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1 Ave. SW Calgary, AB T2R 0P3 Phone: Office hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-1:00pm St. Stephen s Social St Stephen s Anglican Church Calgary Clergy The Reverend Brian E Pearson, Rector rector@ststephenscalgary.org x3 The Reverend Charmaine Evans, Program Co-ordinator - deacon@ststephenscalgary.org x4 Wardens & Financial Anne Brown, Incumbent s Warden brown.annej@gmail.com Cameron Bush, Deputy Incumbent s Warden cmbush@shaw.ca Todd Hirsch, People s Warden thirsch@atb.com Jack Walker, Treasurer jwalker@leedefinancial.com Parish Council Pat Cochrane, Chair of Parish Council patricia-cochrane@telus.net Pam Miller pam.e.miller@shaw.ca Linda Roach lroach@shaw.ca Gillian Bowles bowles.gillian28@gmail.com Meera Nathwani-Crowe nathwani_m@yahoo.ca Clare Hooper clhooper71@gmail.com Cathi Nelson cathi.nelson@hotmail.com OPEN DOORS II The committee has met with representatives of the City of Calgary associated with various departments related to affordable housing initiatives. We gained much insight into a variety of resources available, lessons learned from past projects and established contacts in departments that we will be consulting with as we prepare the more detailed program for our project. The committee is working toward a presentation to the congregation at our upcoming AGM that will include a motion to proceed to our first submission to the Diocesan Property committee which we plan to align with their first quarter assembly. We are very happy to announce that Patty Rhodes Brink will be joining our committee and acting also as our recording secretary. We are also sad to say that Gerry Deyell has stepped down from the committee. We are extremely thankful for all the work Gerry was involved with in getting us to where we are now and his assistance has influenced in a significant way how we move forward to optimize success. We are also in discussion with other individuals with specific skill sets that would be an asset to the work as we go forward. Feel free to inquire with any of the members of the committee if you have any questions. Committee members are: Lynda Greuel, Patty Rhodes Brink, Tim Crowe, Cam Bush and Keith Moe.

2 THIRD SUNDAY of ADVENT December 16, 2018 JOY 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Excellent Adventure and Nursery available 10:30 a.m. Rector The Reverend Brian E Pearson Program Co-ordinator The Reverend Charmaine Evans, Deacon Honorary Assistants The Venerable Barry Foster The Reverend Cathy Fulton The Reverend Dean Houghton Interim Music Director Ondrea Mann

3 Welcome to St. Stephen s Anglican Church Sunday Worship, December 16, :00am service- Book of Common Prayer (starting page 67) 10:30am service- Bulletin The Reverend Brian E Pearson, Presider & Preacher The Reverend Charmaine Evans, Deacon Ondrea Mann, Interim Music Director Lectionary Readings This week: Next week: Dec 23 Zephaniah 3:14-20 Mich 5:2-5a Isaiah 12:2-6 Canticle: Luke 1:46-55 Philippians 4:4-7 Hebrews 10:5-10 Luke 3: 7-18 Luke 1:39-45 The Prayers of the People The Anglican Cycle of Prayer We pray for The Church in Kivu, Rwanda, The Right Reverend Augustin Ahimana; for Justin, The Archbishop of Canterbury; Fred, our Primate; Greg our Metropolitan Archbishop & Diocesan Bishop, Sidney, the Suffragan Bishop for Treaty 7 Territory. Diocesan Cycle of Prayer We pray for Holy Trinity, Rocky Mountain House, The Reverend Dr. Chris Nojonen, The Venerable Richard Lemmon, St. Cuthbert & St. George, Sundre, Gerald Ingeveld, Lay Minister, and for the Bishop, Archdeacons and Regional Deans; in our Companion Diocese of the Windward Islands we pray for St. Andrew with Holy Innocents, St. Giles and St. Michael, The Venerable Michael Marshall, their clergy and the people of the parishes. St. Stephen s Parish Cycle of Prayer Kate and Brian Cawthorn Jesse and Melissa Cheah Kathryn Clark and Calvin Peppard Mavis Clark Kristen and Tom Clarke and their children June and Norah. For Those in Need Pat Sarah Archer John Sheila John Grace Heather Ian Don. Flowers Flowers are dedicated today to the Glory of God by Meera Nathwani-Crowe and Tim Crowe in memory of Meera s sister Neeta Nathwani and Tim s dad David Crowe.

