The Gathering of the Community
Hymn: Blue #385 Worship the Lord in Beauty of Holiness
Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
All: And also with you.
Collect for Purity
All: Almighty God to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you 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
Collect of the Day
Almighty God, your 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; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN.
The Proclamation of the Word
First Reading: Isaiah 49:1-7
Psalm 40: I waited patiently for the Lord
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Hymn: Blue #147 Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light
The Gospel: John 1:29-42
Sermon
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 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. 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. Amen.
Prayers of the People
We pray that Christ may be seen in the life of the Church. You have called us into the family of those who are the children of God. May our love for our brothers and sisters in Christ be strengthened by your grace.
Jesus, Lord of the Church, in your mercy hear us.
You have called us to be a temple where the Holy Spirit can dwell. Give us clean hands and pure hearts so that our lives will reflect your holiness.
Jesus, Lord of the Church, in your mercy hear us.
You have called us to be a light to the world, so that those in darkness come to you. May our lives shine as a witness to the saving grace you have given for all.
Jesus, Lord of the Church, in your mercy hear us.
You have called us to be members of your body, so that when one suffers, all suffer together. We ask for your comfort and healing power to bring hope to those in distress.
Jesus, Lord of the Church, in your mercy hear us.
You have called us to be the Bride, where you, Lord, are the Bridegroom. Prepare us for the wedding feast, where we will be united with you for ever.
Jesus, Lord of the Church, in your mercy hear us.
Jesus, Lord of the Church, you have called us into fellowship with all your saints. We unite our prayers with theirs and ask for grace to serve you with joy where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for all eternity. Amen.
The Peace
Leader: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
All: And also with you.
Hymn: Blue #352 Amazing Grace
The Holy Eucharist
A Prayer for Spiritual Communion
Leader: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
Leader: Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry; whoever believes in me will never thirst…54 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; 55 for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. 56 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. (John 6)
All: 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.
All: Dear Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Holy Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I desire to possess you within my soul. And since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. I unite myself to you, together with all your faithful people gathered around every altar of your Church, and I embrace you with all the affections of my soul. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.
Concluding Prayer
God of glory, you nourish us with bread from heaven. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, that through us your light may shine in all the world. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. AMEN.
Hymn: Blue #438 O Jesus, I Have Promised
Leader: Go forth in the name of Christ. Alleluia!
All: Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
We pray for: Svetlana, newly arrived in Canada, and the Berberian family, Aroush and Marika, Tereza and Narod, Shiraz and Mother Tereza.
Announcements
| Trinity Bach Project Concert: Saturday January 28th, 7:30 p.m. An evening of music by Bach and Mendelssohn, right here at St. Matthew’s. This new and talented group on Toronto’s musical scene wants to bring sacred music to people in sacred spaces – to sing Bach in the church for which he wrote his music, and to make it accessible to everyone. Their concerts are free so that all can come. Come out and support this wonderful endeavour; bring your friends to enjoy great music in our beautiful church. Admission free; donations gratefully accepted to help cover concert costs. |
| Grand Piano Needed Our grand piano makes these concerts possible. Our current piano has been on a 5-year loan to the church and is going back to its home in June. We are seeking leads on a grand piano in good repair to replace it: if you know someone who might have a piano to donate, or be willing to help purchase one for donation, please speak to Mtr Catherine or Sam Tam. 2023 Run for Refugees On Saturday, February 25th, we are holding our second annual Cold Toenails Run for Refugees. Runners/walkers/cheerleaders and sponsors welcome! Aubrey Duffy is organizing and running; please speak to her for details or to sponsor a runner. |
St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Riverdale,
135 First Avenue, Toronto ON, M4M 1W9
416-463-9720
The Rev Dr Catherine Sider-Hamilton – Priest-in-charge: 416-463-9720
The Rev Trent Pettit – Associate Priest
The Rev Dr Ephraim Radner – Honorary Assistant
Please direct all enquiries to William Middleton, People’s Warden or Audrey Chan, Rector’s Warden
