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Hymn

Jesus shall reign where’er the sun
does his successive journeys run;
his kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
till moons shall wax and wane no more.

People and realms of every tongue
dwell on his love with sweetest song,
and infant voices shall proclaim
their early blessings on his name.

Blessings abound where’er he reigns:
the prisoner leaps to lose his chains;
the weary find eternal rest,
and all the sons of want are blest.

To him shall endless prayer be made,
and praises throng to crown his head;
his name like incense shall arise
with every morning sacrifice.

Let every creature rise and bring
peculiar honours to our King;
angels descend with songs again,
and earth repeat the loud Amen.

Isaac Watts (1674–1748), based on Psalm 72

The Gathering

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 
Amen.

The Lord be with you 
and also with you.

Prayer of Preparation

Almighty God, 
to whom all hearts are open, 
all desires known, 
and from whom no secrets are hidden: 
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.

Prayers of Penitence

The grace of God has dawned upon the world 
through our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who sacrificed himself for us to purify a people as his own.
Let us confess our sins.

Almighty God, 
our heavenly Father, 
we have sinned against you 
and against our neighbour 
in thought and word and deed, 
through negligence, through weakness, 
through our own deliberate fault. 
We are truly sorry 
and repent of all our sins. 
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, 
who died for us, 
forgive us all that is past 
and grant that we may serve you in newness of life 
to the glory of your name.  Amen. 

Almighty God, 
who forgives all who truly repent, 
have mercy upon you, 
pardon and deliver you from all your sins, 
confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, 
and keep you in life eternal; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  
Amen.

Gloria in Excelsis

Glory to God in the highest, 
and peace to his people on earth. 

Lord God, heavenly King, 
almighty God and Father, 
we worship you, we give you thanks, 
we praise you for your glory. 

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, 
Lord God, Lamb of God, 
you take away the sin of the world: 
have mercy on us; 
you are seated at the right hand of the Father: 
receive our prayer. 

For you alone are the Holy One, 
you alone are the Lord, 
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, 
with the Holy Spirit, 
in the glory of God the Father. 
Amen. 

The Collect

Almighty God,
whose Son revealed in signs and miracles
the wonder of your saving presence:
renew your people with your heavenly grace,
and in all our weakness
sustain us by your mighty power;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

The Liturgy of the Word

First Reading
Nehemiah 8.1-3, 5-6, 8-10

A reading from the book of Nehemiah.

All the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had given to Israel. Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month.

He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up.

Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God and all the people answered, ‘Amen, Amen,’ lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.

And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, ‘This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.’ For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law.

Then he said to them, ‘Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our LORD; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.’

This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 19

Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.
Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.

The heavens declare the glory of God, 
and the firmament shows his handiwork.
One day tells its tale to another, 
and one night imparts knowledge to another.
Although they have no words or language, 
and their voices are not heard,
Their sound has gone out into all lands, 
and their message to the ends of the world. 
Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.

In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; 
it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber; 
it rejoices like a champion to run its course.
It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens 
and runs about to the end of it again; 
nothing is hidden from its burning heat. 
Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.

The law of the Lord is perfect and revives the soul; 
the testimony of the Lord is sure and gives wisdom to the innocent.
The statutes of the Lord are just and rejoice the heart; 
the commandment of the Lord is clear and gives light to the eyes. 
Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.

The fear of the Lord is clean and endures for ever; 
the judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, more than much fine gold, 
sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb. 
Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.

By them also is your servant enlightened, 
and in keeping them there is great reward.
Who can tell how often he offends? 
Cleanse me from my secret faults.
Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins; 
let them not get dominion over me; 
then shall I be whole and sound, and innocent of a great offence. 
Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart 
be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. 
Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.

Second Reading
1 Corinthians 12.12-31a

A reading from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians.

Just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – Jews or Greeks, slaves or free – and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many.

If the foot would say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body.  And if the ear would say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.

If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you,’ nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’ On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are  indispensable, and those members of the body that we think less honourable we clothe with greater honour, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honour to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another.

If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But strive for the greater gifts.

This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading
Luke 4.14-21

Hear the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. 
Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.

When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him.

He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’

And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.

Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’

This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon

The Creed

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,
was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and 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,
who with the Father and the Son
is worshipped and glorified,
who 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.

Prayers of Intercession

In the power of the Spirit let us pray to the Lord.

Lord of all joy, you are our hope and our strength, a very present help in all troubles. We give thanks for all who tell of your love by translating the Scriptures, by preaching the word, by teaching the faith. We pray for all Christians who are being persecuted for their faith; guide and protect them as they hold firm in their belief.
Lord, in your mercy – hear our prayer.

We give thanks for all who care for the oppressed, the lost and the rejected. Give wisdom and love to all whose decisions influence the lives of others. Lord we pray for peace and mutual respect in our troubled and divided world.
Lord, in your mercy – hear our prayer.

We ask your blessing on our families, friends and neighbours. May we ever serve those alongside whom we live. We pray for those in the communities we serve in your name who are in need of care and consolation at this time.
Lord, in your mercy – hear our prayer.

God of love, we pray for those who are in any kind of need at this time. We pray for the hungry and the homeless; the dispossessed and the rejected; the victims of natural and man-made disasters. We continue to pray for those who are sick in body, mind or spirit, and for those who care for them.
Lord, in your mercy – hear our prayer.

