Gathering Prayer for 2nd Sunday after Epiphany Year C

We come in these endless days, Precious God,
people in need of the constancy of your love:
may we drink deeply from your fountain of life;
may we continue to be guided by your Light.
We gather in these weary days, Water-changing God,
people looking for signs of hope and wonder:
may we drink deeply from your fountain of grace;
may our weariness be wrapped in your Hope.
We worship in these overwhelming days, Gifting God,
people who try to point others to Jesus:
may we drink deeply from your fountain of joy;
may our life be strengthened by your Life.

-- Thom Shuman, from his blog Lectionary Liturgies, January 12, 2025

Scripture reference: John 2:1-11

Nothing But A Child

Once upon a time in a far-off land
Wise men saw a sign and set out across the sand
Songs of praise to sing, they traveled day and night
And precious gifts to bring, guided by the light

They chased a brand-new star, ever towards the west
Across the mountains far, but when they came to rest
They scarce believed their eyes, they’d come so many miles
And this miracle they prized was nothing but a child

Refrain:
And nothing but a child could wash those tears away
Or guide a weary world into the light of day
And nothing but a child could help erase those miles
So once again we all can be children for a while

Now all around the world, in every little town
Every day is heard a precious little sound
And every mother kind and every father proud
Looks down in awe to find another chance allowed [Refrain]

Outro:
Nothing but a little baby
Nothing but a child

-- Steve Earle (1955- ), American singer-songwriter, from the album Copperhead Road (1988)

Kathy Mattea's cover of this song:

[The bees build in the crevices]

 

The bees build in the crevices
Of loosening masonry, and there
The mother birds bring grubs and flies.
My wall is loosening; honey-bees,
Come build in the empty house of the stare.

We are closed in, and the key is turned
On our uncertainty; somewhere
A man is killed, or a house burned,
Yet no clear fact to be discerned:
Come build in the empty house of the stare.

A barricade of stone or of wood;
Some fourteen days of civil war;
Last night they trundled down the road
That dead young soldier in his blood:
Come build in the empty house of the stare.

We had fed the heart on fantasies,
The heart’s grown brutal from the fare;
More substance in our enmities
Than in our love; O honey-bees,
Come build in the empty house of the stare.

—W. B. Yeats, from “Meditations in Time of Civil War”

In Celtic myth, bees were thought to be messengers between this world and the next, and it was thought that at death, a person's sou left as a bee or butterfly. A bee entering yourself was a sign of luck, and housing bees even more so. It was customary for those who kept bees to inform them about everything going on in the house.

Epiphany House Blessing (from the Book of Occasional Services)

 

This service can be used to chalk the doors of your house at home and welcome in the ligbt of Christ for the still-new year. If the Celebrant is not a priest, the Blessing of the Chalk section can be omitted and you can move straight to the actual chalking of the door. At the final blessing, substitute “us” for “you,” and make the sign of cross over yourselves rather than outwardly.

Celebrant   Peace be to this house, and to all who dwell in it.

Antiphon
The Lord has shown forth his glory: Come let us adore him.

Magnificat
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
     for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
     the Almighty has done great things for me,
     and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him *
     in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, *
     he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
     and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, *
     and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *
     for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers, *
     to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
     as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. 

Antiphon
The Lord has shown forth his glory: Come let us adore him.

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

Collect
O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Blessing of the Chalk
V: Our help is in the name of the Lord
R: The maker of heaven and earth.
V: The Lord shall watch over your going out and your coming in:
R: From this time forth for evermore.
V. The Lord be with you.
R: And also with you.
V: Let us pray.

Celebrant
Loving God, bless this chalk which you have created,  that it may be helpful to your people; and grant that through the invocation of your most Holy Name all who use it in faith to write upon the doors of their homes the names of your saints, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, may receive health of body and protection of soul for all who dwell in or visit their home; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The lintel of the door is then chalked as follows:

20 + C + M + B + 25

Celebrant
The three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar followed the star of God's Son who became human two thousand and eighteen years ago. May Christ bless our home and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen.

