Help us to walk gently in the way of peace. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low.

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2 SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT: PEACE The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Help us to walk gently in the way of peace. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low. Help us to walk gently in the way of peace. The crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth. Help us to walk gently in the way of peace. All flesh shall see the salvation of God. Help us to walk gently in the way of peace. Lord God, when we lit the first Advent candle we remembered the hope that you implanted in our hearts. As we light the second Advent candle, the candle of peace, we remember that the Prince of Peace is coming. May we, like your servant John the Baptist, prepare the way for His arrival by gently walking in the way of peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 2

3 Second Sunday of Advent December 10, :45 a.m. Announcements Gathering Song Prepare the Way Verse 1 He will come To bring light into the darkness He will come To bring freedom to the captives He will come To restore the brokenhearted It's time to proclaim The year of the Lord Chorus Prepare the way (prepare the way) Prepare the way for our Redeemer Prepare the way (prepare the way) Prepare the way for our Restorer Make ready your heart Make ready your home Make ready the people of God (Prepare the way) Verse 2 He will come To bring hope to the hopeless He will come To comfort all who mourn He will come To heal our ev'ry sickness It's time to proclaim The year of the Lord 3

4 Bridge Prepare prepare Preparing the way of the Lord Prepare (prepare) Prepare (prepare) Prepare (prepare) CCLI Song # Darrell Evans Eric Nuzum All standing, the Celebrant says People Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen. The Celebrant and people say together 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. Song of Praise Waiting here for you Verse 1 If faith can move the mountains Let the mountains move We come with expectation Waiting here for You Waiting here for You Verse 2 You're the Lord of all creation And still You know my heart The Author of salvation You've loved us from the start Chorus 1 Waiting here for You with our hands Lifted high in praise 4

5 And it's You we adore Singing alleluia Verse 3 You are ev'rything You've promised Your faithfulness is true We're desp'rate for Your presence All we need is You Interlude We will wait for You Lord In step with You Lord we sing alleluia Bridge Singing alleluia alleluia (2X) Chorus 2 Waiting here for You with our hands Lifted high in praise And it's You we adore singing alleluia Waiting here for You with our hands Lifted high in praise And it's You we adore singing alleluia We re singing alleluia Waiting here for You with our hands Lifted high in praise And it's You we adore singing alleluia Singing alleluia CCLI Song # Chris Tomlin Jesse Reeves Martin Smith Collect of the Day Celebrant People Celebrant The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy 5

6 the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. First Reading Isaiah 40:1-11 All sit. Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins. A voice cries out: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. A voice says, Cry out! And I said, What shall I cry? All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand for ever. Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, Here is your God! See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep. Reader People The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Second Reading 2 Peter 3:8-15a Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed. 6

7 Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home. Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. Deacon People Sequence The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. O Come O Come Emmanuel All stand. Verse 1 O come O come Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear Chorus Rejoice Rejoice Emmanuel Shall come to thee O Israel Verse 2 O come Thou Wisdom from on high Who orderest all things mightily To us the path of knowledge show And teach us in her ways to go Verse 3 O come thou rod of Jesse free Thine own from Satan's tyranny From depths of hell Thy people save And give them victory o'er the grave 7

8 Verse 4 O come, our great High Priest, and intercede Thy sacrifice, our only plea The judgment we no longer fear Thy precious blood has brought us near Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Has banished every fear of hell Verse 5 O Come, Thou King of nations bring An end to all our suffering Bid every pain and sorrow cease And reign now as our Prince of Peace Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come again with us to dwell Holy Gospel Mark 1:1-8 Deacon People The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark Glory to you, Lord Christ The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight, John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. 8

9 Deacon People Homily The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, Lord Christ The Rev. Dr. Mark D. Story Nicene Creed All stand. 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. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. 9

10 We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. Prayers of the People All remain standing The Leader and People pray responsively Lord Jesus, you are the light of the world. Come, Lord Jesus. You are light in our darkness. Come, Lord Jesus. Son of God, save us from our sins. Come, Lord Jesus. Son of Mary, deepen our love. Come, Lord Jesus. Bring hope into the lives of all people. Come, Lord Jesus. Bring your peace to all nations. Come, Lord Jesus. Be the joy of all who love you. Come, Lord Jesus. Bring unity to all who believe in you. Come, Lord Jesus. Bless us as we gather in your name. Come, Lord Jesus. Lord Jesus, stay with us. Come, Lord Jesus. 10

