PewNews+ Christmas Eve Nativity Eucharist 24 th December 2017

Transcription

1 PewNews+ Christmas Eve Nativity Eucharist 24 th December 2017 Welcome to The Church of the Resurrection and our Parish of Swanbourne- Mt. Claremont. We extend a warm welcome to those visiting or worshipping with us for the first time today. Sunday Services 9:00am Eucharist A service of Holy Communion, which is usually sung with hymns and a sermon. On the 4 th Sunday of the month the service is said. Children s Church meets in the meeting room at 9 am on the 1 st, 3 rd and 5 th Sundays of the month and at 5 pm on the 4 th Sunday. Children are encouraged to join us in Church on the 2 nd Sunday, when our music is led by the Junior Choir. 5:00pm 4 th Sunday of the month: Choral Mass with music led by the Mapstone Scholars Midweek Services There is a said Eucharist at 9:00 am every week, which, on the first Wednesday of the month is a healing Eucharist. THE ANGLICAN PARISH OF SWANBOURNE MT. CLAREMONT Cnr. Shenton Road and Derby Street Swanbourne WA 6010 Tel ffice hours Mon Thurs 9 a.m. 2 p.m. Fri 9 a.m. - Noon Today s Hymns and Music Please see page 4.

2 From the Rector There is perhaps no other story that has been told and retold in so many thousands of ways as the birth of Jesus. Much about it captures our imaginations. It is an easy story for children s drama, with lots of characters: mum, dad, a newborn baby, angels, shepherds, sheep, and donkeys. We empathise with the hardship of Mary and Joseph when they found no room for them at the inn, and then giving birth to a firstborn son in a place which was less than hospitable, having to use a manger for a crib. If we are not careful though, these picturesque and memorable details can limit our appreciation for what we really celebrate. Christmas is less about the birth of a baby and far more about the birth of a divine Saviour. It is less about glory and joy and more about an invitation to us today to enter into the saving mystery God revealed so uniquely in Jesus Christ. It is less about drama and more about the nitty- gritty challenge of living daily the mystery of God among us. Christmas is a feast of salvation; the Son is sent to bring us from the darkness of sin into the light of glory; to reject godless ways and worldly desires; and to make for God a new people who have been invited into a share of God s glory, peace, and graciousness. Christmas calls us to give the most important gift of all the very Life of God to each other. We have been given the Gift of Jesus, now we must share this Gift with others as we continue our journey through life. Christmas calls us to open our eyes to see where we can bring joy and peace to those around us. May we live our lives in such a way that the glory of God within us shines forth, bringing light into darkness, hope into desperation, and peace into discord. Jane, Toby, Celine, and I wish you all a very blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year. Fr. Nick 2

3 For your diary Every week Monday Tuesday Friday Wednesday This week 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 9 a.m. 5 p.m. 9 a.m. Junior Choir Practice (term time) Senior Choir Practice (term time) Morning Prayer (except Wednesday and Holy days) Evening Prayer Said Eucharist (with ministry of healing on the first Wednesday of the month) Sun 24th Dec. 5 p.m. 11 p.m. Nativity Service (Children are invited to dress up as a Character from the Nativity story) Midnight Mass Mon 25 th Dec. 9 a.m. Choral Eucharist for Christmas Day (Children are invited to bring one of their Christmas presents) Wed 27 th Dec. There will not be a Wednesday morning Eucharist this week Save the date Sun 31 st Dec 9 a.m. Sung Eucharist for the Epiphany of our Lord Our musicians will be taking a well- deserved break during January Wed 3 rd January 9 a.m. Eucharist Sun 7 th January 9 a.m. Sung Eucharist for the Baptism of our Lord Sun 14 th January 9 a.m. Sung Eucharist for the Second Sunday after Epiphany Sun 21 st January 9 a.m. Sung Eucharist for the Third Sunday after Epiphany To arrange the Sacrament of Reconciliation, home or hospital visits, Baptisms, and Weddings please contact Fr. Nick Tel Fr. Nick@me.com 3

