December 17, Holy Eucharist: Rite II at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 am *For 10:30 a.m. service only. Kay Benefield, Valerie Fleming

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1 THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 17, 2017 Holy Eucharist: Rite II at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 am *For 10:30 a.m. service only *Prelude: Kay Benefield, Valerie Fleming Opening Procession: *Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding Hymnal 59 Opening Acclamation Book of Common Prayer (BCP) 355 Gloria in Excelsis: O come, O come, Emmanuel *Hymnal 56 v. 5 & 6 The Collect of the Day: Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. THE FIRST READING: ISAIAH 61:1-4, 8-11 The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, to display his glory. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. For I the LORD love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge

2 that they are a people whom the LORD has blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. Psalm 126 *(Sung at 10:30a.m.) BCP When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, * then were we like those who dream. 2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, * and our tongue with shouts of joy. 3 Then they said among the nations, * "The LORD has done great things for them." 4 The LORD has done great things for us, * and we are glad indeed. 5 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, * like the watercourses of the Negev. 6 Those who sowed with tears * will reap with songs of joy. 7 Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, * will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves. THE SECOND READING: 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-24 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. *Sequence Hymn: Tell out, my soul Hymnal 437

3 THE HOLY GOSPEL: JOHN 1:6-8,19-28 The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. People: Glory to you, Lord Christ. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you? He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, I am not the Messiah. And they asked him, What then? Are you Elijah? He said, I am not. Are you the prophet? He answered, No. Then they said to him, Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself? He said, I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet? John answered them, I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal. This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing. The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

4 The Sermon Advent Pageant The Nicene Creed BCP 358 Prayers of the People Form V BCP 389 Confession of Sin and Absolution BCP 360 The Peace BCP 360 THE HOLY COMMUNION The Offertory: Advent Joy Choir All stand *The Doxology Hymnal 380 v.3 The Great Thanksgiving: Eucharistic Prayer C BCP 369 *Sanctus Hymnal S 130 The Lord s Prayer BCP 364 The Fraction Anthem BCP 364 Gluten-free: Please indicate your need to the priest when receiving and a glutenfree wafer will be given. *Communion Music What child is this Kay Benefield, Valerie Fleming Hark! The glad sound! Congregation: Hymnal 72 O Zion Congregation: Hymnal 539 Wait for the Lord Taize Postcommunion Prayer BCP 366 The Blessing Announcements *Closing Procession: Hark! The herald angels sing Hymnal 87 The Dismissal BCP 366

5 SERVING TODAY 8:00 a.m. LECTOR: Paul Grass Server: Lee Jones SERVING TODAY 10:30 a.m. USHERS...Matt Morris, Marsha Babb GREETERS...Sam Harrison, Maggie Muegge CRUCIFER Jim Coleman TORCH BEARERS...N/A SERVER...Jim Coleman EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS...Tiffany Martin, Jackie Camper GOSPEL BOOK...Gloria Kilner CLERGY CROSS.....Kate Jackson LECTORS...Kathy Morita, Doug Cooke INTERCESSOR...Shari Harrison SOUND...Melissa B. Reeves ALTAR GUILD..... Lee Jones, Kelly Auman, Rick Cooley NURSERY...Drew Hunter CHILDREN S SUNDAY SCHOOL..... N/A YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL....N/A CHILDREN S CHURCH...N/A COUNTERS...Jan Maxwell, Regina Coleman VESTRY PERSON OF THE MONTH....Ray Klaver LIVING GENEROUSLY PLEDGE CAMPAIGN UPDATE Epiphany s Campaign Team would like to thank the families who have made a pledge to the General Fund for If you have not yet completed a pledge card and intend to do so, you may put it in the offering plate, mail it in, or bring it to the office. You may also call your pledge into Epiphany s Financial Assistant, Charlene Mason, at , or your pledge to Charlene@EpiphanyGuntersville.org. Wonderful things are in store for Epiphany s ministries in Your gifts are appreciated! 2018 Pledged by Dollar Range As of December 15, 2017 $2,425 or less* - 42 $2,425 - $4, $5,000 - $9, $10,000 - $19, Total Number of Pledges 84 Total Dollar Amount of Pledges $ 279,636 Average Pledge $ 3,329 *Represents a tithe (10%) for a family of four with an annual income of $24,250. If you have questions concerning the origin of this baseline amount, please ask Fr. Aaron or Lamar Auman, Treasurer.