11 Celebrant May Christ fill us with hope, give us his peace, and confirm our joy, so we can be light to our neighbors. All peace and glory are his for ever. Amen. Confession of Sin All kneel. The Deacon then says Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. Silence. Minister 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 Priest 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. Peace All stand. 11

12 Celebrant People The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you. Everyone greets one another in the name of the Lord. Please seek out those whom you do not know. Anniversary Prayer Watch over your child, O Lord, as his days increase; bless and guide him wherever he may be. Strengthen him when he stands; comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful; raise him up if he fall; and in his heart may your peace which passes understanding abide all the days of his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Instrumental Anthem Offering Come thou long expected Jesus Words and Music by Paul Baloche Representatives of the congregation bring the people s offerings of bread and wine, and money or other gifts, to the deacon or celebrant. The people stand while the offerings are presented and placed on the Altar. 12

13 Great Thanksgiving The people remain standing. Celebrant People Celebrant People Celebrant People 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 him thanks and praise. The Celebrant 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. 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: Celebrant and People 13

14 The people stand or kneel. The Celebrant 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, 14

15 Celebrant and People We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory; The Celebrant 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. 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 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, now and for ever. AMEN. The Celebrant then continues As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray, People and Celebrant 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, 15

16 and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen. Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia. The Celebrant says The Gifts of God for the People of God. All baptized persons are welcome to receive Holy Communion. Communion Song Waiting in Silence Waiting in silence, waiting in hope We are Your people we long for you Lord God ever with us Emmanuel Come Lord Jesus, Maranatha. We are silence, waiting in hope We are your people, we trust in Your love Oh Son of Justice, true Prince of Peace Come with your justice Lord, Maranatha. Waiting in silence, waiting in hope We are your people, Lord, we seek your truth Wisdom incarnate, show us Your way Show us new path of life, Maranatha. After Communion, the Celebrant says Let us pray. Celebrant and People Lord God, we thank you for giving us our daily bread. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, give us grateful hearts so that we may live generous lives. Strengthen us so that we may choose to love one another with honor and respect. Encourage us so that we may always offer you the best of what we have. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 16

17 Solemn Advent Prayer The priest blesses the people, saying 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 for ever. Amen. Sending Song Prepare the Way Verse 1 He has come To bring light into the darkness He has come To bring freedom to the captives He has come To restore the brokenhearted It's time to proclaim The year of the Lord Chorus Prepare the way (prepare the way) Prepare the way for our Redeemer Prepare the way (prepare the way) Prepare the way for our Restorer Make ready your heart Make ready your home Make ready the people of God (Prepare the way) 17

18 Verse 2 He has come To bring hope to the hopeless He has come To comfort all who mourn He has come To heal our ev'ry sickness It's time to proclaim The year of the Lord Bridge Prepare prepare Preparing the way of the Lord Prepare (prepare) Prepare (prepare) Prepare (prepare) CCLI Song # Darrell Evans Eric Nuzum Dismissal Deacon People Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Thanks be to God. Welcome to St Mary s! We are honored that you joined us this morning for worship! Any baptized Christian is welcome to come to the altar to receive Holy Communion. Please accept our invitation! If you would like more information about St. Mary s, please fill out a Guest Card in the pew or the Guest Book in the entryway. 18

19 WORSHIP Sunday Worship Schedule 7:30 a.m. Eucharist Liturgy with Traditional Language 8:45 a.m. Eucharist with Contemporary Liturgy 11:00 a.m. Eucharist with Choral Liturgy (Nursery available from 8:30 to 12:30) Daily Morning Prayer Monday through Friday at 9:00 a.m. in the Chapel Christmas Services 4th Sunday in Advent: 10 a.m. on December 24 Christmas Eve: 5 p.m., 7p.m., and 9 p.m. Christmas Day: 9 a.m. CONTACT INFORMATION The Rev. Dr. Mark D. Story, Rector Rev. Nancy Bridges, Deacon Rev. Bill Hesse, Deacon office@stmarysedmond.org Website: Facebook.com/StMarysEdmond (405)

