St. Francis Church

St. Francis Church

A New Christian Community for the Goodlettsville Area

The Right Reverend John C. Bauerschmidt--Bishop of Tennessee The Reverend Joseph B. Howard--Vicar

Order of Worship

St. Francis Church is a community dedicated to the transformation of lives through the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the Kingdom of God. The Third Sunday after Epiphany Year B

A congregation of the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee and the world-wide Anglican Communion

A note for visitors: We’re thankful that you could join us for worship today, and we pray God blesses you in your time here. The service is printed in your bulletin. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask someone around you! St. Francis Church we want to encourage families to worship together. In order to be a community where all ages feel welcome, we provide coloring materials for children to use during worship and seek to understand the specific gifts and challenges that children bring. We encourage you, should you feel comfortable doing so, to sit toward the front with your children, as little-ones are often more attentive if they can see what is happening. After the second reading, children 6 years old and below are invited to take part in children’s chapel. We understand that there may be times when it is best to take advantage of child care, and nursury is provided. In Preparation for worship: We invite you to take a few moments before the service begins to be still, and rest from the business of your lives. Take time to breathe deeply, and reflect upon the past week, preparing yourself to come before God in worship. When you’re ready, you might say the following prayer or one like it in preparation for worship. O Almighty God, who pours out on all who desire it the spirit of grace and of supplication: Deliver us, when we draw near to you, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affections we may worship you in spirit and in truth; though Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

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Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Celebrant: Let us pray. Collect of the Day: ive us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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First Reading: All sit.

Jonah reluctantly travels to Ninevah and warns the citizens of God’s judgment. When they heed his warning and repent, God spares them. A reading from the Book of Jonah:

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word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days’ walk across. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth. When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it. he

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

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The Psalm of the day: Remain seated

Psalm 62:6-14 6     7     8     9     10     11     12       13     14  



For God alone my soul in silence waits; * truly, my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, * my stronghold, so that I shall not be shaken. In God is my safety and my honor; * God is my strong rock and my refuge. Put your trust in him always, O people, * pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge. Those of high degree are but a fleeting breath, * even those of low estate cannot be trusted. On the scales they are lighter than a breath, * all of them together. Put no trust in extortion; in robbery take no empty pride; * though wealth increase, set not your heart upon it. God has spoken once, twice have I heard it, * that power belongs to God. Steadfast love is yours, O Lord, * for you repay everyone according to his deeds. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Second Reading:

Paul is convinced that the end of the age is close at hand, and urges disciples to remain free from worldly concerns. Followers of Christ should concentrate on doing God’s work. A Reading from the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians.

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brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who have wives be as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no possessions, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away. Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. The Children Come forward for prayer, and then depart for Children’s Chapel All stand. 6

Alleluia:

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Mark 1:14-20

Holy Gospel:

Jesus begins his ministry, preaching that God’s kingdom is near. Simon and his brother Andrew respond by leaving everything and following Jesus. Later James and his brother John do the same. Gospeller: People:

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The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to _______. Glory to you, Lord Christ.

after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea-- for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him. ow

Gospeller: The Gospel of the Lord People: Praise to you, Lord Christ Repeat Alleluia: Sermon:

(see above) The Rt. Rev. John C. Bauerschmidt

The Nicene Creed

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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, e

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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. The Prayers of the People Please kneel or stand as best helps you to pray. Leader: In peace, we pray to you, Lord God. Silence For all people in their daily life and work; People: For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.

For this community, the nation, and the world; For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.



For the just and proper use of your creation; For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.



For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble; For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.



For the peace and unity of the Church of God; For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.



For all bishops and other ministers; For all who serve God in his Church. 8



For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.



We pray especially for those whose hearts you are preparing to be part of your work through St. Francis Church. Empower us to seek and serve you.

Silence The People may add their own petitions



Hear us, Lord; For your mercy is great.

We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life. Silence The People may add their own thanksgivings



We will exalt you, O God our King; And praise your Name for ever and ever.

We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom. Silence The People may add their own petitions



Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them; Who put their trust in you.



We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.

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Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; in your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone; and so uphold us by your Spirit that we may live and serve you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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. All stand

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

Then the Ministers and the People may greet one another in the name of the Lord. 9

Announcements

# The Holy Communion # The loose offering today will go to the Bishop’s discressionary fund to aid his work in the Diocese. Please give generously to this ministry.

Offertory Music: instrumental, chosen by the musician.

Representatives of the congregation bring the people’s offering of bread and wine, and money or other gifts, to the celebrant. The people stand while the offerings are presented and placed on the Altar.

