HE NEVIL MEMORIAL CHURCH OF ST. GEORGE -EPISCOPAL- ARDMORE, PA THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT Sunday, November 29 2015 10:00 am, Rite II
WELCOME TO ADVENT Advent is a season of expectation and preparation, as the Church prepares to celebrate the coming (adventus) of Christ in his incarnation, and also looks ahead to his final advent as judge at the end of time. The readings and liturgies not only direct us towards Christ s birth, they also challenge the modern reluctance to confront the theme of divine judgement: Every eye shall now behold him robed in dreadful majesty. (Charles Wesley) The Four Last Things Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell have been traditional themes for Advent meditation. The characteristic note of Advent is therefore expectation, rather than penitence, although the character of the season is easily coloured by an analogy with Lent. The anticipation of Christmas under commercial pressure has also made it harder to sustain the appropriate sense of alert watchfulness, but the fundamental Advent prayer remains Maranatha Our Lord, come (1 Corinthians 16.22). Church decorations are simple and spare, and purple is the traditional liturgical colour. In the northern hemisphere, the Advent season falls at the darkest time of the year, and the natural symbols of darkness and light are powerfully at work throughout Advent and Christmas. The lighting of candles on an Advent wreath was imported into Britain from northern Europe in the nineteenth century, and is now a common practice. The Moravian custom of the Christingle has similarly enjoyed great success in Britain since the latter part of the twentieth century, with the encouragement of the Children s Society; Christingle services may take place before or after Christmas.The Third Sunday of Advent was observed in medieval times as a splash of colour in the restrained atmosphere of Advent (Gaudete or Rose Sunday ), and the last days of Advent were marked by the sequence of Great O Antiphons, which continue to inspire modern Advent hymns and meditations. ~from Common Worship: Times and Seasons 2
THE GATHERING OF GOD S PEOPLE Coming together from our week in the world, we ready ourselves to worship God and to prepare ourselves for his final advent. Organ Prelude Savior of the Nations, Come Samuel Scheidt Processional Introit Sung by Doug Stuart, bass Ad te levavi To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you, my God, I put my trust; let me not be humiliated, nor let my enemies triumph over me; let none who look to you be put to shame. Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths: lead me in your truth and teach me. All standing, the says Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen. The and together say 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. Advent Wreath Kyrie Read by the Strickland Family Heavenly Father, you have created a universe of light: forgive us when we return to darkness. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord Jesus, you are the light of the world: cleanse and heal our blinded sight. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Holy Spirit, you give us light in our hearts: renew us in faith and love. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Song of Praise Hymn 59 Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding Merton vv. 1 and 2 3
The Collect of the Day The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Please be seated. THE LITURGY OF THE WORD The Lord speaks to us in scripture and preaching about his Son s return for the final judgment. We respond proclaiming our belief, praying for the world and ourselves, and greeting one another in his Name. A Reading from the Book of Jeremiah Jeremiah 33: 14-16 The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: "The LORD is our righteousness." Reader The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 4
The Psalm 25: 1-9 The choir sings antiphon then congregation repeats antiphon with choir. Choir sings verses and the choir and congregation sing antiphon as indicated. Antiphon Antiphon To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; my God, I put my trust in you; * let me not be humiliated, nor let my enemies triumph over me. Let none who look to you be put to shame; * let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes. Show me your ways, O LORD, * and teach me your paths. Antiphon Lead me in your truth and teach me, * for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long. Remember, O LORD, your compassion and love, * for they are from everlasting. Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; * remember me according to your love and for the sake of your goodness, O LORD. Antiphon Gracious and upright is the LORD; * therefore he teaches sinners in his way. He guides the humble in doing right * and teaches his way to the lowly. All the paths of the LORD are love and faithfulness * to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. Antiphon 5
A Reading from the first letter of Paul to the Thessalonians 1 Thessalonians 3: 9-13 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. Reader The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. The Sequence Hymn 454 Jesus came, adored by angels Lowry The Gospel Alleluia, alleluia. Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God. Alleluia. The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Luke Luke 21: 25-36 Glory to you, Lord Christ. Jesus said, "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. "Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ. 6
