Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea

Transcription

1 The Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea Fourth Sunday of Advent December 24, :00 a.m. Welcome to the Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea! Child care is available from 7:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for children up to three years of age. You are welcome to take your child to our nursery at any point during the service just ask an usher to point the way. Please turn off your cell phones. Page numbers on the left side of the column refer to The Book of Common Prayer (red). Hymn numbers on the right side of the column refer to The Hymnal 1982 (blue). S for Service Music numbers are found in the front of The Hymnal 1982 (blue). A large-print version of this leaflet is available from our ushers. In case of an emergency Bethesda has two AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator) available in the sound booth at the back of the church and on the south wall in the Parish Hall. Service Changes during the Season of Advent We begin our service by lighting the Advent Wreath and creating the Crèche. Our altar is adorned with greenery rather than flowers; the altar frontal and pulpit and lectern hangings are in Sarum Blue. The Opening Acclamation becomes Blessed are you, holy and living One. We sing a Trisagion rather than the Gloria in excelsis. We use the final stanza of On Jordan s Bank as our Advent Doxology. Our Fraction Anthem changes from Christ Our Passover to Our King and Savior now draws near.

2 Prelude Variations on Gabriel s Message Kevin J. Sadowski The congregation stands as the Procession enters. Lighting of the Advent Wreath May God Almighty, by whose providence our Savior Christ came among us in great humility, sanctify with the light of his blessing this Advent Wreath; and may he, whose Second Coming in power and great glory we await, make us steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, and constant in love. Amen. People People 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist: Rite II Latecomers may be seated at this time. Our King and Savior now draws near: O come, let us adore him. We light this fourth candle of Advent, O Lord, confident in your power to transform darkness into light and to refresh our spirits daily. Gather the members of this household as we eagerly await your coming that, with Mary, we may all sing of your greatness. Light and peace in Jesus Christ our Lord. Thanks be to God. The Word of God The congregation stands as the hymn is introduced. Hymn 66 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus Stuttgart Advent Acclamation Blessed are you, holy and living One. People You come to set your people free. The continues. 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. Trisagion Hymnal S 101 John Rutter 2

3 Salutation People The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. 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 congregation is seated. Lesson 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 When the king was settled in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent. Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that you have in mind; for the Lord is with you. But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus, says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, Why have you not built me a house of cedar? Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever. Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. The Gospel Procession The congregation stands as the hymn is introduced. Hymn 438 Tell Out, My Soul, the Greatness of the Lord Woodlands 3

4 Gospel Luke 1:26-38 Deacon The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. People Glory to you, Lord Christ. In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you. But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end. Mary said to the angel, How can this be, since I am a virgin? The angel said to her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God. Then Mary said, Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word. Then the angel departed from her. Deacon The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ. Homily The Rev. Burl Salmon A brief period of silence follows the Homily. Nicene Creed 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 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. 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. 4

5 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. Prayers of the People: Form IV The Leader says Let us pray for the Church and for the world. Grant, Almighty God, that all who confess your Name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world. Silence Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations, in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good. Silence Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory. Silence Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours, and grant that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as he loves us. Silence Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation. Silence Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. We commend to your mercy all who have died, that your will for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all your saints in your eternal kingdom. Silence Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. The adds a concluding Collect. 5

6 Confession of Sin and Absolution Deacon Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. The congregation kneels, and a short period of silence is kept. and People 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 your Son 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 stands and says Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen. The Peace People The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you. Greeting and Question of the Week The Holy Communion Offertory Members of the congregation will present the offerings and oblations of our life and labor to the Lord. See page 9 for more information. Hymn 265 The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came Gabriel s Message The congregation stands as the gifts are brought forward. Presentation and Advent Doxology Winchester New All praise e - ter - nal Son, to thee, whose ad -vent doth thy peo-ple free; whom with the Fa-ther we a - dore and Ho - ly Spi - rit ev - er- more. A - men. The Great Thanksgiving, Eucharistic Prayer B 6

7 The proceeds It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. The adds a Proper Preface then continues 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: Sanctus and Benedictus Robert Powell The congregation kneels or remains standing, and the continues We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life. On the night before he died for us, our Lord 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 he 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, according to his command, O Father, and People We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory; The continues And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine. 7

8 We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with the ever-blessed Virgin Mary and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, And now, as our Savior Christ, has taught us, we are bold to say, and People Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever and ever. Amen. Advent Fraction Anthem James R. Harlan The Gifts of God for the People of God. Communion In the Episcopal Church, all baptized Christians are encouraged to receive communion. This is the Lord s table. It is the Lord who invites you. It is his wish that those who want him should meet him here. During communion, please come forward at the direction of the ushers, to the high altar or to the chapel altar, filling in at the altar rail from right to left, and either kneeling or standing to receive. For those who prefer not to use the steps, please either go to the chapel or request from an usher that communion be brought to you in your pew. Our custom in the Episcopal Church is to receive both elements by putting hands forward, palms crossed and facing upward to receive the bread, and by guiding the chalice lightly to receive the wine. Please note that receiving just the bread or wine alone is fully receiving communion. If you would like to receive a blessing instead, simply cross your arms across your chest. Gluten-free wafers are available at the high altar; let the priest know when you go up to receive. The congregation stands when the returns to the altar. Sending Out of Eucharistic Visitors We who are many are one body. People For we all share one bread, and one cup. 8

