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Second Sunday of Advent
Holy Eucharist Rite II
December 10, 2023 - 10am
Prelude: "On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry" ~T. Gieschen
Ringing of the Bell
Advent Candle Lighting
God our Father,
you spoke to the prophets of old
of a Savior who would bring peace.
You helped them to spread the joyful message
of his coming kingdom.
Help us, as we prepare to celebrate his birth,
to share with those around us
the good news of your power and love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ,
the light who is coming into the world.
Amen.
(Please stand)
Opening Hymn: "There’s a Voice in the Wilderness Crying" ~Hymnal 75
Opening Sentences ~BCP 355
Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
Celebrant: 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.
The Kyrie: ~ BCP 355 (Recited)
Cantor: Lord, have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Cantor: Christ have mercy.
People: Christ have mercy.
Cantor: Lord, have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Celebrant: The Lord be with you
People: And with thy spirit
Celebrant: Let us pray
The Collect: For the First Sunday of Advent ~ BCP 211
Celebrant: Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Word of God
The First Lesson: Isaiah 40:1-11
Lector: Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid,
that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins.
A voice cries out:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.
Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
A voice says, “Cry out!”
And I said, “What shall I cry?”
All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand for ever.
Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear;
say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!”
See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.
Lector: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 85
Cantor: “Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.”
People: “Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.”
Cantor: I will hear what God proclaims;
The Lord - for he proclaims peace to his people.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,
Glory dwelling in our land.
People: “Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.”
Cantor: Kindness and truth shall meet;
Justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
And justice shall look down from heaven.
People: “Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.”
Cantor: The Lord himself will give his benefits;
Our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
And prepare the way of his steps.
People: “Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.”
The Second Lesson: 2 Peter 3:8-15a
Lector: Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.
Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.
Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.
Lector: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.
Sequence Hymn: "On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry" ~ Hymnal 76
Celebrant: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark.
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
The Gospel: Mark 1:1-8
Celebrant: The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,
“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way;
the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight,’”
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Celebrant: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon: The Rev. Mike Floyd
Prayer for the Sermon: Lord, you have promised that when two or three gather in your name you will be present with them. We depend on that promise today and pray that you will move among us. Lord, we pray that you have inspired Mike's preparation, that you will enliven his presentation and that you will empower our application. Amen.
The Nicene Creed ~BCP 358
Together:
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
The Prayers of the People: Form III (with additions) ~ BCP 387
Lector: Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
Together: That we all may be one.
Lector: Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;
Together: That your Name may be glorified by all people.
Lector: We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons; we especially pray for Presiding Bishop, Michael, our Bishop Anne, and for our own Priest, Father Mike. Today we pray for First Presbyterian Church and Pastor Sara Hodsden. In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer today we pray for The Church of Pakistan (United),
Together: That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.
Lector: We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world. We pray for our President, Joseph, and for the leaders of the nations. We pray for this city, especially our Mayor, City Manager, Police and Fire Chiefs, School Superintendent,
Together: That there may be justice and peace on the earth.
Lector: Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
Together: That our works may find favor in your sight.
Lector: Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;
Together: That they may be delivered from their distress.
Lector: Give to the departed eternal rest.
Together: Let light perpetual shine upon them.
Lector: We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy.
Together: May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.
Lector: Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.
I invite your intercessions, petitions, and thanksgivings aloud or silently.
(Silence)
Celebrant: O Lord our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies, look with compassion upon us and all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
The Confession of Sin: ~ BCP 360
Celebrant: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
(Silence may be kept)
Together: 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 neighbors 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 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:
Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:2)
Offertory Anthem: "An Advent Legend" ~M. Pooler
The Doxology: ~Hymnal 380: Verse 3
Praise God, from whom all blessing flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host:
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Celebrant: All things come of thee O Lord
Response: And of thine own have we given thee.
In the Episcopal Church, all baptized persons, that Christ draws to his table, regardless of denomination, are welcome to receive communion.
Holy Eucharist Rite II
Eucharistic Prayer A
The Great Thanksgiving: ~BCP 361
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Celebrant: 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.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, who for ever say this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Sanctus: (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. ~J. Vermulst
Celebrant: ~ BCP 362
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.
He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, 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 we proclaim the mystery of faith: (sung)
Christ has died, Christ is risen,
Christ will come again.
Christ has died, Christ is risen,
Christ will come again. ~ Danish
Celebrant: We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.
Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. 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.
The Great Amen: (sung)
Together: Amen, Amen, Amen. ~ Danish
Celebrant: And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray: (Recited)
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.
The Breaking of the Bread
(A period of silence is kept.) ~BCP 364
Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Lamb of God: (sung) ~ J. Vermulst
Together: Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
grant us peace.
Celebrant: We will take a moment of silence to pray for our brothers and sisters watching online inviting the Holy Spirit to engage with and for them.
Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
Communion Hymn: "Comfort, Comfort Ye My People" ~ Hymnal 67
Post Communion Thanksgiving: ~BCP 365
Celebrant: Let us pray.
Together: Eternal God, heavenly Father,
you have graciously accepted us as living members
of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ,
and you have fed us with spiritual food
in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood.
Send us now into the world in peace,
and grant us strength and courage
to love and serve you
with gladness and singleness of heart;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Closing Hymn: “O Come Divine Messiah” ~ Red Hymnal 333
* * * * *
Announcements
First Announcement every week:
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (recited together)
(take the opportunity to look at someone else and bless them with these words)
* * * * *
Benediction: (Recited)
Now unto Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy;
To God our Savior,
who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power
both now and forever. Amen. ~Jude 24-25
Celebrant: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.
~2 Corinthians 13:14
Postlude:
* * * * *
ALTAR FLOWERS
The Flowers on the Altar this morning were donated by Suzy Smercina, in memory of Gene.
* * * * *
We use the Revised Common Lectionary for reading selections, Track 1.
The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, and used by permission. The Collects, Psalms and Canticles are from the Book of Common Prayer, 1979.
* * * * *
Serving at Christ Church this morning:
OFFICIANT - The Reverend Michael Floyd
ORGANIST, CHOIR DIRECTOR – G. James Petersen Jr.
ALTAR GUILD – Sharon Miller
VIDEOGRAPHER – Steve Terry
POWERPOINT – Cliff Hayes
GREETER / USHER – Chuck Bille
BELL RINGER – Bob DuBray
LECTOR – Sharon Miller
CANTOR – Barbara Steinmetz
ACOLYTES – Lucy Bille / Xavier Haney
Ringing of the Bell
Advent Candle Lighting
God our Father,
you spoke to the prophets of old
of a Savior who would bring peace.
You helped them to spread the joyful message
of his coming kingdom.
Help us, as we prepare to celebrate his birth,
to share with those around us
the good news of your power and love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ,
the light who is coming into the world.
Amen.
(Please stand)
Opening Hymn: "There’s a Voice in the Wilderness Crying" ~Hymnal 75
Opening Sentences ~BCP 355
Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
Celebrant: 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.
The Kyrie: ~ BCP 355 (Recited)
Cantor: Lord, have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Cantor: Christ have mercy.
People: Christ have mercy.
Cantor: Lord, have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Celebrant: The Lord be with you
People: And with thy spirit
Celebrant: Let us pray
The Collect: For the First Sunday of Advent ~ BCP 211
Celebrant: Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Word of God
The First Lesson: Isaiah 40:1-11
Lector: Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid,
that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins.
A voice cries out:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.
Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
A voice says, “Cry out!”
And I said, “What shall I cry?”
All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand for ever.
Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear;
say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!”
See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.
Lector: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 85
Cantor: “Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.”
People: “Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.”
Cantor: I will hear what God proclaims;
The Lord - for he proclaims peace to his people.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,
Glory dwelling in our land.
People: “Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.”
Cantor: Kindness and truth shall meet;
Justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
And justice shall look down from heaven.
People: “Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.”
Cantor: The Lord himself will give his benefits;
Our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
And prepare the way of his steps.
People: “Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.”
The Second Lesson: 2 Peter 3:8-15a
Lector: Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.
Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.
Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.
Lector: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.
Sequence Hymn: "On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry" ~ Hymnal 76
Celebrant: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark.
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
The Gospel: Mark 1:1-8
Celebrant: The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,
“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way;
the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight,’”
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Celebrant: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon: The Rev. Mike Floyd
Prayer for the Sermon: Lord, you have promised that when two or three gather in your name you will be present with them. We depend on that promise today and pray that you will move among us. Lord, we pray that you have inspired Mike's preparation, that you will enliven his presentation and that you will empower our application. Amen.
The Nicene Creed ~BCP 358
Together:
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
The Prayers of the People: Form III (with additions) ~ BCP 387
Lector: Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
Together: That we all may be one.
Lector: Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;
Together: That your Name may be glorified by all people.
Lector: We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons; we especially pray for Presiding Bishop, Michael, our Bishop Anne, and for our own Priest, Father Mike. Today we pray for First Presbyterian Church and Pastor Sara Hodsden. In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer today we pray for The Church of Pakistan (United),
Together: That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.
Lector: We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world. We pray for our President, Joseph, and for the leaders of the nations. We pray for this city, especially our Mayor, City Manager, Police and Fire Chiefs, School Superintendent,
Together: That there may be justice and peace on the earth.
Lector: Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
Together: That our works may find favor in your sight.
Lector: Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;
Together: That they may be delivered from their distress.
Lector: Give to the departed eternal rest.
Together: Let light perpetual shine upon them.
Lector: We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy.
Together: May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.
