St Paul s Anglican Church

Transcription

1 St Paul s Anglican Church A caring community of Christ worshipping God, engaging the community and building connections between people of all ages and cultures. 2 Margaret Street, P.O. Box 352, Canterbury Vic 3126 Tel: Website: Church Office: office@stpaulscanterbury.org.au 7th December, 2014 Second Sunday of Advent Today is our first of two encounters with John the Baptiser this season. His is a figure that has become almost routine to us in its strangeness., Yet his message is not routine at all: while wearing camel s hair clothing and eating locusts, he yells at us that someone is coming who will baptise us with fire. But this, we must remember, is the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 1.1) - and the gospel of Jesus is so remarkable and contrary to expectations that it must be announced by a wild, uncommon figure. Mr J Woodfin, Copyright Anglican Board of Mission 2014 Hymns: 289 Instrumental Setting: Agnus Dei Lotti Psalm , 8-13 Chant: Hanforth Music preceding the gospel: Alice Findlay and Carole Pitt (violin and guitar) Anthem: This is the record of John Ives Postlude: Nun komm der Heiden Heiland BWV 659

2 Notices of the Day Welcome to worship and to our St. Paul s faith If you are new, we hope you enjoy being a part of this community of faith in worship. Please join us for a cuppa in the Parish Centre after the service. Prayer Corner Great Spirit, we remember the land and its first people with respect and dignity. May we live in harmony with all those who share this sacred earth and be thankful. Amen. We pray for the World: Pray that God will open our eyes to all the people through whom the gospel is being revealed to us - people who are very like us, and people who are very different. For all victims of intolerance and oppression For Christians facing persecution For a world in conflict - Syria, Ukraine and Gaza For those in pain, both physical and emotional We pray for the worldwide Church: Diocese of Kinkiizi (Uganda) Theological Colleges, Church Schools & Church Kindergartens Converge International & Chaplains ST Matthew s Geelong East St Matthew s Ashburton & CSI congregation Dame Phyllis Frost Centre St Nicholas Mordialloc Highfield Uniting A Parish Prayer for our discernment of our vision and mission here at St Paul s: Renew in us, O God, the zeal of your love. Let our parish come alive with the power of your Spirit. Where we have failed, forgive us. Where we have persevered, encourage us; When we are in doubt, direct usl Help us to see new opportunities for witness and service. Tor the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. We give thanks for our local community of which St Paul s is very much a part. We pray for those in need: David Chambers Joan Harrington-Johnson Hayley Dickson Helen s family - Anne and Iens Shaw Christine Ruggles-Brise Chris Riley Maggie Bob Thompson Helen John Brace (Anne Harding s Dad) Helga 2 Notice Gluten free wafers are available upon request.

3 Parish Events for the Week THIS SUNDAY 8.00am 10.00am 7.30pm MONDAY pm TUESDAY 8.30am 9.30am pm WEDNESDAY 10.00am pm 5.00pm pm 7.30pm 7TH DECEMBER: SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT OUR CELEBRANT IS REV D JONATHAN CHAMBERS AND OUR PREACHER IS KATE LORD Eucharist Sung Eucharist, followed by morning tea in the Parish Centre Carols in the Park, sponsored by Canterbury Council of Churches SUSANNE S SABBATH Ceberano Martial Arts SUSANNE RETURNS Ecumenical Morning Prayer Archive Group, Upper Room Parish Centre Parish Council meeting, Parish Centre Eucharist followed by morning tea, Parish Centre Fish Distribution, Hall Meditation@5, Church Tae Kwon Do, Hall Contemplative Living - Advent reflections in the Parish Centre THURSDAY 9.30am-12.30pm Gillian in Office 11.00am Kindergarten Christmas Service pm Ceberano Martial Arts, Hall pm Choir Practice, Church FRIDAY KATE S SABBATH am Kinder Dance, Hall 9.30am-12.30pm Gillian in Office pm Australian Youth Choir Practice, Church, Parish Centre, Hall SATURDAY 8.00am-1.00pm 9.00am-4.00pm NEXT SUNDAY 8.00am 10.00am 8.00pm Parish Street Stall, Maling Road Karate, Hall 14TH DECEMBER: THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT OUR PREACHER IS KATE LORD Eucharist Sung Eucharist, followed by morning tea in the Parish Centre Carol Service UPCOMING EVENTS FOR DECEMBER: 16th 19th 24th Tuesday Circle, Women s Group MSG, Men s Spiritual Group Caritas Last Day of School Year Christmas Eve 3

4 4 Isaiah Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. 2 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. 3 A voice cries out: In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 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. 5 Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken. 6 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. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand for ever. 9 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! 10 See, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. 11 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. Psalm , 8-13 (APBA p311) Mark The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; 3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight, 4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 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. 6 Now John was clothed with camel s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 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. 8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. Next week s readings for Third Sunday of Advent: Isaiah ,8-11 Ps Thessalonians John 1.6-8,

5 PARISH STREET STALL Boroondara Council have approved our application to have a stall in Theatre Place on Saturday 13th December. Proceeds from this stall will be split 50/50 between the Parish Council Project for Syrian Refugees and the Parish General Funds. We would appreciate any contributions of goods for the stall - cakes, biscuits, preserves or Christmas gifts. We also need help on the day manning the stall. If you are able to assist, please see Margaret Irvine. 5

