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Is it okay to wrestle with God? To doubt, to question, to demand a blessing before you let go? In this sermon for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, The Rev. Craig Swan turns to Jacob's night at the Jabbok (Genesis 32:22–31) — the moment his past finally catches up with him, and he is left alone to wrestle with a stranger until daybreak. Fr. Craig traces this as both a physical struggle and a spiritual one: will Jacob run from the consequences of his choices, or step into the role he schemed his way into? He connects Jacob's limp — carried away "injured but secure" — to Paul's own hard-won faith in 2 Timothy, arguing that the "victor's crown" was never about accomplishment, but about never letting go of trust through doubt and darkness. The sermon closes with an invitation: growing into a mature faith means moving past childhood certainty and owning a faith tested by our own struggle — just like Jacob at Peniel. Scripture Readings Genesis 32:22–31 — Jacob wrestles with God at the JabbokPsalm 17:1–7, 15 — "Show me your marvelous, loving-kindness, O Savior"Romans 9:1–5 — Paul's anguish for his own peopleMatthew 14:13–21 — Feeding of the five thousand St. Peter's by-the-Sea is an Episcopal Church in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Sunday worship rooted in Anglican liturgy, scripture, and thoughtful preaching. Plan a visit: https://www.stpetersbythesea.com

What does it mean to treat every person as made in the image of God? In his sermon at St. Peter's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Narragansett, Rhode Island, Bishop Nicholas Knisely unpacks Matthew 10:40-42 — Jesus' promise that even the smallest act of kindness, a cup of cold water offered in his name, carries an extraordinary reward. Bishop Knisely makes the case that true kindness flows not from what someone has done to deserve it, but from who they are in relationship with God. Every human being carries the image of God, and if we could see each other the way angels do, we would treat every person with the dignity that is already theirs. His challenge: start with your neighborhood. Treat people as worthy of respect not because of how they vote, what they believe, or how they behave — but simply because they are human and they are a child of God.

What does it mean to receive peace from someone you failed? On the Second Sunday of Easter, Fr. Craig Swan preaches on one of the most striking moments in John's Gospel: the risen Christ walking through locked doors to stand before the disciples who had abandoned him — and offering not judgment, but peace. Fr. Craig explores the shame the disciples carried on that first Easter evening, why forgiveness is less about the other person than about freeing yourself, and how the church's long history of division stands in direct tension with the risen Christ's first words: Peace be with you. The sermon closes with a challenge for this congregation and this moment: in a time marked by conflict and the need to be right, can we choose relationship over certainty? Scripture Readings Acts 2:14a, 22–32 — Peter's witness to the resurrectionPsalm 16 — "You will not abandon me to the grave"1 Peter 1:3–9 — A living hope through resurrectionJohn 20:19–31 — The risen Christ appears; Thomas's doubt and faith St. Peter's by-the-Sea is an Episcopal Church in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Sunday worship rooted in Anglican liturgy, scripture, and thoughtful preaching. Plan a visit: https://www.stpetersbythesea.com

On the night of April 4, 2026, St. Peter's by-the-Sea gathered in darkness to proclaim that Easter doesn't begin after the darkness lifts — it begins inside it. The Rt. Rev. Nicholas Knisely, Bishop of Rhode Island, delivered the sermon for this year's Great Vigil of Easter. Drawing on the witness of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Bishop Knisely distinguishes between optimism — "I think things will get better" — and hope: the conviction that God is not finished. In a world of war, fear, and exhaustion, he argues that the resurrection was not wish fulfillment. It shattered categories. It was an act of God that no one planned, predicted, or could have arranged — and that death could not undo. The service includes the ancient Exsultet, five Old Testament readings tracing God's saving acts from Creation through the Valley of Dry Bones, the renewal of Baptismal Vows, the Epistle from Romans 6, and the Easter Gospel from Matthew 28. Fr. Craig Swan leads the Prayers of the People. Scripture: Genesis 1, Genesis 7–9, Exodus 14–15, Isaiah 55, Ezekiel 37, Romans 6:3–11, Matthew 28:1–10 Keywords: Easter Vigil, Episcopal Church, Bishop Nicholas Knisely, Rhode Island, resurrection, hope, Desmond Tutu, Great Vigil of Easter, Narragansett, St. Peter's by-the-Sea

