St.

Francis Church
A New Christian Community for the Goodlettsville Area

The Right Reverend John C. Bauerschmidt--Bishop of Tennessee

The Reverend Joseph B. Howard--Vicar

Order of Worship

St. Francis Church is a community dedicated to the

transformation of lives through the Gospel of Jesus Christ for
the Kingdom of God.

The Second Sunday After Epiphany

Holy Eucharist & Baptism
A congregation of the Diocese of Tennessee and the world-wide Anglican Communion
A note for visitors: We’re thankful that you could join us for worship today, and we
pray God blesses you in your time here. The service is printed in your bulletin. If you
have any questions don’t hesitate to ask someone around you!

St. Francis Church we want to encourage families to worship together. In order to

be a community where all ages feel welcome, we provide coloring materials for children
to use during worship and seek to understand the specific gifts and challenges that
children bring. We encourage you, should you feel comfortable doing so, to sit toward
the front with your children, as little-ones are often more attentive if they can see what is
happening. After the second reading, children 6 years old and below are invited to take
part in children’s chapel.

We understand that there may be times when it is best to take advantage of child care,
and nursury is provided.

In Preparation for worship: We invite you to take a few moments before the service
begins to be still, and rest from the business of your lives. Take time to breathe deeply,
and reflect upon the past week, preparing yourself to come before God in worship.
When you’re ready, you might say the following prayer or one like it in preparation for
worship.

O Almighty God, who pours out on all who desire it the spirit of grace and
of supplication: Deliver us, when we draw near to you, from coldness of
heart and wanderings of mind, that with steadfast thoughts and kindled
affections we may worship you in spirit and in truth; though Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

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 The Word of God
518
Processional: Christ is made the sure foundation The Church H518
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G D G C Am D G D G A7

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Ì ¡ Ì Ì Ì ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡
1 Christ is made the sure foun - da - tion, Christ the head and
2 All that ded - i - cat - ed ci - ty, dear - ly loved of
3 To this tem - ple, where we call thee, come, O Lord of

ÌÌ ¡¡ ¡¡ Ì ¡¡K ¡
4 Here vouch - safe to all thy serv - ants what they ask of

" Ì ¡¡ ÌÌ ¡ ÌÌ ¡¡ ¡ ¡ ¡
¡ Ì ¡ ¡ ,


D A A7 D A D G D G

¡Ì Ì ¡ ÌÌ ¡¡ ÌÌ Ì ¡ Ì ¡¡
Ì ¡¡ Ì ¡ Ì
cor - ner - stone, cho - sen of the Lord, and pre - cious,
God on high, in ex - ult - ant ju - bi - la - tion
Hosts, to - day; with thy wont - ed lov - ing - kind - ness

¡K ¡ ¡¡
thee to gain; what they gain from thee, for ev - er

" ¡¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ÌÌ  ÌÌ ¡
¡
ÌÌ ¡¡ ¡ ¡Ì  Ì
Ì ¡ Ì

 Ì K
C Am B Em E A

¡ ¡ ¡ ¡¡ ¡
¡¡  ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡¡ ÌÌ ÌÌ   ÌÌ ¡¡ ÌÌ ¡¡
¡
bind - ing all the Church in one; ho - ly Zi - on’s
pours per - pet - ual mel - o - dy; God the One in
hear thy serv - ants as they pray, and thy full - est

¡¡ ¡ ¡ ÌÌ ¡
with the bless - ed to re - tain, and here - af - ter

"  ÌÌ ¡  ¡¡ Ì ÌÌ Ì ¡
Ì ¡ Ì ¡ ¡ Ì ¡


D G C Am D G D sus D G

ÌÌ ¡¡ ÌÌ ¡¡ ÌÌ ¡¡ ÌÌ ¡
¡
Ì ¡ ¡ ¡ ÌÌ 
Ì ¡ 
help for ev - er, and her con - fi - dence a - lone.
Three a - dor - ing in glad hymns e - ter - nal - ly.
ben - e - dic - tion shed with - in its walls al - way.

