Qi. - St. Augustine's Church 01042015.pdfConfirmation classes will resume on January 7th at 7PM, in the conference room. Please use Madison Street. entrance. Join Us for Healing Service

ORDER OF SERVICE

Processional Hymn

HOLY BAPTISM

Opening Acclamation BCP p. 299

Gloria in Excelsis Hymnal 1982 S 280

Collect: Second Sunday after Christmas BCP p. 214

The Old Testament Jeremiah 3 1:7-14

Psalm 84:1-8 BCP p. 707

The Epistle Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-19a

Sequence Hymn Hymnal 1982 #128

The Gospel Matthew 2:1-12

Sermon The Rev. Nathanael Saint-Pierre

The Baptismal Covenant BCP p. 304

Prayers BCP p. 305

Thanksgiving over the Water BCP p. 306

The Baptism BCP p. 307

The Peace BCP p. 308

OFFERTORY

Offertory Hymn LEVAS #21

The Doxology

THE HOLY COMMUNION: Eucharistic Prayer A

The Great Thanksgiving

Sanctus

Memorial Acclamation

The Lord’s Prayer

The Fraction Anthem

Agnus Dei

THE BREAKING OFTHE BREAD

Administration of the Sacrament

Communion Hymn

Choir Anthem: This Little Light of Mine

Homeless Soup Kitchen Offering

Welcome & Announcements

Post Communion Prayer

Recessional Hymn

Dismissal

Weekly Services

Sunday Services

8:30 AM Said Eucharist

10:30 AM Sung Eucharist

Wednesday

12:00 PM HealingService with Eucharist

Second Sunday afterChristmasEpiphany

C ioly Eucharist Service—Year BJanuary 4, 2015

Services:8:30 AM Healing Liturgy

10:30 AM Choral Eucharist

oLa®IA Parish of the Episcopal Diocese of New York

TheiSt

HymnaIl982 #117

(He, Qi. Adoration of the Magi,

from Art in the Christian Tradition,

a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.

BCPp. 361

Hymnal 1982 p. 5125

BCP p. 363

BCP p. 364

LEVAS #268

LEVAS #270

LEVAS #27

BCP p. 365

LEVAS #24

BCP p. 366

BCP (Book of Common Prayer)

Mission StatementSt. Attgztstine ‘S Church is a Christ-centered ministly where everyone is

invited and welcome. We are a loving Christian boav that seeks to en-

hance spirituality and conmutnity. confirm this by developing minis—

tiies that enipower the mind body and soul. Ve are nurtured thioztgh

sen’ice to others and one another.

LEVAS (Lift Every Voice & Sing) Hymnal 1982 QSQP (One Song of Praise)

Second Sunday after Christmas, January 4, 20152

cW’k January 4, 2015

Cori-iei-” The Three Offerings...

The Reverend Nathanael Saint-Pierre

We cannot deal with Epiphany without revisiting the story of the ‘Three Kings”, realistically called bytoday’s gospel ‘The three wise men”. They were and still are inspirational figures in the life of baby Je

I sus and in our lives. I even see them as Santa’s ancestors (precursors) who brought gifts to baby Jesus to help him realize who he was, to help us redefine who we are and what wisdom is in the newlight of this EPIPHANY. These men left their country of origin and started an adventure toward the unknown. Trusting their gut feeling, they did not seek for the rational; they risked their conformity andcomfort to follow a star. How many people would see a star shining in the sky and just follow it? Haveyou already put yourself into the shoes of Jonas’ wife when he got back home and told her he was inthe belly of a big whale who forced him to go to Nineveh? How do you think Abraham’s wife reactedwhen he told her he was going to sacrifice their son? This is crazy! (I am told that’s why men do notshare their thoughts with their wives anymore; they do not want to sound crazy - but this will be a different debate. LOL!). These three wise men enjoyed every piece of their crazy adventure. It became

an act of faith when finally their perseverance led them into something so big. They did face many obstacles but instead of return-ing home or abandoning their cause, they became kings of faith by receiving the grace we all seek in meeting Jesus.