6 6 THE ADVENT WREATH The origins of the Advent wreath are in the folk practices of pre-christian northern Europe, where, during the cold darkness of winter, people made wreaths of evergreen and lit fires as signs of hope of life in spite of the dark and cold of winter. Christians kept these traditions alive and by the 16 th century, Christians in Germany used evergreens and fire as symbols to celebrate Advent and renewed hope in the birth and person of Christ. There is rich symbolic meaning in the Advent wreath. The wreath in the shape of a circle reminds us of the eternity, mystery and endless grace of God. The green colour of the boughs that compose the wreath points to the hope in new and everlasting life. The candles symbolize the light of God coming into the world through the birth of the Christ who is the light that shines in the darkness. Often each of the four Sundays of Advent is assigned a theme in the following order: hope, peace, joy, and love. The last candle to be lit, the central Christ Candle (often white), symbolizes the purity, peace, and centrality of Christ. Advent 2 (light two candles): Peace One: The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. Choir: We are easily distracted by the darkness of force and power and we often choose strife and turmoil. All: Source of light, shine in our lives and in your world with your everlasting peace. ADVENT: NOTICES The Advent reflections on Wednesday night, have begun and we are learning about Contemplative living with Thomas Merton. CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR CHARITY: This year, we will be collecting gifts for men's and women s refuges, to be distributed by Anglicare. The gifts will be collected by the children during the Christmas Pageant at a.m. on Sunday 14th December. Please bring along unwrapped items such as toiletries and small items of new clothing for men and women, as well as unwrapped new books and toys for children of all ages. Thank you, in advance, for sharing the Christmas spirit with those in need. THE AUSTRALIAN ANGLICAN CALENDAR: The Australian Anglican Calendar 2015 is soon to be published. If you would like to order a copy (or copies!), please speak with Chris Hudnott or ring him on FISH FISH FISH FOR CHRISTMAS: Christmas LAST DAY FOR ORDERS TODAY! See Jill Bales tel: Collection Place and Date - Wednesday 10th December at the Hall, 3 4pm Please remember Freezer bags to transport the products. Thank you

7 CHRISTMAS TREE FUNDRAISER: The 19th Camberwell Scout group are having their annual Christmas tree fundraiser, commencing this Saturday, each Saturday and Sunday prior to Christmas. Trees are available from the Scout Hall on Riversdale Road just before Through Rd. Thank you. Becky and Lexie Rough, 19th Camberwell Scouts. PEW SHEET DEADLINE: Please ensure your notices for the pew sheet are received in the office by 5pm on Wednesday. Thank you! ST PAUL S FAIR - 9 MAY 2015 The planning team is on the job and excitement is building as great ideas are emerging. Thus far the following ideas Main Attractions: Animal Farm Quilting & Embroidery Display (items from St Paul s parishioners) Open Garden ( Cnr Highfield Rd and Church Street) Commercial Stalls (e.g. jewellery, fresh flowers, handmade soap, children s clothing, Twisty Taters, decoupage, cards, wine, knitted scarves.) Car Boot St Paul s Stalls/Activities: Bio-organic Fruit Books Cakes & Preserves Children s activities Devonshire Tea Plants Recycled Clothing Sausage Sizzle Silent Auction Fast Food & Drink from Hall Kitchen How can you help?: Plan to provide stock for stalls. ie books, quality bric-a-brac and clothing, cakes & preserves, potted plants, donations for raffles and silent auction Help organise attractions Join rosters to man stalls on the day Invite your friends & family Help clean up after the event Organisers for each activity are being sought and will be confirmed early in the new year, if not before. The Planning Team - comprised of Jill Bales, Margaret Irvine, Bert Lillywhite, Margaret Capper, Laura Dean, Kaye Rands and June McKay is keen to receive any further ideas, feedback and assistance. Please speak to Jill Bales about Books and Bert Lillywhite about donations for Raffles and Silent Auction. 7

8 This Week s Ministry Team. 7th December: Second Sunday of Advent 8.00 a.m. Service Sidesperson Reader Liturgical Asst Flowers Brass St. Paul s Ministry Teams Bruce Brown Anne Ogier Steven Wong Sue Taylor a.m. Service Sidespersons Reader Intercessor Welcomer Liturgical Asst Server Refreshments Coll. Counters Margaret & John Capper Gill Lambert Gordon Low ALL Tom Lambert Gill Lambert Rosie Low & Val Sayers John DeAraugo & Hamish White Next Week s Ministry Team. 14th December: Third Sunday of Advent 8.00 a.m. Service Sidesperson Reader Liturgical Asst Flowers Brass Debbie Riley a.m. Service Sidespersons Ruth Hudnott & Lois Latimer Reader Sunday School Pageant Intercessor Sunday School Pageant Welcomer ALL Liturgical Asst Jeffrey Sheen Server Hamish White Refreshments Beryl Byrne & June McKay Coll. Counters Charles H-J & Tom Lambert 8 Copies of full rosters are available in the Narthex. LIGHTING A CANDLE Did you know...? If you light a candle and say a prayer during church on Sunday, your prayer continues all week. Candles that are lit on Sunday mornings are relit at morning and evening prayer each day, and during the Wednesday Eucharist and Meditation services. The people you pray for today will be held up to God in prayer throughout the week. Parish Priest: Reverend Susanne Chambers vicar@stpaulscanterbury.org.au Youth and Family: Kate Lord familyminister@stpaulscanterbury.org.au Co-coordinator of Pastoral Care: Carla Reid Pastoral Lay Ministers: Rowan Litchfield Director of Music: Elizabeth-Anne Nixon music@stpaulscanterbury.org.au Vicar s Warden: Ros White Church Warden: Andrew Flint Church Warden: Kaye Rands