The Sermon Fr. Ryan R. Whitley The Nicene Creed BCP p. 358 The Prayers of the Please kneel. (The strange word "Maranatha" is actually two Aramaic words put together (Marana - tha). Aramaic was the dialect of Hebrew spoken by Jesus. The phrase is generally interpreted as a statement of belief, meaning: "Our Lord has come." When combined in these petitions with the prayer, "Come, Lord Jesus," we are holding together the two themes of Advent - preparing for the annual remembrance of the Nativity of Christ, and preparing for our Lord's Second Coming at the end of days.) In joyful expectation of his coming to our aid we pray to Jesus. Come to your Church as Lord and judge. We pray for, Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury; Michael, our Presiding Bishop; Dan, our Bishop, and Ryan, our priest. We pray for those in Anglican Cycle of Prayer, Southeast Asia and for those in our Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, Church of the Epiphany, Royersford; Church of the Holy Spirit, Harleysville; Church of St. Augustine of Hippo, Norristown; St. Dismas Mission Congregation; St. James Church, Collegeville and for those in our Companion Diocese of Guatemala, Church of the Virgin St. Mary. Help us to live in the light of your coming and give us a longing for your kingdom. Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Come to your world as King of the nations. We pray for Barack, our President and all those in civic authority. Before you rulers will stand in silence. Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Come to the suffering as Savior and comforter. We pray for the sick, especially. Break into our lives, where we struggle with sickness and distress, and set us free to serve you forever. Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Come to us as shepherd and guardian of our souls. We remember, especially. Give us with all the faithful departed a share in your victory over evil and death. Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Come to us as a friend to all. We celebrate with Kirsten Curry, Donna DiPaulo, Joanne Keating, and Vickie Mann. Give to them your blessing for their coming year and be ever-present in their lives as you were present with the disciples. Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Come from heaven, Lord Jesus, with power and great glory. Lift us up to meet you, that with blessed George our Patron, the Ever-blessed Virgin Mary our Lady, and all your saints and angels we may live and reign with you in your new creation. Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. 7
Together we pray, Almighty and Loving God, we thank you for the gift of your church. By your Holy Spirit, guide and empower us as we seek candidates for a bishop of your choosing in the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania: a bishop who will lead us, celebrate our diversity, and guide and equip our diocese for mission. Help us break down barriers which may divide us, and shepherd us as we seek to serve you in this process. Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Silence is kept. Come, Lord Jesus, do not delay; give new courage to your people, who trust in your love. By your coming, raise us to share in the joy of your kingdom on earth as in heaven, where you live and reign with the Father and the Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen. The Confession of Sin and the Absolution BCP p. 360 When the Lord comes, he will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness, and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Therefore in the light of Christ let us confess our sins. The Peace May the God of peace make you completely holy, ready for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you. Welcome of Visitors and Community Announcements 8
THE LITURGY OF THE HOLY COMMUNION To sustain us until he comes for the final time the Lord comes to us now in His sacrifice banquet and we receive Him. Offertory Anthem Magnificat in D: 'Suscepit Israel J.S. Bach Women's trio Suscepit Israel puerum suum, recordatus misericordiae suae. (His servant Israel hath He holpen, He remembering His mercy.) Please stand as our monetary gifts are brought forward and all sing, The Doxology (Hymn 380, v. 3) Old 100 th The Great Thanksgiving Eucharistic Prayer B BCP p. 367 The people remain standing. Sanctus and Benedictus Hymnal S-130 Please kneel as you are able. The Great Amen Hymnal S-142 The Lord s Prayer Hymnal S-119 The Breaking of the Bread A period of silence is kept. Then all join in and sing, Fraction Anthems All sing. "Savior of the nations, come!" Hymnal 54 All baptized persons regardless of denomination are welcome to receive Holy Communion. If you desire a blessing, please come forward and cross your arms over your chest. Communion Anthem Cantata # 140: 'Zion hears the watchmen's voices Bach John Lapetina, tenor Zion hears the watchmen's voices, with gladness all her heart rejoices, She eager wakes to greet the day. See, her Lord from heaven descending with grace and truth and power unending, Her daystar dawns with brightest ray. O come, thou blessed One, Lord Jesu, God's own Son, Hosianna! We follow there Thy feast to share, and taste the joys beyond compare. The Communion Hymn 53 Once He came in blessing Gottes Sohn ist kommen 9
