We are a community anchored in Christ, seeking God, sharing His love and serving others.

The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany January 31, 2021

9 and 11 o’clock in the morning Holy Eucharist: Rite II

PRELUDE Allemande from Suite V Bach

We wish a warm welcome to everyone worshiping with us here at St. James. Masks, covering both your nose and mouth, must be worn while you are in the church. If you attend worship and are later diagnosed with COVID-19, please notify the church or a member of the clergy immediately so that we can care for you and your family, and also so that we can take the necessary steps to protect others from the spread of the virus.

PROCESSIONAL HYMN Thou, whose almighty word Hymn 371 The people stand. verses 1 & 2

OPENING SENTENCES (The people remain standing.)

Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

THE COLLECT FOR PURITY

The Celebrant may say

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

KYRIE ELEISON

Celebrant: Lord, have mercy. People: Christ, have mercy. Celebrant: Lord, have mercy.

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THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

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

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.

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY Deuteronomy 18:15-20

Moses summoned all Israel and said to them: “The Lord  your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. This is what you requested of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said: ‘If I hear the voice of the Lord my God any more, or ever again see this great fire, I will die.’ Then the Lord replied to me: ‘They are right in what they have said. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command. Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. But any prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, or who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded the prophet to speak—that prophet shall die.’ ”

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

PSALM 111:1-9 (Read responsively by half-verse)

1  Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, *in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.

2 Great are the deeds of the Lord! * they are studied by all who delight in them.

3 His work is full of majesty and splendor, * and his righteousness endures for ever.

4 He makes his marvelous works to be remembered; * the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.

5 He gives food to those who fear him; *he is ever mindful of his covenant.

6 He has shown his people the power of his works * in giving them the lands of the nations.

7 The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice; * all his commandments are sure.

8 They stand fast for ever and ever, *because they are done in truth and equity.

9 He sent redemption to his people;he commanded his covenant for ever; *holy and awesome is his Name.

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THE SEQUENCE HYMN I bind unto myself today Hymn 370, verse 6

THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO MARK People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Mark 1:21-28 Jesus and his disciples went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

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

THE SERMON THE REVEREND DE FREEMAN

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THE NICENE CREED (The people stand.)

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE (The people remain standing or kneel.)

Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church; That we all may be one.

Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you; That your Name may be glorified by all people.

We pray for Michael, our Presiding Bishop, Russell our Bishop, for De and Forbes, our priests, for Kenneth and Stephen our seminarians, and for all bishops, priests, and deacons; That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.

We pray for our President, and our Governor, and all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world; That there may be justice and peace on the earth.

Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake; That our works may find favor in your sight.

Have compassion on those whose lives, businesses and dwelling places were affected by the recent hurricanes, the upheavals in our nation, the spread of Covid-19 and all those who suffer from any grief or trouble; That they may be delivered from their distress.

Give to the departed eternal rest; Let light perpetual shine upon them.

We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy; May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.

Let us pray for our own needs and those of others. Silence

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Intercessor and People Heavenly Father you have given us this land of wonder, prosperity, and glory: keep us mindful of the gifts you have given us so that our hearts may be joyful in carrying out your will. Bless our nation with healthy industry, sound learning, and robust kindness. Save us from violence, dissension, and confusion; from our pride, arrogance, and all our evil ways. Help us to defend our liberties, and in spite of our differences in color, creed, and political expression, unite us as one people, harmoniously living together in this land. Bless our leaders with the spirit of wisdom, so that they may rise above trivialities in order to serve the common good, so that there may be justice and peace on our streets, in our cities, and in our neighborhoods. Above all else, help us to remember that in our times of prosperity and even in our days of trouble, our hearts should always be thankful for your unfailing love; all this we ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

CONFESSION OF SIN

The Celebrant says

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept.

Minister and People

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

THE ABSOLUTION

The Priest, stands and says

Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

THE PEACE (The people stand.)

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

THE WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

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THE OFFERTORY Word of God, Come Down on Earth Arr. Ferguson

1 Word of God, come down on earth. Living rain from heaven descending; Touch our hearts and bring to birth Faith and hope and love unending. Word almighty, we revere you; Word made flesh, we long to hear you.

