10:00 AM Rite II
January 7, 2024
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
243 Barrow Street, Houma, LA 70360
www.stmatthewshouma.org
Church—985-872-5057
The First Sunday after the Epiphany
The Liturgy of the Word
Processional Hymn: We know that Christ is raised Hymn 296
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.
Song of Praise: Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above ye heavenly host: praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
The Collect of the Day
Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
First Lesson
Genesis 1:1-5
In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God
Psalm 29
1 Ascribe to the Lord, you gods, *
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his Name; *
worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
3 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters;
the God of glory thunders; *
the Lord is upon the mighty waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is a powerful voice; *
the voice of the Lord is a voice of splendor.
5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedar trees; *
the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon;
6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, *
and Mount Hermon like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the Lord splits the flames of fire;
the voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; *
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
8 The voice of the Lord makes the oak trees writhe *
and strips the forests bare.
9 And in the temple of the Lord *
all are crying, “Glory!”
10 The Lord sits enthroned above the flood; *
the Lord sits enthroned as King for evermore.
11 The Lord shall give strength to his people; *
the Lord shall give his people the blessing of peace.
Second Lesson
Acts 19:1-7
While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the interior regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They replied, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Then he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They answered, “Into John’s baptism.” Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied— altogether there were about twelve of them.
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
Mark (1:4-11)
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
Priest: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon The Rev. Jim Morrison
The Renewal of 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 of the People
Celebrating the coming of the One who brings the reign of God to all people, let us pray for the world God loves, the Church God calls, and all people according to their needs, saying, Lord, in your mercy, and responding, Hear our prayer.
God of light and darkness, through water and Word you shine your light into the darkness of our lives. We give thanks for this incredible gift. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God of love and hate, your love comes in spite of our animosity;
you bring reconciliation to those who are divided. We pray for better relations between the United States and its native peoples. Strengthen us to be peacemakers. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God of hope and fear, you walk with us through the challenges which surround us. Wash away our anxiety by your promised presence,
and set us free from despair. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God of church and world, in baptism you unify yourself with our world,
and bring your reign into being. Keep us from seeing your love as a hiding place. Motivate us to infuse the world with your justice. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God of health and illness, there is nothing that separates us from your love. Inspire us to bring your health to the sick, your encouragement to the discouraged, your promise to the dying, especially those we name before you now.
[Long pause]
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God of life and death, all that exists is from you, and for you.
Enable us to trust your baptismal promise, and serve this hurting world.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God who shines in the darkness, receive these prayers and the prayers of our hearts, in the name of the one who is your light, Jesus Christ our Lord.
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.
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: 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 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
For you are the source of light and life, you made us in your image, and called us to new life in 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:
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.
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 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: I sing the almighty power of God Hymn 398
Baptized in water LEVAS Hymn 121
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: Thy strong word did cleave the darkness Hymn 381
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 Tuesday we invite you to gather with Fr. Jim for a fun lunch in the Parish Hall at 12 noon. We Have 12 spots available, please sign up at the church reception or send a message to Fr. Jim. This Tuesday we will serve Red beans, rice, sausage, and mixed veggies. Plates are $6 and all proceeds support our school.
Save the Date
St. Matthew’s Annual Meeting, January 21, 2024
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 1/7—1/13: Rob Alexander, Emmalee Hampton,
Keith Hampton, Emilie Daye
Worship Team Schedule
Eucharistic Ministers Alex Ostheimer, Hildegard Blanchard,
Bruce Jenkins
Lectors Becky Becnel, Bruce Jenkins
Organist/Choirmaster John Barrilleaux
Ushers Jack and Brenda Babin
Vestry Member on Duty Keri Kelley
Altar Guild Gail Duhe’
Flower Guild Carolyn Lirette
Hospitality Debby Fortier, Shirley Use’
PARISH PRAYER LIST
Andrèe, Jay, Norma, Sybil, Lydicia, Jere, Lona & Sidney, Earl, Bonnie, Randolph, Earl, Bob, Mattie, Frank, Randolph, Terry, Liz, Charlie, Norma, Susan, Nathaniel, Evan, Jeannette, Rita, Abigail, Mark, Harrell, Hunter, David, Marlene, Patricia.