Epiphany + Baptism Liturgy, Songs, and Prayers
Saturday January 10, 2026 Epiphany
*All are invited to grab a candle from the baskets at the entry of the chapel, we will light them together following communion.
*All are invited to pick up a star in the entry of the chapel, Following the Lesson and as we worship together, we will bring the stars up to the manger during sung worship. 1 per family is perfect.
Instrumental prelude -Each week we take a few moments for silent prayer and reflection during the instrumental prelude. We invite you to join us in quiet prayer; to enter this place with quietness and trust before the Lord.
Call to worship: (standing together)
God of Wonders
Verse 1
Lord of all creation
Of water, earth and sky
The Heavens are Your Tabernacle
Glory to the Lord on high
Chorus
God of wonders, beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy
Lord of Heaven and Earth
Lord of Heaven and Earth
Verse 2
Early in the morning
I will celebrate the light
And when I stumble into darkness
I will call Your name by night
Bridge:
Hallelujah to the Lord of Heaven and earth
Hallelujah to the Lord of Heaven and earth
God of wonders, beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy
Lord of Heaven and Earth
Lord of Heaven and Earth
THE ACCLAMATION (standing together)
Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe.
From the rising of the sun to its setting
your name is proclaimed in all the world.
I will make you as a light unto the nations,
That my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.
THE COLLECT FOR PURITY (standing together)
Let us pray together:
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
COLLECT OF THE DAY (standing together)
The Lord be with you.
And with your spirit.
Let us pray.
O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever..
Amen.
A Collect for Peace
Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
THE PHOS HILARON (standing together)
(an ancient evening prayer)
Hail gladdening Light,
Brightness of the Eternal Father
Hail Jesus Christ,
Holy and bless-ed One.
Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light;
We bring you praise
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices;
O Son of God, O Giver of Life,
and to be glorified through all the worlds.
Amen.
Sung Worship (standing together)
Star of Wonder
We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to your Perfect Light
THE LESSON (standing together)
Let’s read together from the book of the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 60: 1-6)
Arise, shine; for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For darkness shall cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
and his glory will appear over you.
Nations shall come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Lift up your eyes and look around;
they all gather together, they come to you;
your sons shall come from far away,
and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms.
Then you shall see and be radiant;
your heart shall thrill and rejoice,
because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you,
the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
A multitude of camels shall cover you,
the young camels of Midian and Ephah;
all those from Sheba shall come.
They shall bring gold and frankincense,
and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Sung Worship (standing together)
Star of Wonder
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to your Perfect Light
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign
Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most high
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to your perfect light
Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice
Heaven Sings, “hallelujah”
“Hallelujah,” the earth replies
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us with Your perfect light
THE GOSPEL (standing together)
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (Matthew 2: 1-12)
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he enquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”
After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him.
Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Message Cn Tim Clayton
THE BAPTISMS (please be seated)
Parents and Sponsors come forward with those who are to be baptized.
The Exhortation
Dearly beloved, Scripture teaches that we were all dead in our sins and trespasses, but by grace we may be saved through faith. Our Savior Jesus Christ said, “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God”; and he commissioned the Church to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Here we ask our heavenly Father that this Candidate, being baptized with water, may be filled with the Holy Spirit, born again, and received into the Church as living members of Christ’s body. Therefore, I urge you to call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of his abundant mercy he will grant to this Candidate that which by nature she cannot have.
The Presentation
The Candidate for Holy Baptism will now be presented.
We present _______________ to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.
Today, on behalf of this child, you shall make vows to renounce the devil and all his works, to trust God wholeheartedly, and to serve him faithfully. It is your task to see that this child is taught, as soon as she is able to learn, the meaning of all these vows, and of the Faith that you will profess as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. She must come to put her faith in Jesus Christ, and learn the Creeds, the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and all other things that a Christian ought to know, believe, and do for the welfare of their soul. When she has embraced all these, she is to come to the Bishop to be confirmed, that she may publicly claim the Faith for her own and be further strengthened by the Holy Spirit to serve Christ and his kingdom.
Are you willing and ready to undertake this?
I am, the Lord being my helper.
Profession of Faith
Do you renounce the devil and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?
I renounce them.
Do you renounce the empty promises and deadly deceits of this world that corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
I renounce them.
Do you renounce the sinful desires of the flesh that draw you from the love of God?
I renounce them.
The Celebrant prays over the Candidate(s) and may anoint each Candidate(s) with the Oil of Exorcism, saying
Almighty God deliver you from the powers of darkness and evil, and lead you into the light and obedience of the kingdom of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Celebrant continues
Do you turn to Jesus Christ and confess him as your Lord and Savior?
I do.
Do you joyfully receive the Christian Faith, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments?
I do.
Will you obediently keep God’s holy will and commandments, and walk in them all the days of your life?
