THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE ATONEMENT The Third Sunday of Advent December 17, :00 am and 10:00 am 1

Transcription

1 THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE ATONEMENT The Third Sunday of Advent December 17, :00 am and 10:00 am 1

2 The Ministers of the Liturgy Altar Guild Linens Flower Guild Food Delivery Team Counters Lector Psalmist Usher Eucharistic Ministers Lectors Acolyte Ushers Linda Zielinski, Howard Carney Sally Angers Marie Cassetta Mike Krok Carmel Steger, Anita MacDonald 8:00 am Scott Bailey Ginny Hebert Irene Ring 10:00 am Kathy DeJean, Candy Oyler Kathy DeJean, Candy Oyler Lindsay Walsh, Connor & Logan Gendron Tom Walsh, Tony Gendron Note on the Service Welcome on the Third Sunday of Advent. Out in the world, signs of Christmas are all around us, but here in church we are entering a season of waiting and expectation. We mark this new season by making some changes to our prayers and music. The song of praise following the collect for purity will be Magnificat, the Blessed Virgin Mary s hymn. At 10 am, we will sing this prayer to a tune written by Music Director Scott Bailey. The service in this leaflet is from The Book of Common Prayer; Liturgy for the Whole Church: Multigenerational Resources for Worship, by Susan K. Bock; and Prayers for an Inclusive Church, by Steven Shakespeare. We are in Advent, the season of waiting and expectation. The people gather for worship and allow the organ voluntary to fill the silence. 2

3 Voluntary Conditor Alme Siderum Richard Warner Lighting the Advent Wreath Leader The evening of the year is upon us. We enter the darkness and wait for light s return. Leader We light one candle to remind us of God s light which has come to us all through the Christ. We open our hearts to that light, and ask for help to shine with the brilliance of love. Leader We light a second candle to remind us of the light of justice in the prophets words. We open our hearts to the light of justice, and ask for help to create a just world. Leader We light a third candle to remind us of John, who calls us to wade in the waters of new life. We open our hearts to our own lights, enkindled in baptism, and ask for help to carry that light into a dark world. The people sing Hymnal 616 Hail to the Lord's annointed The Word of God The people stand. Celebrant All of our waiting is a waiting for God. God of our hearts, we wait for you alone. The Priest and offer the Collect for Purity 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: Magnificat (at 8 am) Book of Common Prayer, p. 119 My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; * for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: * the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him * in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, * he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, * and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, * and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, * for he has remembered his promise of mercy, The promise he made to our fathers, * to Abraham and his children for ever. 3

4 Song of Praise: Magnificat (at 10 am) Music: Scott A. Bailey,

5 Collect of the Day Priest The Lord be with you. And also with you. Priest Let us pray. Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. Please be seated. First Reading Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the LORD s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, to display his glory. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. For I the LORD love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the LORD has blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. Reader The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Psalm 126 BCP, p. 782 At 8 am 1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, * then were we like those who dream. 2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, * and our tongue with shouts of joy. 3 Then they said among the nations, * "The LORD has done great things for them." 4 The LORD has done great things for us, * and we are glad indeed. 5 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, * like the watercourses of the Negev. 6 Those who sowed with tears * will reap with songs of joy. 7 Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, * will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves. 5

6 Psalm 126 at 10 am all sing Second Reading 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. Reader The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Hymnal 75 (10 am only) There s a voice in the wilderness crying Gospel John 1:6-8, Priest The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. Glory to you, Lord Christ. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 6

7 This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you? He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, I am not the Messiah. And they asked him, What then? Are you Elijah? He said, I am not. Are you the prophet? He answered, No. Then they said to him, Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself? He said, I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet? John answered them, I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal. This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing. Priest The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ. The Sermon The Rev. Nancy Webb Stroud All standing The 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. 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. The Prayers of the Liturgy for the Whole Church Leader Leader Leader Leader God of the prophets, give us courage to speak the truth, and to tell of your love. God of the prophets, hear us and help us! God of the angels, give us a voice to sing your presence into the world. Give the world a freedom song, and help us to speak peace throughout the earth. God of the angels, hear us and help us! God of Mary and Elizabeth, give us grace to be pregnant with hope and to bring forth new life for a barren world. God of our mothers, hear us and help us! God of Zechariah and Joseph, give us dreams and visions, and the courage to follow them. God of our fathers, hear us and help us! 7