9 Postcommunion Prayer and People 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 for ever. Amen. The Blessing May the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen. Hymn 56 Stanzas 1-4 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel The Dismissal Response Thanks be to God. Veni, Veni, Emmanuel Postlude Finale on Veni Emmanuel Matthew Corl The large Christmas tree is given to the glory of God by The Jordan Family The altar trees are given in memory of Richard S. Johnson Prayers for healing and wholeness have been asked for...angela, Angelica, Anne, Augusta, Betsy, Bianca, Bill, Bob, Charles, Chris, Christopher, Connie, Daniel, David, Dylan, Ellen, Fred, Gary, Gavin, Geoff, Gerry, Grier, Henry, Holly, Isabel, Jack, James, Jane, Jennifer, Jim, Joann, John, Juan, Kaki, Katie, Lawrence Family, Leslie, Lillian, Lloyd, Lory, Mary, Matthew, Michael, Michelle, Midialys, Mildred, Miryam, Molly, Pam, Pamela, Pat, Patricia, Peggy, Ralph, Rebecca, Regine, Renée, Richard, Rick, Ricky, Robert, Scott, Sharon, Sheri, Stephen, Sylvia, Taryn, Theresa, Thomas, Ward, William, and those serving our country...benjamin, Christian, Clara, Eric, Harold, Herbert, John, Lorne, Michael, Sean, and Tommy. Give Now Online! You may Give Now electronically by one of two ways: 1. Scanning the QR code with your smartphone; or 2. Visiting bbts.org and clicking the red Give Online button. If you wish, Online Offering Cards are available in the pews to be filled out and placed in the offering plate as a token of your gift. 9

10 Announcements for Sunday, December 24 Help the Flower Guild decorate for Christmas! Today, December 24 This year Advent 4 and Christmas Eve fall on the same day, and it provides an exciting opportunity for all of us: we will have the chance following the morning service to assist the Flower Guild in transforming our church from Advent to Christmas-the ultimate preparation! Parishioners are encouraged to stay after the service this Sunday to help the Flower Guild decorate the church for our Christmas services. Refreshments and food will be provided in the Parish Hall. Christmas Pageant Today, December 24 4:00 p.m. Church Join us for a wonderful Bethesda family tradition with our annual Christmas pageant as the children and youth of our parish live out the story of Jesus birth in Luke s Gospel from the Annunciation to the manger. Any child who has not previously signed up but would still like to participate in the pageant tonight may do so. Please come to the Sunday School Hall to be fitted for one of the remaining costumes before the service begins. Volunteer Opportunities for All Ages This Thursday, December 28 12:05 p.m. We need volunteers to help with all aspects for the Luncheon for the Homebound and Holy Eucharist including registration and helping guests as they arrive for lunch, serving the meal, assisting them over to the Church for worship, and clean-up after the event. In Celebration of Hal Pysher s 30 years of Ministry! Sunday, December 31 The 11:00 a.m. service of lessons and carols, this year honors Hal Pysher s 30 years of ministry as Associate for Music and Liturgy at Bethesda-by-the-Sea. The morning includes a mass choir with current and former members of the Bethesda Choir, and special guest musicians and a celebratory reception follows the service. Annual Boar s Head and Yule Log Festival Saturday, January 6 at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, January 7 at 2:00 & 4:30 p.m. A Perennial Holiday Favorite Returns! Mark your calendars for the upcoming Boar s Head and Yule Log Festival, which is Bethesda-by-the-Sea s beloved re-creation of an ancient drama celebrating Epiphany. For more information about our upcoming events, pick up and read the Bethesda Happenings. It is available in the Narthex, in our tract rack, on our website, and in our newsletter! Parking: Persons attending Sunday services and/or events today at Bethesda will be allowed to park on all of Barton Avenue and on South County Road without receiving a ticket until 1:30 p.m. The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The Collects, Psalms and Canticles are from The Book of Common Prayer, Hymn permission used by RiteSong, a one-time use reprint license for congregational use. 10

11 Christmastide Schedule Today, December 24 Christmas Eve PP Parking Permitted from 7:30 a.m. to 1:15 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Christmas Pageant, Homily, and Holy Eucharist (Live-Streamed) 6:30 p.m. Festal Eucharist and Homily; music by the Bethesda Choir and instrumental ensemble 10:30 p.m. Festal Eucharist and Homily (with incense); music by the Bethesda Choir (Live-Streamed) and instrumental ensemble; extended Prelude music Monday, December 25 Christmas Day, Office Closed PP Parking Permitted from 7:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist & Homily 11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist & Homily with music by the Bethesda Choir (Live-Streamed) Tuesday, December 26 Office Closed Wednesday, December 27 12:05 p.m. Holy Eucharist & Healing Thursday, December 28 11:00 a.m. Homebound Luncheon, Parish Hall 12:05 p.m. Homebound Service with Holy Eucharist Sunday, December 31 First Sunday after Christmas PP Parking Permitted from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. *8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist & Homily *9:00 a.m. Congregational Lessons and Carols with Holy Eucharist *10:00 a.m. Wassail, Parish Hall *11:00 a.m. A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in Celebration of Hal Pysher s 30 years of Ministry with reception following * Nursery care available for newborns through age 2. These services will be live-streamed via our website, bbts.org. Overflow seating with video simulcast will be available in the Parish Hall. 11

12 Bethesda s Mission is to experience the clear and strong presence of God and to understand and spread Christ s teachings through collective worship, learning, and service. 12