ÌÌ ¡ ¡ ÌÌ
in thy glo - ry ev - er - more with thee to reign.
" O¡ Ì ¡ ÌÌ ¡ ¡Ì ¡ ¡ ¡ ÌÌ 
Ì ¡ ¡ 
Words: Latin, ca. 7th cent.; tr. Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1861, after John Mason Neale (1818-1866), alt.
Music: Westminster Abbey, Henry Purcell (1659-1695), adapt. 87. 87. 87

Opening Acclamation:
From Tell Out, My Soul: Guitar Lead Sheets for Favorite Hymns, Vol. 1 Copyright ©
2006 by R. C. Laird. Church Publishing Incorporated. www.churchpublishing.org
All Standing

Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

Celebrant: There is one Body and one Spirit;

People: There is one hope in God’s call to us;
Celebrant: One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism;
People: One God and Father of all.

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Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray.

Collect of the Day:

A lmighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that
your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance
of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.

First Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1-20

All sit.

Young Samuel repeatedly hears a voice in the night, and he supposes it to be that of Eli.
Eli realizes the boy is being called by God, and tells Samuel to be open to God’s word.

A reading from the First Book of Sammuel:

N ow the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD under Eli. The word of the LORD
was rare in those days; visions were not widespread. At that time Eli, whose eyesight
had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of
God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where
the ark of God was. Then the LORD called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!”
and ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie
down again.” So he went and lay down. The LORD called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up
and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my
son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD
had not yet been revealed to him. The LORD called Samuel again, a third time. And he got
up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the
LORD was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if he calls you,
you shall say, `Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down
in his place. Now the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!”
And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Then the LORD said to Samuel,
“See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears
of it tingle. On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house,
from beginning to end. For I have told him that I am about to punish his house forever,
for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not
restrain them. Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall
not be expiated by sacrifice or offering forever.” Samuel lay there until morning; then he
opened the doors of the house of the LORD. Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. But
Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son.” He said, “Here I am.” Eli said, “What was it
that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also, if you hide
anything from me of all that he told you.” So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing
from him. Then he said, “It is the LORD; let him do what seems good to him.” As Samuel
grew up, the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all
Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was a trustworthy prophet of the LORD.

Reader: The Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God.

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The Psalm of the day:
Remain seated

Psalm 139:1-5,12-17
Domine, probasti

1 Lord, you have searched me out and known me; *

  you know my sitting down and my rising up;
  you discern my thoughts from afar.
 
2 You trace my journeys and my resting-places *
  and are acquainted with all my ways.
 
3 Indeed, there is not a word on my lips, *
  but you, O Lord, know it altogether.
 
4 You press upon me behind and before *
  and lay your hand upon me.
 
5 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; *
  it is so high that I cannot attain to it.
 
12 For you yourself created my inmost parts; *
  you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
 
13 I will thank you because I am marvelously made; *
  your works are wonderful, and I know it well.
 
14 My body was not hidden from you, *
  while I was being made in secret
  and woven in the depths of the earth.
 
15 Your eyes beheld my limbs, yet unfinished in the womb;
  all of them were written in your book; *
  they were fashioned day by day,
  when as yet there was none of them.
 
16 How deep I find your thoughts, O God! *
  how great is the sum of them!
 
17 If I were to count them, they would be more in number
  than the sand; *
  to count them all, my life span would need to
  be like yours.

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Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Baptism frees Jesus’ followers from the constraints of the law, but this does not mean
that Christians have no moral obligations. Our actions should give honor and glory to
God.

A Reading from the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians:

“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are beneficial. “All things are lawful for
me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. “Food is meant for the stomach and the
stomach for food,” and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is meant not
for fornication but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and
will also raise us by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?
Should I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute?
Never! Do you not know that whoever is united to a prostitute becomes one body with her?
For it is said, “The two shall be one flesh.” But anyone united to the Lord becomes one
spirit with him. Shun fornication! Every sin that a person commits is outside the body; but
the fornicator sins against the body itself. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of
the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For
you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body..

Reader: The Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God.

The Children Come forward for prayer, and then depart for Children’s
Chapel

All stand.

Alleluia: Taizé

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Holy Gospel: John 1:43-51

Immediately after he is called by Jesus, Philip in turn tells the skeptical Nathanael that he
has found the Messiah.

