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THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE

Holy Eucharist - Rite II (Year C)

February 2, 2025        9:30 AM

THE  ENTRANCE  RITE

(In preparation for worship, please be seated and remain in silent meditation, ensuring that all mobile devices are silenced.)

Gathering Songs    ‘Hallelujah’ (Come on and bless the Lord with me)

Verse 1

Come on and bless the Lord with me. Come on and bless the Lord with me. Come on and bless the Lord with me. Come on and bless the Lord with me

Chorus (in parts)

Hal – le – lu – jah! Hal – le – lu – jah! Hal – le – lu – jah! Hal – le – lu – jah!

Verse 2

Come on and clap your hands with me. Come on and clap your hands with me. Come on and clap your hands with me. Come on and clap your hands with me

Chorus

Verse 3

Come on and dance before the Lord. Come on and dance before the Lord. Come on and dance before the Lord. Come on and dance before the Lord. Chorus

(Vamp Chorus, modulating up each time.)

‘Awesome’ by Charles Jenkins

My God is awesome, He can move a mountains. Keep me in the valley, hide me from the rain. My God is awesome, heals me when I'm broken. Strength where I've been weakened, forever He will reign. (Repeat)

My God is awesome, awesome, awesome, awesome. (Repeat)

My God is awesome, Savior of the whole world. Giver of salvation, by His stripes I am healed. My God is awesome, today I am forgiven. His grace is why I'm living, praise His holy name

My God is awesome, awesome, awesome, awesome. (Repeat)

He's mighty, He's mighty, He's mighty, He's mighty, Awesome, Awesome. 

He's Holy, He's Holy, He's Holy, He's Holy, Awesome, Awesome

He's Great, He's Great, He's Great, He's Great, Awesome, Awesome

He's mighty, He's mighty, He's mighty, He's mighty, Awesome, Awesome

Deliverer, Deliverer, Deliverer, Deliverer, Awesome, Awesome

He's Holy, He's Holy, He's Holy, He's Holy, Awesome, Awesome

Provider, Provider, Provider, Provider, Awesome, Awesome

Protector, Protector, Protector, Protector, Awesome, Awesome

My God is awesome, He can move mountains. Keep me in the valley, hide me from the rain. My God is awesome, heals me when I'm broken. Strength where I've been weakened, Praise His holy name.

THE  CANDLEMAS  PROCESSION

The congregation stands. 

Celebrant        Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

People        Thanks be to God. 

Celebrant        Dear people of God, forty days ago we celebrated the joyful feast of the Incarnation of Jesus. Today we recall the day on which he was presented in the temple, fulfilling the law of Moses. Led by the Spirit, Simeon and Anna came to the temple, recognized the child as the Christ, and proclaimed him with joy. United by the same Spirit, we now enter the house of God, where we shall recognize Christ in the breaking of bread.

Let us pray. O eternal God, who has created all things; on this day you fulfilled the petitions of the just Simeon: We humbly ask you to bless and sanctify these candles for our use. Graciously hear our prayers and be merciful to us, whom you have redeemed by your Son, who is the light of the world, and who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

The following canticle is then said, during which the candles are lighted.

A Light to enlighten the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.

A Light to enlighten the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.

Lord, you now have set your servant free * to go in peace as you have promised.

A Light to enlighten the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.

For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, * whom you have prepared for all the world to see.

A Light to enlighten the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.

Let us pray.

God, source of all light, today you revealed to the aged Simeon your light which enlightens the nations. Fill our hearts with the light of faith, that we who bear these candles may walk in the path of goodness, through Jesus Christ the Light of the World. Amen. 

Celebrant        Let us go forth in peace.

People        In the name of Christ. Amen.

During the procession, the Sunday School children will carry lighted candles.

ENTRANCE HYMNS (The Hymnal 1982, #490)   ‘I want to walk as a child of the light’                  (LEVAS II, #222)    ‘This little of mine’

Let us pray. 

O God, you have made this day holy by the presentation of your Son in the Temple, and by the purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Mercifully grant that we, who delight in her humble readiness to be the birth-giver of the Only-begotten, may rejoice forever in our adoption as his sisters and brothers, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The following antiphon and psalm are said as the procession approaches the Altar We have waited in silence on your loving-kindness, O Lord, in the midst of your temple. 

Your praise, like your Name, O God, reaches to the world’s end; your right hand is full of justice. 

We have waited on your loving-kindness, O Lord, in the midst of your temple.

