The Second Sunday after the Epiphany
The Liturgy of the Word
Processional Hymn: Christ, whose glory fills the sky
1 Christ, whose glory fills the skies,
Christ, the true, the only Light,
Sun of Righteousness, arise!
Triumph over shades of night;
Dayspring from on high, be near;
Daystar, in my heart appear!
2 Dark and cheerless is the morn
unaccompanied by thee;
joyless is the day’s return
till thy mercy’s beams I see,
as they inward light impart,
glad my eyes, and warm my heart.
3 Visit then this soul of mine!
Pierce the gloom of sin and grief!
Fill me, radiancy divine;
scatter all my unbelief;
more and more thyself display,
shining to the perfect day.
The Opening Acclamation
Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen.
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant : Let us pray
The Collect of the Day
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
First Lesson
A Reading from the Book of Isaiah 49:1-7
Listen to me, O coastlands,
pay attention, you peoples from far away!
The Lord called me before I was born,
while I was in my mother’s womb he named me.
He made my mouth like a sharp sword,
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow,
in his quiver he hid me away.
And he said to me, “You are my servant,
Israel, in whom I will be glorified.”
But I said, “I have labored in vain,
I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;
yet surely my cause is with the Lord,
and my reward with my God.”
And now the Lord says,
who formed me in the womb to be his servant,
to bring Jacob back to him,
and that Israel might be gathered to him,
for I am honored in the sight of the Lord,
and my God has become my strength–he says,
“It is too light a thing that you should be my servant
to raise up the tribes of Jacob
and to restore the survivors of Israel;
I will give you as a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
Thus says the Lord,
the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One,
to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations,
the slave of rulers,
“Kings shall see and stand up,
princes, and they shall prostrate themselves,
because of the Lord, who is faithful,
the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”
Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God
Psalm 40:1-12
1 I waited patiently upon the Lord; *
he stooped to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the mire and clay; *
he set my feet upon a high cliff and made my footing sure.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; *
many shall see, and stand in awe, and put their trust in the Lord.
4 Happy are they who trust in the Lord! *
they do not resort to evil spirits or turn to false gods.
5 Great things are they that you have done, O Lord my God!
how great your wonders and your plans for us! *
there is none who can be compared with you.
6 Oh, that I could make them known and tell them! *
but they are more than I can count.
7 In sacrifice and offering you take no pleasure *
(you have given me ears to hear you);
8 Burnt-offering and sin-offering you have not required, *
and so I said, “Behold, I come.
9 In the roll of the book it is written concerning me: *
‘I love to do your will, O my God; your law is deep in my heart.’”
10 I proclaimed righteousness in the great congregation; *
behold, I did not restrain my lips; and that, O Lord, you know.
11 Your righteousness have I not hidden in my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your deliverance; *
I have not concealed your love and faithfulness from the great
congregation.
12 You are the Lord; do not withhold your compassion from me; *
let your love and your faithfulness keep me safe for ever.
Second Lesson
A Reading from the 1st letter of Paul to the Corinthians 1:1-9
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,
To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind– just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you– so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God
Gospel
Priest: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to
John (1:29-42)
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”
The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.”
They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).
Priest: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon Rev. Jim Morrison
The Nicene Creed (all standing)
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.
Prayers of the People
Presider:
Let us offer our prayers to God, who in Jesus Christ has been revealed as the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.
Intercessor:
Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
We pray for the Church in every place, that we may point beyond ourselves to Christ, bearing faithful witness in word and deed.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
Behold the Lamb of God.
We pray for the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority, that they may seek justice, pursue peace, and act with humility and compassion.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
Behold the Lamb of God.
We pray for the world you so love: for places torn by violence, for communities burdened by fear or division, and for all who long for healing and reconciliation.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
Behold the Lamb of God.
We pray for those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, especially those we now name, aloud or in our hearts.
Silence
May they know the nearness of Christ, the Lamb who walks with us in suffering and brings new life.
Lord, in your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
Behold the Lamb of God.
We pray for those who are searching for meaning, for those who ask, “Where are you staying?” and for those who hear Christ’s invitation to “come and see.” Guide all who seek you into truth, belonging, and hope.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
Behold the Lamb of God.
We give thanks for all who have borne witness to Christ before us—for apostles, martyrs, saints, and faithful disciples in every generation.
May we follow their example and share in their joy.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
Presider (Concluding Prayer):
Gracious God, you revealed your Son as the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. Receive our prayers, spoken and unspoken, and strengthen us to follow where Christ leads; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Confession of Sin
Leader and People
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.
