St Mark's Anglican Church South Hurstville We at St Mark's aim to grow in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and to welcome others into an open Christian community where we can experience and explore the reality of God in an atmosphere of acceptance and trust. 01 January 2012 The Epiphany of our Lord 8.00am Choral Eucharist Liturgy Holy Communion Prayer Book p 119 Presider Revd Andre Jacobs Preacher: Revd Andre Jacobs Setting Dudman Intercessor: Gabrielle Merten Readings Isaiah 60.1-6 Patrick Russell Psalm 72.1-7, 10-14 Anglican Chant Ephesians 3.1-12 Barbara Booth Matthew 2.1-12 1 Lay Assistant Hymns 454, 325, As the old year passes (to TiS 382), 291 9.20am Prayer Circle Intercessions at the Taizé prayer station 10.00am Family Communion Liturgy Special booklet Officiant: Presider Revd Andre Jacobs Preacher: Revd Andre Jacobs Readings Isaiah 60.1-6 Jill Brown Matthew 2.1-12 Lay Assistant Hymns [325], 325, Children s Song Who is the baby, As the old year passes (TiS 382), 301. Reflections Very few people took notice of the birth of Jesus, only some shepherds, wise men, and the angels. Many still choose not to take notice. Yet there are those who recognize the Lord, those who will bow down and worship him. Today (or on 6 Jan), as the Western world celebrates the arrival of the wise men from the East, Eastern Orthodox Christians will be celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Let us remember that Christ has come into our midst again, and we must choose to worship him, laying all what we have and all what we are at his feet. Text: The Revd Drew Schmotzer, chaplain to the Most Revd Dr Mouneer Hanna Anis, Bishop of Egypt with North Africa and the Horn of Africa Anglican Board of Mission, 2012 Light a Candle Worshippers may wish to light a candle, symbolic of prayer, at the Taizé cross.
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Gathering for The Epiphany Welcome Blessed are you, Lord God of the nations. From the rising of the sun to its setting your name is proclaimed in all the world. This day the star leads the magi to the manager. On entering, they saw the child, knelt down and paid him homage, and offered gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. cf Mtt 2.11 The wise men have been added to the Crib (to which incense is brought at 8.00am). The Assistant then leads in a Confession The grace of God has dawned upon the world with healing for all. Though we have grieved him, yet he will heal us if we confess our sins in penitence and faith, confident in God's forgiveness. Silence for reflection As the leading of a star led the wise ones, guide us as we offer our hearts and seek your vision for us at the beginning of this new year. Lord, have mercy. As gold is purified in the fire, purify our hearts and minds that we may be a royal priesthood. Christ, have mercy. As you give myrrh to heal our sickness, anoint us with your healing power that we might be the first-fruits of your new creation. Lord, have mercy. Priest Blessed are you, Lord God of the nations: to you be praise and glory for ever! As our prayer rises up before you as incense, so may we be presented before you with penitent hearts and uplifted hands to offer ourselves in your service. Blessed be God for ever! Gloria in excelsis (Prayer Book p121) the Confession is omitted later Prayer of the Day Lord God of the nations, we have seen the star of your glory rising in splendour; may the brightness of your incarnate Word pierce the night that covers the earth, signal the dawn of justice and peace, and beckon all nations to walk as one in your light. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy spirit, in the splendour of eternal light, God for ever and ever. Amen. 2 Based on Resources for Advent Christmas Epiphany Diocese of Melbourne
Sit for the readings (8am) / Children s talk (10am) Children s song (10.00am) What child is this who, laid to rest, on Mary s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing: come, greet the infant Lord, the babe, the Son of Mary! So bring him incense, gold and myrrh, come rich and poor, to own him. The King of kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone him. Raise, raise the song on high, the Virgin sings her lullaby: joy, joy for Christ is born, the babe, the Son of Mary! Psalm 72.1-7, 10-14 1 Give the king your / judgement O / God: and your righteousness to the / son / of a / king, 2 That he may judge your / people / rightly: and the / poor of the / land with / equity. 