The First sunday after the Epiphany: the baptism of our lord
Sunday, January 8, at 10:00 am
The form for this service can also be found in The Book of Common Prayer, page 355. Spoken responses are in bold typeface.
Prelude: “Hymn Prelude on ‘Morning Star’” Stearns
The Word of God
Hymn 119: “As with gladness men of old”
1. As with gladness men of old
did the guiding star behold;
as with joy they hailed its light,
leading onward, beaming bright;
so, most gracious Lord, may we
evermore be led to thee.
2. As with joyful steps they sped
to that lowly manger-bed;
there to bend the knee before
him whom heaven and earth adore;
so may we with willing feet
ever seek the mercy-seat.
3. As they offered gifts most rare
at that manger rude and bare;
so may we with holy joy,
pure and free from sin’s alloy,
all our costliest treasures bring,
Christ! to thee, our heavenly King.
4. Holy Jesus! every day
keep us in the narrow way;
and, when earthly things are past,
bring our ransomed souls at last
where they need no star to guide,
where no clouds thy glory hide.
5. In the heavenly country bright,
need they no created light;
thou its light, its joy, its crown,
thou its sun which goes not down:
there for ever may we sing
alleluias to our King.
Opening Acclamation
Celebrant ✠ Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
Celebrant
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: 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.
Gloria: “Glory to God in the highest”
The Collect of the Day
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.
Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
The Liturgy of the Word
First Lesson: Isaiah 42:1-9
Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching. Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. I am the Lord, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols. See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Psalm: 29
1 Ascribe to the Lord, you gods, *
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his Name; *
worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
3 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters;
the God of glory thunders; *
the Lord is upon the mighty waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is a powerful voice; *
the voice of the Lord is a voice of splendor.
5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedar trees; *
the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon;
6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, *
and Mount Hermon like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the Lord splits the flames of fire;
the voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; *
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
8 The voice of the Lord makes the oak trees writhe *
and strips the forests bare.
9 And in the temple of the Lord *
all are crying, "Glory!"
10 The Lord sits enthroned above the flood; *
the Lord sits enthroned as King for evermore.
11 The Lord shall give strength to his people; *
the Lord shall give his people the blessing of peace.
Second Lesson: Acts 10:34-43
Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Hymn 117: “Brightest and Best of the stars of the morning”
1. In the heavenly country bright,
need they no created light;
thou its light, its joy, its crown,
thou its sun which goes not down:
there for ever may we sing
alleluias to our King.
2. Cold on his cradle the dew-drops are shining,
low lies his head with the beasts of the stall;
angels adore him in slumber reclining,
Maker and Monarch and Savior of all.
3. Shall we then yield him, in costly devotion,
odors of Edom, and offerings divine,
gems of the mountain, and pearls of the ocean,
myrrh from the forest, and gold from the mine?
4. Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
vainly with gifts would his favor secure,
richer by far is the heart’s adoration,
dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
5. Brightest and best of the stars of the morning,
dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid;
star of the east, the horizon adorning,
guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.
The Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17
Celebrant The ✠ Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Matthew.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
Celebrant The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon
The Nicene Creed Said in unison
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
✠ and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The Prayer of the People
Leader In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
For this community, the nation, and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
For all bishops and other ministers;
For all who serve God in his Church.
For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
Silence. The People may add their own petitions
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
Silence. The People may add their own thanksgivings
We will exalt you, O God our King;
And praise your Name for ever and ever.
We pray for ✠ all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.
Silence. The People may add their own petitions
Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;
Who put their trust in you.
We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.
Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father;
in your compassion forgive us our sins,
known and unknown,
things done and left undone;
and so uphold us by your Spirit
that we may live and serve you in newness of life,
to the honor and glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Celebrant offers an absolution.
The Peace
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.
The ministers and the people greet one another with a sign of peace.
The Holy Communion
The Celebrant begins the Offertory with a sentence of Scripture.
During the Offertory an anthem is sung, and the Altar is prepared with the elements of Holy Communion.
The Offering is brought forward. The people stand and are censed by the acolyte.
To give an offering, choose one of the following:
Text: message 73256 with the phrase saintpauls $X (insert an amount in place of X)
Check: mail your offering to St. Paul’s Church, 84 E Oakland Ave, Doylestown, PA 18901
Anthem: “The Shepherds’ Farewell” Hector Berlioz
Thou must leave thy lowly dwelling,
the humble crib, the stable bare.
Babe, all mortal babes excelling,
content our earthly lot to share.
Loving father, Loving mother,
shelter thee with tender care!
Blessed Jesus, we implore thee
with humble love and holy fear.
In the land that lies before thee,
forget not us who linger here!
May the shepherd's lowly calling,
ever to thy heart be dear!
Blest are ye beyond all measure,
thou happy father, mother mild!
Guard ye well your heav’nly treasure,
the Prince of Peace, The Holy Child!
God go with you, God protect you,
guide you safely through the wild!
