WELCOME…WE’RE GLAD YOU’RE
HERE
JANUARY 12, 2025
HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING AT ST. JOHN’S…
WE’RE HERE IN THE NEW YEAR, TOO!
Join us at St. John’s for Eucharist on Sundays at 8 & 10:30, Morning Prayer on Wednesdays at 10:30, and Bible Study on Wednesday at 6 pm. Come and Grow in Love and community with St. John’s!
HARMONY HOUSE LUNCH SCHEDULE
LUNCH SERVICE RESUMES TOMORROW, JANUARY 6TH. WE MEET IN FRONT OF HARMONY HOUSE ON 4TH AVENUE AT 10:50 ON MONDAYS
ADVENT TO EPIPHANY BIBLE STUDY
RESUMES THIS WEDNESDAY, 1/8, AT 6 PM YOU CAN JOIN IN PERSON OR VIA ZOOM PLEASE CALL 304.525.9105 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SOCIAL ADVOCACY TRAINING
ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 19TH, FOLLOWING THE 10:30 SERVICE, JACK JARVIS OF FAIRNESS WV WILL PROVIDE “LEGISLATIVE TRAINING FOR FAIRNESS.” THIS SESSION WILL FOCUS ON TEACHING US HOW TO ADVOCATE WITH LOCAL LEADERS AND LEGISLATORS
BISHOP COWDEN TO VISIT ST. JOHN’S
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH, BISHOP COWDEN WILL JOIN US! IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING BAPTIZED, CONFIRMED, RECEIVED INTO THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OR ST. JOHN’S, OR IN REAFFIRMING YOUR CONFIRMATION VOWS, PLEASE COMPLETE THE ONLINE FORM BY SCANNING THE QR CODE BELOW:
LAY LEADERS TODAY
First Lesson: Becky Wood
Psalm: Jim Vassar
Epistle: Nick Reynolds
Prayers of the People: Nick Reynolds
Verger: Chuck Andrus
Chalice: Susan Tusing
Greeters: Susan & John Hash
Altar Guild: Team 1
LAY LEADERS NEXT WEEK
First Lesson: Rachael Peckham
Psalm: David Castleberry
Epistle: Debra Coleman
Prayers of the People: Debra Coleman
Verger: Chuck Andrus
Chalice: Tim Balch
Greeters: Debra & Jerry Coleman
Altar Guild: Team 2
COFFEE HOUR HOSTS NEEDED
January 12: OPEN January 19: OPEN
January 26: ANNUAL MEETING All February dates: OPEN
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
If you see or hear something this morning that speaks to you on your journey, please share it with others this week. If you want to learn more about St. John’s or the Episcopal Church, call us at 304.525.9105, or see Fr. Greg, Vivian, or any Vestry Member after the service.
WHO WE ARE St. John’s is an open and affirming community of faith and YOU are welcome here – just as you are. Adults, families, widows and widowers, retired folks, partners, those in transition, empty-nesters, divorced, single parents, questioning teens and wiggly children are all valued members of our community.
NEW TO ST. JOHN’S?
Everything you will need for this service is in your worship leaflet. For the first-time visitor, liturgy may be exhilarating or confusing. In this service, people stand, sit, and kneel. You will hear sung and spoken responses, and other participatory elements. Remember that we are all here to worship and learn – and there is no wrong way! And we love having children in our service. Don’t worry about any noise or activity. We want your children to feel at home here too. We offer a Children’s Time in Tyler Hall if you prefer. There, they will hear biblical teachings and participate in activities geared toward their age level.
FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND
Restrooms can be found downstairs just outside Tyler Hall. To take the stairs, go out the double doors at the rear of the Sanctuary, take the stairwell to the right to the men’s room and the stairwell to the left to the women’s room. To take the elevator, exit the Sanctuary by the side door to the parking lot and follow the veranda around to the glass door to the elevator lobby. Go to level B. You’ll turn left, go through Tyler Hall, and into the restroom hallways.