What if the crowd on Palm Sunday wasn't wrong to shout "Hosanna" -- they just didn't know how big the answer would be? On the Sunday of the Passion, we hold two moments at once: the joy of Jesus entering Jerusalem to shouts of "Hosanna to the Son of David!" and the weight of the full Passion Gospel (Matthew 26:14 -- 27:66), read dramatically by the congregation. In his sermon, Fr. Craig Swan reflects on the word "Hosanna" -- which simply means "save us." The crowd wanted what crowds have always wanted: relief from the immediate problem. For first-century Jerusalem, that meant freedom from Roman occupation, a restored Davidic kingdom. They got something far larger than they bargained for. Fr. Craig draws a line from that ancient disconnect to our own prayer lives today -- the way we tend to pray for the things right in front of us (health, safety, the needs of our loved ones) while missing the greater reality the cross addresses: release from the bondage of sin itself, freedom from the fear of death, and the restoration of the whole world as the Kingdom of God. "We make God our cosmic Santa Claus," he says -- but the cross has already given us the greatest gift. The call of Holy Week is to lift our eyes to the larger picture. Scripture Readings Isaiah 50:4-9a -- The Suffering Servant: "I gave my back to those who struck me"Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord"Philippians 2:5-11 -- "He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death"Matthew 21:1-11 -- The Triumphal Entry into JerusalemMatthew 26:14 -- 27:66 -- The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ Holy Week & Easter at St. Peter's Maundy Thursday, April 2 -- Shared meal 5 PM + Holy Eucharist 6 PM at St. Augustine's, KingstonGood Friday, April 3 -- Stations of the Cross 12 PM; Liturgy 7 PM (joint service with St. Augustine's)Easter Vigil, April 4 at 7 PM -- Deanery-wide event; Bishop presiding and preachingEaster Sunday, April 5 -- Festival Eucharist with brass and timpani St. Peter's by-the-Sea is an Episcopal Church in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Sunday worship rooted in Anglican liturgy, scripture, and thoughtful preaching. Plan a visit: https://www.stpetersbythesea.com

What would it mean to be truly seen — not for your labels, your past, or your failures, but for who you really are? In this sermon for the Third Sunday in Lent, The Rev. Craig Swan explores the story of the Woman at the Well (John 4:5-42) — a Samaritan woman, ostracized by her community, who encounters Jesus at noon by Jacob's Well. Fr. Craig draws a moving parallel between her experience of being fully seen by Christ and a group of Fall River middle schoolers — many carrying labels of poverty, special needs, or family instability — who were cheered by name after their school production of Alice in Wonderland. The sermon's central insight: every one of us carries something that makes us feel unclean, unlovable, or unworthy. The gospel's radical promise is that God sees past every label — and loves what God sees. Scripture Readings John 4:5-42 — The Woman at the Well; "living water"Psalm 139 — "You knit me together in my mother's womb"Jeremiah 1 — "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you"

What does it mean to truly trust God — not just believe in God, but let go of everything you know and step out in faith? In this sermon for the Second Sunday in Lent, The Rev. Craig Swan explores the story of Nicodemus (John 3:1-17) — a leader who comes to Jesus in the night, drawn toward a teacher whose radical message both thrills and unsettles him. Fr. Craig traces the thread of trust across this week’s readings: from Abraham’s astonishing leap of faith at age seventy-five (Genesis 12), to Paul’s declaration that righteousness comes through faith, not works (Romans 4), to Nicodemus standing at the threshold of transformation. The central question of this Lenten season, Fr. Craig reminds us, is the same one God has always asked: Do you trust me? Scripture ReadingsGenesis 12:1–4a — God calls Abram to leave everythingPsalm 121 — “I lift up my eyes to the hills”Romans 4:1–5, 13–17 — Abraham’s faith reckoned as righteousnessJohn 3:1–17 — Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night; “For God so loved the world” Holy Week & Easter at St. Peter’sPalm Sunday, March 29 — 8:00 AM & 10:15 AMMaundy Thursday, April 2 — Shared meal 5 PM + Holy Eucharist 6 PM at St. Augustine’s, KingstonGood Friday, April 3 — Stations of the Cross 12 PM; Liturgy 7 PM (joint service with St. Augustine’s)Easter Vigil, April 4 at 7 PM — Deanery-wide event; Bishop presiding & preachingEaster Sunday, April 5 — Festival Eucharist with brass, timpani & full choir St. Peter’s by-the-Sea is an Episcopal Church in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Sunday worship rooted in Anglican liturgy, scripture, and thoughtful preaching. Plan a visit: https://www.stpetersbythesea.com