Celebrant: People: Celebrant: People: Celebrant: People:

The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. Because in the mystery of the Word made flesh, you have caused a new light to shine in our hearts, to give the knowledge of your glory in the face of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 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: The Sanctus:

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Please stand or kneel at this time, as best helps you to pray.

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Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world. On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.” Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom. All this we ask 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. AMEN. And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread

Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia. The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving. 11

ON RECEIVING COMMUNION: All baptized Christians who are in love and charity with their neighbors are invited to the Lord’s table. If you do not wish to receive, you are invited to come forward for a blessing in the name of Christ—simply cross your arms over your chest to let the servers know that you will not be receiving. Prayers before receiving can be found on pages 337 (the Prayer of Humble Access) and 834 in the Book of Common Prayer (the red books available under your chairs). Communion hymn: Taize

Post-Communion Prayer After Communion, the Celebrant says:

Let us Pray The minister and people together, pray:

Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you 12

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8 A Note on Today’s Readings Third Sunday of Epiphany, Year B Welcome to St. Francis Church. Today we continue the seasonal theme of Jesus’ manifestation (“epiphany”) as the Son of God. John the Baptist’s arrest ended his ministry, and now Jesus returns to Galilee and begins his public ministry with the call to repent and the calling of his first disciples. Thus, he announced that in him God’s kingdom has been initiated. The Old Testament reading is a call to the people to repent and return to God. God promises that if the people do repent then all nations will be blessed. We continue to read a portion of 1 Corinthians, as we do each Epiphany season. The church, Paul teaches, is the ongoing epiphany of Christ in the world. As the sign of the imminence of God’s kingdom, the church, he says, and its members should live as though there will be no tomorrow. Paul urges that Christians continue to live in the state of life in which they presently find themselves. This passage has provoked debate through the centuries over the question of slavery. Most Christians feel that these words should not be treated as an absolute rule, in light of the fact that the end did not come immediately, as Paul had first thought it would. Nevertheless, his underlying principle does apply: live always in preparation for the end. We celebrate in the community of faith as those living in the in-between times. We are at once the disciples of the Lord and his Body in the world, and yet sinners who are called to repent. We celebrate the Eucharist remembering his death and proclaiming his resurrection, but also looking for his coming again. From The Rite Light: Reflections on the Sunday Readings and Seasons of the Church Year. Copyright © 2007 by Michael W. Merriman. Church Publishing Incorporated, New York.

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Good News Daily Volume IX

(

January 4–10, 2009

Number 1

Sunday, January 25 Hebrews 10:19-31 And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds. (v.24 NRSV) Provoke: to arouse to a feeling or action to call forth (as a feeling or action) to provide the needed stimulus for I was provoked by a trusted friend to get on a roof as we repaired a house after a hurricane. My supervisor in chaplaincy training provoked me to help a man face his impending death instead of just making a nice pastoral visit. My husband provoked me to go on missions in towns and cities where I dared not get seriously ill. In retrospect, I appreciate their provoking me—maybe not so much at the time. If we belong to Christ, the one who truly does the provoking is His Holy Spirit. We, however, are called to assist Him in the lives of those we touch as they listen and go forth. Isaiah 47:1-15; Psalms 63:1-11, 98; John 5:2-18 Monday, January 26 Galatians 1:1-17 Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were already apostles before me, but I went away at once to Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus. (v.17) A writer suggests that this solitude in Arabia was an opportunity for Paul to “grasp with his intellect what he had accepted in his soul.” As he took a deep look at the Jewish scriptures with his newly opened eyes, all was different. The prophecies of the Messiah must have come alive as he followed each line with his fingertips. Solitude with the Bible is a time when, if we really pay attention, God is able to put newness into our hearts from His Word. Paul stayed alone for an extended period of time. For us, time to settle down, separate ourselves from the demands of daily life, and put ourselves into a frame of mind to truly hear Him from His Word may be a challenge. Think about putting “a retreat” on your calendar or in your day timer. Then follow through. Isaiah 48:1-11; Psalms 41, 52; Mark 5:21-43 Tuesday, January 27 Mark 6:1-13 On the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands!” (v.2) The people in the synagogue had an appreciation for wisdom. Wise King Solomon was one of their heroes. The book of Proverbs, in their literature, was “for learning about wisdom and instruction and understanding words of insight” (Proverbs 1:2). But this was a hometown man who had played with them, learned by their side. The only way they could accept his wisdom was to believe that He and the Father God were one (John 14:11). Then they could have known that Proverbs 2:6 had come true in their own ears: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” I accept that Jesus and the Father are One. I know that the Lord is the source of all wisdom. Yet, I am prone to look to earthly wisdom first, when The Source is waiting for me to listen and obey. Teach me, Lord. Isaiah 48:12-21; Psalm 45; Galatians 1:18—2:10 Wednesday, January 28 Isaiah 49:1-12 “I will give you as a light to the nations that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” (v.6b) 15

