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St. James Episcopal Church

Batavia, New York

The Last Sunday after the Epiphany

February 23, 2020, 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist & Confirmation

Welcome to St. James!

Instructions for standing, sitting and kneeling are in the bulletin. Please engage in these as you are comfortable and able. We regularly use two

books in our worship: The Hymnal (blue) and the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) (red).

Please join your voice to the hymns and the prayers printed in bold.

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Prelude ‘Fanfare from ‘La Péri’ Paul Dukas

The Word of God Please stand.

Hymn 460

Opening Sentences BCP pg 299 Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen. There is one Body and one Spirit; There is one hope in God’s call to us; One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism; One God and Father of all.

Collect of the Day BCP pg 230 The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. 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.

Please be seated.

The First Reading Exodus 24:12-18 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. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

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Psalm 99 Dominus regnavit BCP p. 728

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.

The Second Reading 2 Peter 1:16-21

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

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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.

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Hymn 307 Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendor

The Holy Gospel Matthew 17:1-9 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.”

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Sermon The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe

Presentation and Examination of the Candidates BCP p. 415

Bishop The Candidates will now be presented.

Presenter I present Scott Elliot Essig for confirmation. Bishop Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil? Candidate I do. Bishop Do you renew your commitment to Jesus Christ? Candidate I do, and with God’s grace I will follow him as my Savior and Lord.

Presenter I present James Kenneth Strang for confirmation. Bishop Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil? Candidate I do.

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Bishop Do you renew your commitment to Jesus Christ? Candidate I do, and with God’s grace I will follow him as my Savior and Lord.

Presenter I present Donald Kenyon Strang, III for confirmation. Bishop Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil? Candidate I do. Bishop Do you renew your commitment to Jesus Christ? Candidate I do, and with God’s grace I will follow him as my Savior and Lord.

Presenter I present Jane Mae Grein to be received into this Community. Bishop Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil? Candidate I do. Bishop Do you renew your commitment to Jesus Christ? Candidate I do, and with God’s grace I will follow him as my Savior and Lord.

Presenter I present John Raymond Grein, Jr. to be received into this Community. Bishop Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil? Candidate I do. Bishop Do you renew your commitment to Jesus Christ? Candidate I do, and with God’s grace I will follow him as my Savior and Lord.

Bishop Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support Scott, James, Donald, Jane and John in their life in Christ? People We will.

Bishop Let us join with those who are committing themselves to Christ and renew our own baptismal covenant.

The Baptismal Covenant BCP pg 304 Do you believe in God the Father? I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

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Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? I believe in the Holy Spirit the holy catholic Church the communion of saints the forgiveness of sins the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers? I will, with God’s help. Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord? I will, with God’s help. Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ? I will, with God's help. Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself? I will, with God's help. Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being? I will, with God's help.

Prayers for the Candidates Bishop Let us now pray for Scott, James, Donald, Jane and John who have renewed their commitment to Christ.

Intercessor: Deliver them, O Lord, from the way of sin and death. Lord, hear our prayer. Open their hearts to your grace and truth. Lord, hear our prayer. Fill them with your holy and life-giving Spirit. Lord, hear our prayer. Keep them in the faith and communion of your holy Church. Lord, hear our prayer. Teach them to love others in the power of the Spirit. Lord, hear our prayer. Send them into the world in witness to your love. Lord, hear our prayer. Bring them to the fullness of your peace and glory. Lord, hear our prayer.

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The Bishop concludes: Almighty God, we thank you that by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ you have overcome sin and brought us to yourself, and that by the sealing of your Holy Spirit you have bound us to your service. Renew in these your servants the covenant you made with them at their Baptism. Send them forth in the power of that Spirit to perform the service you set before them; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Bishop lays hands upon each one and says

Bishop Strengthen, O Lord, your servant Scott with your Holy Spirit; empower him for your service; and sustain him all the days of his life. Amen.

Bishop Strengthen, O Lord, your servant James with your Holy Spirit; empower him for your service; and sustain him all the days of his life. Amen.

Bishop Strengthen, O Lord, your servant Donald with your Holy Spirit; empower him for your service; and sustain him all the days of his life. Amen.

Bishop Jane we recognize you as a member of the one holy catholic and apostolic Church, and we receive you into the fellowship of this Communion. God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you. Amen.

Bishop John we recognize you as a member of the one holy catholic and apostolic Church, and we receive you into the fellowship of this Communion. God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you. Amen.

Let us pray. Almighty and everliving God, let your fatherly hand ever be over these your servants; let your Holy Spirit ever be with them; and so lead them in the knowledge and obedience of your Word, that they may serve you in this life, and dwell with you in the life to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Peace The Peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you.