8 Leader Leader Leader Leader God of the shepherds, give us humility, and to all who sit in darkness, alone and afraid, a light from heaven proclaiming peace. God of the shepherds, hear us and help us! God of the magi, send your blessing on Michael our Presiding Bishop, Douglas our bishop, Nancy our rector, and Pat our deacon. Give to all your church the will to leave home to find you among the poor. God of the magi, hear us and help us! God of the Holy Innocents, send your blessing on Donald our President, Charlie our governor, Brian our mayor, and all in authority in our nation. Give us all power to stand against violence and to protect the powerless. God of the victim, hear us and help us! God of all of us here today, remember those people and circumstances that are so important to us. Here the congregation may offer the names or concerns of their hearts, silently or aloud. When all have spoken, the reader continues, Leader God of the present, Hear us and help us! Leader God of all who went before us, we remember before you all who have died, especially Richard Liberty Sr., Richard Liberty Jr. and Patricia Pachot for whom the altar memorials have been given; Fred, Grace and Butch Burrell in whose memory the sanctuary lamp burns, and all those we call before you now. Here the congregation may offer names, silently or aloud. When all have spoken, the reader continues, Leader God of the past, Hear us and help us! The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect Prayers for an Inclusive Church Lord of light, who sent the Baptist to offer hope and face the world s scorn: open our ears to hear the cries from the margins, exposing our fears, inciting our vision and calling us to a step of faith; through Jesus Christ, the one who is to come. Amen. A Confession for Advent Deacon Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. Deacon Liturgy for the Whole Church Emmanuel, we want to believe you are with us dwelling in this and every moment, But we pine for the past and rush toward the future. Deacon We want to be found wide awake, alert with love, as you appear in this and every moment, But we slumber through and laze away the miracle of ordinary days. 8

9 Deacon Deacon Deacon We want to wait for you alone, with desire and hope, But our trust fails, our longing grows cold, and our hope dims. We want to make room in our hearts, a safe and warm place, for you to be born, But we close our hearts, and harden them to you and your people. We confess our failures at love. We are sorry; we ask your forgiveness. Silence is observed, after which the priest announces God s forgiveness. 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 The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you. Welcome and announcements The Offertory The Great Thanksgiving An offering of money is received during the anthem. Then the people stand to sing the hymn while the gifts of money, bread, wine and food are offered. Anthem Come, Thou Redeemer of the Earth arr. John Hooker Come, thou Redeemer of the earth, and manifest thy virgin-birth: let every age adoring fall; such birth befits the God of all. Thy cradle here shall glitter bright, and darkness breath a newer light, where endless faith shall shine serene, and twilight never intervene. Hymn 66 Begotten of no human will, but of the Spirit, thou art still the Word of God, in flesh arrayed, the promised fruit to earth displayed. All laud, Eternal Son, to Thee, Whose advent doth thy people free, Whom with the Father we adore and Holy Ghost for evermore. Text: St. Ambrose, translated by J.M. Neale Music: Puer Nobis Nascitur, Michael Praetorius Come, thou long-expected Jesus Celebrant Celebrant Celebrant 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. 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. 9

10 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 Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. The Hymnal, S124 The people stand or kneel. Then 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, Celebrant and We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory. The Celebrant continues And we offer this 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. And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, 10

11 and Celebrant 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. 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, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen. The Breaking of the Bread The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept. At 8 am Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia. Sung in unison at 10 am Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. The Hymnal, S154 The Gifts of God for the of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving. All are welcome to receive the presence of God in the Bread and Wine at our Altar. Standing or kneeling is appropriate at the Altar rail. To receive the bread, place one hand over the other and the wafer will be placed in your palm. To receive the wine, you may take a sip from the chalice, or dip the edge of your wafer into the wine. If you wish to receive a blessing instead, please signal us by crossing your arms over your chest. Gluten free wafers and chalice are available; please let us know if you require that. If you are unable to come to the Altar please inform an usher, and Communion will be brought to you. If you want to learn more about the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, please speak with Mother Nancy. Hymnal 640 (10 am only) Watchman, tell us of the night Prayer after communion BCP, p. 366 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. 11

12 Blessing Dismissal The priest blesses the people, who respond Amen. The people are sent out. Thanks be to God. Hymnal 601 O day of God, draw nigh Voluntary Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding Malcolm Archer 12

