6

CHORAL EUCHARISTThe Second Sunday of Christmas

Sunday 3 January 202111am Oxford Time

2

Preparing for WorshipWelcome to Christ Church! It is such a joy to worship together in this holy place: to pray, to give thanks, to hear God’s word together and to receive Jesus, present in broken bread. The Cathedral Singers lead our worship today. While we rejoice to worship in our cathedral, we continue to pray with those who gather at home, worshipping with us in spirit and continuing to be united with us in prayer.

In this Christmas season – the traditional ‘twelve days of Christmas’ lasting from December 25th to January 6th – we rejoice that Jesus came among us to share our human life as ‘God with us.’

Please pay attention to Covid risk mitigation measures and please do ask the vergers if you are unsure. There is much that is different from our “normal” practice, The chalice will not be offered to the congregation; the sacrament of Holy Communion is received fully in the bread alone. We will all maintain social distancing at all times, except for the moment of giving the Communion bread. Please make sure you wash or sanitise your hands when asked to do so, and please don’t touch or hug anyone who isn’t part of your household, especially at the Peace.

Despite all the difficulties of this time, we know that God is present here and with us forever. We are very grateful to you for being gracious to us and to one another as we all seek to navigate these new waters. May God bless you as we worship together.

Music before the ServicePlayed by Simon Hogan, Organist, The Cathedral Singers

Gloria in excelsis (from Five Hymn Preludes) Alan Gibbs (b. 1939)

Setting of the EucharistCommunion Service in F Herbert Sumsion (1899–1995)

3

The GatheringThe service starts at 11.05 GMT (11 am Oxford Time). Shortly before the beginning of the service, the deacon will welcome the congregation.

Please stand when the clergy enter. The Deacon carries the Book of the Gospels and places it on the High Altar.

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

All Amen.

The Greeting

President The Lord be with youAll and also with you.

The President introduces the service.

Prayers of Penitence

The Deacon invites the people to confess their sins.

Deacon Hear the words of the angel to Joseph: ‘You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ Therefore let us seek the forgiveness of God through Jesus the Saviour of the world.

Please sit or kneel.

4

All Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we have sinned against you and against our neighbour in thought and word and deed, through negligence, through weakness, through our own deliberate fault. We are truly sorry and repent of all our sins. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who died for us, forgive us all that is past and grant that we may serve you in newness of life to the glory of your name. Amen.

Absolution

President Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All Amen.

Please stand as the choir sings Gloria.

Gloria

Glory be to God on highAnd in earth peace, goodwill towards men,

We praise thee, we bless thee,we worship thee, we glorify thee,

5

we give thanks to thee, for thy great gloryO Lord God, heavenly King,God the Father Almighty.

O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesu Christ;O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,that takest away the sins of the world,have mercy upon us.Thou that takest away the sins of the world,have mercy upon us.Thou that takest away the sins of the world,receive our prayer.Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father,have mercy upon us.

For thou only art holy,thou only art the Lord,thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost,art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

The Collect

President Let us pray.

Silence is kept.

President Almighty God, in the birth of your Son you have poured on us the new light of your incarnate Word, and shown us the fullness of your love: help us to walk in his light and dwell in his love that we may know the fullness of his joy; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.All Amen.

6

The Liturgy of the WordPlease sit.

First ReadingEphesians 1:3–14 (NRSV)

A reading from the Letter of St Paul to the Ephesians.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance towards redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.

Reader This is the word of the Lord.All Thanks be to God.

Please stand. The Choir sings the Gospel Acclamation and the Deacon brings the Book of the Gospels in procession to the Crossing, to be read from among the people.

7

Gospel ReadingJohn 1: 6–18 (NRSV)

Deacon Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.All Glory to you, O Lord.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. The true light was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” ’) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

Deacon This is the Gospel of the Lord.All Praise to you, O Christ.

HomilyCanon Foot

Please be seated for the homily.

Afterwards, there will be a short silence for reflection. Please stand when the Ministers stand and face East to join with the Apostles’ Creed.

8

The Creed

President Let us declare our faith in God

All I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, 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, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come 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 Intercession

A minister leads the prayers of the People.

Minister Let us pray.

Please sit. During the intercessions, the following response is used:

Minister Lord, in your mercyAll hear our prayer.

The prayers usually end with:

Minister Merciful Father,All accept these prayers

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

9

The Liturgy of the SacramentPlease stand.

The Peace

President Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and his name shall be called the Prince of Peace.

President The peace of the Lord be always with youAll and also with you.

Deacon Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

Please do not share the peace with physical touch, or move closer to those around you. However, please offer one another a sign of peace with a warm smile, nod or bow, and with the words ‘peace be with you,’ ‘the peace of the Lord,’ or similar.

Please sit as the altar is prepared, and stand if you are able for the prayer at the Preparation of the Table and the Eucharistic Prayer. The president will prepare the altar. The elements will remain covered throughout the Eucharistic Prayer.

10

Offertory motet

Now the holly bears a berry as white as the milk,And Mary she bore Jesus, who was wrapped up in silk: And Mary she bore Jesus our Saviour for to be, And the first tree that’s in the greenwood, it was the holly. Holly! Holly! And the first tree that’s in the greenwood, it was the holly!

