February 5, 2023
5 p.m.
We welcome you to Christ Church Cathedral. Since 1839, this Christian community has gathered for worship.
The Cathedral is equipped with a hearing loop for assisted listening via telecoil.
To learn more about the ministries we share in this place, you are invited to fill in one of the Welcome cards found in the pew rack. Masks are available at all welcome tables, and the south transept (to the right) usually has room for those desiring physical distancing. We are glad you are here!
Houston, Texas
Christ Church Cathedral
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Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
five o’clock in the evening
The Rev. Bradley Varnell, Canon Missioner for Community Life and Young Adult Ministry
Celebrant
Lighting of Votive Candles
Worshipers are encouraged to sit in front of the alms basin. During the opening contemplative music, they are invited to observe prayerful quiet or to come forward to light a votive candle in acknowledgement of a prayer, concern, or in memory of a loved one.
Opening Music
Traditional Scottish and Irish Tunes
At the sound of the bell, please stand.
The poem is read by the Celebrant.
Undivided Life
Meister Eckhart wrote, “As thou art in church or cell, that same frame of mind carry out into the world, into its turmoil and its fitfulness.” Deep within us all there is an amazing inner sanctuary of the soul, a holy place, a Divine Center, a speaking Voice, to which we may continuously return. Eternity is at our hearts, pressing upon our time-torn lives, warming us with intimations of an astounding destiny, calling us home unto Itself. Yielding to these persuasions, gladly committing ourselves in body and soul, utterly and completely, to the Light Within, is the beginning of true life. It is a dynamic center, a creative Life that presses to birth within us. It is a Light Within which illumines the face of God and casts new shadows and new glories upon the face of men. It is a seed stirring to life if we do not choke it. It is the Shekinah of the soul, the Presence in the midst. Here is the Slumbering Christ, stirring to be awakened, to become the soul we clothe in earthly form and action. And He is within us all.
—Thomas R. Kelly, “A Testament of Devotion”
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The Word of God
The people remain standing. The Celebrant begins
Celebrant Welcome to this holy place.
People Friend and stranger, saint and sinner, all who gather here.
Celebrant Come all who hunger, all who thirst for life in all its fullness. Come with hope or hesitation; come with joy or yearning; come.
People Generous God and generous Savior, touch us through your Spirit.
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.
Stay with us, Lord, since the day is far spent and the night is coming; kindle our hearts on the Way, that we may recognize you in the scriptures, in the breaking of the bread, and in each other. Amen.
The people sit.
The First Reading
1 Corinthians 2:1-12
Reader A Reading from the first Letter of Paul to the Corinthians.
When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God. Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. But we speak God’s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God.
Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
3 Hymn 423 St. Denio
After a pause, the people stand for the hymn. Hymn
You are the light of the world
We will sing the entire hymn twice.
You are the
light of the
world let it
shine, let it
shine and œ
dark ness shall
be no
Words: April DeConick ~ Music: Sonja Bruzauskas ©2014 Used with permission
The people remain standing.
The Gospel
more
Matthew 5:13-20
Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Deacon The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Reflection The Rev. Bradley Varnell, Canon Missioner for Community Life and Young Adult Ministry
Two minutes of silence is observed following the reflection.
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Prayers of the People (The people may stand or kneel for the prayers.)
The Leader begins
As evening falls and courage sometimes falters, let us turn our hearts to God in prayer.
Silence
We pray for those gathered here and all that lies heavy on our hearts. We pray that you would know our needs even before we recognize them. Grant us those good things for which we dare not, or in our blindness cannot, ask.
Silence
We pray for those in positions of leadership in the world, our nation, our state, and our city. Grant them the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice, that they may promote the well-being of all people.
Silence
We pray for the sick, the bereaved, the oppressed, and the homeless, that they may be comforted by your Holy Spirit, who brings light to the darkest places.
Silence
We pray for the broken and torn fabric of the earth as it yearns for healing, trusting that you make all things new.
