Candlemas

Family Eucharist

for the celebration of the

Presentation of Christ in the Temple,

commonly known as

31 January 2021

11.00 am

Photo: Lucy Kayne

including the reception of candles from the Basilica of Our Lady in Kevelaer, Germany

Welcome to St Edmundsbury Cathedral

During today’s service, we will receive candles from the Basilica in

Kevelaer, Germany, which were blessed online and travelled to us by

post and will be presented by a representative pilgrim who has travelled

to Kevelear in previous years.

Despite a changing world and society, we value and give thanks for the

friendship in Kevelaer, and are looking forward to meeting again in the

future.

For forty days we have celebrated the Birth and the Epiphany of our Lord

Jesus Christ. Now we recall the day on which he was presented in the

Temple, when he was offered to the Father and shown to his people. As

a sign of his coming among us, his mother was purified, as we now come

to him for cleansing. In their old age Simeon and Anna recognised him as

their Lord, as we today sing of his glory. In this Eucharist, we celebrate

both the joy of his coming and his searching judgement, looking back to

the day of his birth and forward to the coming days of his passion.

This is a service that usually involves children, families, and young people.

Thanks to Junior Church for providing the intercessions in their own

words; thanks also to the family of the Rev’d Sarah Geileskey for

representing ‘all ages’ in this service, reading and helping to lead the

service on behalf of the families who would usually be here. An activity

sheet for children and young people can be found here.

Service order extracts from Common Worship Services, © The Central Board of Finance of The Church of England.

Music reproduced with permission - CCL Licence No 317297

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Welcome to this morning’s livestreamed service. Thank you for continuing to join our services virtually. As we are only permitted to lead worship in a very limited manner during the current lockdown, the service will look slightly different again to allow us to comply with government guidelines. There will be music from the organ and Lay Clerks. Thank you for your understanding.

Piano music before the service, played by Theo:

Prelude in B minor, Op. 28, No. 6

Frédéric Chopin, 1810-1849

Intermezzo from the Petite Suite Alexander Borodin, 1833-1887

¶ The Gathering

The Greeting

Following the notices everyone stands and the President says

In the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

President Grace, mercy and peace

from God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ

be with you.

All And also with you.

Deacon As God’s people we have gathered:

All let us worship him together.

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Deacon Today the Lord is presented in the Temple. We gather together as God's people. All Alleluia. Deacon Today Christ is proclaimed as the light of the nations and the glory of Israel. All Alleluia. Praise to Christ, the light of the world. Deacon Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe. Your light shines upon us. All And all peoples shall see your glory.

Candles will be presented by former pilgrims, Stewart Alderman and Lorna Brook. Kevelaer in Germany is linked with Bury St Edmunds. Usually, pilgrims from some aspect of the Cathedral’s or the town’s life travel to Kevelaer. When they return they bring with them the gift of a candle which burns in the High Altar Sanctuary during the evening office every day. They also bring a Paschal Candle which is blessed at the Easter Vigil and used for the rest of the year at Holy Baptisms and on other occasions. This year, the candles have been blessed and have been posted to us. Lorna Brook presents the Kevelaer Candle, saying: Pilgrim

Lorna As the representative of the Guild of Saint Edmund I bring to

you from Kevelaer, our companion community in Germany,

this candle, to be lit at the High Altar of our Cathedral

Church. May it be a sign of our prayers for justice and peace,

unity, and integrity in Europe.

The Kevelaer Candle is lit.

Stewart Alderman then presents the Paschal Candle, saying

Pilgrim

Stewart I also present the new Paschal Candle, to be lit at the Easter

Vigil, as a sign of our sharing in the Love of God in the

Resurrection of his Son Jesus Christ.

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President We receive these candles, with gratitude, and in the knowledge that you bring the prayers of the people of Kevelaer for us. As they pray for us we pray also for them. May you be encouraged in your fellowship and may you be blessed by the grace of God. All Amen. The Pilgrims return to their seats.

The Prayers of Penitence President Jesus said, ‘Before you offer your gift, go and be reconciled.’

