The Last Sunday after the Epiphany
The Liturgy of the Word
Processional Hymn: When Morning Gilds The Skies
1 When morning gilds the skies,
my heart, awaking, cries,
may Jesus Christ be praised!
When evening shadows fall,
this rings my curfew call,
may Jesus Christ be praised!
2 When mirth for music longs,
this is my song of songs:
may Jesus Christ be praised!
God’s holy house of prayer
hath none that can compare
with: Jesus Christ be praised!
3 No lovelier antiphon
in all high heaven is known
than, Jesus Christ be praised!
There to the eternal Word
the eternal psalm is heard:
may Jesus Christ be praised!
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
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.
First Lesson
A Reading from the Book of Exodus 24:12-18
The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.” So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. To the elders he had said, “Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them.”
Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God
Psalm 99: 1-5
1 The Lord is King; let the people tremble; *
he is enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth shake.
2 The Lord is great in Zion; *
he is high above all peoples.
3 Let them confess his Name, which is great and awesome; *
he is the Holy One.
4 “O mighty King, lover of justice, you have established equity; *
you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.”
5 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God and fall down before his footstool; *
he is the Holy One.
Second Lesson
A Reading from the second letter of Peter 1:16-21
We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.
So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God
Gospel
Priest: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to
Matthew (17:1-9)
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
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
Leader
Let us offer our prayers to God, who reveals his glory in Jesus Christ and calls us to listen to him.
Gracious God, you revealed your Son in glory on the holy mountain.
Strengthen your Church throughout the world, that we may listen to Christ, follow him faithfully, and reflect his light in a world longing for hope.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
God of light and peace, shine your transforming presence upon the nations of the world. Bring wisdom to those who govern, courage to those who work for justice, and healing to communities divided by fear, violence, or hatred.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
God of mercy, when the path ahead seems unclear and the valley feels overwhelming, remind us of your presence and promise.
Give comfort to those facing uncertainty, loss, or deep weariness,
and renew in them the hope that comes from your glory revealed in Christ.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Eternal God, we remember before you all who have died, today we remember Alice Turner, trusting that they now share in the glory of your heavenly kingdom.
May we, with them, behold your face in peace.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Holy God, as your voice once spoke from the cloud, teach us to listen to your beloved Son. Transform our hearts, deepen our faith, and send us down from the mountain ready to serve, to love, and to bear Christ’s light in the world.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Celebrant
O God, who in the glorious transfiguration of your Son confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the witness of Moses and Elijah:
grant that we, who hear him proclaimed, may be strengthened to carry his light into the world; 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: Songs of Thankfulness and Praise
1 Songs of thankfulness and praise,
Jesus, Lord, to thee we raise,
manifested by the star
to the sages from afar;
branch of royal David’s stem
in thy birth at Bethlehem;
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in man made manifest.
2 Manifest at Jordan’s stream,
Prophet, Priest, and King supreme;
and at Cana, wedding-guest,
in thy Godhead manifest;
manifest in power divine,
changing water into wine;
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in man made manifest.
3 Manifest in making whole
palsied limbs and fainting soul;
manifest in valiant fight,
quelling all the devil’s might;
manifest in gracious will,
ever bringing good from ill;
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in man made manifest.
4 Manifest on mountain height,
shining in resplendent light,
where disciples filled with awe
thy transfigured glory saw.
When from there thou leddest them
steadfast to Jerusalem,
cross and Easter Day attest
God in man made manifest.
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,
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
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.
Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us:
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Communion Hymn: Draw Nigh and Take the Body of the Lord
1 Draw nigh and take the Body of the Lord,
and drink the holy Blood for you outpoured.
2 Saved by that Body and that holy Blood,
with souls refreshed, we render thanks to God.
3 Salvation’s giver, Christ, the only Son,
by his dear cross and blood the victory won.
4 Offered was he for greatest and for least,
himself the Victim, and himself the Priest.
5 Approach ye then with faithful hearts sincere,
and take the pledges of salvation here.
6 He that his saints in this world rules and shields
to all believers life eternal yields;
7 with heavenly bread he makes the hungry whole,
gives living waters to the thirsting soul.
8 Alpha-Omega, unto whom shall bow
all nations at the doom, is with us now.
Communion Hymn: I Love To Tell The Story
1 I love to tell the story
Of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory,
Of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story,
Because I know it’s true;
It satisfies my longings
As nothing else would do.
Refrain:
I love to tell the story;
Twill be my theme in glory.
To tell the old, old story
Of Jesus and His love.
2 I love to tell the story,
For those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting
To hear it, like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory,
I sing the new, new song,
’Twill be the old, old story
That I have loved so long.
Refrain
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: Alleluia! Sing To Jesus
1 Alleluia! sing to Jesus!
his the scepter, his the throne;
Alleluia! his the triumph,
his the victory alone;
Hark! the songs of peaceful Zion
thunder like a mighty flood;
Jesus out of every nation
hath redeemed us by his blood.
2 Alleluia! not as orphans
are we left in sorrow now;
Alleluia! he is near us,
faith believes, nor questions how:
though the cloud from sight received him,
when the forty days were o’er,
shall our hearts forget his promise,
“I am with you evermore”?
3 Alleluia! Bread of Heaven,
thou on earth our food, our stay!
Alleluia! here the sinful
flee to thee from day to day:
Intercessor, friend of sinners,
earth’s Redeemer, plead for me,
where the songs of all the sinless
sweep across the crystal sea.
The Dismissal
Priest: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ash Wednesday Services
12 Noon Eucharist with ashes
6PM Prayer Service with ashes
Confirmation, Reception, and Profession of Faith
On Sunday, March 29th, Bishop Shannon will be with us for her annual visit. This is the time when we welcome, encourage, and pray with all who desire to deepen their faith commitment and receive the prayers of the church. Those who have not received the sacrament of Baptism or Confirmation are encouraged to partake. If you are worshiping with us from another faith tradition you may feel ready to be received formally in the church. This is a renewal of faith and not a denial of our former tradition. We also offer the opportunity for others to renew their faith commitment. This is sometimes chosen by the individual after a person faith experience and the individual is asking for prayers from the assembly. Please speak with Fr Jim if you wish to explore participation in the sacraments and prayers of the church. Come let us celebrate together! Church office 985-872-5057 or Fr. Jim—cell 504-491-8686 or jamesmorrison44@gmail.com.
Wednesday Healing Service
Our Wednesday Healing Mass has changed to 4pm. We will keep this time until March 11, 2026.
Stations of the Cross
We will once again offer Stations of the Cross every Friday throughout Lent at 5PM.
Lunch Bunch
NO LUNCH BUNCH. School is out for Mardi Gras holiday.
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 16—Angie and Joey Yesso
March 2—Suzanne Alexander and Trish Berry
March 16—Linda Greenburg and Debby Fortier
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Week of 2/15—2/21: Pearl Moss
Todd and Becky Becnel
Worship Team Schedule
Eucharistic Ministers Emmalee Hampton, Huner Rulf,
Hildegard Blanchard
Lectors Sinclair Buquet, Kodiak Cox
Organist/Choirmaster Duane Ring
Ushers Harvey and Karen Chauvin, Robert Pugh
Vestry Member on Duty Keith Hampton
Altar Guild Debbie Usie, Cathy Wiemann
Flower Guild Duane Ring
Hospitality Harvey and Karen Chauvin
Sunday School Courtney Rulf
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, Courtney and Baby Chauvin, Missy
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