Welcome to Saint Ambrose Episcopal Church! We are glad the Holy Spirit guided you to worship here today If you are a guest and this is your rst time attending Saint Ambrose, please ll out the online “Welcome!” card at this link We also invite guests as well as parishioners to use the card for Prayer Requests or Comments Please feel free to take time to sit or kneel in prayer or quiet meditation to center yourself before worship The primary books we use in worship are the Holy Bible, the Book of Common Prayer (BCP), the Hymnal 1982 (abbreviated H in the bulletin), and the Lift Every Voice and Sing Hymnal (abbreviated L in the bulletin). Music with the letter “S” in front of the number near the beginning of the hymnal is Service music in the Hymnal 1982. You will typically nd the hymns we sing are in the section without the letter “S” preceding the number.
PRELUDE CALL TO WORSHIP
Please stand at the chiming of the bell.
Prayer Before Worship (Prayed Together) Book of Common Prayer, page 833
Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.
O Almighty God, who pours out on all who desire it the spirit of grace and of supplication: Deliver us, when we draw near to you, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, that with steadfast thoughts and kindled a ections we may worship you in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Silence
THE ACCLAMATION
Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and forever. Amen.
COLLECT FOR PURITY
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.
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Let us pray.
Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart, we pray, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
THE FIRST LESSON Numbers 6:22-27
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them, The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
So they shall put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.
Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
Psalm 8 BCP 592 Domine, Dominus noster
Read Responsively by half verse after the asterisk
1 O Lord our Governor, * how exalted is your Name in all the world!
2 Out of the mouths of infants and children * your majesty is praised above the heavens.
3 You have set up a stronghold against your adversaries, * to quell the enemy and the avenger.
4 When I consider your heavens, the work of your ngers, * the moon and the stars you have set in their courses,
5 What is man that you should be mindful of him? * the son of man that you should seek him out?
6 You have made him but little lower than the angels; * you adorn him with glory and honor;
7 You give him mastery over the works of your hands; * you put all things under his feet:
8 All sheep and oxen, * even the wild beasts of the eld,
9 The birds of the air, the sh of the sea, * and whatsoever walks in the paths of the sea.
10 O Lord our Governor, * how exalted is your Name in all the world!
THE SECOND LESSON Galatians 4:4-7
When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
Minister People
THE GO
When th w to Bethlehe t with hast de known w ds told them d, glorifying ad passed, it he was conc
Minister The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
THE SERMON
The Reverend Jemonde Taylor Silence follows for re ection and meditation.
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 cruci ed under Pontius Pilate; he su ered 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 glori ed. 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.
A CHRISTMAS LITANY
adapted from a litany by Fran Pratt
Leader: Gracious, generous God, we celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ, Your Son, Your Self in human form.
All: We celebrate the Son of God.
Leader: We are trans xed by the story of Jesus. We looked for a warrior;
All: You sent a baby.
Leader: We looked for royalty;
All: You were born to peasants.
Leader: We looked for power;
All: You showed us meekness.
Leader: We looked among rulers and politicians;
All: You were found among cattle and shepherds.
Leader: We looked for military victory;
All: You gave us resurrection.
Leader: We looked for riches;
All: You gave us sel essness.
Leader: We looked for a king;
All: You gave us a servant.
Leader: Jesus you come in the voice of the poor, in the hurting of the sick, in the anguish of the oppressed.
All: Open our eyes that we may see you
Leader: Jesus you come in the weakness of the vulnerable, in the questions of the doubting, in the fears of the dying.
All: Open our ears that we might hear you
Leader: Jesus you come in the celebration of the saints, in the generosity of the faithful, in the compassion of the caring.
All: Open our hearts that we might embrace you
Leader: Almighty God whose great love and compassion came into our world in the person of your incarnate son, Jesus Christ, plant in every heart your concern and care for all humankind. May the light of Christ ignite our hearts and shine out brightly from our lives, proclaiming your salvation to all the earth.
All: May the light of God shine on us, May the love of Christ shine in us, May the life of the Spirit shine through us. This day and evermore.
Amen
In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer we pray for Church of the Ascension Fork, Advance, and Christ Church, Albemarle.
In the Clergy Cycle of Prayer we pray for The Reverend Charles F. Benz, Retired.
In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer we pray for the Anglican Church of Mexico.
We pray for our clergy and his family, the Reverend Jemonde Taylor.
We pray for our bishops, the Right Reverend Samuel Rodman and the Right Reverend Jennifer Brooke-Davidson, and for our Presiding Bishop, the Most Reverend Michael Curry.
Please add your own prayers silently, aloud, or by typing them in the Zoom Chat box or YouTube Comment box. These prayers will be added to our weekly Absalom Jones Prayer Ministry Intercessory List.
PRAYER FOR SAINT AMBROSE’S VISION
Almighty God, give us courage and strength to live into our vision. Mold us into a worshiping community that gives Worship to God, receives Wisdom from God, and Works alongside God. This is our WWW: Worship, Wisdom, Work. We pray this through Jesus Christ our Savior who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and for ever. Amen.