The Celebrant then says this prayer
Visit, O blessed Lord, this home with the gladness of your presence. Bless all who live here with the gift of your love; and grant that they may manifest your love to each other and to all whose lives they touch. May they grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of you; guide, comfort, and strengthen them; and preserve them in peace, O Jesus Christ, now and for ever. Amen.

The Celebrant then says this blessing
May God the Father, who by Baptism adopts us as his children, grant you grace. Amen.
May God the Son, who sanctified a home at Nazareth, fill you with love. Amen.
May God the Holy Spirit, who has made the Church one family, keep you in peace. Amen.

And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you forever. Amen.

The Peace may then be exchanged.

-- from the Book of Occasional Services, 2003, pp. 47-50, with additional material from https://www.azdiocese.org/dfc/newsdetail_2/3163149

The O Antiphons and Prayers to accompany them

These “O” antiphons express the theology of Advent and are the season’s brightest jewels. The incarnation of the Son, salvation, the pursuit of our redemption until the end of time — these are the constant themes of Advent theology. From them we can see that the celebration of Advent, like that of Christmas, has its true center in the paschal mystery, wherein the death and resurrection of Christ accomplishes our salvation.

December 17 - 1st Antiphon: O WISDOM

O WISDOM, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with Your strong yet tender care. Come and show Your people the way to salvation.

Prayer: Christ, the Word of the Father, through all the ages You have cared for Your people as a shepherd his flock, as a mother her child, as a potter his clay. Be present to us who cry out for Your compassionate, helping hand. Help us to be faithful to those values which You taught us by Your life and Your love. May we find Your presence in the needs of the poor and abandoned around us. Amen.

Closing Prayer: We come here to call on our God to come to us, to be with us. The title Emmanuel, God-with-us, was given to Christ many centuries ago by the prophet Isaiah. Emmanuel symbolizes God’s great love for us -- so great that God put aside His Divinity and took on our humanity. We pray for our God to draw closer to us as individuals and as members of a community. We assemble before God as representatives of the people of the earth, eager to see peace and justice reign on the face of our troubled world. We pray to the Father, for the coming of the Son, through the working of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

December 18 - 2nd Antiphon: O ADONAI

O LORD OF ISRAEL, who showed Yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: Come, stretch out Your mighty hand, to set us free.

Prayer: Lord, our God, reveal Yourself to us in the persons, circumstances, and events of each day, especially in those who need our time and talents. Open our eyes to recognize Your workings in all that happens to us; keep us open to Your coming to us in the unusual events and surprises of each day. May the place of our work become “holy ground” for we believe that You are present everywhere. Amen.

Closing Prayer: We come here to call on our God to come to us, to be with us. The title Emmanuel, God-with-us, was given to Christ many centuries ago by the prophet Isaiah. Emmanuel symbolizes God’s great love for us -- so great that God put aside His Divinity and took on our humanity. We pray for our God to draw closer to us as individuals and as members of a community. We assemble before God as representatives of the people of the earth, eager to see peace and justice reign on the face of our troubled world. We pray to the Father, for the coming of the Son, through the working of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

December 19 - 3rd Antiphon: O FLOWER OF JESSE

O FLOWER OF JESSE, You have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in Your presence; the nations bow down in worship before You. Come, let nothing keep You from coming to our aid.

Prayer: O Christ, living sign of the Father’s love, we adore You as the Center of our lives. You are our model for grace, truth, and living in the light of the Father. Be our strength in times of sorrow and trouble; be our joy in times of sadness; be our light in the darkness of sin and our troubled world. We are in awe of Your holy Presence. May we rejoice and share the signs of Your coming with one another. Amen.

Closing Prayer:  We come here to call on our God to come to us, to be with us. The title Emmanuel, God-with-us, was given to Christ many centuries ago by the prophet Isaiah. Emmanuel symbolizes God’s great love for us -- so great that God put aside His Divinity and took on our humanity. We pray for our God to draw closer to us as individuals and as members of a community. We assemble before God as representatives of the people of the earth, eager to see peace and justice reign on the face of our troubled world. We pray to the Father, for the coming of the Son, through the working of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

December 20 - 4th Antiphon: O KEY OF DAVID

O KEY OF DAVID, O royal Power of Israel controlling at Your will the gate of heaven: Come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death & lead Your captive people into freedom.