Gospeller: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to _______.
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

T he next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow
me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found
Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and
also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him,
“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” When
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in
whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus
answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied,
“Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you
believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things
than these.” And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the
angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

Gospeller: The Gospel of the Lord

People: Praise to you, Lord Christ

Repeat Alleluia: (see facing page)

Sermon: The Rev. Joseph B. Howard

Presentation of Candidates
The Celebrant says
The Candidate for Holy Baptism will now be presented.
Candidates who are unable to answer for themselves are presented individually by their
Parents and Godparents, as follows
Parents and Godparents I present William Kendrick Lee Kingsley to receive the
Sacrament of Baptism.
When all have been presented the Celebrant asks the parents and godparents
Will you be responsible for seeing that the child you present is brought up in the Christian
faith and life?
Parents and Godparents
I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant
Will you by your prayers and witness help this child to grow into the full stature of Christ?
Parents and Godparents
I will, with God’s help.

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The Celebrant then asks the following questions of the Parents and Godparents who
speak on behlaf of the infants and younger children
Question Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces
  of wickedness that rebel against God?
Answer I renounce them.
 
Question Do you renounce the evil powers of this world
  which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
Answer I renounce them.
 
Question Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God?
Answer I renounce them.
 
Question Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior?
Answer I do.
 
Question Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?
Answer I do.
 
Question Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord?
Answer I do.

After all have been presented, the Celebrant addresses the congregation, saying
Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support this person in his life in
Christ?
People We will.

The Celebrant then says

Let us join with those who are committing themselves to Christ and renew our own
baptismal covenant.
Baptismal Covenant
Celebrant Do you believe in God the Father?
People I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
 
Celebrant Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He 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,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
 
Celebrant Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People I believe in the Holy Spirit,
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 the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
 
Celebrant Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of
bread, and in the prayers ?
People I will, with God’s help.
 
Celebrant Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and
return to the Lord?
People I will, with God’s help.
 
Celebrant Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People I will, with God’s help.
 
Celebrant Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People I will, with God’s help.
 
Celebrant Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of
every human being?
People I will, with God’s help.

The Clergy and People process to the Baptismal font.

Processional to the Font:

Prayers for the Candidates

The Celebrant then says to the people
Let us now pray for Will, who is to receive the Sacrament of new birth.

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A Person appointed leads the following petitions
  Deliver him, O Lord, from the way of sin and death.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
 
Leader Open his heart to your grace and truth.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
 
Leader Fill him with your holy and life-giving Spirit.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
 
Leader Keep him in the faith and communion of your holy Church.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
 
Leader Teach him to love others in the power of the Spirit.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
 
Leader Send him into the world in witness to you love.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
 
Leader Bring him to the fullness of your peace and glory.
People Lord, hear our prayer.

The Celebrant says

Grant, O Lord, that all who are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ your Son may live in
the power of his resurrection and look for him to come again in glory; who lives and reigns
now and for ever. Amen.
Thanksgiving Over the Water
The Celebrant then says
  The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Celebrant
We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water. Over it the Holy Spirit moved in the
beginning of creation. Through it you led the children of Israel out of their bondage in
Egypt into the land of promise. In it your Son Jesus received the baptism of John and was
anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us, through his death and
resurrection, from the bondage of sin into everlasting life.
We thank you, Father, for the water of Baptism. In it we are buried with Christ in his
death. By it we share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit.
Therefore in joyful obedience to your Son, we bring into his fellowship those who come
to him in faith, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit.
At the following words, the Celebrant touches the water
Now sanctify this water, we pray you, by the power of your Holy Spirit, that those who here
are cleansed from sin and born again may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ
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our Savior.
To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Baptism
Each candidate is presented by name to the Celebrant, or to an assisting priest or
deacon, who then immerses, or pours water upon, the candidate, saying
William, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
When this action has been completed for all the candidates, the Priest, at a place in full
sight of the congregation, prays over them, saying
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed
upon this your servant the forgiveness of sin, and have raised him to the new life of grace.
Sustain him, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give him an inquiring and discerning heart, the
courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and
wonder in all your works. Amen.
Then the Priest places a hand on the person’s head, marking on the forehead the sign of
the cross and saying
Will, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own for ever.
Amen.
The Celebrant then says
Let us welcome the newly baptized.
Celebrant and People
We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim
his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood.
After the Baptism, the Clergy and People process back to their places.
Peace
All stand.
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.

