The Baptism of The Lord The Renewal of our Baptismal Vows St. Paul’s Church, Charlottetown, PEI January 12, 2025, 10:00 am

 
The Baptism of The Lord
The Renewal of our Baptismal Vows
St. Paul’s Church, Charlottetown, PEI
January 12, 2025, 10:00 am
Preludes: God’s Son Has Come Georg Andreas Sorge; Adagio Joseph Hector Fiocco
 
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,
Eternal Father, who at the baptism of Jesus revealed him to be your Son, anointing him with the Holy Spirit, keep your children, born of water and the Spirit, faithful to their calling; 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 Lord
First Reading: Isaiah 43:1-7
A Reading From The Book Of Isaiah
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my sight, and honoured, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; I will say to the north, "Give them up," and to the south, "Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth - everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."
Here what the Spirit is saying to the Church
Thanks be to God.
 
SNC 24 I Have Called You By Your Name
 
The Gospel: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."
The Gospel of Christ.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
 
Sermon
 
Thanksgiving for Holy Baptism
Water is poured into the font with these words
God in Christ gives us water welling up for eternal life. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
Lord, give us this water and we shall thirst no more.
 
The president stands before the water and says,
Praise God who made heaven and earth,
who keeps his promise for ever.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give thanks and praise.
 
Father, we give you thanks and praise for your gift of water in creation; for your Spirit, sweeping over the waters, bringing light and life; for your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, baptized in the river Jordan.
 
We bless you for your new creation, brought to birth by water and the Spirit, and for your grace bestowed upon us your children, washing away our sins.
 
May your holy and life-giving Spirit move upon these waters. Restore through them the beauty of your creation, and bring those who are baptized to new birth in the family of your Church.
 
Drown sin in the waters of judgement, anoint your children with power from on high, and make them one with Christ in the freedom of your kingdom.
 
For all might, majesty, dominion and power are yours, now and for ever.
Alleluia. Amen.
 
Prayers of the People [led by the LITANIST]
Generous God, we thank you for the baptism of Jesus by John at the Jordan river and for the power of your Holy Spirit. We ask that we may be strengthened to serve you in all that we do, individually and together. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
 
We thank you for the wisdom of your Holy Spirit bestowed on this community. We ask that we may use our corporate wisdom to more fully understand and do your will.
 
We thank you for the peace of your Holy Spirit instilled in our hearts. We ask that we may be confident of your love wherever you call us to be. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
 
We thank you for the healing of your life-giving and Holy Spirit. We ask you to bring reconciliation and wholeness where there is division, sickness and sorrow. We pray for those who are ill either in hospital or at home:
-
And others we may name out loud or in our hearts:
-
 
We thank you for the gifts of your powerful Holy Spirit. We ask that you equip us for the work which you have given us. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
 
We thank you for the fruit of your Holy Spirit. We ask you to reveal in our lives the love of Jesus.
 
We thank you for the breath of your Holy Spirit. We ask you to keep the whole Church, living and departed, in the joy of eternal life. We pray for those who have died in the peace of Christ and whose faith is known to you alone, especially:
-
Fill us and all who mourn with the joy of the holy resurrection. God of love,
Hear our prayer.
 
Generous God, you sent your Holy Spirit upon Jesus, the Messiah at the river Jordan, and upon the disciples in the upper room: in your mercy fill us with your Spirit, hear our prayer, and make us one in heart and mind to serve you with joy for ever. Amen.
 
The Prayers are followed by this act of penitence and dedication
God of truth, you are faithful to the covenant you have made with us; look in mercy on your people. From all our sins, O Lord:
wash us, and we shall be clean.
 
Today we rejoice and give thanks because your Son humbled himself to be baptized in the Jordan. Through the waters you have given us the mystery of baptism for the remission of our sins. From all our sins, O Lord:
wash us, and we shall be clean.
 
Through water and Spirit you give us new life as the people of God, and pour out upon us the gifts of your new covenant. From all our sins, O Lord:
wash us, and we shall be clean.
 
Almighty God, in our baptism you have consecrated us to be temples of your Holy Spirit. May we, whom you have counted worthy, nurture your indwelling Spirit with a lively faith, and worship you with upright lives; through Jesus Christ. Amen.
 
‘Come forward, you who are thirsty,
receive the water of life,
the free gift to all who desire it.’
 
During the hymn, the congregation should be prepared for the asperges (sprinkling a congregation with holy water).
39 You Are God’s Work of Art
 
The Assurance
May almighty God have mercy on us,
forgive us our sins,
and bring us to everlasting life,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
The Peace
God has made us one in Christ. He has set his seal upon us and, as a pledge of what is to come, has given the Spirit to dwell in our hearts. Alleluia. (cf 2 Corinthians 1.22)
 
The peace of the Lord be always with you
and also with you.
 
Announcements & Birthday Song
 
86 More Than We Can Ask or Imagine
 
Prayer Over The Gifts
Let us pray,
God of life and freedom, we celebrate the revelation of Jesus as the Christ who makes all creation new. Accept all we offer you this day and make us new in him, who is Lord for ever and ever. Amen.
 