JOIN US FOR COFFEE HOUR IN TYLER HALL
We invite you to join us following the service this and every Sunday for coffee hour in Tyler Hall. We hope you will come for coffee and goodies but stay for the loving welcome you will find in community at St. John’s.
ADVENT / EPIPHANY BIBLE STUDY
Our Advent to Epiphany Bible Study of the Book of Revelation resumes this Wednesday, January 8th at 6 pm. This will be a hybrid offering, so you may attend via Zoom or in person in the Library at St. John’s. If you want to join via Zoom, you may follow the link in this week’s eUpdate of scan the QR code below.
COLLECTION GOALS FOR CRIDLIN FOOD PANTRY
JANUARY GOAL
48 boxes or bags of Cereal
IT’S NOT TOO LATE!
If you have not yet submitted your Giving Estimate for 2025, it’s not too late. There are cards at each exit that you can complete and place in the alms basin or mail to the Parish Office. We are glad that you are a part of our life at St. John’s. Our annual giving estimates help our budget workgroup to create a realistic budget that supports the mission and ministry of St. John’s.
PLEASE NOTE: This service begins with the Prelude, followed by the Opening Hymn at 10:30. Announcements now follow Take5 and the Children’s Offering.
We are glad you have chosen to worship with us at St. John’s this morning! The people’s responses are in bold. This bulletin provides the information you will need to participate fully in our worship.
Please stand as you are able.
THE OPENING HYMN
On Jordan’s bank, the baptist’s cry The Hymnal 1982; #92
Blessed be God, Father Son and Holy Spirit. All 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.
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
THE GLORIA
The Hymnal 1982; S278
The Word of God
The Celebrant says to the people
The Lord be with you. All And also with you.
Let us pray.
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.
THE LESSONS
The people are seated.
The First Lesson: Isaiah 43:1-7
A reading from the Prophet Isaiah
Thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; I will say to the north, "Give them up," and to the south, "Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."
The Word of the Lord
All Thanks be to God.
The Psalm: Psalm 29 Afferte Domino Chanted in unison
1 Ascribe to the L ORD, / you gods, * ascribe to the LORD / glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the L ORD 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 power- / ful voice; * the voice of the L ORD 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 L ORD shakes the / wilderness; * the LORD shakes the wilder- / ness 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.
The Epistle: Acts 8:14-17
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles Acts 8:14-17
When the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. The Word of the Lord.
All Thanks be to God. Please stand as you are able.
THE SEQUENCE HYMN
The sinless one to Jordan came The Hymnal 1982; #120
The Holy Gospel: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Luke All Glory to you, Lord Christ
As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."
The Gospel of the Lord. All Praise to you, Lord Christ
THE SERMON
THE HYMN
Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire
The Rev. Gregory Pennington
The Hymnal 1982; #504
THE RENEWAL OF BAPTISMAL VOWS
On this Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, we invite you to stand an renew your Baptismal Vows.
The Celebrant says
Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ? All I do.
Do you believe in God the Father?
All I believe in God, the Father almighty creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
All 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.
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
All I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, a nd the life everlasting.
Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
All I will, with God’s help.
Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
All I will, with God’s help.
Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
All I will, with God’s help.
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
All I will, with God’s help.
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
All I will, with God’s help.
