Candlemas

The Gathering

Our worship begins at the sound of the bell, please stand as the sacred ministers enter, during which the introit hymn is sung.

At the name of Jesus
ev’ry knee shall bow,
ev’ry tongue confess him
king of glory now;
’tis the Father’s pleasure
we should call him Lord,
who from the beginning
was the mighty Word.

At his voice creation
sprang at once to sight,
all the angel faces,
all the hosts of light,
thrones and dominations,
stars upon their way,
all the heav’nly orders,
in their great array.

Humbled for a season,
to receive a name
from the lips of sinners
unto whom he came,
faithfully he bore it
spotless to the last,
brought it back victorious
when from death he passed.

Bore it up triumphant
with its human light,
through all ranks of creatures,
to the central height,
to the throne of Godhead,
to the Father’s breast;
filled it with the glory
of that perfect rest.

In your hearts enthrone him;
there let him subdue
all that is not holy,
all that is not true:
he is God the Saviour,
he is Christ the Lord,
ever to be worshipped,
trusted, and adored.

Words: Caroline Maria Noel (1817-1877)
Music: Michael Brierley (b. 1932)
Hymn Tune: CAMBERWELL

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

Amen.

The Greeting

The Lord of glory be with you.

The Lord bless you.

Words of Welcome and Introduction

Dear friends, forty days ago we celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Now we recall the day on which he was presented in the Temple, when he was offered to the Father and shown to his people. As a sign of his coming among us, his mother was purified, as we now come to him for cleansing. In their old age Simeon and Anna recognised him as their Lord, as we today sing of his glory. In this eucharist, we celebrate both the joy of his coming and his searching judgement, looking back to the day of his birth and forward to the coming days of his passion.

Prayers of Penitence

Father, your Christ is acclaimed as the glory of Israel:
look in mercy on your Church, sharing his light.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Father, your Christ in his temple brings judgement on the world:
look in mercy on the nations, who long for his justice.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord God, you kept faith with Simeon and Anna,
and showed them the infant King.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Father, your Christ, who was rich, for our sakes became poor:
look in mercy on the needy, suffering with him.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Father, your Christ is the one
in whom faithful servants find their peace:
look in mercy on the departed,
that they may see your salvation.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Father, your Christ is revealed as the one destined to be rejected:
look in mercy on us who now turn towards his passion.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

May the God of love and power
forgive you and free you from your sins,
heal and strengthen you by his Spirit,
and raise you to new life in 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

The president introduces a period of silent prayer with the words ‘Let us pray that we may know and share the light of Christ’.

Almighty and ever-living God,
clothed in majesty,
whose beloved Son was this day presented in the Temple,
in substance of our flesh:
grant that we may be presented to you
with pure and clean hearts,
by your Son Jesus Christ 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

Please sit.

A reading from the letter to the Hebrews.

Since the 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.  

Hebrews 2.14-end

This is the word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Please stand as the gradual hymn is sung. During the hymn a procession will make its way to the centre of the nave from where the Gospel for the day is read. To symbolise our desire to turn to Christ in our daily lives, at the end of the hymn we remain standing and turn to face the place where the Gospel is proclaimed.

Of the Father’s heart begotten.
ere the world from chaos rose,
he is Alpha: from that Fountain
all that is and hath been flows;
he is Omega, of all things
yet to come the mystic Close,
evermore and evermore.

O how blest that wondrous birthday,
when the Maid the curse retrieved,
brought to birth mankind’s salvation,
by the Holy Ghost conceived;
and the Babe, the world’s Redeemer,
in her loving arms received,
evermore and evermore.

This is he, whom seer and sibyl
sang in ages long gone by;
this is he of old revealèd
in the page of prophecy;
lo! he comes, the promised Saviour;
let the world his praises cry,
evermore and evermore.

Sing, ye heights of heav’n, his praises;
angels and Archangels, sing!
Whereso-e’er ye be, ye faithful,
let your joyous anthems ring,
e’vry tongue his name confessing,
countless voices answering,
evermore and evermore.

Words: (Latin) Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (348-413)
translated by Robert Davis (1866-1937)
Music: Plainsong melody adapted by
Theodoricus Petrus in ‘Piae Cantiones’ (1582)
Hymn Tune: CORDE NATUS (DIVINUM MYSTERIUM)

Gospel Reading

Today the Lord is presented in the Temple
in substance of our moral nature.

Alleluia.

Today the Blessed Virgin comes
to be purified in accordance with the law.

Alleluia.

Today old Simon proclaims Christ
as the light of the nations and the glory of Israel.

Alleluia. Praise to Christ, the light of the world.

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

Glory to you, O Lord.

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus 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 turtle-doves 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 favour of God was upon him.

Luke 2.22-40

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon

Please sit after the preacher leads us in prayer.

The Nicene Creed

Please stand with the president.

Let us declare our faith in God.

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

Following an invitation to pray from the intercessor we kneel or sit to pray.

The response to the bidding:

Lord, in your mercy.