As sisters and brothers in God’s family, we come together to ask our Father for forgiveness.

Let us confess our sins.

Everyone sits or kneels as silence is kept. Deacon For the times that we have not brought your light into the world. Lord, have mercy. All Lord, have mercy. Deacon For the times we have not loved our neighbour as ourselves. Christ, have mercy. All Christ, have mercy. Deacon For the times we have failed to bring peace to the world and its peoples. Lord, have mercy. All Lord, have mercy. President Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, light of the world, guide and enlighten you, bring you pardon and peace, and keep you in life eternal;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All Amen.

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Everyone stands as the Lay Clerks sing the

Gloria in Excelsis

Glory be to God on high,

and in earth peace, good will toward men.

We praise thee, we bless thee,

we worship thee, we glorify thee,

we give thanks to thee for thy great glory,

O 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 the Most High,

in the glory of God the Father.

Amen.

Music: Communion Service in C, Leonard Blake, 1907-1989

The Deacon prays

The Collect

Lord Jesus Christ,

light of the nations and glory of Israel:

make your home among us,

and present us pure and holy

to your heavenly Father,

your God, and our God. Amen.

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¶ The Liturgy of the Word The Geileskey family reads

The Gospel Narrator The time came for Joseph and Mary to perform the ceremony

of purification, as the Law of Moses commanded. So they took the child to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, as it is written in the law of the Lord:

Lawyer Every first-born male is to be dedicated to the Lord.

Narrator They also went to offer a sacrifice of a pair of doves or two

young pigeons, as required by the law of the Lord. At that time there was a man named Simeon living in Jerusalem. He was a good, God-fearing man and

was waiting for Israel to be saved. The Holy Spirit was with him and had assured him that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s promised Messiah. Led by the Spirit, Simeon went into the Temple. When the parents

brought the child Jesus into the Temple to do for him what the law required, Simeon took the child in his arms and gave thanks to God:

Simeon Now, Lord, you have kept your promise and you may let your

servant go in peace. With my own eyes I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples: A light to reveal your will to

the Gentiles and bring glory to your people Israel.

Narrator The child’s Father and mother were amazed at the things Simeon said about him. Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother:

Simeon This child is chosen by God for the destruction and the

salvation of many in Israel. He will be a sign from God which many people will speak against and so reveal their secret thoughts. And sorrow, like a

sharp sword, will break your own heart. Narrator There was a very old prophetess, a widow named Anna,

daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. She had been married for only seven years and was now eighty-four years old. She never left the Temple;

day and night she worshipped God, fasting and praying. That very same hour she arrived and gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who

were waiting for God to set Jerusalem free.

[Based on Luke 2.22-40, Dramatized Bible]

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Everyone sits for

The Talk

Anita Rooney Cathedral Ordinand

A brief silence for reflection follows the talk. You may choose to stand for

The Affirmation of Faith

Deacon Let us declare our faith in God, who shows us the way and guides us through the ages. All We believe in God the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. We believe in God the Son, who lives in our hearts through faith, and fills us with his love.

We believe in God the Holy Spirit, who strengthens us with power from on high. We believe in one God. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Our intercessions this morning have been written by Members of Junior Church. You may choose to sit or kneel as Anna leads on their behalf

The Prayers of Intercession

We thank you Lord for the beauty of the world in which we live: as we love your creation may we constantly be reminded

of your generous provision and the outpouring of love that you have for us.

Lord in your mercy, All Hear our prayer.

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Lord, you sent your Son as a child to be the light of the world. We ask that the light of Christ may transform your church so that it may truly reflect your glory. We pray that all who follow you may have strength to see the light even in the darkness of the coronavirus. Lord in your mercy,

All Hear our prayer. We pray for motivation in these hard times. Motivation in education, for both parents and children homeschooling and students who attend online lessons. Motivation for those unable to work from home, and risk their health travelling to and from their job. We pray especially for teachers, carers and NHS nurses and doctors, who, although their jobs are much more difficult, continue to uphold high standards of their care. Lord in your mercy,

All Hear our prayer.

