THE NEVIL MEMORIAL CHURCH OF ST. GEORGE -EPISCOPAL- ARDMORE, PA. THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Sunday, December 20, :00 am, Rite II

Transcription

1 THE NEVIL MEMORIAL CHURCH OF ST. GEORGE -EPISCOPAL- ARDMORE, PA THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Sunday, December 20, :00 am, Rite II

2 WELCOME TO ADVENT Advent is a season of expectation and preparation, as the Church prepares to celebrate the coming (adventus) of Christ in his incarnation, and also looks ahead to his final advent as judge at the end of time. The readings and liturgies not only direct us towards Christ s birth, they also challenge the modern reluctance to confront the theme of divine judgement: Every eye shall now behold him robed in dreadful majesty. (Charles Wesley) The Four Last Things Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell have been traditional themes for Advent meditation. The characteristic note of Advent is therefore expectation, rather than penitence, although the character of the season is easily coloured by an analogy with Lent. The anticipation of Christmas under commercial pressure has also made it harder to sustain the appropriate sense of alert watchfulness, but the fundamental Advent prayer remains Maranatha Our Lord, come (1 Corinthians 16.22). Church decorations are simple and spare, and purple is the traditional liturgical colour. In the northern hemisphere, the Advent season falls at the darkest time of the year, and the natural symbols of darkness and light are powerfully at work throughout Advent and Christmas. The lighting of candles on an Advent wreath was imported into Britain from northern Europe in the nineteenth century, and is now a common practice. The Moravian custom of the Christingle has similarly enjoyed great success in Britain since the latter part of the twentieth century, with the encouragement of the Children s Society; Christingle services may take place before or after Christmas.The Third Sunday of Advent was observed in medieval times as a splash of colour in the restrained atmosphere of Advent (Gaudete or Rose Sunday ), and the last days of Advent were marked by the sequence of Great O Antiphons, which continue to inspire modern Advent hymns and meditations. 2

3 THE GATHERING OF GOD S PEOPLE Coming together from our week in the world, we ready ourselves to worship God and to prepare ourselves for his final advent. Prelude From Heaven Above I Come to You Johann Pachelbel Processional Introit Sung by Brittany Griffith Rorate Let showers fall from the heavens, and let the clouds rain down the Just One. Let the earth open and bring forth the Savior. The heavens declare the glory of God: the firmament shows his handiwork. All standing, the says Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen. The and together say The Collect for Purity 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. Advent Wreath Kyrie Read by the Brocklesby family Heavenly Father, you exalted the humble and meek: give us humble and contrite hearts. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord Jesus, you grew towards birth in the Virgin s womb: be planted also in our hearts and lives. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Holy Spirit, you overshadowed Mary, that she might become the God-bearer: fill us with your heavenly gifts. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Song of Praise Hymn 72 Hark! the glad sound Richmond vs. 1, 4 3

4 The Collect of the Day The Lord 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 forever. Amen. Please be seated. THE LITURGY OF THE WORD The Lord speaks to us in scripture and preaching about his Son s return for the final judgment. We respond proclaiming our belief, praying for the world and ourselves, and greeting one another in his Name. A Reading from the Book of Micah Micah 5: 2-5a But 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 The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 4

5 Canticle 15 The Song of Mary Hymnal S-247 The choir sings antiphon then congregation repeats antiphon. The antiphon can be found in the hymnal. My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; * for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: * the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him * in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, * he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, * and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, * and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, * for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, * to Abraham and his children for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. A Reading from the letter to the Hebrews Hebrews 10: 5-10 Consequently, 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 The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. The Sequence Hymn 248 To the Name of our salvation Oriel 5

6 The Gospel Alleluia, alleluia. Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God. Alleluia. The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Luke Luke 1: 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. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ. The Christmas Pageant Presented by the Sunday School Children and Nursery Children The Nicene Creed BCP p

