• The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 am Rite II, January 5, 2025, Cnr. of Belanger and Barrow

    The Liturgy of the Word

     

    Processional Hymn:   We Three Kings

     

    1. We three kings of Orient are,
      bearing gifts we traverse afar,
      field and fountain,
      moor and mountain,
      following yonder star.

     

    Refrain:
    O star of wonder, star of night,
    star with royal beauty bright;
    westward leading,
    still proceeding,
    guide us to thy perfect light!

     

    1. Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain,
      gold I bring to crown him again,
      King for ever,
      ceasing never
      over us all to reign.

     

    Refrain

     

     

    1. Glorious now behold him arise,
      King and God and Sacrifice;
      heaven sings alleluia:
      alleluia
      the earth replies.

     

    Refrain

    The Opening Acclamation

    Celebrant:   Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

    People:        And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen..

    Celebrant:   There is one Body and one Spirit;

    People:         There is one hope in God’s call to us;

    Celebrant:    One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism;

    People:         One God and Father of all.

    Celebrant:    The Lord be with you.

    People:         And also with you.

    Celebrant:    Let us pray.

     

    Celebrant: The Lord be with you.

    People: And also with you.

    Celebrant : Let us pray

     

    The Collect of the Day

    O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

     

    First Lesson

    Isaiah 60:1-6

    Arise, shine; for your light has come,
    and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

    For darkness shall cover the earth,
    and thick darkness the peoples;

    but the Lord will arise upon you,
    and his glory will appear over you.

    Nations shall come to your light,
    and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

    Lift up your eyes and look around;
    they all gather together, they come to you;

    your sons shall come from far away,
    and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms.

    Then you shall see and be radiant;
    your heart shall thrill and rejoice,

    because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you,
    the wealth of the nations shall come to you.

    A multitude of camels shall cover you,
    the young camels of Midian and Ephah;
    all those from Sheba shall come.

    They shall bring gold and frankincense,
    and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.

     

    Reader:    The Word of the Lord

    People:     Thanks be to God.

     

     

    Psalm 72:1-2,10-14

    1 Give the King your justice, O God, *
    and your righteousness to the King’s Son;

    2 That he may rule your people righteously *
    and the poor with justice;

    10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall pay tribute, *
    and the kings of Arabia and Saba offer gifts.

    11 All kings shall bow down before him, *
    and all the nations do him service.

    12 For he shall deliver the poor who cries out in distress, *
    and the oppressed who has no helper.

    13 He shall have pity on the lowly and poor; *
    he shall preserve the lives of the needy.

    14 He shall redeem their lives from oppression and violence, *
    and dear shall their blood be in his sight.

    Second Lesson

    Ephesians 3:1-6

    This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles– for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

     

    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

    Matthew (2:1-12)

    People:       Glory to you, Lord Christ.

     

    In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

     

    `And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

    for from you shall come a ruler
    who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

    Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

     

    Priest:     The Gospel of the Lord.

    People:    Praise to you, Lord Christ.

     

    The Sermon                                    The Rev. Jim Morrison

     

    Litany of Baptism

     

    Presentation and Examination of the Candidates

               

    Lily June Sturm                      Daughter of Brett and Danae Sturm

     

    Celebrant:  The Candidates for Holy Baptism will now be presented.

     

    Parents and Godparents:

     

    I present Lily to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.

     

    Will you be responsible for seeing that this child you present is brought up in the Christian faith and life?

     

    Parents and Godparents:

    I will, with God’s help.

     

    Celebrant:

    Will you by your prayers and witness help this child to grow into the full stature of Christ?

    Parents and Godparents:

    I will, with God’s help.

     

    Then the Celebrant asks the following questions of the parents and godparents who speak on behalf of the infants and younger children

     

    Question:          Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?

    Answer:            I renounce them.

     

    Question:    Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?

    Answer:       I renounce them.

     

    Question:    Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God?

    Answer:       I renounce them.

     

    Question:     Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior?

    Answer:      I do.

     

    Question:    Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?

    Answer:       I do.

     

    Question:    Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord?

    Answer:       I do.

     

    Celebrant:   Will you who witness these vows do all in your power

    to support Lily in his life in Christ?

    People:       We will.

     

    Celebrant:  Let us join with those who are committing themselves to

    Christ and renew our own baptismal covenant.

    (All Stand)

     

    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 for the Candidates

     

    The Celebrant then says to the congregation

    Let us now pray for this person who is to receive the Sacrament of new birth.

     

    Leader:             Deliver Lily O Lord, from the way of  sin and death.

    People:             Lord, hear our prayer.

    Leader:             Open her heart to your grace and truth.

    People:    Lord, hear our prayer.

    Leader:   Fill Lily with your holy and life-giving  Spirit.

    People:    Lord, hear our prayer.

    Leader:   Keep her in the faith and communion of your holy

    Church.

    People:   Lord, hear our prayer.

    Leader:   Teach her to love others in the power of the Spirit.

    People:   Lord, hear our prayer.

    Leader:   Send her into the world in witness to your love.

    People:    Lord, hear our prayer.

    Leader:   Bring Lily to the fullness of your peace and glory.

    People:    Lord, hear our prayer.

     

    The Celebrant says:

    Grant, O Lord, that all who are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ your Son may live in the power of his resurrection and look for him to come again in glory; who lives and reigns now and for ever. Amen.

     

    Thanksgiving over the Water

     

    The Celebrant blesses the water, first saying:

    The Lord be with you.

    People:        And also with you.

    Celebrant:   Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

    People:        It is right to give him thanks and praise.

    Celebrant

    We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water.