Psalm 48: 1 – 2, 10 – 13

1     Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised; * in the city of our God is his holy hill.

2     Beautiful and lofty, the joy of all the earth, is the hill of Zion, * the very center of the world and the city of the great King.

10     Let Mount Zion be glad and the cities of Judah rejoice, * because of your judgments.

11     Make the circuit of Zion; walk round about her; * count the number of her towers.

12     Consider well her bulwarks; examine her strongholds; * that you may tell those who come after.

13     This God is our God for ever and ever; * he shall be our guide for evermore. 

On arrival in the sanctuary, the Eucharist continues with the Gloria in Excelsis. After the Prayer of the Day, all extinguish their candles.

Gloria in Excelsis (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #243)    ‘Glory to God’

Prayer of the Day                                Prayer Book, page 239

Almighty 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 forever. Amen.

THE  LITURGY  OF  THE  WORD

A Reading from the Book of Malachi (3: 1 - 4)                Mikaylah Cummings

1Thus 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. 2But 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; 3he 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. 4Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

Responsorial Psalm (84)    Prayer Book, page 707 - 708            Kweku Cummings

Refrain: How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts!

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  rejoice 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 reveal himself in Zion.

7    Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; * hearken, O God of Jacob.

8    Behold our defender, O God; * and look upon the face of your Anointed.

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 withhold * from those who walk with integrity.

12    O Lord of hosts, * happy are they who put their trust in you!

Refrain: How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts!

A Reading from the Letter to the Hebrews (2: 14 - 18)                 Omari Cummings       

14Since, 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, 15and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. 16For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. 17Therefore 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. 18Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

Sequence Hymn     (The Hymnal 1982, #324)        ‘Let all mortal flesh keep silence’

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (2: 22 - 40)

22When 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 23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), 24and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” 25Now 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. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27Guided 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, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 29“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; 30for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” 33And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34Then 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 35so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 36There 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, 37then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38At 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. 39When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Sermon

Profession of Faith (The Nicene Creed)                 Prayer Book, page 358

Prayers of the People (Form VI)         Malike Cummings    Prayer Book, page 392

Gesture of Peace

THE  LITURGY  OF  THE  EUCHARIST

Offertory Hymn (The Hymnal 1982, #390)    ‘Praise to the Lord, the Almighty’

‘Every Praise’

Every praise is to our God, every word of worship, with one accord.

Every praise, every praise, is to our God.

Sing hallelujah to our God, glory hallelujah is due our God.

Every praise, every praise, is to our God

Doxology (African American Heritage Hymnal, #651) 

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING (Eucharistic Prayer A) (Stand)        Prayer Book, page 361

Preface of the Epiphany                        Prayer Book, page 239

Sanctus and Benedictus (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #255)

Memorial Acclamation (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #259) 

The Great Amen (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #233)

The Lord’s Prayer (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #264)

Agnus Dei (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #269)

Communion of the People

Hymns during the Administration of Holy Communion

(The Hymnal 1982, #304; #379; Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #187)  

Prayer after Communion (Stand or kneel)                     Prayer Book, page 365

The Blessing

Welcome / Announcements (Birthday, Travel, Children, Other Prayers)

PRESENTATION by Lesley Enston: ‘Belly Full’ (Exploring Caribbean Cuisine Through 11 Fundamental Ingredients and over 100 recipes)

Mission Hymn (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #1)        ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’

Organ Postlude     

(Please remain seated until the Postlude ends, and the candles are extinguished. Be mindful of those who have stayed behind for prayer.)

WELCOME * BIENVENIDOS * BIENVENUE

The Clergy, Wardens, and Vestry of our Parish welcome all visitors and members who have joined us in celebrating God in Christ Jesus.

We hope that you have had a rewarding spiritual experience, and we pray that you will come again. If you are looking for a spiritual home, we invite you to join our fellowship and worship. Please speak with the Priest or one of the Ushers.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: FEBRUARY - MARCH

Holy Eucharist, Sundays, 9:30 am (Sanctuary / Online)

(Facebook / YouTube / Zoom ID: 970 3502 6969 / Passcode: 026667)

Bereavement Ministry, Sundays, 1 pm (Cry Room)

Holy Eucharist or Morning Prayer, Wednesdays, 10 am (Sanctuary / Zoom ID: 953 4196 0007 / Passcode: 025388 / Telephone: 1.646.876.9923 / ID: 953 4196 0007)

FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Sunday, February 2, 12:30 pm, ECW Meeting with the Rector (Conference Room)

Sunday, February 16, 12:30 pm, Youth Fellowship’s ‘Who We Are’ (Golden Hall)

Saturday, February 22, 11 am, Absalom Jones Mass (The Cathedral, Garden City)

Saturday, March 1, 9 am, Women’s Seminar (Body and Soul)

Sunday, March 2, 3 pm, Black History Month Concert

Wednesday, March 5, 10 am / 7:30 pm, Ash Wednesday Mass

Friday, March 7, 12:30 pm, Stations of the Cross (Sanctuary/Zoom)

Saturday, March 8, 11 am, New Members Class

Friday, March 14, 12:30 pm, Stations of the Cross (Sanctuary/Zoom)

Saturday, March 15, 9 am – 3 pm, Mid-Lenten Quiet Day 

Friday, March 21, 12:30 pm, Stations of the Cross (Sanctuary/Zoom)

Friday, March 28, 12:30 pm, Stations of the Cross (Sanctuary/Zoom)

SPECIAL  OFFERINGS  AND  INTENTIONS

ANGLICAN CYCLE OF PRAYER: The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia; London, England; Long Island, The Episcopal Church; Los Angeles, The Episcopal Church; Louisiana, The Episcopal Church; Western Louisiana, The Episcopal Church; Luapula, Central Africa.

BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY 

Candles, bread and wine are given by Joycelyn Payne in thanksgiving to God for her birthday (January 15). “Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation.” (Psalm 68: 19)

Candles are given by Karen Sylvester to the glory of God and in thanksgiving as she celebrates another birthday (February 2). May God continue to bless her with health and strength.

Bread and wine is given by Izetta K. Thompson for her son, Henrique K. Cane, who celebrates his 52nd birthday (February 2). May the almighty continue to richly bless him. “Love you son.”

Candles and flowers are given by Pansy Clarke in thanksgiving for God’s guidance, protection, and blessings as she celebrates her birthday (February 5). “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.” (Psalm 34:1 NIV)

BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY THIS WEEK: Suzette Ottey (2), Karen Sylvester (2), Beverly Hall-Hawker (3), Pansy Clarke (5), Hilda Moore (6).

DIOCESAN CYCLE OF PRAYER: The Retired Clergy of the Diocese; Episcopal Migration Ministries; All Souls’ Church, Stony Brook; Those suffering from addiction; Saint John’s, Huntington; Congregational Choirs; Saint Paul’s, Great Neck. 

HEALING PRAYERS for SICK and SHUT-IN MEMBERS: Joan Abrams, Nola Archer-Springer, Claudette Baptiste, Janet Beaton, Orion Best, Gwendolyn Blackett, Joyce Bourne, Stella Brown-Pilgrim, Margaret Burke, Beverly Clark, Marie Clarke, Andria Clarke-Worrell, Ena Dixon, Ruby Doris, Dorothy Drakes, Harris Edwards, Esther Elder, Kenneth Fleary, Pearl Fox, Dolsy Greaves-Prince, Lindora Hall, Ruby Jean Harper-Niles, Nerissa Hawker-King, Alice Herbert, Lynette Hunte, Monica Jones, Mavis King, Emmie Lambert, Germaine Mascoll, Leslin Maynard, Raymond Maynard, Norma McKenzie, Deborah McPherson, Lynette Neptune, Ashton Parris, Lucille Peters, Miriam Prince, Erene Radix, Ursula Richards, Gene Richardson, Edgar Roper, Barbara Sammerson, Deonne Squires-Gilbert, Frederica Smith, Jean Soso, Ivonne Waldron, Ines Wyatt.

HEALING PRAYERS for SICK and SHUT-IN RELATIVES and FRIENDS: Jennifer Allen, Sandra Alleyne, Adrian Garner, Carmen Baez, Manuela Blot, Richard Boyce, Yvonne Callender, Cheryl Clarke, Tiffany Clarke, Patrick Codrington, Gilberto Donaldson, Brenda Elbers, Sonia Estrada, Zie Garraway, Hazel Gittens, Avril Green, Vernice Hinds, Myrna Johnson, Edward Jones, Elizabeth Kane, Colleen Kane, Cyril Kane, Ika Kane, Thelma Kane, Vilima Kane, Carol Kane-Hicks, Syrrea Kane-Price, Shirley Lashley, Cedric Layne, Adrienne  Le’Blanc, Maureen Lewis, Mildred Liburd, Dalila Narcisse, Princess O’Garro, Paul Oseni, Jeannine Pierre-Louis, Pheobe Roberts, Joan Scott, Gamal Steele, Alana Tompkins, Philip Tudor, Ann Walker, Mary Forde-Walters, Bryon Wilson, Lemar Wynn, June Yanok.