Then the Ministers and the People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.

Announcements

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 # The Holy Communion #
Offertory Music: Instrumental, chosen by the musician

Representatives of the congregation bring the people’s offering of bread and wine, and money or other gifts, to the
celebrant. The people stand while the offerings are presented and placed on the Altar.

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you,
Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Because in Jesus Christ our Lord you have received us as your sons and daughters, made
us citizens of your kingdom, and given us the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth.

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:

The Sanctus: S-129

Please stand or kneel at this time, as best helps you to pray.

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 him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In
him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death
into life.

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On the night before he died for us, 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,
according to his command, O Father:

We remember his death,

We proclaim his resurrection,
We await his coming in glory;

And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord 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 to your Son
in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, 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 all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your
sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head
of the Church, and the author of our salvation.

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 for ever. AMEN.

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed by 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,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread
Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for
you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

ON RECEIVING COMMUNION:
All baptized Christians who are in love and charity with their neighbors are welcome to
receive communion. If you do not wish to receive, you are invited to come forward for
a blessing—simply cross your arms over your chest to let the servers know that you will
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not be receiving.

Prayers before receiving can be found on pages 337 (the Prayer of Humble Access)
and 834 in the Book of Common Prayer (the red books available under your chairs).

Communion Hymn: Taizé

Post-Communion Prayer

After Communion, the Celebrant says:

Let us Pray

The minister and people together, pray:

Almighty and everliving 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 for ever. Amen.

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The Recessional: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Celebrant says the dismissal

People: Thanks be to God.

8 15
 A Note on Today’s Readings
First Sunday after Epiphany, Year B

Welcome to St. Francis Church. On the Sundays after Epiphany, the scriptures explore
some of the ways in which Jesus was shown to be God’s Son. Today we focus on the
beginning of his ministry, when he called his disciples. In the passage before today’s
reading, he called Andrew, who went and brought his brother Peter. Today he calls Philip,
who brings Nathaniel.

The first reading is the account of the call of Samuel, the first great prophet of the Hebrew
scriptures, after Moses. In the calls both of Nathaniel and of Samuel, the person called is
not at first impressed by the call.

In the second reading, Paul deals with a problem of sexual misbehavior in the church of
Corinth by reminding his readers that they are a newborn people by Baptism. How they
use their lives, including their bodies, must be put in the context of having been washed,
sanctified, and justified in Christ and the Holy Spirit.

As we gather in Eucharist, our new life in Christ is manifested in our response: “Speak,
Lord, your servant hears,” and in following him who calls us into lives of faith and ministry
in his name.
From The Rite Light: Reflections on the Sunday Readings and Seasons of the Church Year. Copyright © 2007 by Michael W. Merriman. Church Publishing

Incorporated, New York.

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 Good News Daily
Volume IX
(
January 18–24, 2009 Number 3
Sunday, January 18
Hebrews 6:17—7:10 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. (v.19a
NIV)
My father died recently at the young age of 65. I am amazed to think that he is living in the
presence of the great high priest that the author of Hebrews speaks about.
Although my father is experiencing this reality in a different way than I can, we are both
living in the presence of Jesus. I may not see face to face quite yet, but I am no less redeemed.
I may be living on the temporal side of eternity, but my spirit is alive in Christ (Galatians
2:20). I may be a jar of clay (2 Corinthians 4:7), but my spirit is already free.
Some days, it’s hard to believe all this, isn’t it? We get discouraged. Somebody hurts us. We
get angry. We mess up. Clearly, we have not yet been perfected, but we have this hope as
an anchor for our soul, firm and secure. We have a great high priest; his name is Jesus. His
work on our behalf is done and it continues for all eternity. What a mystery! What a gift!
What hope!
Isaiah 43:14—44:5; Psalms 148, 149, 150; John 4:27-42