Lector: Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.
I invite your intercessions, petitions, and thanksgivings aloud or silently.
(Silence)
Celebrant: O Lord our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies, look with compassion upon us and all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
The Confession of Sin: ~ BCP 360
Celebrant: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
(Silence may be kept)
Together: 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 neighbors 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 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:
Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:2)
Offertory Anthem: "An Advent Legend" ~M. Pooler
The Doxology: ~Hymnal 380: Verse 3
Praise God, from whom all blessing flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host:
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Celebrant: All things come of thee O Lord
Response: And of thine own have we given thee.
In the Episcopal Church, all baptized persons, that Christ draws to his table, regardless of denomination, are welcome to receive communion.
Holy Eucharist Rite II
Eucharistic Prayer A
The Great Thanksgiving: ~BCP 361
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Celebrant: 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.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, who for ever say this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Sanctus: (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. ~J. Vermulst
Celebrant: ~ BCP 362
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.
He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, 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 we proclaim the mystery of faith: (sung)
Christ has died, Christ is risen,
Christ will come again.
Christ has died, Christ is risen,
Christ will come again. ~ Danish
Celebrant: We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.
Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. 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.
The Great Amen: (sung)
Together: Amen, Amen, Amen. ~ Danish
Celebrant: And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray: (Recited)
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.
The Breaking of the Bread
(A period of silence is kept.) ~BCP 364
Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Lamb of God: (sung) ~ J. Vermulst
Together: Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
grant us peace.
Celebrant: We will take a moment of silence to pray for our brothers and sisters watching online inviting the Holy Spirit to engage with and for them.
Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
Communion Hymn: "Comfort, Comfort Ye My People" ~ Hymnal 67
Post Communion Thanksgiving: ~BCP 365
Celebrant: Let us pray.
Together: Eternal God, heavenly Father,
you have graciously accepted us as living members
of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ,
and you have fed us with spiritual food
in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood.
Send us now into the world in peace,
and grant us strength and courage
to love and serve you
with gladness and singleness of heart;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Closing Hymn: “O Come Divine Messiah” ~ Red Hymnal 333
* * * * *
Announcements
First Announcement every week:
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (recited together)
(take the opportunity to look at someone else and bless them with these words)
* * * * *
Benediction: (Recited)
Now unto Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy;
To God our Savior,
who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power
both now and forever. Amen. ~Jude 24-25
Celebrant: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.
~2 Corinthians 13:14
Postlude:
* * * * *
ALTAR FLOWERS
The Flowers on the Altar this morning were donated by Suzy Smercina, in memory of Gene.
* * * * *
We use the Revised Common Lectionary for reading selections, Track 1.
The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, and used by permission. The Collects, Psalms and Canticles are from the Book of Common Prayer, 1979.
* * * * *
Serving at Christ Church this morning:
OFFICIANT - The Reverend Michael Floyd
ORGANIST, CHOIR DIRECTOR – G. James Petersen Jr.
ALTAR GUILD – Sharon Miller
VIDEOGRAPHER – Steve Terry
POWERPOINT – Cliff Hayes
GREETER / USHER – Chuck Bille
BELL RINGER – Bob DuBray
LECTOR – Sharon Miller
CANTOR – Barbara Steinmetz
ACOLYTES – Lucy Bille / Xavier Haney
Sundays@Five
October - December
2nd & 4th Sundays of the month
"Be Still and Know…"
Prelude:
A Song:
Opening Responses:
Officiant: In light and in darkness,
in peace and in confusion,
Jesus Christ wants to make his home
and meet his friends.
All: HE IS THE HOPE FOR THE WORLD
Officiant: In him there is neither Jew nor Gentile,
neither insider nor outsider;
All: ALL ARE ONE IN JESUS CHRIST.
Officiant: He is the Light of Life:
All: HE IS THE HOPE FOR THE WORLD.
Officiant: In him there is neither rich nor poor,
neither black nor white;
All: ALL ARE ONE IN JESUS CHRIST.
Officiant: He is the Light of Life:
All: HE IS THE HOPE FOR THE WORLD.
Officiant: In him there is neither male nor female,
neither master nor servant;
All: ALL ARE ONE IN JESUS CHRIST.
Officiant: He is the Light of Life:
All: HE IS THE HOPE FOR THE WORLD.
A Song:
Officiant: Let us pray.
In the mystery of your presence,
no words are needed.
In the depth of your silence,
no sound is necessary.
In the face of your Word,
no voice need respond.
'Be still,' you say,
'and know that I am God.'
So, we will be still and listen ...
to the beating of our hearts,
to the racing of our minds,
to the pondering of our souls,
knowing that your Spirit, your Holy Spirit,
is beating moving, provoking
within us and among us.