4 On Duty Today: Reader: Jennifer Garrison Litianist: Doug McKibbon Communion Assistants: Cathi Nelson David Roach Greeters: Cam Bush Pam Forgie-Thompson Patty Rhodes Brink Chancel Guild: Jean Ludlam Jean Springer Sacramental Bread: Kathy Deyell Jean Ludlam Coffee: Pat and Russ Kirby Excellent Adventure & Nursery are available in the creation space. * * * * * 3rd Candle in Advent is Joy The third candle is Joy and in some traditions the Shepherds candle. It reminds us of the poor shepherds who were the first people to see Jesus-that we all need a shepherd and that Jesus is our shepherd. God loves all people, some are rich and famous, but other are poor and sometimes hungry. Each has a very special place in the heart of God. This Week at St. Stephen s The Christmas story is carried as much by the music as by the words. Without the carols we would have a curious folk tale about a young family facing enormous obstacles, yet getting through them with divine assistance. It would be a lovely story, but would it live in our hearts? Put it to music, sing it to our children, and the story embeds itself deep inside it comes alive! Music has this uncanny ability to take a thought, an idea, a story, and plant it in our hearts. This is why music is such a powerful vehicle for worship. Whether it be the ethereal strains of Gregorian Chant, the driving pulse of Shape Note singing, or the swinging choruses of Gospel Music, music takes the message from our heads into our hearts, by way of our bodies. In other words, it makes it real! We have been blessed with a long line of musical directors at St. Stephen s, each one putting their own stamp on our worship experience. Jeff Jones has been with us for thirteen years, but this weekend will mark his final performance as he leads the choir in our annual Festival of Lessons and Carols, with is wife, voice actor Maureen, narrating. Jeff s leadership has found that subtle balance between musical excellence and personal accessibility. Our congregation has lingered every Sunday to enjoy his postludes, and our choir has loved working with him. Thank you, Jeff, for placing the Gospel in our hearts, where it belongs.

5 BE REAL, BELONG, BELIEVE IT December 16, 2018 Welcome! If you are searching for a place to belong, a warm welcome to you. So we can welcome you and answer any questions you may have please look for our on Duty Warden who will be wearing a big Ask Me button. Questions? Our Verger is Anneliese. Christmas Schedule Office will be closed from Dec 24-Jan 1 Bible Study will not be held Dec 20, 27 & Jan 6 Back on Jan 10 Meditation last Dec 19, return Jan 8 Women s Group Jan 20 resume Youth Jan 20 next meeting Parish Council Jan 6 meeting. LOOK WHAT WE VE DONE NOW! Recently a young First Nations man, a client of the Mustard Seed, learned that his mother, living up in Edmonton, was having complications with the surgical implantation of a pace-maker. A mistake was made in her care, and she suffered a stroke, leaving her without her speech. The young man desperately wanted to be at her side but could not afford the bus fare. We were approached by the Mustard Seed on his behalf and were able to meet him and purchase a bus ticket for him on Red Arrow, the company that is replacing Greyhound service in Western Canada. Increase in cost for Flowers to $75 A welcome addition to our sanctuary each week has been flowers donated as a memorial or to mark a celebration. Since our sanctuary was renovated, we have enjoyed beautiful arrangements prepared by Peaseblossoms, a neighbourhood florist on 11 Street. Peaseblossoms has been generously subsidizing the cost of these bouquets. St. Stephen s Chancel Guild has determined that we should cover the cost of flowers, hence the increase. Donations to cover flowers are eligible for a tax receipt calendar is up. Today at 4pm, Festival of Lessons and Carols Sunday, Join the Choir and our Music Director Jeff Jones as he returns for a final bow, in this very special service of Lessons and Carols. Listen to the Story of Promise and to music of the Season specially prepared by the Choir for this service. Come and sing your favorite Christmas carols. Christmas pageant Christmas Services Monday December 24 4:00pm (was the 7pm service) Please contact Charmaine with any questions. Eucharist: Eucharist: December 24 th at 10:30pm. December 25 th at 10:30am. St. Laurence Blue Christmas Service Wednesday, Dec. 19 th at 6:00 p.m.

