January 2, 2022 The Second Sunday After Christmas

We continue the Twelve Days of Christmas by singing carols, by hearing of God’s promises in scripture come true for all the earth and by celebrating Emmanuel, God with us, in the mystery of the Mass and in the unity of Christian community.  Christians began celebrating the birth of Jesus on December 25 near the beginning of the fourth century.  By the beginning of the fifth century, a midnight celebration on Christmas Eve was held in Rome and spread throughout Western Europe.  Christmas Masses soon became among the most beloved services of the year for Christians.  The gospels of Matthew and Luke both record the story of Christ’s birth.  John’s gospel begins with a proclamation on the meaning of it.  The mystery of God becoming Man in Christ is a fundamental Christian belief.

Our Celebrant and Preacher today is: The Rev. Canon Susan C. Harriss


Today’s In Person Worship

  • Every Sunday at 8am the Eucharist (Rite 1) is celebrated in the Church.  The service is from the red Book of Common Prayer, beginning on page 323, and includes 2 pre-recorded hymns, and lasts about 45 minutes. Weather permitting coffee and tea are available in Garden afterwards.
  • Every Sunday at 10am the Eucharist (Rite 2) is celebrated in the Church. The service is from the red Book of Common Prayer, beginning on page 355.  See below for detailed music information.  The service lasts about an hour.  Weather permitting coffee and tea are available in Garden afterwards.
  • Healing Prayers are offered at the Bolton Altar following both services.
  • Please review these Guidelines before attending worship at Christ Church.

Today’s Live-Stream Worship & Sermon Archives


Sunday Offerings & Financial Donations to Christ Church

Christ Church is supported by the generosity of members and friends who donate time, talent, and money to the church to ensure that it is open, staffed, safe, and active. God has given each of us many gifts and we are called to use them to build up the church and to show the spread the love of God to our community. Click on the Donate Button for a variety of ways to support Christ Church, including one-time donations, annual pledges, and raising funds through FaceBook or Amazon.


Today’s Propers (Collect & Lections from Holy Scripture)

The Collect

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Old Testament

Jeremiah 31:7-14
Thus says the LORD: Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, “Save, O LORD, your people,  the remnant of Israel.” See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north,and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, those with child and those in labor, together;  a great company, they shall return here. With weeping they shall come, and with consolations I will lead them back, I will let them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble; for I have become a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, “He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd a flock.” For the LORD has ransomed Jacob, and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him. They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the LORD, over the grain, the wine, and the oil, and over the young of the flock and the herd; their life shall become like a watered garden, and they shall never languish again. Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow. I will give the priests their fill of fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my bounty, says the LORD.

 

The Psalm

Psalm 84:1-8 Quam dilecta! 

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.

The New Testament

Ephesians 1:3-6,15-19a
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.  I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe.

The Gospel

Matthew 2:1-12

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.


Parish Prayer List

Please note that names are listed alphabetically by last name of the person being prayed for (if it is known).  We do not list last names for privacy reasons. For pastoral emergencies call or text one of the clergy: Father Matt (914.471.0260), Deacon Chisara Alimole (914.338.5194), or call the parish office (914.738.5515).  If you have any updates (birthdays, prayers additions, etc., please let us know.) Please submit names you wish to be included by Tuesday morning, to Marie at: marie@christchurchpelham.org.

Our prayers are asked especially for: Marion, Shane, Rosemary, Rob, Marcia, Elizabeth, Mike, Anne, Alexander, Ginny, Ethan, Russell, Andrew, Randy, Barbara, Mary, Ralph, Everton,  Jed, Marcia, Sammy, Ryan, Judy, Monica, Rebecca, Janet, Amina, Alexia Grace, Alison, John, Emma, Peilin, Hildy, Martin,  Jason, Yen, Terry, Erica, Susan, Ariana, Sue, Xandra, Sigi, Joyce, Julie, Scott, Sherrie, Michelle, Karen, Lisa, Laurelyn, Rob, Drue, Rob, Bill, Andrea, Sue, Lael, M & D, Sandy, the Salvatore family, Joe, Dean, Danielle, Morris, and Katie.