Silence
We pray for this and all communities of faith. We pray that you would open the hearts of your faithful to seek your truth and pursue it in love.
Silence
We pray that you would disturb us, Lord, when our dreams have come true because we have dreamed too little; when with the abundance of things we possess we have lost our thirst for the water of life. Push back, we pray, the horizons of our hopes, and move us into your future in strength, courage, hope, and love.
The Confession and Absolution
Celebrant Let us confess our sins.
The People may kneel or stand.
Merciful God, we have sinned in what we have thought and said, in the wrong we have done and in the good we have not done. We have sinned in ignorance; we have sinned in weakness; we have sinned through our own deliberate fault. We are truly sorry. We repent and turn to you. Forgive us, for our Savior Christ’s sake, and renew our lives to the glory of your name. Amen.
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Celebrant
Through the cross of Christ, God have mercy on you, pardon you, and set you free. Know that you are forgiven and be at peace. God strengthen you in all goodness and keep you in life eternal. Amen.
The people stand for the Peace.
The Peace
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you.
The People greet one another in the name of the Lord.
The Holy Communion
The people may be seated for the offertory hymn.
Offertory Hymn 487 The Call
The Great Thanksgiving
The people stand.
Celebrant Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest. With friend, with stranger, with young and old, be among us tonight. People Come close to us that we may come close to you. Strengthen us that we may strengthen one another. Renew us that where we have failed, we may begin again.
The People kneel or stand.
In the beginning God made the world. The world flowed from God and God shaped it, filling it with light and life. God knew the world, but we chose not to know God. We turned from God, and though God sought us through patriarchs, matriarchs, and prophets, still we strayed. Our rebellion imperiled the fullness God intends for us, and when the world could bear no more, God sent Jesus, his Son. Among friends, gathered round a table, Jesus took bread, and, having blessed it, he broke the bread and gave it to his disciples saying, “This is my body which is given for you.” In the same way he took wine, and, having given thanks for it, he poured it and gave the cup to his disciples saying, “This cup is the new covenant with God, sealed with my blood. Take this and share it.” Lord Jesus Christ, present with us now, as we do in this place what you did in an upstairs room, breathe your Spirit upon us and upon this bread and wine, that they may be heaven’s food and drink for us, renewing, sustaining, and making us whole, and that we may be your body on earth, loving and caring for the world. Through, with, and for the love of Christ, we share this bread and cup in the unity of your Spirit, Father Almighty. Amen.
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The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
Celebrant Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; People Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
The Invitation to Communion
Celebrant
So, come to this table, you who have much faith, and you who would like to have more; you who have been to this sacrament often, and you who have not been for a long time. You who have tried to follow Jesus, and you who have fallen short. Come. It is Christ who invites you to meet him here.
All are welcome and encouraged to receive Communion, whatever one’s Christian tradition.
Prayer after Communion (The people may stand or kneel.)
Celebrant and People
Eternal Light, shine in our hearts. Eternal Power, be our strength. Eternal Wisdom, guide us as we serve you. Eternal Goodness, you have drawn us to your heart and united us in the Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood. Now grant that with all our heart, mind, and strength, we may evermore seek your face in all those we meet in the world. Amen.
The Blessing
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Closing Music
Traditional Scottish Tune
Becky Baxter, Music Coordinator and Harpist for The Well
Dr. Kimberly Clark, flautist
Sally Keller, cellist
The Book of Remembrance
This week we remember Roland Lee Lillie.
The Beauty of Flowers
The flowers on the Cathedral Altar are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Scott Cawley by his family.