4 Holy Communion The Anglican Church of Australia offers the hospitality of the altar to all baptized Christians. Please come forward to receive from the Celebrant and then move to receive from one of the chalices. If you cannot come to the priest, please let one of the sides- people know and the sacrament will be brought to you. If you would prefer to receive a blessing, please come forward, holding your Order of Service. Gluten free wafers are available. Today s Carols and Music Processional Carol: Once in Royal David s City Junior Choir All: Once in royal David s city, stood a lowly cattle shed, where a mother laid her baby in a manger for His bed: Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little Child. He came down to earth from heaven who is God and Lord of all, and His shelter was a stable, and His cradle was a stall; with the poor and mean and lowly lived on earth our Saviour holy. And through all his wondrous childhood He would honour and obey, love and watch the lowly maiden in whose gentle arms he lay: Christian children all must be mild, obedient, good as he. 4

5 For He is our childhood's pattern, day by day like us He grew, He was little, weak, and helpless, tears and smiles like us He knew; and He feeleth for our sadness, and He shareth in our gladness. And our eyes at last shall see Him, through His own redeeming love; for that Child so dear and gentle, is our Lord in heaven above; and He leads His children on to the place where He is gone. Not in that poor lowly stable, with the oxen standing by, we shall see him; but in heaven, set at God s right hand on high; where like stars his children crowned all in white shall wait around. Cecil Frances Alexander ( ) Carol during the Nativity: Away in a manger Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head; the stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love thee, Lord Jesus Look down from the sky, and stay by my side until morning is nigh. 5

6 Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay close by me for ever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, and fit us for heaven, to live with thee there. Anonymous Offertory Carol: While shepherd s watched their flocks by night While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground the angel of the Lord came down and glory shone around. "Fear not," said he, (for mighty dread had seized their troubled mind); "glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and all mankind." "To you in David s town this day is born of David's line a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord; and this shall be the sign. "The heavenly Babe you there shall find to human view displayed, all meanly wrapped in swathing bands and in a manger laid. Thus spake the seraph; and forthwith appeared a shining throng of angels praising God, who thus addressed their joyful song: 6

7 "All glory be to God on high and to the earth be peace; goodwill henceforth from heaven to men begin and never cease Nahum Tate During Communion the Junior Choir will sing: O little town of Bethlehem & Silent night Recessional Carol: Hark The herald angels sing. Hark the herald angels sing glory to the new- born King, peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled. Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies; with the angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem" Hark, the herald angels sing glory to the new- born King. Christ, by highest heav'n adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord, late in time behold Him come, offspring of a Virgin's womb Veiled in flesh the Godhead see: hail, the incarnate Deity, pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel. Hark, the herald angels sing glory to the new- born King. 7

8 Hail, the heav'n- born Prince of Peace Hail, the Sun of Righteousness Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, born that man no more may die, born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth. Hark, the herald angels sing glory to the new- born King. Charles Wesley and others For your prayers this week... In the Diocese, we pray for the Parish of East Avon; Christ Church Grammar School, Alan Jones, Principal, John Poynton, Chairman and members of the Council of Management, Frank Sheehan, Chaplain, staff and students; University of Western Australia, Michael Wood, Chaplain, staff and students; Bishop Jeremy and Bishop Kate. In the Province, we pray for the Diocese of Bunbury, Bishop Allan Ewing, clergy and people; The Diocese of North West Australia, Bishop Gary Nelson, clergy and people. In the Anglican Church of Australia we pray for the Primate of Australia, Archbishop Philip Freier. In our Partner Diocese of Eldoret we pray for Bishop Christopher Rutto, clergy and people. In the Anglican Communion, we pray for Yola - (Jos, Nigeria) The Right Reverend Markus Ibrahm; Archbishop Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury. Our parish families who are facing hardship this Christmas Those who are sick, Ethel Kaye, Beryl Staunton, Fred Banyard, Helen McKenny, and Barbara Meys. The faithful departed, those who died recently, and all those whose anniversaries occur this week. 8

