United in God’s Love, Empowered to Serve, Welcoming All
The Presentation of the Lord in the Temple
CANDLEMAS
Holy Eucharist
February 1, 2026 11 AM
BISHOP: The Rt. Rev. Kara Wagner Sherer
PRESIDER AND PREACHER: The Rev. Dr. Julianne Buenting
MUSIC DIRECTOR and ORGANIST: Stephen Kennedy
Honoring the Baptismal Covenant, we strive for justice and peace for all people,
respecting the dignity of every human being
Voluntary Nunc dimittis (All-Night Vigil, op. 37) Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873–1943), arranged by Winfred Douglas and Dominic Fiacco
Please stand, as able, at the sounding of the bell.
Candlemas Procession
The Altar party gathers by sacristy door for the greeting, holding unlighted candles.
Presider Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Presider
Dear people of God, forty days ago we celebrated the joyful feast of the Incarnation of Jesus. Today we recall the day on which he was presented in the temple, fulfilling the law of Moses. Led by the Spirit, Simeon and Anna came to the temple, recognized the child as the Christ, and proclaimed him with joy. United by the same Spirit, we now enter the house of God, where we shall recognize Christ in the breaking of bread.
Let us pray (Silence)
O eternal God, who has created all things; on this day you fulfilled the petitions of the just Simeon: We humbly ask you to bless and sanctify these candles for our use. Graciously hear our prayers and be merciful to us, whom you have redeemed by your Son, who is the light of the world, and who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
The altar party’s candles are lighted. They process down the side aisle as the Canticle is chanted.
Canticle: the song of Simeon sung by members of the CC Choir
A Light to enlighten the nations,
and the glory of your people Israel.
A Light to enlighten the nations,
and the glory of your people Israel.
Lord, you now have set your servant free *
to go in peace as you have promised.
A Light to enlighten the nations,
and the glory of your people Israel.
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
whom you have prepared for all the world to see.
A Light to enlighten the nations,
and the glory of your people Israel.
The altar procession stops at the narthex main aisle for the following prayer.
Presider: Let us pray.
O God, source of all light, today you revealed to the aged Simeon your light which enlightens the nations. Fill our hearts with the light of faith, that we who bear these candles may walk in the path of goodness, through Jesus Christ the Light of the World. Amen.
Hymn 93 Angels from the realms of glory
The altar party processes to the sanctuary during the hymn.
After the hymn, the following antiphon and psalm are chanted by the choir and congregation
Psalm 48:1–2, 10–13 with Antiphon
Cantors:
We have waited in silence on your loving-/ kindness,
O Lord, in the midst / of your temple.
All:
Your praise, like your Name, O God, reaches to the /world’s end;
your right hand is / full of justice.
Great is the LORD, and highly / to be praised; *
in the city of our God / is his holy hill.
Beautiful and lofty, the joy of all the earth, is the hill of / Zion, *
the very center of the world and the city / of the great King.
Let Mount Zion be glad and the cities of Judah re-/joice, *
because / of your judgments.
Make the circuit of Zion; walk round a-/bout her; *
count the number / of her towers.
Consider well her bulwarks; examine her / strongholds; *
that you may tell those / who come after.
This God is our God for ever and / ever; *
he shall be our / guide for evermore.
We have waited in silence on your loving-/ kindness,
O Lord, in the midst / of your temple.
Your praise, like your Name, O God, reaches to the /world’s end;
your right hand is / full of justice.
The Collect
Presider God be with you.
People And also with you.
Presider Let us pray (Silence)
Almighty and ever-living God, we humbly pray that, as your only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple, so we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts by Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Please be seated
First Lesson Malachi 3:1-4
Thus says the Lord, See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight-- indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?
For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.
Presider The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Psalm 84
Quam dilecta
Cantors:
1 How dear to me is your dwelling, O /Lord of hosts! *
My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh rejoice / in the living God.
All:
2 The sparrow has found her a house and the swallow a nest where she may /lay her young; *
by the side of your altars, O Lord of hosts, my / King and my God.
3 Happy are they who dwell /in your house! *
they will al-/ways be praising you.
4 Happy are the people whose strength is / in you! *
whose hearts are set / on the pilgrims’ way.
5 Those who go through the desolate valley will find it a /place of springs, *
for the early rains have covered it with /pools of water.
6 They will climb from /height to height, *
and the God of gods will reveal him-/self in Zion.
7 Lord God of hosts, /hear my prayer; *
hearken, O /God of Jacob.
8 Behold our defender, O /God; *
and look upon the face of /your Anointed.
9 For one day in your courts is better than a thousand in /my own room, *
and to stand at the threshold of the house of my God than to dwell in the tents /of the wicked.
10 For the Lord God is both /sun and shield; *
he will give /grace and glory;
11 No good thing will the /Lord withhold *
from those who walk / with integrity.
12 O Lord of /hosts, *
happy are they who / put their trust in you!
The Epistle Hebrews 2:14-18
Since God's children share flesh and blood, Jesus himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
Presider The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Please stand, as able.
Sequence Hymn 499 Lord God, you now have set your servant free
Holy Gospel Luke 2:22-40
Presider The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke
All Glory to you, Lord Christ.
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
"Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."
And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed-- and a sword will pierce your own soul too."
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
Presider The Gospel of the Lord.
All Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon
The Rev. Dr. Julianne Buenting
A time of silent reflection is kept after the sermon.
Please stand, as able.
The Nicene Creed recited in unison.