The Celebrant concludes the Renewal of Vows as follows
May Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and bestowed upon us the forgiveness of sins, keep us in eternal life by his grace, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
You may kneel or continue standing as you are able
THE P RAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
The Leader and People pray responsively
(adapted from The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry)
Lord, come anew to your Church and, as we offer you our lives for your greater glory, renew in us your gifts: the gold of potential, the incense of our prayers and aspirations and the myrrh of healing for our pain. In our Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we pray for St. Peter’s, Huntington. Feed and nourish us as the Body of Christ so that we may grow daily more like your son. And fill us with your Spirit so that we may overflow with your love, and transform the world with your glory. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord, your voice rolls over the waters and resounds through the mountains, echoing glory and splendor. Your voice divides the lightning flash and whirls the sands of the desert, the whistling sands of the desert storm. Lord, more powerful than tempest or flood, you are also the stillness in the eye of the storm. Your love embraces all the powers of creation, and in the presence of this love we need never be afraid. Give us the leaders of this community, our state, our nation, and the world the courage, steadiness and skill to strive with the energies you have placed in our hands, so that the earth and its people may flourish according to your will. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord, who sent your son to make all things new, renew and strengthen our communities, we pray. Help us to rise above any petty disagreements and difficulties, and help each of us to dig deep within to bring forth all that is best in us, as we seek to build up the mutual help and reinforcement. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord, we bring before you all those whose lives are bruised, whose hopes are dashed; all those who are in pain, whether physical or mental. We pray especially for Markai and Booker, who are hospitalized, and for all those on our long term prayer list. We pray also for those in areas of war, conflict, or natural disasters. In the darkest of nights, and the deepest of valleys, may they be granted a glimmer of your healing light and presence. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord, we pray for all those whom we have loved who are now departed this life, especially those we now name. [silence] May they rest in peace, and rise in glory. By your grace, may they and we be one in you in life everlasting. Lord, as we sing in praise and awe of your glory, let our cry come unto you: and in your mercy, hear our prayer.
The Celebrant may add this or another a concluding collect.
In your unfailing love for us and for all people, hear and answer our prayers through your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
CONFESSION OF S IN
The Deacon or Celebrant says Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. Silence may be kept.
Minister 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.
The Bishop when present, or the Priest, stands to offer words of Absolution.
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
The peace of the Lord be always with you. All And also with you.
The people greet one another with a sign of God’s peace and then are seated.
Today’s Take5 will conclude with our youth’s Noisy Offering (which was postponed from last week). Please offer your spare change as they come to your pew.
THE ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE OFFERTORY SENTENCE
The Officiant and people say together
All All that we are and all that we have comes from God. Let us offer our best to God in thanksgiving, remembering that God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Your offerings support the mission, ministry, and operations of St. John’s Episcopal Church We now also accepts debit & credit cards and electronic bank transfers online. You may scan the QR code to give or give via text at (833) 842-7451
Thank you for your generosity!
THE OFFERTORY
THE OFFERTORY RESPONSE
Doxology verse
The Hymnal 1982; #504, v.7
Please stand as you are able
THE HOLY COMMUNION
This is Eucharistic Prayer A
Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
Here a Proper Preface is sung or said on all Sundays, and on other occasions as appointed. Epiphany or Baptism?
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:
THE SANCTUS & BENEDICTUS
The Hymnal 1982; S128
You may now kneel as you are able, or you may choose to continue standing.
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, To reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.
He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
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 handed over to suffering and death, 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."
The Celebrant continues
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.
Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom. All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: 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.
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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
The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.
A period of silence is kept.
THE INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Facing the people, the Celebrant says the following Invitation
The Gifts of God for the People of God. and may add
Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
All who seek God and a deeper life in Christ are welcome at the Altar rail, and we invite all baptized Christians to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Come forward to the altar rail and kneel or stand with an upturned palm to receive the host. (All bread at St. John’s is gluten-free and vegan) To receive the wine, you may either drink from the chalice or intinct (dip) your host in the intinction chalice that is offered.
THE COMMUNION HYMN
Like the murmur of the dove’s song The Hymnal 1982; #513
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.
THE BLESSING
The service continues with the Closing Hymn on page 20.
O love, how deep, how broad, how high
The Hymnal 1982; #448
THE DISMISSAL
The priest dismisses the people, and the people respond Thanks be to God. [Alleluia! Alleluia!]
THE POSTLUDE
PRAYERS FOR OUR ST. JOHN’S COMMUNITY
For the Church
For the Diocese of WV, Matthew, our Bishop Diocesan, Greg, our Rector, Klara, our Priest, for all bishops, priests, deacons, and all churches: especially for the Episcopal Churches of Huntington; St. John’s, Trinity, and St. Peter’s.
