Christ Church Cathedral March 5, 2023 5 p.m.
Order
Lenten
of Service
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.
Second Sunday in Lent
five o’clock in the evening
The Rev. Kathy Rock Pfister, Canon Vicar Celebrant
Good evening and welcome to the Well. To mark the season of Lent, we have prepared a new Order of Service for our worship during the month of March. You will notice that the first part of the service, the liturgy of the Word, has contemplative rhythm and begins with an Opening Confession. The practice of beginning the service with confession is ancient, dating back to the Sarum Rite. After the prayer for the evening, the congregation will be invited to sit for a period of silence and to remain seated for the reading of the gospel and the reflection. While this pattern may be unfamiliar to you, it allows us to settle into a meditative and reflective experience without interruption. Following the prayers we will rise, sing, and then share the peace. Following the peace, the rhythm of the liturgy will return to the customary and familiar pattern of the table.
We are so glad that you are here. Come close, draw near, and receive the grace of God.
Opening Music
Traditional Hebridean Tune
At the sound of the bell, please stand.
Opening Sentence
If we have not experienced ourselves as unconditional love, we have more work to do, because that is what we are.
— Thomas Keating, The Human Condition
The congregation remains standing for the Opening Confession.
Opening Confession
Celebrant I confess to God, and in the presence of all God’s people, that I have sinned in thought, word, and deed, and I pray God to have mercy on me. People May God have mercy on you, pardon and deliver you from your sins, and give you time to amend your life.
Celebrant Amen.
1
People We confess to God, and in the presence of all God’s people, that we have sinned in thought, word, and deed, and we pray God to have mercy on us.
Celebrant May God have mercy on you, pardon and deliver you from your sins, and give you time to amend your life.
People Amen.
Celebrant Turn again, O God, and give us life People That your people may rejoice in you.
Celebrant Create in us clean hearts, O God, People And renew a right spirit within us.
Celebrant Give us the joy of your saving help again, People And sustain us with your bountiful Spirit.
Trisagion
Trisagion - Holy God
We will sing the entire response three times.
tal One, Have
text: from The Book of Common Prayer (Proposed). Copyright 1977 by Charles Mortimer Guilbert as custodian of the Standard Book of Common Prayer.
music: Betty Pulkingham (1928-2019), © Celebration Services (International) Ltd., 1974, 1975. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission. CCL # 11426131 and OneLicense.net #726591-A
A Prayer for the Evening
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.
Please be seated. A period of silence is observed.
The Reading John 3:1-17
Lector A reading from the Gospel according to John.
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.’
2
& b ú ú Ho ly œ œ œ œ œ God,
ly
w Might ú ú y, Ho - - -& b ú œ œ ly Im œ œ œ œ mor
œ œ œ ú mer cy up on w us. - - - - -U
Ho
and
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.”
A period of silence is observed.
The Reflection
Two minutes of silence is observed following the reflection.
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
3
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 people stand for the hymn.
Gather around, for the table is spread
Here at this
meal,
here in this
place,
Once he was
few.
fed,
so he will
Words: Jean Holloway ~ Tune: SKYE BOAT SONG; trad. Scottish melody and Annie McCleod, arr. Keith Duke Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. CCL #11426131
4
& b 4 3 . œ j œ œ Ga ther a . œ j œ œ round,
. œ j œ œ ta ble is . ú spread, . œ j œ œ wel come the ú œ food and - - -& b . ú rest! . ú . œ j œ œ Wide
. œ j œ œ cir cle with . œ j œ œ Christ at the . ú head,& b . œ j œ œ he is the ú œ hon oured . ú
. ú œ œ œ Learn of his . ú love,& b œ œ œ grow in
. ú grace, . œ j œ œ pray for
ú œ peace he . ú gives. . ú & b œ œ œ
. ú
œ œ œ
. ú
. œ j œ œ know
ú œ spi rit& b . ú
. ú . œ j œ œ
. œ j œ œ
. œ j œ œ
. ú
& b . œ j œ œ
ú œ
. ú
. ú . œ j œ œ Mul ti tudes . œ j œ œ ga thered and - - -& b . œ j œ œ
. ú
. œ j œ œ
ú œ
. ú
. ú
Hymns
for the
is our
guest.
his
the
that his
lives!
known in the
break ing of
bread,
shared with the
cho sen
by him were
feed us
too.
The Grace
Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance. Amen.
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, after which the people are seated for brief announcements.
5
The Holy Communion
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.
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.
6
The Breaking of the Bread
Celebrant Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; People Therefore let us keep the feast.