7 The Prayers of the Please kneel. (The strange word "Maranatha" is actually two Aramaic words put together (Marana - tha). Aramaic was the dialect of Hebrew spoken by Jesus. The phrase is generally interpreted as a statement of belief, meaning: "Our Lord has come." When combined in these petitions with the prayer, "Come, Lord Jesus," we are holding together the two themes of Advent - preparing for the annual remembrance of the Nativity of Christ, and preparing for our Lord's Second Coming at the end of days.) In joyful expectation of his coming to our aid we pray to Jesus. Come to your Church as Lord and judge. We pray for, Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury; Michael, our Presiding Bishop; Dan, our Bishop, and Ryan, our priest. We pray for those in Anglican Cycle of Prayer, Lagos, Nigeria and for those in our Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, House of Prayer; Church of St. Alban, Roxborough; St. David s Church, Manayunk; St. Luke s Church, Germantown; Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Chestnut Hill and for those in our Companion Diocese of Guatemala, Church of Saint Martha of Bethany. Help us to live in the light of your coming and give us a longing for your kingdom. Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Come to your world as King of the nations. We pray for Barack, our President and all those in civic authority. Before you rulers will stand in silence. Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Come to the suffering as Savior and comforter. We pray for the sick, especially. Break into our lives, where we struggle with sickness and distress, and set us free to serve you forever. Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Come to us as shepherd and guardian of our souls. We remember, especially John Milloway. Give us with all the faithful departed a share in your victory over evil and death. Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Come to us as a friend to all. We celebrate with Tina Lightcap and Jack and Pleasants Tinkler. Give to them your blessing for their coming year and be ever-present in their lives as you were present with the disciples. Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Come from heaven, Lord Jesus, with power and great glory. Lift us up to meet you, that with blessed George our Patron, the Ever-blessed Virgin Mary our Lady, and all your saints and angels we may live and reign with you in your new creation. Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. 7

8 Together we pray, Almighty and Loving God, we thank you for the gift of your church. By your Holy Spirit, guide and empower us as we seek candidates for a bishop of your choosing in the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania: a bishop who will lead us, celebrate our diversity, and guide and equip our diocese for mission. Help us break down barriers which may divide us, and shepherd us as we seek to serve you in this process. Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Silence is kept. Come, Lord Jesus, do not delay; give new courage to your people, who trust in your love. By your coming, raise us to share in the joy of your kingdom on earth as in heaven, where you live and reign with the Father and the Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen. The Confession of Sin and the Absolution BCP p. 360 When the Lord comes, he will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness, and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Therefore in the light of Christ let us confess our sins. The Peace May the God of peace make you completely holy, ready for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you. Welcome of Visitors and Community Announcements THE LITURGY OF THE HOLY COMMUNION To sustain us until he comes for the final time the Lord comes to us now in His sacrifice banquet and we receive Him. Offertory Anthem Lux Aurumque Eric Whitacre Lux calida gravisque pura velut aurum et canunt angeli moliter modo natum. (Light warm and heavy as pure gold and the angels sing softly to the newborn babe.) Please stand as our monetary gifts are brought forward and all sing, The Doxology (Hymn 380, v. 3) Old 100 th 8

9 The Great Thanksgiving Eucharistic Prayer B BCP p. 367 The people remain standing. Sanctus and Benedictus Hymnal S-130 Please kneel as you are able. The Great Amen Hymnal S-142 The Lord s Prayer Hymnal S-119 The Breaking of the Bread A period of silence is kept. Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us, Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia. Then all join in and sing, Fraction Anthem All sing. "Savior of the nations, come!" Hymnal 54 All baptized persons regardless of denomination are welcome to receive Holy Communion. If you desire a blessing, please come forward and cross your arms over your chest. The Communion Anthem The Messiah: "The that Walked in Darkness" G.F. Handel Gordon Rose, baritone The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. The Communion Hymn 91 Break forth, O beateous heavenly light Ermuntre dich Postcommunion Prayer Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen. 9