20 EVENTS Madeline s Flowers 2017 Floral Design Classes December 11 th Christmas Tree Register online or call (405) FORMATION We seek to be formed into the image of Christ. This is done through spiritual formation, and at St. Mary's we strive to offer something for all ages. Sunday Morning Formation 10:00 to 10:45 Fr. Mark's class Introduction to a Gospel Meets in the Library, west end of the parish hall Wired Word looks at current events through Gospel eyes Meets in the middle room of the middle hallway The Seekers deepens a personal relationship with Christ Meets in the middle room of the west hallway Children's Formation tells the basic stories of our faith Meets upstairs in the west hallway Youth Formation learns how to live a life of faith Meets in the Canterbury House by the playground Wednesday Night Formation is from 6:15 to 7:30 Youth Group worship together and discuss the depths of faith Meet in the Canterbury House by the playground Chancel Choir (6:30 pm 8:00 pm) Meets in the choir room, Room 1 There are many, many additional opportunities to support, serve, learn, and grow in the love of Christ. There s a place for you! 20

21 PRAYERS Sunday, December 10, 2017 We Especially Pray for The Right Rev d Jose Antonio McLoughlin in Western North Carolina, St. John s in Woodward, our diocese, our parish, and for our school. For those in need We pray for Andrew, Caden, Kay Lynn, Steve, Jerry, Campbell, John, Jean, Jimmy, Peggy, Bruce, Gavin, and Taya, the family of Doris Starr. For our troops on active duty Andrew, Derek, Ashley, Justin, Matthew, Nikolas, and Zach For those who have died Doris Starr A Prayer for Discernment Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with us as we consider the renewal and mission of our congregation. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us by your Holy Spirit to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it, and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. MISSION AND MINISTRY We are called to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord; to form our lives into the image of Christ; to serve our neighbors in the name of Christ; and to invite our neighbors into fellowship with Christ. Pillowcases Case for Smiles Wednesday, December 13 9:30 AM 21

22 Prayer Blankets Let the office know if you know someone who would like to receive a blanket upon which special prayers had been offered. A small donation is appreciated for non-members. ($10) UCO Pantry Reminder I would like to challenge us to focus the next few weeks on helping the UCO Food Pantry during the upcoming holiday season. The UCO Food Pantry box just sits there with a few items in it; let s fill the box with what they really need. The first focus is Protein in the form of 1) Canned meat and 2) Canned beans. Canned meat- Ham, Tuna, Chicken, Canned Beans all different types of beans, not just baked beans. Please as you shop please pick up an extra item or two for the UCO Food Pantry! In the coming weeks we will focus on other items of great need, like Women s hygiene items and canned Fruit. Contact Chris Hand with questions Oklahoma City Regional Food Bank 1 out of 6 people in Oklahoma have limited access to food. Is there a better way to spend the holidays than an evening of serving others? When - December 28 th 6:30PM 8:30PM You can meet us there or we will meet at St Mary s at 5:45 and caravan there. Where - Oklahoma City Regional Food Bank S Purdue Oklahoma City, OK Number of Volunteers needed 35 Contact: Christopher Hand (cell) 22

23 Christmas Pageant Christmas Eve Pageant will be at 5:00 PM. Parents who want their children to participate, call Lisa Jones, (808) Rehearsal Saturday, December 23, 2:00 PM in the Sanctuary. NEWS Downloadable Bulletins The 8:45 and 11:00 am weekly service bulletins are now available on the front page of our website: Now you can use your tablet or smart phone if you prefer that over our paper bulletins. Just know that the wifi at the church is limited, so you may want to use your device data or download the bulletin from home before the service. 23

24 Nominations for the 2018 Diocesan Convention and 2018 Vestry It is time to nominate for vestry candidates & delegates to the 2018 Diocesan Convention. Hard copy forms are available in the Narthex or you can download from the church website. Nominations must be received no later than noon, Sunday, January 14, 2018 ***Mark your calendars for the Annual Meeting*** January 28, 2018 St. Mary s Publication Deadlines include: Magnificat the 15th of each month Mid-Week Update Monday, 5 p.m. of each week Weekend Announcements Wednesday, noon each week 24

25 St. Mary s Garden News Christmas Advent Altar Flowers Remember a loved one with Christmas Altar Flowers Given by (Name): Current Address: Telephone Number: In Honor of: In Memory of: In Thanksgiving for: Please print neatly on this form and return to the office or mail with your donation to St. Mary s Episcopal Church, 325 East First Street, Edmond, OK., or fill out the pew envelopes and place in the offering plate. Please make checks payable to: St. Mary s Episcopal Church and on the memo line, print: Christmas Altar Flowers For more information, contact Diane Wilson, (405) , or dshelby1954@yahoo.com DEADLINE TO HAVE YOUR NAME INCLUDED IN THE SPECIAL CHRISTMAS BULLETIN IS: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2017 (Any donated amount is appreciated to keep our ministry alive.) We are looking for vase donations for disbursement of the Altar Flowers to those who are ill. 25