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 worshipped 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.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
(adapted from prayers by the Rev. Rick Morley and the Anglican Church of Canada)
Leader Let us pray to God, who is made manifest in Christ Jesus, saying:
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
As the prophet Isaiah sang out, “Arise, shine; for your light has come”; empower your people, O God,
to show forth the light of Christ, which pierces even the deepest darkness.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
As the star rose high into the night sky, guiding the Magi from distant lands to the Christ-child; guide the whole world, O God, to your healing and truth. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
As John the Baptist called people to repentance at the River Jordan, we pray that you, O God, would
draw all peoples and leaders to the ways of justice and peace. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
As the Magi came bearing gifts to honor the Savior’s birth; we pray for this parish, that we may share
our gifts of loving service in our local community and beyond. Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
As Jesus have us an example of consistent prayer, we pray for the sick and the suffering, the poor and
the oppressed, and those afflicted by violence, war, and natural disaster. We pray especially for those on
our parish prayer list. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
In the hope of eternal rest and peace in your presence, all-holy God, we pray for those who have died,
Remembering especially those who have died by violence. Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
The presider concludes with the following collect
Gracious God, hear our prayers, and kindle the flame of the Christ within us, that in our lives and
service, we may rejoice to know your transforming presence at work in the world around us.
All this we ask for the sake of your love.
Amen.
Presider Let us pray together for Christ Church’s search process for the next Rector.
All Loving God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on this parish and
guide those who shall discern and choose its next rector, that we may receive
a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries;
through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Confession
Presider Let us confess our sins to God. (Silence)
Minister and people
God of all mercy, we confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your will in our lives.
We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and in the world you have created.
We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf.
Forgive restore and strengthen us through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we may abide in your
love and serve only your will. Amen.
Absolution
Presider Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through the grace of Jesus Christ,
strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
The Peace
Presider The peace of Christ be always with you.
Parish announcements and offertory sentence
The offering
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.
To donate electronically, please scan this QR code.
Offertory Hymn 7 Christ, whose glory fills the skies
The Holy Communion Rite II Eucharistic Prayer A, Expansive language
The Great Thanksgiving
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Almighty God,
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:
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 Christ, you have delivered us from evil, and made
us worthy to stand before you. In Christ, 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 Savior 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 Jesus 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 Christ’s death,
We proclaim Christ’s resurrection,
We await Christ’s coming in glory;
And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Savior 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 in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, through whom we are acceptable to you, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly
country where, with Mary, the mother of God, and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage
of your children, through Jesus Christ our Savior, the first born of all creation, the head of the church,
and the author of our salvation. By Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all honor and glory is yours almighty God now and forever. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer Plainsong.Stephen Kennedy
The Breaking of the Bread
Silence is kept after the Presider breaks the bread.
Fraction Anthem
Invitation to Communion
Presider The gifts of God for the people of God.
Everyone, without exception, is welcome to receive Holy Communion.
If a gluten free wafer is better for you, please tell the minister when you come forward.
The bread and the cup are given with these Words:
The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven. Please respond: Amen.
The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation. Please respond: Amen.
Anthem Let all mortal flesh keep silence Gustav Holst (1874-1934)
Let all mortal flesh keep silence
And with fear and trembling stand;
Ponder nothing earthly-minded,
For with blessing in his hand
Christ our Lord to earth descendeth
Our full homage to demand.
King of Kings, yet born of Mary,
As of old on earth he stood,
Lord of Lords, in human vesture,
In the body and the blood
He will give to all the faithful
His own self for heav'nly food.
Rank on rank the host of heaven
Spreads his vanguard on the way,
As the light of light descendeth
From the realms of endless day,
That the pow'rs of hell may vanish
As the darkness clears away.
At his feet the six wing'd seraph;
Cherubim with sleepless eye
Veil their faces to the presence
As with ceaseless voice they cry,
Alleluia, alleluia,
Alleluia, Lord most high.
Please stand, as able.
Post- Communion Hymn 497 How bright appears the Morning Star
Post-Communion Prayer
Presider Let us pray. (Silence)
All Eternal God, you have graciously accepted us as living members of 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 Savior. Amen.
A Blessing for Candlemas
Christ, whose glory fills the skies, fill you with radiance and scatter the darkness from your path.
All Amen.
Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, gladden your eyes and warm your heart.
All Amen.
Christ, the Dayspring from on high, draw near to guide your feet into the way of peace.
All Amen.
And the blessing of the God of unstoppable love, Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
All Amen.
The Dismissal
Presider Go forth in the light and peace of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia.
People Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.
Deo Gratias
Voluntary Prelude in A Minor BWV 543 Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
PARISH PRAYER LIST
Please keep these people and intentions in your prayers this week-
The wardens, vestry, search committee, and clergy of this parish.
The sick and the suffering, Ellen Iaia (Steve’s mother),
Judy (Kevin Finnigan’s cousin), Chris Brennan, John Ford, Cora McCallum and Antonio Taylor
Dave Jutsum, Capt. Charles Lewis, deployed to the Middle East.
Refugees and immigrants, those lacking housing, employment, and the necessities of life.
Those affected by recent storms, flooding, and wildfires.
All those afflicted by poverty, bigotry, violence, war, and oppression.
Those who have died and those who mourn
MUSIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
Candlelight Concerts precede Compline on first Sundays of each month at 8:30 pm followed by a reception in the Guild Room. RECEPTION VOLUNTEERS AND BAKERS are needed in order to continue to offer this hospitality to those who join us. Please SIGN-UP to co-host or bake cookies or help with clean-up. Sign-up sheets are posted on the bulletin board outside Wilder Hall. Thank you for helping with hospitality for these very popular musical offerings.