God came to the world in Jesus. Although this was not God’s first experience with humankind, this was God’s greatest gift toworld, ready to be either embraced or rejected. The Magi understood that God brought himself to us and we needed to bring our-selves to God. They understood that you cannot meet Jesus empty-handed. Sometimes we see God only as a provider. We keepasking. We believe that since God has everything he does not need anything. Each astrologer had the maturity and wisdom tobring him meaningful symbols of earth: from the simplest to the most precious gifts. They knew God is always in need of us andoffered 3 media to illustrate how man should strive to thirst for God and how God already thirsts for man.

1 . They offered him frankincense to remind him that he is from a higher kingdom. Through that offering we should understandthat, while we are on earth, we can stay connected to the father. We are from a higher kingdom and that Jesus would go backto the father once his mission accomplished. We also, while our mortal bodies will go to the ground, our spirit will go back toour creator. ‘May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.” (Ps141:2)

2. They offered him myrrh which is a perfume used in the embalmment of bodies. Although the human body is corruptible theywanted baby Jesus to know that beyond his human body was an incorruptible soul of God and that his spirit did not belong tothe world. We are all invited to be Christ-like. We will go through death but death will not rule over us.

3. They brought him gold which is a worldly element that time does not affect. It is incorruptible. You can carve gold. You canchange its outward appearance but not its inner essence. The gift of gold was to remind Jesus that he is god from god, lightfrom light, true god from true god. He is begotten but not made. His substance is the substance of God. No one and nothingcanchangethat.

The gifts that the Magi brought to Jesus were reminders for him to ‘develop his identity. God is not revealing himself only to a limited and elite nation but also to the Gentiles. God transcends all cultures and manifests his essence to all nations and people. By

(Continued on page 3)

The Rev. Nathanael Saint-Pierre

Priest-In-Charge


our baptism we have also been exposed to the love of God. So not only was he manifested to us but he has commissioned usto go to the ends of the world and manifest who we are:

May 2015 be for us an Epiphany: the sudden and unexpected moment of realization when:

We are Gold, precious to God and to the world, exposed to the world’s fury but stainless, submiffed to the storms and darknessaround us but still able to reflect the light of God, incorruptible and of high value.

We are myrrh to keep the world from rotting, to preserve it from decomposition and to be the salt that gives taste.

We are frankincense because we are not from this world; we are from the kingdom of Christ, matter but one in spirit with ourRedeemer.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Welcome Visitors: We welcome you this morn-ing. We are happy that you have come to worship with us. If you have no church home, weinvite you to unite with us. The process beginswith you completing a Parish Census Form thatcan be found on the table in the church. Give itto an usher and we will be in touch with you

(“ery soon. However, if you are just passing

rough, we are honored by your presence, andwe wish you Godspeed as you complete yourjourney.

Our organist today is Ms. Carolyn Bensen, whohas graciously extended her service as our Act-ing Music Director.

SCOPE- “Senior Citizen (Church) Outreach Pro-gram and Eldership” is seeking for volunteers.Bingo is now the only activity we have for theSenior Citizens. Please contact Mr. Daley orFather Nat for assistance. It would be great tohave some help and to develop this ministry toinclude other health and recreational activities.

Sunday’s collection: December 28th total8,036.85. Pledges 2,727.00 Open Plate144.25 Special Services 410.00 Regular Sup-port 3.00; Special Offerings 5.00; Tenants1,500.00; Rentals 1,881.00; Jackie Funds0.00 Other Sources 1,236.60; Soup Kitchen130.00: SCOPE/Bingo 0.00 compared to: De

t mber 21st total 4,072.25. Pledges 999.00‘% ien Plate 49.00; Regular Support 0.00; Spe

cial Offerings 301.00; Tenants 0.00; Rentals1,200.00; Jackie Funds 275.00 Other Sources1,100.00; Soup Kitchen 50.25: SCOPE/Bingo98.00

Please be aware that pledge envelopes will bedelayed and that your pledge envelope numbermay change.

Our website is being revamped and you areinvited to provide feedback. Now available fordownload online Bulletins and Order of Service.

ECW and Men’s Guild, the next meeting will beheld on January 18th 2015 at 1PM (After Sun-day service).

The Vestry, Next meeting will be at 9:30AM onJanuary 10th 2015.

Confirmation classes will resume on January7th at 7PM, in the conference room. Please useMadison Street. entrance.