10 The Advent Blessing May Almighty God, by whose providence our Savior Christ came among us in great humility, sanctify you with the light of his blessing and set you free from all sin. Amen. May he whose second Coming in power and great glory we await, make you steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, and constant in love. Amen. May you, who rejoice in the first Advent of our Redeemer, at his second Advent be rewarded with unending life. Amen. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you forever. Amen. The Closing Hymn 93 Angels, from the realms of glory Regent Square The Dismissal Gospel Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark. Glory to you, Lord Christ. Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news. The Dismissal The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ. As we await our coming Savior, go in peace of Christ. Thanks be to God. Postlude From Heaven Above I Come to You Pachelbel Christmas Services December 24 ~ Children s and Family Service with Eucharist: 4:30 PM ~ Solemn Choral Eucharist of the Vigil of Christmas: 10:00 PM ~ Christmas Carols begin at 9:40 December 25 ~ Sung Eucharist of the Feast of the Nativity: 10:00 AM 10

11 Community Announcements Flowers on the Altar today are given to the glory of God. The Sanctuary Candle is offered this week to the glory of God and in loving memory of Kathryn Geiss by the LaBrake family. Lou Carol s Notes: Today's anthem by the contemporary American composer Eric Whitacre was written in It contains many sustained and tight harmonies, with as many as 9 voice parts. The music at times seems to "shimmer" with just the perfect combination of consonant and dissonant harmonies. Pick up your 2016 pledge envelopes! Help decorate the church for Christmas: TODAY, immediately following the service. St. George s Band for Christmas Eve Family Service: Today the St. George's Band will rehearse Christmas carols after coffee hour. Anyone who plays a brass or woodwind instrument is invited to join us. The band will play on Christmas Eve for the afternoon Family service. Annual Meeting and Vestry Elections: Sunday, January 17, immediately following the 10:00 AM Eucharist, we will have St. George's Annual Meeting and Vestry Elections with crock pot chili lunch. See sign up sheets for chili and corn bread. Save-the-Date: Fundraiser for Outreach, Designer Bag BINGO, January 29, 7:00 PM. Operation Children s Corner Clean Up: Nina Wickesham is looking to clean up the Children s Corner. If anyone would like to donate gently used puzzles and/or art supplies, or monetary donations, it would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to help or if you have any questions, please contact Nina at dicicco.nina@gmail.com. Episcopal Relief and Development, Gifts For Life: Episcopal Relief and Development has been working to fight poverty and disease all over the world for 75 years. Gifts For Life is a great way for St. George's to help them with their mission. Please see display in dining hall for details on how we at St. George s can help Gifts For Life. African Team Ministries: This Christmas season we will be selling beautiful crafts, jewelry and soapstone items sent to us from African Team Ministries. The handcrafts are on display today after the service. All sale proceeds will help African villages establish clean drinking water systems and other life saving projects. Checks, cash and credit cards accepted. Christmas Flower Donations: Forms and donations are due today. Please place in offering plate or in Julie s mailbox. 11

12 THE NEVIL MEMORIAL CHURCH OF SAINT GEORGE -EPISCOPAL- 1 West Ardmore Avenue, Box C Ardmore, Pennsylvania The Rev. Ryan R. Whitley, Rector Thanks to those who are helping today Altar Guild: Gigi Walsh Acolytes: Ray Beckey, Brody Dorey, Steve Drabkowski, Robbie Farnsworth and Roland Noreika Ambassadors: Steve Krouse, Catherine Stuart and Bryn Thompson Chalice Bearers: Steve Drabkowski, Hal McKelvey, Roland Noreika and Allan Wickersham Coffee Hour: Kammerer Intercessor: Steve Krouse Liz Havens and Eileen Lectors: Marlee and Gary Bullock Tellers: Susan LaBrake and Gigi Walsh Lou Carol Fix, Organist/ Choirmaster Julie Ricci, Parish Administrator Mark Alston, Sexton Joanne Haley, Director of the Children s Ark Steve Stanley, Verger Church Telephone: Church Fax: Rector s Cell Phone: geonevil@comcast.net Website: The Children s Ark: Website: SUNDAY WORSHIP TIMES Holy Eucharist, Rite I - 8:00 AM Holy Eucharist, Rite II - 10:00 AM Morning Prayer Monday Thursday 9:00 AM OUR MISSION St. George s mission is to share together God s work in our lives through liturgy and sacrament, through joyous and caring fellowship, and through courageous and compassionate engagement with the world. 12