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Welcome
Sunday, February 5, 2023
Announcements
Robert C. Stuart Lenten Series in Honor of The Very Rev. Barkley S. Thompson • Our 2023 lenten series includes two of the most esteemed and sought-after speakers on Christian spirituality in the world today: Martin Laird and Carmen Acevedo Butcher. Join us for special lectures, retreats, and opportunities to learn and engage through spiritual practice. Events begin February 25. See the schedule at: www.christchurchcathedral.org/lent
Beyond “Bellhops of History*” – Unpacking and Reanimating the Treasures of Christian Tradition • Join Interim Dean Gary Jones as he continues this four-part Dean’s Hour series. He discusses how signs and sacraments are sources of power and portals to a deeper life that is only dimly intuited or altogether ignored in our over-busy, hyper-rational, and materialistic society. Sundays, February 12, and 19, at 10 a.m. in Reynolds Hall. *Thanks to Pittman McGehee, The Invisible Church, for this image.
Search Committee • The Dean Search Committee is posting regular updates about the search for our next Dean on the Cathedral’s website, and they will be giving brief, monthly updates at the beginning of the Dean’s Hour. The next update at the Dean’s Hour will be on Sunday, February 19, at 10 a.m. Visit: www.christchurchcathedral.org/searchcommittee
Seed Group • Our Seed Group is an excellent way for middle school youth to connect for fellowship and bible study. We will meet during the season of lent for fun and small group discussion that takes a deep dive into questions about faith. Tuesday Evenings 6:30-8 p.m., beginning February 21. Contact Marcia Quintanilla with questions at: mquintanilla@ christchurchcathedral.org
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper • The Cathedral will observe the last day before Lent - Shrove Tuesday - with our annual pancake supper! Join us February 21 in Reynolds Hall beginning at 6 p.m. Learn more and register in advance at: www.christchurchcathedral.org/pancakesupper
Ash Wednesday • Services will be offered February 22 at 7 a.m., 12:05 p.m., and 6 p.m. A service will be offered in Spanish at 7:30 p.m. A priest will be available to offer imposition of ashes in Golding Chapel from 8–11:30 a.m. and from 1–3 p.m.
Looking for Children’s Ministry • Follow Agnus to childcare for infants (6 weeks–5 years), or the Huffington Playground. Have questions? Contact KariAnn Lessner at kalessner@ christchurchcathedral.org
Make Your 2023 EMC Pledge • There’s still time to make your annual pledge. We invite you to join us as we renew our commitment to our beloved Cathedral in time, talent, and treasure. To submit your pledge, simply drop a pledge card into the offering plate or visit www. christchurchcathedral.org/pledge to pledge online. If you have questions, contact Minister for Stewardship Karen Kraycirik at kkraycirik@christchurchcathedral.org or 713-590-3338.
After-Hours Emergency Pastoral Care Line • 713-826-5332
Welcome to Christ Church Cathedral!
We are blessed by your presence. If you are new to the Cathedral, please fill out the WELCOME card in your pew and put it in the offering plate or give it to an usher.
Tours of the Cathedral are available after the 5 p.m. service on the third Sunday every month. If you would like a tour, meet the tour guide by the eagle lectern. Welcome Team members are in the Cathedral Bookstore after the service to visit with you and answer any questions you may have.
Weekday Services
Morning Prayer, 7:30 a.m., Monday-Friday on Zoom
Evening Prayer, 6 p.m., Monday- Friday on Zoom
Oración del mediodía, Mediodía, miércoles y viernes en Facebook
Contemplative Prayer, 11:15 a.m., Mondays in Mellinger Room
Holy Eucharist, Noon, Wednesdays in Golding Chapel
Bilingual Holy Eucharist, 6 p.m., Wednesdays in Golding Chapel
Links available at: www.christchurchcathedral.org/weekdayservices
Portions of this service are adapted from the Iona Community Worship Book and the Prayer Books of the Church of Ireland, the Anglican Church of New Zealand, and the Northumbrian Community.
Please be advised that our services are Livesteamed to Vimeo and Facebook. Your participation in the service serves as your consent to the broadcast of your image and voice and to the broadcast of the image and voice of your participating minor children.
Pursuant to Section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with a concealed handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a concealed handgun. Pursuant to Section 30.07, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with an openly carried handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a handgun that is carried openly.