6 Rector s Corner Gloria in excelsis Literally meaning "glory in the highest" in Latin, these words form part of the short hymn that begins the Eucharistic feast, and is so named in our bulletin. The words are derived from the song of the angels to the shepherds at the time of Jesus' birth, found in Luke 2:14. It is therefore also known as the "Angelic Hymn." At Epiphany we have been singing O Come, o come Emmanuel as our Gloria during Advent. We look forward to singing a different form of the Gloria in excelsis on Christmas Eve: "Angels we have heard on high," with its continuous refrain of "Gloria in excelsis deo." EFM Collect of the Week O Lord, our shepherd, We thank you for leading us on our daily path. We pray for the other to recognize the divine in us, so that we may walk together in the light of Christ. Amen Budget Status as of Sunday 12/10/2017 Pledge Plate Total Budgeted to date $258,123 $49,008 $307,131 Received to date $245,594 $40,123 $285,717 (includes Prepaid Pledges) -$ 12,529 -$ 8,885 - $ 21,414

7 Week of December 17 thru December 24 Today Holy Eucharist 8:00 a.m. Breakfast 8:45 a.m. Breakfast Volunteers Rebecca Raulerson, Rachel Morris Lectionary Class 9:30 a.m. Confirmation Class 9:30 a.m. Nursery 9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Advent Pageant 10:30 a.m. Coffee Hour hosted by Daughters of the King 12 Noon Sr. EYC 5:00 p.m. Celtic Service 5:00 p.m. Fellowship 5:30 p.m. Monday Monday Morning Book Club 10:00 a.m. EFM 6:00 p.m. Tuesday Vestry Meeting 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Healing Service 11:30 a.m. Centering Prayer 1:00 p.m. Kitchen Ministry Party 6:00 p.m. Choir 6:30 p.m. Thursday Epiphany Star Articles Due Friday Church Office Closed Sunday Advent IV 9:30 a.m. Nursery 9:30 a.m. Christmas Eve Family Service 6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Festival of Carols 10:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Midnight Mass 11:00 p.m.

8 Let us know who you are by signing the Guest Book located on our Visitor s Table at the entrance to the Nave. See an Usher or Greeter for assistance. Devices are available to aid the hearing of the service either with ear buds for each ear or to slip over one ear if you currently wear a hearing aid. The flowers on the altar are dedicated to the Glory of God and In thanksgiving for Kay Benefield by anonymous. The candles on the altar are dedicated to the Glory of God and In thanksgiving for Grace Martin s birthday by David and Tiffany Martin. IN OUR PRAYERS For all who suffer in mind, body, or spirit, especially for: *OUR PARISH FAMILY: Rachel Warnes, Missy Sanderson, Tiffany Martin, Mary Davis, Arlyne Black, Bill Black, Hootie Woodall, King Nye, Ada Perkins, Ann Marie Batts, Barbara Nye, Ellie Werden, David Carrithers, Susan Foster *OUR EXTENDED PARISH FAMILY: Regina Hayes, (Marsha Babb s friend), Katherine Bosi-Graham (Jim Coleman s friend), Madeleine Bains, (Ellen Perryman s daughter), Michelle Gardner (Bryce & Cheri Blair s daughter), Wells Warren (Priest of the Diocese), Kim Calvert & family (friends of Epiphany s parishioners), Louise Mason (Charlene Mason s mother-in-law), Shirley Kime (Jenna Andrews s grandmother), Rose Lyles (Cindy Bowling s mother), Susan Burroughs (Ray Klaver s friend), Bob Moses (former parishioner), Nancy Martin (Ginny McCrary s friend), Tommy Guay (Shari Harrison s son-in-law), Becky Cibula (Barbara Gardner s daughter), Launa Raspilair (Bickie Raspilair s daughter-in-law), Bob Payne (Bickie Raspilair s brother-in-law), Johnny Branum (Ann Branum s son), Sally Dunn (Marina Dunn s sister-in-law) **REMEMBERING: Greg Calvert, Cathy Cooley, Cindy Fasce PARISH FAMILY BIRTHDAYS: December 17 thru December 23 Rebecca Raulerson, Crystal Scott, Billy Green, Lee Ward, Grace Martin OUR DIOCESAN FAMILY: Our companion dioceses of Alaska and the Virgin Islands and their bishops, Mark and Ambrose. DOK PRAYER REQUESTS: There are Daughters of the King Prayer Request cards available in the pew. Prayer requests should be placed in the prayer box at the back of the nave. The daughters pray every day. *Names will remain on the list for two months unless otherwise requested. Prayer Concern names can be submitted by placing a note in the office door mail slot or e- mailing the church office. When submitting prayer concerns, please give person s full name, the reason for prayer need, sign your name and indicate the person s relationship to our parish. **Names of the deceased will appear for one month after date of death.