Monday, January 19
Ephesians 4:1-16 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of
peace. (v.3)
According to Paul, followers of Jesus are characterized by humility, gentleness, patience,
bearing with one another in love, and striving to keep the unity of the Spirit through peace.
Is he describing us? Is our life producing the fruit of division or unity? Is it more important
to be right or to love consistently? Are we displaying that great mark of Christian maturity,
the ability to speak “the truth in love” (v.15)? Paul reminds us that “to each one of us grace
has been given as Christ apportioned it” (v.7). He further implies that this grace should be
exercised by each for the sake of the unity of the body of Christ.
The ability to foster and maintain unity is intimately tied to a stable faith (v.14) and maturity
in our walk with Jesus. As the grace we received flows out of our lives, “we will in all things
grow up” into Christ (v.15). If we’re not striving for peace and unity in our relationships, we
must wonder if we are living in God’s grace and growing up in Christ.
Isaiah 44:6-8, 21-23; Psalm 25; Mark 3:7-19a

Tuesday, January 20
Ephesians 4:17-32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as
in Christ God forgave you. (v.32)
Today we see some contrasting marks of the life of self and the life of faith. Paul speaks of
Gentiles having futile minds, leading to darkened understanding and separation from God
because of ignorance and hardened hearts. This all leads to insensitivity to the Spirit of God
and a life of impurity, centered on self.
By God’s grace, this is not our heritage.
Those who have heard the message of Christ and have been taught his ways have entered
the path of truth. Yet, we must remain actively engaged in this life, putting off the old self,
being made new, and putting on the new self. This new self, Paul tells us, was created to be
righteous and holy. This new life, our heritage, is centered on God and his ways.
Paul then shares some actions and words (vv.25-32) that must accompany this new life,
culminating in that rare and selfless act of love that marked Jesus’ passion: forgiveness.
Jesus died on the cross to forgive us. As he forgave us, so we must forgive others. We were
made new to become like him.
Isaiah 44:9-20; Psalms 26, 28; Mark 3:19b-35
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Wednesday, January 21
Ephesians 5:1-14 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of
love… (vv.1-2a)
Yesterday we read many terms describing the life of self and the life of faith, noticing that the
list culminated with the ability to forgive. Today we learn that love is the motivation behind
the life of faith. Jesus was able to give himself up “for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice”
(v.2b) because he embodies the Ten Commandments. Jesus loves God with everything he is
and he loves his neighbor without reservation or condition.
What we must notice here is stated in verse 1. We are able to live a life of love to the extent
that we receive God’s love, knowing ourselves to be his dearly loved children. Only then will
we produce the fruit of light of which Paul speaks. We must be careful how we live, choosing
to be filled with the Spirit of God that empowers us to live for him.
Heavenly Father, help us to receive your unconditional, life-giving love so that we may love
as you love. May our words and actions toward one another show that we belong to you.
Isaiah 44:24—45:7; Psalm 38; Mark 4:1-20

Thursday, January 22
Mark 4:21-34 He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed?
Instead, don’t you put it on its stand?” (v.21)
My 3-year-old daughter recently got a flashlight as a gift from her preschool teachers. Hannah
loves it. She choreographs light shows on the ceiling and stages shadow puppet shows on
her wall. But the flashlight is often found turned on all over the house, using up precious
battery life.
What a shame to waste light when it serves such an important purpose. It is meant to dispel
the darkness, “for whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed
is meant to be brought out into the open” (v.22). God wants us to know the truth so that we
may be set free. To that end, he sent Jesus, the light of the world.
Jesus is “the true light that gives light to every man” (John 1:9). He exposes every lie and
replaces it with his truth. But we must be willing to see and hear the truth, and let it change
us. As we ask Jesus to shine his light into our hearts, not a ray is wasted.
Isaiah 45:5-17; Psalm 37:1-18; Ephesians 5:15-33

