Feast of the Epiphany (Transferred), January 8, 2023

 liturgy of the word 

Prelude Sure on this Shining Night Samuel Barber (Chelsie Cree and Grace Mauk)

Welcome The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray

Gathering Song I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light

The Hymnal 1982 #420

Collect of the Day

Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you.

(from Prayers for an Inclusive Church)

Celebrant: Let us pray. Shepherd of Israel and Light of all Nations, made known in the gifts of those who call to other names and walk on different ways: may unjust powers and the hatred within us be dismayed by your friendship and dethroned by your love; through Jesus Christ, the open arms of grace People: Amen. (Please be seated for the Lessons.)

The First Lesson

Reader: A reading from Isaiah

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.

Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s People. People: Thanks be to God.

Isaiah 60:1-6

Psalms for Praying

The cantor will begin, and the congregation will respond.

Bring justice to the peoples, O Beloved, and your mercy to all generations! May the people be known for mercy, rendering justice to the poor!

Let their spirits soar as the eagle, let joy abide in every heart! May we heed the cry of the poor- the young and the old, helping to free all those in need, awakening the souls of oppressors!

May we know oneness with You as long as the sun endures, as long as the stars shine, throughout all generations!

May we acknowledge You in the rain falling on the fields, like showers that water the earth! In our day may justice flourish, and peace abound, throughout all the nations!

May every heart open to your Love from sea to sea, from the River of Life out to the universe! May fears that paralyze the people rise up from the depths into Your Light!

Blessed be the Beloved, the One who dwells in open hearts, who guides us along the way. Blessed be You, who come in Name of Love; may your glory fill the earth! Amen and Amen!

The second Lesson Ephesians 3:1-12 Reader: A reading from Ephesians.

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.

Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

Gradual Jesus Light of the World

Geo. D. Elderkin, arr. All are invited to sing the refrain. Verses will be offered by soloist.

The Gospel Matthew 2:1-12

Deacon: The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

`And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'"

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to You, Lord Christ.

Affirmation of Faith (Please rise.) (From Liturgy for the Whole Church: Multigenerational Resources)

We believe in God who said, “Let there be light,” and there was! With that light, God made the world and all people in whom, and through whom, the Light burns on, strong and true. We believe!

We believe in Jesus, the true Light, who went down to darkness to overcome death, and rose again, to unveil our own brightness, in the victory of whose love a path shines home to God’s heart where all will live forever. We believe!

We believe in the Spirit, blazing with hope, speaking the truth into every darkness, warming our lives with God’s gifts and call. We believe!

We believe in the church, where God’s Light is praised, and from where we are sent to love and serve the world. We believe!

We ask today that a gentle breath blow from above on the light that is in us, the light that is among us, and enflame us anew with the courage of love. Enflame us, O God! Amen.

Prayers of the People

Based on Iona Community Prayers

Intercessor: Creator of All, you have promised to hear when we pray in the name of your Son. Therefore in confidence and trust we pray for the Church God, enliven the Church for its mission: People: that we may be salt of the earth and light to the world.

Intercessor: Breathe fresh life into your people. People: Give us power to reveal Christ in word and action.

Intercessor: Creator of all, lead us and every people into ways of justice and peace. People: That we may respect one another in freedom and truth.

Intercessor: Awaken in us a sense of wonder for the earth and all that is in it.

People: Teach us to care creatively for its resources.

Intercessor: God of truth, inspire with your wisdom those whose decisions affect the lives of others

People: that all may act with integrity and courage.

Intercessor: Give grace to all whose lives are linked with ours.

People: May we serve Christ in one another, and love as he loves us.

Intercessor: We pray for those we now name silently or aloud. (Pause) God of hope, comfort and restore all who suffer in body, mind or spirit. People: May they know the power of your healing love.

Intercessor: Make us willing agents of your compassion. People: Strengthen us as we share in making people whole.

Intercessor: Give comfort to those who mourn. People: Bring them peace in their time of loss.

Intercessor: We praise you for all your saints who have entered your eternal glory. People: May their example inspire and encourage us.

Intercessor: Lord, you have called us to serve you. People: Grant that we may walk in your presence: your love in our hearts, your truth in our minds, your strength in our wills; until, at the end of our journey, we know the joy of our homecoming and the welcome of your embrace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE CONFESSION OF SIN & ABSOLUTION

(From Nancy J Blog: Wonderings Through Life and Other Such Nonsense)

Celebrant: Let us confess the ways in which we have rejected God’s vision of wholeness.

God of light and darkness, we have seen the glimmer of your star-light beckoning to us, but we have turned away and followed other paths. We confess that we have not loved you with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. Forgive us, Holy One. Strengthen our faltering steps and guide us in your holy way of peace.

Celebrant: Lift up your eyes and see the grace of God poured out into our lives. People: The light of God shines through the darkness. Our hearts rejoice for Christ is in our midst. Amen.

THE PEACE

Deacon: The peace of the Lord be always with you. People: And also with you.

Announcements

Offertory The Holy City Stephen Adams (Chelsie Cree and Grace Mauk)

 Liturgy of the Table 

The Great Thanksgiving

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: You have filled us and all creation with your blessing and fed us with your constant love; you have redeemed us in Jesus Christ and knit us into one body. Through your Spirit you replenish us and call us to fullness of life.

