THE HOLY EUCHARIST, RITE II The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Transcription

1 THE HOLY EUCHARIST, RITE II The Fourth Sunday of Advent December 23, :00 a.m. Grace Episcopal Church 4040 West Bellfort Avenue Houston, Texas graceinhouston.org

2 WELCOME TO GRACE! We are glad you are with us! We are seeking to become a welcoming Christian community who learn and share God s love through worship, fellowship and outreach. You are welcome here, no matter who you are or where you are on your journey of faith. Worship: We often use the word liturgy to describe our worship. Liturgy comes from a Greek word that is loosely translated to mean the works of the people. When we gather for worship, we bring all that we are, all the places we have been, all the things we ve seen, all the works we have done everything! and gather it up into an expression of worship that we can share and God can bless to nourish us. Ritual: Historic rites of the Church from the Book of Common Prayer guide our worship together. (The BCP is the red book in each pew.) We generally stand to sing and to hear the Gospel. During prayers, some people prefer to stand, others to sit, and other to kneel. Some people make the sign of the cross on themselves, bow, hold their palms upwards in front of them, or engage in other simple and meaningful actions during the service. There isn t just one right way to participate. Please do what feels right to you! The Songs We Sing: We sing songs of praise and worship from many cultures, times, and traditions. Much of our music is included in this bulletin. Hymns that are not printed here can be found in the blue hymnal in each pew. Sometimes we sing the Lord s Prayer, and some folks hold hands. Do only what feels comfortable to you. We usually hand out and shake maracas for the final song of our worship together. This is a long-running tradition at Grace that many enjoy. You are welcome to join in and also free to only sing or listen. At Communion: All are welcome to gather with us at the Lord s Table. To receive a blessing instead of bread and/or wine, please join others at the front of the church and cross arms over your chest. Ushers will help us know the appropriate time to move forward. Healing Prayer: People are available to pray personally with you. If you desire prayers for healing, folks will offer prayers and anointing with oil in the small chapel near the entrance to the Church. Please go after receiving Communion for this ministry. Children are welcome in the church at any time. Crayons, Coloring Pages, and other resources are available at the welcome area for use during worship. Nursery: The nursery is open on Sunday during the 10:00 am service. Staff members are there to welcome children from birth through age 3. The nursery is directly adjacent to the Gathering Area. Children s Chapel: Children s Chapel takes place during the service. The Children, ages 4-4th Grace, will process out together at the Gospel and return before Holy Communion. Finding Your Way Around: Restrooms: Exit the main side doors, walk into the Gathering Area, and turn right down the hall. Restrooms will be on your right. Persons with Disabilities: If you would like to receive Communion but cannot come to the altar, please let an usher know so the Sacrament can be brought to you. Parking: Parking is available in two lots, from West Bellfort and Woodwind Drive. Want to know more? Please fill out a Welcome Card (found in the pew next to hymnals and prayer books). If you share your contact information, we will reach out to invite you to coffee for conversation. 2

3 Prelude Welcome THE HOLY EUCHARIST, RITE II, WITH EXPANSIVE LANGUAGE The Fourth Sunday of Advent December 23, :00 a.m. The Lighting of the Advent Candle (Those appointed to light the candle gather at the chancel steps.) Leader: Leader: Leader: We seek a sign of the Salvation of God. From the depths of the earth to the heights of the heavens, let God s sign be known to all. A young woman shall give birth to peace, hope, and joy. A young woman will give Love a name: Emmanuel - God is with us. Let us - in love - kindle the light of the Lord. (One or more of those appointed light the candle.) Song O Gracious Light 3

4 Hymn 58 Lo! He comes, with clouds descending Opening Acclamation (Please stand as able) Collect for Purity Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And blessed be God s reign, now and for ever. Amen. Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Kyrie (Please stand as able) Montes The Collect of the Day (Please stand or kneel as able) God be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. 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. (Children may process to Children s Chapel) 4

5 The First Lesson (Please be seated) Reader: A reading from the book of Micah. Micah 5:2-5a You, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace. Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to God s people. Thanks be to God. Canticle: Magnificat (Please be seated) My Soul Gives Glory 5

6 The Second Lesson Hebrews 10:5-10 Reader: A reading from the book of Hebrews. When Christ came into the world, he said, "Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, 'See, God, I have come to do your will, O God' (in the scroll of the book it is written of me)." When he said above, "You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered according to the law), then he added, "See, I have come to do your will." He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. And it is by God's will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to God s people. Thanks be to God. Hymn 440 (Please stand as able) Blessed Jesus, at thy word The Gospel Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) (All standing as able, the Priest reads the Gospel, first saying) The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Luke. Glory to you, Lord Christ. In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord." [And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."] Priest: The Sermon The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ. The Reverend Dr. John Graham 6