Join Us for Healing Service on Wednesdays at12:00 noon.

Need Prayer? Call church office and requestyour name be added to the prayer list. Let usknow when you are available so we can pray

Moving forward, let us get together as a team,and put our time, talents and treasure to theservice of our church.

The Parish Hall and common room are available for conferences and for recreational groupuse. These spaces have capability for projection and Internet access.

Electronic Waste Reuse Program Manager!Technician Position Available, send a coverletter and resume to [email protected] lescologycenter.org for details.

Registration Deadline has passed:Congregational teams may be made up of clergy and/or lay leaders. As with the first Indaba,we hope that the Rector or Priest-in-charge willparticipate where possible, and that the teamwill reflect the diversity of the congregation. Weencourage the participation of a young adultwhere possible. The three 2015 weekends willbe January 24-25, May 2-3, and September 26-27. If interested, contact us within office hours212-673-5300 or 917-232-9583.

Spanish Ministry: We will start a Spanish service on January 11th at 2:00 PM. Please inviteyour Spanish speaking friends to attend.

Servicio en Espanol: Vamos a initiar un servicioen Espanol este 11 de Enero a las 2:00 de Iatarde. Por favor, invitar a tus amigos que Ialengua maternal es el Espanol para que pudiera asistir y participar.

MLK Day Our Martin Luther King Jr. Celebrationwill be celebrated Monday, January 19th at12:00 Noon, guest speaker The Rev. ThomasLee.

Jackie Bradley’s Funds: Please contribute toJackie’s formation. Envelopes are available onthe table in the back of our church.

We are accepting Articles and Advertisementsto publish in the St Augustine’s eCho.

Change in administration, Volunteers are welcome to help with the phone lines.

Congregation Census Form: Help us update ourRecords. Have you changed your address, yourtelephone number, married, divorced orchanged your email address? Please update with you.your profile by filling out the Census form avail-able in the back of the Church and return it inthe alms basin or give it to Mr. Nimrod Daley.


4

OfficeHours SERMON NOTES:9:00-12:00/1:00-5:00

Church: 286-290 Henry StreetOffice: 333 Madison StreetNewYork, NewYork 10002

T: (212) 673-5300 — F: (212) 673-5201

___________________________________________________________________________________

Email: [email protected]

Website:http://www.staugnyc.org

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/staugnyc

The Staff. . CHuRcH INTERCESSIONS

The Rev. Nathanael Saint-Pierre,

MIS, MCPD, Priest-In-Charge Shut-Ins/Homebound: Ellen Bradley, Gwendolyn Hanks, Harry flyalko, Eleanor Sun

(917) 232-9583el, Lonnaine Albnitton, Robent/Mittiefnances Combs.

[email protected] Prayers: Mn. Basile, Bernice Heniy, Daly (Maybelle/Sanfond), Bevenly Rosanio, DianeEllis, Doadie Bnown, Donothy Hendenson, Edgan Hoppen, Ellen Daley, Fnedenick/Lonnaine Albnitton, Jacynth Patenson Onnidge, James Robinson-Pannan, Joyce John-

Mrs. Carolyn Bensen, son, Juan Cosme, Kenny Johnson, Knausen family, Luis/Annie Gancia, Manissa Nicolo,

Acting Director of Music Manlene Wand-Tonain, Mildned Hancock, Minnie Cuny, The Mussenden family, NancyScott, Nonberta Mieles, Nydia flores, Ruth Stnothen, Walfond family, Tynone Wong, Rob-

Ms. Sandra Joseph, Bookkeeper . . .

ert/Vemestine Exum, Zonaida Oliven.Mr. Roberto Perez, Sexton

Armed forces: Bnian Robertson Andnew Davis fnank Magezi Johnson Kevin RuddellMr. Oland Saltes, Verger

fnancis Heand, Bobby Canten, Todd LeGnoan.

The St. Augustine’s Project We remember those who celebrate another anniversary of their birth, especially:

Mr. Rodger Taylor, Chair January: 1st Sabnina Small, Tnaci Robinson, Tina Robinson, Mason O’Neal, Janice

. . . . Kikuchi, Yvaghan Pience, Chnistian Cuniy; 3nd Emmanuel Cox, Donita Ellis, ShanyaMs. Minnie Curry Vice Chair . . . .

