Living and telling the good news of Jesus Christ, reaching out to all in love and service. WELCOME Welcome to our worship today. We hope you enjoy being with us and that you will experience the reality of God s presence, power and love in the week ahead. If you are a newcomer we would like to keep in touch. Please ask for and complete a Communication Card located at the back of the Church. First Sunday in Advent 3rd December 2017 Sentence: Heaven and earth will pass away, says the Lord, but my words will not pass away. Mark 13.31 Prayer of the Day: Eternal God, through long generations you prepared a way for the coming of your Son, and by your Spirit you still bring light to illumine our paths: renew us in faith and hope that we may welcome Christ to rule our thoughts and claim our love; to whom be glory for ever. Amen. A reading from the Prophet Isaiah 64.1-9 O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil to make your name known to your adversaries, so that the nations might tremble at your presence! When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him. You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways. But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed. We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity. Continued over.../ Page 1
Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter we are all the work of your hand. Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord, and do not remember iniquity for ever. Now consider, we are all your people. (Pause for reflection) For the Word of the Lord. THANKS BE TO GOD Psalm 80.1-7, 17-19 Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, you that led Joseph like a flock: you that are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine out in glory; Before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh: stir up your power, and come to save us. Restore us again, O Lord of hosts: show us the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved. O Lord God of hosts: how long will you be angry at your people s prayer? You have fed them with the bread of tears: and given them tears to drink in good measure. You have made us the victim of our neighbours: and our enemies laugh us to scorn. Restore us again, O Lord of hosts: show us the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved. Let your power rest on the man at your right hand: on that son of man whom you made so strong for yourself. And so we shall not turn back from you: give us life, and we will call upon your name. Restore us again, O Lord of hosts: show us the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved. A reading from 1 Corinthians 1.1-9 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes. To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among Page 2 Continued over.../
you so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (Pause for reflection) For the Word of the Lord. THANKS BE TO GOD The Holy Gospel The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark 13.24-37 GLORY TO YOU, LORD JESUS CHRIST But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake. (Pause for reflection) For the Gospel of the Lord PRAISE TO YOU LORD JESUS CHRIST Pray for the Church: Worldwide: The Diocese of West Buganda - (Uganda): National: Diocese of Armidale Our Diocese: Parish of Kawana Waters St John s Community Care Services, Cannon Hill Anglican College Local: MU Prayer Point: Mothers Union in Namibia works with each diocese and prayer is central to its activities. High on their agenda are gender-based violence, baby dumping and human trafficking as well as addiction, poverty and unemployment. Let us thank God for members commitment to running groups and acting as local counsellors. Continued over../ Page 3
Ministry: Parish Council Thanksgiving for the life of: Jan Reilly (nee Goldsworthy), Stuart Cudahy This Sunday's Mulling Meditation In this Sunday s Gospel, Jesus calls on us to be alert to his coming, his final coming. This has been expressed in Christian spirituality as keeping death before our eyes. Through this coming week, try to live each day as though it was your last. Watch and notice what difference this makes in how you interact with people and do your work. Mull on the effect it has upon you. Sourced from www.prayasyoucan.com.au Parish Notices Blessing of John Bradey House Today @ 11 am (15 Carlo Road, Rainbow Beach). John was a Parish Councillor and much loved and faithful member of the Rainbow Beach congregation and community at large. His house is now the residence of our Cooloola Coast Community Priest Rev Ingrid Busk. You re invited to witness the blessing and stay for BYO lunch (to share). Vale Jan Reilly: It is with sadness that we advice of the funeral of Jan Reilly, Audrey Goldsworthy s daughter. Jan s funeral will be held in St Peter s Church on Monday, 4th December at 1.30 pm. Bible Society Donation Box - Thank you. The Bible Society in Gympie would like to thank you for your donations received via the box at St Peter s Church. We received $120 from the last donation period. Glastonbury Service: Please note there will not be a service at Glastonbury today, Sunday, 3rd December or in January 2018. Family Ministry Meeting - Thursday, 7th Dec at 3.30 pm in the Parish Office. Senior s Service next Tuesday. Please join us for the Senior s Service on Tuesday, 12th December at 9.30 am in St Peter s Church. All welcome Gympie Regional Uniting Church invites you to Lessons & Carols Sunday, 17 th December @ 3 pm 15 Red Hill Road, Gympie Ministries Roster at St Peter s Church An updated Ministries roster is available at the back of St Peter s Church with A4 copies available to take home. There are still a few vacancies please feel free to write your name down where you feel you can help. Page 4