Therefore, joining with Angels and Archangels and with the faithful of every generation, we lift our voices with all creation as we sing:

SanctuS Holy, Holy, Holy Ken Canedo

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 captivity, 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 our 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: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

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. And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say:

Fraction & Invitation to Communion

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. Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the people of God; holy food for holy people.

(Please be seated until you are invited to come forward to receive communion.) We welcome ALL to come forward to receive Communion as a sign of God’s love in and for our lives. To receive the bread (or gluten-free wafer), please put your hands together, palms up. To receive the nonalcoholic wine, you may either drink directly from the cup or dip the bread in the cup before eating. If you are unable to come forward and wish to have Communion brought to you, please inform a greeter.

Communion Music Be Thou My Vision See insert

The Post Communion Prayer (please rise.)

Celebrant: Let us pray. Jesus, we have feasted on the bread of life. Together we have tasted the love of your kindom here on earth. In your risen power you have united us with all of those who have come before, with those gathered today, and with those yet to find their way to this table of love set and ready to welcome all. May the sense of a new heaven and a new earth strengthen and renew us today and in the days to come. Now, send us out into the world to do the work you have given us to do offering your fearless love and priceless peace to all we meet in the name of our loving, liberating life-giving God. Amen.

Blessing

May the rain fall off your shoulders when you’re caught in a storm. When the frost comes a callin’ may it find you safe and warm. May your place be set, and may your promises be kept. And may you never forget that you are loved.

Sending Song Angels from the Realms of Glory See insert.

(All recess out through front doors for “chalking” )

Chalking oF the Church Door for the New Year See Page 11

Chalking oF the Church Door for the New Year

During the Sending Song we will all process to the front door and at the end of the song will step outside to “chalk our doors.”

Since the Middle Ages there has been a tradition that on (or near) the feast of the Epiphany we pray for God’s blessing on our homes and places of worship, marking the entrance with chalk (an incarnational image reminding us of the dust of the earth from which we were made). We mark our doors with signs and symbols connected with crosses.

The initials remind us of the legendary names of the Magi – Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar – and also stand for the Latin motto: Christus mansionem benedicat, “May Christ bless this house.” In the Book of Exodus, the Israelites marked their doors with blood so that the Lord would pass over their homes; but in this ritual, we mark our doors with chalk as a sign that we have invited God’s presence and blessing into our homes.

Blessing of the Chalk:

Priest: Our help is the name of the Lord: People: The maker of heaven and earth.

Priest: The Lord shall watch over our going out and our coming in: People: From this time forth for evermore.

Let us pray.

Loving God, bless this chalk which you have created, that it may be helpful to your people; and grant that through the invocation of your most Holy Name that we who use it in faith to write upon the door of this place the names of your holy ones Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, may receive health of body and protection of soul for all who worship in or visit this place; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Marking of the DOOR:

20 + C + M + B + 23

Priest: Let us pray. Christus Mansionem Benedictat, “May Christ bless the house (of God )” Just as the three Wise ones, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar followed the star of God’s Son may we too follow that star in our lives each day. Bless all who walk through these doors with the gift of your love; and grant that we may manifest that love to each other and to all whose lives we touch. May we grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of you; guide, comfort, and strengthen us in peace, O Jesus Christ, now and forever. Amen.

Dismissal

Deacon: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!

People: Thanks be to God!

Trinity’s Daily Bread- As a community of faith, we are called to love and be loved; to serve and be served, to give and to receive. In short, we don’t want anyone to “fall behind or drop out.” To continue our connection, we invite you to take part in Trinity’s Daily Bread. Please let us know if you need prayer, assistance, or connection by filling out our Daily Bread form on our website, www.trinitytoledo.org!

Trinity Episcopal Church

Vestry Leadership

Donna Steppe, Sr. Warden, Jeffrey Albright, Jr. Warden Leah Reed, Clerk, Gary Franklin, Treasurer Dennis Degnan, Becky Koskinen, Fritz Hany, Karen Keune & Jamie Paul

Parish Staff

The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray, Rector Heather Meyer, Director of Operations George Benson, Director of Community Engagement Chelsie Cree, Director of Music and the Arts Grace Mauk, Assistant Director of Music and the Arts Brian Buckner, Trinity@Home Accompanist

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & COPYRIGHT INFO:

Collect of the Day: Prayers for an Inclusive Church, Steven Shakespeare. Readings and Gospel from: Revised Common Lectionary: lectionarypage.net, 2022. Psalm: Psalms for Praying, Nan Merrill. The Great Thanksgiving: BCP Eucharistic Prayer A Bulletin front cover image: All printed music from The Hymnal 1982, Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing, My Heart Sings Out, Wonder, Love, and Praise was used by permission through purchase of ritesong.org.

All other printed music permission through purchase of CCLI Copyright license #20577215 Size B Streaming License #20577284 Size B

Secular music: permission through purchase of CCS WORSHIPcast Copyright license #13190

All printed music from Gather permission through purchase of onelicense.net License # A-700000

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH

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