First Sunday in Lent The Holy Eucharist Rite One Great Litany, Eucharistic Prayer 1 Sunday, February 22, 2026 The Word of God GREAT LITANY All stand. The People respond with the words in italics. I. Holy God, Creator of heaven and earth. Have mercy on us. Holy and Mighty, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us. Holy Immortal One, Sanctifier of the faithful, Have mercy on us. Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us. II. From all evil and mischief; from pride, vanity and hypocrisy; from envy, hatred and malice; and from all evil intent. Savior, deliver us. From sloth, worldliness and love of money; from hardness of heart and contempt for your word and your laws, Savior, deliver us. From sins of body and mind; from deceits of the world, flesh and the devil, Savior, deliver us. From famine and disaster; from violence, murder, and dying unprepared, Savior, deliver us. In all times of sorrow; in all times of joy; in the hour of our death and at the day of judgment, Savior, deliver us. By the mystery of your holy incarnation; by your birth, childhood and obedience; by your baptism, fasting and temptation, Savior, deliver us. By your ministry in word and work; by your mighty acts of power; by the preaching of your reign, Savior, deliver us. By your agony and trial; by your cross and passion; by your precious death and burial, Savior, deliver us. By your mighty resurrection; by your glorious ascension; and by your sending of the Holy Spirit, Savior, deliver us. III. Hear our prayers, O Christ our God. Hear us, O Christ. Govern and direct your holy Church; fill it with love and truth; and grant it that unity which is your will. Hear us, O Christ. Give us boldness to preach the gospel in all the world, and to make disciples of all the nations. Hear us, O Christ. Enlighten your bishops, priests and deacons, especially Nicholas our Bishop, and Craig our Rector, with knowledge and understanding, that by their teaching and their lives they may proclaim your word. Hear us, O Christ. Give your people grace to witness to your word and bring forth the fruit of your Spirit. Hear us, O Christ. Bring into the way of truth all who have erred and are deceived. Hear us, O Christ. Strengthen those who stand; comfort and help the fainthearted; raise up the fallen; and finally beat down Satan under our feet. Hear us, O Christ. IV. Guide the leaders of the nations into the ways of peace and justice. Hear us, O Christ. Give your wisdom and strength to Donald, the President of the United States, and Daniel the Governor of this state, that in all things they may do your will, for your glory and the common good. Hear us, O Christ. Give to the Congress of the United States, the members of the President’s Cabinet, those who serve in our state legislature, and all others in authority the grace to walk always in the ways of truth. Hear us, O Christ. Bless the justices of the Supreme Court and all those who administer the law, that they may act with integrity and do justice for all your people. Hear us, O Christ. Give us the will to use the resources of the earth to your glory and for the good of all. Hear us, O Christ. Bless and keep all your people, Hear us, O Christ. V. Comfort and liberate the lonely, the bereaved and the oppressed. Hear us, O Christ. Keep in safety those who travel and all who are in peril. Hear us, O Christ. Heal the sick in body, mind or spirit and provide for the homeless, the hungry and the destitute. Hear us, O Christ. Guard and protect all children who are in danger. Hear us, O Christ. Shower your compassion on prisoners, hostages and refugees, and all who are in trouble. Hear us, O Christ. Forgive our enemies, persecutors and slanderers, and turn their hearts. Hear us, O Christ. Hear us as we remember those who have died and grant us with them a share in your eternal glory. Hear us, O Christ. VI. Give us true repentance; forgive us our sins of negligence and ignorance and our deliberate sins; and grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit to amend our lives according to your word. To be sung three times Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One. Have mercy on us. THE COLLECT OF THE DAY (BCP p. 325) Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And with thy spirit. Celebrant Let us pray. Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Lessons FIRST READING Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 The people sit. A Reading from the book of Genesis. The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.” Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God say, ‘You shall not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.’“ But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves. Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. Silence may follow. PSALM Psalm 32 Beati quorum Remain seated. 1 Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, * and whose sin is put away! 2 Happy are they to whom the Lord imputes no guilt, * and in whose spirit there is no guile! 3 While I held my tongue, my bones withered away, * because of my groaning all day long. 4 For your hand was heavy upon me day and night; * my moisture was dried up as in the heat of summer. 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, * and did not conceal my guilt. 6 I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord." * Then you forgave me the guilt of my sin. 7 Therefore all the faithful will make their prayers to you in time of trouble; * when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach them. 8 You are my hiding-place; you preserve me from trouble; * you surround me with shouts of deliverance. 9 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go; * I will guide you with my eye. 10 Do not be like horse or mule, which have no understanding; * who must be fitted with bit and bridle, or else they will not stay near you." 11 Great are the tribulations of the wicked; * but mercy embraces those who trust in the Lord. 12 Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the Lord; * shout for joy, all who are true of heart. SECOND READING Romans 5:12-19 The people sit. A Reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans. As sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned-- sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. Yet death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man's trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. And the free gift is not like the effect of the one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. If, because of the one man's trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much...