(Pause)
And we will be still and listen ...
for the cry of the voiceless,
for the groaning of the weary,
for the pain of the wounded,
for the sigh of the victim,
for the laughter of children,
for the song of gladness,
knowing that your Spirit, your Holy Spirit,
enables crying, groaning, sighing,
and also brings song and laughter.
(Pause)
We will be still,
and if we do not take off our shoes,
we will yet remember that this is Holy Ground
because you have promised to be
where your people meet in Jesus' name.
So we will wait;
patiently or impatiently
we will wait for Jesus.
(Pause)
All: AMEN
(Silence)
Officiant: I waited patiently for God
and God bent down to hear me.
All: GOD LIFTED ME FROM A MURKY PIT
AND SET ME FIRMLY ON A ROCK
WHERE I CAN STAND CONFIDENTLY.
Officiant: God put a new song on my lips,
a song of praise to my Maker.
All: MANY WILL LOOK ON IN WONDER
AND PUT THEIR TRUST IN GOD.
Officiant: Countless are your wonders, O God;
in goodness you have no equal.
All: WE WOULD PROCLAIM ALL YOUR WORKS
WERE THEY NOT TOO MANY TO NUMBER.
Proper 27
O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN
Readings from Holy Scripture
The First Lesson: I Kings 19: 1-16
Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life like the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” Then he was afraid; he got up and fled for his life and came to Beer-sheba, which belongs to Judah; he left his servant there.
But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, “Get up and eat.” He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water.
He ate and drank and lay down again. The angel of the LORD came a second time, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.” He got up and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God. At that place he came to a cave and spent the night there.
Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He answered, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts, for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.”
He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind, and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake, and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire, and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He answered, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts, for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.” Then the LORD said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel, and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place.
Reader: Hear God's word to God's people
All: THANKS BE TO GOD
The Psalm
Psalm 27 (NRSV) (Responsively by whole verse)
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 WHEN EVILDOERS ASSAIL ME
TO DEVOUR MY FLESH-
MY ADVERSARIES AND FOES-
THEY SHALL STUMBLE AND FALL.
3 Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war rise up against me,
yet I will be confident.
4 ONE THING I ASKED OF THE LORD;
THIS I SEEK:
TO LIVE IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD
ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE,
TO BEHOLD THE BEAUTY OF THE LORD,
AND TO INQUIRE IN HIS TEMPLE.
5 For he will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will set me high on a rock.
6 NOW MY HEAD IS LIFTED UP
ABOVE MY ENEMIES ALL AROUND ME,
AND I WILL OFFER IN HIS TENT
SACRIFICES WITH SHOUTS OF JOY;
I WILL SING AND MAKE MELODY TO THE LORD.
7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud;
be gracious to me and answer me!
8 "COME," MY HEART SAYS, "SEEK HIS FACE!"
YOUR FACE LORD DO I SEEK.
9 Do not hide your face from me.
Do not turn your servant away in anger,
you who have been my help.
Do not cast me off; do not forsake me,
O God of my salvation!
10 IF MY FATHER AND MOTHER FORSAKE ME,
THE LORD WILL TAKE ME UP.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD,
and lead me on a level path
because of my enemies.
12 DO NOT GIVE ME UP TO THE WILL OF MY ADVERSARIES,
FOR FALSE WITNESSES HAVE RISEN AGAINST ME,
AND THEY ARE BREATHING OUT VIOLENCE.
13 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14 WAIT FOR THE LORD;
BE STRONG, AND LET YOUR HEART TAKE COURAGE;
WAIT FOR THE LORD!
All: GLORY TO THE FATHER, AND TO THE SON, AND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT:
AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING IS NOW, AND WILL BE FOR EVER. AMEN
Second Lesson
Philippians 1:12-27 (NRSV)
I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually resulted in the progress of the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ, and most of the brothers and sisters, having been made confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, dare to speak the word with greater boldness and without fear.
Some proclaim Christ from envy and rivalry but others from goodwill. These proclaim Christ out of love, knowing that I have been put here for the defense of the gospel; the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but intending to increase my suffering in my imprisonment. What does it matter? Just this, that Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false motives or true, and in that I rejoice.
Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my salvation. It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way but that by my speaking with all boldness Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me, yet I cannot say which I will choose. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better, but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that, by my presence again with you, your boast might abound in Christ Jesus because of me.
Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel.
Reader: Hear God's word to God's people
All: THANKS BE TO GOD
A Song:
The Gospel: John 3: 3-18 (NRSV)
Officiant: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John
People: GLORY TO YOU LORD CHRIST
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him because he abides with you, and he will be in you.
“I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me, and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and
make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words, and the word that you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me.
“I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur you may believe.
Officiant: The Gospel of the Lord
All: PRAISE TO YOU LORD CHRIST
Homily:
The theme for this series: "Be Still and Know…"
A Song:
Prayers for Others:
Officiant: Let us now, in prayer,
remember and call out to God
for those whom the following words of scripture
bring to mind.