Prayer: Christ Jesus, You are the key to the happiness of our hearts. The darkness of sin and the awareness of our weaknesses drag us down, but You have come to lift us up & redeem us. We place all our hope in You who have freed us from sin. Teach us to open the doors of our hearts to You and to one another through awareness of the mystery of Your Presence in others. Lead us into the light of Your love & grace. Amen.

Closing Prayer: We come here to call on our God to come to us, to be with us. The title Emmanuel, God-with-us, was given to Christ many centuries ago by the prophet Isaiah. Emmanuel symbolizes God’s great love for us -- so great that God put aside His Divinity and took on our humanity. We pray for our God to draw closer to us as individuals and as members of a community. We assemble before God as representatives of the people of the earth, eager to see peace and justice reign on the face of our troubled world. We pray to the Father, for the coming of the Son, through the working of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

December 21 - 5th Antiphon: O DAYSPRING

O RISING DAWN, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: Come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.

Prayer: Radiance of the Father, light for our eyes, and guide for our souls, brighten our days by showing us the way to the Father, for You said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Your life showed us the way to live; Your words spoke of the truth of the Father; Your sufferings and death brought us to new life. May we be radiant with Your joy, as we begin to recognize Your coming to us in one another. We thank You for the gift of Your Body and Blood in the Eucharist which nourishes us and gives us renewed life. Amen.

Closing Prayer: We come here to call on our God to come to us, to be with us. The title Emmanuel, God-with-us, was given to Christ many centuries ago by the prophet Isaiah. Emmanuel symbolizes God’s great love for us -- so great that God put aside His Divinity and took on our humanity. We pray for our God to draw closer to us as individuals and as members of a community. We assemble before God as representatives of the people of the earth, eager to see peace and justice reign on the face of our troubled world. We pray to the Father, for the coming of the Son, through the working of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

December 22 - 6th Antiphon: O KING OF ALL NATIONS

O KING OF ALL NATIONS, the only joy of every human heart: O Keystone of the mighty arch of man. Come and save the creatures you fashioned from the dust.

Prayer: Lord, every nation on earth adores You, for by Your passion, death, and resurrection, You have saved all humanity. Your constant love and friendship reach from the heavens to the ends of the earth. You alone have bridged the deep chasm created by sin; You have protected us from the grasp of the evil one. You are the source of all life; help us to be as one family in You, our God and Savior. Amen.

Closing Prayer: We come here to call on our God to come to us, to be with us. The title Emmanuel, God-with-us, was given to Christ many centuries ago by the prophet Isaiah. Emmanuel symbolizes God’s great love for us -- so great that God put aside His Divinity and took on our humanity. We pray for our God to draw closer to us as individuals and as members of a community. We assemble before God as representatives of the people of the earth, eager to see peace and justice reign on the face of our troubled world. We pray to the Father, for the coming of the Son, through the working of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

December 23 - 7th Antiphon: O EMMANUEL, GOD-WITH-US

O GOD-WITH-US, Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, Come and set us free, Lord our God.

Prayer: Jesus, God-with-us, all compassionate and loving God whom we honor and adore, You have unlocked the gates of heaven and cleared the pathway for all humanity to come to You in the glory of the Father. Save us from the chains of sin and darkness. We thank you for the gift of redemption and look forward to the day of Your coming in glory. Amen.

Closing Prayer: We come here to call on our God to come to us, to be with us. The title Emmanuel, God-with-us, was given to Christ many centuries ago by the prophet Isaiah. Emmanuel symbolizes God’s great love for us -- so great that God put aside His Divinity and took on our humanity. We pray for our God to draw closer to us as individuals and as members of a community. We assemble before God as representatives of the people of the earth, eager to see peace and justice reign on the face of our troubled world. We pray to the Father, for the coming of the Son, through the working of the Holy Spirit. Amen.




