The Liturgy of the Word
Processional Hymn: Here is our King
From wherever spring arrives
To heal the ground
From wherever searching comes the look itself
A trace of what we’re looking for
So be quiet now and wait
The ocean is growing
The tide is coming in
Here it is
Here is our king, here is our love
Here is our God Who’s come
To bring us back to him
He is the one, he is Jesus, Jesus
And what was said to the rose
To make it unfold
Was said to me here in my chest
So be quiet now and rest
The ocean is growing
The tide is coming in
Here it is
Here is our king, here is our love
Here is our God Who’s come
To bring us back to him
He is the one, he is Jesus, Jesus
Majesty, finally
Majesty, finally here
Here is our king, here is our love
Here is our God Who’s come
To bring us back to him
He is the one, he is Jesus, Jesus
Majesty, finally
By David Crowder CCLI #2542584
The Opening Acclamation
Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. 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.
Bless the Lord
Refrain
Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I’ll worship Your Holy name
The sun comes up
It’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass
And whatever lies before me
Let me be singing
When the evening comes
Refrain
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant : Let us pray
The Collect of the Day
Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
First Lesson
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
As I watched,
thrones were set in place,
and an Ancient One took his throne,
his clothing was white as snow,
and the hair of his head like pure wool;
his throne was fiery flames,
and its wheels were burning fire.
A stream of fire issued
and flowed out from his presence.
A thousand thousands served him,
and ten thousand times ten thousand stood attending him.
The court sat in judgment,
and the books were opened.
As I watched in the night visions,
I saw one like a human being
coming with the clouds of heaven.
And he came to the Ancient One
and was presented before him.
To him was given dominion
and glory and kingship,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
should serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not pass away,
and his kingship is one
that shall never be destroyed.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 93
1 The Lord is King; he has put on splendid apparel; *
the Lord has put on his apparel and girded himself with strength.
2 He has made the whole world so sure *
that it cannot be moved;
3 Ever since the world began, your throne has been established; *
you are from everlasting.
4 The waters have lifted up, O Lord,
the waters have lifted up their voice; *
the waters have lifted up their pounding waves.
5 Mightier than the sound of many waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea, *
mightier is the Lord who dwells on high.
6 Your testimonies are very sure, *
and holiness adorns your house, O Lord, for ever and for evermore.
Second Lesson
Revelation 1:4b-8
Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail.
So it is to be. Amen.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
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 (18:33-37)
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”
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
Please Respond: Lord Hear Our Prayer
We Pray for all who are suffering from the difficulties from climate change caused by floods, hurricanes, droughts, fires, earthquakes, and tornados. Help those in the destruction and bless us with a willingness to be better stewards of the earth. We Pray to the Lord
Lord Hear Our Prayer
We Pray for all who are risking their lives to help others and all who are sharing their resources to ease the suffering of others.
We pray to the Lord
Lord Hear Our Prayer
Lord bless all our families in their beautiful diversity. Bestow wisdom to parents, tenderness to grandparents, kindness to siblings, and a welcoming tables to neighbors. We pray to the Lord.
Lord Hear Our Prayer
We ask you Lord to send your Holy Spirit upon our church of St. Matthew’s. Help us open our hearts to your will and energize us to bring your Gospel to the people of Houma and this parish of Terrebonne.
We pray to the Lord.
Lord Hear Our Prayer
We pray for those in recovery and all who seek healing. We pray your mercy upon them and greater compassion, encouragement, and understanding from your people.
We pray to the Lord.
Lord Hear Our Prayer
We remember the sick, our elders, the homeless, and all who are vulnerable. Strengthen them and those who provide care and meet daily needs.
We pray to the Lord.
Lord Hear Our Prayer
I invite you to bring your own prayers before the Lord.
Silence
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.
Prayer of Absolution
The Priest, stands and says
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
The Offertory
Offertory Hymn: O Come to the Altar
Are you hurting and broken within?
Overwhelmed by the weight of your sin?
Jesus is calling
Have you come to the end of yourself?
Do you thirst for a drink from the well?
Jesus is calling
O come to the altar
The Father’s arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ
Leave behind your regrets and mistakes
Come today, there’s no reason to wait
Jesus is calling
Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy
From the ashes, a new life is born
Jesus is calling
O come to the altar
The Father’s arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood
Oh, what a Savior
Isn’t He wonderful?
Sing hallelujah, Christ is risen
Bow down before Him
For He is Lord of all
Sing hallelujah, Christ is risen
O come to the altar
The Father’s arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ
O come to the altar
The Father’s arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ
The Father’s arms are open wide
By Elevation Worship CCLI #2542584
Reception of Gifts
Creator God, may these gifts honor the work you have given us to do. May we bless, break, and share these gifts with you and our neighbors, walking in love as you have walked with us. Amen.
Eucharistic Prayer B
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 every-where to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
Preface of the Lord’s Day
Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who on the first day of the week overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everylasting life.
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
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.
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 our Blessed Mother Mary, St. Joseph, St. Matthew and 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.
The Great 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.