We pray for people going through dark times - through loss, tragedy, and illness. May your light and love be with them Lord, giving them the strength to face each day. Lord in your mercy,

All Hear our prayer.

We pray for all those who have who have recently died, and for those who are very close to leaving this world. May they depart in peace and be welcomed into the glorious light of the whole company of heaven. We ask for your rest and comfort for those who mourn them. Lord in your mercy,

All Hear our prayer. Lord of light, break down the barriers that prevent us from seeing and feeling your presence. Help us to trust in you. Teach us not to worry about today and reassure us that the light of the world will shine through the darkness of the day as we shine like beacons of your love. Help us this week to be a light to those who are trapped in darkness, that they may feel the warmth of our love - even from afar.

Merciful Father, All accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Everyone stands for

¶ The Liturgy of the Sacrament

The Peace

President Praise God who loves us.

All Praise God who cares.

President In the tender mercy of our God, the dayspring from on high

has broken upon us, to give light to those who dwell in

darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into

the way of peace.

President The peace of the Lord be always with you.

All And also with you.

Deacon May you know Christ’s peace and light to be with you now,

wherever you are.

If you have other members of your household with you, you may wish to share the peace with them now. If you are alone, know Christ’s Peace to be with you now.

The Offertory and the Preparation of the Table As the table is prepared we hear

When candles are lighted on Candlemas Day

the dark is behind us, and spring's on the way.

A glory dawns in every dark place, the light of Christ, the fullness of grace.

The kings have departed, the shepherds have gone,

the child and his parents are left on their own.

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They go to the temple, obeying the law,

and offer two pigeons, the gift of the poor.

But Anna and Simeon recognise there

the Christ-child who came at the turn of the year.

The old who have suffered and waited so long see hope for the world as they welcome the young.

They gaze at God's wonderful answer to prayer, the joy of the Jews and the Gentiles' desire.

The candles invite us to praise and to pray

when Christmas greets Easter on Candlemas Day. Words: Elizabeth J. Cosnett, b. 1936 Tune: Lourdes

President O God, in Christ there has sprung up a light for the righteous; accept the gifts we bring before you and grant that Christ may shine in us to the praise and glory of your name. All Amen.

The Eucharistic Prayer

The Lord is here.

All His Spirit is with us.

Lift up your hearts.

All We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

All It is right to give thanks and praise.

Young

Person Why is it right to give thanks and praise?

All Listen, and we will hear.

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President Lord of all life, you created the universe, where all living things reflect your glory. You give us this great and beautiful earth, to discover and to cherish. You give us happy times and things to celebrate. In these we taste your kingdom, a feast for all your children of light as we join with the angels and sing your praise:

Lay Clerks Holy, holy, holy Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory: Glory be to thee, O Lord most high.

Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

Music: Communion Service in C, Leonard Blake, 1907-1989 Young Person Why do we share bread and wine? All Listen, and we will hear.

President We thank you, loving Father, because, when we turned away from you, you sent Jesus, your Son to be our light and life. He gave his life for us on the cross and shows us the way to live.

Send your Holy Spirit that these gifts of bread and wine may be for us Christ's body and his blood.

On the night before he died, when darkness had fallen, Jesus took bread. He gave thanks, broke it, and shared it with his disciples, saying: ‘This is my body, given for you. Do this to remember me.’

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After they had eaten, he took the cup of wine, gave thanks, and shared it with his disciples, saying: ‘This is my blood, poured out for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins. Do this to remember me.’

Great is the mystery of faith. All Christ has died.

Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

So Father, with this bread and this cup we celebrate his love, his death, his risen life. Pour your Holy Spirit on us that we may love one another, work for the healing of the earth, and share the good news of Christ, as we turn towards the cross and we look for his coming in glory. For all honour and praise belong to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: one God, for ever and ever.

All Amen.

The consecrated bread and wine are raised in the sight of the people.

Everyone sits or kneels for

The Lord’s Prayer

Deacon Together we pray as Jesus teaches us.