-- found at Cathedral of St. John, Cleveland, https://saintjohncathedral.com/o-antiphons

Saint John the Baptist

THE last and greatest Herald of Heaven's King,

Girt with rough skins, hies to the deserts wild,
Among that savage brood the woods forth bring,
Which he than man more harmless found and mild.
His food was locusts, and what young doth spring
With honey that from virgin hives distill'd;
Parch'd body, hollow eyes, some uncouth thing
Made him appear, long since from earth exiled.
There burst he forth: 'All ye, whose hopes rely
On God, with me amidst these deserts mourn;
Repent, repent, and from old errors turn!'
—Who listen'd to his voice, obey'd his cry?
        Only the echoes, which he made relent,
        Rung from their marble caves 'Repent! Repent!'

-- William Drummond (1585-1649), Scots poet and second Laird of Hawthornden

On St. John the Baptist

To God, eternal Father, sing,
All churches: Let your praises ring,
Because he sent St. John to tell
His twofold Word that tramples hell.

He ordered moral evil purged;
With terror of the law he urged
That all repent of pride, in fear—
The Judge would soon be drawing near.

But those cut down by terror’s knife
He called to certain hope of life,
And with his finger marked the Lamb
Of God, who only can undamn.

These things, with adamantine heart,
He taught; the herald played his part,
Proclaiming that the King would come
As dawn foretells the rising sun.

The Pharisees could not grind down
The hero’s spirit. He was found
To be Elijah, come again
To castigate their two-faced sin.

You, highest Father, we implore
To raise our weary hearts once more,
So that we truly can believe
St. John’s divine testimony.

-- Philip Melanchthon (1497-1560), German Lutheran theologian, educator, and poet,  tr. by E. J. Hutchinson. Image by Hieroymous Bosch.

The original Latin is here:

De S. Iohanne Baptista, Iambicum Dimetrum.

Aeterno gratias patri
Omnes canant Ecclesiae,
Quod nuncium verbi sui
Iohannem nobis miserit.

Hic mores exui malos
Iussit, metuque Iudicis
Mox adfuturi terruit
Superbas mentes omnium.

Rursusque perculsos metu,
In spem vitae certam vocat,
Et monstrat agnum digito
Qui placat unicus Deum.

Haec ille firmo pectore
Docet, et Christum praedicat
Venire, ceu Solem novum,
Prodire aurora nunciat.

Nec Pharisaei spiritum
Fregerunt ingentem viri,
Helias alter hic fuit,
Hypocritas tunc arguit.

Te summe rogamus pater,
Ut corda nostra suscites,
Ut vere possint credere
Iohannis testimonio.

Prayer Service for Election Day 2024

 

The Golden Rule, Norman Rockwell, 1961, 

Donated to the United Nations Headquarters from the United States of America

Prayer Service for Election Day

November 5, 2024

8:00 am online

St. Martin’s Episcopal Church,

Ellisville, MO

 

 

Breathe and Center Yourself at the Ringing of the Bell.

Opening Words

Celebrant:   God is Spirit, 

and those who worship must worship in spirit and in truth.          (John 4:24)

People:       We are no longer strangers and sojourners, but citizens together 

with the Saints and members of the household of God.        (Ephesians 2:19)

Celebrant:   Let us pray.

 

Collect for an Election    (in unison)                                              BCP, p. 822

Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: 

Guide the people of the United States 

and of this community

in the election of officials and representatives; 

that, by faithful administration and wise laws, 

the rights of all may be protected 

and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; 

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

The Readings

 

A Reading from the Book of Isaiah.                                          Isaiah 58:6-12

 

Is not this the fast that I choose:
   to loose the bonds of injustice,
   to undo the thongs of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
   and to break every yoke? 
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
   and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover them,
   and not to hide yourself from your own kin? 
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
   and your healing shall spring up quickly;
your vindicator shall go before you,
   the glory of the Lord shall be your rearguard. 
Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
   you shall cry for help, and God will say, Here I am. 

If you remove the yoke from among you,
   the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, 
if you offer your food to the hungry
   and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness
   and your gloom be like the noonday. 
The Lord will guide you continually,
   and satisfy your needs in parched places,
   and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
   like a spring of water,
   whose waters never fail. 
Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
   you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
   the restorer of streets to live in. 