6 Blood Bank is looking for Donors, appointments available Dec 17-Jan 5 th, Eau Clarie Market Blood Donor Centre, see bulletin board for more info. * * * * * It takes a goat to raise a village Mwamedi Maiga lives in a village in Tanzania. He is HIV positive and was at risk of being malnourished which would make treatment of his condition more difficult. Through a program supported by PWRDF, Mwamedi received a pair of goats, and his life changed immediately. The nanny goat produces milk daily. His family consume one litre and sell the surplus milk which is used to pay school fees for the children, and to buy medicine and food staples. As part of the program, once his goats had bred, Mwamedi passed the first baby goat on to another family in need. The original pair of goats not only benefits one family, they benefit the pwhole village. Mwamedi now has six goats and the five nannies produce up to four litres of milk a day. Money collected in our blue envelopes for December goes towards The Primates World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) which supports relief and development programs around the world. We are hoping to raise at least $3000 for PWRDF this year, which would be the equivalent of 100 goats. Check out our Goatmeter to see how we are doing and get your goat today! The PEARSON FAMILY Farewell (for now) TourOn January 19, 2019, please join us for a special evening "Live at Steve s the only stop on the "Pearson Family Farewell (for now) Tour". Featuring our rector Brian Pearson and his band, BP and the Gas, the evening will be hosted by Heather Dudley (Pearson), with technical support by Chad Dudley, the spinning discs of Dr. Space (AKA Ben Pearson), and the original songs of Rob Pearson. This is the rector's retirement farewell to St. Stephen s and its friends from the whole Pearson family after nineteen happy years. The evening will be enhanced by both a barista and a bartender as you settle in for a moving mix of music and storytelling. Bring your family and friends to this all-age show to celebrate two decades of the life and service of this lively midtown congregation. All proceeds will support the Rector s Discretionary Fund, an ongoing outreach program that supports local social service agencies and benefits people in need. Tickets are on sale at the church and on the website for $15 until Christmas Day. This is a great Stocking Stuffer for a great cause! After Christmas, tickets will increase to $20. Open Doors announcement back of bulletin cover.

7 THIRD SUNDAY of ADVENT YEAR C READINGS Zephaniah 3:14-20 Isaiah 12:2-6 Philippians 4:4-7 Luke 3:7-18 OPENING PRAYER Almighty God, you sent your Son into a world where the chaff must be winnowed from the wheat, and where evil clings even to the good. Let the fire of your Holy Spirit purge us of greed and deceit, that, purified, we may find peace in you, and, pleased, you may delight in us. Grant this through the One whose coming is certain, whose day draws near: your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen. PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Merciful God, may this Eucharist fill us with unending joy, and prepare us for the coming of your Son into the world and into our hearts; who reigns now and forever with you and Holy Spirit. Amen.

8 THIRD SUNDAY of ADVENT YEAR C FIRST READING: Zephaniah 3:14-20 A Reading from the Book of Zephaniah Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout out, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! Our God has taken away the judgments against you, and turned away your enemies. The Sovereign Ruler of Israel Our God is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more. On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak. Yahweh, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory, who will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in the bonds of holy love; Our God will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival. I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it. I will deal with all your oppressors at that time. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, changing their shame into praise and renown throughout all the earth. At that time I will bring you home, at that time when I gather you; for I will make you renowned and praised among the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes.

9 THIRD SUNDAY of ADVENT YEAR C This is what our God says! Listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Thanks be to God.

