The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, January 29, 2023, 10:00 am

The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
St. Paul’s Church, Charlottetown, PEI
January 29, 2023, 10:00 am
 
The Gathering of the Community
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with you all.
And also with you.
 
Almighty God,
to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
321 All Hail the Power of Jesus Name
 
The Collect of the Day
Let us pray,
Almighty God, by grace alone you call us and accept us in your service. Strengthen us by your Spirit, and make us worthy of your call; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
 
The Proclamation of the Word
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
A Reading from The First Letter of Paul to The Corinthians
Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, "I belong to Paul," or "I belong to Apollos," or "I belong to Cephas," or "I belong to Christ." Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church
Thanks be to God.
 
Psalm 27:1, 5-13
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid?
The Lord is my light and my salvation.
One thing have I asked of the Lord; one thing I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; To behold the fair beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
The Lord is my light and my salvation.
For in the day of trouble he shall keep me safe in his shelter; he shall hide me in the secrecy of his dwelling and set me high upon a rock. Even now he lifts up my head above my enemies round about me.
The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Therefore I will offer in his dwelling an oblation with sounds of great gladness; I will sing and make music to the Lord.
The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Hearken to my voice, O Lord, when I call; have mercy on me and answer me. You speak in my heart and say, "Seek my face." Your face, Lord, will I seek.
The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Hide not your face from me, nor turn away your servant in displeasure. You have been my helper; cast me not away; do not forsake me, O God of my salvation.
The Lord is my light and my salvation.
 
P66 I Will Stand in the Congregation
 
The Holy Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: "Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles - the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned." From that time Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea - for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.
The Gospel of Christ.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
 
Sermon
 
The Prayers of the Community
United in the same mind and the same purpose, let us pray in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ for the whole human family, saying: hear our prayer.
For the Church and for the unity of purpose of all Christian people. We pray especially for Linda our Primate and Sandra our bishop, and that all of us may have the freedom to leave everything and follow Jesus’ call to service. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
For this parish, that we who are called to be fishers of people may use our diverse gifts to show the love and mercy of God in all that we do. Bless us as we work for Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous people and the acceptance of everyone in the church and community. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
For a spirit of hope, that all who find themselves walking in darkness may be renewed in mind and spirit with a vision and promise of life and wholeness. For all war-torn places in the world, for peace in Ukraine, for food and shelter for those in need. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
For the members of the various levels of government, that your Spirit will give them wisdom, insight and courage to lead in ways that are just and righteous, and that serious consideration will be given to ways of eliminating poverty. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
For all who help us deepen our relationship with you, that they may share the good news of Jesus in life-giving and healing ways. We pray for all healthcare providers and those who guide us through illness. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
For all who struggle with the burdens of life, and for the people we know who are ill at home or in hospital, especially,
-
And others we may name out loud or in our hearts,
-
that the light of your love will bring them joy and wholeness. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
For victims of mass shootings, that elected officials may be moved to help protect the innocent. We pray for all those who have died, remembering especially,
-
that the light of Christ may shine upon them forever and bring comfort to their loved ones and all who mourn. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
God of all dawning light, hear our prayers and give us courage to answer quickly the call to follow you, letting nothing in us interfere with the good news of your realm. Glory to you for ever and ever. Amen.
 
Confession and Absolution
Let us confess our sins,
confident in God’s forgiveness.
 
Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us, that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen.
 
Almighty God have mercy upon you,
pardon and deliver you from all your sins,
confirm and strengthen you in all goodness,
and keep you in eternal life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
The Peace
The peace of the Lord be always with you
and also with you.
 
Announcements
 
P2 How Majestic Is Your name
 
The Celebration of the Holy Eucharist
Prayer Over the Gifts
Let us pray,
Loving God, before the world began you called us. Make holy all we offer you this day, and strengthen us in that calling. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
 
Eucharistic Prayer 1
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is indeed right that we should praise you, gracious God, for you created all things. You formed us in your own image: as your children you created us. When we turned away from you in sin, you did not cease to care for us, but opened a path of salvation for all people. You made a covenant with Israel, and through your servants Abraham and Sarah gave the promise of a blessing to all nations. Through Moses you led your people from bondage into freedom; through the prophets you renewed your promise of salvation.
 
Therefore, with them, and with all your saints who have served you in every age, we give thanks and raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.
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.
 