In our Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Grace Church, Elkins, Grace, Middleway, Grace Church, St. Mary’s, Grace Church, Ravenswood
For those who have died & those who mourn
For all those who have died: Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, keep in your special care all those who have died, especially those who have died as a result of terrorism, war, or violence of any kind. Wipe away the tears of those whose grief runs deep. Help us to encourage each other throughout this troubled life. Keep us steadfast in faith, constant in hope, and ardent in love, and bring us all into that place you have prepared in your heavenly kingdom.
For those who mourn: Most merciful God, whose wisdom is beyond our understanding: Deal graciously with all who mourn. Surround them with your love so they may not be overwhelmed by their loss but have confidence in your goodness and strength to meet the coming days.
Long Term Prayers
For those who are hospitalized and recovering from surgery: Markai and Andrew
For the ill or those with health concerns: Tyler and Brady, Hayden, Chloe, Chris, Tom, Ryan, Gabe, Sarah, Linda, David, Lynn, Nedra, John, Susan, Lydia, Bob, Sawyer, Lily, Joe, Ray, Jr., Stephen, Susan & David
For those with cancer or in remission: David, Jeanne, Hannah, Chris, Tom, Evelyn, Will Frank, Willie, Cindy, Joan, Wilma, Emillie, Joyce, Dale, Michelle, Keith, John, Angie, Kelly, Maggie, Julie, Sarah, Mark, Bill, Josh, Donna, Michael, Noel, Paul, Mariah, Billie B., Suzanne B., Bob, Jim, Kinsley, Hannah, Jackson, Maurey, Carter, Karela, Larry, Jack, Joe, Charlie, Tim, Michael L., Jamie, Wayne, Lisa W., and Jeanne P.
For those in need of any prayer: Nate, Devon, Mary, Scott, Esther, Marsha, Loretta, Tom, Jay, Andrew, Elizabeth, Andrew & Sophie Kossoff, Carl & Sandy Pyles and Kevin
For those in harm’s way and for all first responders: especially Tim, David, Edward, Jared, Ryan, Joey, Cody, Josh, Clay, Andy, Robert, Curt, Jordan, Kristen, Christopher, Tyler, and all those who provide comfort and aid in times of war and conflict.
Thanksgiving for Milestones & Celebrations
For those celebrating birthdays: Susan Hage (1/2), Debbie Crouse (1/3), Tom Wilkinson (1/4), Susan Tusing (1/5), Geneva Adams (1/9), Sophia Wilson-Januszkiewicz (1/10), David Thabet (1/14), Patricia Proctor, (1/15), Megan Pennington (1/18), Layton Cottrill (1/23), Janice BalchBickham (1/25), Ed Schoettker (1/26), Courtney Cross (1/27), Nancy Bandy (1/28), Linda Wilkinson (1/28), Pat Hooten (1/30)
For those celebrating anniversaries: Karen & John Proctor (1/28)
ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
The Rt. Rev. Matthew D. Cowden, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of WV
The Rev. R. Gregory Pennington, Rector
The Rev. Klára Kovács, Priest
Vivian Kost, Parish Life Director
Dr. David Castleberry, Music Director
Sara Lee, Organist
Vestry
Susan Tusing, Senior Warden • Jim Vassar, Junior Warden
Nicholas Reynolds, Clerk Pat Hooten, Treasurer (non-voting)
Barbara Becker Cottrill Pat Pierce
Jerry Coleman Ryan Price
Susan Dean Nathan Thomas Rachael Peckham Emeritus Webb
Becky Wood
304.525.9105
office@stjohnshuntingtonwv.org www.stjohnshuntingtonwv.org www.facebook.com/stjohnshuntington
3000 Washington Blvd. Huntington, WV 25701
304.525.9105
Inquiries: Parishlifedir@stjohnshuntingtonwv.org or Rector@stjohnshuntingtonwv.org