The Feast of St. Nicholas December 7, :30 p.m.

Transcription

1 Where God s Children Gather and Grow The Feast of St. Nicholas December 7, :30 p.m. St. Francis Episcopal Church of Willow Glen 1205 Pine Avenue San Jose, CA office@stfranciswillowglen.org

2 An Order of Worship for the Evening On the Feast of St. Nicholas Weather permitting the gathering will be outside in the courtyard where everyone will receive a candle. The Candle lighting Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord. Thanks be to God. A Reading from Scripture Jesus said, You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one lights a lamp to put it under a bucket, but on a lamp-stand where it gives light for everyone in the house. And you, like the lamp, must shed light among others, so that they may see the good you do, and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 Let us pray. Prayer for Light Lord Christ, your saints have been the lights of the world in every generation: Grant that we who follow in their footsteps may be made worthy to enter with them into that heavenly country where you live and reign for ever and ever. Amen. During the singing of the hymn everyone will process into the church with candles burning. When entering the narthex everyone is to leave their shoes and will pick them up after the service. Hymn 25 O gracious Light 2

3 The Lesson: A Reading from the Holy Gospel of Mark 10:13-16 were bringing little children to Jesus in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it." And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Homily Hymn The Rt. Rev. Mary Gray-Reeves St. Nicholas (sung to the tune of the Holly and the Ivy ) A follower of Jesus, by persecution torn, Was Nicholas the bishop, to noble parents born. The Prayers Forsaking wealth and power, he gave to all in need, The bread to fill their bodies, God s love their souls to feed. Three girls too poor to marry he gave three bags of gold, Their weddings were a blessing from Nicholas, we re told. His robe a bishop s crimson, our Advent patron lives, In life of all who follow, in heart of each who gives. The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. and 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. 3 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.

4 O God, you are our heavenly Father; we are your children: Help us to know you and trust you. O God, you have always loved us. We are your children: Help us to love you with our whole heart. O God, we know that we do not always love our neighbors as ourselves; we are your children: Help us to love others as Jesus taught us to do. O God, life is hard at times. Things like war, hunger, poverty, and sickness make us afraid. We are your children: Help us to have the courage and the strength to carry on. O God, we are often confused by the many temptations that steal us away from you. We are your children: Send your Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us. O God, you have given us many blessings. Grant us the grace always to be aware of your gifts and to live with gratitude. We are your children. Help us to be more like your servant, Nicholas, who shared his blessings with others. The Collect for the Feast of St. Nicholas Almighty God, in your love you gave your servant Nicholas of Myra a perpetual name for deeds of kindness both on land and sea: we pray that your Church may never cease to work for the happiness of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor, and help of those tossed by the tempests of doubt or grief, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. O God, you manifest in your servants the signs of your presence: Send forth upon us the Spirit of love, that in companionship with one another your abounding grace may increase among us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 4

5 Youth Choir sings Jolly Old St. Nicholas All are invited to bring up their offering of toys Blessing of the Toys We give thanks for these toys offered this day and pray that all the children who receive them and play with them will experience the joy of God in their hearts. May God s blessings be on the children and the gifts in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Closing Prayer The Blessing and Gracious and good Lord, we bless you on the feast of St. Nicholas, your servant, who is an example to us of a life of gratitude and love. May we see in his life an invitation to imitate his good deeds. Make us always mindful of the needs of others and help us rejoice in the abundance of your goodness towards us. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen. Closing Hymn Good St. Nicholas of Myra (sung to the tune of Angels from the Realms of Glory ) Good St. Nicholas of Myra, deeds and legends tell his fame. Saintly bishop, friend of children, Bari pilgrims chant the name; Refrain Blessed Nicholas, Blessed Nicholas, He loved all in Jesus name. Miracles and signs and wonders, he performed to praise the Lord. For a poor and weary people, source of care and joy out poured: Refrain Blessed Nicholas, Blessed Nicholas, He loved all in Jesus name. May his ways of true devotion guide us on our earthly way. Challenge us to be more like him as Christ s gospel we obey: Refrain Blessed Nicholas, Blessed Nicholas, He loved all in Jesus name. 5

6 The Dismissal Deacon Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God. Postlude Don t forget to get your shoes from the narthex and join us in the parish hall for a special celebration and visit with St. Nicholas. and Preacher The Rt. Rev. Mary Gray-Reeves Bishop of the Diocese of El Camino Real Thanks to the following people for making this event possible: Kim Kubota, Carol and Dick Wells, Mary Loretta Davila, and Rob Moore. 6