Holy God, source of life and goodness, all creation rightly gives you praise. In the fullness of time, you sent your Son Jesus Christ, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He healed the sick and ate and drank with outcasts and sinners; he opened the eyes of the blind and proclaimed the good news of your kingdom to the poor and to those in need. In all things he fulfilled your gracious will.
 
On the night he freely gave himself to death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
 
After supper he 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 shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
 
Gracious God, his perfect sacrifice destroys the power of sin and death; by raising him to life you give us life for evermore.
 
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith.
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
Recalling his death, proclaiming his resurrection, and looking for his coming again in glory, we offer you, Father, this bread and this cup. Send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts, that all who eat and drink at this table may be one body and one holy people, a living sacrifice in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
 
Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory is yours, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.
 
The Lord’s Prayer
As our Saviour taught us, let us pray,
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 for ever. Amen.
 
Breaking of the Bread
“I am the bread which has come down from
heaven,” says the Lord.
Give us this bread for ever.
 “I am the vine, you are the branches.”
May we dwell in him, as he lives in us.
 
Lamb of God [sung]
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world
grant us your peace.
 
Giving of Communion
The gifts of God for the People of God.
Thanks be to God.
 
Hymns-during-communion
487 Where Charity and Love Prevail
P5 The Sweetest Name of All
P73 Bind Us Together
P66 I Will Stand in the Congregation (see the Gradual)
 
The Sending Forth of the Community
Prayer after Communion
Let us pray,
Gracious God, our hands have taken holy things; our lives have been nourished by the body of your Son. May we who have eaten at this holy table be strengthened for service in your world. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
 
The doxology
Glory to God,
whose power, working in us,
can do infinitely more
than we can ask or imagine.
Glory to God from generation to generation,
in the Church and in Christ Jesus,
for ever and ever. Amen.
 
The Blessing
The peace of God which passes all understanding
keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God,
and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
 
430 Will You Come and Follow Me
 
The Scattering (Mark 4:20)
Go forth into the world,
rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
Thanks be to God.

The Third Sunday after the Epiphany, January 22, 2023, 10:00 am

 
The Third Sunday after the Epiphany
St. Paul’s Church, Charlottetown, PEI
January 22, 2023, 10:00 am
 
The Gathering of the Community
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with you all.
And also with you.
 
Almighty God,
to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
385 Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness
 
The Collect of the Day
Let us pray,
Living God, in Christ you make all things new. Transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace, and in the renewal of our lives make known your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
 
The Proclamation of the Word
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
A Reading from The First Letter of Paul to The Corinthians
The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart." Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength. Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."
Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church
Thanks be to God
 
Psalm 15
Lord, who may dwell in your tabernacle? who may abide upon your holy hill? Whoever leads a blameless life and does what is right, who speaks the truth from his heart.
The just shall dwell on your holy mountain.
There is no guile upon his tongue; he does no evil to his friend; he does not heap contempt upon his neighbour. In his sight the wicked is rejected, but he honours those who fear the Lord.
The just shall dwell on your holy mountain.
He has sworn to do no wrong and does not take back his word. He does not give his money in hope of gain, nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things shall never be overthrown.
The just shall dwell on your holy mountain.
 
The Holy Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
The Gospel of Christ.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
 
Sermon
 
The Prayers of the Community
Gracious and heavenly God, we are reminded today that your blessings do not follow the logic of this world. Hear us in our prayers as we seek your blessing, saying, hear our prayer.
 