3 Let the mountains be laden with peace~ be/cause of his / righteousness: and the hills also with pros/peri ty / for his / people. 4 May he give justice to the poor a/mong the / people: and rescue the children of the / needy ~ and / crush the op/pressor. 5 May he live while the / sun en/dures: and while the moon gives light~ through/out all / gener/ations. 6 May he come down like rain~ upon the / new-mown / fields: and as / showers that / water the / earth. 7 In his time shall / righteous ness / flourish: and abundance of peace~ till the / moon shall / be no / more. 10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles~ shall / bring / tribute: the kings of Sheba and / Seba shall / offer / gifts. 11 All kings shall fall / down be/fore him: and all / nations / do him / service. 12 He will deliver the needy / when they / cry: and the / poor man that / has no / helper. 13 He will pity the helpless / and the / needy: and / save the / lives of the / poor. 14 He will redeem them from op/pression and / violence: and their blood shall be / precious / in his / sight. Glory to the Father and / to the / Son: and / to the / Holy / Spirit; as it was in the be/ginning is / now: and shall be for / ever / A/men. 3
Hymn As the old year passes (Tune TiS 382) 1. As the old year passes we look back, reflect: times of joy and promise, times we d best forget. God of the ages help us walk your way. Help us greet your future, seize tomorrow s day 3. As the old year passes we cry for our struggling world. Climate ever-changing, fighting too-often heard. God, you have called us to cherish all you give. Call us to your future where all in peace, might live Communion Song (Taizé 15) O We adore you Lord Jesus Christ. 4 2. As the old year passes sorrow wells within: loved ones no more round us, all that could have been. God of compassion heal each ailing heart. Guide us to your future where new life may start 4. As the new year dawns now we would give you praise. Faithful God, come lead us onward in new ways. We ll love and serve you in the faith of Christ, in your Spirit s future; people of new life. Words: David MacGregor 2007 Willow Publishing Remember in your prayers Chris, Alison, Bruce & Katy and family, Pam s mother Alice, brother Peter & his wife Paula and family (following the death of Pam Albany); Fran Boland s extended family s (continued recovery from air crash); Doug Stewart; Elaine Milne (successful knee surgery); Barry; Jacquelyn; Reg Parrey; Melanie Jacobs; Elva Swift; Mary Coyne; Betty Allan; Les and Edna Green; Peter Mylecharane; Alan Cook; Yvonne Scott; Tony Platford; Baby Bethany Sestak and her parents Amanda and Steve, Madge and John Conlon. Please advise St Mark s Office the names of parishioners, family members or friends who are sick or otherwise in need. Email office@southhurstville.anglican.asn.au or phone 9547 1239. Names will be included in Connections for several weeks after which a new request may be made. Scripture readings Prayers and devotions this week Monday Pss 5; 6 Jn 3.1-21 Tuesday Ps 9 Jn 3.22-36 Wednesday Pss 11; 12 Jn 4.1-14 Thursday Pss 15; 16 Jn 4.13-26 Friday Ps 18.1-31 Jn 4.27-38 Saturday Ps 19 Jn 4.39-54 The Anglican Communion Prayer of the week O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles: mercifully grant, that we, who know you now by faith, may after this life be led to the vision of your glorious Godhead; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. PRAY for The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand & Polynesia, The Most Revd William Brown Turei Pihopa o Aotearora and Primate and Archbishop of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand & Polynesia
Anglican Board of Missions Pray for unity among all Christians, and for building bridges of understanding. Give thanks for the Anglican Communion s Evangelism and Church Growth Initiative, and give thanks for ABM s participation in it. Thanksgiving for the life and faith of holy people (Monday) Basil of Caesarea (d.379); Gregory of Nazianzus (d.389), bishops & teachers Gregory of Nazianzus, his friend Basil the Great, and Basil s brother Gregory of Nyssa, are jointly known as the Cappadocian Fathers (Cappadocia is a region in what is now Turkey). In 325 Emperor Constantine, having converted to Christianity, summoned a council of Bishops at Nicea to settle the dispute between those (led by Athanasius) who taught that the Logos (the Word of John 1:1, who was made flesh and dwelt among us in the person of Jesus of Nazareth) is fully God, and those (led by Arius) who taught that the