St. Paul's Within the Walls

ST. PAUL’S WITHIN THE WALLS

The Presentation of Our Lord

Children and Youth Sunday

Sung Eucharist, 2nd February 2020

10.30 English

Presider & Preacher: The Rev. Austin K. Rios

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To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints:

GRACE TO YOU, AND PEACE FROM GOD OUR FATHER AND THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Romans 1:7

The Holy Eucharist Rite II

ORGAN PRELUDE: Johann Sebastian Bach - Toccata in E Major Stefano Vasselli, Organ

WORDS OF WELCOME

Welcome, visitors! To let us know about your visit today, please take a moment to fill out our white welcome card located in the pew box, and place it in the Offering Plate.

We welcome the chance to know you individually, and to support you in your journey of faith.

Thank you for joining us in worship this morning!

Please take one of our welcome prayer postcards from the pew box to share with your home community or to give to a friend who we might welcome. We have also prepared a visitor´s guide to our church, information about its primary mission, The Joel Nafuma Refugee Center (JNRC), and an envelope for your offering or tithe, should you wish to receive a receipt of your gift.

Restrooms are located downstairs. under the sanctuary. For directions or accessibility assistance, please see the welcome team members at the entrance to the church.

We have children´s activities available at any time during the service in our children´s corner area. Children of all ages are also welcome to take the children´s activity bulletin and crayons into the pews to share with families.

As you prepare for today, we invite you to help us to maintain our sanctuary of contemplative space by refraining from flash photography or loud conversations.

And finally, we ask that you carry our greetings and prayers with you as you return home, be that here in Rome or to further destinations.

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ENTRANCE HYMN: In the cross of Christ I glory Hymnal 1982, #441 All stand and sing.

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THE ACCLAMATION & COLLECT FOR PURITY The Book of Common Prayer, p. 355

Presider: Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. People: And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

Presider: 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.

GLORIA IN EXCELSIS The Hymnal 1982, #S-278 All remain standing and sing together.

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THE COLLECT OF THE DAY The Book of Common Prayer, p.233

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

lmighty and everliving God, we humbly pray that, as your only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple, so we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts by Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Please be seated for the readings and the psalm.

OLD TESTAMENT READING Malachi 3:1-4

Reader: A reading from Malachi.

hus says the Lord, See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight-- indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of

hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?

For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

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

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THE PSALM Psalm 84 Quam dilecta! All remain seated and sing together with the choir.

1 How dear to me is your dwelling, O / Lord of / hosts! * My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh re-/joice in the / living / God. 2 The sparrow has found her a house and the swallow a nest where she may / lay her / young; * by the side of your altars, O Lord of hosts, my / KING / and my / God.

3 Happy are they who / dwell in your / house! * they will / always 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 desolate valley will find it a / place of / springs, * for the early rains have / covered it with / pools of / water. 6 They will climb from / height to / height, * and the God of gods will re-/veal him-/self in / Zion.

7 Lord God of hosts, / hear my / prayer; * -- / hearken, O / God of / Jacob. 8 Behold our de-/fender, O / God; * and look upon the / face of / you’re a-/nointed.

9 For one day in your courts is better than a thousand in my / OWN / room, * and to stand at the threshold of the house of my God than to / dwell in the / tents of the / wicked. 10 For the Lord God is both / sun and / shield; * -- / he will give / grace and / glory;

11 No good thing will the / Lord with-/hold * from / those who / walk with in-/tegrity. 12 O / Lord of / hosts, * happy are they who / put their / trust in / you!

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NEW TESTAMENT LESSON Hebrews 2:14-18 All remain seated.

Reader: A reading from the letter to the Hebrews.

ince God's children share flesh and blood, Jesus himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by

the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

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

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GOSPEL HYMN: Christ is the world’s true light Hymnal 1982, #542 All stand and sing.

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THE GOSPEL Luke 2:22-40 NRSV All remain standing.

Gospeller: The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Luke. People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

hen the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated

as holy to the Lord"), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

"Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."

And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed-- and a sword will pierce your own soul too."

There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

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

THE SERMON The Rev. Austin K. Rios All are seated.

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THE NICENE CREED Stefano Vasselli All stand, and sing together.

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THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Stand or kneel for the prayers. In the pauses we invite you to pray aloud or in silence.

Leader:

Knit together with Mary, the Mother of God; Simeon; Anna; and all the righteous, let us offer our prayers, responding to each petition, Kyrie eleison.

In thanksgiving for Azam, Maryam and Ramila, newly baptized in this Church, and Ava, also newly baptized; that they and all our young people may grow in the mystery of faith, rooted in God’s Word, participants in the Holy Meal, honored by the community of the baptized, and participants in the life of the Church;

We pause for your own thanksgivings and petitions, aloud or in silence.

For this we pray. Kyrie eleison.

In thanksgiving for those who give sacrificially to God’s mission throughout the world; and for Justin, Francis, Michael, Mark, Ian, Rob, Francisco, Austin; for the Vestry and people of St. Paul’s Within the Walls, that they may continue supporting creative programs and good works, ministering to those in need, and revealing the divine kingdom in our time;

We pause for your own petitions, aloud or in silence.


