St. John s Anglican Church Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Transcription

1 Gaudete Sunday Third Sunday in Advent December 17, 2017 St. John s Anglican Church Lunenburg, Nova Scotia Rector: Reverend Michael H. Mitchell To all who mourn or need comfort, To all who are weary and need rest, To all who seek friendship, To all who desire to grow in relationship with God To all who yearn to pray, To all who need a Saviour, And to all whoever will worship, This Church of St. John s opens wide its doors and in the name of Christ our Lord, says - WELCOME. Alvin s Message Welcome to the Church of Saint John Again this Sunday we meet John the Baptizer at the banks of the Jordan River. This Sunday s reading, from The Holy Gospel of Saint John, John the Baptizer is being interrogated by the Jewish authorities from Jerusalem - Who are you? John, the lonely voice in the wilderness, announces There stands among you, one whom you know not. John the Baptizer is referring to Jesus the Christ, who was present among the people unbeknownst to them. John the Baptizer declares that he is not the Saviour, the Christ, the Messiah. He sees his task as the one to prepare the way for the Saviour, the Christ, the Messiah. Jesus is present amongst us, as we gather each and every time to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, though we do not recognize Him. John the Baptizer summons us all to faith in Jesus, the Son of God. Lord Jesus, you bring liberty to the captives, you bring good news to the poor, and you bind up the hearts of those who are broken. John the Baptizer s prophecy/announcement is the same as our Blessed Lord and Saviour, Jesus the Christ s. Fr. Alvin LAY MINISTERS TODAY Lay Readers: 8:30 am Barbara Eisenhauer 10:30 am Robert MacMillan, Kevin Skinner Lectors: 8:30 am Carolyn Hogg, Christina Pottie 10:30am Heather Eisenhauer, Robert MacMillan Sidespersons: 10:30 am Jim & Viola Green NEXT SUNDAY DECEMBER 24TH Lay Readers: 8:30 am Barbara Eisenhauer 10:30 am Susan MacMillan, Robert MacMillan Lectors: 8:30 am Roxie Smith, Duncan Crowdis 10:30 am Robert MacMillan, Mary Meisner 10PM Haigh Carthew, Patsy Perkins Sidespersons: 10:30 am Jim & Viola Green; Server: Aisling Curtin 2

2 The Holy Eucharist Sung Setting The Mass of Creation by Marty Haugen Handbell Prelude: Coventry Carol arr. Keith Burt Hymn #91 People, Look East! The Time Is Near Lighting of the Advent Wreath The Gathering of the Community Celebrant The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. People And with thy Spirit. The Collect of the Day Almighty God, who sent your servant John the Baptist to prepare your people to welcome the Messiah, inspire us, the ministers and stewards of your truth, to turn our disobedient hearts to you, that when the Christ shall come again to be our judge, we may stand with confidence before his glory; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Proclamation of the Word A READING FROM THE BOOK OF ISAIAH 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 favour, 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 3 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. ISAIAH 61:1-4, 8-11 PSALM 126 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, then were we like those who dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy. R Then they said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad indeed. R Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses of the Negev. R Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves. R A READING FROM THE FIRST LETTER OF PAUL TO THE THESSALONIANS 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. 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-24 Gradual Hymn #362 Tell Out, My Soul Gospel Reader The Lord be with you. People And also with you. THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO JOHN People Glory be to thee, O Lord. 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. This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from 4

3 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. JOHN 1:6-8, The Gospel of Christ. Praise be to thee, O Christ. REFLECTION 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. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped 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 People Please kneel or sit for the prayers. Response: Come Lord Jesus, Come soon. 5 Anglican Cycle of Prayer: Pray for Wyoming - (VI, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd John Smylie. Diocesan Cycle: Pray for the Parish of Northumberland, Rev Nicole Uzan, and Penny Nelson, Rev Bill Cook, Associate Parish Priest, Rev Kathryn Cook, Deacon; Parish of St. John s, Truro, Rev Lori Ramsay and Robert Cullen, Rev Gary Yetman, Associate Parish Priest, and Diane, Rev Dorothy Tay, Associate Parish Priest, and Warren. Local Ministerial: We pray for the Congregation of St. John s Anglican Church and Rev. Alvin Westgate and Cathy. Please continue to keep Father Michael Mitchell and Holly in your prayers. Fisheries: Adams & Knickle - Maude Adams; Clearwater - Atlantic Protector. Confession and Absolution Dear friends in Christ, God is steadfast in love and infinite in mercy; he welcomes sinners and invites them to his table. Let us confess our sins, confident in God s forgiveness. Silence is kept. 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 neighbours 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. Celebrant: Almighty God have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Peace All stand, and the celebrant addresses the people. The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you. The assembly greets one another in the name of the Lord. St. John's Ringers: An English Christmas arr. Michael Helman The Celebration of the Eucharist The Preparation of the Gifts Offertory Hymn #583 When God Restored Our Common Life Representatives of the parish present the gifts of bread and wine for the Eucharist. Each one as they are able, makes an offering to the Lord for the needs and responsibilities of the Church to be placed on the altar. 6