Jesus repeated this idea when He said to His followers that they were to be light in the world (Matthew 5:14). There are many nations beyond our own which need the light of His love and His salvation. Last year, high school students from our church went to Jamaica. They will go again this summer. Here’s why in their own words: “I am returning to Jamaica this summer because I feel God has called me to go,” says a young woman. A young man says, “I am returning to Jamaica to get closer to God while helping people. I am excited to re-experience Jamaica.” More youth have caught the vision and will go with the returnees. How good it is to have another nation imprinted on their hearts at such a young age. They have many years to shine in our needy world. If God calls a nation to mind for you, stop and pray for those people that their hearts may be turned to Christ. Psalm 119:49-72; Galatians 2:11-21; Mark 6:13-29 Thursday, January 29 Isaiah 49:13-23 Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. (v.15) Not responsible for laundry left over thirty days! Scratch and Dent Sale. Rejects and Overruns. Obsolete. Last year’s models. Slightly flawed. Grab Bag! Seconds. Replaced colors. Bolt Ends. No offer rejected. Lemon Sale! Layaways not picked up in sixty days will be returned to stock. Seventyfive percent off. Shopworn. We live in a world of undervalued things and objects which are “never called for” just forgotten. Sometimes we are tempted to feel that way about ourselves. Tell me once again, Isaiah, that I’m the beloved of God. Psalm 50; Galatians 3:1-14; Mark 6:30-46 Friday, January 30 Mark 6:47-56 When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about the whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. (vv.54-55) “Well,” I thought, “I’ll never get these devotionals written if my phone doesn’t quit ringing.” Then, I really paid attention to these two verses. My callers were sharing their needs or the needs of family members or friends. They were telling stories of brokenness, stories of new hope, stories full of pain. Each person asked for prayer. I realized that intercessory prayer was like “bringing the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was.” Blessed interruptions! They trusted me with their pain, trusting that I would not try to “fix it,” but would join them in bringing everything to Him, the healer, in prayer. Isaiah 50:1-11; Psalms 40, 54; Galatians 3:15-22 Saturday, January 31 Mark 7:1-23 Thus making void the word of God through your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many things like this. (v.13) Have you ever gotten your cleaning stuff out to wipe a smudge off your wall, and then seen another smudge, and then another? Sometimes, you just decide you will have to repaint the whole room. Jesus is pointing out a big smudge (sin) in the lives of his listeners. They are disregarding their parents, ignoring their welfare in total abandonment of the commandment of “honoring your father and mother.” But that was just the tip of the iceberg. He added, “And you do many things like this.” So maybe He figured, “There are so many smudges, I will just have to repaint the whole room.” And He did. 1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Isaiah 51:1-8; Psalm 55; Galatians 3:23-29 by Carolyn Byrd

Used with permission from the BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP P. O. Box 380, Winter Park, FL 32790 16

Announcements February 6-7th: Hosting St. Joseph of Arimathea’s Vestry retreat (thank you for everyone who signed up to assist in this) February 10th @ 6:30: Mission Council Meeting February 15th: Parish Annual Meeting after the 10:30 service

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Bishop of Tennessee The Rt. Rev. John C. Bauerschmidt Vicar The Rev. Joseph B. Howard Mission Council Ralph Eddy Linda Palmer Thom Chittom Shelley Sircy clerk: Nanci Frey Accompanist Anna Howard

Schedule of Ministry: Celebrant & Preacher: The Rev. Joseph B. Howard Reader: Thom Chittom Acolyte/Crucifer: Adam Waltenbaugh Prayer Station: Linda Palmer Oblationers: Chalicist: Shelley Sircy To check the schedule online, visit: http://stfrancis-tn.net and go to congregational resources-->schedule

To get in touch with Fr. Jody for any reason, you can reach him at 615-440-6492 or via email at frjody@stfrancis-tn. net. _______________________________________________________________________________ St. Francis Church Biblically minded. Mission driven. 812 Meadowlark Ln PO Box 697 Goodlettsville, TN 37072 Phone: 851-0790 http://stfrancis-tn.net Cover Image: Christ calls Andrew and Peter by Duccio di Buoninsegna (c.1250/60-1318) Wood cuts from: Pitts Theological Library Digital Image Archive Color images from: Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN, https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-search.pl CCLI License No. 2334637

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