The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple

‘Candlemas’

February 2nd , 2020

The Church of The Ascension Rockville Centre, New York

Today's Service This morning (February 2nd) the Church celebrates the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple, which is also known as the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and commonly referred to as "Candlemas." What is this service about? The second chapter of Luke's gospel describes how Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament law, which said that a rite of redemption of a firstborn son should take place 40 days after his birth. Also, mothers would undergo ritual purification after childbirth. This is the moment when the old priest Simeon saw the newborn Messiah and uttered his famous prayer which we know as the Nunc dimittis (Lord, lettest now thy servant depart in peace). During this prayer, Simeon proclaims that Jesus is a "light to enlighten the gentiles," and therefore candles have always been a significant symbol in this service. In fact, one ancient writer, Egeria, records a candlelight procession for the Feast of the Presentation as far back as 381AD, so this service is one of the Church's oldest observances. Because candles were blessed at this service to be used throughout the year, eventually the feast began to be called "Candlemas." Candlemas is not a moveable feast and is always observed on February 2nd in the same way that Christmas is always observed on December 25th, because the two services are linked. For many Christians, Candlemas marks the end of the Christmas season. At Ascension, because our annual meeting is held the first Sunday in February, it frequently coincides with Candlemas. This morning's service will begin with a procession with our statue of Our Lady of Walsingham, a traditional depiction of Mary with the infant Jesus on her lap. This is a visual reminder of the biblical account of Mary carrying the infant Jesus into the temple. We will also bless candles this morning, and the congregation will hold lighted tapers during the procession of the choir as a reminder of the light that has entered our lives by this baby Jesus. We must never forget that, as Christians, we are called to share this light with the world. The flowers that adorn Our Lady of Walsingham this morning have been given as a thank offering from our chapter of the Society of Mary.

Candlemas February 2nd , 2020

A Guide to Mass at The Church of The Ascension

Welcome to The Church of The Ascension, Rockville Centre. We hope that this guide will assist you in following our service and in making prayers and responses. Please maintain silence before the service in order to prayerfully prepare for worship.

All stand for the entrance of the choir and ministers. Organ Prelude Please stand as the choir enters the sanctuary. Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And with thy spirit. Let us pray. O Lord, holy father, almighty everlasting God, who hast created all things out of nothing, and by thy command didst cause this liquid to become wax by the labor of the bee; who as on this day didst fulfill the prayer of the righteous Simeon: we humbly beseech thee; that thou wouldst vouchsafe, by the power of thy holy name, and at the intercession of blessed Mary ever Virgin, whose festival we devoutly celebrate this day, and of all thy saints, to bless and sanctify these candles for our use and for the health of our bodies and souls. Hear, O Lord, we humbly pray thee, from thy holy heaven and from the throne of thy glory, the voice of this thy people who desire to use them reverently and to praise thee with song; be merciful to all who call upon thee, who thou hast redeemed with the precious blood of thy son. Who with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, liveth and reigneth God, world without end. Amen. Let us pray. O Lord Jesus Christ, true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world: pour forth thy blessing upon these candles, and hallow them with thy grace. Mercifully grant that as these candles, kindled with visible fire, dispel the darkness of night; so our hearts, inflamed with that fire invisible which is the light of thy Holy Spirit, may be free from the blindness of every sin; that the eye of our mind being purified, we may be able to discern what is pleasing unto thee and profitable unto our salvation, and after the perilous darkness of this life attain to light unfailing. Through thee, Christ Jesus, Saviour of the world, who in the perfect Trinity livest and reignest God, world without end. Amen. The candles are blessed. The congregation’s candles are lit while the choir sings Nunc Dimitis Harold Friedell Celebrant: Let us go forth in peace. People: In the Name of Christ. Amen.

Processional Hymn (Edmonton) Hymnal 257 O Zion, open wide thy gates

The congregation remains in place while the choir processes. Opening Sentences and Prayers

Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

The celebrant continues with the collect for purity and summary of the law. Kyrie (Schubert) (sung)

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Gloria (Old Scottish Chant) (sung)

Glory be to God on high… And on earth peace, good will towards men. We praise thee. We bless thee. We worship thee. We glorify thee. We give thanks to thee for thy great glory. Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father almighty. O Lord, the Only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ. O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us. For thou only art holy, thou only art the Lord, thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the Glory of God the Father. Amen.

Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And with thy spirit. Celebrant: Let us pray.

Collect of the Day

Almighty and everliving God, we humbly pray that, as your only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple, so we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts by Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Candles may be extinguished.