Remember those who tonight will cry,
'I wish to God it were morning,'
and come morning will cry,
'I wish to God it were night.'
Remember those whose pillows are soaked with tears
and whose eyes are tired and dim
with weeping.
Remember those
who, for whatever reason,
may want to say,
'Jesus, remember me,
when you come into your kingdom.'
Remember those
for whom the light that was in them
has turned to darkness,
and that darkness is doubly dark.
Remember those who in looking to tomorrow,
deeply hope that
the sick will be healed,
the stranger welcomed,
the prisoner released,
the poor hear good news.
And let us, in confidence,
share with God our own hopes and longings.
Officiant: I invite your intercessions, petitions, and thanksgivings
aloud or silently.
All: GLORY TO GOD OUR MAKER
TO GOD'S SON WHO IS CHRIST OUR LORD
TO THE SPIRIT WHO DWELLS IN OUR HEARTS
BOTH NOW AND FOREVER. AMEN
A Song:
Closing Responses:
Officiant: God of Abraham and Sarah,
of Moses and Miriam,
of Mary and Joseph,
All: STAY WITH US NOW.
Officiant: God of Joshua and Rahab,
of Rizpah and David,
of Dorcas and Paul,
All: STAY WITH US NOW.
Officiant: God of Simeon and Anna
of Martha and Thomas,
God of the Eunuch at the Pool
and the Woman at the Well,
All: STAY WITH US NOW.
Officiant: Stay with us and go with us,
for we leave as we gathered
in Jesus' name.
All: AMEN.
Officiant: Almighty and eternal God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth: Mercifully accept the prayers of your people, and strengthen us to do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: AMEN.
Benediction:
"Now Unto Him" ~O. Wood / Jude 24-25
Now unto Him who is able to keep,
able to keep you from falling,
And present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy;
To the only wise God our Savior,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power
both now and forever. Amen
Officiant: This service is over. Let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
A Song:
Opening Responses:
Officiant: In light and in darkness,
in peace and in confusion,
Jesus Christ wants to make his home
and meet his friends.
All: HE IS THE HOPE FOR THE WORLD
Officiant: In him there is neither Jew nor Gentile,
neither insider nor outsider;
All: ALL ARE ONE IN JESUS CHRIST.
Officiant: He is the Light of Life:
All: HE IS THE HOPE FOR THE WORLD.
Officiant: In him there is neither rich nor poor,
neither black nor white;
All: ALL ARE ONE IN JESUS CHRIST.
Officiant: He is the Light of Life:
All: HE IS THE HOPE FOR THE WORLD.
Officiant: In him there is neither male nor female,
neither master nor servant;
All: ALL ARE ONE IN JESUS CHRIST.
Officiant: He is the Light of Life:
All: HE IS THE HOPE FOR THE WORLD.
A Song:
Officiant: Let us pray.
In the mystery of your presence,
no words are needed.
In the depth of your silence,
no sound is necessary.
In the face of your Word,
no voice need respond.
'Be still,' you say,
'and know that I am God.'
So, we will be still and listen ...
to the beating of our hearts,
to the racing of our minds,
to the pondering of our souls,
knowing that your Spirit, your Holy Spirit,
is beating moving, provoking
within us and among us.
(Pause)
And we will be still and listen ...
for the cry of the voiceless,
for the groaning of the weary,
for the pain of the wounded,
for the sigh of the victim,
for the laughter of children,
for the song of gladness,
knowing that your Spirit, your Holy Spirit,
enables crying, groaning, sighing,
and also brings song and laughter.
(Pause)
We will be still,
and if we do not take off our shoes,
we will yet remember that this is Holy Ground
because you have promised to be
where your people meet in Jesus' name.
So we will wait;
patiently or impatiently
we will wait for Jesus.
(Pause)
All: AMEN
(Silence)
Officiant: I waited patiently for God
and God bent down to hear me.
All: GOD LIFTED ME FROM A MURKY PIT
AND SET ME FIRMLY ON A ROCK
WHERE I CAN STAND CONFIDENTLY.
Officiant: God put a new song on my lips,
a song of praise to my Maker.
All: MANY WILL LOOK ON IN WONDER
AND PUT THEIR TRUST IN GOD.
Officiant: Countless are your wonders, O God;
in goodness you have no equal.
All: WE WOULD PROCLAIM ALL YOUR WORKS
WERE THEY NOT TOO MANY TO NUMBER.
Proper 27
O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN
Readings from Holy Scripture
The First Lesson: I Kings 19: 1-16
Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life like the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” Then he was afraid; he got up and fled for his life and came to Beer-sheba, which belongs to Judah; he left his servant there.
But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, “Get up and eat.” He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water.