Hear our prayer.

Then at the end:

Merciful Father,

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

The Liturgy of the Sacrament 

Please stand with the president.

The Peace

In the tender mercy of our God,
the dayspring from on high has broken upon us,
to give light to those who dwell in darkness
and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Luke 1.78,79

The peace of the Lord be always with you

and also with you.

Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

Preparation of the Table

The table is prepared and bread and wine are placed upon it.

A hymn is sung. During this hymn a collection, our financial offering in support of the work of the church both at St. Mary’s and across our diocese, is taken.

You can place cash or giving envelopes in the collection plates as they are passed around. If you would prefer, or if you miss the plate, you can also give by tapping your contactless card or device on the giving kiosk by the door as you leave, or on our donations page.

Sing we of the blessèd Mother
who received the angel’s word,
and obedient to his summons
bore in love the infant Lord;
sing we of the joys of Mary
at whose breast that child was fed,
who is Son of God eternal
and the everlasting Bread.

Sing we, too, of Mary’s sorrows,
of the sword that pierced her through,
when beneath the cross of Jesus
she his weight of suff’ring knew,
looked upon her Son and Saviour
reigning high on Calv’ry’s tree,
saw the price of our redemption
paid to set the sinner free.

Sing again the joys of Mary
when she saw the risen Lord,
and, in prayer with Christ’s apostles,
waited on his promised word:
from on high the blazing glory
of the Spirit’s presence came.
heav’nly breath of God’s own being,
manifest through wind and flame.

Sing the greatest joy of Mary
when on earth her work was done,
and the Lord of all creation
brought her to his heav’nly home:
virgin mother, Mary blessèd,
raised on high and crowned with grace,
may your Son, the world’s redeemer,
grant us all to see his face.

Words: George Bourne Timms (1910-1997)
Music: Cyril Vincent Taylor (1907-1991)
Hymn Tune: ABBOT’S LEIGH

Taking of the Bread and Wine

Father, in Christ there has sprung up a light for the righteous;
accept the gifts we bring before you
and grant that Christ may shine in us
to the praise and glory of your name.

Amen.

The Eucharistic Prayer (B)

Please kneel or sit.

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.

It is indeed right and good,
always and everywhere to give you thanks and praise
through Jesus Christ, who is one with you from all eternity.
For on this day he appeared in the Temple
in substance of our flesh
to come near to us in judgement.
He searches the hearts of all your people
and brings to light the image of your splendour.
Your servant Simeon acclaimed him as the light to lighten the nations while Anna spoke of him to all who looked for your redemption.
Destined for the falling and rising of many,
he was lifted high upon the cross
and a sword of sorrow pierced his mother’s heart
when by his sacrifice he made our peace with you.
And now we rejoice and glorify your name
that we, too, have seen your salvation
and join with angels and archangels
in their unending 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.

Lord, you are holy indeed, the source of all holiness;
grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit,
and according to your holy will,
these gifts of bread and wine
may be to us the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ;

who, in the same night that he was betrayed,
took bread and gave you thanks;
he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you;
do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way, after supper
he took the cup and gave you thanks;
he gave it to them, saying:
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.

Great is the mystery of faith;

Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.

And so, Father, calling to mind his death on the cross,
his perfect sacrifice made once for the sins of the whole world;
rejoicing in his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension,
and looking for his coming in glory,
we celebrate this memorial of our redemption.
As we offer you this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving,
we bring before you this bread and this cup
and we thank you for counting us worthy
to stand in your presence and serve you.

Send the Holy Spirit on your people
and gather into one in your kingdom
all who share this one bread and one cup,
so that we, in the company of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Saint Joseph, Simeon and Anna and all the saints,
may praise and glorify you for ever,
through Jesus Christ our Lord;

By whom, and with whom, and in whom,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all honour and glory be yours, almighty Father,
for ever and ever.

Amen.

Silence is kept.

The Lord’s Prayer

Believing the promises of God,
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

The president breaks the consecrated bread.

We break the bread of life,
and that life is the light of the world.

God here among us,
light in the midst of us,
bring us to light and life.

The Agnus Dei is sung as the bread is broken for distribution.

Jesus, Lamb of God,
have mercy on us.

Jesus, bearer of our sins,
have mercy on us.

Jesus, redeemer of the world,
grant us peace.

Invitation to Communion

God’s holy gifts
for God’s holy people.

Jesus Christ is holy,
Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

The president and people receive communion. All baptised Christians are welcome to receive the sacrament. Please follow the guidance offered by the stewards.

If you are not baptised, or would prefer to not receive, then do still come forward for a blessing bringing this book with you so the president knows your intention.

The sacrament is available in both kinds, however if you wish to only receive the bread please do so and then return to your place. Receiving in one kind is still considered to be full communion by the Church of England. Please do not dip bread in the wine (sometimes called ‘intincting’).

For those at home it might be helpful to use this prayer during the distribution.