 

Reader:       The Word of the Lord.

People:       Thanks be to God.

 

 

Canticle N   (In Unison)             A Song of God’s Love                           1 John 4:7-11

 

Beloved, let us love one another, 

for love is of God. 

Whoever does not love does not know God, 

for God is Love. 

In this the love of God was revealed among us, 

that God sent God’s only Son into the world, 

so that we might live through Jesus Christ. 

In this is love, not that we loved God but that God loved us 

and sent God’s son that sins might be forgiven. 

Beloved, since God loved us so much, 

we are also to love one another. 

For if we love one another, God abides in us, 

and God's love will be perfected in us. 

 

 

A Reading from the Gospel of Matthew.                         Matthew 20:25-28

Priest:         The Holy Gospel of Our Savior Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

 

But Jesus called them over and said, “You know that those who rule the Gentiles show off their authority over them and their high-ranking officials order them around.  But that’s not the way it will be with you. Whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant. Whoever wants to be first among you will be your slave— just as the Human One didn’t come to be served but rather to serve and to give his life to liberate many people.”

 

Reader:         The Word of the Lord.

People:        Thanks be to God.

 

The Prayers

 

A Litany for Sound Government                                             from Forward Movement

 

Intercessor: O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.

People:       Lord, keep this nation under your care.

 

Intercessor: To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.

People:       Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

 

Intercessor: To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.

People:       Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

 

Intercessor: To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.

People:       Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

 

Intercessor:  And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.

All:             For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen.

 

Presider:

Almighty God, 

the source of all wisdom,

give grace to all those who will vote in the election,

and bless with your spirit of humility and charity

all who will be elected to public office.

Make your kingdom of love visible among us,

and make all things subject to your just and gentle rule,

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers for an Election

Written by The Rev. Shannon Kelly, Director Department of Faith Formation, The Episcopal Church

 

Celebrant:

Loving God, Creator of this world, who is our source of our wisdom and understanding, watch over this nation during this time of election. Help us to see how our faith informs our principles and actions.

Intercessor: God, our Creator,

People:       Guide us in truth and love.

 

Intercessor: We give thanks for the right to vote. Help us to hold this privilege and responsibility with the care and awareness it merits, realizing that our vote matters and that it is an act of faith.

Intercessor: God, our Creator,

People:       Guide us in truth and love.

 

Intercessor: Guide us through this election as a nation, state, and community as we vote for people to do work on our behalf and on the behalf of our communities. Help us to vote for people and ballot initiatives that will better our community and our world so it may reflect the values Christ taught us.

Intercessor: God, our Creator,

People:       Guide us in truth and love.

 

Intercessor: Help us create communities that will build your kingdom here on earth – communities that will protect the poor, stand up for the vulnerable, advocate for those who are not seen and heard, and listen to everyone’s voice.

Intercessor: God, our Creator,

People:       Guide us in truth and love.

 

Intercessor: We pray for this nation that is deeply divided. May we come together for the common good and do as you have called us to do – to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you through creation.

Intercessor: God, our Creator,

People:       Guide us in truth and love.

 

Intercessor: Help us act out of love, mercy and justice rather than out of arrogance or fear.

Intercessor: God, our Creator,

People:       Guide us in truth and love.

 

Intercessor: Lord, continue to guide us as we work for the welfare of this world. We pray for places that are torn by violence, that they may know peace.

Intercessor: God, our Creator,

People:       Guide us in truth and love.

 

Intercessor: We pray for communities who are struggling with inequality, unrest, and fear. May we all work toward reconciliation with one another and with God.

Intercessor: God, our Creator,

People:       Guide us in truth and love.

 

Intercessor: Help us to listen in love, work together in peace, and collaborate with one another as we seek the betterment of our community and world. 

Intercessor: God, our Creator,

People:       Guide us in truth and love.

 

A Time of Silent Reflection and Intercession from Your Heart is Observed.