The Holy Communion

Offertory Day of the Lord M. Jerome Bell

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever

Let Israel say, His love endures forever.

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The Lord is my strength and my song; He is my salvation.

Open the gates of rightiousness, That I may enter through them. Amen! This is the day that the Lord has made;

Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His steadfast love endures forever, Amen!

Representatives of the congregation bring the people’s offerings of Bread and wine, and money or other gifts, to the altar.

Please stand. Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures, here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

The Great Thanksgiving, Eucharistic Prayer B BCP pg 367

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Because in Jesus Christ our Lord you have received us as your sons and daughters, made us citizens of your kingdom, and given us the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your name.

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Hymn S-129 The Sanctus

The people stand or kneel.

We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.

On the night before he died for us, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.” Therefore, according to his command, O Father,

We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory;

And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine. We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection

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under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with the Blessed Virgin Mary and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Breaking of the Bread A period of silence is kept.

Hymn S-163 The Fraction Anthem

The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

All are welcome to receive Holy Communion, either at the high altar or the chantry altar

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Communion Hymns Seek ye first Hymn 711

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. And all these things shall be added unto you. Alleluia!”

Hymn 321 My God, thy table now is spread Hymn 328 Draw nigh and take the Body of the Lord

Post Communion Prayer BCP p. 365 Let us pray.

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Blessing

Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom every family in heaven and earth is named, grant you to be strengthened with might by his Holy Spirit, that, Christ dwelling in your hearts by faith, you may be filled with all the fullness of God. And the Blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen.

Hymn 136 O wondrous type! O vision fair

Dismissal BCP pg 366 Our deacon will dismiss us first in Japanese and then in English.

Kami no I wo wakachi I masho. Go into the world sharing God's love. Thanks be to God (Please respond in your own language).

Postlude ‘Fugue in G Major’ J. S. Bach

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Bishop’s Visit, Confirmation

and Reception into the Episcopal Church

Today we welcome Bishop Sean Rowe to St. James on his first official visitation. We will also celebrate the Confirmation of Scott Essig, Donald Strang and James Strang. Scott has been an active parishioner since the age of about two weeks. His parents are Judy and Jeff Essig and his grandparents are Dave and Barb King. Donald and James are life-long members of St. Lukes in Attica and have participated in our Confirmation Class. Their parents are Bucky and Samantha Strang. John Grein and Jane Grein, both members of Christ Church in Albion, will be received into the Episcopal Church by Bishop Rowe.

FISH FRY HELP NEEDED The twenty-sixth annual Lenten Fish Fry is only one week away! We need wait staff, bussers delivery people, dish wshers, and more. Please see Wayne Judkins or Jim Ellison for an assignment.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED For Element Bearers, Ushers, Greeters, Acolytes (must be younger than 95) and people to deliver Flowers. Please let Barb King know that you are interested.

BAKING CREW REQUESTING Could you help us out with donations of canned blueberry pie filling, cherry pie filling, raspberry pie filling, frozen blueberries, flour, sugar, graham crackers and confectionery sugar? Any donations during fish fry season will be greatly appreciated. Thanks Sue Best

ONE MORE DAY What if you had one more day to spend doing something special? Well, you do! Not only is 2020 a leap year, so we have an extra day in February, but it is on a Saturday. We have 5 Saturdays this month! ECW invites you to spend part of this extra one discussing Mitch Albom’s short but inspiring book, for one more day. We will look at how Mitch has his character, Charley, spend one more day, and see how you might be inspired and challenged. This book is readily available and an entertaining and moving read.

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The one time discussion will be Saturday, February 29 from 10:30 to 12:30. All are invited to go out to lunch, dutch-treat, afterwards. So there is no fuss, no work for anyone, just an opportunity to spend part of your one more day together. If you have difficulty obtaining a copy, please contact Terry McGuire. This gathering is open to everyone, so please invite your friends, your family, your mothers! Plan to come even if you don’t read the book! RSVP to Terry at 343-9143.

Ash Wednesday, February, 26, 2020

7 am to 8 am Ashes to Go, in the St. James west drive

11:00 am Imposition of Ashes and Holy Eucharist, chapel

7:00 pm Imposition of Ashes and Holy Eucharist

Ashes are an ancient sign of penitence. The reminder that we are dust turns our attention to the creative power of God, and God’s ability to heal the brokenness in our lives when we offer that brokenness to God.

Ashes to Go Many people are not able or willing to cross the threshold into a church building, for so many reasons, and so do not receive this reminder of our need, humility and healing. We are called to go out and meet God’s people where they are, and not just expect them to find us.

