The LAST sunday after the Epiphany
Sunday, February 11, 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: “Trio a 2 dessus de Chromhorne et la basse de Tierce” Francois Couperin
The Word of God
Hymn 129: “Christ upon the mountain peak”
1. Christ upon the mountain peak
stands alone in glory blazing;
let us, if we dare to speak,
with the saints and angels praise him.
Alleluia!
2. Trembling at his feet we saw
Moses and Elijah speaking.
All the prophets and the Law
shout through them their joyful greeting.
Alleluia!
3. Swift the cloud of glory came.
God proclaiming in its thunder
Jesus as his Son by name!
Nations cry aloud in wonder!
Alleluia!
4. This is God’s belovèd Son!
Law and prophets fade before him;
first and last and only One,
let creation now adore him!
Alleluia!
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.
O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Liturgy of the Word
First Lesson: 2 Kings 2:1-12
When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent.”
Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here; for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know; be silent.”
Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground.
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” He responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.” As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Psalm: 50:1-6
1 The Lord, the God of gods, has spoken; *
he has called the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
2 Out of Zion, perfect in its beauty, *
God reveals himself in glory.
3 Our God will come and will not keep silence; *
before him there is a consuming flame,
and round about him a raging storm.
4 He calls the heavens and the earth from above *
to witness the judgment of his people.
5 "Gather before me my loyal followers, *
those who have made a covenant with me
and sealed it with sacrifice."
6 Let the heavens declare the rightness of his cause; *
for God himself is judge.
Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6
Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Hymn 123: “Alleluia, song of gladness”
1. Alleluia, song of gladness,
voice of joy that cannot die;
alleluia is the anthem
ever raised by choirs on high;
in the house of God abiding
thus they sing eternally.
2. Alleluia, thou resoundest,
true Jerusalem and free;
alleluia, joyful mother,
all thy children sing with thee;
but by Babylon’s sad waters
mourning exiles now are we.
3. Alleluia though we cherish
and would chant forevermore
alleluia in our singing,
let us for a while give o’er,
as our Savior in his fasting
pleasures of the world forbore.
4. Therefore in our hymns we pray thee,
grant us, blessed Trinity,
at the last to keep thine Easter,
with thy faithful saints on high;
there to thee for ever
singing alleluia joyfully.
Alleluia
The choir sings the Alleluias, then all repeat them.
The choir sings a verse, then all repeat the Alleluias.
The Gospel: Mark 9:2-9
Celebrant The ✠ Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Mark.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.
As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
Celebrant The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon Kyle Evans
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 Prayers 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
Offertory Anthem: “Lamb of God” Stephen Caracciolo
Lamb of God, you take away
the sin of the world; have mercy upon us.
Lamb of God, you take away
the sin of the world; grant us peace.
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,
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
The Fraction
The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept.
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.
Communion Anthem: “O Taste and See” Ralph Vaughan Williams
O taste and see how gracious the Lord is: Blest is the man that trusteth in him.
Hymn 137: “O wondrous type, O vision fair”
1. O wondrous type! O vision fair
of glory that the Church may share,
which Christ upon the mountain shows,
where brighter than the sun he glows!
2. With Moses and Elijah nigh
the incarnate Lord holds converse high;
and from the cloud, the Holy One
bears record to the only Son.
3. With shining face and bright array,
Christ deigns to manifest today
what glory shall be theirs above
who joy in God with perfect love.
4. And faithful hearts are raised on high
by this great vision’s mystery;
for which in joyful strains we raise
the voice of prayer, the hymn of praise.
5. O Father, with the eternal Son,
and Holy Spirit, ever One,
vouchsafe to bring us by thy grace
to see thy glory face to face.
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: “Fugue in G major’” J. S. Bach
Service Participants
Celebrant: The Rev. Daniel T. Moore
Preacher: Kyle Evans
Eucharistic Ministers: Christopher McCall, Kyle Evans
Thurifer: Alex Kelly
Crucifer: Jon Moore
Lector: Trudie Benton
Ushers: Joe DeTato, Andy Morse
Altar Guild: Sara Frister, Susan Nejako
Flowers: Kay Johnson
A/V: Josh Pankoe
Organist: W. Edward McCall
Choir: George Achilles, Trudie Benton, Wendy Brumbaugh, Alexander Famous, Carol Fox, Laura Pankoe, Shelley Reed, Mike Roberts, Sue Roberts, Amber Robinson, Annie Rogers, 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.
Shrove Tuesday 2024
This year, Shrove Tuesday is on February 13. The Brotherhood of St. Andrew and The Hospitality Committee invite parishioners, families and friends to enjoy a traditional Pancake Supper at 6:00 pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Prepare for Lent with fellowship and feasting. There is no charge, but we welcome a freewill donation to support the Friends of Music at St. Paul’s.
Burning of Palms & Burying the Alleluia Return to St. Paul’s Pancake Supper!