Postcommunion Prayer 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 forever. Amen. The Advent Blessing May Almighty God, by whose providence our Savior Christ came among us in great humility, sanctify you with the light of his blessing and set you free from all sin. Amen. May he whose second Coming in power and great glory we await, make you steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, and constant in love. Amen. May you, who rejoice in the first Advent of our Redeemer, at his second Advent be rewarded with unending life. Amen. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you forever. Amen. The Closing Hymn 57 Lo! he comes, with clouds descending Helmsley vv. 1 and 4 The Dismissal Gospel Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark. Glory to you, Lord Christ. Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news. The Dismissal The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ. As we await our coming Savior, go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. Organ Postlude Magnificat Noni Toni Scheidt 10
Community Announcements The Sanctuary Candle is offered this week to the glory of God. Flowers on the Altar today are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of our Mom and Dad, Helen & Sten Dalstrom; our sister, Karen Elizabeth Dalstrom; and our Nana, Elsie Macfarlane by Judith Greeby and Robert Dalstrom (Main Altar) and in loving memory of our daughter and sister, Lisa Marie, by Ken, Robin, Rick and Will Garrity (St. George s Altar). Lou Carol s Notes: Today's anthem is a movement from J.S. Bach's Magnificat in D, and is a trio for women's voices. It includes the chant tune for the magnificat tone on the Oboe stop of the organ. The women's voices include much interweaving and imitation. Stewardship Campaign 2016: Please turn in your Commitment card. Christmas Pageant: December 20, during the 10:00 AM service. Rehearsals December 6 and December 13, during Sunday School. If interested in helping Vickie Strickland with the pageant, please see her during coffee hour. Episcopal Relief and Development, Gifts For Life: Episcopal Relief and Development has been working to fight poverty and disease all over the world for 75 years. Gifts For Life is a great way for St. George's to help them with their mission. Please see display in dining hall for details on how we at St. George s can help Gifts For Life. Mona s Bag: Mona has returned! We are collecting donations to give to the Torrey House, a small halfway haven for adults with mental disabilities, where constructive lives are fashioned again with everyone looking forward to living independently. There is a list of suggested donations in the dining hall. African Team Ministries: This Christmas season we will be selling beautiful crafts, jewelry and soapstone items sent to us from African Team Ministries. The handcrafts will be available after the 8:00 and 10:00 services beginning Dec. 6. All sale proceeds will help African villages establish clean drinking water systems and other life saving projects. Christmas Flower Donations: Please fill out the forms for Christmas flowers that are in today s bulletin. Once you fill out the form, put your cash or check in an envelope and you can place it in the offering, leave it in Julie's mailbox or mail it to the office by December 20. Lucky Draw Packages for A White Christmas themed Gala: Tickets on sale today! A White Christmas Gala: December 5, 6:00 PM. Get your name on the list in the dining hall. Cost: $45/person or $70/couple. Gala Decorating: Help Laurie and Dave Ney immediately following 10:00 am service today and again at 5:00 PM on Friday, December 4. For those who can come on December 4th, pizza will be served. 11
THE NEVIL MEMORIAL CHURCH OF SAINT GEORGE -EPISCOPAL- 1 West Ardmore Avenue, Box C Ardmore, Pennsylvania 19003 The Rev. Ryan R. Whitley, Rector Thanks to those who are helping today Altar Guild: Rob and Emily McGarvey Acolytes: Ray Beckey, Brody Dorey, Steve Drabkowski, Robbie Farnsworth, Fiona LaBrake and Roland Noreika Ambassadors: Steve Krouse, Susan LaBrake and Bryn Thompson Chalice Bearers: Steve Drabkowski, Steve Krouse, Roland Noreika and Allan Wickersham Coffee Hour: Gary and Betsy Zakeosian Floral Guild: Susan LaBrake Intercessor: Cynthia Pound Lectors: Elizabeth Joslin and Steve Krouse Tellers: Steve Krouse Lou Carol Fix, Organist/Choirmaster Julie Ricci, Parish Administrator Mark Alston, Sexton Joanne Haley, Director of the Children s Ark Steve Stanley, Verger Church Telephone: 610-642-3500 Church Fax: 610-642-4676 Rector s Cell Phone: 484-343-3455 Email: geonevil@comcast.net Website: www.stgeorgeschurch.org The Children s Ark: 610-658-9558 Website: www.childrensarkonline.org SUNDAY WORSHIP TIMES Holy Eucharist, Rite I - 8:00 AM Holy Eucharist, Rite II - 10:00 AM MORNING PRAYER Monday Thursday 9:00 AM OUR MISSION St. George s mission is to share together God s work in our lives through liturgy and sacrament, through joyous and caring fellowship, and through courageous and compassionate engagement with the world 12
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