We give thanks for those celebrating birthdays this week and in the coming week  Gavin Leckie (December 31), Jack Kraft (January 2), Charlene Claxton (January 7), Eileen Wolfe (January 7, and Anne Calder (January 8).

We also give thanks for the Wedding Anniversary of Jackie and Jack Kraft (January 6).

We pray for those in our Armed Services especially: Joseph, Kevin, Jack, Leopold, Philip, Jake, Matthew, Robert, Philip-Jason, Nicholas, Sam, Helen, Mitchel, Alec, Tia, Tyrese, and Terrence.

We pray that all elected and appointed officials may be led to wise decisions and right actions for the welfare and peace of the world, especially Joseph our President, and Kathy our Governor.

We pray for those who have died, especially ( ______________ ) and for those who have died from COVID-19.

Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord
And let light perpetual shine upon them.

May their souls and the souls of the departed, through the mercy of God,
rest in peace.  Amen


Today’s Music

Organ Prelude:    Chorale-Prelude on “Puer nobis nascitur” (“Unto us is born a Son”)         by Gerald Near (b. 1942)
Hymn: 117 Brightest and best of the stars of the morning, Morning Star
Gloria in excelsis: Hymm 119 As with gladness men of old, Dix
Sequence hymn: 124 What star is this with beams so bright, Puer nobis
At the offertory, solo: 8. Aria: Großer Herr und starker König (Great Lord and mighty King) from Weinachtsoratorium (Christmas Oratorio), BWV 248 by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Großer Herr, o starker König,
Liebster Heiland, o wie wenig
Achtest du der Erden Pracht!
Der die ganze Welt erhält,
Ihre Pracht und Zier erschaffen,
Muss in harten Krippen schlafen.
–– Christian Friedrich Henrici (1700-1764)

Great Lord, O mighty king,
dearest Saviour, O how little
you regard earth’s splendor!
He who maintains the whole world
and created its glory and adornment
must sleep in a hard crib.

Offertory Hymn: 490 I want to walk as a child of the light, Houston
Sanctus et Benedictus: S-114 from Missa de Sancta Maria Magdalena by Healey Willan (1880-1968)
Agnus Dei: S-158 from Missa de Sancta Maria Magdalena by Healey Willan
Song during Communion: 1. That Holy Thing from Sacred Songs on Devotional Texts by Jeffrey Hoffman (b. 1970)

They all were looking for a king
To slay their foes, and lift them high:
Thou cam’st a little baby thing
That made a woman cry.

O son of man, to right my lot
Nought but thy presence can avail;
Yet on the road thy wheels are not,
Nor on the sea thy sail!

My fancied ways why shouldst thou heed?
Thou com’st down thine own secret stair:
Com’st down to answer all my need,
Yea, every bygone prayer!
–– George MacDonald (1824-1905)

Jeffrey Hoffman, organist & director of music

Hymn: 128 We three kings of Orient are, Three Kings of Orient
Organ Voluntary: Chorale fantasie “Wie schön leuchtet der Morgen-stern” (“How brightly beams the morning star”), BWV 739 by J.S. Bach

Bass-baritone Simon Cram is our soloist this morning.
Live-stream licensed under OneLicense.net A-713125.


Announcements & News

CLICK HERE


 

December 26, 2021, The First Sunday After Christmas

We continue the Twelve Days of Christmas by singing carols, by hearing of God’s promises in scripture come true for all the earth and by celebrating Emmanuel, God with us, in the mystery of the Mass and in the unity of Christian community.  Christians began celebrating the birth of Jesus on December 25 near the beginning of the fourth century.  By the beginning of the fifth century, a midnight celebration on Christmas Eve was held in Rome and spread throughout Western Europe.  Christmas Masses soon became among the most beloved services of the year for Christians.  The gospels of Matthew and Luke both record the story of Christ’s birth.  John’s gospel begins with a proclamation on the meaning of it.  The mystery of God becoming Man in Christ is a fundamental Christian belief.