13 PARISH PRAYER LIST Please take this list home for use in your daily prayers. We are happy to add your concerns. Please or call Listings will be for six months or as requested. Altar Memorials are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Richard Liberty Sr., Richard Liberty Jr. and Patricia Pachot; offered by Ruby Liberty Sanctuary Lamp burns to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Fred, Grace and Butch Burrell; offered by Sally Angers Anglican Communion Cycle of Prayer The Diocese of Wyoming Diocesan Prayer Cycle Esther Barker, Financial Services The Living Church Foundation, Inc. Strawberry Festival Beneficiary 2017 Boys & Girls Club Summer Weekend Food Program For all victims of natural disaster For these families and individuals Phoebe, Dot, Louise, Allan, Art, Anne, Judy, Charlotte, Mary, Rita, Ruth, Virginia, Ruby, Dotti, Roger, Thelma, Vivian, Connie, Deb, Stephen H., Kristy, Helene, John, Norm, Norton, Catherine, Betty, Marsha, Robert, Sam, Sue, Mary and Richard, Jennifer, Nolan, Lea, Lynn, Mary, Jeff, Jack, Sarah and Roger, Tom, Candy, Ahna, Kathy, Darrell, Carole, Florence, Debbie, Joe, Fr. Raymond, Anne, Ted and Ginni, Casey, Charlotte ANNOUNCEMENTS CHILD CARE is offered in the Cribbery and Children s Word is offered in the Chapel. ANGEL TREE Gifts are due back TODAY. Thank you! CHRISTMAS FLOWER & MUSIC MEMORIALS Please complete the form in the pews or on the counter in the Narthex and return it TODAY with your donation in order to be included in the listing. CHRISTMAS COOKIE SALE IS TODAY Purchase a box for $15 and fill it with a delicious selection of homemade cookies. This Outreach event benefits our commitment to the Mampong Babies Home. THANK YOU to all who made the season merry and meaningful by contributing to our Spirit of Giving Fair organizations. A total of $2025 was raised by giving gifts of Love, Hope, Life, and Promise. DECORATING AND REHEARSING! Christmas Pageant Rehearsal is TODAY at 11:15 AND we will hang the greens immediately following the service. Then on Friday, December 22, join us at 5:00 pm to add festive poinsettias, ribbons, and bows. ALL ARE WELCOME! 13

14 ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS will be held TODAY at 3 pm. The Choral Scholars of Atonement present this traditional Advent service. Join us for beautiful music and the inspiration of Holy Scripture. REVERSE ADVENT CALENDAR Pick up a Reverse Advent Calendar in the narthex. Attach it to a large Christmas shopping bag and fill it throughout the month of December with the small daily suggested food, household, or personal care items to support the Westfield Food Pantry. Helping our neighbors in need - the reason for the season. THE WESTFIELD FARMERS MARKET will be indoors from 10 am to 3 pm for the last winter market on February 10 th. COFFEE HOUR is hosted by members of the congregation. Please sign up on the white board in the Narthex. WHAT IS MISSING THIS YEAR? See This Week at Atonement below for a list of scheduled activities. Because Sunday December 24 th is the Fourth Sunday of Advent AND Christmas Eve, some of our usual Sunday and usual Christmas services are NOT scheduled this year. Here is the list: NO 8 am service on Sunday, 12/24. NO 4 pm service on Christmas Eve. NO Wednesday service on 12/27. NO Evensong on 12/28. WHAT IS DIFFERENT THIS YEAR? Our Christmas Pageant will be held on Sunday morning, 12/24 at 10 am. Actors and helpers are asked to be here by 9 am that day. The service will be approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. Both Advent and Christmas music will be sung! 14

15 THIS WEEK AT ATONEMENT Sunday, Dec. 17 Monday, Dec. 18 Tuesday, Dec. 19 Wednesday, Dec. 20 Thursday, Dec. 21 Friday, Dec. 22 The Third Sunday of Advent 8:00 am Holy Eucharist 10:00 am Holy Eucharist Cribbery and Children s Word Greening the Church; Pageant Rehearsal; Cookie Sale 2:00-3:30 pm AA Women s Fellowship (SMG) 3:00 pm Advent Lessons and Carols (Church) Featuring the Choral Scholars 8-9 pm AA Meeting (Great Hall) 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Rector s office hours at Westfield State 12:15 pm Healing & Holy Eucharist (Chapel) 7-8:30 pm OA Meeting (Great Hall) 6:30 pm Evensong 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal 7:30-9:00 pm NA Meeting (Great Hall) 5:00 pm placement of festive poinsettias, ribbons, and bows Saturday, Dec. 23 Sunday, Dec. 24 The Fourth Sunday of Advent 10:00 am Holy Eucharist and Christmas Pageant Cribbery and Children s Word 2:00-3:30 pm AA Women s Fellowship (SMG) 9:30 pm Carols of the Season 10 pm Festival Eucharist for Christmas 15

16 Sunday, December 17 3 pm Advent Lessons and Carols ADVENT and CHRISTMAS Sunday, December 24 Sunday Morning, IV Advent 10 am Holy Eucharist and Christmas Pageant Sunday Evening, Christmas Eve 9:30 pm Carols of the Season 10 pm Festival Eucharist for Christmas Monday, December am Holy Eucharist with Christmas Carols Christmas Day Sunday, December 31 8 am & 10 am Holy Eucharist The First Sunday after Christmas Day The Rev. Nancy Webb Stroud, Rector The Rev. Patricia M. O Connell, Deacon Mr. Scott A. Bailey, Music Director A parish of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts The Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher, Bishop 16