Ashes to Go is an invitation into the community of God, and is not meant to replace a full Ash Wednesday service for those who are able to attend. In the whole service we are first marked with ashes and then together we enter into the Great Thanksgiving of the Holy Eucharist and receive the Body and Blood of Jesus, our forgiveness and our eternal life. The symbol of our mortality and sinfulness should always be received along with our assurance of eternal life and love with God.

Turning to God is the work of Lent, our preparation for the celebration of Easter.

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LAY MINISTRIES SCHEDULE

If you are unable to serve at a scheduled time, please find a sub and notify the parish office

February 23 March 1

EM 1 Terry McGuire Diane Cox

EM 2 Judy Essig Barb King

Chantry EM Barb King Jack Kershner

1st Lesson Donald Strang Wayne Judkins

2nd Lesson James Strang Bill Hawkins

Prayers of the Candidates

Lexie Belluscio Steve Hawley

Acolytes Scott Essig

Jaykob Belluscio Carol Queal Rich Geitner

Ushers Diane & Kevin

Skelton Dean Perry Bill Coughlin

Greeters Kathy & Larry

Belluscio Bette Rung

Larry Belluscio

Element Bearers Jane Grein

Donna Kauffman Jane McKeehan Glenn Hammond

Deliver Flowers Betsy Dexheimer Dean Perry

Coffee Hour Bishop’s &

Confirmands’ Reception

Need a volunteer

Altar Guild Bette Rung Carol Queal Bill Coughlin

Jo-Ann Bestine Joanne Fleming Donna Kauffman

Building Closer Dave Lange & Rick, Iannello

Larry Belluscio

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The St. James Calendar

Sun, Feb 23 Visit from The Rt. Rev. Bishop Sean Rowe 9:00 am – 9:45 am Choir Rehearsal 10:00 am – 11:15 am Holy Eucharist & Confirmation 10:00 am – 10:45 am Sunday School 11:15 am – 12 00 pm Reception Mon, Feb 24 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Prayer shawl Ministry Mtg. 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Warden’s Meeting 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm Genesee Chorale Rehearsal Tue, Feb 25 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Baby Café 10:45 am – 11:45 am Communion at The Manor House 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm EFM in the Guild Room 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Deanery Council, St. Paul’s Stfd Wed, Feb 26 Ash Wednesday 7:00 am – 8:00 am Ashes to Go 11:00 am – 11:30 am Ash Wednesday Holy Eucharist & Imposition of Ashes 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Bible Discussion Group 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm Hand Bell Choir 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Ash Wednesday Holy Eucharist & Imposition of Ashes Thu, Feb 27 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Thrift Shop Open Fri, Feb 28 5:00 am – 7:00 pm 1st Lenten Fish Fry Sun, Mar 1 9:00 am – 9:45 am Choir Rehearsal 10:00 am – 11:15 am Holy Eucharist 10:00 am – 10:45 am Sunday School 11:15 am – 12 00 pm Coffee Hour 11:15 am – 12:00 pm Our Faith Discussion Group Mon, Mar 2 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Prayer shawl Ministry Mtg. 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm Genesee Chorale Rehearsal Tue, Mar 3 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Baby Café 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm EFM in the Guild Room 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm ECW Board 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Property Committee Meeting

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St. James Episcopal Church

405 East Main Street Batavia, NY 14020

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Weekday Services Wednesday, 11 a.m. – Holy Eucharist in the Chapel

The Second Tuesday of the Month, 3:00 p.m. – Holy Eucharist at the Premier Genesee Nursing Home, 278 Bank Street, in the Mall Walk

The Fourth Tuesday of the Month at 10:45 a.m. – Holy Eucharist at The Manor House, 427 East Main Street, in the Grand Parlor

Everyone is Welcome!

The Rev. Bonnie F. Morris, Rector rector.stjames@outlook.com

The Rev. Deacon Diana Leiker, dllart@aol.com

Choir Director: Dillon Hirsch, Organist: David Lange Administrator: Barbara King

Wardens: Jim Neider, (585) 409-8891, jmaneider@outlook.com

Judy Essig, (585) 820 2615, jessig@gvboces.org

Vestry: Diane Cox, Amy Celentano, Bonnie Dvoroznak,

Dorian Ely,Barbara King, Dean Perry, Harold Odell, Barbara Pierce, William Sofia

Clerk of the Vestry: Cathy Judkins Treasurers: Peter Mark and Keith Price

Office Phone: 585-343-6802 Website: www. stjamesbatavia.org Email: saint.james2@outlook.com

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