ENTRANCE HYMN #135 Songs of Thankfulness and Praise SEQUENCE HYMN #542 Christ Is the World's True Light OFFERTORY ANTHEM Christ, Upon the Mountain Stands (Lehman) COMMUNION ANTHEM Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach) POST-COMMUNION HYMN #137 O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair THE COLLECT OF THE DAY 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 24:12-18 Reader A reading from the Book of Exodus. The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.” So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. To the elders he had said, “Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them.” Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights. Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. PSALM Psalm 99 Dominus regnavit 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 above 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 established equity; * you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob." 5 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God and fall down before his footstool; * he is the Holy One. 6 Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among those who call upon 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 decree that he gave them. 8 O Lord our God, you answered them indeed; * 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 Peter 1:16-21 Reader A Reading from the second letter of Peter. We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain. So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. GOSPEL Matthew 17:1-9 Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. People Glory to you, Lord Christ. Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” Priest The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

ENTRANCE HYMN #372 Praise to the Living God SEQUENCE HYMN #601 O Day of God, Draw Nigh OFFERTORY ANTHEM Prayer for Peace (Harlan) COMMUNION ANTHEM I Want to Walk As A Child of the Light (Thomerson, arr. Harlan) POST-COMMUNION HYMN #408 Sing Praise to God, Who Reigns Above THE COLLECT OF THE DAY Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. FIRST READING Isaiah 58:1-9a Reader A reading from the Prophet Isaiah. Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins. Yet day after day they seek me and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that practiced righteousness and did not forsake the ordinance of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments, they delight to draw near to God. “Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice?” Look, you serve your own interest on your fast day, and oppress all your workers. Look, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to strike with a wicked fist. Such fasting as you do today will not make your voice heard on high. Is such the fast that I choose, a day to humble oneself? Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush, and to lie in sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? 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 rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am. Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. PSALM Psalm 112:1-9, [10] Beatus vir 1 Hallelujah! Happy are they who fear the Lord * and have great delight in his commandments! 2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land; * the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches will be in their house, * and their righteousness will last for ever. 4 Light shines in the darkness for the upright; * the righteous are merciful and full of compassion. 5 It is good for them to be generous in lending * and to manage their affairs with justice. 6 For they will never be shaken; * the righteous will be kept in everlasting remembrance. 7 They will not be afraid of any evil rumors; * their heart is right; they put their trust in the Lord. 8 Their heart is established and will not shrink, * until they see their desire upon their enemies. 9 They have given freely to the poor, * and their righteousness stands fast for ever; they will hold up their head with honor. [10 The wicked will see it and be angry; they will gnash their teeth and pine away; * the desires of the wicked will perish.] SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 Reader A Reading from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God. Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. But we speak God’s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. GOSPEL Matthew 5:13-20 Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. People Glory to you, Lord Christ. Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Priest The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

ENTRANCE HYMN #569 God the Omnipotent! SEQUENCE HYMN #656 Blest Are The Pure In Heart OFFERTORY ANTHEM Be Thou My Vision (arr. Behnke) COMMUNION ANTHEM Beatitudes (Avery & Walsh, arr. Wilson) POST-COMMUNION HYMN #556 Rejoice, Ye Pure In Heart, vss. 1-5 THE COLLECT OF THE DAY Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. FIRST READING Micah 6:1-8 Reader A reading from the Prophet Micah. Hear what the Lord says: Rise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. Hear, you mountains, the controversy of the Lord, and you enduring foundations of the earth; for the Lord has a controversy with his people, and he will contend with Israel. “O my people, what have I done to you? In what have I wearied you? Answer me! For I brought you up from the land of Egypt, and redeemed you from the house of slavery; and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. O my people, remember now what King Balak of Moab devised, what Balaam son of Beor answered him, and what happened from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the saving acts of the Lord.” “With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt-offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with tens of thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. PSALM Psalm 15 Domine, quis habitabit? 1 Lord, who may dwell in your tabernacle? * who may abide upon your holy hill? 2 Whoever leads a blameless life and does what is right, * who speaks the truth from his heart. 3 There is no guile upon his tongue; he does no evil to his friend; * he does not heap contempt upon his neighbor. 4 In his sight the wicked is rejected, * but he honors those who fear the Lord. 5 He has sworn to do no wrong * and does not take back his word. 6 He does not give his money in hope of gain, * nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. 7 Whoever does these things * shall never be overthrown. SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Reader A Reading from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength. Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. GOSPEL Matthew 5:1-12 Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. People Glory to you, Lord Christ. When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Priest The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ. In our parish cycle of prayer, we pray for David Spears; Susan Stewart; Susan & Jim Stone; Kelly, Neil, & Liam Sullivan; Fr. Craig & Maureen Swan; and John & Sue Tassone.