The Great Thanksgiving: Eucharistic Prayer A
The people stand and the Celebrant sings
The Celebrant continues
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. Because you gave Jesus Christ, your only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, was made perfect Man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; so that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become your children.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Sanctus: “Holy, holy, holy Lord”
The Celebrant continues
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, 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 stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and 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.”
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Celebrant and People
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
The Celebrant continues
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. ✠ Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.
Celebrant And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
The Fraction
The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept.
Celebrant Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Then, facing the people, the Celebrant says
Celebrant The Gifts of God for the People of God.
Spiritual Communion: Act of Reception
During Communion, you are invited to say the following prayer form for receiving Spiritual Communion. Know that the grace of God is made present in your heart, even though the Sacrament is not received with the mouth.
In union, blessed Jesus, with the faithful gathered at every altar of your Church where your blessed Body and Blood are offered this day, I long to offer you praise and thanksgiving, for creation and all the blessings of this life, for the redemption won for us by your life, death, and resurrection, for the means of grace and the hope of glory.
I believe that you are truly present in the Holy Sacrament, and, since I cannot at this time receive communion, I pray you to come into my heart. I unite myself with you and embrace you with all my heart, my soul, and my mind. Let nothing separate me from you; let me serve you in this life until, by your grace, I come to your glorious kingdom and unending peace. Amen.
Come Lord Jesus, and dwell in my heart in the fullness of your strength; be my wisdom and guide me in right pathways; conform my life and actions to the image of your holiness; and, in the power of your gracious might, rule over every hostile power that threatens or disturbs the growth of your kingdom, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
Anthem: “Christmas Night” John Rutter
Softly through the winter’s darkness shines a light,
Clear and still in Bethlehem on Christmas Night
Round the stable where a virgin mother mild
Watches over Jesus Christ the holy child.
Shepherds kneel in adoration by his bed;
Seraphim in glory hover round his head.
Wise men, guided by the leading of a star,
Bring him gifts of precious treasure from afar.
Choirs of angels sing to greet his wondrous birth:
Christ our Lord in human form comes down to earth.
‘Glory to God in highest heav’n’ their joyful strain.
‘Peace on earth, goodwill to men’ the glad refrain.
Lullaby! the child lies sleeping: sing lullaby!
Safe in Mary’s tender keeping: sing lullaby!
Guardian angels keep their watch till break of day;
Lullaby! sweet Jesus sleeps among the hay.
Alleluia! let the earth rejoice today!
Christ is born to take our sins and guilt away.
Praise the Lord who sent him down from heav’n above;
Holy infant, born of God the Father’s love.
Hymn 135: “Songs of thankfulness and praise”
1. Songs of thankfulness and praise,
Jesus, Lord, to thee we raise,
manifested by the star
to the sages from afar;
branch of royal David’s stem
in thy birth at Bethlehem;
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in man made manifest.
2. Manifest at Jordan’s stream,
Prophet, Priest, and King supreme;
and at Cana, wedding-guest,
in thy Godhead manifest;
manifest in power divine,
changing water into wine;
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in man made manifest.
3. Manifest in making whole
palsied limbs and fainting soul;
manifest in valiant fight,
quelling all the devil’s might;
manifest in gracious will,
ever bringing good from ill;
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in man made manifest.
4. Manifest on mountain height,
shining in resplendent light,
where disciples filled with awe
thy transfigured glory saw.
When from there thou leddest them
steadfast to Jerusalem,
cross and Easter Day attest
God in man made manifest.
After Communion, the Celebrant says
Let us pray.
Celebrant and People
Eternal God, heavenly Father,
you have graciously accepted us as living members
of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ,
and you have fed us with spiritual food
in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood.
Send us now into the world in peace,
and grant us strength and courage
to love and serve you
with gladness and singleness of heart;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Welcome & Announcements
Blessing & Dismissal
The Celebrant blesses the people and dismisses them.
The people respond Thanks be to God.
Postlude: “Who are These that Earnest Knock?” Pachelbel
Service Participants
Celebrant & Preacher: The Rev. Daniel T. Moore
Eucharistic Minister: Christopher McCall
Acolyte: Emma Ward
Lector: Trudie Benton
Ushers: John Fraser, Joe DeTato
Altar Guild: Widgette Kelly, Sara Frister
Flowers: Kim Jacobsen
A/V: Liam Kelly
Organist: Susan Johnson
Choir: George Achilles, Trudie Benton, Wendy Brumbaugh, J.T. Capps, Carol Fox, Laura Pankoe, Shelley Reed, Robert Risch, Mike Roberts, Sue Roberts, Anne Shute, Jim Shute, Caitlin Stein, Marian Wentworth
Online giving is available through Realm E-Giving and PayPal. We thank you for your generous giving to St. Paul’s.
Pledge Campaign
We will soon be drawing our 2023 pledge campaign to a close. Here are a few interesting facts about our pledge campaign so far:
9 pledges are new; 87 are returning.
The overall average (mean) pledge is $3,090 (the median pledge is $1,950).
The average returning pledge is $3,250.