Logos is a supreme being created by God. The bishops at Nicea declared that the view of Athanasius was the true Faith they had received from the Apostles. (The Athanasian view is held today by the vast majority of Christian churches. The Arian view is held by the Jehovah s Witnesses.) The Arians, however, continued to control parts of the Church, and it was uncertain whether the Church would stand by the declaration made at Nicea. Gregory and Basil worked hard in teaching and giving leadership to those who supported the Nicene faith. In 381, due in large measure to the Cappadocians, the Council of Constantinople confirmed the position of the earlier Council of Nicea. Celebrations Robert Nelson s birthday yesterday; Edna Green, celebrating her 92nd birthday today; Bruce & Katy Albany on the birth of their third daughter Vivienne Pamela. News & Events Funeral for Pam Albany It is with deep sadness and much sorrow that at 1:50am on Wednesday 28 December, Pam Albany passed away peacefully at Calvary Hospital with Chris and Alison by her side. A Thanksgiving Eucharist will be held at St Mark s on Tuesday 3 January at 10:30am, followed by refreshments in St Mark s Hall. A short Committal will be held at Woronora Crematorium at 2:30pm. Friday@Home Marilyn Melhuish is the new coordinator for Friday@Home. Marilyn is not new to hospitality she and her hard working team coordinate catering for St Mark s special activities. If anyone would like to host a Friday@Home in 2012 please contact Marilyn (9527 3135). In the meantime, please keep free Friday@Home on 3 February. A big thanks to Lois Little who has been the coordinator since it s inception about 10 years ago. Friday@Home: On the first Friday night of each month, one of our St Mark s community opens their home for an after-dinner social get together. Friday@Home is a great opportunity for us to get to know each other over a light supper and refreshments at a home of a generous host. Christian Meditation Discover a key to finding serenity in the midst of the pressures of life through Christian meditation. St Mark s meditation group meets weekly on Thursday evenings at 6.00pm recommencing on 12 January. Meditation is a way of pure prayer marked by silence, stillness, and simplicity. Enquiries Bridget McKern 9546.4557 5
2012 St Mark s groups and activities Activities Meeting times Enquiries Telephone Bible Study 6 February at 8pm (weekly) Chris Albany 0412 075 428 BookBusters 19 January at 8pm Rex Merten 9580 2808 Choir 7 February at 7.30pm (weekly) Deb Mulcair 0416 332713 Christian Meditation 12 January at 6pm (weekly) Bridget McKern 9546 4557 Education for Ministry TBA Barbara Booth 9597 4140 Friday@Home 3 Friday from 7.30pm (1 st Friday) Marilyn Melhuish 9527 3135 Morning Prayers 30 January at 9.30am (Mon Fri) Music Group 10 February at 10.30am (weekly) Lois Little 9594 5999 Needle & Thread 12 January at 9.30am (weekly) Dorothy Harpley 9547 2593 Nursing Homes ministries February Chris Albany 0412 075 428 Parish Council TBA Wesley Fairhall. 9546 1165 Play Reading 4 February at 2.30am (1 st & 3 rd Sat) Janet Baker 9585 1536 SMACKS 3 February at 6.30pm (fortnightly) Susan Szalay 9594 6969 St Mark s Art 12 January at 9.30am (weekly) Lorraine Sweeny 9546 1162 Tai Chi 3 February at 9.00am (weekly) Gabrielle Merten 9580 2808 Australian Red Cross Blood Service is requesting additional blood donations this holiday season. As well as the Sydney City locations, there will be local mobile blood collection centres at: - St George Leagues Club Kogarah Thursday/Friday 12/13 January 10:00-15:30 - St George Hospital Tuesday/Wednesday 24/25 January 09:00-14:30 - Roselands Centro Thursday 16 February 09:00-14:30. More information 131495 www.donateblood.com.au Next Sunday 08 January 2011 The Baptism of our Lord 8.00 am 10.00 am Readings Genesis 1.1-5 Barbara Falloon Pam Lord Psalm 29 Acts 19.1-7 Betty Dayes Mark 1.4-11 Lay Assistant Lay Assistant Intercessions Barbara Booth Officiant Contributions for Connections are invited. Please email the parish office before 6pm on Thursdays Rector The Revd Chris Albany mobile 0412 075 428 rector@southhurstville.anglican.asn.au Hon Associate Priest The Revd Andre Jacobs mobile 0424 578 322 assistant@southhurstville.anglican.asn.au Parish Office office@southhurstville.anglican.asn.au tel 9547 1239 Website www.southhurstville.anglican.asn.au Wardens Barbara Booth 9597 4140, Alan Little 9594 5999, Andre Jacobs 0424 578 322 Music Director and Organist Lois Little 9594 5999 Choir Director Deb Mulcair 0416 332 713 6