7 The Nicene Creed (All standing as able) We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 7

8 The Prayers of the People (Please stand or kneel as able) (The Leader and People pray responsively) Leader: The Confession (Please stand or kneel as able) Celebrant and people: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen. (The Celebrant stands and says) Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen. The Peace (Please stand as able) O God, we pray for your holy Catholic Church; That we all may be one. Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you; That your Name may be glorified by all people. We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons; That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments. We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world; That there may be justice and peace on the earth. Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake; That our works may find favor in your sight. Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble, especially Donna, Lisa, Megan and Reggie. That they may be delivered from their distress. Give to the departed eternal rest, especially Esther, Frank, George, Charlotte, Dale and Mario. Let light perpetual shine upon them. We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy; May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom. Let us pray for our own needs and those of others. (Silence) Hasten, O God, the coming of your reign; and grant that we your servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen. The peace of Christ be always with you. And also with you. (The people greet one another) 8

9 Announcements (Please be seated) Blessings for Birthdays & Anniversaries O God, our times are in your hand: Look with favor, we pray, on your servants N. as they begin another year. Grant that they may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen their trust in your goodness all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. The Holy Communion The Offertory (Please be seated) Offertory Anthem Doxology (the People stand as able while singing) Mary Did You Know? The Great Thanksgiving Eucharistic Prayer A (The people standing as able) (Celebrant says) 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 our thanks and praise. (Then, the Celebrant proceeds) It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth. Because you sent your beloved Son to redeem us from sin and death, and to make us heirs in him of everlasting life; that when he shall come again in power and great triumph to judge the world, we may without shame or fear rejoice to behold his appearing. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name: 9

10 Sanctus S114 (Please stand or kneel as able. The Celebrant continues) Holy and gracious God: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and maker of all. Jesus stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world. On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Savior Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. After supper Jesus took the cup of wine; and 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. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me. Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith: Celebrant and Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. (The Celebrant continues) We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, Almighty God, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling Christ s death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in Christ. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Savior. By Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty God, now and for ever. Amen. 10

11 The Lord s Prayer Fraction Anthem As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now 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 for ever. Amen. The Breaking of the Bread (The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept) (Facing the People, the Celebrant says) The Gifts of God for the People of God. (The Ministers receive the Sacrament, and then immediately deliver it to the People) Communion Music (Please be seated) Song 1. Heaven's joy! a thousand times shall we praise you. O tree bearing thrice-blessed fruit, O hope of humankind, helper of the weak. hear our prayer! 2. Attend to our pleas, O column of ivory, Mother of God! Beautiful iris, yellow and white, receive this song we offer you; come to our assistance, show us the Fruit of your womb. 3. My Star who does not stop shining Dawn that brings the day For one who calls you, you are attentive To whoever offends you, please, tell them come Please, forgive whatever sin I have committed Oh, Night-Heron Hanacpachap Cussicuinin 11

12 Song People say that time will heal But you know They just don't feel what you feel Times are hard but God is so good He's never failed you And He said He never would He sees your tears He fights your fears Help Is On the Way He knows your heart He lifts your head He's always close enough to hear Ev'ry word you said And when you're weak said He's so much more His arm is long enough To reach you where you are He sees your tears He fights your fears The Post-Communion Prayer Let us pray. (Please stand or kneel as able) All: Faithful God, in this sacrament we receive the promise of salvation. May we, like the Virgin Mary, be obedient to your will and become bearers of your blessing to the world. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ your Child. Amen. The Blessing (The Celebrant blesses the people.) Christ the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you, scatter the darkness from before your path, and make you ready to meet him when he comes in glory; and the blessing of God, the One, Holy and Undivided Trinity, be with you now and remain with you always. Amen. 12

13 Song The Lord is My Light The Dismissal Priest: Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Thanks be to God. 13

14 This Week at Grace December 23 - December 30, 2018 Church Office Hours: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM M-F Sunday, Dec. 23 8:15 AM Music Group Rehearsal 9:00 AM NO ADULT STUDY-Resumes in the New Year 9:00 AM Contemplative Prayer 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist, Rite II w/ Children s Chapel 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Christmas Eve Rehearsal Monday, Dec. 24 CHRISTMAS EVE 5:30 PM Prelude Concert 6:00 PM Family Holy Eucharist Tuesday, Dec :30 AM Wednesday, Dec. 26 Thursday, Dec. 27 CHRISTMAS DAY Church & School Offices CLOSED Holy Communion on the Labyrinth (Contemplative Eucharist in Church as weather backup) Church & School Offices CLOSED Church & School Offices CLOSED 7:00 PM Music Practice Friday, Dec. 28 Sunday, Dec. 30 Church & School Offices CLOSED 8:15 AM Music Group Rehearsal 9:00 AM NO ADULT STUDY Resumes in the New Year 9:00 AM Contemplative Prayer 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist, Rite II w/ Children s Chapel 14