That we may acknowledge our individual suffering, seeing the presence of Christ in the midst of our despair, and helping others who are expecting their time of testing; and that our friends may find relief from pain and sickness - Denise, Maria, Peter, Vera, Isabella, Anna, Pier Francesco, Isabella, Maria Teresa, Ben, Larry, Joan, Zan, Dominic, Beryl, Giesela, Kenny, and Andy;

We pause to remember those who have requested our prayers, aloud or in silence.


That those who live in slavery may be freed from their bondage, especially the victims of human trafficking, children throughout the world, and all who are innocent victims of the evil ways of others;



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In thanksgiving for foster parents, who bring hope to young people who long for stable and loving family life; that they may be worthy of the trust invested in them;



That all who are dying may depart this life in peace, trusting in Christ’s promise of eternal life; for those who have died, especially Jean-Pierre, and for those who mourn, that they may find hope and comfort in you;



Gathered together with all who serve with joy in the house of the Lord, let us continue our prayers.

THE COLLECT AFTER THE PRAYERS

Presider: Almighty and eternal God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth: Mercifully accept the prayers of your people, and strengthen us to do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

CONFESSION OF SIN AND ABSOLUTION The Book of Common Prayer, p.360

Presider: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor:

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.

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Presider: 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

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

Please take this time to greet and to receive all those around you in the name of peace and reconciliation. The community at St. Paul´s often takes an extended moment to share this peace

widely; you are free to remain standing or to be seated, as you are able.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE OFFERTORY If you would like to make a one-time or recurring donation by credit card, please visit our website: www.stpaulsrome.it/donate or simply scan the code on

the right.

In the pew box in front of you there are three tokens to represent how you’ve given to God through St. Paul’s this week. All of us have gifts to give. Some give their time and commitment, some give their talents, and some give their treasure. All gifts are welcome and

needed for our corporate health, and since our church is not financed by the state or larger church bodies, we need your support to keep moving forward in faith. Please give generously and put one or more of the tokens in the offering plates so that all our gifts may be represented and lifted up together.

OFFERTORY ANTHEM: C. Wood - Nunc dimittis servum tuum

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; To be a light to lighten the Gentiles and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

(The Song of Simeon – Luke 2:29-32)

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THE GREAT THANKSGIVING Sung Eucharistic Prayer A The Book of Common Prayer, p.372

Presider: 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:

SANCTUS Hymnal 1982, #S-130

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All are invited to stand or kneel after the Sanctus.

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 hims 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 or 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."

MEMORIAL ACCLAMATION The Hymnal 1982, #S-133

Presider: 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.

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THE LORD’S PRAYER The Book of Common Prayer, p.364

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

All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. 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

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

FRACTION ANTHEM The Hymnal 1982, #S-171

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THE MINISTRATION OF COMMUNION

Presider: The gifts of God for the people of God.

All baptized Christians of any denomination are invited to come forward to participate fully in Communion. Baptized children may receive at the discretion of their parents.

If you do not wish to take either of the elements of communion you may come forward for a blessing, indicated by crossing your arms over your chest. Gluten-free communion wafers are

available; please raise your hand at the altar rail to receive one.

COMMUNION MOTET: Camille Saint-Saëns - Quam dilecta (Psalm 84)

POST COMMUNION PRAYER The Book of Common Prayer, p.366 All stand and pray together.

Presider: Let us pray.

People: 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 as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

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THE BLESSING OF THE PEOPLE

Presider: May Almighty God, who led the Wise Men by the shining of a star to find the Christ, the Light from Light, lead you also, in your pilgrimage, to find the Lord. Amen.

May God, who sent the Holy Spirit to rest upon the Only- begotten at his baptism in the Jordan River, pour out that Spirit on you who have come to the waters of new birth. Amen.

May God, by the power that turned water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana, transform your lives and make glad your hearts. Amen.

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

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RECESSIONAL HYMN: Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord Hymnal 1982, #437 All stand, and sing together

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DISMISSAL The Book of Common Prayer, p.366

Presider: Let us go forth in the name of Christ! Alleluia, alleluia! People: Thanks be to God! Alleluia, alleluia!

POSTLUDE: Johann Sebastian Bach - Fugue in E Major Stefano Vasselli, Organist

All are welcome to sit and listen to the postlude,

or join us in the back of the church for coffee, snacks, and conversation.

St. Paul’s Within the Walls

EPISCOPAL CHURCH, ROME

Rector: The Rev. Austin K. Rios

Via Napoli 58, 00184 Roma (RM) Office: +39 06 488 3339

Office Hours: Mon - Fri 09.00 to 15.30 www.stpaulsrome.it

St. Paul’s Within the Walls is a member of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe (similar to a diocese), which is part of The Episcopal Church, a branch of the Anglican Communion. The Rt. Rev. Mark Edington is Bishop-in-Charge; The Most Rev. Michael Curry is our Presiding Bishop. Vestry Members 2019-2020: Mona Bishay, Vincenzo Racana, Rhonda Abouhana, Nancy Aburto, Merritt

Cluff, Bob Fritz, Yvette Manigold and Virginia Valencia.

#StPaulsWithinTheWalls @StPaulsWithin @stpaulswithinthewalls

St. Paul's Within the Walls

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