Lamb of God
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: King of Kings
In the darkness we were waiting
Without hope, without light
‘Til from Heaven You came running
There was mercy in Your eyes
To fulfill the law and prophets
To a virgin came the word
From a throne of endless glory
To a cradle in the dirt
Praise the Father, praise the Son
Praise the Spirit, three in one
God of glory, Majesty
Praise forever to the King of Kings
To reveal the kingdom coming
And to reconcile the lost
To redeem the whole creation
You did not despise the cross
For even in your suffering
You saw to the other side
Knowing this was our salvation
Jesus for our sake you died
Praise the Father, praise the Son
Praise the Spirit, three in one
God of glory, Majesty
Praise forever to the King of Kings
And the morning that You rose
All of Heaven held its breath
‘Til that stone was moved for good
For the Lamb had conquered death
And the dead rose from their tombs
And the angels stood in awe
For the souls of all who’d come
To the Father are restored
And the church of Christ was born
Then the Spirit lit the flame
Now this gospel truth of old
Shall not kneel, shall not faint
By His blood and in His name
In His freedom I am free
For the love of Jesus Christ
Who has resurrected me
Praise the Father, praise the Son
Praise the Spirit, three in one
God of glory, Majesty
Praise forever to the King of Kings
Praise forever to the King of Kings
By Hillsong
CCLI# 2542584
Post Communion Prayer
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.
Recessional Hymn: How Great is our God
The splendor of a King, clothed in majesty
Let all the Earth rejoice
All the Earth rejoice
He wraps himself in light
And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
Trembles at His voice
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
Beginning and the end
The Godhead Three in One
Father Spirit Son
The Lion and the Lamb
The Lion and the Lamb
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
Name above all names (how great is our God, sing with me)
Worthy of our praise (how great is our God, and all will see)
My heart will sing
How great is our God
You’re the name above all names (how great is our God, sing with me)
You are worthy of our praise (how great is our God, and all will see)
And my heart will sing
How great is our God
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
By Chris Tomlin
CCLI #2542584
The Dismissal
Priest: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wednesday Healing Mass – Time Changes to 4:00 pm
Our Healing Mass will be held at 4pm during Standard Time. Please join us for this informal short Eucharist that includes an option for the reception of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
- C. W. Bake Sale
TODAY following the service in the Parish Hall!
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.
December 2 – Julia Bourque
December 16 – Mary Hebert
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), please enter through back door. 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
Invitation to Godly Play Children’s Ministry
Children in Pre K – 5th grade are invited to participate in our Godly Play Children’s Ministry. The Children will be called forth with their Sunday School Ministers at the beginning of Sunday Eucharist. They will be led out of the church to their classroom and return before communion. This ministry is designed to help the children encounter the stories of the Bible in an active, inviting and powerful way. We are delighted that this ministry is offered to our children; please pray for its success!
The Lunch Bunch
NO LUNCH BUNCH THIS WEEK! Our school is not in session due to Thanksgiving Break.
Legion Park Christmas Project
Once again we will partner with St. Francis Cathedral in reaching out to our friends at Legion Park School. The gift bags are available for pick up and need to be returned by Wednesday, December 12,2024. Please wrap the gifts and place them in the bag. We appreciate your kindness.
Vestry Nominating Committee
As we near the end of the year, the Nominating Committee for Vestry members is opening nominations for election to the Vestry. Nominees must be communicants in good standing with the church. As defined by our bylaws, Communicants are members of this Church who have received Holy Communion in this Church at least three times during the preceding year, and Communicants in good standing are communicants of this Church who for the previous year have been faithful in attending church, unless for good cause prevented, and have been faithful in working, praying, and giving for the spread of the Kingdom of God.
The Nominating Committee will review all nominations, secure their consent and qualifications for nomination, and will develop a slate of candidates for service on the Vestry. The Church will elect new members at the Annual Meeting in January. Please let Father Jim or any Vestry member know if you want to provide a name for consideration. Nominees should be submitted to Vestry members by
December 10, 2024.
Christmas Schedule
Christmas Eve—5PM
Christmas Day 10AM
Altar Flowers
This Sunday’s Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God and in celebration of Florence Henry on her 95th birthday by her loving family.
This Sunday’s Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for James, Courtney, and Jack Chauvin, our church congregation, and all of life’s blessings by Karen and Harvey Chauvin.
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.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Week of 11/24—11/30: Dana White, Florence Henry, Norma Hensley, Alice Leonard, Wanda Baugh, Kelly Westbrook
Rob and Suzanne Alexander,
Gale and Lynn Navarre, Mike and Shanna Himel
Worship Team Schedule
Eucharistic Ministers Emmalee Hampton, Hunter Rulf, Hildegard Blanchard
Lectors Becky Becnel, Doug Holloway
Organist/Choirmaster Doug Hamilton
Ushers Sharon Pontiff, Keith Hampton
Vestry Member on Duty Keith Hampton
Altar Guild Sandy Ostheimer, Karen Kelly
Flower Guild Linda Greenburg
Hospitality Linda Greenburg, Emilie Daye, Cathy Wiemann
PARISH PRAYER LIST
Jay, Norma, Lydicia, Jere, Lona, Earl, Bob, Mattie, Randolph, JoAnne, Pauline, Karen, Norma, Beulah, Winnie, Susan, Marlene, Helen, Sue, Mike, Dawn, Ann, Michelle, Philip, Gerard, Penny, Tina, Charles, Margie, Linda, Beth, Liz, Rhonda, Eloise, Eve, Gerald, Linda, Betty Rose, Cage, Patsy, Kevin, Roger, Robbie, Gail, Karen, Stacey, Lynn, Myrna, Wanda