+ IN MEMORIAM

Candles are given in memory of Carmine D'amato, who died on January 26 in Orlando, Florida. He is the brother-in-law of Adrienne Sandiford and the husband of her sister, Marie D'amato. May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.

Candles, wafers and wine are given in loving memory of Doreen Rice Barrow who went on to glory on January 31, 2021. Given with love by her daughter Joan King-Ashby, son-in-law Michael Ashby Sr., and grandson Michael Jr. “The Lord is my light and my salvation” (Psalm 27)

Candles, bread and wine are given in loving memory of Gladys Ilene Ashby who departed this earthly realm on February 6, 2017. Given with love by her children Michael, Jacqueline and Jillian; grandsons Adrian (AD), Michael Jr., Milton II, Sean and grand-daughter Danielle and daughter-in-law Joan King-Ashby. “God is our refuge and strength.” (Psalm 46: 1a)

STUDENTS AT COLLEGE: Kesiena Gbidi (Medgar Evers College), Najite Gbidi (Kingsborough Community College), Malike O. Cummings (Queens College). Angelique Agard (Essex County College), Nyla Bartholomew (University of North Carolina), Amanda Drakes (Baruch College), Andrew Garvey (John Jay College), Desmond Jordan (Kingsborough Community College), Jayden Richardson (University at Albany), Marliah Samuels (Binghamton University), Cynnia Semper (Norfolk State University), Jada Skye Spencer (Clark Atlanta University), Saige Wilson (Fordham University).

UNITED STATES MILITARY: Bernard Abraham (Army, North Carolina), Bennett Barnes (Army, Poland), Kibwe Cummings (Coast Guard, Maryland), Alonso Hall (Air Force, Japan), Richard Hinds (Army, South Korea), Trevaughn Luncheon (Navy, Florida), Shequita and Nephi Marston (Air Force, Germany), Shaquan McKenzie (Navy), Ashley McKenzie (Navy), Tacoma Washington (Army).

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FELLOWSHIP HOUR: If you would like to host on any given Sunday, please contact Glenna Bartholomew, Cynthia Daniel, Fay Hunt, Dianne Miller or Zelma Murray.

FINANCIAL OFFERING STATEMENTS 2024 are available upon request. Please call or email the Office. Thanks.

OFFERINGS: Please bring your offering to the Office, mail it to the Church, or send it via Zelle (SaintGabrielsBrooklyn@gmail.com). Please write checks to St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church. 

OFFERING ENVELOPES 2025: Available in the Narthex or the Lobby. Please take a set of envelopes and print your name on the pick-up sheet to indicate that you have received them. As you prepare your offering, please write your name on each envelope you use.

PLEDGE CARDS 2025 are available from the Ushers or the Office. All Members of the Church should fill out the card individually. Please place your completed card in the Offering Basket.

PRACTICE OF HOLY HABITS: As a Christian Steward, I affirm that I am tithing or have adopted a plan to work towards tithing as a minimum standard of giving, and if I am not already doing so, I am committed to giving priority to Corporate Worship, Personal Daily Prayer and Study and Sabbath Time in my life.

PRAYER BOOKS, BIBLES and HYMNALS are available for purchase. They are $30 each. Please visit the Office if you need any of these books.

READINGS for WEDNESDAY, February 5 (Agatha of Sicily): Judith 9: 1 - 14 (Carl Elbers); Psalm 125; Romans 8: 31 - 39 (Gloria Miller); Mark 9: 42 - 50; Prayers of the People, Form VI (Lois Newland). READINGS FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY, February 9: Isaiah 6: 1 – 13 (Stephanie Glasgow); Psalm 138; 1 Corinthians 15: 1 – 11 (Deborah Goddard); Luke 5: 1 - 11; Prayers of the People, Form I (Clifford Loncke). 

SENIOR CHOIR: Sundays at 12pm. Please speak with the Organist and Music Minister, Christopher Bryant.

WEEKLY BULLETIN: Please submit information for publication to the Office by noon on Wednesdays (stgabrielschurchbrooklyn@gmail.com)