ENTRANCE HYMN #542 Christ is the World's True Light SEQUENCE HYMN #543 O Zion, Tune Thy Voice OFFERTORY ANTHEM Draw Us in the Spirit's Tether (Moore) COMMUNION ANTHEM Behold the Lamb of God (Benham) POST-COMMUNION HYMN #535 Ye Servants of God THE COLLECT OF THE DAY Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. FIRST READING Isaiah 49:1-7 Reader A reading from the Prophet Isaiah. Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away! The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother's womb he named me. He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the Lord, and my reward with my God.” And now the Lord says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the sight of the Lord, and my God has become my strength-- he says, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations, the slave of rulers, “Kings shall see and stand up, princes, and they shall prostrate themselves, because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.” Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. PSALM Psalm 40:1-12 Expectans, expectavi 1 I waited patiently upon the Lord; * he stooped to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the mire and clay; * he set my feet upon a high cliff and made my footing sure. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; * many shall see, and stand in awe, and put their trust in the Lord. 4 Happy are they who trust in the Lord! * they do not resort to evil spirits or turn to false gods. 5 Great things are they that you have done, O Lord my God! how great your wonders and your plans for us! * there is none who can be compared with you. 6 Oh, that I could make them known and tell them!* but they are more than I can count. 7 In sacrifice and offering you take no pleasure * (you have given me ears to hear you); 8 Burnt-offering and sin-offering you have not required, * and so I said, "Behold, I come. 9 In the roll of the book it is written concerning me:* 'I love to do your will, O my God; your law is deep in my heart.'" 10 I proclaimed righteousness in the great congregation;* behold, I did not restrain my lips; and that, O Lord, you know. 11 Your righteousness have I not hidden in my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your deliverance; * I have not concealed your love and faithfulness from the great congregation. 12 You are the Lord; do not withhold your compassion from me; * let your love and your faithfulness keep me safe for ever. SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Reader A Reading from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind-- just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you-- so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. GOSPEL John 1:29-42 Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. People Glory to you, Lord Christ. John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.” The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter). Priest The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Sequence Hymn #455                         O Love of God, How Strong and True Offertory Anthem                              "Pie Jesu" from Requiem (Rutter)      Lawren Casagrande, soloist Communion Hymn #571                    All Who Love and Serve Your City Post-Communion Hymn #150           Forty Days and Forty Nights THE COLLECT OF THE DAY O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from thy ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of thy Word, Jesus Christ thy Son; who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. FIRST READING                               Genesis 15:1-12,17-18 Reader               A reading from the Book of Genesis. The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.” But the word of the Lord came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness. Then he said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess.” But he said, “O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” He said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him. When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.” Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. PSALM                                               Psalm 27                                   Dominus illuminatio 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? * the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid? 2 When evildoers came upon me to eat up my flesh,* it was they, my foes and my adversaries, who stumbled and fell. 3 Though an army should encamp against me, * yet my heart shall not be afraid; 4 And though war should rise up against me, * yet will I put my trust in him. 5 One thing have I asked of the Lord; one thing I seek; * that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; 6 To behold the fair beauty of the Lord * and to seek him in his temple. 7 For in the day of trouble he shall keep me safe in his shelter; * he shall hide me in the secrecy of his dwelling and set me high upon a rock. 8 Even now he lifts up my head * above my enemies round about me. 9 Therefore I will offer in his dwelling an oblation with sounds of great gladness; * I will sing and make music to the Lord. 10 Hearken to my voice, O Lord, when I call; * have mercy on me and answer me. 11 You speak in my heart and say, "Seek my face."* Your face, Lord, will I seek. 12 Hide not your face from me, * nor turn away your servant in displeasure. 13 You have been my helper; cast me not away; * do not forsake me, O God of my salvation. 14 Though my father and my mother forsake me,* the Lord will sustain me. 15 Show me your way, O Lord; * lead me on a level path, because of my enemies. 16 Deliver me not into the hand of my adversaries,* for false witnesses have risen up against me, and also those who speak malice. 17 What if I had not believed that I should see the goodness of the Lord * in the land of the living! 18 O tarry and await the Lord's pleasure; be strong, and he shall comfort your heart; * wait patiently for the Lord. SECOND READING                          Philippians 3:17-4:1 Reader             A Reading from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. Reader The Word of the Lord.       People Thanks be to God.       GOSPEL                                             Luke 13:31-35 Priest               The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. People              Glory be to thee, O Lord. Some Pharisees came and said to Jesus, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'" Priest The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise be to thee, O Christ.