Ellison; 4th Anna Archibald, James Hawin, Evelyn Fleming, Shavon Munchez, AhaSt. Augustine’s Project O’Neal; 5th Ronald Jones, Walten Tucken, Robent Exum; 7th Paula Jones, Regina Nel

Website wwwstaugsproject org son; 9th Romona Singleton, Khalid Seña, Chnistian Wells; 10th Angela Allen, Chnisto. . .

phen Mantinez; 1 ith Michael Counts, Devin Andenson, Sienra, Chnistophen Monnis, Aniya

Th V tVannen, Vinginia Rivena; 12th Hany Taylon, Mittiefnances Combs; 13th Canmen Gonza

e es ry lez, Hecton Mantinez, Jn. , 14th Alvin Hanris, Ronise Clanke; 15th Wiffiam Moone, Enika2015 Young, Anita Joseph, Shawn Rodniguez; 16th Alvin Lindsey; 17th Mattie Bethel,

Mr. Nimrod Daley Warden: Nicholes Gibson, Elijah Gneen; 18th Tnoy Wilson, Andnew wanbington, Bianca Gonzalez;19th Cynthia Wanbington, Tennence Rivena, Christopher Williams, Tynone Wong, Nevaeh

(917) 576-9603 Tonnes; 20th Laynob Lee, Sean O’Neal, DeVenus Malachi; 21st Matthew Roberts, Mya

Ms. Irene Alladice Jennings; 22nd Alexis Gloven, Edwin Mahones; 23nd Eilbert Jones, Oland Saltes; 24thAlexanden Archibald, James Hillsman III, ; 25th Joyce Johnson Evelyn Holloman; 26th

Ms. Barbara H. King (Clerk) Isabel Benmudez, Bynon Baez; 27th Elijah Gneen; 28th Valbung Krausen, Debonah Tay

Mr. Oland Saltes ion, Joshua Santiago, Daisy Busten; 29th Dannen Hannis, Genald Collins; 30th fnitz Gnaham, Patnicia Taylon, Jacqueline Young; 31st Chanlene Allen, Betty gnaham, Lornaine

Ms. Phyllis Simmons Gneen, Jonathan Lean

2016 We pray for those who have died: Avonte Oquendo, Joyce Shannon-Lee, Many Smith,

Ms. Barbara Allie Timothy Kelly, Savella Cox, Sylvia Sylvah, Eanlene Bethel

Mr. Christopher Morris Justice and Peace in all lands: Especially we pnay fon: Japan, China, Western India,

Ms. Gwendolyn Pereira Danfun, Afghanistan, Haiti, the Holy Land, Lebanon, Inaq, Nigen, Sienna Leone; Sudan,

.all of Africa, this nation and the United Nations. Nigen, Sienna Leone; Sudan, all of Mni

Ms. Bobby Wright ca, this nation and the United Nations.

2017

Mr. William Gordon s. cii.- is a newsletter to keep our members and the larger com

Ms. Raquel Murray, Treasurer munity informed about what is happening at St Augustine’s and beyond. We welcome storycontributors to submit articles, poetry, advertising, and any information one may want to

Ms. Sharifah Seña share. Please submit your contribution by e-mail to [email protected] no later than on

Mr.RodgerTaylorWednesdays for the Sunday edition.

In an effort to reach a broad audience, St. Augustine’s Church occasionally records, through video and photography, its seniices for publication on the Internet. Your attend-

ance at a sendce or event constitutes your consent to be included in any filming, photographing, audio recording or broadcast and for any other use in whole or in part, includ

ing publicity and promotion.

The Holy Eucharist: Rite Two: Eucharist Prayer ASecond Sunday after Christmas/The Epiphany

Year B, RCLJanuary 4, 2015

The Holy Eucharist: Rite TwoOpening Hymn: Brightest and Best (5 verses) Hymnat 1982 #117

Holy Baptism BCPp. 299B[essed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.The Cetebrant then continues

There is one Body and one Spirit;People There is one hope in God’s call to us;Celebrant One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism;People One God and Father of all.When appointed, the following hymn or some other song of praise is sung or said, alt standing

Gloria in Excelsis Hymnal 1982 #5280The Celebrant says to the people

The Lord be with you.People And also with you.Celebrant Let us pray.