4 The Prayer over the Gifts God of hope, renew in us the joy of your salvation and make us a living sacrifice to you, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Great Thanksgiving - Eucharistic Prayer 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 our thanks and praise. Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; we give you thanks and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, who in the fullness of time came among us in our flesh, and opened to us the way of salvation. Now we watch for the day when he will come again in power and great triumph to judge this world, that we, without shame or fear, may rejoice to behold his appearing. We praise you Lord, with all the angels, in their song of joy. (Sung) Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power, God of 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. Hosanna in the highest. We praise you, merciful Father, not as we ought, but as we are able, because in your tender love you gave the world your only Son, in order that the world might be saved through him. He made you known by taking the form of a servant, healing the sick, liberating the oppressed, reaching out to the lost. Betrayed, reviled, and nailed to the cross, he confronted the power of sin and disarmed it for ever. In his offering of himself, he became the perfect and sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Redeemed by Christ, we have been adopted as your children; by your pardon you have made us worthy to praise you. On the night he was betrayed, Jesus, at supper with his friends, took bread, gave you thanks, broke the bread, gave it to them, and said, Take and 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. In obedience to him and with grateful hearts we approach your holy table, remembering our Saviour s sacrifice, and rejoicing in his victory. Let us proclaim the mystery of our faith. (Sung) Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. 7 Send your Holy Spirit on us that as we receive this bread and this cup we may partake of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, and feed on him in our hearts by faith with thanksgiving. May we be renewed in his risen life, filled with love, and strengthened in our will to serve others; and make of our lives, we pray, a pure and holy sacrifice, acceptable to you, knitting us together as one in your Son Jesus Christ. Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory is yours almighty Father, now and forever. Amen. (Sung) The Lord s Prayer 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, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. The Breaking of the Bread The celebrant breaks the consecrated bread for distribution, and says: God of promise, you prepare a banquet for us in your kingdom. All Happy are those who are called to the supper of the Lamb. The celebrant invites the people to share in communion and says, The gifts of God for the People of God. All Thanks be to God. The Communion (Sung) Jesus Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us. Jesus Bread of life, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us. Jesus Prince of Peace you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us. Jesus Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, grant us your peace. The celebrant and people then receive communion. The body of Christ (given for you). The blood of Christ (shed for you). The communicant responds each time, Amen. This community of faith, welcomes to the Lord s table all who are baptized and who wish to be nourished with the Body and Blood of Christ. 8