15 Announcements / Upcoming Events TODAY CHRISTMAS CAROLING AND FELLOWSHIP - 5:00 PM Chris and Bertha Spadone and family have invited the Grace community to their home (4823 Spellman Road) for Christmas Caroling, Gumbo, and Hot Chocolate. Please contact Chris at christopherspadone@yahoo.com for more information. WORSHIP ON CHRISTMAS EVE DECEMBER 24, 5:30 PM Join us for celebration and worship tomorrow evening for Christmas Eve. We will begin at 5:30 with a prelude concert with musical friends from the Congregation. From 5:30-6:00. Our worship for the Feast of Christmas will begin at 6:00 PM. WORSHIP ON CHRISTMAS DAY-DECEBMER 25, 11:30 AM Join us for a special Christmas Day Holy Communion on the Labyrinth. Using a special liturgy of contemplation, movement, and prayer for Christmas, we will gather on Grace s Tree of Life Labyrinth. (Our weather backup will be to move into the Church for a Contemplative Eucharist.) Stay after for Cookies, Coffee, and Hot Chocolate in the Flex Room. From 12:15-12:45.. ADULT STUDY ON HIATUS Our 9:00 Adult Study Group has completed their journey through First John. Coffee will be served in Parish Hall on December 23 and 30 for a time of fellowship, but no formal study will take place until the New Year. STAY TUNED FOR AN ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT THE TOPIC(s) AND FACILITATOR(s) for January and February. INVITATION TO SERVE IN LEADERSHIP NOMINATIONS TO ELECTED AND APPOINTED POSITIONS The Bishop s Committee has appointed a Nominations Committee consisting of outgoing BC members Cheryl Kimbrough and Bob Andrew, along with The Rev. Scott Painter. This team is tasked with recruiting nominees for elected and appointed leadership to the Bishop s Committee. At the January 27, 2019 Annual Meeting, we will elect two individuals for 3-year terms and one individual to complete the remaining 2 years of a 3-year term. We will also elect an alternate delegate to Diocesan Council. Please visit with Cheryl, Bob, or Scott if you have interest in knowing more about the requirements for election and responsibilities for elected leadership. THE BISHOP IS COMING! The Rt. Rev. Jeff Fisher, Bishop Suffragan of Texas, will be with us in 10:00 worship on Sunday, February 10, Bishop Jeff will Preach and Lead our Worship. He will also Baptize, Confirm and Receive new members into the Church. If you would like to know more about being Baptized, Confirmed or Received, please contact Scott+. Confirmation Classes will take place in January. 15

16 Assisting in the Service Today The Reverend Scott Painter Preacher: The Reverend Dr. John Graham Verger: Vyonne Carter-Johnson Altar and Linen Guild: Valerie Carter, Pat Powell Acolyte: Grey Arvizu Crucifer: Lisa Carter Lector: Marcia Sadberry Prayer Leader: Nancy Hannan Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Roman Perez, Robert Burlingame Bread Baker: Norma Burlingame Greeters: D. Gretchen H.-Joseph Ushers: Eddie Nnadi, Nigel Minion Coffee Hour: The Bishop s Committee Vestry Person of the Day: Vyonne Carter-Johnson Church Staff Vicar: The Reverend Scott Painter Vicar@graceinhouston.org Assisting Priest: The Reverend Dr. John Graham John.K.Graham@gmail.com Music Director: Ellis Montes Music@graceinhouston.org Children s Minister: Fabian Berrios GraceChildren@graceinhouston.org Head of School: Edolia James Edolia@graceinhouston.org Office Assistant: Elizabeth Martin Office@graceinhouston.org Bookkeeper: Robin Talamini Accounting@graceinhouston.org Sexton: Mario Ruiz Childcare: Quiana Nomoko, Bertha Spadone Iona Student intern: Marcia Sadberry Bishop s Committee Cheryl Kimbrough, Bishop s Warden CKimbro123@aol.com Bob Andrew, Junior Warden JuniorWarden@graceinhouston.org Lisa Bullock Vyonne Carter-Johnson Norma Burlingame Colin Dunham School Board The Reverend Scott Painter, Chair Cheryl Kimbrough, President Christie Hudlow Alyssa Pratka Chris Spadone Owen Tredennick Sara Bushell, Secretary The Altar Flowers are Given to the Glory of God by Lisa Bullock in celebration of her 29th Anniversary with Susan. Birthdays This Week 12/26: Vyonne Carter-Johnson 12/29: Lewis Sterling W. Bellfort Houston, Texas Church Cell: Grace@graceinhouston.org graceinhouston.org Join us on social media: Facebook /GraceinHouston and and