Please be seated for the readings and the Psalm. Please stand for the Sequence Hymn. The First Reading Malachi 3:1-4

See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight–indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

Psalm 24:7 - 10 (sung by choir) Domini est terra. 7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; *

and the King of glory shall come in. 8 Who is this1 King of glory? * It is the LORD strong and mighty, even the LORD mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; * and the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? * Even the LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory.

The Second Reading Hebrews 2:14-18

Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. Sequence Hymn (Old 120th ) Hymnal 259

Hail to the Lord who comes The Gospel may be preceded by an Alleluia verse sung responsively by the cantor and the congregation.

Introduction to the Gospel (standing) Luke 2:22-40

Deacon: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. People: Glory be to thee, O Lord

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, Jesus’ parents brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed–and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that

moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord.

People: Praise be to thee, O Christ.

Please be seated for the sermon.

Sermon The Very Rev. Kevin Morris Nicene Creed (standing)

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible; And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried; and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; and he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost the Lord, and Giver of Life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spake by the Prophets. And I believe one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church; I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. Prayers of the People (standing) Rite I, BCP page 328 Confession of Sin (standing or kneeling)

Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, maker of all things, judge of all men: We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, which we from time to time most grievously have committed, by thought, word, and deed, against thy divine Majesty, provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous unto us, the burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; for thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please thee in newness of life, to the honor and glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Peace (standing)

Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you. People: And with thy spirit

Offertory Anthem Johannes Eccard

When to the Temple Mary Went

The Offering of the Gifts (standing)

Celebrant: All things come of thee O Lord People: And of thine own have we given thee.

or Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise him all creatures here below Praise him above ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

The Eucharistic Prayer Preface (standing) BCP Page 333

Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And with thy spirit. Celebrant: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them up unto the Lord. Celebrant: Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. People: It is meet and right so to do.

The celebrant continues with the Eucharistic prayer. The following parts of the prayer may be sung or said in unison: The Sanctus (Schubert)

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 congregation may kneel or stand (as they are able) during the Eucharistic prayer. 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 celebrant breaks the consecrated bread. Then is said or sung: Agnus Dei (Schubert)

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: grant us peace. The Prayer of Humble Access (kneeling or standing)

We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table. But thou art the same Lord whose property is always to have mercy. Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.

The Invitation to Communion (kneeling or standing)

The Gifts of God for the People of God.

All baptized Christians are invited to receive communion. Please come forward as the ushers direct you. If you are unable to come forward, please notify an usher and communion can be brought to you.

We have gluten free wafers upon request.

Communion Anthem B. Mansell Ramsay Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord

Communion Hymn (St. George) Hymnal 267 Praise we the Lord

The Post Communion Prayer (kneeling or standing)

Almighty and everliving God, we most heartily thank thee for that thou dost feed us, in these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and dost assure us thereby of thy favor and goodness towards us; and that we are very members incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son, the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs, through hope, of thy everlasting kingdom. And we humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

Recessional Hymn (Rustington) Hymnal 278 Sing we of the blessed Mother

Dismissal (standing)

Celebrant: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

Participants in Today’s Service:

Sunday: Eucharistic Ministers: 9:30 am S. Whalen & N. Allen Ushers: D. Gordon & G. Telecki Counters: R. Moen & A. Casella Altar Guild: B. Boylan, M. Clayton & K. Ochtera

The Prayer of Humble Access

We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful

Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold

and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up

the crumbs under thy Table. But thou art the same Lord whose

property is always to have mercy. Grant us therefore, gracious

Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to

drink his blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his

body, and our souls washed through his most precious blood,

and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.

Announcements

Welcome to Ascension! The Church of The Ascension would like to cordially welcome all of our visitors and newcomers today. We are so glad that you have chosen to worship with us. Please visit our website at: ascensionrvc.org to learn more about our parish. If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please email our parish administrator at: parishadmin@ascensionrvc.org. Follow us on Facebook as well!

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Please join us for a pancake supper and family fellowship on Shrove Tuesday, February 25th at 6:30 PM. Cost for the event is seven dollars per person or $25 for a family of four or more. A sign-up sheet for attendance will be in the parish hall. For information, please contact Carolyn Brancato (455-2355 or mrsjello3@aol.com). Please sign up and join the Mardi Gras fun!!

Giving Statements Year-end giving statements will be sent out electronically. If you would prefer to have a hard copy mailed to you, please let Margaret Bianchi know and we would be happy to mail it to you.

