First Sunday after Epiphany - January 7, 2024

First Sunday after the Epiphany 

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January 7, 2024 1

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10:00am

Prelude

Down to the River to Pray Chelsie Cree, Courtney Rahe and Grace Mauk

Welcome

The Rev. Dr. Stephen Applegate

Opening Hymn

Collect of the Day Priest: People: Priest:

Traditional

Come to the Water

Journey Songs 2nd Edition 253

Prayers for the Inclusive Church by Steven Shakespeare

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us pray.

God of the tearing heaven, whose holiness is unveiled by one who is submerged in all the pain and sin of earth: give us faith to follow him who goes to the heart of darkness bearing only the Spirit of gentle, insistent peace; through Jesus Christ, the promised one. Amen.

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The First Reading Reader:

Genesis 1:1-5

A reading from 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.

The Psalm

Psalm 29

Psalms for Praying by Nan Merrill

Speak psalm responsively.

Give praise to the Beloved, O heavenly hosts, Sing of Love's glory and strength.

Exalt the glory of Love's Name; Adore the Beloved in holy splendor.

The voice of the Beloved is upon the waters; Love's voice echoes over the oceans and seas.

The voice of Love is powerful, majestic is the heart of Love.

The mercy of the Beloved breaks the bonds of oppression, shatters the chains of injustice.

Love invites all to the dance of freedom, to sing the Beloved's song of truth.

The voice of Love strikes with fire upon hearts of stone.

The voice of Love uproots the thorns of fear, Love uproots fear in every open heart.

The voice of Love is heard in every storm, and strips the ego bare; And in the heart's chapel, all cry, “Peace and Glory forever!”

The Beloved lives in our hearts; Love dwells with us forever, You who awaken to the Light of universal Oneness will know the blessed joy of serving in the great Work of Love.

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The SECOND READING Reader:

Acts 19:1-7

A reading from Acts.

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the interior regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They replied, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Then he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They answered, “Into John’s baptism.” Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied— altogether there were about twelve of them.

Reader: People:

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Sequence

Jesus Light of the World

Geo. D. Elderkin, arr.

Three times through.

The Gospel Deacon: People:

Mark 1:4-11

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Mark.

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

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 the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

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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.”

Deacon: People:

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Sermon

George Benson, Director of Community Engagement The Rev. Deacon Meribah Mansfield Mark Dubielak, Trinity Member

The Renewal of Baptismal Vows Book of Common Prayer p.292 Priest: Priest: People

The Creator Spirit rekindles in us the gifts of grace and renews our life in Christ. Let us now recommit ourselves to our lives as disciples of Jesus.

Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?

I do.

Priest: People:

Do you believe in God the Father?

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Priest: People:

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? 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: People:

Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

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?

I will, with God's help.

People:

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Priest: People:

Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?

I will, with God's help.

Priest: People:

Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?

I will, with God's help.

Priest: People:

Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?

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?

I will, with God's help.

People:

The Priest concludes the Renewal of Vows as follows: May Almighty God, 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.

The Prayers of the People Intercessor: Creator of All, you have promised to hear when we pray in the name of your Son. Therefore, in confidence and trust we pray for the Church. God, enliven the Church for its mission: People: That we may be salt of the earth and light to the world.

Intercessor: Breathe fresh life into your people.

People: Give us power to reveal Christ in word and action.

Intercessor: Creator of all, lead us and every people into ways of justice and peace.

People: That we may respect one another in freedom and truth.

Intercessor: Awaken in us a sense of wonder for the earth and all that is in it.

People: Teach us to care creatively for its resources.

Intercessor: God of truth, inspire with your wisdom those whose decisions affect the lives of others, People: That all may act with integrity and courage.

Intercessor: Give grace to all whose lives are linked with ours.

People: May we serve Christ in one another, and love as he loves us.

Intercessor: We pray for those on our Trinity Prayer List, and those we now name silently or aloud. (All are invited to offer their prayers silently or aloud at this time.) God of hope, comfort and restore all who suffer in body, mind or spirit.

People: May they know the power of your healing love.

Intercessor: Make us willing agents of your compassion.

People: Strengthen us as we share in making people whole.

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Intercessor: Give comfort to those who mourn.

People: Bring them peace in their time of loss.

Intercessor: We praise you for all your saints who have entered your eternal glory.

People: May their example inspire and encourage us.

Intercessor: Lord, you have called us to serve you.

People: Grant that we may walk in your presence: your love in our hearts, your truth in our minds, your strength in our wills; until, at the end of our journey, we know the joy of our homecoming and the welcome of your embrace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Confession of Sin and Absolution Deacon:

Expanding Our Worship

Let us confess our sins to God.

