Vespers

for the season of Epiphany

Prelude

* Celebration of the Light of Christ

        O gracious Light,

            Pure brightness of the Father of Lights,

                O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!

Now as we come to the setting of the sun,

        and our eyes behold the vesper light,

        we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

You are worthy to be praised with joyful voices,

                Son of God, O giver of life,

                and to be glorified forever and ever.

Entrance Rite

*  Greeting

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

                And also with you.

*  Hymn of Praise             "Joyous Light of Glory"                        LBW p. 143

*  Opening Dialog

        The Lord is my light and my salvation.  Whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life.  Of whom shall I be afraid?

Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me:

Teach me, O Lord; lead me in Your right paths.

        Wait for the Lord; be strong, take heart:

The Lord is my light and my salvation.

*  Salutation

        The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

*  Gathering Song

*  Evening Prayer

Lord, the daytime and night are both yours.  Support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes and the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and our work is done.  Then, Lord, in your mercy, grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

Or

Gracious Father, we give you thanks for the day, especially for the good we were permitted to give and receive; the day is now past and we commit it to you.  We entrust our souls to you this night; we rest in surety, for your are our help, and you neither slumber nor sleep.  Amen

Hearing the Word

    The Lesson

    Meditation

*  Prayers

* Sharing of God’s Peace

Liturgy of the Meal

*  Invitation                                            

*  Words of Institution

*  The Lord’s Prayer

*  Sharing of the Presence                                             “Jesus, Remember Me”        sung as we come to the table

        Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom,

        Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

*  Communion Blessing

*  Hymn of Thanksgiving

*  Prayer for our Journey

Lord God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown.  Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

*  Blessing                                                                                                                            sing as a round – first time in unison, second time men start

    Father, bless us as we go.  Jesus, walk beside us.  Holy Spirit guide us.

*  Benediction

Postlude

*  Please stand for these portions of the Service