He ate and drank and lay down again. The angel of the LORD came a second time, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.” He got up and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God. At that place he came to a cave and spent the night there.
Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He answered, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts, for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.”
He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind, and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake, and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire, and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He answered, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts, for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.” Then the LORD said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel, and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place.
Reader: Hear God's word to God's people
All: THANKS BE TO GOD
The Psalm
Psalm 27 (NRSV) (Responsively by whole verse)
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 WHEN EVILDOERS ASSAIL ME
TO DEVOUR MY FLESH-
MY ADVERSARIES AND FOES-
THEY SHALL STUMBLE AND FALL.
3 Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war rise up against me,
yet I will be confident.
4 ONE THING I ASKED OF THE LORD;
THIS I SEEK:
TO LIVE IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD
ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE,
TO BEHOLD THE BEAUTY OF THE LORD,
AND TO INQUIRE IN HIS TEMPLE.
5 For he will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will set me high on a rock.
6 NOW MY HEAD IS LIFTED UP
ABOVE MY ENEMIES ALL AROUND ME,
AND I WILL OFFER IN HIS TENT
SACRIFICES WITH SHOUTS OF JOY;
I WILL SING AND MAKE MELODY TO THE LORD.
7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud;
be gracious to me and answer me!
8 "COME," MY HEART SAYS, "SEEK HIS FACE!"
YOUR FACE LORD DO I SEEK.
9 Do not hide your face from me.
Do not turn your servant away in anger,
you who have been my help.
Do not cast me off; do not forsake me,
O God of my salvation!
10 IF MY FATHER AND MOTHER FORSAKE ME,
THE LORD WILL TAKE ME UP.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD,
and lead me on a level path
because of my enemies.
12 DO NOT GIVE ME UP TO THE WILL OF MY ADVERSARIES,
FOR FALSE WITNESSES HAVE RISEN AGAINST ME,
AND THEY ARE BREATHING OUT VIOLENCE.
13 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14 WAIT FOR THE LORD;
BE STRONG, AND LET YOUR HEART TAKE COURAGE;
WAIT FOR THE LORD!
All: GLORY TO THE FATHER, AND TO THE SON, AND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT:
AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING IS NOW, AND WILL BE FOR EVER. AMEN
Second Lesson
Philippians 1:12-27 (NRSV)
I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually resulted in the progress of the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ, and most of the brothers and sisters, having been made confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, dare to speak the word with greater boldness and without fear.
Some proclaim Christ from envy and rivalry but others from goodwill. These proclaim Christ out of love, knowing that I have been put here for the defense of the gospel; the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but intending to increase my suffering in my imprisonment. What does it matter? Just this, that Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false motives or true, and in that I rejoice.
Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my salvation. It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way but that by my speaking with all boldness Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me, yet I cannot say which I will choose. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better, but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that, by my presence again with you, your boast might abound in Christ Jesus because of me.
Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel.
Reader: Hear God's word to God's people
All: THANKS BE TO GOD
A Song:
The Gospel: John 3: 3-18 (NRSV)
Officiant: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John
People: GLORY TO YOU LORD CHRIST
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him because he abides with you, and he will be in you.
“I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me, and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and
make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words, and the word that you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me.
“I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur you may believe.
Officiant: The Gospel of the Lord
All: PRAISE TO YOU LORD CHRIST
Homily:
The theme for this series: "Be Still and Know…"
A Song:
Prayers for Others:
Officiant: Let us now, in prayer,
remember and call out to God
for those whom the following words of scripture
bring to mind.
Remember those who tonight will cry,
'I wish to God it were morning,'
and come morning will cry,
'I wish to God it were night.'
Remember those whose pillows are soaked with tears
and whose eyes are tired and dim
with weeping.
Remember those
who, for whatever reason,
may want to say,
'Jesus, remember me,
when you come into your kingdom.'
Remember those
for whom the light that was in them
has turned to darkness,
and that darkness is doubly dark.
Remember those who in looking to tomorrow,
deeply hope that
the sick will be healed,
the stranger welcomed,
the prisoner released,
the poor hear good news.
And let us, in confidence,
share with God our own hopes and longings.
Officiant: I invite your intercessions, petitions, and thanksgivings
aloud or silently.
All: GLORY TO GOD OUR MAKER
TO GOD'S SON WHO IS CHRIST OUR LORD
TO THE SPIRIT WHO DWELLS IN OUR HEARTS
BOTH NOW AND FOREVER. AMEN
A Song:
Closing Responses:
Officiant: God of Abraham and Sarah,
of Moses and Miriam,
of Mary and Joseph,
All: STAY WITH US NOW.
Officiant: God of Joshua and Rahab,
of Rizpah and David,
of Dorcas and Paul,
All: STAY WITH US NOW.