I will, the Lord being my helper.
(PLEASE STAND TOGETHER)
The Celebrant then addresses the Congregation, first inviting them to stand.
Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these Candidates in their life in Christ?
We will.
Let us join with these Candidates to proclaim our faith in the words of the ancient baptismal confession, the Apostles’ Creed.
Do you believe and trust in God the Father?
I do. I believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe and trust in Jesus Christ?
I do. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by 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.
Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit?
I do. 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.
THE PRAYERS (seated or kneeling as you’re able)
celebrant:
Let us now pray for the Candidates who are to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.
intercessor:
That she may come to confess their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Hear us, Good Lord.
That she may continue in the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers.
Hear us, Good Lord.
That she may walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which they have been called, ever growing in faith and all heavenly virtues.
Hear us, Good Lord.
That she may persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever they fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord.
Hear us, Good Lord.
That she may proclaim by word and deed the Good News of God in Christ Jesus to a lost and broken world.
Hear us, Good Lord.
That as living members of the Body of Christ, she may grow up in every way into him who is the head.
Hear us, Good Lord.
That, looking to Jesus, she may run with endurance the race set before them, and at the last receive the unfading crown of glory.
Hear us, Good Lord.
Celebrant continues:
The Blessing of the Water
Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting Father, in your great mercy you saved Noah and his family in the Ark from the destruction of the flood, prefiguring the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. Look mercifully upon these your servants. Wash and sanctify them through your Holy Spirit, that she may be delivered from destruction and received into the Ark of Christ’s Church; and being steadfast in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted in love, she may pass through the turbulent floods of this troublesome world and come into the land of everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Lord be with you.
And with your spirit.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
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 in the River Jordan when the Holy Spirit descended upon him as a dove.
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 made regenerate 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.
Here the Celebrant touches the water and says
Now, Father, sanctify this water by the power of your Holy Spirit. May all who are baptized here be cleansed from sin, be born again, and continue for ever faithful in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Savior. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
The Celebrant may say to the Sponsors
Name this Child.
_________, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Celebrant makes the sign of the Cross upon the forehead of the newly baptized (using the Oil of Chrism), saying
_________, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own for ever. Amen.
If garments or candles are presented, they are given here. When all have been baptized and signed the Celebrant says
Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon this your servant the forgiveness of sin, received her as your own child by adoption, made her a member of your holy Church, and raised her to the new life of grace. Sustain her, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit, that she may enjoy everlasting salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us welcome the newly baptized.
We receive you into the fellowship of the Church. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in the royal priesthood of all his people.
THE PEACE (standing together)
The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
And with your spirit.
(Let’s greet one another with a sign of peace)
The parents present the newly-baptized to the people who are invited to cheer for the happy occasion. The Clergy may asperge the people with the water of baptism.
OFFERING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
(Get the latest info: News, Events and Missions)
Journey of the Magi, James Tissot
“Baptism of Jesus”, by Ivanka Demchuk
The Joseph Fund - ARDF Relief Support for the People of Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, Mozambique, Turkey, Syria; Earthquake, Hurricane, Flooding, and Wildfire relief and other relief efforts.
Details on our Missions Page
Peace Himself Heaven has Sent Down
Herod Was Disturbed
Why should a raving king ransack his town,
Stalked by baseless fear, searching to kill?
It’s Peace Himself that Heaven has sent down,
Who makes the bloody arms of war fall still.
But restless, ruled by sin, this guilty heart
can only rage and tear itself apart.
-Martha Marchina, To Marvel More
Online Gathering Update about our location search, Trinity Parish Meeting, Shrove Tuesday and more on our news page!
Get more info on upcoming events on our News Page
To Marvel More
We are so excited to announce the release of our latest title from Trinity Books!
To Marvel More: Holy Attention in the Incarnation Poems of Martha Marchina
*Translated with commentary by Elspeth Currie
Perfect for the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Seasons, this collection of sacred poetry by the female Renaissance author, Martha Marchina has been translated from Latin to English for the first time. Selected poems that journey through Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany seasons.
Now Available!
Details on our Trinity Books Page
Sung Worship/Offering: we worship together with our hearts in song and in giving
the opportunity to worship through giving is available online here.
There is also a giving area near the welcome table. Look for the box shaped like a church building on the table near the lawn entry.
Cannons
It's falling from the clouds, a strange and lovely sound
I hear it in the thunder and the rain
It's ringing in the skies, like cannons in the night
The music of the universe plays; we're singing...
Chorus
You are holy great and mighty
The moon and the stars declare who You are
I feel unworthy, but still You love me
Forever my heart will sing
Of how great You are
Verse 2
Beautiful and free, a song of galaxies
It's reaching far beyond the Milky Way
Let's join in with the sound,
Come on let's sing it loud
As the music of the universe plays; singing...
