10:00 AM Rite II
December 31, 2023
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
243 Barrow Street, Houma, LA 70360
The First Sunday after Christmas
The Liturgy of the Word
Processional Hymn: God rest ye merry gentlemen Hymn 105
The Opening Acclamation
Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen.
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.
Angels we have heard on high Hymn 96 (vs 1)Angels we have heard on high sweetly singing through the night,
and the mountains in reply echoing their brave delight.
The Collect of the Day
Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
First Lesson
A Reading from the Book of Isaiah (61:10-62:3)
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
my whole being shall exult in my God;
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the earth brings forth its shoots,
and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,
so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
to spring up before all the nations.
For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest,
until her vindication shines out like the dawn,
and her salvation like a burning torch.
The nations shall see your vindication,
and all the kings your glory;
and you shall be called by a new name
that the mouth of the Lord will give.
You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,
and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God
Psalm 147:1-7
1 Hallelujah! How good it is to sing praises to our God! *
how pleasant it is to honor him with praise!
2 The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem; *
he gathers the exiles of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted *
and binds up their wounds.
4 He counts the number of the stars *
and calls them all by their names.
5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power; *
there is no limit to his wisdom.
6 The Lord lifts up the lowly, *
but casts the wicked to the ground.
7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; *
make music to our God upon the harp.
Second Lesson
Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7
Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian.
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God
Cantor sings Alleluia, congregation repeats, cantor sings verse, congregation sings Alleluia
Cantor: Speak, Lord, your servant is listening. Speak your words of wisdom, for the words you speak are everlasting life.
Priest: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to
John (1:1-18)
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
Priest: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon The 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
With joy and confidence, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the needs of all people throughout the world.
A brief silence
Dear Father, thank you for the gift of your Son. Thank you for making us his brothers and sisters, and for giving us the privilege of calling you Abba. Thank you for making us your family! Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Guide and protect your Church. Let it cherish and share the gifts of life, forgiveness, and union with your dear Son. Give it grace to proclaim them boldly and faithfully; and to bestow them generously, so that the family you have created in him may grow and flourish.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Grant that your Son Jesus is always cradled in the hearts of the people in this congregation; and that we always speak and act in ways that are worthy of our calling as his sisters and brothers. We pray that more and more, we think, pray, speak, and act as your disciples, bearing the great gift of Jesus’ love to everyone we meet.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
On account of Jesus, innocent children were killed by Herod. We pray for our sisters and brothers across the world who are tortured and killed because they name Jesus as Lord. Protect them from evil. Keep their faith strong and their hearts pure. By their witness to the Babe of Bethlehem, call their tormentors to repentance and to faith.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Bless all who care for the poor, sick, grieving and lonely in this season of joy. Shine the light of your love upon those in nursing homes, mental institutions, and hospitals. Grant your mercy and guidance to prisoners and to all who are addicted or despairing. Be the sure hope and protector of the homeless and refugees, especially little children; and lead them to safe shelter.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Give the leaders of the nations a holy fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. Teach them your ways of faithfulness and justice. Bring healing and hope to people overwhelmed by natural disasters or human malice. Help us all to live in peace with each other.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Bless and protect our military; police; first responders; and all who protect life and liberty. Grant them wisdom, integrity and courage. Let the innocent, the weak, and the vulnerable call on them confidently. Bring them safely home to their loved ones; and heal those who are wounded in body, mind or soul.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We sing of Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness, risen with healing in his wings. Let the light of his countenance shine upon everyone troubled by pain, confusion, sorrow, sin, or grief. Especially we pray for: {List}. Restore them to life, health and hope; and to all who love them.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Lord, keep safe those who have died trusting in your promised mercy. Comfort all whose grief runs deep during this season of joy. Keep us close to Jesus, so we know him as our wise brother as well as our mighty Savior throughout our earthly pilgrimage. You kept him, Mary and Joseph safe throughout their exile, and brought them into the Promised Land. Therefore we pray that you would bring us through the dangers and sorrows of this life into the eternal Home you have promised to those whom you name, for Jesus’ sake, your beloved children.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Hear and mercifully grant us, dear Lord, all that we ask that conforms to your good and perfect will for us, for your Name’s sake. AMEN.
Confession of Sin
Priest 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.
The Absolution
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
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: Instrumental
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 A
The people remain standing. The Celebrant faces them and 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 everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
Preface for Advent
Because you sent your beloved Son to redeem us from sin and death, and to make us heirs in him of everlasting life; that when he shall come again in power and great triumph to judge the world, we may without shame or fear rejoice to behold his appearing.
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
Sanctus Hymnal S 129
Celebrant and People sing
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.
Then 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.
The Great Amen S 146
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
The Breaking of the Bread
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 Music: The first Noel Hymn 109
A la ru, a la me Hymn 113
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: Go tell it on the mountain Hymn 99
The Dismissal
Priest: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wednesday Healing Mass—NEW TIME 4PM
All are invited to gather for a brief healing service at 4pm every Wednesday in the church. The 30 min service includes a brief Bible passage, a word of encouragement, informal Eucharist, and an option for the Anointing of the Sick.
Childcare
Our Church Nursery is open. We will once again open our childcare for children 1 – 3 years old in the 1st floor of Tucker Hall. (the church/school office building). Children can be registered each Sunday and parents will be texted if needed. Children can be received from 9:45am and will be available for pickup immediately after Sunday Eucharist. Please contact Susan Waldron, for more information susanhoumala@gmail.com
Children’s Sunday School
Children in Pre-K – 4th grades are invited to participate in Godly Play. The children will be called at the beginning of the Mass to exit with their teachers. They will return to the church before Holy Communion. All families are encouraged to invite our children back to our church as we open wide our arms to let the children come to Jesus! For more information on this program, email Karen Barrilleaux
Youth
We are so excited to see what God is doing in the heart and lives of our youth. We are planning to kick off a new series in January 2024. Stay tuned for more details to come! If God places it on your heart to serve in this ministry, please contact our Youth Minister at brandon.giroir@stmattshouma.org.
The Lunch Bunch
This program will not meet during the holidays but will be back on January 9th.
Save the Date
St. Matthew’s Annual Meeting, January 21, 2024
2024 Offering Envelopes
If anyone would like a box of 2024 Offering Envelopes, please email Erica at erica.stmatthews@gmail.com.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Week of 12/31—1/6: Linda Greenburg, Winnie Dunagin,
Sandy Ostheimer
Dickie and Charleen Barker,
Chuck and Julia Bourque
Worship Team Schedule
Eucharistic Ministers Sharon Pontiff, Jay Theriot,
Emmalee Hampton
Lectors Hildegard Blanchard, Jay Theriot
Organist/Choirmaster John Barrilleaux
Ushers Julio and Rina Medina, Karen KElly
Vestry Member on Duty Walter Berry
Altar Guild Sandy Ostheimer, Karen Kelly
Hospitality Linda Greenburg, Emilie Daye
PARISH PRAYER LIST
Andrèe, Jay, Norma, Lydicia, Jere, Lona & Sidney, Earl, Bonnie, Randolph, Earl, Bob, Mattie, Frank, Terry, Liz, Charlie, Norma, Susan, Evan, Jeannette, Rita, Abigail, Mark, Harrell, Hunter, David, Marlene, Patricia, Patsy