United in God’s Love, Empowered to Serve, Welcoming All
The Second Sunday in Lent
March 16, 2025
Holy EUCHARIST
11:00 A.M.
INTERIM RECTOR: The Rev. Dr. Julianne Buenting
MUSIC DIRECTOR and ORGANIST: Stephen Kennedy
WELCOME DEACON JOEL WILBUR!
Today, we welcome the Rev. Deacon Joel Wilbur, to Christ Church.
Deacon Joel is a transitional deacon, preparing for ordination to the priesthood.
Please welcome him after services.
We seek to serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves.
We strive for justice and peace among all people,
respecting the dignity of every human being.
Welcome
We seek to mirror the love of God and the hospitality of Jesus in our worship and our service to others. We are a community welcoming all races, ethnicities, faiths, genders, orientations, and abilities. Our worship is open to all, and every person is invited to receive communion.
CHRIST CHURCH OFFICE HOURS – TELEPHONE: 585.454.3878
TUESDAYS - 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAYS - 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
THURSDAYS - 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
As discussed during the Annual Meeting, the Rector Search Committee is interested in your input! Click here and leave us a message https://songforchristchurch.org/contact and share your thoughts. Members of the Search Committee will be available after church during Coffee Hour, too, to answer any questions, and the boards will be available through the month of February.
VOLUNTARY Prélude modal Jean Langlais (1907-1991)
At the ringing of the bell, all who are able, stand.
THE ENTRANCE RITE
INTROIT Tibi dixit cor meum
HYMN 149 Eternal Lord of love
A PENITENTIAL ORDER: RITE TWO
Presider:
Jesus said, “The first commandment is this: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is the only Lord. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:29-31
CONFESSION
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence is 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 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.
TRISAGION
THE WORD OF GOD
COLLECT OF THE DAY
O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
THE LESSONS
Please be seated.
After each Reading, the Reader says: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
THE FIRST READING: Genesis 15:1-12,17-18
The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.” But the word of the Lord came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.
Then he said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess.” But he said, “O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” He said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him. When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
EPISTLE: Philippians 3:17-4:1
Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
Please stand, as able.
TRACT: Commovisti
Cantors: Who-so dwelleth under the defence of the Most High: Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say unto the Lord, Thou art my hope and my stronghold: my God, in him will I trust.
THE HOLY GOSPEL: Luke 13:31-55
Gospeler: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
All: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Some Pharisees came and said to Jesus, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'"
Gospeler: The Gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
SERMON The Rev. Dr. Julianne Buenting
A time of silent reflection is kept after the sermon.
THE NICENE 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:
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
Leader: With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the Lord, saying "Compassionate God, hear our prayer.”
For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the Holy Church of God, and for the unity of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Compassionate God, hear our prayer.
For our Bishop Kara, for all bishops, clergy, and people, let us pray to the Lord.
Compassionate God, hear our prayer.
For the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority, let us pray to the Lord.
Compassionate God, hear our prayer.
For this city of Rochester and for every city and community, and for those who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
Compassionate God, hear our prayer.
For the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will to protect and use its resources rightly, let us pray to the Lord.
Compassionate God, hear our prayer
For the aged and infirm, for the widowed and orphans, and for the sick and the suffering, especially those on our parish prayer list. Let us pray to the Lord.
Compassionate God, hear our prayer
For the poor and the oppressed, for the unhoused and the destitute, for refugees and prisoners, and for all who remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord.
Compassionate God, hear our prayer
For all who have died in the hope of the resurrection and for the departed whose faith is known to you along, remembering especially those who have died in violence and war, let us pray to the Lord.
Compassionate God, hear our prayer.
For deliverance from all danger, violence, oppression, and degradation, let us pray to the Lord.
Compassionate God, hear our prayer
That we may end our lives in faith and hope, without suffering and without reproach, let us pray to the Lord. Compassionate God, hear our prayer
In the communion of Mary, the Mother of God and all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life, to Christ our Redeemer.
To You, O Lord our God.
The Presider adds the following Collect:
O Gracious God, by your Holy Spirit you have made us one with your saints in heaven and on earth: Grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may always be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and know ourselves to be surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, in whom all our intercessions are acceptable through the Spirit, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
THE PEACE
Presider: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.
The People greet one another in the name of the Lord.
PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
Walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself for us.
OFFERTORY
Your monetary offering- whether given in the offering plate or by online donation- supports the worship, pastoral care, and outreach of Christ Church as we seek to love and serve God and our neighbors. Thank you for your generosity.
THE HOLY COMMUNION
HYMN 484 Praise the Lord through every nation
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
All who are able stand
SURSUM CORDA Plainsong
Presider: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. You bid your faithful people cleanse their hearts, and prepare with joy for the Paschal feast; that, fervent in prayer and in works of mercy, and renewed by your Word and Sacraments, they may come to the fullness of grace which you have prepared for those who loves you.Therefore, we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
SANCTUS Plainsong Mass XVIII SANCTUS
The people may stand or kneel as they are able.
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.
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:
Presider and People
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
The Presider 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 Mary, the Mother of God and 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 forever. AMEN.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD
A period of silence is kept.
FRACTION ANTHEM
FRACTION Agnus Dei (Alternatim setti) Anon., c.1375
First Agnus Dei: Organ and small choir
Second Agnus Dei: with congregation and large choir
Third Agnus Dei: Organ and small choir
Presider: The gifts of God for the People of God.
The Bread and the Cup are given to communicants with these words:
The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven.
The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation.
The Response to each is: Amen.
