Third Sunday after Epiphany
St. Paul’s Church, Charlottetown, PEI
January 21, 2024, 10:00 am
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.
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.
First Reading: Jonah 3:1-5, 10
The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, "Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you." So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days' walk across. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day's walk. And he cried out, "Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!" And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth. When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.
Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church
Thanks be to God
For God alone my soul in silence waits; truly, my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold, so that I shall not be shaken.
Take refuge in God, all you people.
In God is my safety and my honour; God is my strong rock and my refuge. Put your trust in him always, O people, pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge.
Take refuge in God, all you people.
Those of high degree are but a fleeting breath, even those of low estate cannot be trusted. On the scales they are lighter than a breath, all of them together.
Take refuge in God, all you people.
Put no trust in extortion; in robbery take no empty pride; though wealth increase, set not your heart upon it.
Take refuge in God, all you people.
God has spoken once, twice have I heard it, that power belongs to God. Steadfast love is yours, O Lord, for you repay everyone according to his deeds.
Take refuge in God, all you people.
And also with you.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark.
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea - for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fish for people." And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.
The Gospel of Christ.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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.
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 food and shelter for those in need. God of love,
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 everyone will have enough of what they need. God of love,
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,
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And others we may name out loud or in our hearts,
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that the light of your love will bring them joy and wholeness. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
For victims of our society, that we 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.
Let us confess our sins, confident in God’s forgiveness.
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.
The peace of the Lord be always with you
and also with you.
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.
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.
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.
Christ has died,
Christ is risen,
Christ will come again.
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
We break the bread of life,
and that life is the light of the world.
God here among us,
light in the midst of us,
bring us to light and life.
The gifts of God for the People of God.
Thanks be to God.
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.
494 Not for Tongues of Heaven’s Angels
PB 88 Make Me Like You
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.
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.
May the God of infinite goodness
scatter the darkness of sin
and brighten your hearts with holiness;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
431 Take Up Your Cross, the Saviour Said
The Scattering (Mark 4:20)
Go forth into the world,
rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
Thanks be to God.
