The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Transcription

1 The Fourth Sunday of Advent 22 December 2013 Grace Episcopal Church The Reverend Deborah Phillips, Rector 385 Essex Street Salem Massachusetts (978) Web:

2 The Holy Eucharist: Rite II 8:00 AM The Opening Rite The Penitential Order The Book of Common Prayer, page 351 The Kyrie page 356 The Collect of the Day page 3 of the leaflet The Word of God The Lessons The people sit. Isaiah 7:10-16 Psalm 80:1-3, Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-25 page 3 of the leaflet page 4 of the leaflet page 4 of the leaflet page 4 of the leaflet The Sermon The Reverend Deborah Phillips The Nicene Creed page 358 The Prayers of the People page 5 of the leaflet The Peace Presider People The Holy Communion All things come of thee, O Lord And of thine own have we given thee. The Great Thanksgiving: Eucharistic Prayer B page 367 The Lord s Prayer page 364 The Breaking of the Bread page 364 Post Communion Prayer page 365 Blessing and Dismissal The Reverend Deborah Phillips, Presider and Preacher Priscilla Lemons, Assisting Lois Nicholson, Judy Rhodes, Altar Guild Maureen Joyce, Flowers 2

3 Holy Eucharist: Rite II 10:30 AM The Opening Rite Opening Voluntary: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BuxWV 211 Introit: Redeemer of the nations, come Dieterich Buxtehude Hymn at the Procession The Hymnal 1982, #265 The angel Gabriel Gabriel s message The Penitential Office The Book of Common Prayer, page 351 The Kyrie The Hymnal 1982, #S 92 The Collect of the Day Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Word of the Lord The Lessons The people sit. The First Lesson Isaiah 7:10-16 The LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test. Then Isaiah said: "Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted. Lector People The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 3

4 The Second Lesson Romans 1:1-7 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, To all God's beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Lector People The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. The Sequence Hymn The Hymnal 1982, #260 Come now and praise Tallis Ordinal The Gospel Matthew 1:18-25 Gospeller The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. People Glory to you, Lord Christ. Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his 4

5 mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us." When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus The Sermon Gospeller People The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ. 5 The Reverend Deborah Phillips The Nicene Creed page 358 The Prayers of the People Dear People of God: In the season of Advent, it is our responsibility and joy to prepare ourselves to hear once more the message of the Angels, to go to Bethlehem and see the Son of God lying in a manger. I bid your prayers for the Church, where we come to hear and heed in Holy Scripture the story of God s loving purposes and where we remember his birth with hymns and songs of praise. I bid your prayers for the needs of God s whole world, for peace and justice on earth, for the unity and mission of the Church for which Jesus died, and especially for our country and this city. Because Jesus particularly loves them, let us remember in his name the poor and helpless, the cold, the hungry and the oppressed, the sick and those who mourn, the lonely and unloved, the aged and little children, as well as those who do not know and love the Lord Jesus Christ. Finally, let us remember before God his pure and lowly Mother, and that whole multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom, in Jesus, we are one for evermore. The Almighty God bless us with his grace; Christ give us the joys of everlasting life; and to the fellowship of the citizens above may the King of Angels bring us all. Amen.

6 The Peace The Holy Communion Anthem at the Offering Harold Friedell Text is found on page 50 in the Book of Common Prayer The Hymn at the Presentation The Hymnal 1982, #56 verses 1,4,5,7,8 O come, O come Emmanuel Veni, veni, Emanuel The Great Thanksgiving: Eucharistic Prayer B page 367 Sanctus The Hymnal 1982, #S 122 The Lord s Prayer page 364 At the Fraction The Hymnal 1982, #S 159 All present are invited to receive the Holy Sacrament. Hymn at the Communion The Hymnal 1982 #63 O heavenly Word, eternal light Verbum supernum prodiens Postcommunion Prayer page 365 Post Communion Hymn The Hymnal 1982 #54 Savior of the nations, come Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland Blessing and Dismissal Voluntary: Magnificat primi toni, BuxWV 204 Dieterich Buxtehude Worship Leaders The Reverend Deborah Phillips Presider and Preacher The Reverend Laurel Deery Deacon Ryan Patten Organist and Choir Director Hugh MacKay, Joanne Moar Vergers Tim Reynold, Campbell Boisvert Acolytes Pat Small Lector Juli and Walt Lederhaus Chalicers David Latinik, Geraldine Schutz Ushers Peggy Carter, Jacquie Valatka Counters Lois Nicholson, Judy Rhodes Altar Guild Maureen Joyce Flowers 6

