The Second Sunday in Lent
March 5, 2023
9 a.m.
We welcome you to Christ Church Cathedral. Since 1839, this Christian community has gathered for worship. 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!
The Cathedral is equipped with a hearing loop for assisted listening via telecoil.
The Holy Eucharist: Rite Two
The Rev. Kathy Rock Pfister, Canon Vicar Celebrant
The Liturgy is found in The Book of Common Prayer (BCP). Hymns and service music (S) are in The Hymnal 1982.
Opening Voluntary
“Bucolico” from Diptych, Op. 107
Rachel Laurin (b.1961)
Hymn 401 Leoni
The Word of God
Celebrant Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins. BCP page 355
People His mercy endures for ever.
The Collect for Purity page 355
Kyrie Eleison S 96
The Collect of the Day
Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.
Franz Schubert (1797–1828) arr. Richard Proulx (1937–2010)
O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The First Reading Romans 4:1–5, 13–17
Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
Hymn 635
Wer nur den lieben Gott
Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
After the Gospel reading, the Deacon says The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon The Rev. Bradley Varnell, Canon Missioner for Community Life and Young Adult Ministry
The Nicene Creed page 358
The Prayers of the People Form IV, page 388
The General Confession page 360
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.
The Holy Communion
Offerings of alms and bread and wine are received.
At the Offertory Anthem John Hilton (c.1599-1657)
Lord, for thy tender mercies’ sake, lay not our sins to our charge, but forgive that is past, and give us grace to amend our sinful lives, to decline from sin and incline to virtue, that we may walk with a perfect heart before thee now and evermore.
-anon., “Lidley’s Prayers,” 1566
The Great Thanksgiving Eucharistic Prayer A, page 361
Sanctus and Benedictus S 130
Franz Schubert
The Eucharistic Prayer continues page 362
The Breaking of the Bread
Celebrant Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; People Therefore let us keep the feast.
The sacrament of Holy Communion has been precious to Christians for 2,000 years. It is a way in which many sense the reality of God’s forgiveness, our union with God and each other, and the eternal life to which we belong. Please know that you do not have to be an Episcopalian to receive Communion. To receive, you may kneel or stand at the altar rail. Receive the Bread in the palm of your hand and the Wine either by drinking from the cup or by intinction, touching the Bread to the Wine. Gluten-free Bread is available; simply ask at the altar rail. If you need Communion brought to you in the pew, please tell an usher.
Anthem harm. Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Wilt thou forgive that sin, where I begun, Which is my sin, though it were done before?
Wilt thou forgive those sins through which I run, And do run still, though still I do deplore?
When thou hast done, thou hast not done, for I have more.
Wilt thou forgive that sin, by which I won others to sin, And made my sin their door?
Wilt thou forgive that sin which i did shun a year or two, but wallowed in a score?
When thou hast done, thou hast not done, for I have more.
I have a sin of fear that when I’ve spun my last thread, I shall perish on the shore;
Swear by thyself, that at my death thy Son shall shine as he shines now, And heretofore,
And having done that, thou hast done, I fear no more.
— John Donne ( 1573-1631)Prayer after Communion page 365
The Blessing
Hymn 473 Crucife r
The Dismissal
Celebrant Let us bless the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Closing Voluntary “Con Fuoco” from Diptych, Op. 107
Rachel LaurinReadings this Week from the Revised Common Lectionary
The Old Testament Genesis 12:1–4a
The Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him.
The Epistle Romans 4:1–5, 13–17
What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness. For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings
wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation. For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”) — in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
The Gospel John 3:1–17
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.’ 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.”
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.
Welcome
Sunday, March 5, 2023
Announcements
TODAY
Robert C. Stuart Lenten Series • Join us this morning at 10 a.m. in Reynolds Hall as Dean Jones offers his Lenten lecture: “Someone is Waiting for You.” Other events at: www.christchurchcathedral.org/lent
Newcomer Lunch and Learn • Newcomers are invited to a learning luncheon about life at the Cathedral. Participants receive an overview of worship practices, learning, service, and fellowship opportunities, a brief history of the Cathedral, and a tour. Come today at 12:15 p.m. in McGehee Conference Room.
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.
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 of the headstones of some of Houston’s early African-American trailblazers. 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.
Looking for Children’s Ministry
• Follow Agnus to the Jones Building where you can find Sunday School at 10 a.m. for ages 2 years – 5th grade, as well as 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, 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 9 a.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. Or join us in the Dean’s Hour located in Reynolds Hall.
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. Please be advised that our services are livestreamed 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.