Bridge
All glory, honor, power is Yours amen
All glory, honor, power is Yours amen
All glory, honor, power is Yours forever amen
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen.
THE PRESENTATION OF THE GIFTS
All things come from you, O Lord,
And of your own have we given you.
THE SURSUM CORDA (standing together)
The Lord be with you.
And with your spirit.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is right, our duty and our joy, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who took on our mortal flesh to reveal his glory; that he might bring us out of darkness and into his own glorious light. 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
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.
THE PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
(kneeling as you’re able or sitting)
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and when we had sinned against you and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent your only Son Jesus Christ into the world for our salvation. By the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary he became flesh and dwelt among us. In obedience to your will, he stretched out his arms upon the Cross and offered himself once for all, that by his suffering and death we might be saved. By his resurrection he broke the bonds of death, trampling Hell and Satan under his feet. As our great high priest, he ascended to your right hand in glory, that we might come with confidence before the throne of grace.
On the night that he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given 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.”
Likewise, after supper, Jesus took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink this, all of you; for 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 in remembrance of me.”
Celebrant: Therefore, we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, and we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Word and Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Sanctify us also, that we may worthily receive this holy Sacrament, and be made one body with him, that he may dwell in us and we in him. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us with all your saints into the joy of your heavenly kingdom, where we shall see our Lord face to face.
All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: 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.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray:
Our Father in heaven,
your Name be hallowed,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
as in heaven, also on earth.
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 yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Matthew 6:9–13)
THE FRACTION
Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!
THE MINISTRATION OF COMMUNION
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.
A PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
(for those with us online)
Lord Jesus, truly present in the Holy Sacrament: come spiritually into my heart and give me yourself, for I love you above all else, and I desire to be united with you within my soul.
Prayer is available as you return to your seats after receiving the elements.
How Great Thou Art
Oh Lord, my God
When I, in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration
And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
THE POST COMMUNION PRAYER
(standing together)
Lord God, the bright splendor whom the nations seek: may we who with the wise men have been drawn by your light discern the glory of your presence in your Son, the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE FINAL BLESSING
Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe.
To you be glory and praise for ever.
From the rising of the sun to its setting your name is proclaimed in all the world.
To you be glory and praise for ever.
When the time had fully come you sent the Sun of Righteousness.
In him the fullness of your glory dwells.
To you be glory and praise for ever.
May God the Father, who led the wise men by the shining of a star to find the Christ, the Light from light, lead you in your pilgrimage to find the Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be with you now and remain with you forever.
Amen.
THE DISMISSAL
Alleluia, alleluia. Let us go forth to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God, Alleluia, alleluia,
Sung Worship
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Oh night divine
May the Peace of God be with you.
*Personal and Confidential Prayer is available in back of the chapel near the center of the room. Look for the team with the “Prayer” badges.
Cn Timothy Clayton, lead pastor, teacher
Mtr Wendy Dixon, clergy
Mtr Jen Keifer, clergy
Michael Pritzl, sung worship leader
Christian Erickson, keyboards, vocals
Ian Clayton, production, guitar
Jennifer Mahnke, vocals, reader, intercessor
Juniper Mahnke, vocals
sung worship:
God of Wonders, written by Marc Byrd and Steve Hindalong
We Three Kings/Star of Wonder, written by Anglican/Episcopal rector John Henry Hopkins Jr. in 1857
Cannons, written by Phil Wickham
How Great Thou Art, Written by Carl Moberg based on an original Swedish hymn, “O Store Gud”.
”Trinity” and “Baptism of our Lord” artwork by Ukrainian Icon Artist Ivanka Demchuk
Today’s liturgy is based on the Book of Common Prayer, 2019, the Renewed Ancient Eucharistic Rite, and the Church of England’s Times and Seasons
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We all live on Indigenous land. We would like to acknowledge the Massachusett Tribe: the tribe of Indigenous peoples from whom the Colony, Province, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts have taken their name. We would like to pay our respect to the ancestral bloodline of the Massachusett Tribe and their descendants who still inhabit historical Massachusett Tribe territories to this day.
We are grateful to Thomas Green, VP of the Massachusett Tribe, for providing this paragraph. https://massachusetttribe.org/the-tribe
Saturday Evening Vigils
The practice of holding vigils on Saturday evening has roots in ancient Christian traditions, originally as the solemn Great Vigil of Easter, which was a night-long watch that celebrated the resurrection of Christ and was the first celebration of Easter. Over time, the vigil shifted to Saturday morning in some traditions, primarily due to fasting rules, but was restored to the evening in the mid-20th century, and Saturday evening Mass for Sunday obligations became a common practice in the 1970s
be·gin·ning
/bəˈɡiniNG/
noun: the point in time or space at which something starts.
mer·cy
/ˈmərsē/
noun: compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.