Officiant: God of Simeon and Anna
of Martha and Thomas,
God of the Eunuch at the Pool
and the Woman at the Well,
All: STAY WITH US NOW.
Officiant: Stay with us and go with us,
for we leave as we gathered
in Jesus' name.
All: AMEN.
Officiant: Almighty and eternal God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth: Mercifully accept the prayers of your people, and strengthen us to do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: AMEN.
Benediction:
"Now Unto Him" ~O. Wood / Jude 24-25
Now unto Him who is able to keep,
able to keep you from falling,
And present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy;
To the only wise God our Savior,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power
both now and forever. Amen
Officiant: This service is over. Let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
3rd Wednesday Healing Service
December 20, 2023 - 7pm
The Collect of the Day
Celebrant: O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Song: "We Gather Together" ~ Hymnal 433
Opening Responses
Leader: Come to us this night, O God,
People: Come to us with light.
(Here a candle may be lit and placed centrally)
Leader: Speak to us this night, O God,
People: Speak to us your truth.
(Here a Bible may be placed centrally)
Leader: Dwell with us this night, O God,
People: Dwell with us in love.
(Here a cross may be placed centrally)
Song: "Lord, Make Us Servants of Your Peace" ~ Hymnal 593
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Leader: Thanks be to you O Christ,
People: For the many gifts you have bestowed on us,
Each day and night, each sea and land,
Each weather fair, each calm, each wild.
Leader: Each night may we remember your mercy given so gently and generously.
People: Each thing we have received,
From you it came;
Each thing for which we hope,
From your love it will come;
Each thing we enjoy,
It is of your bounty;
Each thing we ask,
Comes of your disposing.
Leader: O God, from whom each thing that is, freely flows,
People: Grant that no tie over strict, no tie over dear,
May be between ourselves and this world. Amen.
The Word of God
Leader: O God, as these words are read,
People: In our hearts may we feel your presence.
The Old Testament: Isaiah 53: 1-6
Who has believed what we have heard?
And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
For he grew up before him like a young plant,
and like a root out of dry ground;
he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by others;
a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity;
and as one from whom others hide their faces
he was despised, and we held him of no account.
Surely he has borne our infirmities
and carried our diseases;
yet we accounted him stricken,
struck down by God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions,
crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the punishment that made us whole,
and by his bruises we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have all turned to our own way,
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
Lector: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 23: 1-6
The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures
and leads me beside still waters.
He revives my soul
and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I shall fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me;
you have anointed my head with oil,
and my cup is running over.
Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now and will be for ever. Amen
The Gospel: Luke 7: 1 - 10
Celebrant: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was ill and close to death. When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, asking him to come and heal his slave. When they came to Jesus, they appealed to him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy of having you do this for him, for he loves our people, and it is he who built our synagogue for us.” And Jesus went with them, but when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; therefore I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and the slave does it.” When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, he said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.
Celebrant: The Gospel of the Lord
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ
Homily – Father Mike
Song: "We Walk By Faith" ~ Hymnal 209
Affirmation of Faith
Together: We believe, O God of all gods,
That you are the eternal God of life,
We believe, O God of all gods,
That you are the eternal God of love.
Men: We believe, O God and Maker of all creation,
that you are the creator of the high heavens,
that you are the creator of the deep seas,
that you are the creator of the stable earth.
Women: We believe, O God of all the peoples,
that you created our souls and set their warp,
that you created our bodies and gave them breath,
that you made us in your own image.
Together: We give you our worship
With our whole lives,
We give you our assent
With our whole power,
We give you our existence
With our whole mind,
We give you our kneeling
With our whole desire.
Prayers of Concern
Leader: O Christ, kindle in our hearts within a flame of love
to our neighbor, to our foes, to our friends,
to our kindred all.
People: O Christ of the poor and the yearning,
From the humblest thing that lives
To the name that is highest of all,
Kindle in our hearts within a flame of love.
A period of intercessions, freely spoken or unspoken.
At the end of this time the following prayer will be said:
Leader: We are placing our souls and our bodies
under your guarding this night, O Christ.
People: O son of the tears, of the wounds, of the piercings,
May your cross this night be shielding all.
Song: "Go Now In Peace"
Together: Go now in peace. Never be afraid.
God will go with you each hour of ev'ry day.
Go now in faith, steadfast, strong and true.
Know He will guide you in all you do.
Go now in love, and show you believe.
Reach out to others so all the world can see.
God will be there watching from above.
Go now in peace, in faith, and in love.
The Blessing
Leader: Be the great God between our shoulders
to protect us in our going and our coming;
be the Son of Mary near our heart;
and be the perfect Spirit upon us pouring. Amen.