The world believes that the rich are blessed, but Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” and so we pray for a world of justice and fairness, in which all have enough, and no one will be without food and water, shelter and clothing, education and job opportunities, healthcare and security as they age. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
Although we know that death and grief are inevitable, Jesus says that those who mourn are blessed because they will be comforted. Help us, O God, to know the truth of this mystery; and bring healing and wholeness to those who are sick; comfort those of us who have lost loved ones. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
Hear our prayers people we know who are ill at home or in hospital, especially,
-
And others we may name out loud or in our hearts
-
God of love,
Hear our prayer.
We pray for those who have died in your peace, and we remember especially:
-
Be with those who mourn that they may be strengthened in the midst of their grief. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
While people covet power and fame, Jesus blesses the meek; instruct us, O God, in the ways of humility; help us to stand with the oppressed and marginalized; help us see your presence in the faces of those the world forgets. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
Jesus says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Give us the same hunger and thirst for righteousness; fill our hearts with love, that our ministry in this world will fill us with joy. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
Jesus says, “Blessed are the merciful,” and “the pure in heart,” may our lives overflowing with mercy; and our hearts be pure, that our Parish vision to be a transforming community of love and justice may be made real. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
In a society divided by race, gender, class, ideology, sexual orientation, and in so many other ways, remind us that we are created in your image, each of us a beautiful reflection of you, each of us your beloved child. Help us end our conflicts and wars, help us to be peacemakers and agents of reconciliation. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
And when we face persecution, hatred, lies and indifference about who we are. Bless us with a sense of that heavenly realm where there is joy and gladness. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
Gracious God, you have blessed us with life, with love and joy and hope. Help us be the salt of the earth. Help us be the light of the world, sharing with others that which we have received, boldly proclaiming the good news of your love, finding the seeds of your kingdom within us and letting your way grow in our lives and throughout the world. In the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
 
Confession and Absolution
Let us confess our sins,
confident in God’s forgiveness.
 
Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us, that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen.
 
Almighty God have mercy upon you,
pardon and deliver you from all your sins,
confirm and strengthen you in all goodness,
and keep you in eternal life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
The Peace
The peace of the Lord be always with you
and also with you.
 
Announcements
 
458 Seek Ye First
 
The Celebration of the Holy Eucharist
Prayer Over the Gifts
Let us pray,
God of steadfast love, may our offering this day, by the power of your Holy Spirit, renew us for your service. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
 
Eucharistic Prayer 2
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
 
We give you thanks and praise, almighty God, through your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer. He is your living Word, through whom you have created all things.
 
By the power of the Holy Spirit he took flesh of the Virgin Mary and shared our human nature. He lived and died as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.
 
In fulfilment of your will he stretched out his hands in suffering, to bring release to those who place their hope in you; and so he won for you a holy people.
 
He chose to bear our griefs and sorrows, and to give up his life on the cross, that he might shatter the chains of evil and death, and banish the darkness of sin and despair. By his resurrection he brings us into the light of your presence.
 
Now with all creation we raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.
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.
 
Holy and gracious God, accept our praise, through your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ; who on the night he was handed over to suffering and death, took bread and gave you thanks, saying, “Take, and eat: this is my body which is broken for you.” In the same way he took the cup, saying, “This is my blood which is shed for you. When you do this, you do it in memory of me.”
 
Remembering, therefore, his death and resurrection, we offer you this bread and this cup, giving thanks that you have made us worthy to stand in your presence and serve you.
 
We ask you to send your Holy Spirit upon the offering of your holy Church. Gather into one all who share in these sacred mysteries, filling them with the Holy Spirit and confirming their faith in the truth, that together we may praise you and give you glory through your Servant, Jesus Christ.
 
All glory and honour are yours, Father and Son, with the Holy Spirit in the holy Church, now and for ever. Amen.
 
The Lord’s Prayer
As our Saviour taught us, let us pray,
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 for ever. Amen.
 
Breaking of the Bread
“I am the bread which has come down from
heaven,” says the Lord.
Give us this bread for ever.
 “I am the vine, you are the branches.”
May we dwell in him, as he lives in us.
 
Lamb of God [sung]
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world
grant us your peace.
 
Giving of Communion
The gifts of God for the People of God.
Thanks be to God.
 
Hymns-during-communion
439 Blest Are the Pure in Heart
428 God Who Gives to Life Its Goodness
152 Let Folly Praise That Fancy Loves
P246 As the Deer
 
The Sending Forth of the Community
Prayer after Communion
Let us pray,
Source of all goodness, in this eucharist we are nourished by the bread of heaven and invigorated with new wine. May these gifts renew our lives, that we may show your glory to all the world, in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
 
The doxology
Glory to God,
whose power, working in us,
can do infinitely more
than we can ask or imagine.
Glory to God from generation to generation,
in the Church and in Christ Jesus,
for ever and ever. Amen.
 
The Blessing
The peace of God which passes all understanding
keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God,
and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
 
393 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
 
The Scattering (Mark 4:20)
Go forth into the world,
rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
Thanks be to God.