The feast of the presentation of our Lord
Sunday, February 2, 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: “Let all things now living” Lloyd Larsen
The Word of God
Hymn 259: “Hail to the Lord who comes”
1. Hail to the Lord who comes,
comes to his temple gate;
not with his angel host,
not in his kingly state;
no shouts proclaim him nigh,
no crowds his coming wait;
2. but, borne upon the throne
of Mary’s gentle breast,
watched by her duteous love,
in her fond arms at rest,
thus to his Father’s house
he comes, the heavenly guest.
3. There Joseph at her side
in reverent wonder stands;
and, filled with holy joy,
old Simeon in his hands
takes up the promised child,
the glory of all lands.
4. O Light of all the earth,
thy children wait for thee!
Come to thy temples here,
that we, from sin set free,
before thy Father’s face
may all presented be!
Opening Acclamation
Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
Celebrant There is one Body and one Spirit;
People There is one hope in God’s call to us;
Celebrant One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism;
People One God and Father of all.
The Collect for Purity
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.
Almighty and everliving God, we humbly pray that, as your only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple, so we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts by Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Liturgy of the Word
First Lesson: Malachi 3:1-4
Thus says the Lord, See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Psalm: 24:7-10
7 Lift up your heads, O gates;
lift them high, O everlasting doors; *
and the King of glory shall come in.
8 "Who is this King of glory?" *
"The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle."
9 Lift up your heads, O gates;
lift them high, O everlasting doors; *
and the King of glory shall come in.
10 "Who is he, this King of glory?" *
"The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory."
Second Lesson: Hebrews 2:14-18
Since God’s children share flesh and blood, Jesus himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Hymn 257: “O Zion, open wide thy gates”
1. O Zion, open wide thy gates,
let symbols disappear;
a priest and victim, both in one,
the Truth himself, is here
2. Aware of hidden deity,
the lowly Virgin brings
her newborn babe,
with two young doves,
her humble offerings.
3. The aged Simeon sees at last
his Lord, so long desired,
and Anna welcomes Israel’s hope,
with holy rapture fired.
4. But silent knelt the mother
blest of the yet silent Word,
and pondering all things in her heart,
with speechless praise adored.
5. All glory to the Father be,
all glory to the Son,
all glory, Holy Ghost, to thee,
while endless ages run.
The Gospel: Luke 2:22-40
Celebrant The ✠ Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Luke.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
Celebrant The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon The Rev. Daniel T. Moore
HOLY BAPTISM
The Presentation and Examination of the Candidate
The parents, godparents, and candidate come forward for the presentation and examination.
Priest The Candidate for Holy Baptism will now be presented.
Parents & Godparents I present Nolan Samuel Linke to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.
The priest asks the parents and godparents
Will you be responsible for seeing that the child you present is brought up in the Christian faith and life?
Parents & Godparents I will, with God’s help.
Priest Will you by your prayers and witness help this child to grow into the full stature of Christ?
Parents & Godparents I will, with God’s help.
The priest asks the following questions of the parents and godparents, who speak on behalf of the candidate
Question Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?
Answer I renounce them.
Question Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
Answer I renounce them.
Question Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God?
Answer I renounce them.
Question Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior?
Answer I do.
Question Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?
Answer I do.
Question Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord?
Answer I do.
The priest then addresses the congregation, saying
Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support this person in his life in Christ?
People We will.
Priest Let us join with those who are committing this child to Christ and renew our own baptismal covenant.
The Baptismal Covenant
Priest Do you believe in God the Father?
People I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Priest Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Priest Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Priest Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
People I will, with God’s help.
Priest Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People I will, with God’s help.
Priest Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People I will, with God’s help.
Priest Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People I will, with God’s help.
Priest Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People I will, with God’s help.
Prayers for the Candidate
Priest Let us now pray for this person who is to receive the Sacrament of new birth.
The baptismal party proceeds to the font as prayers for the candidate are offered.
Priest Deliver him, O Lord, from the way of sin and death.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Priest Open his heart to your grace and truth.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Priest Fill him with your holy and life-giving Spirit.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Priest Keep him in the faith and communion of your holy Church.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Priest Teach him to love others in the power of the Spirit.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Priest Send him into the world in witness to your love.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Priest Bring him to the fullness of your peace and glory.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
The priest says
Grant, O Lord, that all who are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ your Son may live in the power of his resurrection and look for him to come again in glory; who lives and reigns now and forever. Amen.
Thanksgiving over the Water
The priest blesses the water, first saying
The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Priest Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give him thanks and praise.
The priest continues
We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water. Over it the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation. Through it you led the children of Israel out of their bondage in Egypt into the land of promise. In it your Son Jesus received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us, through his death and resurrection, from the bondage of sin into everlasting life.
We thank you, Father, for the water of Baptism. In it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit. Therefore in joyful obedience to your Son, we bring into his fellowship those who come to him in faith, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
At the following words, the priest touches the water
Now sanctify this water, we pray you, by the power of your Holy Spirit, that those who here are cleansed from sin and born again may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Savior. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
The Baptism
The priest baptizes the candidate, saying
Nolan, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The forehead of the newly baptized is then marked with the sign of the cross using Chrism, saying
Nolan, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own for ever. Amen.
The priest presents a candle to the newly baptized, saying
Nolan, receive the light of Christ, a sign of the new life enkindled within you. Amen.
The priest then prays over the newly baptized, saying Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon this your servant the forgiveness of sin, and have raised him to the new life of grace. Sustain him, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give him an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen.
Priest Let us welcome the newly baptized.
People We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood.
The People return to their seats as the following hymn is sung.
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 a hymn 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: “Lift up your heads, O ye gates” William Mathias
Lift up your heads, O ye gates,
and be ye lifted up,
ye everlasting doors,
and the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of glory?
the Lord strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O ye gates,
even lift them up,
ye everlasting doors,
and the King of glory shall come in
Who is this King of glory?
the Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory.
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 Saviour of the World” John Goss
O Saviour of the world,
Who by Thy Cross and precious Blood
hast redeemed us, Save us, and help us,
O Saviour of the world,
Who by Thy Cross and precious Blood
hast redeemed us, save us, and help us,
we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord. Amen.
Hymn 489: “The great Creator of the worlds”
1. The great Creator of the worlds,
the sovereign God of heaven,
his holy and immortal truth
to all on earth hath given.
2. He sent no angel of his host
to bear this mighty word,
but him through whom the worlds
were made, the everlasting Lord.
3. He sent him not in wrath and power,
but grace and peace to bring;
in kindness, as a king might send,
his son, himself a king.
4. He sent him down as sending God;
in flesh to us he came;
as one with us he dwelt with us,
and bore a human name.
5. He came as Savior to his own,
the way of love he trod;
he came to win us by good will,
for force is not of God.
6. Not to oppress, but summon all
their truest life to find,
in love god sent his Son to save,
not to condemn mankind.
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: “Lift High the Cross” Larry Shackley
Service Participants
Celebrant & Preacher: The Rev. Daniel T. Moore
Eucharistic Minister: Pike Stephens
Thurifer: Alex Kelly
Crucifer: Jon Moore
Lector: Nancy Gifford-Humphreys
Ushers: Ted Hopkins, Joe DeTato
Altar Guild: Sara Frister, Carol Fox
Florals: Kay Johnson
A/V: Liam Kelly
Organist: W. Edward McCall
Counters: Doug Esser, David Nejako
Online giving is available through Realm E-Giving and PayPal. We thank you for your generous giving to St. Paul’s.
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. Arranged by Kay Johnson