Listen to Past Sermons Did you know that you can listen to and read Father Kevin’s sermons online? Go to our website ascensionrvc.org and click on the link to Father Kevin’s blog Inwardly Digest. There you can read and listen to many past sermons and subscribe for regular updates.

Pledge Envelopes Pledge envelopes are available in the vestibule between the church and the parish hall.

Giving by Text Forgot your checkbook or pledge envelope? No Worries! It is now possible to make donations by text message using your smart phone. Simply text "ascensionrvc $25 (or whatever amount you wish to give)" to 73256 to give to The Church of The Ascension using your text messaging. Standard text message rates do apply. First time users will be prompted for their giving information and the gifts will be recorded in your online Realm account.

Parish Office Hours The parish office will be staffed on Monday and Wednesday from 9 am to 2 pm. At other times please leave a voice mail message which will be returned. Or you may send an email to parishadmin@ascensionrvc.org. Material for the Sunday bulletin is due by Monday at noon.

Notice of Annual Meeting

Annual Meeting Notice The next annual meeting of the Church of the Ascension in Rockville Centre will take place today, February 2nd. There will be one mass today at 9:30am, followed by the annual meeting at 11:00am. We will be electing one warden and four vestry persons at this election. Rotating off the vestry this year will be Margery Clayton, warden and Lisa Chiara, vestry person. Eligible for reelection will be Ellie Alden, Peter Carbonaro and Sarah Hughes.

To be eligible to vote in this election one must be considered a member in good standing of this parish. Adult Members in Good Standing (as defined by Church Canons and NY State Law) must: 1. Be over 18 years old. 2. Be regular in attendance at worship and 3. Have made a financial contribution of record in the past year.

Birthdays

Helen Muzek, Joseph McCoy, Kristen Buell, Brian Evans, Joan Hughes, Susan Carley, Katie Brethel, Edna Beirne

Book of Remembrance

Marjorie Galt, Ronald Clayton, Deborah Pearsall, Solomon Meyer, Adelaide Riley, Jane Schneider, Daniel O’Hara, Ralph Piccolo, Connie Lentini, Irene Herrschaft, Rev. Charles Nugent, William Scheshing, Wilbur Downs, Joseph Rella, Claire Nurse, Letitia Connolly, Alan Robinson, Alice Kanz, Justine Paulsen,

Antoinette Russo, Ida Carr, William and Bertha Andrews, Theodore Seifried, Mae Curnen, Regina Brancato, Rev. Dr. Herbert Rowe, Russell Cooper, Mario Rossi, Frank Young,

Emma Howlings, Providenza Corrao, Jacob Miller, Angelina Paola

Altar Memorials

The flowers around Our Lady Of Walsingham are given on behalf of the

parish’s ‘Mary, Help of Christians’ ward of the Society of Mary.

High Altar

given by William Cooper, in memory of his father

Russell D. Cooper

given by Joe Lentini & Joey Bryant in memory of

Connie Lentini

given by the Young & Kean Families, in memory of

Cynthia Young

Sanctuary Candle

given by the Brancato family,

in memory of Regina Brancato

The Church of The Ascension

The Episcopal Parish of Rockville Centre

71 North Village Ave, Rockville Centre, NY 11570

VISIT US ON LINE AT WWW.ASCENSIONRVC.ORG

The Very Rev. Kevin Morris, Rector fatherkevinmorris@gmail.com (516) 766-0693 Margery Clayton, Churchwarden margclay118@gmail.com Pamela Heywood, Churchwarden Pheywood@optonline.net (516) 808-8202 Kim Young, Treasurer kimdawn1022@gmail.com Kenneth Mensing, Clerk ropcha@aol.com

Vestry Members: Ellie Alden, Ronald Boykin, Carolyn Brancato, Geoff Broadhurst, Peter Carbonaro, John Challice, Lisa Chiara, William Cooper, Ruth Dubas, Sarah Hughes, Lydia Paulsen, Kim Young.

Kenneth Dyer, Jr., Organist & Choirmaster (516) 763-1031 Parish Office (Open 9-2 Monday & Wednesday excluding holidays) (516) 766-0693 Margaret Bianchi, Parish Office parishadmin@ascensionrvc.org Al Ferri, Sexton

Altar Memorial Gifts

The altar flowers and the sanctuary candle are given either in memory or in thanksgiving of a loved one or an event. Please stop and take a look at the bulletin board outside the sacristy for more information.

Donations:

High Altar Flowers $ 55 Chapel Flowers $ 20 Sanctuary Candle $ 15