10 THIRD SUNDAY of ADVENT YEAR C CANTICLE: Isaiah 12:2-6 (A Song of Thanksgiving) Surely it is you, O God, who saves me; I will trust in you and not be afraid; for you are my strength and my might, you have become my salvation. Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing from the springs of salvation. On that day you shall say: Give thanks to God! Praise God s holy Name! Make known among all the people what Yahweh has done; see that they remember and proclaim that God s Name is exalted. Sing praises to Yahweh, who has triumphed. Let it be known in all the earth! Cry aloud, you who dwell in Zion, ring out your joy, for the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel!

11 THIRD SUNDAY of ADVENT YEAR C SECOND READING: Philippians 4:4-7 A Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Philippians Rejoice in God always! Again I say: Rejoice! Let your forbearance be known to everyone. Our Saviour is near. Do not worry about anything; but in everything present your needs to God through prayer and supplication, giving thanks for all circumstances. And the peace of God, which is beyond all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Thanks be to God.

12 THIRD SUNDAY of ADVENT YEAR C GOSPEL READING: Luke 3:7-18 The Lord be with you. And with thy spirit. The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. Glory be to Thee, O Lord. God be with you. And also with you. The Good News of Jesus Christ according to Luke. Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ. John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of your repentance. Do not even begin to say to yourselves, We have Abraham and Sarah as our father and mother ; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham and Sarah. Even now the axe is laid at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. The people asked him, What then should we do? John replied, Let the one with two coats share with the one who has none. Let those who have food do the same. Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, Teacher, what are we to do? John answered them, Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you. Soldiers likewise asked him, What about us? John said to them, Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusations. Be content with your wages. As the people were filled with expectation, and all were wondering in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, he answered them all by saying, I baptize you with water; but one greater than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. This One will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. A winnowing fork is in his

13 THIRD SUNDAY of ADVENT YEAR C hand to clear the threshing floor and gather the wheat into the granary, but the chaff will be burnt in unquenchable fire. So, with many other exhortations, John proclaimed the Good News to the people. The Gospel of Christ. Praise be to Thee, O Christ. The Gospel of Christ. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

14 The Third Sunday in Advent December 16, 2018 Advent means "coming" and anticipates both the coming of Christmas and the Second Coming of Christ at the end of the age. We observe the season of Advent in an expectant mood, forestalling the joyful sights and sounds of Christmas. Week by week, however, as the season advances and hints of Christmas begin to appear, we feel a heightened sense of excitement. God's reign of peace and justice is coming to the earth. THE EUCHARIST The Reverend Brian E Pearson, Preacher & Presider The Reverend Charmaine Evans, Deacon Ondrea Mann, Interim Organist & Music Director The Gathering of the Community We gather, greet one another, and prepare for worship. The congregation gathers in silence, without a musical prelude, and the service begins without opening announcements. Organ Postlude Welcome and Opening Announcements Call to Worship Greeting The congregation stands, the Prayer Bowl is struck, and a reflective silence is observed. Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout out, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! Our God has taken away the judgments against us, and turned away our enemies. The Sovereign Ruler of Israel Our God is in our midst; we shall fear disaster no more. 1 During Advent we begin our worship with reflective silence, reminding us that we await the coming of the reign of God in all its fullness.

15 Opening Hymn: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus blue insert Opening Prayer Almighty God, you sent your Son into a world where the chaff must be winnowed from the wheat, and where evil clings even to the good. Let the fire of your Holy Spirit purge us of greed and deceit, that, purified, we may find peace in you, and, pleased, you may delight in us. Grant this through the One whose coming is certain, whose day draws near: your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen. The Opening Prayer, or Collect, gathers the individual prayers of the community and identifies a theme in today s service. The Proclamation of the Word We hear again the Christian story and respond with our prayers and intentions. First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20 Listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Thanks be to God. Canticle: Isaiah 12:2-6 (A Song of Thanksgiving) Surely it is you, O God, who saves me; I will trust in you and not be afraid; for you are my strength and my might, you have become my salvation. read by Jennifer Garrison The Bible contains the story of God's People, but it continues to speak to us today. A Psalm is a sacred poem drawn from the Hebrew scriptures. 2