 

Confession

Priest:   Let us reflect, and confess our sins against God and our neighbor

 

All:

Almighty God, Source of all that is, Giver of every good gift: 

You create all people in your image 

and call us to love one another as you love us. 

We confess that we have failed to honor you 

in the great diversity of the human family. 

We have desired to live in freedom, 

while building walls between ourselves and others. 

We have longed to be known and accepted for who we are, 

while making judgements of others based on the color of skin, 

or the shape of features, 

or the varieties of human experience. 

We have tried to love our neighbors individually 

while yet benefitting from systems 

that hold those same neighbors in oppression. 

 

Forgive us, Holy God.

Give us eyes to see you as you are revealed in all people.

Strengthen us for the work of reconciliation rooted in love.

Restore us in your image, to be beloved community,

united in our diversity, 

even as you are one with Christ and the Spirit,

Holy and undivided Trinity,

now and forever. Amen.

 

The Priest then offers absolution and assurance of God’s grace and love:

May Almighty God have mercy on us,

grant us courage and conviction,

and strengthen us to love others who are unlike us.

May God, the holy and undivided Trinity,

make us compassionate in our actions

and courageous in our works,

that we may see Christ's Beloved Community in our own day. Amen.

Collect for Social Justice                                                           BCP p. 823

Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit 

may so move every human heart 

and especially the hearts of the people of this land, 

that barriers which divide us may crumble, 

suspicions disappear, 

and hatreds cease; 

that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; 

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Collect for Our Country (read responsorially)                          Diocese of Missouri

O God, where hearts are fearful and constricted, 

grant courage and hope. 

Where anxiety is infectious and widening, 

grant peace and reassurance. 

Where impossibilities close every door and window, 

grant imagination and resistance. 

Where distrust twists our thinking, 

grant healing and illumination. 

Where spirits are daunted and weakened, 

grant soaring wings and strengthened dreams; 

in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

The Blessing 

Live without fear: 

your creator has made you holy,

has always protected you,

and loves you as a mother.

 

Go out into the world in peace;

have courage;

hold on to what is good;

return no one evil for evil;

strengthen the faint hearted;

support the weak, and help the suffering;

honor all people;

love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

Go in peace to follow the good road,

and may the blessing of God Almighty be with you always:

In the name of the Creator, and the Redeemer, and the Life Giving Spirit.

Amen.

 

 

Dismissal

Celebrant:   Go in peace, to love and serve the Lord.

People:       Thanks be to God.

Broadcast On Facebook Live on November 5, 2024 at 8:00 am

Psalm

With coals of juniper, Lord, with ripped willow clumps,
with lodge-pole pine and fir, with wind-wrack and slash,
I kindle an all-night fire to mirror You.
No longer waning, no longer falsifying chimes.
No longer smoking out rot, or eclipsing Yeshiva scholars.
No Lord I know what is within magnified.
Stars will just have to wait to eddy through gates of night.
Little swirl, mimicking nebulae, mimicking galaxies, which turns
for no apparent reason other than to cast and recast the whole
as it whirs and whirls, knocks and ticks at three am
in a snit to proclaim itself not as You but it in You.
If I can strut a note, can rack wobbly pins,
balance rocks into signposts, waves into a grass mass or two,
it will hear itself structuring time. This oddly chopped
watched dimension quarters us into early middle late.
Each day scans and wanes, some hope knowing its moaning
is mourning what it erases. The and stamped by the sea
each second. Be with it and what it erases ceases to toll.

-- Emily Warn (1953- ), poet, teacher, and Orthodox Jew, founding editor of poetry foundation.org; and former programmer at Microsoft

The Armful

For every parcel I stoop down to seize
I lose some other off my arms and knees,
And the whole pile is slipping, bottles, buns —
Extremes too hard to comprehend at once,
Yet nothing I should care to leave behind.
With all I have to hold with hand and mind
And heart, if need be, I will do my best
To keep their building balanced at my breast.
I crouch down to prevent them as they fall;
Then sit down in the middle of them all.
I had to drop the armful in the road
And try to stack them in a better load.

-- Robert Frost

Scripture reference: Mark 10:37-51, Proper 23 B