The Celebrant says the Collect.

Second Sunday after Christmas Day BCP p. 2140 God, who wonderfutty created, and yet more wonderfutty restored, thedignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of himwho humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; whoLives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Hoty Spirit, one God, for everand ever. Amen.

The Epiphany January 6 BCP p. 214God, by the teading of a star you manifested your only Son to the Peoplesof the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, wherewe may see your gtory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who

C lives and reigns with you and the Hoty Spirit, one God, now and for ever.Amen.

1


YearB,RCL QJanuary4, 2015

Jeremiah 31:7-14

The prophet shares a joyous vision of the people’s restoration from exite.

They witt be comforted by the Lord, their toying Father.

A reading (lesson) from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah:

Thus says the LORD:

Sing atoud with gtadness for Jacob,and raise shouts for the chief of the nations;

proclaim, give praise, and say,“Save, 0 LORD, your peopte,the remnant of Israet.”

See, I am going to bring them from the tand of the north,and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth,

among them the btind and the tame, those with chitd andthose in tabor, together;a great company, they shatt return here.

With weeping they shatt come,and with consoLations I witt [ead them back,

I witt tet them watk by brooks of water,in a straight path in which they shatt not stumbte;

for I have become a father to Israel,and Ephraim is my firstborn.

Hear the word of the LORD, 0 nations,and dectare it in the coastlands far away;

say, “He who scattered Israel wilt gather him,and witt keep him as a shepherd a ftock.”

For the LORD has ransomed Jacob,and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him.

They shalt come and sing atoud on the height of Zion,and they shalt be radiant over the goodness of the LORD,

over the grain, the wine, and the oil,and over the young of the flock and the herd;

their life shalt become like a watered garden, Cand they shall never languish again.

2



Then shalt the young women rejoice in the dance,and the young men and the o[d shaD be merry.

I wilt turn their mourning into joy,I will comfort them, and give them gtadness for sorrow.

I wi[1 give the priests their 1W. of fatness,and my people sha[[ be satisfied with my bounty,

The Word of the LordThanks be to God

The Pm

Psatm 84:1-8 Page 707, BCPQuam ditecta!1 How dear to me is your dwe[ting, 0 LORD of hosts!

My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the LORD;my heart and my ftesh rejoice in the tiving God.

2 The sparrow has found her a houseand the swattow a nest where she may tay her young;by the side of your attars, 0 LORD of hosts,my King and my God.

3 Happy are they who dwe[[ in your house!they witt atways be praising you.

4 Happy are the people whose strength is in you!whose hearts are set on the pilgrims’ way.

5 Those who go through the desotate valley wi[t find it a p[ace ofsprings,

for the earty rains have covered it with pools of water.

6 They will climb from height to height,and the God of gods will reveal himself in Zion.

7 LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer;hearken, 0 God of Jacob.

3



8 Behold our defender, 0 God;and look upon the face of your Anointed.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the HoLy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and wilt be for ever. Amen.

The EpistleEphesians 1:3-6, 15-J9a

The Apostte Paul offers praise to God for his many btessings, and prays thatdisciples wilt appreciate the gift of faith they have been given.

A reading (lesson) from the Book of Ephesians:

Btessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has btessed usin Christ with every spirituat blessing in the heaventy pLaces, just as hechose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be hoty andblametess before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his childrenthrough Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his wilt, to thepraise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward ati thesaints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as Iremember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revetation as youcome to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, youmay know what is the hope to which he has catted you, what are the richesof his gtorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurablegreatness of his power for us who betieve.

The Word of the LordThanks be to God.

Sequence Hymn: We Three Kings (verses 1-4) HymnaL 1982 #128

Then, alt standing, the Deacon or a Priest reads the Gospet, first saying

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

4


Year B, RCLJanuary4, 2015

The Gospel

Matthew 2:1-12

Led by a brilliant new star, astro[ogers from the east come to Beth[ehem topay homage to the King of the Jews. Herod, fearing a challenge to his ownauthority, wants to kitt the infant Savior.