Benediction ~ Jude 24 -25 (New King James Version)
ALL:
NOW TO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO KEEP YOU FROM STUMBLING,
AND TO PRESENT YOU FAULTLESS
BEFORE THE PRESENCE OF HIS GLORY WITH EXCEEDING JOY,
TO GOD OUR SAVIOR,
WHO ALONE IS WISE,
BE GLORY AND MAJESTY,
DOMINION AND POWER,
BOTH NOW AND FOREVER. AMEN
Dismissal: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all ever.
Celebrant: O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Song: "We Gather Together" ~ Hymnal 433
Opening Responses
Leader: Come to us this night, O God,
People: Come to us with light.
(Here a candle may be lit and placed centrally)
Leader: Speak to us this night, O God,
People: Speak to us your truth.
(Here a Bible may be placed centrally)
Leader: Dwell with us this night, O God,
People: Dwell with us in love.
(Here a cross may be placed centrally)
Song: "Lord, Make Us Servants of Your Peace" ~ Hymnal 593
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Leader: Thanks be to you O Christ,
People: For the many gifts you have bestowed on us,
Each day and night, each sea and land,
Each weather fair, each calm, each wild.
Leader: Each night may we remember your mercy given so gently and generously.
People: Each thing we have received,
From you it came;
Each thing for which we hope,
From your love it will come;
Each thing we enjoy,
It is of your bounty;
Each thing we ask,
Comes of your disposing.
Leader: O God, from whom each thing that is, freely flows,
People: Grant that no tie over strict, no tie over dear,
May be between ourselves and this world. Amen.
The Word of God
Leader: O God, as these words are read,
People: In our hearts may we feel your presence.
The Old Testament: Isaiah 53: 1-6
Who has believed what we have heard?
And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
For he grew up before him like a young plant,
and like a root out of dry ground;
he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by others;
a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity;
and as one from whom others hide their faces
he was despised, and we held him of no account.
Surely he has borne our infirmities
and carried our diseases;
yet we accounted him stricken,
struck down by God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions,
crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the punishment that made us whole,
and by his bruises we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have all turned to our own way,
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
Lector: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 23: 1-6
The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures
and leads me beside still waters.
He revives my soul
and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I shall fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me;
you have anointed my head with oil,
and my cup is running over.
Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now and will be for ever. Amen
The Gospel: Luke 7: 1 - 10
Celebrant: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was ill and close to death. When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, asking him to come and heal his slave. When they came to Jesus, they appealed to him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy of having you do this for him, for he loves our people, and it is he who built our synagogue for us.” And Jesus went with them, but when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; therefore I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and the slave does it.” When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, he said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.
Celebrant: The Gospel of the Lord
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ
Homily – Father Mike
Song: "We Walk By Faith" ~ Hymnal 209
Affirmation of Faith
Together: We believe, O God of all gods,
That you are the eternal God of life,
We believe, O God of all gods,
That you are the eternal God of love.
Men: We believe, O God and Maker of all creation,
that you are the creator of the high heavens,
that you are the creator of the deep seas,
that you are the creator of the stable earth.
Women: We believe, O God of all the peoples,
that you created our souls and set their warp,
that you created our bodies and gave them breath,
that you made us in your own image.
Together: We give you our worship
With our whole lives,
We give you our assent
With our whole power,
We give you our existence
With our whole mind,
We give you our kneeling
With our whole desire.
Prayers of Concern
Leader: O Christ, kindle in our hearts within a flame of love
to our neighbor, to our foes, to our friends,
to our kindred all.
People: O Christ of the poor and the yearning,
From the humblest thing that lives
To the name that is highest of all,
Kindle in our hearts within a flame of love.
A period of intercessions, freely spoken or unspoken.
At the end of this time the following prayer will be said:
Leader: We are placing our souls and our bodies
under your guarding this night, O Christ.
People: O son of the tears, of the wounds, of the piercings,
May your cross this night be shielding all.
Song: "Go Now In Peace"
Together: Go now in peace. Never be afraid.
God will go with you each hour of ev'ry day.
Go now in faith, steadfast, strong and true.
Know He will guide you in all you do.
Go now in love, and show you believe.
Reach out to others so all the world can see.
God will be there watching from above.
Go now in peace, in faith, and in love.
The Blessing
Leader: Be the great God between our shoulders
to protect us in our going and our coming;
be the Son of Mary near our heart;
and be the perfect Spirit upon us pouring. Amen.
Benediction ~ Jude 24 -25 (New King James Version)
ALL:
NOW TO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO KEEP YOU FROM STUMBLING,
AND TO PRESENT YOU FAULTLESS
BEFORE THE PRESENCE OF HIS GLORY WITH EXCEEDING JOY,
TO GOD OUR SAVIOR,
WHO ALONE IS WISE,
BE GLORY AND MAJESTY,
DOMINION AND POWER,
BOTH NOW AND FOREVER. AMEN
Dismissal: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all ever.