Donations for Christmas Flowers may be given in memory of loved ones passed. Please place your donation in an envelope, clearly marked with the names of those to be remembered, your name and contact number and place the envelope in the collection plate or hand into the parish office. In support of Anglicare SQ Gympie we are collecting gifts and food hamper items to bring the joy of Christmas to local families The Giving Tree: Gift tags are on the tree and marked with the details about the gift recipient. Please take a tag from the Tree and purchase or make a gift (suggested value $20) Place the gift, either wrapped or unwrapped BUT with their TAG, under the Giving Tree at St Peter s Church or deliver to the Church office. Christmas Hamper Items - Due by next Thursday, 7th December Donations of non perishable food stuffs such as Christmas pudding/ cake; canned fruit, ham, tuna; long life milk, custard; biscuits, cakes etc; Pasta and sauces; tea, coffee, flavoured milk powders wanted to help make Christmas Hampers. Please place in the Hamper Box near the Christmas Tree or deliver to the Office. See due date above. Christmas Trees and Lights Festival Stall and Welcomer Volunteers needed: From Monday 18 th Dec we d like volunteers to Welcome visitors and to run the craft/goodies stall each evening from 5.00 pm to 8.45 pm (open hours 5.30 to 8.30 pm) You may volunteer for one, two or three hours. A list is at the back of the church to nominate the job you d like to do and the times that suit you. Items for our Christmas Craft Stall - Crafty People wanted: We d like donations of homemade/crafted items with a Christmas theme or flavour: Whether it be wood, paper or fabric crafts; baked or boiled puddings. A sign-up sheet is at the back of St Peter s or contact the Church Office with what you d like to contribute. Mayoral Prayer Breakfast Rumour has it that the Breakfast is on 2nd Feb. 2018 Pls contact the office if you wish to attend so we can book seats when bookings open. Page 5
Parish Council members for 2018 The Parish Council will be commissioned on Sunday, 11th December during both of morning services (which ever one the Councillor chooses to attend). Wardens: David Crampton, May Nash, Graham Ward Nominators: Anne Brown, David Crampton, Neil Goodall Synod Reps: Kate David, Jack Wright Councillors: Franki Andersen Bruce Best Randall Brown Northa Burnett Graham Couling Sue Crampton Eveline Crase Maureen Hinds Gussie Morgan May Nash Bronwyn Saunders Alan Wildman Fancy That Opportunity Shop We ve pretty much sold all our Christmas stock and welcome donations of decorations, trees etc. If you re planning a cupboard cleanout we d be grateful for donations of any clean, undamaged items such as manchester, kitchenware, shoes, belts, hats, clothing, paintings or puzzles, magazines and books or anything else that is still usable. Please deliver to the shop at 204 Mary St (Parking at rear of the shop) or into one of the white bins at St Peter s and St John s in Gympie and Good Shepherd Church Rainbow Beach. Bountiful God, Give to this parish a faithful pastor, Who will speak your word and minister your sacraments; an encourager who will equip your people for ministry and enable us to fulfil our calling. Give to those who will choose, wisdom, discernment and patience, and to us give warm and generous hearts, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen Page 6
Christmas in the Park Saturday, 16th December in Nelson Reserve Gympie Entertainment from 4 pm Santa arrives at 5 pm Carols at 7 pm followed by fireworks Christmas Carols at Theebine Friday, 22 nd December at 7.30 pm in the Hall. Favourite carols, & delicious light supper afterwards. Call 5484 6183 for more information Page 7
Services for next week: Tuesday St Peter s 9.30 am Senior s Service Tuesday St Peter s 5.00 pm Christian Meditation Wednesday St Peter s 7.00 am Eucharist Thursday St Peter s 5.00 pm Eucharist 2nd Sunday St Peter s Church 7.30 am Traditional Eucharist St Peter s Church 9.30 am Family/Contemporary Service Rainbow Beach 9.30 am Eucharist Imbil 10.30 am Eucharist St Peter s Church 5.30 pm Communion by Candlelight Readings for next Sunday: Old Testament: Isaiah 40.1-11 Psalm: 85.1-2, 8-13 New Testament: 2 Peter 3.8-15a Gospel: Mark 1.1-8 Copyright information: Sentence, Collect, Psalm and Readings (New Standard Revised Version) taken from Epray digital services a division of Broughton Publishing 1995 with permission Page 8 Parish Contact Information Locum Tenens The Reverend Ingrid Busk Ph 0429 995 323 Email: ingbusk@icloud.com Associate Clergy: The Reverend Bruce Dorman - Ph 0419 165 947 The Reverend Kevin Lewis - Ph 0414 563 173 Email: kevlewis@ozemail.com.au The Reverend Ann Shepperson Ph 0408 983 193 Email: annshepperson@gmail.com Wardens: David Crampton - 5482 2070; May Nash - 5481 1762; Graham Ward 0429 631 949 Treasurer: Bronwyn Saunders 5482 2629 Parish Office hours: 9 am to 3 pm Tuesday to Thursday; 9 am to 2 pm Friday Parish Office Phone: 5482 2629 Parish Email: anglican.gympie@bigpond.com Website: www.anglicangympie.org.au Facebook: Anglican Church Gympie & Region Services at Gympie, Gunalda, Imbil, Rainbow Beach, Tin Can Bay and Glastonbury Parish s Opportunity Shop: Fancy That? 204 Mary Street, Ph. 5483 6207 9 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday; 9 am to 12 noon Saturday Closed Public Holidays