2 Word eternal, throned on high, Word that brought to life creation, Word that came from heaven to die,

Crucified for our salvation, Saving Word, the world restoring, Speak to us, your love outpouring.

3 Word that speaks God’s tender love, One with God beyond all telling, Word that sends us from above God the Spirit, with us dwelling, Word of truth, to all truth lead us, Word of life, with one Bread feed us.

THE DOXOLOGY Congregation & Choir

All things come of thee, O Lord. And of thine own have we given thee. Amen.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING Eucharistic Prayer A The people remain standing.

Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Celebrant: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them to the Lord. Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Because in the mystery of the Word made flesh, you have caused a new light to shine in our hearts, to give the knowledge of your glory in the face of your son Jesus Christ our Lord.

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

SANCTUS

Celebrant and People

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

The people stand or kneel as they are able.

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Then the Celebrant continues

Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.

He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it or lay a hand upon it; and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing wine to be consecrated.

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this 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 we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Celebrant and People Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

The Celebrant continues We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.

Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.

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

THE LORD’S PRAYER

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.

THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD

The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept.

Alleluia! Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; Therefore let us keep the feast, Alleluia!

THE INVITATION

All are welcome and encouraged to receive the sacrament of Holy Eucharist. Please remain in your pew. Those unable to kneel, may stand. To receive the bread, place your hands together. If you do not wish to receive Communion, please cross your arms over your chest.

MINISTRATION OF COMMUNION

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER

The Celebrant says Let us pray. Celebrant and People

Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

THE BLESSING

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PROCESSIONAL HYMN O for a thousand tongues to sing Hymn 493, vs 1-3

The people stand.

THE DISMISSAL

People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia, Alleluia.

♱The flowers on the Altar are given to the glory of God,

by Gil and Randal Wrightin celebration of their grandchildren:

Robert Calvin Chesbro, Kathryn Louise Bouchillon, Howard Branch Bouchillon,Andrew Christian Bouchillon, and Charles Alden Bouchillon.

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THE ST. JAMES PRAYER LIST

Please keep these parishioners in your prayers: Barbara Bayer, Patty Brady, Joyce Carpenter, Jeanelle Clark, Chris Fogarty, Brandy Haas, Sheila Harriman, Clay Havard, Patty Havard, Carolyn Hupp, Augusta Jones, Anne Galt Kessler, Patrick Mead, Pam Miller, Sylvia Mills, Ann Nelson, Ursel Norman, Connie Thames, Jeanne Yancey, Tom Yancey, Dot Yeager, Bob Zeanah, Joy Zeanah, Jessica, and those who care for them.

Let us also pray for the needs of others: Tamlin Albritten, Byron Baggett, Heath Burton, Brooke Butts, Dee Chapman, Winston Chapman, Fred Chesbro, Leland Chesbro, Rudy Davis, Kathe Dolan, Mary Beth Evans, Betty Florey, Denson Freeman, Sr., Kristen Freeman, Elizabeth Graham, Lily Guallar, Keegan Harvey, Mimi Henderson, Jim Herring, Tim Hickey, Bobbie Hughes, Darwin Klug, the Knight family, Linda Leigh, Janice Maples, Rick Maples, Suzanne McKinney, Rachel Newell, Kay Norman, Stan Norman, Cynthia Pegues, Mary Raines, Bill Rawson, Hill Robinson, Sheila Schreiner, Ken Sears, Sam South, Sherry Stuart, Joe Treadway, Jason Tunnell, the Tunnell family, Brandon Webb, Maria Welch, Joe Williams, Helen Wilson, Roberta Woodruff, Carolyn Zeanah, and those who care for them.

Military Prayer Requests: Brandon Beam, Lee Brennan, Chase Carlton, William Clarke, Charles Cotton, Matthew Curry, Edward Doyle, Hunter Freeman, Billy Geiger, Bobby Glover, John Granlund, John Gresla, John Heeren, Mallory Henderson, Matthew Kangsumrith, Daniel Keyser, Will McDuff, Walter Miller, Robert Pinckard, Parker Ponder, Colton Pratt, Bryan Quinn, Neil Quinn, James Ramming, Lewis Robertson, Adam Simpson, Gary Spencer, Stephenie Tatum, and William Watts.