5 Choir Anthem during Communion: To a Maid Whose Name Was Mary St. John's Ringers: Christmas Fantasy arr by Kiyo Watanabe Prayer after Communion Merciful God, may this eucharist free us from our sins, fill us with unending joy, and prepare us for the birthday of our Saviour. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, who is Lord now and for ever. Amen. Doxology Glory to God, whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen. Blessing & Sending Out May the God of peace, make you perfect and holy, and keep you safe and blameless, in spirit, soul and body, for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; The blessing of God almighty, Father + Son, and Holy Spirit, be with you now and remain with you always. Amen. Go in joyful hope to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. Recessional Hymn #98 Hark the Glad Sound! The Saviour Comes Postlude: Magnificat - Buxtehude SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS December 21 st at 6:00pm - The Sunday School will be hosting a special evening under the chancel stars of St. John's with the neighbouring Sunday Schools. All members of the congregation are welcome. The evening will begin with Peter Matthews, member of our Heritage Committee, providing an explanation of the amazing star formation painted on the ceiling. This will be followed by story readings from members of the four churches in town. The children are encouraged to bring a friend, flashlight and favourite pillow. If we have enough singing voices, this will be followed by Christmas Hymns and a light refreshment. Christmas Eve Service 4:00pm - The entire Christmas Eve Service will be held inside the church. With the assistance of Father Alvin, Barbara Butler and Jane Ritcey, the Sunday School will lead an Interactive Christmas Eve service called "The ABCs of Christmas." 9 MUSIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: Musique Royale extends an invitation to attend a traditional and heartwarming evening of carols for Christmas on Wednesday, December 20 at 7 pm. 'To Bethlehem with King's' features Capella Regalis Men and Boys Choir here at St. John's Church. Free admission but donations of food and monetary gifts will be gratefully accepted for Lunenburg Interchurch Food Bank Music and Meditation during Advent: Wednesday, Dec 20 at noon - Duo Concertante FOOD BANK As we prepare for the Christmas season, please support the Food Bank. All the usual donations of soup, pasta, canned meats, cereal, pudding, canned vegetables and fruit, etc., are greatly appreciated. As well, there is a need for household items such as detergents, paper towel and toilet tissue. Personal items including toothpaste, shaving gels, shampoo and deodorant are wonderful donations also. If anyone has a winter coat in good condition that they no longer wear, there are clients who would be grateful for them. For further information please contact Laura Roblee at or lauraroblee@yahoo.com Please Note: The last date to make a contribution for 2017 Income Tax Receipts is Thursday, December 28th. Please remember to bring a bell to the Christmas Eve Service at 10pm. We will use them to joyfully announce the glad tidings of the birth of the Messiah. Church Calendars are available from Hazel Oliver. Price is $5.00. Please call Central United Church is hosting Maritime Christmas with Guests Dave Gunning and Heather Rankin Dec. 19 at 7pm. Tickets at Dots & Loops. Every year we celebrate the holy season of Advent, O God. Every year we pray the beautiful prayers of longing and waiting, and sing the lovely songs of hope and promise. Karl Rahner 10

6 My Birthday is Fast Approaching To My Near and Dear Ones, As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honour and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time there are people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer. It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration. Last year there was a great feast in my honour. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many beautifully wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honour and they didn't remember to send me an invitation. The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face. I wanted to be with them and share their table. In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a grand time.. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus" as if the party were in his honour! At midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and do you know no one hugged me. Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me. What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one? I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left. Every year it gets worse. People only remember the gifts, the parties, to eat and drink, and nobody remembers me. I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life. I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you. Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart. I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever 11 imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements. Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invite, will be left outside. Be prepared because when all is ready you will be part of my great party. See you soon. I Love you! Jesus Parish Contacts RECTOR: Rev. Michael H. Mitchell PRIEST-IN-CHARGE: Rev. Alvin Westgate SECRETARY: Mary Wagner PARISH OFFICE: stjohnslunenburg@bellaliant.com; WEB: HONORARY ASSOCIATES: Rev. Linda Macdonald , Rev. Oliver Osmond PARISH WARDENS Duncan Crowdis Blake Starratt Robert MacMillan CHAIR OF PARISH COUNCIL Brooke Nodding ORGANIST/CHOIR DIRECTOR Barbara Butler HAND BELLS Sharon Hill CHIMER Peter Allen TREASURER Dan Sargeant ALTAR GUILD Maureen Moffatt, Ann Grandy, Barbara Simonds PASTORAL VISITATION Vacant at this time PRAYER & HEALING MINISTRY Linda Macdonald SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT Vacant at this time HERITAGE Roger Demone MUSIC Jane Ritcey Moore PROPERTY Wayne Dodge LADIES GUILD Susan MacMillan ACW Barbara Nowe ACW CATERING Patty Tanner LAY READERS Roger Demone SERVERS Sheila Morris SUNDAY SCHOOL & NURSERY Rena Demone TOURS Peter Allen CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Mary Meisner FOOD BANK Laura Roblee MEALS ON WHEELS Laura Roblee , Barbara Simonds PLANNED GIVING Jim Eisenhauer PWRDF David Penney REGIONAL COUNCIL Mary Meisner, Betty Lou Olivier SAFER CHURCH Duncan Crowdis SYNOD DELEGATES Duncan Crowdis, Robert MacMillan CUSTODIAN Joseph Carnevale SEXTON Joseph Carnevale NEWSLETTER Janice & Brian Kenefick WEBSITE Grant Dixon