Entrance Hymn #7                           Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies Sequence Hymn #228                       Holy Spirit, Font of Light Offertory Anthem                             O Lord, My God, You Are My Refuge (Bach, arr. Hopson) Communion Anthem                        Creator of the Stars of Night Post-Communion Hymn #371         Thou, Whose Almighty Word THE COLLECT OF THE DAY Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. FIRST READING                              Isaiah 62:1-5 Reader:           A reading from the Prophet Isaiah. For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married. For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your builder marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you. Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. PSALM                                               Psalm 36:5-10                                     Dixit injustus 5 Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, * and your faithfulness to the clouds. 6 Your righteousness is like the strong mountains, your justice like the great deep; * you save both man and beast, O Lord. 7 How priceless is your love, O God! * your people take refuge under the shadow of your wings. 8 They feast upon the abundance of your house; * you give them drink from the river of your delights. 9 For with you is the well of life, * and in your light we see light. 10 Continue your loving-kindness to those who know you, * and your favor to those who are true of heart. SECOND READING                         1 Corinthians 12:1-11 Reader:           A Reading from Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led astray to idols that could not speak. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says "Let Jesus be cursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses. Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. GOSPEL                                 John 2:1-11 Priest               The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. People             Glory to you, Lord Christ. On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. Priest The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ. In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for  Paul & Leslie Roulier, Paul & Colleen Sardelli, and Andrew Scherer. PLEASE NOTE: Next Sunday (January 26, 2025) we will hold one service at 9am. The service will be followed by the business portion of the Annual Meeting and a potluck luncheon. Please contact the office with questions or to RSVP for the luncheon.

Prelude                                               Sweet Was the Song (Ives)                    Lawren Casagrande, soloist Entrance Hymn #119                       As With Gladness Men of Old Sequence Hymn #109                       The First Noel Offertory Anthem                             In the Bleak Midwinter (arr. Bennett) Communion Hymn #117                  Brightest and Best Post-Communion Hymn #100         Joy to the World THE COLLECT OF THE DAY 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. FIRST READING                              Isaiah 60:1-6 Reader:           A reading from the Prophet Isaiah. Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses' arms. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord. Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. PSALM                                               Psalm 72:1-7,10-14                            Deus, judicium 1 Give the King your justice, O God, * and your righteousness to the King's Son; 2 That he may rule your people righteously * and the poor with justice; 3 That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, * and the little hills bring righteousness. 4 He shall defend the needy among the people; * he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor. 5 He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure,* from one generation to another. 6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, * like showers that water the earth. 7 In his time shall the righteous flourish; * there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more. 10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall pay tribute, * and the kings of Arabia and Saba offer gifts. 11 All kings shall bow down before him, * and all the nations do him service. 12 For he shall deliver the poor who cries out in distress, * and the oppressed who has no helper. 13 He shall have pity on the lowly and poor; * he shall preserve the lives of the needy. 14 He shall redeem their lives from oppression and violence, * and dear shall their blood be in his sight. SECOND READING               Ephesians 3:1-12 Reader:           A Reading from the letter to the Ephesians. This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles-- for surely you have already heard of the commission of God's grace that was given me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God's grace that was given me by the working of his power. Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him. Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. GOSPEL                                 Matthew 2:1-12 Priest               The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. People             Glory to you, Lord Christ. In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: `And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'" Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. Priest The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ. In this week’s parish cycle of prayer, we pray for  Wendy Riordan, Bob & Patti Risica, and Matt Roach & Alison Croke.