Now the holly bears a berry as green as the grass,And Mary she bore Jesus, who died on the cross: And Mary…

Now the holly bears a berry as black as the coal,And Mary she bore Jesus, who died for us all: And Mary…

Now the holly bears a berry, as blood is it red,Then trust we our Saviour, who rose from the dead: And Mary…

Words: traditional Cornish Christmas carolMusic: John Rutter (b. 1945)

Preparation of the Table

President Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation: through your goodness we have this bread to set before you, which earth has given and human hands have made. It will become for us the bread of life.All Blessed be God for ever.

President Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation: through your goodness we have this wine to set before you, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become for us the cup of salvation.All Blessed be God for ever.

11

The Eucharistic PrayerPresident The Lord be with youAll and also with you.

President Lift up your hearts.All We lift them to the Lord.

President Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.All It is right to give thanks and praise.

President Father, we give you thanks and praise through your beloved Son Jesus Christ, your living Word, through whom you have created all things; who was sent by you in your great goodness to be our Saviour.

By the power of the Holy Spirit he took flesh; as your Son, born of the blessed Virgin, he lived on earth and went about among us; he opened wide his arms for us on the cross; he put an end to death by dying for us; and revealed the resurrection by rising to new life; so he fulfilled your will and won for you a holy people.

The Choir sings the Sanctus

Holy, holy, holy,Lord God of hosts:heaven and earth are full of thy glory.Glory be to thee, O Lord most high.

Blessed is he that comethin the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

12

President 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.

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

President 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.

13

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 Frideswide 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.All Amen.

Please sit or kneel.

The Lord’s Prayer

President As our Saviour taught us, so we pray:All Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

14

Breaking of the Bread

The President breaks the consecrated bread.

President We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.All Though we are many, we are one body,

because we all share in one bread.

Giving of Communion

President Draw near with faith. Receive the body of our Lord Jesus Christ which he gave for you and in remembrance that he died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith with thanksgiving.

The Choir sings the Agnus Dei.

Agnus Dei

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us.Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us.Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, grant us peace.

15

If you would like to receive Communion, please wait in your place until you are invited by a verger to move towards the High Altar or to the west end Communion station. Please maintain two metres distance from others as you go to the altar, and please follow the instructions of the vergers at all times. If you need Communion bringing to you, please tell the verger when s/he comes to you.

We will receive Communion in one kind only. The President will receive at the altar, consuming the whole of the priest’s host which has been uncovered; then sanitise her hands before picking up the ciborium. She will pick up a host and place it in your hands without touching you. If you would like a blessing, keep your head bowed; the President will take a step back and pray a short blessing without touching you.

Prayer after Communion

President Let us pray.

Please sit or kneel. A time of silent prayer may be kept.

All Father of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace, and opened the gate of glory. May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us, so we and all your children shall be free, and the whole earth live to praise your name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

16

The DismissalPlease stand.

Blessing

President Christ, who by his incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill you with peace and goodwill and make you partakers of the divine nature;

and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always.All Amen.

Deacon Go in the peace of Christ.All Thanks be to God.

Please follow the vergers’ directions as you leave the cathedral via Tom Quad and Tom Gate.

Music after the ServiceToccata-Prelude on “Vom Himmel Hoch” Garth Edmundson (1892–1971)

17

You are welcome here, whether you are a long-standing member of our congregations or worshipping with us for the first time. Although the pattern of our life has changed so much, our prayers continue; and please let us know if we can pray for you, or if you need our support. You are warmly invited to continue to participate in our community worship, prayer and spiritual life, both online and offline.

If you would like to be put on our mailing list to receive our weekly e-news, with a link to the online ‘Zoom Tea,’ please contact us at cathedraloffice@chch.ox.ac.uk or speak to one of the clergy as you leave.

We will continue to provide online worship; please don’t put yourself under any pressure to come to church if it is safer for you to stay at home. Wherever you are, you remain a valued member of our community.

Online worship resources from Christ Church Cathedral

The Cathedral website contains an archive of sermons and services, alongside a regular series of blog reflections. You can find worship, resources and prayers at:

www.chch.ox.ac.uk/onlineworshipwww.chch.ox.ac.uk/Christmas2020www.chch.ox.ac.uk/cathedralblogwww.chch.ox.ac.uk/services-and-events/sermons@chchcathedralox

18

If you would like to save time when you arrive next Sunday, you are welcome to fill in this slip at home and bring it to the Cathedral when you are next here, and put it into the box at the desk. You are very welcome to fill out the slip at the desk instead if you would rather do that.

CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL 4.1.7.18 TRACK & TRACE SLIPS

TRACK & TRACE CONTACT SLIP

DATE:

TIME:

NAME/S:

CONTACT EMAIL / PHONE NUMBER:

CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL 4.1.7.18 TRACK & TRACE SLIPS

TRACK & TRACE CONTACT SLIP

DATE:

TIME:

NAME/S:

CONTACT EMAIL / PHONE NUMBER:

19

Scripture readings are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Some liturgical materials in this service are copyright and reproduced here by permission: Common Worship © The Archbishops’ Council 2000–2008.CCLI Church Copyright Licence 262098, One License Church Copyright Licence A-733591Eucharistic Prayer A © The Central Board of Finance of the Church of England / The Archbishops’ Council.

Cover image: Thomas Becket window in Lucy Chapel, photographed by Ralph Williamson.

20

Prayer for the Week

All praise to you,almighty God and heavenly king,

who sent your Son into the worldto take our nature upon him

and to be born of a pure virgin:grant that, as we are born again in him,

so he may continually dwell in usand reign on earth as he reigns in heaven,

now and for ever.Amen.