To place a name on the prayer list during this time of social distancing please call the parish office at 251-928-2912. Names are listed for 2 months.

Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE #A-702219 & CCLI LICENSE # 693997.

Copyright information: Allemande from Suite V- Bach Thou, whose almighty word- © public domain. Permission obtained from Ritesong, a one-time use reprint license for congregational use. I bind unto myself today © public domain. Permission obtained from Ritesong, a one-time use reprint license for congregational use. Word of God Come Down on Earth, Arr. Ferguson ©11992 GIA Publications, Inc. Permission obtained from Onelicense with License

#702219. O for a thousand tongues to sing - public domain. Permission obtained from Ritesong, a one-time use reprint license for congregational use.

9 AM SERVANTS

Crucifer: Gina WalcottUshers: Elaine Estefan, Jeb Arington

Lector: Elaine EstefanIntercessor: Gil Wright

11 AM SERVANTS

Crucifer: Drew WellsUshers: Bruce Stone, Bill May

Lector: Dylan WellsIntercessor: Kay Jackson

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NEWS & EVENTS Women’s Monday Night Bible Study Begins New Study February 8—This Lent, author Rob Burkhart invites us to view the Easter story in a new way. His book, On the Road to the Cross, allows us to experience Easter through the eyes of the everyday people who witnessed one of the greatest events in human history: Simon the Leper, Malchus, the Centurion at the cross, Cleopas, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, Barabbas, Simon of Cyrene, and Mary Magdalene. Each week offers a unique perspective on the events of Easter and its impact on our lives. The group will begin the 8-week study on Monday, February 8 at 6:30 PM via ZOOM. Purchase your book now from any online retailer (presently Cokesbury has them at the lowest price for $8.49). For more information, or to obtain the ZOOM link, call group leader Michelle Orr at 251-490-6077 or 251-990-6077.

Ash Wednesday Services—Mark your calendar for Ash Wednesday services on February 17 at 7:00 AM, 12:30 PM and 6:00 PM. All services will be held in the Church.

Lectors—If you are interested in serving on Wednesdays at 10 AM as a reader for Morning Prayer, call the parish office at 251-928-2912 or email Father Forbes at forbes@stjamesfairhope.org, so we can add you to the Wednesday rotation. Thank you in advance!

From the Finance Office—If you have not had an opportunity to turn in your Estimate of Stewardship card for 2021, it is not too late! You can fill one out on our website at stjamesfairhope.org under the GIVE TO ST. JAMES tab and it will be securely delivered to Jim Ketchum in our finance office, or you can download one and mail it to us or drop it off next time you are here. 2021 pledge envelopes are available for pick-up outside Green Hall on Sunday mornings or in the parish office during the week. If you would like envelopes but didn’t request in advance, call Jim at 251-928-2912 or email him at finance@stjamesfairhope.org.

2021-2022 School Enrollment—St. James School Open Enrollment is going on now! Next fall we will offer PreK-2 through 2nd grade. Summer Camp registration begins March 1. Please help us spread the word! An easy way to do this is to follow the school’s Facebook page and share the posts. Thank you in advance.

Instant Church Directory—A new online church directory and app for your phone is coming this spring! Send your individual or family photo to Jennifer Glover at communications@stjamesfairhope.org (or let her know you would like to use the one you sent last year for the church pew just after the shut-down).

Yoga—Commit to doing something good for yourself! Yoga is free of charge and open to St. James parishioners and friends. Current schedule is as follows:

Mondays from 9:30 - 10:30 AM, Gentle Yoga in Green Hall, led by Jane Tucker.

Thursdays from 5:45 - 6:45 PM via ZOOM link, led by Stacy Reckeweg.

If you would like to participate, email stacy.reckeweg@gmail.com to obtain the weekly links.

Fridays from 7:30 - 8:30 AM Yoga Flow in Green Hall, led by Jane Tucker.

Please take this booklet home with you.

St. James Episcopal Church We are a community anchored in Christ, seeking God, sharing His love and serving others.

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