Eucharistic Prayer 5
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, for the gift of a world full of wonder, and for our life which comes from you. By your power you sustain the universe.
 
You created us to love you with all our heart, and to love each other as ourselves, but we rebel against you by the evil that we do. In Jesus, your Son, you bring healing to our world and gather us into one great family.
 
Therefore, with all who serve you on earth and in heaven, we praise your wonderful name, as we sing (say),
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.
 
We give you thanks and praise, loving Father, because in sending Jesus, your Son, to us you showed us how much you love us. He cares for the poor and the hungry. He suffers with the sick and the rejected. Betrayed and forsaken, he did not strike back but overcame hatred with love. On the cross he defeated the power of sin and death. By raising him from the dead you show us the power of your love to bring new life to all your people.
 
On the night before he gave up his life for us, Jesus, at supper with his friends, took bread, gave thanks to you, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “Take this, all of you, and eat it: this is my body which is given for you.”
 
After supper, Jesus took the cup of wine, said the blessing, gave it to his friends, and said, “Drink this, all of you: this is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which is shed for you and for many, so that sins may be forgiven. Do this in memory of me.”
 
Gracious God, with this bread and wine we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus, and we offer ourselves to you in him. Send your Holy Spirit on us and on these gifts, that we may know the presence of Jesus in the breaking of bread, and share in the life of the family of your children.
 
Father, you call us to be your servants; fill us with the courage and love of Jesus, that all the world may gather in joy at the table of your kingdom.
 
We sing your praise, almighty Father, through Jesus, our Lord, in the power of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
 
The Lord’s Prayer
Rejoicing in the presence of God here among us,
as our Saviour taught us, so we 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.
 
Lamb of God
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.
 
Hymns-during-communion
649 Breathe on Me, Breath of God
PB 218 Spirit Song (verses 1,2 repeated)
 
The Sending Forth of the Community
PB 218 Spirit Song (verses 1,2 repeated)
 
Prayer After Communion
Let us pray,
Gracious God, lover of all, by this sacrament you make us one family in Christ your Son, one in the sharing of his body and blood, one in the communion of his Spirit. Help us to grow in love for one another and come to the full maturity of the Body of Christ. We ask this in his name. 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
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.
 
527 How Firm a Foundation
 
The Dismissal
We have come to Christ, the living water.
Go in the peace of Christ.
Thanks be to God.
 

The Epiphany of Our Lord St. Paul’s Church, Charlottetown, PEI January 5, 2025

 
The Epiphany of Our Lord
St. Paul’s Church, Charlottetown, PEI
January 5, 2024, 8:00 am & 10:00 am
 
Preludes: How Brightly Shines the Morning Star D. Buxtehude; Largo and Fughette; G.F. Handel; The First Nowell Gordon Young
 
Land Acknowledgement
We are currently residing on the Island of Epekwitk, also known as Prince Edward Island, this is part of Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq. We live by the treaties of Peace and Friendship; therefore we acknowledge, with respect, the history, culture, and spirituality of the Mi’kmaq people and join with them in care for all our relations of earth, sea and air.
 
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.
 
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
May all the earth be filled with God’s glory.
Light has sprung up for the righteous,
And joyful gladness for those who are true-hearted.
Glory to God in the highest,
And peace to God’s people on earth.
 
160 As with Gladness Men of Old
 
The Collect of the Day
Let us pray,
Eternal God, who by a star led magi to the worship of your Son. Guide by your light the nations of the earth, that the whole world may know your glory; 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: Isaiah 60:1-6
A Reading from The Book of 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.
Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church
Thanks be to God
 
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the king's son; That he may rule your people righteously and the poor with justice; That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, and the little hills bring righteousness.
All nations shall serve him.
He shall defend the needy among the people; he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor. He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure, from one generation to another. He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, like showers that water the earth. In his time shall the righteous flourish; there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.
All nations shall serve him.
The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall pay tribute, and the kings of Arabia and Saba offer gifts. All kings shall bow down before him, and all the nations do him service. For he shall deliver the poor who cries out in distress, and the oppressed who has no helper.
All nations shall serve him.
He shall have pity on the lowly and poor; he shall preserve the lives of the needy. He shall redeem their lives from oppression and violence, and dear shall their blood be in his sight.
All nations shall serve him.
 
156 The People That in Darkness Sat
 
The Holy Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12
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.
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.
The Gospel of Christ.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
 
Sermon
 
Prayers of the People
PRESIDER:
We pray for God’s faithfulness to be known in our world.
In a world of change and hope, of fear and adventure, in human rebellion and obedience, in our seeking and our finding, faithful God…
Remain with us.
In the common life of our society, in prosperity and need, as your Church proclaims your goodness in words and action, faithful God…
Remain with us.
Among our friends and in our homes, in our times of joy, in our days of sorrow, faithful God…
Remain with us.
In our strengths and triumphs, in our weakness and at our death, in your saints in glory and on the day of Christ’s coming, faithful God…
Remain with us.
 
LITANIST:
We join together at this holy time to praise God, the creator and maker of all saying, “Hear our prayer.”
 