All 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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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The Breaking of the Bread

President We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.

All Though we are many, we are one body,

because we all share in one bread.

The Invitation to Communion

President Jesus is the Lamb of God

who takes away the sin of the world.

Blessed are those who are called to his supper.

All Lord, I am not worthy to receive you,

but only say the word, and I shall be healed.

Spiritual Communion ‘Spiritual Communion’ is a historic practice in the church for anyone who cannot receive the bread and wine physically. It is possible because Communion is always a spiritual practice and not simply physical. Through God’s grace, whilst we cannot receive the bread and wine, we can still receive the sacrament in our hearts, and share in communion with Jesus. In making our communion spiritually, we are joining with Christians everywhere who cannot receive the bread and wine at this time. The following prayer is one form of words to use for Spiritual Communion.

Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits you have given me, for all the pains and insults you have borne for me. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I ask you to come spiritually into my heart. O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother, may I know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day. Amen.

after the Prayer of St Richard of Chichester

We hear the words of distribution, spoken once for us all: President The body of Christ, broken for you.

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Everyone remains seated or kneeling as the Lay Clerks sing the

Anthem Make me a light to lighten the world, make me a star to lighten the darkness, make me so bright with your living word, that I may shine with your love. I hold a candle in my hands, light which I hold and which I hold true, light of the world shine out in the dark, may it always remind me of You. I hold a mirror in my hands, there what I am and what I may do, shines back to me in your glorious light, make me a worthy reflection of You. I hold a seed within my hands, lend me your help to make it grow into the sweetest scented flower, that it may lovelier flowers sow. Music: Philip Wilby, b. 1949

Prayer after Communion President Let us pray. Silence is kept President Lord, you fulfilled the hope of Simeon and Anna,

who lived to welcome the Messiah: may we, who have received these gifts beyond words, prepare to meet Christ Jesus when he comes to bring us to eternal life; for he is alive and reigns, now and for ever.

All Amen. All God of our pilgrimage,

your light has led us to the path of life: guide and direct us as we go forward on our journey,

in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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We receive and bless the candles that will be used to light our way in the Cathedral over the coming year as we continue to make preparations for the day when we will again be able to gather and worship together. You may choose to stand as members of Junior Church bring forward the candles.

Candlemas Blessing of Cathedral Candles

President Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe.

You make our darkness to be light.

For with you is the well of life

and in your light shall we see light.

All Blessed be God for ever.

President Lord God, the springing source of everlasting light,

pour into the hearts of your faithful people

the brilliance of your eternal splendour,

that we, who by these candles and kindling flames

light up this temple to your glory,

may have the darkness of our souls dispelled,

and so be counted worthy to stand before you

in that eternal city of light where you live and reign,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

All Amen.

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¶ The Dismissal The Blessing

President The Lord be with you

All and also with you.

Christ whose glory fills the skies,

fill you with radiance

and scatter the darkness from your path.

Amen.

Christ, the Sun of Righteousness,

gladden your eyes and warm your heart.

Amen.

Christ, the Dayspring from on high,

draw near to guide your feet into the way of peace.

Amen.

And the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

Amen.

The Dismissal

Deacon Go in the light and peace of Christ.

All Thanks be to God. William Saunders plays

The Organ Voluntary

Toccata from Symphony No. 5, Op. 42, No. 1 Charles-Marie Widor, 1844-1937

Service order extracts from Common Worship Services, © The Central Board of Finance of The Church of England.

Music reproduced with permission - CCL Licence No 317297

The Dean: The Very Reverend Joe Hawes

The Canon Pastor & Sub Dean: The Reverend Canon Matthew Vernon

The Canon Precentor: The Reverend Canon Philip Banks

The Cathedral Curate: The Reverend Sarah Geileskey

The Cathedral Curate: The Reverend Ben Edwards

Assistant Director of Music: Richard Cook

Conductor: William Saunders

William Saunders is currently overseeing the Cathedral’s music in this period before our new Director of Music begins in May 2021

www.stedscathedral.org