• The Transfiguration

    10:00 AM  Rite II, August 6, 2023
    St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
    243 Barrow Street, Houma, LA 70360

    The Transfiguration
    The Liturgy of the Word

    Processional Hymn:  Thy strong word did cleave the darkness Hymn  381

    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.

    Gloria                  Hymnal S 280

    The Collect of the Day

    O God, who on the holy mount revealed to chosen witnesses your well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistening: Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may by faith behold the King in his beauty; who with you, O Father, and you, O Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

    First Lesson

    Exodus 34:29-35

    Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

    Reader:  The Word of the Lord

    People:  Thanks be to God

    Psalm 99

    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.

    6 Moses and Aaron among his priests,
        and Samuel among those who call upon his Name, *
        they called upon the Lord, and he answered them.

    7 He spoke to them out of the pillar of cloud; *
        they kept his testimonies and the decree that he gave them.

    8 O Lord our God, you answered them indeed; *
        you were a God who forgave them,
        yet punished them for their evil deeds.

    9 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God
        and worship him upon his holy hill; *
        for the Lord our God is the Holy One.

    Second Lesson

    2 Peter 1:13-21

    I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to refresh your memory, since I know that my death will come soon, as indeed our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

    For 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

    Cantor sings Alleluia, congregation repeats, cantor sings verse, congregation sings Alleluia

    Priest:      The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to

                        Luke (9:28-36)

    People:       Glory to you, Lord Christ.

     Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” —not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

    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.

    The Prayers of the People (Form III)

    The Leader and People pray responsively

    Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
    That we all may be one.

    Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;
    That your Name may be glorified by all people.

    We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
    That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.

    We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world;
    That there may be justice and peace on the earth.

    Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
    That our works may find favor in your sight.

    Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;
    That they may be delivered from their distress.

    Give to the departed eternal rest.
    Let light perpetual shine upon them.

    We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy;
    May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.

    Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.

    Silence

    The Celebrant adds a concluding prayer

    Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

    Confession of Sin

    Priest and People

    Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.

    For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us;

    that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. 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:   Fairest Lord Jesus                                    Hymn 383

    Eucharistic Prayer C

    Celebrant:  The Lord be with you.
    People:        And also with you.

    Lift up your hearts.
    We lift them to the Lord.

    Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
    It is right to give him thanks and praise.

    Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds

    God of all power, Ruler of the Universe, you are worthy of glory and praise.
    Glory to you for ever and ever.

    At your command all things came to be: the vast expanse of interstellar space, galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses, and this fragile earth, our island home.
    By your will they were created and have their being.

    From the primal elements you brought forth the human race, and blessed us with memory, reason, and skill. You made us the rulers of creation. But we turned against you, and betrayed your trust; and we turned against one another.
    Have mercy, Lord, for we are sinners in your sight.

    Again and again, you called us to return. Through prophets and sages you revealed your righteous Law. And in the fullness of time you sent your only Son, born of a woman, to fulfill your Law, to open for us the way of freedom and peace.
    By his blood, he reconciled us.
    By his wounds, we are healed.

    And therefore we praise you, joining with the heavenly chorus, with prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and with all those in every generation who have looked to you in hope, to proclaim with them your glory, in their unending hymn:

    Celebrant and People

    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 Celebrant continues

    And so, Father, we who have been redeemed by him, and made a new people by water and the Spirit, now bring before you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.

    At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it,
    or lay a hand upon it, and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or
    place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing wine to be
    consecrated.

    On the night he was betrayed he took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to his friends, 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, gave thanks, 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.”

    Remembering now his work of redemption, and offering to you this
    sacrifice of thanksgiving,


    We celebrate his death and resurrection, as we await the day of his coming.

    Lord God of our Fathers: God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: Open our eyes to see your hand at work in the world about us. Deliver us from the presumption of coming to this Table for solace only, and not for strength; for pardon only, and not for
    renewal. Let the grace of this Holy Communion make us one body, one spirit in Christ, that we may worthily serve the world in his name.


    Risen Lord, be known to us in the breaking of the Bread.

    Accept these prayers and praises, Father, through Jesus Christ our great High Priest, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, your Church gives honor, glory, and worship, from generation to generation. 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.

    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:  Blessed Assurance                            LEVAS 184

                                        Day by Day                                          Hymn 654

    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:  Holy God, we praise thy name            Hymn 366

    The Dismissal

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

    People:     Thanks be to God.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS

    Wednesday Healing Mass

    All are invited to gather for a brief healing service at 5pm 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. 

    Children’s Sunday School

    Sunday School is not meeting currently, but we will be back with new programing beginning October 1st.. Karen Barrilleaux will serve as our coordinator for Godly Play.   We are in the process of gathering Children’s Ministers to be part of team to help our children grow in faith and love.  We hope to gather 6/8 adults to serve once a month.  All adults will have to undergo background checks, Safe Church training and have training in Children’s ministry.  If you are interested in exploring this ministry, please contact Karen Barrilleaux at karen.barrilleaux@gmail.com.

    Childcare

    We are excited to announce that Susan Waldron will serve as our Nursery coordinator on Sundays.  We are looking for volunteers to serve as helpers, if you’re interested please contact Susan, susanhoumala@gmail.com.  More details to come in the weeks ahead.  Please pray for this ministry.

    Go Green

    We are excited to gather a team from the church to explore ways St. Matthew’s can become better stewards of the earth.  We will begin with a dynamic team:  Hunter and Courtney Rulf, Dana White, Emilie Daye, Joann Caillouet, and Kelly Phillips.  Please keep this new born ministry in your prayers!

    Save the Dates

    Sept. 9th – “Rooted in Faith Family Celebration and Supper”. Celebrating Cuba with Julio and Rina Medina!!!!  More details to come soon.

    Contact Information

    We want to make sure we have everyone’s contact information.  Please call or email the church office if you have any updates to your address or phone numbers, 985-872-5057 or erica.stmatthews@gmail.com.

    Youth Ministry

    Mr. Brandon Giroir is planning an exciting youth program.  Help us invite and connect to our youth.  Email Mr. Brandon with youth that are interested or should have a personal invite.  If you would like to have more information on our program, ministers, or ways to support, contact Brandon,  brandongiroir.stmatts@gmail.com.

    Birthdays and Anniversaries

    Week of 8/6-8/12:

    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.

    Worship Team Schedule

    Eucharistic Ministers Emmalee Hampton, Kathy Theriot,

    Sharon Pontiff

    Lectors Doug Holloway, Sharon Pontiff

    Organist/Choirmaster John Barrilleaux

    Ushers                                     Karen Chauvin, Robert Pugh

    Vestry Member on Duty         Valerie Hebert

    Altar Guild                              Sandy Ostheimer, Karen Kelly

    Flower Guild                           Duane Ring

    Hospitality Hildegard Blanchard, Karen Kelly

    PARISH PRAYER LIST

    Andrèe, Jay, Norma, Sybil, Lydicia, Jere, Lona & Sidney, Earl, Bonnie, Randolph, AnnaBelle, Earl, Bob, Mattie, Frank, Randolph, Terry, Liz, Janie, Charlie, Hartley, Kris & Family, JoAnne, Charlie, Benjamin, Christine, Kaye, Neva, Norma, Susan, Nathaniel, Evan, Jeannette, and Legion Park School.  We give thanks and pray for St. Matthew’s Episcopal School, Head of School, Thomas Soudelier, members of the Board, faculty, staff and students, and our Parish Vestry.