Lord Jesus Christ,
light of the nations and glory of Israel:
make your home among us,
and present us pure and holy
to your heavenly Father,
your God, and our God.
Amen.

Anthem

Sung by the Choir.

Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace:
according to thy word.
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation;
which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
to be a light to lighten the Gentiles:
and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

Luke 2.29-32

Glory be to the Father:
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be:
world without end. Amen.

The following communion hymns may be sung during the distribution as time allows. Please remain seated.

The Lord is my light,
my light and salvation;
in God I trust,
in God I trust.

Words: based on Psalm 27
Music: Jacques Berthier (1923-1994)

Faithful vigil ended;
watching, waiting cease;
master, grant thy servant
his discharge in peace.

All thy Spirit promised,
all the Father willed,
now these eyes behold it
perfectly fulfilled.

This thy great deliv’rance
sets thy people free;
Christ, their light, uplifted
all the nations see.

Christ, thy people’s glory!
watching, doubting, cease;
grant to us thy servants
our discharge in peace.

Words: Timothy Dudley-Smith (1926-2024)
based on Luke 2. 29-32
Music: Friedrich Silcher (1789-1860)
Hymn Tune: PASTOR PASTORUM

The Post Communion Prayer

Please stand with the president who introduces a time of silent prayer with the words ‘Let us pray’.

Lord, you fulfilled the hope of Simeon and Anna,
who lived to welcome the Messiah:
may we, who have received these gifts beyond words,
prepare to meet Christ Jesus
when he comes to bring us to eternal life;
for he is alive and reigns, now and for ever.

Amen.

Candlemas Procession

The Feast of the Presentation of Christ marks a turning point in our liturgical calendar as we leave behind the season of Christmas and Epiphany and shift our attention towards the mysteries of Easter.

A hymn is sung, during which the sacred ministers move to the font and the candles of the congregation are lit. 

When candles are lighted on Candlemas Day,
the dark is behind us, and spring’s on the way.
A glory dawns in ev’ry dark place,
the light of Christ, the fullness of grace.

The kings have departed, the shepherds have gone,
the child and and his parents are left on their own.
A glory dawns in ev’ry dark place,
the light of Christ, the fullness of grace.

They go to the temple, obeying the law,
and offer two pigeons, the gift of the poor.
A glory dawns in ev’ry dark place,
the light of Christ, the fullness of grace.

But Anna and Simeon recognise there
the Christ-child who came at the turn of the year.
A glory dawns in ev’ry dark place,
the light of Christ, the fullness of grace.

They gaze at God’s wonderful answer to prayer,
the joy of the Jews and the Gentiles’ desire.
A glory dawns in ev’ry dark place,
the light of Christ, the fullness of grace.

They see before Mary a heart-piercing grief,
but trust is complete at the end of their life.
A glory dawns in ev’ry dark place,
the light of Christ, the fullness of grace.

For Mary will follow, with tears in her eyes,
her Saviour and Son to the foot of the cross.
A glory dawns in ev’ry dark place,
the light of Christ, the fullness of grace.

The candles invite us to praise and to pray
when Christmas greets Easter on Candlemas Day.
A glory dawns in ev’ry dark place,
the light of Christ, the fullness of grace.

Words: Elizabeth Cosnett (b. 1936)
Music: French traditional melody (1882)
Hymn Tune: LOURDES

Those present in the church now turn towards the font, holding up their candles, as we who have encountered the light of Christ promise to bear his light in the world.

Lord God, the springing source of everlasting light,
pour into the hearts of your faithful people
the brilliance of your eternal splendour,
that we, who by these kindling flames
light up this temple to your glory,
may have the darkness of our souls dispelled,
and so be counted worthy to stand before you
in that eternal city where you live and reign,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

Father, here we bring to an end our celebration
of the Saviour’s birth.

Help us, in whom he has been born,
to live his life that has no end.

Here we have offered the Church’s sacrifice of praise.

Help us, who have received the bread of life,
to be thankful for your gift.

Here we have rejoiced with faithful Simeon and Anna.

Help us, who have found the Lord in his temple,
to trust in your eternal promises.

Here we have greeted the light of the world.

Help us, who bear these candles,
never to forsake the light of Christ.

Here we stand near the place of baptism.

Help us, who are marked with the cross,
to share the Lord’s death and resurrection.

Here we turn from Christ’s birth to his passion.

Help us, for whom Lent is near,
to enter deeply into the Easter mystery.

Here we bless one another in your name.

Help us, who now go in peace,
to shine with your light in the world.
Thanks be to God. Amen.

Members of the congregation extinguish their candles.

The Dismissal

The Blessing

Christ, whose glory fills the skies,
fill you with radiance
and scatter the darkness from your path.

Amen.

Christ, the Sun of Righteousness,
gladden your eyes and warm your heart.

Amen.

Christ, the Dayspring from on high,
draw near to guide your feet into the way of peace.

Amen.

And the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.

Amen.

The Dismissal

Go in the light and peace of Christ.

Thanks be to God.