Our Celebrant and Preacher today is: The Rev. Matthew H. Mead


Today’s In Person Worship

  • Every Sunday at 8am the Eucharist (Rite 1) is celebrated in the Church.  The service is from the red Book of Common Prayer, beginning on page 323, and includes 2 pre-recorded hymns, and lasts about 45 minutes. Weather permitting coffee and tea are available in Garden afterwards.
  • Every Sunday at 10am the Eucharist (Rite 2) is celebrated in the Church. The service is from the red Book of Common Prayer, beginning on page 355.  See below for detailed music information.  The service lasts about an hour.  Weather permitting coffee and tea are available in Garden afterwards.
  • Healing Prayers are offered at the Bolton Altar following both services.
  • Please review these Guidelines before attending worship at Christ Church.

Today’s Live-Stream Worship & Sermon Archives


Sunday Offerings & Financial Donations to Christ Church

Christ Church is supported by the generosity of members and friends who donate time, talent, and money to the church to ensure that it is open, staffed, safe, and active. God has given each of us many gifts and we are called to use them to build up the church and to show the spread the love of God to our community. Click on the Donate Button for a variety of ways to support Christ Church, including one-time donations, annual pledges, and raising funds through FaceBook or Amazon.


Today’s Propers (Collect & Lections from Holy Scripture)

The Collect

Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Old Testament

Isaiah 61:10-62:3
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. 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.

The Psalm

Psalm 147: 13-21Laudate Dominum

13 Worship the LORD, O Jerusalem; *
praise your God, O Zion;

14 For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; *
he has blessed your children within you.

15 He has established peace on your borders; *
he satisfies you with the finest wheat.

16 He sends out his command to the earth, *
and his word runs very swiftly.

17 He gives snow like wool; *
he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.

18 He scatters his hail like bread crumbs; *
who can stand against his cold?

19 He sends forth his word and melts them; *
he blows with his wind, and the waters flow.

20 He declares his word to Jacob, *
his statutes and his judgments to Israel.

21 He has not done so to any other nation; *
to them he has not revealed his judgments.
Hallelujah!

The New Testament

Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7
Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

The Gospel

John 1:1-18
God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.


Parish Prayer List

Please note that names are listed alphabetically by last name of the person being prayed for (if it is known).  We do not list last names for privacy reasons. For pastoral emergencies call or text one of the clergy: Father Matt (914.471.0260), Deacon Chisara Alimole (914.338.5194), or call the parish office (914.738.5515).  If you have any updates (birthdays, prayers additions, etc., please let us know.) Please submit names you wish to be included by Tuesday morning, to Marie at: marie@christchurchpelham.org.

Our prayers are asked especially for: Marion, Shane, Rosemary, Rob, Marcia, Elizabeth, Mike, Anne, Alexander, Ginny, Ethan, Russell, Andrew, Randy, Barbara, Mary, Ralph, Everton,  Jed, Marcia, Sammy, Ryan, Judy, Monica, Rebecca, Janet, Amina, Alexia Grace, Alison, John, Emma, Peilin, Hildy, Martin,  Jason, Yen, Terry, Erica, Susan, Ariana, Sue, Xandra, Sigi, Joyce, Julie, Scott, Sherrie, Michelle, Karen, Lisa, Laurelyn, Rob, Drue, Rob, Bill, Andrea, Sue, Lael, M & D, Sandy, the Salvatore family, Joe, Dean, Danielle, Morris, and Katie.

We give thanks for those celebrating birthdays this week and in the coming week  John Fox (December 22), and Gavin Leckie (December 31).

We also give thanks for the 41st Wedding Anniversary of Katherine & James Kenworthy (December 27).

We pray for those in our Armed Services especially: Joseph, Kevin, Jack, Leopold, Philip, Jake, Matthew, Robert, Philip-Jason, Nicholas, Sam, Helen, Mitchel, Alec, Tia, Tyrese, and Terrence.

We pray that all elected and appointed officials may be led to wise decisions and right actions for the welfare and peace of the world, especially Joseph our President, and Kathy our Governor.

We pray for those who have died, especially ( ______________ ) and for those who have died from COVID-19.

Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord
And let light perpetual shine upon them.

May their souls and the souls of the departed, through the mercy of God,
rest in peace.  Amen


Today’s Music

TBD

Jeffrey Hoffman, organist & director of music

Live-stream licensed under OneLicense.net A-713125.


Announcements & News

CLICK HERE