The average new pledge is $1,544.
Over 1 in 3 households who pledged last year increased their pledge for 2023.
Of those who did increase their pledge, the average increase is 11%.
Many thanks to all those in our church community who pledge to give to St. Paul's, as well as those who give regularly. If you have not yet made a pledge for 2023, would you consider doing so? You can easily make a pledge on our website by following this link. Or simply send a quick email to our treasurer, Doug Esser, using the church directory. Thanks to all who have made a pledge to give financial support to St. Paul’s in 2023!
2023 Offering Envelopes
2023 offering envelopes are available on the bench in the narthex for those who requested them. To request envelopes, please see the Treasurer, Doug Esser, or call the parish office
Bring a Christmas Poinsettia Home
The beautiful poinsettias in the Parish Hall have adorned our church this Christmastide, and it’s time for them to find a new home. You are invited to take one with you as you leave—a Christmas gift from the Flower Guild of St. Paul’s.
Funeral Announcement
A requiem mass for departed member of St. Paul’s, Robert Ball, will be held at St. Paul’s on the evening of Tuesday, January 10, at 6:00 pm. A reception will be held in the parish hall following the mass. You are encouraged to save the date for this service, and communicate it with others in our community so that they may join us for this service in Robert’s memory.
Available Flower Memorial & Thanksgiving Dates for 2023
Thank you to all parishioners who have supported our ministry through their flower memorials and thanksgivings and a special thank you to the members of this guild for their time and efforts. Without everyone’s participation the church would not be blessed with our ever-changing floral displays to liven up the church! In 2023 we have the following open dates for flower memorials and thanksgivings: February 12 and September 17. There is also some flexibility with other dates, so if you are interested in another date, it may be possible to make it work.
The Flower Guild welcomes anyone interested in being a part of this ministry. You are welcome to observe any current member arrange flowers for Sunday. Please talk to any current member to find out what it’s all about. For questions, please contact Lisa Farina using the church directory.
2023 Annual Meeting Details
The next annual meeting of St. Paul’s will take place on the morning of Sunday, January 29, 2023. Barring any unforeseen events, we are planning to hold this meeting in-person. A reminder that, per our parish by-laws, voting members are lay, baptized persons aged 16 and older:
who shall have been communicants, as defined by Church Canons, in this church as their usual place of public worship for at least one (1) calendar year,
and who shall appear by the books of the Parish to have contributed towards the current expenses of the Parish during the calendar year immediately preceding such election or meeting not less than One Hundred ($100.00) dollars, or Twenty-Five ($25) dollars for persons ages 16 and 17. The financial requirement may be waived, subject to the Rector’s discretion.
Further details to follow. Please mark your calendars for this upcoming event; for questions, contact the Rector.
SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE
Our next meeting is at 7:30 PM on January 10th, the usual 2nd Tuesday of every month. Join us on Zoom (login credentials can be found in the most recent Weekly E-Notes email). Contact chair Jim Massey with any questions. All are welcome!
Social Justice and Outreach Committees: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Activities
The Social Justice and Outreach Committees are inviting you to join in several Martin Luther King Jr. Day activities! On Saturday, January 14, the Social Justice Committee will be hosting a Day of Reflection on Racial Justice is Social Justice. It will take place in the Parish Hall at 9:00am. There will be a link in the weekly bulletin and e-notes to sign up to come. We will have food, activities, and conversation about Social Justice.
Then on Monday, January 16, the Outreach Committee will be packing meals for Caring for Friends. There are various ways to help: making casseroles or protein rich entrees to pack, or donating large cans of fruits and vegetables, or just coming to help pack the meals.
There will also be a collection of children’s books for Holy Apostles and the Mediator Episcopal Church of Philadelphia. In addition, we will be collecting new or nearly new men’s clothing (sizes small or medium) for the Immigrant Rights Action Group. Articles like sweaters, jackets, socks, gloves, pants are needed, mostly warm clothing.
In addition, we will be collecting food for the Little Free Pantry.
We hope to see you at Saint Paul’s for the Day of Reflection, or helping pack meals, or dropping off donations on Monday.
Little Free Pantry
The Food Pantry continues to be a very active place which shows it has a great need. The activity will increase with the cold weather approaching. All donations of shelf stable products are greatly appreciated. Items such as snack bars, crackers, small water, shelf stable milk, nuts, peanut butter, canned fruit, small cereal boxes are always welcome. If you are donating, please check the expiration dates on items before dropping off. Questions? Contact Mary Lou Parry using the church directory.
2023 Episcopal Church Ordo Calendars Available
Our 2023 Ordo Calendars have arrived and are available in the Narthex. Please pick up yours today, and perhaps an extra if you know of someone who might like one.
altar Flowers
Today’s flowers are given by the Leonardis family to the glory of God, in loving memory of Richard and Lorraine Podlovits, Frank and Florence Perrotte, Joseph and Julia Podlovits, recently departed beloved Uncle Frank Perrotte, and Gino and Maria Leonardis.