(Silence may be kept.)

All: God of all mercy, we confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your will in our lives.

We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and in the world you have created.

We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf.

Forgive, restore, and strengthen us through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we may abide in your love and serve only your will. Amen.

Celebrant: Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

THE PEACE Priest: People:

The peace of Christ be always with you.

And also with you.

Announcements & Offertory Invitation Loose offerings (cash or checks) can be placed in the Offertory Plate when it is passed.

To give online, use the attached QR code or visit www.trinitytoledo.org/online-giving/, choose GIVE NOW and today’s date. You can also text the word “Give” to 419-OMG-LOVE (419-664-5683) to make your weekly offering.

Offertory

The River of Jordan Chelsie Cree, Courtney Rahe, Grace Mauk and Stephen Applegate

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Louvin Brothers

Eucharistic Prayer Celebrant: People: Celebrant: People: Celebrant: People:

Book of Common Prayer (Expansive Language Version)

The Lord be with you.

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 our thanks and praise.

Celebrant: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth. Because in the mystery of the word made flesh you have caused a new light to shine in our hearts, to give the knowledge of your glory in the face of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Wondrous are you, Holy One of Blessing, all you create is a sign of hope for our journey; and so as the morning stars sing your praises we join the heavenly beings and all creation as we shout with joy:

Sanctus

The Hymnal 1982 #S-129

Holy and gracious God: 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 maker and of all.

Jesus stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

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On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Savior 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 Jesus 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 we proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, Almighty God, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling Christ’s 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 Christ.

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 Jesus Christ our Savior.

By Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty God, now and for ever. AMEN And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray:

The Fraction: Breaking of the Bread Celebrant: People: Celebrant:

Enriching Our Worship

We break this bread to share in the Body of Christ.

We who are many are one body, for we all share in the one bread.

The Gifts of God for the people of God; holy food for holy people.

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Invitation to Communion Please be seated until you are invited to come forward to receive communion. We offer both bread and non-alcoholic wine at the time of communion. BREAD- please extend your hands to receive a piece of bread (or ask for a gluten-free cracker) WINE- we ask that you drink from the chalice as it is offered to you. Please let an usher know if you would like the bread/wine brought to you and if you would like a gluten free option. All are welcome.

Communion Song

Bring Me Little Water Sylvie

Moira Smiley

Post Communion Prayer (Please stand as you are able.)

Celebrant: Let us pray.

Lord of the wedding feast, we thank you for sharing with us the abundance of your life: in the beauty of humility may we receive with joy the stranger’s gift, the water’s grace, and the living wine of love’s desire. Amen.

Blessing “If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin Unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain.”

– Emily Dickinson

Sending Hymn

Wade in the Water

Dismissal Priest: People:

Go in peace to and serve our Loving, Liberating, Life-Giving God! Thanks be to God.

Please join us for the marking of the church door!

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See next page.

Sending Hymn

Wade in the Water

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LEVAS #143

Vestry Leadership Donna Steppe, Sr. Warden, Jeffrey Albright, Jr. Warden Karen Keune, Clerk, Margaret Baehern, Treasurer Dennis Degnan, Becky Koskinen, Fritz Hany, Gary Franklin, Leah Reed & Jamie Paul

Parish Staff The Rev. Dr. Stephen Applegate, Interim Rector The Rev. Dcn. Meribah Mansfield, Deacon The Rev. Robert Gahler, Assisting Priest, Retired Heather Meyer, Director of Operations George M. Benson, Director of Community Engagement Chelsie Cree, Director of Music and the Arts Grace Mauk, Assistant Director of Music and the Arts ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & COPYRIGHT INFO:

Collect of the Day: Prayers for an Inclusive Church, Steven Shakespeare.

Readings and Gospel from: Revised Common Lectionary Psalm: From Psalms for Praying © 2007 Nan C. Merrill, Reprinted with permission of the publisher The Great Thanksgiving: Book of Common Prayer (Expansive Language Version) Lord’s Prayer: David Haas.

Bulletin Images: Created on Canva with subscription.

Fraction, Breaking of the Bread: Enriching Our Worship.

All printed music from The Hymnal 1982, Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing, My Heart Sings Out, Wonder, Love, and Praise was used by permission through purchase of riteseries.org.

All other printed music permission through purchase of CCLI Copyright license #20577215 Size B Streaming License #20577284 Size B Secular music permission through purchase of CCS WORSHIPcast Copyright license #13190 All printed music from Gather permission through purchase of onelicense.net License # A-700000

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