A reading (lesson) from the Gospel according to Matthew:

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethtehem of Judea,wise men from the East came to Jerusatem, asking, “Where is the chitd whohas been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, andhave come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he wasfrightened, and att Jerusatem with him; and catting together att the chiefpriests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiahwas to be born. They told him, “In Bethtehem of Judea; for so it has beenwritten by the prophet:

‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,are by no means [east among the ru[ers of Judah;

for from you sha[[ come a ru[erwho is to shepherd my peopte Israe[.”

Then Herod secretty ca[[ed for the wise men and [earned from them theexact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Beth[ehem,saying, “Go and search di[igent[y for the chi[d; and when you have foundhim, bring me word so that I may a[so go and pay him homage.” When theyhad heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the starthat they had seen at its rising, unti[ it stopped over the p[ace where thechi[d was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they wereoverwhe[med with joy. On entering the house, they saw the chi[d with Maryhis mother; and they knett down and paid him homage. Then, opening theirtreasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they [eft fortheir own country by another road.

Conctude with The Gospel of the Lord5


YearB,RCL CJanuary4,2015

Sequence Hymn: We Three Kings (verse 5) Hymnat 1982 #128

Sermon: Fr. Nathanaet: The three offerings...

We cannot deal with Epiphany without revisiting the story of the“Three Kings”, realistically catted by today’s gospet “the threewise men”. They were and stiLl are inspirational figures in the tileof baby Jesus and in our [ives. I even see them as Santa’sancestors (precursors) who brought gifts to baby Jesus to hetp himrealize who he was, to hetp us redefine who we are andwhat wisdom is in the new tight of this EPIPHANY. These men tefttheir country of origin and started an adventure toward theunknown. Trusting their gut feeting, they did not seekfor the rationat; they risked their conformity and comfort tofottow a star. How many peopte woutd see a star shining in thesky and just fottow it? Have you atready put yoursetf into the shoesof Jonas’ wife when he got back home and totd her he was in thebetty of a big whate who forced him to go to Nineveh? How do youthink Abraham’s wife reacted when he totd her he was going tosacrifice their son? This is crazy! (I am totd that’s why men do notshare their thoughts with their wives anymore; they do not wantto sound crazy - but this wi[t be a different debate. LOL!). Thesethree wise men enjoyed every piece of their crazy adventure. Itbecame an act of faith when finatty their perseverance ted theminto something so big. They did face many obstactes but insteadof returning home or abandoning their cause, they becamekings of faith by receiving the grace we att seek in meeting Jesus.

God came to the wortd in Jesus. A[though this was not God’s firstexperience with humankind, this was God’s greatest gift to thewortd, ready to be either embraced or rejected. The Magi

6



understood that God brought himself to us and we needed to bringourse[ves to God. They understood that you cannot meet Jesusempty-handed. Sometimes we see God onty as a provider. Wekeep asking. We be[ieve that since God has everything he doesnot need anything. Each astrologer had the maturity andwisdom to bring him meaningfu[ symbo[s of earth: from thesimplest to the most precious gifts. They knew God is always inneed of us and offered 3 media to ft[ustrate how man shouLd striveto thirst for God and how God a[ready thirsts for man.

1 . They offered him frankincense to remind him that he is froma higher kingdom. Through that offering we shouldunderstand that, while we are on earth, we can stayconnected to the father. We are from a higher kingdom andthat Jesus would go back to the father once his missionaccomplished. We also, while our mortal bodies will go tothe ground, our spirit will go back to our creator. “May myprayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up ofmy hands be like the evening sacrifice.” (Ps 147:2)

2. They offered him myrrh which is a perfume used inthe embalmment of bodies. Although the human body iscorruptible they wanted baby Jesus to know that beyond hishuman body was an incorruptible soul of God and that hisspirit did not belong to the world. We are all invited to beChrist-like. We will go through death but death will not ruleover us.

3. They brought him gold which is a worldly element that timedoes not affect. It is incorruptible. You can carve gold. You

7


YearB,RCL CIanuary

can change its outward appearance but not its inneressence. The gilt ol gotd was to remind Jesus that he isgod Irom god, tight lrom tight, true god Irom true god. He isbegotten but not made. His substance is the substance olGod. No one and nothing can change that.