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
The Peace
Announcements
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Birthday Prayer
Watch over Your children, O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide them wherever they may be. Strengthen them when they stand; comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and in their heart may your peace which passes understanding abide all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Offertory
Offertory Hymn: Let all mortal flesh keep silent
1 Let all mortal flesh keep silence,
and with fear and trembling stand;
ponder nothing earthly minded,
for with blessing in his hand
Christ our God to earth descendeth,
our full homage to demand.
2 King of kings, yet born of Mary,
as of old on earth he stood,
Lord of lords, in human vesture,
in the Body and the Blood
he will give to all the faithful
his own self for heavenly food.
3 Rank on rank the host of heaven
spreads its vanguard on the way,
as the Light of Light descendeth
from the realms of endless day,
that the powers of hell may vanish
as the darkness clears away.
4 At his feet the six-winged seraph;
cherubim, with sleepless eye
veil their faces to the Presence,
as with ceaseless voice they cry,
“Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, Lord Most High!”
Reception of Gifts
Loving God, may this offering honor the work you have given us to do here in this place. Rooted in Abundance, Generosity, and Gratitude we offer these gifts for your honor and glory. Amen
Eucharistic Prayer B
The people remain standing. The Celebrant faces them and sings or says
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and every-where to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
Here a Proper Preface is sung or said
Preface of the Lord’s Day
Because in the mystery of the Word made flesh, you have caused a new light to shine in our hearts, to give the knowledge of your glory in the face of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
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:
Celebrant and People sing
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, S 129
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.
The people stand or kneel.
Then the Celebrant continues
We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of 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 Savior 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 before he died for us, 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, according to his command, O Father,
Celebrant and People
We remember his death,
We proclaim his resurrection,
We await his coming in glory;
The Celebrant continues
And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O 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 may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of 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 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.
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.
Fraction Anthem S 164
Breaking of the Bread
Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us:
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
At St. Matthew’s we welcome all persons, regardless of denomination, who have been baptized with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit to share in the communion at this Altar. Those wishing to receive a blessing only may cross their hands over their heart.
Communion Hymn: I have decided to follow Jesus
1 I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
No turning back, no turning back!
2 Though no one join me, still I will follow,
Though no one join me, still I will follow,
Though no one join me, still I will follow,
No turning back, no turning back!
3 The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me,
No turning back, no turning back!
Just as I am
1 Just as I am, without one plea,
But that thy blood was shed for me,
And that thou bidd’st me to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
2 Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt;
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
3 Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
4 Just as I am, thou wilt receive;
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve,
Because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
5 Just as I am, thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down;
Now to be thine, yea, thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
6 Just as I am, of thy great love
The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above:
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Post Communion Prayer
Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Recessional Hymn: O Zion hast they mission high fulfilling
1 O Zion, haste, thy mission high fulfilling,
to tell to all the world that God is Light;
that he who made all nations is not willing
one soul should fail to know his love and might.
Refrain:
Publish glad tidings: tidings of peace,
tidings of Jesus, redemption and release.
2 Proclaim to every people, tongue, and nation
that God, in whom they live and move, is Love;
tell how he stooped to save his lost creation,
and died on earth that all might live above.
Refrain
The Dismissal
Priest: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wednesday Healing Service
Our Wednesday Healing Mass has changed to 4pm. We will keep this time until March 11, 2026.
Lunch Bunch
NO LUNCH BUNCH
Firm Foundation (Homeless Day Shelter)
Many thanks to all our parishioners and friends that have volunteered to provide a meal. Marvin Burgess is coordinating this effort and will provide details to all who are scheduled to serve.
February 2—Debbie Usie, Cathy Wiemann
February 16—Angie and Joey Yesso
Mark Your Calendars:
Annual Meeting—Sunday, January 25th following the 10AM Eucharist.
The Vestry has nominated the following 3 people to join the committee: Joey Yesso, Patsy Trahan, and Joel Waldron. If there are other nominations please call the church office—985-872-5057.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Week of 1/18—1/24: Beulah Rodrigue
Worship Team Schedule
Eucharistic Ministers Emilie Daye, Joel Poole, Dana White
Lectors Sinclair Buquet, Kodiak Cox
Organist/Choirmaster Doug Hamilton
Ushers Sharon Pontiff, Keith Hampton
Vestry Member on Duty Hunter Rulf
Altar Guild Debbie Usie, Cathy Wiemann
Flower Guild Duane Ring
Hospitality Harvey and Karen Chauvin
PARISH PRAYER LIST
Florence, Jay, Mary, Lydicia, Jere, Lona, Bob, Mattie, Brenda, Sally, Shirley, Beulah, Lynn Kelley, George and Beth, Leonard, Lynn Navarre, Sandy, Barbara, Gerard, Helga, Marlene, Kenneth, Alice, Walter