9 News Christmas Baking Thank you to everybody who made or supplied things for sale. We raised $ from the sale of cakes and puddings and $ from the sale of cards and raffles. A fantastic result, and particular thanks to all who made things for sale and to Jill and Eileen for running their respective stalls. Christmas Preparations A big thank you to all those who have helped prepare the Church for Christmas, everybody who has volunteered to help at our services, and to our musicians and associate clergy. A wonderful team effort Parish Office The office will be closed between Christmas and 5 th January. Please note new office hours from 8 th January 2018: Monday Wednesday 9 a.m. 2 p.m. Thursday Closed Friday 9 a.m. to Noon Jo will be in the office Monday to Wednesday. Fr. Nick will be available in the office on Friday mornings. Monthly service roster Can you help with readings, leading intercessions, welcoming, hospitality or serving? If you would like to find out what is involved, please speak to Fr. Nick. Training and support will be offered to new volunteers. Flowers Thank you to those ladies who gave their time for flower arrangements this past year. I would like to give special thanks to Heidi, a friend of the Church, for her resources and arrangements which was a great help in 9

10 our time of need. Please help again next year, when you will be approached again. Thank you, Bobbie. Music Foundation Work to establish a music foundation is now underway with the aim of generating c. $35,000 p.a. to fund the training of young musicians and provide them with opportunities to perform publicly. The intention is that once it has been established, donations to the fund will be tax deductible. The good news is that $8,000 has already been pledged and if you would be interested in pledging money (over and above your regular giving to the Church), it would be helpful if you could let Fr. Nick know so that we can ascertain whether this is going to be achievable. Thank you. For sale Tables, red, yellow, green and blue, adjustable height. $125 each Office desk $100 If you or someone you know would be interested in buying any of the above items, please speak to Fr. Nick or one of the Churchwardens. All offers considered. Thank you. 10

11 Next week s readings The Epiphany of Our Lord, 31 December. 9am Sung Mass with Fr. Nick preaching and presiding. Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7 & 10-14, Ephesians 3:1-12 and Matthew 2:1-12. Please send any items for next week s PewNews+ to the church office (office@resurrectionswanbourne.com.au) by Wednesday evening. Thank you. Could you automate your giving? The most efficient way to give is by bank transfer. You can, of course, continue to give by other means but if you are able to switch to bank transfer you can set up a regular donation using the following bank details. BSB , Account No If you already use the Direct Debit system for your contribution, you are encouraged to place one of the laminated Direct Debit cards in the collection bowl as it passes you during the Offertory. You can collect a card from the welcomer as you enter the church. Do#you#enjoy#singing?# Ourchoirsprovideopportunitiesforchildrenand youngpeopletoenjoysingingtogether,learn aboutmusic,andgainconfidenceinperforming. RehearsalstakeplaceonMondayeveningsfrom 5p.m.duringtermtime. Formoreinformationpleasecontactour DirectorofMusic,KateOliver,at office@resurrectionswanbourne.com.au Tel

12 Directory Name / Telephone Rector Fr. Nick Freeland fr.nick@me.com Honorary Associate Priest Fr. Rowan Strong Honorary Deacon and Prayer Chain Coordinator Revd. Eileen Warby Parish Administrator Jo Heptinstall (Office) Church Wardens Jim Gallagher Synod Representatives Sandra Hughes Peter Williams Vacant Judyth Williams Church Council Jill Strong Ross Easton Bernie Hird Anne Crevald Roger Winwood Director of Music Kate Oliver Children s Church Di Andrewartha We acknowledge Wadjuk Bibbulman people as the original owners and custodians of this Swan River Land we are meeting on today. 12