To view the Hymns, Readings and Notices please refer to the Church News Sheet which can be found by clicking here.

 

The Licensing Service of our new Rector, the Revd Jonathan Swindells                 Sunday, 2 February 2025

 

The Eucharist

with the Institution / Collation of
The Reverend Jonathan Swindells
as Incumbent of Saint Mary’s Storrington
by
The Right Reverend Ruth Bushyager,
Bishop of Horsham

with the induction by
The Venerable Angela Martin,
Archdeacon of Horsham


Presentation of Christ in the Temple
2nd February 2025
2pm



Entrance Procession

Cross

Readers
Visiting Clergy and Ministers

Incumbent Designate
Archdeacon

Churchwardens
Bishop
Bishop’s Chaplain




Recessional Procession

Cross

Readers
Visiting Clergy and Ministers

Archdeacon

New Incumbent
Churchwardens
Bishop
Bishop’s Chaplain








ORDER OF SERVICE

Members of the congregation are invited to join in the texts printed in bold.

THE GATHERING

Stand to sing the PROCESSIONAL HYMN when the bell is rung.

All creatures of our God and King,
lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia, alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
thou silver moon with softer gleam:

Refrain:
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, alleluia, allelluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
ye clouds that sail in heaven along,
O praise him, alleluia!
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice;
ye lights of evening, find a voice:

Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
make music for thy Lord to hear,
Alleluia, alleluia!
Thou fire, so masterful and bright,
that givest us both warmth and light:

Dear mother earth, who day by day
unfoldest blessings on our way,
O praise him, alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
let them his glory also show:


All ye that are of tender heart,
forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye, alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
praise God, and on him cast your care:

And thou, most kind and gentle death,
waiting to hush our latest breath,
O praise him, alleluia!
Thou leadest home the child of God,
and Christ our Lord the way has trod:

Let all things their creator bless,
and worship him in humbleness;
O praise him, alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
and praise the Spirit, Three in One:

Refrain:
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, alleluia, allelluia!
Words: William Henry Draper (1855-1933)
Based on St Francis of Assisi Canticle of The Sun
Tune: Lasst Uns Erfreuen


The Greeting
The Bishop:

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

Peace be with you.
And also with you.

The Bishop introduces the service. 

The congregation remains standing as the Incumbent designate is presented to the Bishop by the Archdeacon:
 
Bishop Ruth, we present to you The Revd Jonathan Reid Swindells to be admitted as Incumbent of this parish.

The Bishop responds to the presentation and then addresses the congregation in these or similar words:

My brothers and sisters, as you receive a new priest and pastor, I invite you to renew your commitment to Jesus Christ, who says to each of us, ‘Follow me’.  So in a moment of silence let us ask the Lord to release us from fear and strengthen us in confidence and love.

A short time of silence follows.

Lord Jesus Christ, you came to bring good news to the poor and liberty to captives.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus Christ, by your death on the cross you destroyed death, and by rising again you gave us the hope of new and eternal life.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Good Shepherd, who searches out the lost, and gives hope to the broken-hearted.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

May almighty God have mercy on you,
forgive you your sins,
and bring you to everlasting life.
Amen.


Gloria in excelsis

Glory to God, Glory to God, Glory to God in the Highest!

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.

Glory to God, Glory to God, Glory to God in the Highest!

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.

Glory to God, Glory to God, Glory to God in the Highest!

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.

Glory to God, Glory to God, Glory to God in the Highest!
Mass of St Thomas (David Thorne)



The Collect

The Bishop says:

Let us now pray for Jonathan and for this parish to be committed to his care:

A period of silent prayer is kept.

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.

Sit.

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

New Testament Reading
A reading from letter to the Hebrews
Hebrews 2.14-end

Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he 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.

This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Gradual Hymn

Light of gladness, Lord of glory,
Jesus Christ our king most holy,
shine among us in your mercy:
earth and heaven join their hymn.

Let us sing at sun's descending
as we see the lights of evening,
Father, Son, and Spirit praising
with the holy seraphim.

Son of God, through all the ages
worthy of our holiest praises,
yours the life that never ceases,
light which never shall grow dim.
Words: Christopher Idle (b.1938) from Phos Hilaron
Tune: Quem Pastores
AM 18


Remain standing.


Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia! alleluia!
I call you friends says the Lord because I have made known to you everything I have learnt from my Father
Alleluia!



Gospel

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
Glory to you, O Lord.
Luke 2.22-40
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him 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 for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four.
She never left the temple but worshipped 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.

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

Sermon

given by
The Bishop


THE LICENSING

Stand to sing the following:


O Holy Spirit, Lord of grace, 
Eternal source of love,
Inflame, we pray, our inmost hearts 
With fire from heaven above.

As thou dost join with holiest bonds 
The Father and the Son,
So fill thy saints with mutual love 
And link their hearts in one.

To God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Holy Ghost,
Eternal glory be from man,
And from the Angel-host.

Tune: Tallis’s Ordinal


Sit.

The Priest to be licensed stands before the Bishop.

The Bishop sits and says

The Church of England is part of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, worshipping the one true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It professes the faith uniquely revealed in the Holy Scriptures and set forth in the catholic creeds, which faith the Church is called upon to proclaim afresh in each generation. Led by the Holy Spirit, it has borne witness to Christian truth in its historic formularies, the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion, the Book of Common Prayer and the Ordering of Bishops, Priests and Deacons.

Jonathan, in the declaration you are about to make, will you affirm your loyalty to this inheritance of faith as your inspiration and guidance under God in bringing the grace and truth of Christ to this generation and making him known to those in your care?

The Priest says

I, Jonathan Reid Swindells, do so affirm and accordingly declare my belief in the faith which is revealed in the Holy Scriptures and set forth in the catholic creeds, and to which the historic formularies of the Church of England bear witness; and in public prayer and administration of the sacraments, I will use only the forms of service which are authorised or allowed by Canon.


Holding the New Testament in the right hand and turning to face the people, the Priest then takes THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE

I, Jonathan Reid Swindells, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, his heirs and successors according to law: so help me God.


Turning to the Bishop, the Priest then takes
THE OATH OF CANONICAL OBEDIENCE

I, Jonathan Reid Swindells, do swear by Almighty God that I will pay true and canonical obedience to the Lord Bishop of Chichester and his successors, in all things lawful and honest; so help me God.

The Priest subscribes the Declaration and Oaths.

The Priest kneels before the Bishop, who reads the legal instrument and entrusts it to new Incumbent with these words:

Receive the cure of souls which is both yours and mine; in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

The Bishop then stands and blesses the Priest:

Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus
who was wounded for our sins,
that you may bear in your life and ministry
the love and joy and peace
which are the marks of Jesus in his disciples.
The Spirit of God rest on you,
filling  you with wisdom, understanding
and the fear of the Lord.
The peace of Christ stand guard
over  your heart and mind.
And the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,
be with you always.  
Amen.

The Bishop presents the mandate for Induction to the Archdeacon.
 
The Churchwardens conduct the Archdeacon and Incumbent to the principal door of the church.

The Archdeacon, placing the Incumbent’s hand upon the handle, says

By virtue of the authority given to me, I induct you into the real, actual and corporal possession of the Rectory and Parish Church of Storrington, with all the rights, members and appurtenances thereunto belonging.

The Incumbent then tolls the bell, to signify taking possession of the Benefice and the inauguration of a new Incumbency.

The Churchwardens conduct the Archdeacon and Incumbent to the Incumbent’s stall.

The Archdeacon places the new Incumbent in the Incumbent’s stall, saying

The Lord preserve your going out and your coming in,
from this time forth for evermore.
Amen.

The new Incumbent is greeted with applause.

Stand.

THE LITURGY OF THE SACRAMENT

The Peace
The Bishop says

Christ is our Peace; he has reconciled us to God in one body, by the Cross.  We meet in his Name and share his peace.

The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.

The Bishop:

Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

All may exchange a sign of peace.

The Preparation of the Table

The hymn is sung, during which bread and wine are placed on the table and a collection is taken for the Diocesan Bishop’s Discretionary Fund.


Let us build a house where love can
dwell and all can safely live,
a place where saints and children
tell how hearts learn to forgive.
Built of hopes and dreams and visions,
rock of faith and vault of grace;
here the love of Christ shall end divisions:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.