We give thanks for the birth of Jesus the Christ-child, born in Bethlehem, the city of David, of the line of David’s family, to be the Saviour of the world. We are grateful, O God, that you have made it possible for your Spirit to be born in each of us; that we may rejoice that you have blessed humanity and all of creation by your presence in the world. God of love.
Hear our prayer.
We give thanks that messengers were sent to the shepherds, with news of great joy and peace for the whole world. We are grateful, O God, that the Good News is a comfort to the weak and a challenge to the strong; that we may embrace and ever hold fast to the Gospel proclaiming your love. God of love.
Hear our prayer.
We give thanks that Magi, wise people from the east, came to worship the One born in time, the timeless Son of God, God with us, God with everyone. We are grateful, O God, that your people everywhere are blessed with the spirit of love; that we may worship fully and without fear. God of love.
Hear our prayer.
We give thanks for the Holy Family, for Joseph and Mary, who lived as refugees in a time of great cruelty and hardship, and we ask you to look with mercy on all who are poor, powerless and who suffer. We are grateful, O God, that this extraordinary story of a birth, so long ago, fills us with hope and courage to do your will in this world. God of love.
Hear our prayer.
We give thanks for your son, who heralds peace, and we pray for people in war-torn places throughout the world. O God, grant an abundance of peace to your world; we pray for all your creatures, of land and sea and air; we pray for streams, rivers and oceans; we give thanks for all of creation; we pray for people of every nation, race and language. God of love.
Hear our prayer.
We pray for those who are without a home; without food or water; we pray for refugees and those who are persecuted for their beliefs. We seek their protection. We pray for those in particular need; for the sick and the suffering, especially those who are dear to us…
-
God of love.
Hear our prayer.
Rejoicing in the fellowship we share – we pray for the faithful departed, (especially for:
-
… we commend ourselves and all people to your unfailing love. God of love.
Hear our prayer.
O God, your love was so great for us that you gave us your Son to be born in the world and to shine in our darkness. Help us to make your light and love known in all the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
PRESIDER:
God of mercy, hear us as we confess our sins.
 
For the sin that has made us slow to learn from Christ, reluctant to follow him and afraid to bear the cross: Lord, have mercy.
Lord, forgive.
For the sin that has caused the poverty of our worship, the formality and selfishness of our prayers, our neglect of fellowship and the means of grace, and our hesitating witness for Christ: Lord, have mercy.
Lord, forgive.
For the sin that has led us to misuse your gifts, evade our responsibilities and fail to be good stewards of your creation: Lord, have mercy.
Lord, forgive.
For the sin that has made us unwilling to overcome evil with good, tolerant of injustice, quick to condemn and selfish in sharing your love with others: Lord, have mercy.
Lord, forgive.
 
Silence is kept.
Let us pray,
Have mercy on me, O God, in your great goodness; according to the abundance of your compassion blot out my offences. Wash me thoroughly from my wickedness and cleanse me from my sin. Make in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Give me again the joy of your salvation and sustain me with your gracious spirit. Psalm 51.1, 2, 11, 13
 
The presiding minister says
May the God of all healing and forgiveness
draw us to himself,
and cleanse us from all our sins
that we may behold the glory of his Son,
the Word made flesh,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
The Peace
The peace of the Lord be always with you
and also with you.
 
Announcements
 
460 Shine, Jesus, Shine
 
The Celebration of the Holy Eucharist
Prayer Over the Gifts
Let us pray,
Gracious God, accept the offering of your Church, the hearts of your people joined in praise and thanksgiving, in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
 
Eucharistic Prayer 3
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.
 
Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; you have revealed your eternal plan of salvation, and have shown your Son Jesus Christ to be the light of all peoples. Therefore with angels and archangels we raise our voices in joyful praise 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.
 
We give thanks to you, Lord our God, for the goodness and love you have made known to us in creation; in calling Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus your Son.
 
For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Saviour and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
 
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, a death he freely accepted, 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.”
 
Therefore, Father, according to his command,
we remember his death,
we proclaim his resurrection,
we await his coming in glory;
and we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.
 
We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts, that they may be the sacrament of the body of Christ and his blood of the new covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we, made acceptable in him, may be sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
 
In the fullness of time, reconcile all things in Christ, and make them new, and bring us to that city of light where you dwell with all your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation;
 
by whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory are yours, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.
 
The Lord’s Prayer
Rejoicing in the presence of God here among us,
as our Saviour taught us, so we 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.
 
Lamb of God
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.
 
Hymns-during-communion
142 Sleep, Sweet Child, Thy Mother Watches (repeated)
PB 233 Surely the Presence (repeated)
PB 234 In the Quiet of the Morning (repeated)
 
The Sending Forth of the Community
PB 234 In the Quiet of the Morning (repeated)
 
Prayer After Communion
Let us pray,
God of all the nations of the earth, guide us with your light. Help us to recognize Christ as he comes to us in this eucharist and in our neighbours. May we welcome him with love, for he is Lord now and for ever. 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
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.
 
139 The First Nowell
The Scattering (Mark 4:20)
Go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
Thanks be to God.