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.
Lamb of God
Lamb of God & b b b Œ 6 Œ Œ & b b b œ œ Lamb of . œ j œ œ œ God, you take a ú œ œ way the œ . œ j œ sins of the& b b b ú ‰ j œ world, have œ œ œ œ mer cy on . ú us. œ Œ& b b b œ œ Lamb of . œ j œ œ œ God, you take a ú œ œ way the œ . œ j œ sins of the ú world,& b b b ‰ j œ have œ œ œ œ mer cy on . ú us. œ Œ& b b b œ œ Lamb of . œ j œ œ œ God, you take a ú œ œ way the œ . œ j œ sins of the . ú world,& b b b œ œ œ œ grant us . ú peace, œ œ œ œ grant us . ú peace. . ú U
7
Music: The Glendalough Mass by Liam Lawton, arr. Paul Tate Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. CCL # 11426131 and OneLicense.net #726591-A
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
We know we shall pass this way but once. If there is any kindness we can show, or any good thing we can do, let us do it now. Let us not defer it or neglect it, for we shall not pass this way again. And the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
— paraphrase of Etienne DeGrellet
Hymn 686 Nettleton
The Dismissal
Celebrant Deep peace of the running wave to you. Deep peace of the flowing air to you. Deep peace of the quiet earth to you. Deep peace of the shining stars to you. Deep peace of the Son of God to you. Deep peace, deep peace. People Thanks be to God.
Closing Music
Traditional Irish 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 Thomas Michael Cassin.
The Beauty of Flowers
The flowers on the Cathedral Altar are given to the glory of God in loving memory of their mother, Dorothy Knox Howe Houghton, their father, Thomas Woodward Houghton, their grandmother, Dorothy Trone Howe Dupree, and their grandfather, Knox Briscoe Howe, by Rowena Houghton Dasch and Adele Houghton.
8
Welcome
Sunday, March 5, 2023
Announcements
Dying in Christ: The End of Life in the Anglican Tradition • Our series explores the theology and liturgy of dying and offers practical information on planning for a funeral. Join us in Jeffers Conference Room for a light lunch and rich conversation. Sessions continue March 8 and 15 at 12:30 p.m. Contact Claire Soard at csoard@ christchurchcathedral.org
Conferencia Te • A women’s conference hosted by Latino Ministries. We will be celebrating International Women’s Day during this year’s conference Friday, March 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Reynolds Hall. It will be in Spanish. Contact Sylvia García at: sgarcia@christchurchcathedral.org
Latino Ministries Lenten Retreat • We will gather and learn about Lent, March 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the McGehee Conference Room. It will be in Spanish. For more information please contact Sylvia García at: sgarcia@ christchurchcathedral.org
Lenten Series: Tricia Lyons • Writer and apologist Lyons will explore the great myths of our time: Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter. Sunday, March 12, at 10 a.m. in Reynolds Hall. Learn more at: www.christchurchcathedral.org/lent
Lenten Series: Finding Our Meaning & Purpose • Award-winning translator Carmen Acevedo Butcher guides us through Anonymous’s The Cloud of Unknowing and Brother Lawrence’s writings in Practice of the Presence. Saturday, March 25, 6:30-8 p.m., Sanders Hall. Register at: www.christchurchcathedral.org/lent
Service Day at Olivewood Cemetery • Join the Youth Ministry and Justice and Peace councils as they help record details from headstones of some of Houston’s early citizens and founders. March 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact Marcia Quintanilla: mquintanilla@christchurchcathedral.org
Instruction in Eucharist • Instruction in Eucharist is designed to help us learn/ remember why and how we receive the Eucharist. This is an abbreviated version geared for those who want their kiddos to get the basics. The entire parish is welcome. March 26 at 10 a.m. in The Cathedral.
The Giving Tree • This annual fundraiser supports Cathedral Youth in their mission work. Learn more at www.christchurchcathedral.org/givingtree, or visit us in the cloister between services on Sundays during Lent.
Tea and Talk • Join the Cathedral Bookstore and friends this evening at Tea and Talk after The Well for conversation and refreshment. Drop in from 5:45–6:30 p.m. in the Bookstore and Latham Lobby.
9
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.
For more information about these and other events at the Cathedral, visit www.christchurchcathedral.org.
After-Hours Emergency Pastoral Care Line • 713-826-5332
Weekday Services
Morning Prayer, 7:30 a.m., Monday-Friday on Zoom
Evening Prayer, 6 p.m., Monday- Friday on Zoom
Oración del 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
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.
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.