Let us build a house where prophets speak,
and words are strong and true,
where all God’s children dare to seek to
dream God’s reign anew.
Here the cross shall stand as witness
and as symbol of God’s grace;
here as one we claim the faith of Jesus:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.

Let us build a house where love is found in water,
wine, and wheat:
a banquet hall on holy ground where
peace and justice meet.
Here the love of God, through Jesus,
is revealed in time and space;
as we share in Christ the feast that free us:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.

Let us build a house where hands
will reach beyond the wood and stone
to heal and strengthen, serve and teach,
and live the Word they’ve known.
Here the outcast and the stranger
bear the image of God’s face;
let us bring an end to fear and danger:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.

Let us build a house where all are named,
their songs and visions heard
and loved and treasured,
taught and claimed as words within the Word.
Built of tears and cries and laughter,
prayers of faith, and songs of grace,
let this house proclaim from floor to rafter:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.

Words: Marty Haugen (b.1950)
Tune: Two Oaks
AM 365

The Eucharistic Prayer[1]

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

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 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
St Mary, St Richard, St Wilfrid 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.


The Lord’s Prayer

The Bishop introduces the prayer and all respond:

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 Bishop breaks the consecrated bread and says

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


The
Agnus Dei is sung:

Lamb of God
you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.

Lamb of God
you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.

Lamb of God
you take away the sins of the world,
grant us peace.

Giving of Communion

The Bishop says

Jesus is the Lamb of God
Who takes away the sin of the world.
Happy are those who are called to his supper.
Lord, I am not worthy to receive you,
but only say the word and I shall be healed

Members of the congregation are asked to sit and then to make their way to the place of communion as and when directed.  

All baptised Christians who receive communion in their own churches are welcome to receive communion.  Communion is given in both kinds.  It is not possible to ‘intinct’ by dipping the host into the chalice.
Any member of the congregation may come to receive a blessing; if you come forward for a blessing, please keep your head bowed.



Music during the distribution of Communion will include:

Communion Anthem

Let all mortal flesh keep silence
Cherubic Hymn from the Liturgy of St James
French carol Arr. Stephen Cleobury (1948-2019)


Communion Chant

Within our darkest night
you kindle the fire that never dies away,
never dies away.
Within our darkest night
you kindle the fire that never dies away,
never dies away.
Words: Taizé Community
Music: Jacques Berthier (1923-1994)
AM 847


Silence is kept after communion.


Prayer after Communion

The Bishop:

Let us pray.

Stand.

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.


Thanks be to thee, O Lord Jesus Christ
for all the benefits which thou hast given us,
for all the pains and insults which thou hast borne for us:
O most merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother,
may we know thee more clearly,
love thee more dearly
and follow thee more nearly.
Amen.

Sit.

The Incumbent gives brief notices.

Stand.


The Blessing

The Bishop:

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

May the Father, whose glory fills the heavens,
cleanse you by his holiness
and send you to proclaim his word.
Amen.

May Christ, who has ascended to the heights,
pour upon you the riches of his grace.
Amen.

May the Holy Spirit, the comforter,
equip you and strengthen you in your ministry.
Amen.

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


The Dismissal

The Bishop:

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ.  Amen.


Hymn


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.

By his word was all created;
he commanded and ‘twas done;
earth and sky and boundless ocean,
universe of three in one,
all that sees the moon’s soft radiance,
all that breathes beneath the sun,
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.

Sing, ye heights of heav’n, his praises;
Angels and Archangels, sing!
wheresoe’r ye be, ye faithful,
let your joyous anthems ring,
every tongue his name confessing,
countless voices answering,
evermore and evermore!
Words: Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (348-c.413)
Translated by Roby Furley Davis (1866-1937)
Tune: Divinum Mysterium
AM 80 vv.1,2,4,6




The congregation are warmly invited
to stay for refreshments after the service.
The Old School, School Lane (opposite the church)



More information about the Diocese
can be found on its website:
www.chichester.anglican.org



Material from Common Worship is included in this service
and is copyright © The Archbishops’ Council.
All hymns covered by the Christian Copyright Licensing
have been reproduced under CCL Licence No. 4094.