Worship Bulletin

THE LAST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
HOLY EUCHARIST
March 2, 2025 | 10:15 AM

If you are new to our community, we especially extend to you a warm welcome. Please sign our Guest Book near the entrance on the table at the column against the back row of seats. Today we celebrate Holy Communion. This is the Lord’s table, and all are welcome to receive no matter where you are on your spiritual journey.

PRELUDE  Passacaglia (BuxWV 161) Dieterich Buxtehude

PRESENTATION AND PRAYERS FOR ACOLYTES

PROCESSIONAL HYMN Songs of Thankfulness and Praise Blue Hymnal #135

OPENING ACCLAMATION AND COLLECT FOR PURITY Book of Common Prayer p. 355

Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen.
Celebrant & People: Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

SONG OF PRAISE

COLLECT FOR THE LAST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY Book of Common Prayer p.217

Celebrant:The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant:Let us pray. O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

FIRST READING Exodus 34:29-35

Reader: A reading from the Book of Exodus

Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

Reader:  The Word of the Lord
People:  Thanks be to God.

PSALM 99

1 The Lord is King; let the |people |tremble; *
he is enthroned upon the cherubim; |let the earth |shake.

2 The Lord is |great in |Zion; *
he is high a-|bove all |peoples.

3 Let them confess his Name, which is |great and | awesome; *
he |is the |Holy One.

4 “O mighty King, lover of justice,
you have es-|tablished |equity; *
you have executed justice and |righteousness · in | Jacob.”

5 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God
and fall down be-|fore his |footstool; *
he |is the |Holy One.

6 Moses and Aaron among his priests,
and Samuel among those who call up-|on his | Name, *
they called upon the Lord, |and he |answered them.

7 He spoke to them out of the |pillar · of |cloud; *
they kept his testimonies and the de-|cree that · he |gave them.

8 O Lord our God, you answered |them in-|deed; *
you were a God who forgave them,
yet punished them for their |evil |deeds.

9 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God
and worship him upon his |holy |hill; *
for the Lord our God |is the |Holy One.

SECOND READING 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
Reader:    A reading from the second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians

Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.

Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God's word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.

Reader    The Word of the Lord.
People    Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Celtic Alleluia

THE HOLY GOSPEL  Luke 9:28-36

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
People: Glory be to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”–not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice thatsaid, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

SEQUENCE HYMN Blue Hymnal #129 v.1

Christ upon the mountain peak
stands alone in glory blazing;
let us, if we dare to speak,
with the saints and angels praise him.
Alleluia!

SERMON The Reverend Tammy Smith-Firestone

NICENE CREED Book of Common Prayer p.358

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man.For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Book of Common Prayer p.387

Leader: Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
People: That we all may be one.
Leader: Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;
People: That your Name may be glorified by all people.
Leader: We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
People: That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.
Leader: We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world;
People: That there may be justice and peace on the earth.
Leader: Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
People: That our works may find favor in your sight.
Leader: Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;
People: That they may be delivered from their distress.
Leader: Give to the departed eternal rest.
People: Let light perpetual shine upon them.
Leader: We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy;
People: May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.
Leader: Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.

Silence
The People may add their own petitions. The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.

CONFESSION OF SIN Book of Common Prayer p.360

Celebrant:Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

A period of silence is observed.

Celebrant and People:

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

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

THE PEACE
Celebrant    The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People        And also with you.

The Ministers and People greet one another in the name of the Lord.

WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND OFFERTORY STATEMENT

THE LITURGY OF THE TABLE

OFFERTORY ANTHEM Bright Morning Star’s Arising  Anonymous

PRESENTATION HYMN Wie Schon Leuchtet Der Morgenstern Blue Hymnal #497 v. 5

5. What joy to know, when life is past,
the Lord we love is first and last,
the end and the beginning!
He will one day, O glorious grace,
transport us to that happy place
beyond all tears and sinning!
Amen! Amen!
Come, Lord Jesus! Crown of gladness,
we are yearning
for the day of your returning.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING Eucharistic Prayer A
Book of Common Prayer p. 361

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Celebrant: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth…
…Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

SANCTUS  

Celebrant: Holy and gracious Father…
…Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
People: Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
Celebrant: We celebrate the memorial of our redemption…
…through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever.
People: Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Celebrant:    And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

The Celebrant breaks the bread.

Celebrant: Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People: Therefore let us keep the feast, Alleluia.

FRACTION ANTHEM

THE INVITATION TO COMMUNION

INSTRUCTIONS FOR RECEIVING COMMUNION
Please follow the directions of the ushers. We go to the communion rail to receive. Respond to the words: “The Body of Christ, the Bread of Life” and “The Blood of Christ, the Cup of Salvation” with a hearty “Amen.” After receiving Communion it is appropriate to return to your seat to kneel or sit in silence for personal prayer and thanksgiving.
There are two options for reception. First is drinking from the common cup. When approaching the priest giving the bread or host, raise cupped hands to receive the bread. Consume and then take the cup by its base to tip to your lips to drink. Return to your seat by way of the side aisles.
The second option for reception is intinction (bread dipped into the wine). As the clergy person approaches, point to the chalice that the priest may take a wafer, intinct it in the wine, and give to you to consume. Return to your seat by way of the side aisles.
If you are unable to come forth to receive Communion, simply make it known to the usher and the clergy will come out to you to bring the bread and wine. The priest will instinct the bread into the wine and give it to you to consume.
If you are not communing, please consider coming forth for a blessing. As you approach the priest, cross your arms across your chest to indicate you desire a blessing. 

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Hic Est Filius Meus

COMMUNION HYMN O Wondrous Type Blue Hymnal #137

POST COMMUNION PRAYER Book of Common Prayer p. 366

Celebrant: Let us pray. Eternal God,
Celebrant and People:
heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYERS FOR BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

CLOSING HYMN Cantad al Señor (Sing to the Lord a New Song)

DISMISSAL
Celebrant:    Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
People:    Thanks be to God.

VOLUNTARY We all Believe in One True God (BWV 681) J.S. Bach

Flowers are given by Sherry Wallmark in celebration of the birthdays of her grandchildren Collin & Kimberly.           

   St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church
2341 Floral Avenue, Chico, CA 95926
(530) 894-1971 · office@stjohnschico.org
The Very Reverend Tammy Smith-Firestone, Rector
Jeffrey Cooper, Director of Music

Hymn permission used by Rite Song a one-time use reprint license for congregational use
"Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License # A-735293. All rights reserved.”