7 Our Prayers are offered for M. Thomas Shaw, Gayle Harris, the Latinik Family, Pauline Grady, Pauline Zwicker, Vivien Forbes, Colin, Todd Cheney, Maureen McHugh, Corey and Suzanne MacNeil, the Aroko Family, the Ryan family, Scarlett Rohnke, Dorette Jodoin, Sally Coleman, Don, Bill, Jeanne Parler, Jeff Bowie, Nancy Dolan, Gary Young, Jr., Elisabeth Thomas, Cindy Carr, Ross Dolloff, Fran Nalipinski, The Tache Family, Megan and family, Alison, Blair and family, Bernice Conway, Jeff and family, John Mason, Tema Moar and family, Eddie Rodriguez, the DaSilva family, Karen, Susan Warren, Camilo Notario, Jr., Esmunda Notario, Malala, Tom D., Robert Duff, Stephen Duff, Rick Rizoli, Keith, Ian J. Surabian, The Littlehue/Cutter Family, Jacquie Valatka, Ashley Galvin, Eleanor Robinson, Melissa Swan, Mary Murphy, Gerry M., Danielle R., Mary K., Peter Brown, Glenn Murer, Carpenter Family, Karin O Brien, Judy Rao, Kathy Christopher, Marge Bastos, Paul Williams, Marcia and Frank, Patricia McDuffe, the Clancys, Beatrice Jideofor, Rachel Davis, Dr. Elizabeth Prout, the Gaddipatti Family, Albert Engelken, Keith and BJ, Carol Gorevitz and Mary Carter, Harry Davis, Xavier Carneiros, Pat Carr, Love, Karen Canning, Hala O Keeffe, Tiffanie Surabian, Nate, Phoebe and family, Joe Pouech and the family and friends of Linda Pouech, and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: All Saints Church, Belmont; St. Peter s Church, Beverly; St. John s Church, Beverly Farms; Christ Church (Old North), Boston; The Episcopal Times Board and Staff Christmas Memorials and Thanksgiving Enclosed in this leaflet is a form for Christmas Memorials and Thanksgivings. Your remembrance helps defray the cost of the music and flowers for our Christmas services while serving to honor those loved ones who mean so much to us. This year, these same people will be remembered with a blue light on our Tree of Remembrance located on the brick patio. Please be generous in your offering, as those you remember were generous with their love. They must be returned today for inclusion in the Christmas leaflets. 7

8 Christmas at Grace Church Christmas Eve Family Service with Pageant and Carols 4 :00 pm Candlelight Choral Service 10:30 pm - Prelude featuring hymn sing, anthems by the Choir and organ pieces 11:00 pm - Festival Eucharist with hymns and anthems Christmas Day Holy Communion with Hymns 9:00 am Join us for this blessed season! Christmas Presence Ever consider what coming to church on Christmas might mean to someone whose alone? Why not invite a friend or neighbor to church with you this Christmas? All of us have memories both fond and poignant during this season. Coming to church and hearing the story of God s love and peace is a wonderful gift to share with others. 8

9 Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, in her Christmas Message 2013 prays: May you discover that humble authority born again on the edges of the world s notice. May that royal inheritance and authority of the stable be born in you, enliven your heart, and rest on your shoulders. The following is the Presiding Bishop s Christmas message 2013 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 Isaiah pronounces these words to a people who remember the yoke of slavery laid on their shoulders. They ve been waiting for this child, whose birth transforms that yoke into a mantle of authority. They are promised that this authority will continue to grow as the peaceable commonwealth is established with justice and righteousness for all, and for ever. This promise is spoken anew to people in every age, to those who have lived under oppression or in dark depression, to the hungry and ill and imprisoned. The birth we celebrate offers hope, in Word made flesh, who comes among us to heal and walk this way with us. The mantle of authority on his shoulders begins in the swaddling clothes of a child born in the humblest of circumstances. Yet that authority is recognized even by foreigners from far away. That mantle of authority does continue to grow, through a life offered for others, raised into new life, and passed on to new generations of fleshly God-bearers. Wherever justice and righteousness is done, that authority is growing, borne on the shoulders of the Prince of Peace. He comes again, bearing the grace of the One whose image he wears in flesh. Seek him, sing his new song, declare his glory, and tell out the good news to all the nations: God reigns, and he is coming bearing righteousness and truth on his shoulders. May you discover that humble authority born again on the edges of the world s notice. May that royal inheritance and authority of the stable be born in you, enliven your heart, and rest on your shoulders. Bear it abroad in peace, this year and throughout the ages. The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori Presiding Bishop and Primate The Episcopal Church 9