ANTHEM Eternal Grace Peter Aston (1938 – 2013)
Here, O my Lord, I see thee face to face; Here would I touch and handle things unseen; Here grasp with firmer hand the eternal grace, And all my weariness upon thee lean. Here would I feed upon the Bread of God; Here drink with thee the royal Wine of heaven; Here would I lay aside my weary load; Here taste afresh the calm of sin forgiven. I have no help but thine; nor do I need Another arm save thine to lean upon: It is enough, my Lord, enough; indeed, My strength is in thy might, thy might alone. Amen.
HYMN 401 The God of Abraham praise
POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
Presider: Let us pray.
Almighty and ever-living 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 forever. Amen.
THE SOLEMN PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE
The Deacon or, in the absence of a deacon, the
Presider says
Bow down before the Lord. Keep this your family, Lord, with your never-failing mercy, that relying solely on the help of your heavenly grace, they may be upheld by your divine protection, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
DISMISSAL
Deacon: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God
DEO GRATIAS
Mass VIII (De Angeli)” Mode 5
VOLUNTARY Prelude in A minor BWV 543/1, J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
CHRIST CHURCH PARISH PRAYER LIST
Please keep these persons and intentions in your prayers this week-
The wardens, vestry, search committee, and clergy of this parish.
The sick and the suffering, remembering Kristy Liddell’s mother Kina having surgery in March.
Refugees and immigrants, those lacking housing and the necessities of life.
All those afflicted by poverty, bigotry, violence, war, and oppression.
For those who have died and those who mourn.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Katrina Mercado Funeral Service, March 22 @ 11:00 a.m.
Our Celebrant today was the Rev. Dr. Julianne Buenting
Vestry- Jeremy Cooney, Jim Ford, John Fields, Norma Hopcraft, Kristy Liddell, Nancy Norwood, Shirley Ricker, Craig Smith, Jim Kurmis
Wardens- Valerie Jutsum Deb VanderBilt
and David Jutsum- Clerk of the Vestry
_______________________________________________________________________
Organists
Stephen Kennedy, director of music and organist
Andrew Johnson, assistant organist
Dominic Fiacco, VanDelinder Fellow
Jimmy Jeffery, VanDelinder fellow
David Higgs and William Porter, associate organists
Choral Scholars
Anna Bjerken
Karen Goldfeder
Caleb Meyerhoff
Michael Cullinan
Thatcher Lyman
CHRIST CHURCH OFFICE HOURS &Staff -
The Rev. Dr. Julianne Buenting, Interim Rector
Stephen Kennedy, Director of Music, stephenk@rochester.rr.com
Steve Iaia, Sexton, stepheniaia9@gmail.com
Lori Frank, Office Administrator, office@christchurchrochester.org.
Office Hours:
TUESDAYS - 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAYS - 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
THURSDAYS - 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
CALENDAR FOR THIS WEEK
TODAY: March 16, 2025
Children's choir right after church
12:00-3:00 “Let’s Build Together”
9:00 pm Compline
MONDAY, March 17
10:00 am Zoom Morning Prayer
https://songforchristchurch.org/monday-morning-prayer
TUESDAY, March 18
Tuesday Pipes 12:10pm
6:00-9:00 Shrove Tuesday Pancake and potluck
WEDNESDAY, March 19
5:30pm Ash Wednesday Holy Eucharist with imposition of ashes
Choir rehearsal 6:30 pm
THURSDAY, March 20
12:00 Noon- Holy Eucharist in the Chapel
7:00 pm Zoom Evening Prayer
https://songforchristchurch.org/thursday-evening-prayer
LET’S BUILD TOGETHER
Christ Church has a building club for LEGO® fans of all ages! The group gathers weekly in the sacristy between 1:00 and 3:00. Dave Jutsum will supply the LEGO® bricks and pieces.
LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO® Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize, or endorse this club.
MUSIC ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Christ Church Children’s Choir wants your kids! 20-minute rehearsals follow the 11:00 am Eucharist on Sundays. Please feel free to contact Stephen Kennedy and/or Andrew Johnson if you have a child interested in participating or if you have any questions about our program.
Please consider lending a helping hand with Compline set-up immediately following today’s Eucharist.
CHURCH SCHOOL
Available every Sunday for the 11:00 service. Children of any age are welcome! Teachers are on site from 10:45 a.m., and will bring your children down to the sanctuary after the Prayers of the People so that they can join in for communion. Church School focuses on arts & crafts related to the themes of the week’s readings. You can visit the room on the 2nd floor—if you are unfamiliar with the building, please ask an usher, who will be glad to show you the room. Note: Christ Church follows Safe Church practices—at least 2 teachers are always in the room with the children.
DONATIONS, PLEDGE ENVELOPES, AND VISITOR’S BOOK
You can make an online donation or pledge by simply going to the Christ Church website: christchurchrochester.org
There is no service charge when you click the DONATE button.
Please pick up your envelopes in the Narthex
For more information about upcoming events at Church, scan this QR code below.
https://songforchristchurch.org/announcements
Additional items of importance can be seen by clicking the link or scanning the QR code.
Remember to “like” and “subscribe” to our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbkbAzGxOtsMI1dhb_3dGvg/videos
visit the website, http://www.christchurchrochester.org and
The Song, https://songforchristchurch.org often, for any updates and to access free recordings.
LITURGICAL CALENDARS 2024 or 2025
Please let the office know if you are interested in receiving a calendar.
Email: office@christchurchrochester.org
Phone: 585-454-3878
FORWARD DAY BY DAY PUBLICATION
Please let the office know if you are interested in receiving a copy.
Email: office@christchurchrochester.org
Phone: 585-454-3878