Friday, January 23
Psalm 31 Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow,
my soul and my body with grief. (v.9)
I recently realized my tendency to choose only uplifting verses when I write, rejecting verses
like this one. When we share the good news, we don’t want to depress one another, right?
But I love the honesty in passages that showcase our human side: our pain, our struggles,
our wounds. No sense denying that these are real.
Imagine the Bible without Jonah’s struggles or Job’s brutal honesty and deep grief. Jesus
himself quoted from Psalm 22 on the cross. The psalmist felt forsaken, and so did Jesus. By
praying this psalm, Jesus also reminds us that he has shared our deepest fears and our most
profound emotions. He was surrounded by darkness, yet he defeated it.
There is nothing better than seeing the truth about who we are and bringing all of it to Jesus.
As we come to Jesus, the one rejected and abandoned by those he loved, we know that he
will hear our cry for mercy as the Father heard his. He knows what we are made of, and he
is able to save, to restore, to heal.
Isaiah 45:18-25; Ephesians 6:1-9; Mark 4:35-41

Saturday, January 24
Ephesians 6:10-24 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given
me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel… (v.19)
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The apostle Paul, who wore his spiritual armor continuously, coveted the prayers of the
faithful. His main prayer was not for safety, financial provision, or success. He asked God to
give him the words and courage to share the mystery of the gospel consistently. Above all,
Paul wanted to share Christ.
Paul sought to consecrate every conversation unto God, having his lips cleansed and set
apart for God. We need to join Paul in his prayer.
So I pray for you, that in every word and action, more and more, you will boldly make Jesus
known. I pray that as you share your faith, the Holy Spirit will bring healing, renewal, and a
fuller experience of God’s love for you and for those to whom you speak.
And I humbly ask that you stop now and pray for me, that as we pray for each other and
commit ourselves to him, we may all grow up into the head that is Jesus, our Savior and
Redeemer. To him be all glory forever and ever. Amen.
Isaiah 46:1-13; Psalms 30, 32; Mark 5:1-20

by Amaryllis Sanchez Wohlever

Used with permission from the BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP

P. O. Box 380, Winter Park, FL 32790

Announcements
January 23rd & 24th: Diocesan Convention

January 25th: Bishop’s Visitation. Please bring your favorite caserole or finger food to
share.

February 6th & 7th: St. Joseph of Arimathea holds their vestry retreat here at St.
Francis. Thank you to those of you who have already signed up to help host this. An
updated list with outstanding needs is included in your bulletin. Please consider helping
in this extension of hospitality to our neighbors.

February 10th: Next Mission Council Meeting, @ 6:30 pm

February 15: Annual Congregational Meeting following 10:30 service.

Help Build It: St. Francis’ Spring Service Project will be to aid with the construction of
the new Habitat for Humanity community at Timberwood. We are tentatively slated to
gather together in early April (though this isn’t finalized yet--stay tuned for more info).

Just a reminder for those who would like to attend, Morning Prayer takes place daily at 9:00 am from Tuesday
through Friday. Evening Prayer takes place weekly on Thursday evenings at 5:00 pm.

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 Weekly Schedule
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Baptism Morning Morning Morning Morning
& Holy Prayer @ Prayer @ Prayer @ Prayer @
Eucharist 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:00 am
Rite II @
10:30 Evening
Prayer @
5:00pm

Bishop of Tennessee
The Rt. Rev. John C. Bauerschmidt

Vicar
The Rev. Joseph B. Howard

Mission Council
Ralph Eddy
Linda Palmer
Thom Chittom
Shelley Sircy
clerk: Nanci Frey

Accompanist
Anna Howard

Schedule of Ministry:
Celebrant & Preacher: The Rev. Joseph B. Howard Reader: Dave Gaines
Acolyte/Crucifer: Adam Waltenbaugh Prayer Station: Linda Palmer
Oblationers: Chalicist: Shelley Sircy
To check the schedule online, visit:
http://stfrancis-tn.net and go to congregational resources-->schedule

To get in touch with Fr. Jody for any reason, you can reach him at 615-440-6492 or via email at frjody@stfrancis-tn.
net.
_______________________________________________________________________________

St. Francis Church

Biblically minded. Mission driven.
812 Meadowlark Ln
PO Box 697
Goodlettsville, TN 37072
Phone: 851-0790
http://stfrancis-tn.net

Cover Image: The Baptism of Christ, by Fra Angelico

Wood cuts from: Pitts Theological Library Digital Image Archive

Color images from: Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN, https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-search.pl

CCLI License No. 2334637 Oneliscence.net No. A-714717