THE PEACE
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE HOLY COMMUNION
Give to St. Ambrose the following ways: Go to the Saint Ambrose website and click GIVE Text to give – Text THEBrose to 73256 Give via the Abundant Giving mobile app available for download via Google Play or the Apple App store
You may also mail a check to St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, 813 Darby Street, Raleigh, NC 27610 OFFERTORY ANTHEM H-99
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 esh, 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,
We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory; And we o er our sacri ce 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 sacri ce, that we may be acceptable through him, being sancti ed 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 the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, her spouse, Ambrose, Augustine and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the rstborn 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.
GREAT AMEN [CONGREGATION AND CHOIR]
The Rev. A. Myron Cochran arr. for Rite II by The Rev. William Bradley Roberts, D.M.A.
And now, as our Christ taught us, we pray,
Our Father which 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 debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD
Celebrant Christ our Passover is sacri ced for us; People Therefore let us keep the feast.
FRACTION ANTHEM: Lamb of God Cochran
The Gifts of God for the People of God.
Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. I love you above all things, and long for you in my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though you have already come, I embrace you and unite myself entirely to you; never permit me to be separated from you. Amen. (St. Alphonsus de Liguori, 1696-1787)
A Note on Communion
All are welcome to the altar. Praying hands position indicates you want the clergy to intinct (dip) the host in the wine. Placing your right hand over your left making a cup indicates that you want bread only without wine. Hands palm down indicated gluten free. Hands folded across your chest indicates you want a prayer blessing.
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.
COMMUNION HYMN H-101 Away in a Manger, No Crib For His Bed Cradle Song
May Almighty God, who sent his Son to take our nature upon him, bless you in this holy season, make your darkness luminous, and brighten your heart with the light of his holiness. Amen.
May God, who sent his angels to proclaim the glad news of the Savior’s birth, ll you with joy, and make you heralds of the Gospel. Amen.
May God, who in the Word made esh joined heaven to earth and earth to heaven, give you his peace and favor. 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.
DISMISSAL
Minister Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit. People Thanks be to God.
Prayer After Worship (Prayed Together) Book of Common Prayer, page 834
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.
Grant, we beseech you, Almighty God, that the words which we have heard this day with our outward ears, may, through your grace, be so grafted inwardly in our hearts, that they may bring forth in us the fruit of good
living, to the honor and praise of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Please remain standing until the altar candles are extinguished.
WAYS TO ENGAGE THIS
WEEK
TUESDAY
Intercessory Prayer Conference Call, 12:15pm
The Absalom Jones Prayer Ministry hosts a Prayer Line o ering prayers for those on the Prayer Roll and Prayer Lists and for anyone on the call who requests to be prayed for. 646-558-8656, Meeting ID: 231 975 812 Passcode: 1868
WEDNESDAY
Midweek Healing Mass 12:15pm
Join via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/684785837
Call in at 646-558-8656. The meeting ID is 684 785 837. Passcode: 1868
Faith Formation Wednesday will resume after Easter.
Join via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/701965274
Call in at 646-558-8656. The meeting ID is 701 965 274. Passcode: 1868
SUNDAY
Lectionary Bible Study, 9am
Discussing the Sunday morning scripture readings. Join via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/288981724
Call in at 646-558-8656. The meeting ID is 288 981 724. Passcode: 1868
The Holy Eucharist Live-Stream Video, 10:15am
See the live-stream video by visiting the church’s website at https://stambroseraleigh.org/live-streaming/. Download the bulletin at the live-stream Call in to hear the worship service by telephone at 646-558-8656. The meeting ID 858-905-359. Password: 280158
PRIVATE AND PERSONAL DEVOTION
Daily say Morning Prayer (BCP 75) and/or Evening Prayer (BCP 115), Compline (BCP 127) Online resources: http://www.missionstclare.com/ The Episcopal Church in Garrett County Morning Prayer Podcast Reading the Forward Movement Daily Devotional online at: https://www.forwardmovement.
UPCOMING CHRISTMAS AND EPIPHANY EVENTS
New Year’s Day Holy Eucharist at 10:15AM (In-Person and Online) Zoom Link YouTube
Phone Number: 646-558-8656 Meeting ID: 858 905 359 Passcode: 280158
Feast of the Epiphany and Twelfth Night Party (In-Person and Online)
Friday, January 6, 6:00 pm
Zoom Link YouTube
Phone Number: 646-558-8656 Webinar ID: 882 0999 4017 Passcode: 209031 2023 CALENDAR
HIGHLIGHTS
Epiphany January 6, 2023
Baptism of our Lord January 8, 2023
Education Sunday January 29, 2023
Absalom Jones Sunday February 12, 2023 Cultural Sunday February 19, 2023 Ash Wednesday February 22, 2023
Rector’s Sabbatical and Saint Ambrose’s Congregational Renewal Events
Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 6:30PM via Zoom
Invisible Languages
The Rev. Dr. Gay Byron is a worldwide, renown expert on ancient Ethiopian Christian manuscripts. Dr. Byron is a professor at Howard Divinity School. She will present at Saint Ambrose via Zoom on her research and scholarship in uncovering rare Ethiopian texts. This is a virtual event and inaugural event for the congregational component of the rector’s sabbatical.
Zoom link is here Call 646-558-8656 Meeting ID: 701 965 274 Passcode: 1868
Read more about the rector’s sabbatical and the church’s programs on the church’s Wisdom section of the website.