The gilts that the Magi brought to Jesus were reminders br himto ‘devetop his identity. God is not reveating himsetl onty toa timited and etite nation but atso to the Gentites. God transcendsatt cuttures and manilests his essence to att nations and peopte.By our baptism we have atso been exposed to the tove ol God. Sonot onty was he manilested to us but he has commissioned us togo to the ends ol the wortd and manilest who we are:

May 2015 be for us an Epiphany: the sudden and unexpected 0moment of reatization that:

We are Gold, precious to God and to the wortd, exposed to thewortd’s fury but staintess, submitted to the storms and darknessaround us but stitt abte to reftect the tight of God, incorruptibteand of high vatue.

We are myrrh to keep the wortd from rotting, to preserve it fromdecomposition and to be the satt that gives taste.

We are frankincense because we are not from this wortd; we arefrom the kingdom of Christ, matter but one in spirit with ourRedeemer.

Renewal of Bapti smat Vows

The Celebrant asks the fottowing questions

8


o Ianuary

Question Do you renounce Satan and a[[ the spiritual forces of wickedness

that rebel against God?Answer I renounce them.

Question Do you renounce the evit powers of this world which corrupt

and destroy the creatures of God?Answer I renounce them.

Question Do you renounce aD sinful desires that draw you from the love

of God?Answer I renounce them.

Question Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior?Answer I do.

Question Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?

Answer I do.

0 Question Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord?

Answer I do.

Let us join together and commit ourselves to Christ and renew our own

baptismat covenant.

The Baptismal Covenant BCP p. 304

Celebrant Do you beLieve in God the Father?

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

Celebrant Do you beLieve in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

People 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.

0 On the third day he rose again.

9


YearB,RCLJanuary 4, 2015

Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite [ove you made us for yourse[f;and, when we had fa[ten into sin and become subject to evi[ and death,you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your onty and eternal Son, to shareour human nature, to tive and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, theGod and Father of att.

He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himse[f in obedienceto your witi, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

At the fottowing words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it or lay a hand upon it; and atthe words concerning the cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containingwine to be consecrated.

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord JesusChrist took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, andgave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is givenfor you and for att. Do this for the remembrance of me.” 0After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, hegave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of thenew Covenant, which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins.Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Celebrant and People

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ wilt come again.

The Celebtant continues

We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, 0 Father, in this sacrificeof praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, andascension, we offer you these gifts.

14


Year B, RCLJanuary4, 2015

Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your peop[e the Body and Bloodof your Son, the hoty food and drink of new and unending tife in him.Sanctify us atso that we may faithfut[y receive this hoty Sacrament, andserve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the tast day bring us withati your saints into the joy of your eternat kingdom.

Alt this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. By him, and with him, and inhim, in the unity of the Holy Spirit alt honor and glory is yours, AlmightyFather, now and for ever. AMEN.

Peopte and Cetebrant

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to sing,

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

0 bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead usnot 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 Cetebrant breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of sitence is kept. Then may be sung or said

[Alteluia.] Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;Therefore let us keep the feast. fAlletuia.J

Agnus Dei LEVAS 270

Facing the peopte, the Cetebrant says the fottowing Invitation

The Gifts of God for the People of God.

andmayadd Take them in remembrance that Christ died foryou, and feed on him in your hearts by faith,

3 with thanksgiving.

15


YearB,RCLJanuary 4, 2015

The ministers receive the Sacrament in both kinds, and then immediately deliver it to the people.

Communion Hymn: Away in a Manger (3 verses) LEVAS 181

When necessary, the Celebrant consecrates additional bread and wine, using the form on page 408.

After Communion, the Cetebrant says

Let us pray.

Celebrant and People

Eternal God, heaventy Father, you have graciously accepted us as livingmembers of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us withspiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into thewortd in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve youwith gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Bishop when present, or the Priest, may btess the people. ()

The peace of God, which passes alt understanding, keep your hearts andminds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ ourLord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the HolyGhost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.

Recessional Hymn: There’s a Star in the East (2 verses) LEVAS #24

The Deacon, or the Celebrant, dismisses them with these words

Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia.The Peopte Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.

16

Documents

Qi. - St. Augustine's Church 01042015.pdfConfirmation classes will resume on January 7th at 7PM, in the conference room. Please use Madison Street. entrance. Join Us for Healing Service