     

    At the following words, the Celebrant touches the water

    Now sanctify this water, we pray you, by the power of your Holy Spirit, that Lily who here are cleansed from sin and born again may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Savior.

     

    To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

     

    All seated please

    The Baptism

     

    Lily, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

     

    Let us pray.

    Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon Lily the forgiveness of sin, and have raised her to the new life of grace. Sustain her, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit.

     

    Give her an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen.

     

    Then the Priest places a hand on the person’s head, marking on the

    forehead the sign of the cross  and saying

     

    Lily, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own for ever. Amen.

     

    When all have been baptized, the Celebrant says

    Let us welcome the newly baptized.

    Celebrant and People

    We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood.

     

    The Peace

    Announcements

                Birthdays and Anniversaries

     

    The Offertory 

    Offertory Hymn:  Mary Did You Know

     

    [Verse 1]

    Mary, did you know

    That your baby boy will one day walk on water?

    Mary, did you know

    That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?

    Did you know

    That your baby boy has come to make you new?

    This child that you’ve delivered

    Will soon deliver you

     

    [Verse 2]

    Mary, did you know

    That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?

    Mary, did you know

    That your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?

    Did you know

    That your baby boy has walked where angels trod?

    And when you kiss your little baby

    You’ve kissed the face of God

    Mary, did you know?

     

    [Bridge]

    The blind will see

    The deaf will hear

    And the dead will live again

    The lame will leap

    The dumb will speak

    The praises of the Lamb

     

    [Verse 3]

    Mary, did you know

    That your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

    Mary, did you know

    That your baby boy will one day rule the nations?

    Did you know

    That your baby boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb?

    This sleeping child you’re holding

    Is the Great I Am

     

    [Outro]

    Oh, Mary, did you know?

     

    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

    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 everlasting 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:  Go Tell  It On The Mountain

     

    Refrain:
    Go tell it on the mountain,
    over the hills and everywhere;
    go tell it on the mountain
    that Jesus Christ is born!

     

    1. While shepherds kept their watching
      o’er silent flocks by night,
      behold, throughout the heavens
      there shone a holy light.

     

    Refrain

     

    1. The shepherds feared and trembled
      when lo! above the earth
      rang out the angel chorus
      that hailed our Savior’s birth.

     

    Refrain

     

    1. Down in a lowly manger
      the humble Christ was born,
      and God sent us salvation
      that blessed Christmas morn.

     

    Refrain

     

     

    The Dismissal

    Priest:       Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

    People:     Thanks be to God.

    Announcements

    Sunday Morning Bible Study

    We are excited to announce that Doug Holloway will begin a Sunday Morning Bible Study at St. Matthew’s on Jan. 26th.   Doug has a Masters in Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.   He has served at Gentilly Baptist Church as Minister of Education and  Worship Leader and at Hopeview Baptist Church in Violet.  It was at Hopeview that Doug was ordained as a deacon and pastor for the Baptist Church.  Doug later accepted a call as begin a church in Maquoketa, Iowa and served as pastor for two years.  He then returned to Houma, Louisiana and began to work at City Court and now serves as the Clerk of Court/ Court Administrator.   Doug has extensive experience leading Bible studies and has been formed by the Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Catholic and Episcopal Churches.   Last year Doug was welcomed by Bishop Shannon into our Episcopal Faith.

     

    We will begin this Bible Study on January 26th in Alexander Hall.  It will begin at 9am and end at 9:45am. (This allows for a break before Sunday Eucharist at 10am).  Breakfast will be provided. All are welcome!

     

    The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana Clergy Conference January 6-8

    Please keep the clergy in your prayers as we gather for our annual clergy conference at Solomon Conference Center.

    Wednesday Healing Service – 4:00 pm

    Due to the Clergy Conference we will offer Evening Prayer in place of our normal Eucharist. .  Please join us for this informal short service that includes an option for individual prayers for the sick.

     

    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.

    January 6—Susan Waldron

    February 3—Debbie Usie

    February 17—Suzanne Alexander and Trish Berry

     

     

    The Lunch Bunch

    This Tuesday we invite you to gather with Fr. Jim for a fun lunch in the Parish Hall at 12 noon.  This Tuesday we will serve potato soup and salad.  Plates are $7 and all proceeds support our school.

     

    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!

    Altar Flowers

    This Sunday’s Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God and in celebration of  Dr. Rob Alexander’s birthday by his family.

    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 1/5—1/11:  Brandi Defrene, Michele Boudreaux, Rob Alexander, Emmalee Hampton, Keith Hampton; Chase and Kaitlyn Blanchard

     

    Worship Team Schedule

    Eucharistic Ministers: Emilie Daye, Hunter Rulf, Dana White

    Lectors: Becky Becnel, Doug Holloway

    Organist/Choirmaster: Doug Hamilton

    Ushers: Sharon Pontiff, Keith Hampton

    Vestry Member on Duty: Debby Fortier

    Altar Guild: Gail Duhe’

    Flower Guild: Keri Kelley

    Hospitality: Patsy Trahan, Debbie Usie, Cathy Wiemann

    PARISH PRAYER LIST

    Florence, Jay, Norma, Lydicia, Jere, Lona, Earl, Bob, Mattie, Randolph and Brenda, JoAnne, Norma, Beulah, Winnie, Susan, Lynn, George, Marlene, Helen, Sue, Dawn, Ann, Gerard, Penny, Margie, Linda, Beth, Liz, Rhonda, Eloise, Gerald, Linda, Cage, Patsy, Kevin, Lyndal, Sandy, Suzie, Roger, Phil and Doc, Annabelle, Leonard and Cambell, Linda, Jean, Diane, David, Abby, Stacy, Gerald, Kenneth, Rene, Allyce, Cindy