10 Dear Friends, This past year we have experienced the presence of Christ, the Incarnation, in many wonderful ways. During a time when there is so much that could distract us from real meaning in our lives, we are blessed with the yearly reminder that we matter to God. We matter to God so much that he continues to call us into a more intimate relationship with him. We matter to God so much he became one of us, experiencing all that is both wonderful and limiting in this mortal frame, while illustrating the liberating freedom of life after death. We matter to God so much that he refuses to let anything separate us from him. This past year we have experienced the presence of Christ, the Incarnation, in many wonderful ways here at Grace Church. Our Sunday morning services are unique opportunities to see God, with music, preaching and prayer that open our hearts to behold him. The varied educational offerings allow us to share with each other how Christ is revealed in our own lives. The programs for our children, especially the Choir School, Church School and Young and the Restless Chapel, bring the heart of the message to our youngest members. Our presence in the City brings the presence of Christ to our community at large. The hospitality we show to all the new people continually coming through our doors is a reflection of the welcome that God shows to all his people. To celebrate the revelation of God s love through the Incarnation, we invite you to engage more deeply at Grace Church. We invite you not only to come, but to bring others to experience for themselves, the fullness of life that only the Light of Christ can bring. 10

11 Upcoming Events Sunday, December 29 - Come to reflect on the past year and to be renewed for the next. A special service at both the 8:00 and 10:30 is designed to ring in the new life that another year in Christ will bring. Party hats and favors are more than welcome! Sunday, January 5 - Hear the story anew of the three kings who traveled, following a star, to Bethlehem to see this miraculous birth. We too will remember the stars that brought us to Jesus, remember our earliest encounter of our Lord, and consider what it may mean to us today that this cosmic event took place in a very quiet and humble way. There may even be a visit from the original kings. We will also offer prayers for all of you who are celebrating your own birthdays this month. Sunday, January 12 - The Stewardship Committee is hosting an event during Coffee Hour presented by MassSave on how we can lower utilities costs in our homes. They will also be available to schedule energy audits of our homes. Working with the Stewardship and Property Committees, they will design a plan for the Church property as well. So come by at 11:30 am for some light refreshments (which MassSave will bring) and learn more about saving the planet and saving some money. Sunday, January 19 - We are pleased to welcome The Reverend Stephen D. Whitney-Wise to Grace Church. He will be here to talk to us about his ministry providing direct relief to the poor throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. He will share what he has witnessed about Food for the Poor s mission to care for the destitute as a means of living our the Gospel mandate to love one another. Fr. Whitney-Wise was ordained in He has served as a college chaplain and parish priest. Before joining Food for the Poor, Fr. Steve worked with the homeless. This begin the weekend of Martin Luther King, Jr. s birthday, it is good that we consider the work being done around the world for justice and peace. That afternoon, at 4:00 pm, we will have our annual Traditional Service of Lessons and Carols for Epiphany-tide. Our lectors will come from the various organizations we partner with and our music will come from the congregation, the Parish Choir and the Choir School of Grace Church. Please join us for this service. Sunday, January 26 - The Annual Meeting of Grace Church will convene at 11:45 am in the Church. 11

12 Grace Episcopal Church A parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts The Right Reverend M. Thomas Shaw, SSJE Diocesan Bishop The Right Reverend Gayle E. Harris Bishop Suffragan The Right Reverend Roy F. Cederholm, Jr. Bishop Suffragan Retired The Right Reverend Barbara C. Harris Bishop Suffragan Retired The Reverend Deborah Phillips Rector The Reverend Laurel Deery Deacon Ryan Patten Director of Music Tom and Karen Tucker Property Stewards Hugh MacKay and Joanne Moar Vergers Hala O Keeffe Administrator Vestry Anne Busteed Senior Warden Jacquie Valatka Junior Warden Gary Young Treasurer Peggy Carter Willand Clerk Eric Fialho, Marc Hawlena, Members of Vestry Joanne Moar, Megan O Connell. Mark Steadman Grace Episcopal Church 385 Essex Street Salem, Massachusetts (978) info@gracechurchsalem.org Web: The Mission of Grace Church is to unconditionally invite all people to join us in building a faithful Episcopal congregation that goes out into the community and through prayer, presence, and partnering improves the quality of life by bringing everyone closer to God. 12