Evensong for the Feast of the Epiphany January 7, 2024 We welcome you to Christ Church Cathedral. Since 1839, this Christian community has gathered for worship. To learn more about the ministries we share in this place, you are invited to fill in one of the cards found in the pew rack.
Organ Recital quarter past four o’clock in the afternoon
John Kirk, organist Applause is an appropriate expression of appreciation and thanksgiving. For The Means of Grace And for The Hope of Glory Passacaglia , BuxWV 161
David Ashley White (b.1944) Dieterich Buxtehude (1637-1707)
Psalm-Preludes Set 2, No. 2 Herbert Howells (1892-1983) Yea, the darkness is no darkness with thee, but the night is as clear as the day: the darkness and light to thee are both alike. — Psalm 139:11 Prélude, Fugue, et Variation In Paradisum Paean on Divinium Mysterium
César Franck (1822-1890) Calvin Hampton (1938-1984) John Cook (1918-1984)
John Kirk attended Capital University, studying both religion and double bass. After college
John moved to Houston through Teach for America and eventually began studying organ, voice, and church music with Robert Brewer and assisting in the music program at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany as a Choir/Organ Scholar. In church music John found the energy and conviction of rock music combined with the craftsmanship and interest of classical music, all within a context that focused on something bigger than music itself. Following his work at Epiphany, John was Music Director of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Dickinson, Texas and Organ Intern at St. Philip Presbyterian in Houston, Texas. He earned a master’s degree in Organ Performance from the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music, where he studied with Robert Bates, Matthew Dirst, and Sigurd Øgaard. Presently, he is Director of Music & Organist of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Houston and University Organist of Houston Christian University. He also currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Houston Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. 1
Solemn Evensong five o’clock in the afternoon The Very Rev. Nathaniel Katz, Dean The Choir of Christ Church Cathedral Robert L. Simpson, Canon for Music Thomas Marvil, Cathedral Organist The Liturgy is found in The Book of Common Prayer (BCP). The People stand as the procession enters the Cathedral.
Evening Sentences Confession
BCP, page 61
Officiant and People, all kneeling
page 62
Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep, we have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts, we have offended against thy holy laws, we have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, spare thou those who confess their faults, restore thou those who are penitent, according to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord; and grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of thy holy Name. Amen.
The Absolution Preces and Responses
page 63 All stand
Martin Neary (b. 1940)
Hymn 119
Dix
Psalm 72:1–2, 10–17
Setting; Thomas A. Walmisley (1814–1856)
Sung by Choir, People seated. Text may be found in the Book of Common Prayer on page 685. 2
First Lesson Reader
Genesis 1:1–5
A Reading from the Book of Genesis.
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 People
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Magnificat in G
Herbert Sumsion (1899–1995) Sung by Choir, People seated.
My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. For he hath regarded the lowliness of his handmaiden. For behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath magnified me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him throughout all generations. He hath showed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he hath sent empty away. He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel, as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever. All stand Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Second Lesson Reader
Mark 1:4–11
A Reading from the Gospel according to Mark.
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 1
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.” Reader People
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Nunc Dimittis in G
Herbert Sumsion Sung by Choir, People seated.
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people, to be a light to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the glory of thy people Israel. All stand Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed People and Choir monotone, all standing. I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Suffrages
Martin Neary Sung by Choir. The People stand or kneel.
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The Lord’s Prayer
The people and choir monotone.
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. Amen.
Collects and Prayers Greeting At the Offertory Anthem
John Weaver (1937-2021)
Alleluia. We have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. Alleluia. Arise, shine, for thy light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. Alleluia. — Matthew 2:2; Isaiah 60:1
The Epiphany Blessing
The people stand.
May Almighty God, who led the Wisemen by the shining of a star to find the Christ, the Light from Light, lead you also in your pilgrimage, to find the Lord. Amen. May God, who sent the Holy Spirit to rest upon the Only-begotten at his baptism in the Jordan River, pour out that Spirit on you who have come to the waters of new birth. Amen. May God, by the power that turned water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana, transform your lives and make glad your hearts. Amen. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.
Hymn 124
Puer nobis 3
The Procession Prelude on Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern
Tom Mueller (b.1985)
You are cordially invited to a reception in Reynolds Hall. After Evensong, the Eucharist will be celebrated in the chancel of the Cathedral. Those who wish to remain for the Eucharist are to come forward into the choir stalls. After the preparation of the altar, the Eucharist will be celebrated continuing on page 369 of the Book of Common Prayer. The Book of Remembrance This week we remember G. Sidney Buchanan Jr. The Beauty of Flowers The flowers on the Cathedral Altar are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Scott Cawley by his family.
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Welcome
Sunday, January 7, 2024 Announcements Annual Parish Retreat at Camp Allen • Join your Cathedral family for the Parish Retreat at Camp Allen, January 12-14. Reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and renew your relationship with God. Questions? Stop by the cloister table today! Deadline to register is January 10: www.christchurchcathedral.org/parishretreat Costa Rica Mission Trip • The deadline for registering for the mission trip to Costa Rica is January 12. The mission trip is for adults, high school youth, and eighth graders in confirmation class. To register visit: www.christchurchcathedral.org/ youthcostarica Houston Marathon Next Sunday • Remember to check traffic routes and street closures Sunday, January 14. To determine the best route to get to church, visit: www. christchurchcathedral.org/marathon Dean’s Hour: Secondhand Religion • Our Secondhand Religion series returns January 14 at 10 a.m. in Reynolds Hall. Dean Katz shares more on spiritual ancestors whom we celebrate as saints, whether living or dead. Annual Parish Meeting • The Cathedral’s annual parish meeting will be held Sunday, January 21 during the 10 o’clock hour in Reynolds Hall. All are welcome to hear an update on the Cathedral and elect new vestry members. Live translation of English to Spanish will be available. Make your 2024 EMC Pledge • There’s still time to make your annual pledge! Submit your pledge by dropping a pledge card in the offering plate or scan the QR code to pledge online. Questions? Contact CFO Patrick Saccomanno at psaccomanno@christchurchcathedral.org or 713220-9759. For more information about these and other events at the Cathedral, visit www.christchurchcathedral.org. After-Hours Emergency Pastoral Care Line • 713-826-5332
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Welcome to Christ Church Cathedral! We are blessed by your presence. If you are new to the Cathedral, please fill out the W E L C OM E card in your pew and put it in the offering plate or give it to an usher. Tours of the Cathedral are available after the 5 p.m. service on the third Sunday every month. If you would like a tour, meet the tour guide by the eagle lectern.
Please be advised that our services are Livesteamed to Vimeo and Facebook. Your participation in the service serves as your consent to the broadcast of your image and voice and to the broadcast of the image and voice of your participating minor children. Pursuant to Section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with a concealed handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a concealed handgun. Pursuant to Section 30.07, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with an openly carried handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a handgun that is carried openly.