16 Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing from the springs of salvation. On that day you shall say: Give thanks to God! Praise God s holy Name! Make known among all the people what Yahweh has done; see that they remember and proclaim that God s Name is exalted. Sing praises to Yahweh, who has triumphed. Let it be known in all the earth! Cry aloud, you who dwell in Zion, ring out your joy, for the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel! Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7 read by Jennifer Garrison Listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Thanks be to God. Sequence Hymn: Blessed Be the God of Israel Gospel Reading: Luke 3:7-18 Sermon Prior to the Reading: God be with you. And also with you. The Good News of Jesus Christ according to Luke. Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ. Following the Reading: The Gospel of Christ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. blue insert We stand for the Gospel Reading in special reverence for the stories of the life and teachings of Jesus. An affirmation of faith proclaims our core beliefs about God. 3

17 Affirmation of Faith (from the Book of Revelation 1:4-8) We believe in God who is, and who was, and who is to come; in the Spirit, who is before God's throne; in Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, the ruler of the rulers of the earth, the one who is coming with the clouds where every eye will see him, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. We believe in One God: the Almighty! Amen. Prayers of the People The Peace (the congregation standing) God s peace be always with you. And also with you. led by Doug McKibbon The Prayers of the People bring the concerns of our hearts to God. The Passing of the Peace has been practised among Christians since biblical times. The People greet one another with a gesture of friendship. The Celebration of the Eucharist We give thanks for Christ s sacrificial love by which we are spiritually fed. Hymn: Awake, Awake and Greet the New Morn Prayer over the Gifts God of love and power, your word stirs within us the expectation of the coming of your Son. Accept all we offer you this day, and sustain us with the promise of your eternal presence. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. blue insert Symbols of our daily lives are offered for God s blessing bread and wine for communion, and money for the ongoing work of the Church. 4

18 Eucharistic Prayer God be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to God. Eucharist comes from the Greek word for thanksgiving. Traditionally this prayer was called the Great Thanksgiving Let us give thanks to God our Creator. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; we give you thanks and praise through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who came among us in the flesh, showing us the way of salvation. Now we watch for the day when he will come again in power and great triumph to rule this world, that we, without shame or fear, may rejoice to behold his appearing. Leaving us a sign of hope, Jesus, on the night before he died, surrounded by his disciples, took bread, gave thanks to you, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. At the heart of the Christian story is Jesus death for our sake, which is recounted here. After supper he took the cup of wine; 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. 5

19 Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me. Grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit these gifts of bread and wine may be to us the body and blood of your Son. Unite us under his gentle and loving rule that we, made acceptable in him, May be sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, all honour and glory are yours, Creator of all, for ever and ever. Amen. The Lord s Prayer As our Saviour taught us, let us pray: 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. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen. The Lord s Prayer is so named because the Gospels record Jesus teaching this prayer to his disciples. Breaking of the Bread Invitation God of promise, you prepare a banquet in heaven for those who love you. Happy are those who are called to the supper of the Lamb. The gifts of God for the People of God! Thanks be to God! 6 All who love and serve God are welcome to come forward to receive communion, or to receive a blessing

20 Communion (please do not dip the bread in the cup) in God s name. Prayer after Communion Merciful God, may this Eucharist fill us with unending joy, and prepare us for the coming of your Son into the world and into our hearts; who reigns now and forever with you and Holy Spirit. Amen. Doxology Glory to God, whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen. A doxology is a prayer of praise to God, in this case, a final one, drawing our worship to a close. Announcements Dismissal Let us bless our God. Thanks be to God! Hymn: When the King Shall come Again Postlude blue insert Having been fed by Word and Sacrament, we are sent out into the world to anticipate the coming of God s realm in its fullness. Thank you for joining us for worship today. All are welcomed to stay for refreshments following the service. 7

21 JOY 8