We give thanks that you are the Lord who loves us and renews us. We remember those who have departed this life in recent days, and in times gone past. We pray that they may rest in the peace and in the glory of your loving presence.
Lord, in your mercy – hear our prayer.

Merciful Father,
accept these prayers,
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.  
Amen.

The Liturgy of the Sacrament

The Peace

Our Saviour Christ is the Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there shall be no end.

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

Hymn

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
‘Come unto me and rest;
lay down, thou weary one, lay down
thy head upon my breast’:
I came to Jesus as I was,
weary and worn and sad;
I found in him a resting-place,
and he has made me glad.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
‘Behold, I freely give
the living water, thirsty one;
stoop down and drink and live’:
I came to Jesus, and I drank
of that life-giving stream;
my thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
and now I live in him.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
‘I am this dark world’s light;
look unto me, thy morn shall rise,
and all thy day be bright’:
I looked to Jesus, and I found
in him my star, my sun;
and in that light of life I’ll walk
till travelling days are done.

Horatius N. Bonar (1808–1889)

Preparation of the Table

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation: 
through your goodness we have this bread to set before you, 
which earth has given and human hands have made. 
It will become for us the bread of life.
Blessed be God for ever.

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation: 
through your goodness we have this wine to set before you, 
fruit of the vine and work of human hands. 
It will become for us the cup of salvation.
Blessed be God for ever.

The Eucharistic Prayer

The Lord is here.
His Spirit is with us.

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give thanks and praise.

All honour and praise be yours always and everywhere,
mighty creator, ever-living God,
through Jesus Christ your only Son our Lord:
for at this time we celebrate your glory made present in our midst.

In the coming of the Magi 
the King of all the world was revealed to the nations.

In the waters of baptism Jesus was revealed as the Christ,
the Saviour sent to redeem us.

In the water made wine
the new creation was revealed at the wedding feast.

Poverty was turned to riches, sorrow into joy.

Therefore with all the angels of heaven
we lift our voices to proclaim the glory of your name
and sing our joyful hymn of praise:

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.

We praise and bless you, loving Father,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord;
and as we obey his command, send your Holy Spirit,
that broken bread and wine outpoured
may be for us the body and blood of your dear Son.

On the night before he died he had supper with his friends
and, taking bread, he praised you.
He broke the bread, gave it to them and said:
Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you;
do this in remembrance of me.

When supper was ended he took the cup of wine.
Again he praised you, 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.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.

So, Father, we remember all that Jesus did,
in him we plead with confidence his sacrifice 
made once for all upon the cross.
Bringing before you the bread of life and cup of salvation,
we proclaim his death and resurrection until he comes in glory.

Great is the mystery of faith:
Christ has died:  
Christ is risen:  
Christ will come again.

Lord of all life, help us to work together for that day
when your kingdom comes 
and justice and mercy will be seen in all the earth.

Look with favour on your people,
gather us in your loving arms
and bring us with all the saints to feast at your table in heaven.

Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all honour and glory are yours, O loving Father,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us

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,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.  
Amen.

Breaking of the Bread

We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
Though we are many, we are one body,
because we all share in one bread.

The Agnus Dei

Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world, 
have mercy on us.

Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world, 
have mercy on us.

Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world, 
grant us peace.

Giving of Communion

Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Blessed are those who are called to his supper.
Lord, I am not worthy to receive you,
but only say the word, and I shall be healed.

Today communion is received for and on behalf of all who are participating in this service. This is a time when you are invited to make your own Spiritual Communion.

Hymn

The Son of God proclaim,
the Lord of time and space;
the God who bade the light break forth
now shines in Jesus’ face.

He, God’s creative Word,
the church’s Lord and Head,
here bids us gather as his friends
and share his wine and bread.

The Lord of life and death
with wond’ring praise we sing;
we break the bread at his command
and name him God and King.

We take this cup in hope;
for he, who gladly bore
the shameful cross, is risen again
and reigns for evermore.

Basil Bridge (b. 1927)

Prayer after Communion

Almighty Father,
whose Son our Saviour Jesus Christ is the light of the world:
may your people,
illumined by your word and sacraments,
shine with the radiance of his glory,
that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed
to the ends of the earth;
for he is alive and reigns, now and for ever.
Amen.

Almighty God, 
we thank you for feeding us 
with the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ. 
Through him we offer you our souls and bodies 
to be a living sacrifice. 
Send us out in the power of your Spirit 
to live and work 
to your praise and glory.  
Amen.

Blessing and Dismissal

Christ the Son of God perfect in you the image of his glory
and gladden your hearts with the good news of his kingdom;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.

Hymn

Forth in thy name, O Lord, I go,
my daily labour to pursue;
thee, only thee, resolved to know,
in all I think or speak or do.

The task thy wisdom hath assigned
O let me cheerfully fulfil;
in all my works thy presence find,
and prove thy good and perfect will.

Preserve me from my calling’s snare,
and hide my simple heart above,
above the thorns of choking care,
the gilded baits of worldly love.

Thee may I set at my right hand,
whose eyes my inmost substance see,
and labour on at thy command,
and offer all my works to thee.

Give me to bear thy easy yoke,
and every moment watch and pray,
and still to things eternal look,
and hasten to thy glorious day;

For thee delightfully employ
whate’er thy bounteous grace hath given,
and run my course with even joy,
and closely walk with thee to heaven.

Charles Wesley (1707–1788)