Sunday 3 February
The Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas)
10.00 a.m. Parish Eucharist
Order of Service
The All-age Parish Eucharist for the Feast of Candlemas—the Presentation of Christ in the Temple
Mass setting
Noel Rawsthorne (1929–2019)—Festive Eucharist
Motet during communion
Johannes Eccard (1553–1611)—Maria wallt zum Heiligtum ('When Mary to the temple went')
| Introit | 44 | Angels from the realms of glory | IRIS |
| Gradual | — | Fling wide the gates, unbar the ancient doors | CRUCIFER |
| Offertory | — | Restore, O Lord, the honour of your name | RESTORE, O LORD |
| Communion | 2 | Christ, whose glory fills the skies | RATISBON |
| Lighting of candles | 80 | The Kingdom of God is justice and joy | LOURDES |
| Plainchant Nunc Dimittis |
Organ music before the service
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)—Herr Gott, nun schleuss den Himmel auf ('Lord God, now open up the heavens')
Final organ voluntary
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)—Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin ('With peace and joy I depart')
5.30 p.m. Evensong
| Office Hymn | 16 | Hail, gladdening Light | SEBASTE |
| Psalm 132 | |||
| Canticles: Set D | |||
| Hymn before sermon | 165 | Angel voices, ever singing | ANGEL VOICES |
| Hymn after sermon | 628 | Faithful vigil ended | PASTOR PASTORUM |
| Final hymn | 429 | Of the Father’s love begotten | DIVINUM MYSTERIUM |
Organ music before the service
Félix-Alexandre Guilmant (1837–1911)—Lumen ad Revelationem Op. 65 Bk 1
We celebrate the feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas). The organ music before and after the morning Eucharist is based on Lutheran versions of the Nunc dimittis that we also sing to its plainsong melody. We also acknowledge the death last Monday of Noel Rawsthorne as we sing his Festive Eucharist, written in 1978 to commemorate the completion of Liverpool Cathedral.