Please bring your palms from last year to the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper this Tuesday, February 13, 5-9pm. There will also be an opportunity for St. Paul’s youth to decorate an Alleluia banner during the meal. At 6:40pm, all are invited to meet in the courtyard and join in a brief service to “Bury the Alleluia” and burn the palms into ashes (which will be used the next day during Ash Wednesday liturgies). Questions? Please contact Kyle Evans.
Ash Wednesday
St. Paul’s will observe Ash Wednesday next Wednesday, February 14, with three liturgies: 7:00 AM, 12:00 Noon, and 7:00 PM. The early morning liturgy will offer the Imposition of Ashes, and at noon and in the evening will offer both Imposition and Holy Communion. The evening liturgy includes music, choir, and incense. Come and receive the church’s invitation to the observance of a holy Lent.
Lenten Soup & Study Series
What does it mean to be a disciple—is it different from being a Christian? In this year’s Lenten Soup & Study Series, we will explore this very question, using as our launching point the book Being Disciples: Essentials of the Christian Life by Rowan Williams (Archbishop of Canterbury from 2003-2012). “Discipleship,” writes Williams “is a state of being … about how we live; not just the decisions we make, not just the things we believe, but a state of being.” Topics include: faith, hope, & love; forgiveness; holiness; faith in society; and life in the Spirit. The evening schedule is as follows:
· 5:30—Stations of the Cross (Nave)
· 6:00—Soup Dinner (Parish Hall)
· 6:30—Study & Discussion, ending by 7:30pm
This study series meets on Wednesday nights during Lent, beginning February 21. As we gather, week by week, we will deepen our knowledge of what being disciples really means. To RSVP for the series (so that we can plan for enough food & seating), please send a message to Fr. Daniel Moore.
Dear Ladies of St. Paul’s:
Would this year of our Lord, 2024, be the year to begin a chapter of the Daughters of the King? Members of The Order of the Daughters of the King are women and girls between the ages of 7-107 who desire a closer walk with the Lord. We are Christian women, both lay and ordained, who are strengthened through the discipline of a Rule of Life and supported through the companionship of our sisters. We are all at different stages of our Christian journey – some have just begun, and some have been on this path for a long time. But no matter where we are on our sacred journeys, our primary goal is the same – to know Jesus Christ and to make Him known to others. Would you be interested in knowing more? If so, take a look around the national website beginning here: The Order of the Daughters of the King, Inc. (doknational.org) and talk with Jen Prater Leigh DeTato, and Kyle Evans.
Support for the Pitts Family
A GoFundMe campaign has now been organized for Richard and William. Funds raised through this campaign will be used to provide assistance with medical expenses, funeral costs, education, and any other needs Richard and William may have moving forward. You can access this campaign via the QR code on the right, or by going to www.gofundme.com/f/support-elizabeth-pitts-family
This campaign has been organized by Beth Guffey. If you have any questions, feel free to reach Beth at bethguffey17@gmail.com. You are encouraged to distribute the details of this campaign to those in our area who are connected to the Pitts family but who may not be parishioners of St. Paul’s.
Spiritual Direction/Guidance:
Might there be a stirring from deep within you, inviting you to ponder your spiritual journey? Jesus knew the comfort and wisdom of wondering about the divine in community. He encouraged questions from those closest to Him, and the first time he sent the 12 disciples out, he sent them in pairs. Spiritual Direction/Guidance is a centuries-old practice of entering into deep conversation with another while becoming more aware of your personal walk with God. Leigh DeTato has completed the Shalem Spiritual Guidance Program and is now receiving new directees. Contact Leigh for more information.
Women’s Clothing Drive
Dear Parishioners, The Outreach Committee is having a women’s clothing drive to help Immigrant Rights Action Group. Please donate new or slightly “new” women’s clothing in any size. Articles of clothing like coats, jackets, jeans, pants, sweaters, shirts, and socks, as well as new packets of underwear would be great. The drive will only be for 2 weeks. Thank you. The Outreach Committee
SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE Meeting Cancelled
This month’s Social Justice Zoom Meeting has been cancelled as it conflicts with the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. Members and anyone interested in discussion and planning upcoming events are encouraged to zoom in at 7:30pm Tuesday March 12th with the link provided in the weekly e-notes. Contact Wendy Brumbaugh for more information.
Caring for Friends
Caring for Friends has resumed our meal packing at the church. Our next meeting will be Saturday, February 17 from 9:30-11:30am. We are asking for anyone who would like to cook at home to bring the food to church on the 17th to pack. Please include a list of ingredients for all meals. Casseroles with a protein source, meats like meatloaf, chicken, beef, turkey breasts with a side of rice or potatoes are some other ideas. Donations of canned goods are appreciated, especially fruits and vegetables. Hope you can make it. Please contact Myra Parker, Mary Smith, or George Wiemann with any questions.
Altar Flowers
Today’s flowers are given by Kay Johnson to the glory of God, and in loving memory of her mother Catharine Hamilton Kappauf and her uncle William Fitch Hamilton.
