those who have
pledged, and so grateful for those we are
counting on to help us reach the $200,000
minimum we need to run St. John’s.
Need a pledge card? Let Michelle know at the office and she’ll
send one out to you pronto!
Pledging made easy:
· Just fill out your card and drop it in the mail or the mail
slot next to the Parish Hall door.
· OR use the “Online Payments” tab on our website to set up
automatic pledge payments on our secure Vanco page.
· OR easier yet, use this QR code which will go directly to our
Vanco page to pledge:
How to use the QR code:
1. Simply point your phone’s camera at the QR code below (don’t
click!)
2. Tap the drop-down message that appears.
3. You will automatically be taken to our website’s “Online
Payments” page.
Here’s what you’ll see when you get to the Vanco page:
While you’re looking at the Vanco page please notice: “Flowers,
weekly ($75)” There are only two flower donation dates available
until Easter (since we have no flowers in Lent). They are:
· January 17th
· January 24th
Flowers can be given to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, to
remember a loved one, to give thanks for a blessing in your life—or
anything else you like. Call Michelle to reserve one of these
dates: 973-746-2474, then mail your $75 donation to St. John's or
drop it in the mail slot outside the Parish Hall door.
OR EASIER YET: Quickly pay online on the VANCO page of our
website (see above).
Dismissal
PresiderGo in peace to love and serve the Lord. Alleluia,
alleluia.
PeopleThanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.
2
1
W
elcome
to St. John’s! We are so glad you are joining us at home
online.
All of
the prayers & responses can be found
bolded
in this bulletin.
We hope you will join
in
from home!
Welcome
The Rev. Candace Sandfort
The Word of God
Presider
Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
People
And blessed be
God’s
kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
The
Presider
says
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the
truth is not in us. But if we confess our
sins, God, who is
faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from
all
unrighteousness.
(
1 John 1:8,9
)
Confession & Absolution
Church of England
B
CP
Presider
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
All
Almighty God,
s
ource of all that is,
and g
iver of every good gift
.
You create all people in your image
and call us to love one another as you love us.
We confess that we have failed to honor you
in the great diversity of the human family.
We have
desired to live in freedom,
while building walls between ourselves and others.
We have longed to be known and accepted for who we are,
while judg
ing
others based on the color of
their
skin,
or
cultural differences
.
Forgive us, Holy God.
Giv
e us eyes to see you as you are revealed in all people.
Strengthen us for the work of reconciliation rooted in love.
Restore us in your image, to be the Beloved Community,
united in our diversity;
even as you are one with Christ and the Spirit,
Holy and undivided Trinity, now and for ever. Amen.
The
Pr
esider
says to the people
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins
through our Lord Jesus Christ
,
s
trengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy
Spirit keep you in eternal life.
Amen.
St. John’s Episcopal Church
Epiphany
Sunday
10 January
20
2
1
10 a.m.
1
Welcome to St. John’s! We are so glad you are joining us at home
online.
All of the prayers & responses can be found bolded in this
bulletin.
We hope you will join in from home!
Welcome The Rev. Candace Sandfort
The Word of God
Presider Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
People And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
The Presider says
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the
truth is not in us. But if we confess our
sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and
cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
(1 John 1:8,9)
Confession & Absolution Church of England BCP
Presider
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
All
Almighty God, source of all that is,
and giver of every good gift.
You create all people in your image
and call us to love one another as you love us.
We confess that we have failed to honor you
in the great diversity of the human family.
We have desired to live in freedom,
while building walls between ourselves and others.
We have longed to be known and accepted for who we are,
while judging others based on the color of their skin,
or cultural differences.
Forgive us, Holy God.
Give us eyes to see you as you are revealed in all people.
Strengthen us for the work of reconciliation rooted in love.
Restore us in your image, to be the Beloved Community,
united in our diversity;
even as you are one with Christ and the Spirit,
Holy and undivided Trinity, now and for ever. Amen.
The Presider says to the people
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.
St. John’s Episcopal Church
Epiphany Sunday
10 January 2021 10 a.m.