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Sunday morning's 10am worship (12/5) service outline is below... Please scroll down.
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
HOLY COMMUNION
(with Prayer of Spiritual Communion)
December 5, 2021, 10:00 a.m.
Advent Prayer & 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.
Prelude: "From Heaven Above" ~W. Held
(This is a time for quiet reflection please be sensitive to your neighbors and quieten your conversation)
Ringing of the Bell
Hymn: 75 "There's A Voice in the Wilderness Crying"
Opening sentences:
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 Eleison : BCP 356 … R. Proulx
Celebrant: Lord, have mercy.
People: Christ have mercy.
Celebrant: Lord, have mercy.
Celebrant: The Lord be with you
People: And with thy spirit
Celebrant: Let us pray
The Collect For the Second Sunday in Advent
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: Malachi 3:1-4
See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight-- indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?
For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.
Lector: The Word of the Lord
Response: Thanks be to God
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 126
Cantor: "The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy"
Response: "The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy"
The Second Lesson: Philippians 1:3-11
I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God's grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.
Lector: The Word of the Lord
Response: Thanks be to God
Gospel Acclamation
Together: "Alleluia" Alleluia! Alleluia!"
Celebrant: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke
People: Glory to You Lord Christ
The Gospel: Luke 3:1-6
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,
"The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth;
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"
Celebrant: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Children's Talk - Fiona Floyd
Sermon - Father Mike Floyd
Prayer before 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 have you inspired Mike's preparation, that you will enliven his presentation and that you will empower our application. Amen
The Nicene Creed pg 358 Book of Common Prayer
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 of the People: Form III (with additions) pg 392
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 pray for Michael our Presiding Bishop, for Mark, Bill and Arthur, and our own Bishops. We pray especially for the election of the new Bishop of Ohio, for all bishops and other ministers, and for our own Priest Father Mike. Today we pray for Journey Church and Pastor Phil Kerlin
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; especially Conrad & Robbie
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: pg 360 Book of Common Prayer
Celebrant: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
ALL: 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
The Absolution:
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: pg 360 Book of Common Prayer
Celebrant: The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.
Offertory Anthem: "An Advent Legend" ~ C. Lee / D.E. Wagner
The Doxology: 380 "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow" (sung)
(offertory plate brought forward)
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
The Collect for Stewardship (Book of Common Prayer 259)
O merciful Creator, your hand is open wide to satisfy the needs of every living creature: Make us always thankful for your loving providence; and grant that we, remembering the account that we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your good gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever; AMEN
HOLY EUCHARIST RITE II
Eucharistic Prayer A
[In the Episcopal Church, all Baptized persons, that Christ draws to His table, regardless of denomination, are welcome to receive communion]
Setting of the Table (soft organ music)
The Great Thanksgiving
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 sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Celebrant and People: (sung)
Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and 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. … R. Powell
Celebrant: 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:
Celebrant and People: (sung)
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
Celebrant (cont): 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: "Amen, Amen, Amen!"
Celebrant: And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us we are bold to sing:
The Lord's Prayer: "Our Father" - Fr R. Bethancourt (sung)
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,
thine is the power, thine is the glory,
for ever and ever.
The Breaking of the Bread - pg. 364 BCP
Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia
Lamb of God: (sung)
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: 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.
The Prayer for Spiritual Communion, from The Prayer Book for the Armed Services:
In union, O Lord, with your faithful people at every altar of your Church, where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, I desire to offer to you praise and thanksgiving. I remember your death, Lord Christ; I proclaim your resurrection; I await your coming in glory. Since I cannot receive you today in the Sacrament of your Body and Blood, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. Cleanse and strengthen me with your grace, Lord Jesus, and let me never be separated from you. May I live in you, and you in me, in this life and in the life to come. AMEN
Communion Hymn: 67 "Comfort, Comfort, Ye My People"
After Communion:
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.
The Blessing
Celebrant: The blessing of God Almighty the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. AMEN
Closing Hymn: 337 "People, Look East"
Announcements
First announcement every week: (recited together)
"Christ in you, the hope of glory"
The Benediction ~Jude 24 - 25 (O. Wood) (sung)
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
Dismissal: 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
Postlude
The Flowers on the Altar today are donated by Sharon Miller.
SERVING AT CHRIST CHURCH
CELEBRANT - Fr Mike Floyd
ORGANIST/CHOIR DIRECTOR - Jim Petersen
ALTER GUILD - Mary Trout / Suzy Smercina
GREETER - Denise Smith
BELL RINGER - Bob DuBray
LECTOR - Suzy Smercina
CANTOR - Mary Trout
ACOLYTE/GOSPEL BOOK - Tom Wells
ACOLYTE TRAINEE/CRUCIFER - Lilly Bauman
VIDEOGRAPHER - Paul Bauman
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.
Prelude: "From Heaven Above" ~W. Held
(This is a time for quiet reflection please be sensitive to your neighbors and quieten your conversation)
Ringing of the Bell
Hymn: 75 "There's A Voice in the Wilderness Crying"
Opening sentences:
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 Eleison : BCP 356 … R. Proulx
Celebrant: Lord, have mercy.
People: Christ have mercy.
Celebrant: Lord, have mercy.
Celebrant: The Lord be with you
People: And with thy spirit
Celebrant: Let us pray
The Collect For the Second Sunday in Advent
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: Malachi 3:1-4
See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight-- indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?
For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.
Lector: The Word of the Lord
Response: Thanks be to God
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 126
Cantor: "The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy"
Response: "The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy"
The Second Lesson: Philippians 1:3-11
I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God's grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.
Lector: The Word of the Lord
Response: Thanks be to God
Gospel Acclamation
Together: "Alleluia" Alleluia! Alleluia!"
Celebrant: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke
People: Glory to You Lord Christ
The Gospel: Luke 3:1-6
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,
"The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth;
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"
Celebrant: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Children's Talk - Fiona Floyd
Sermon - Father Mike Floyd
Prayer before 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 have you inspired Mike's preparation, that you will enliven his presentation and that you will empower our application. Amen
The Nicene Creed pg 358 Book of Common Prayer
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 of the People: Form III (with additions) pg 392
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 pray for Michael our Presiding Bishop, for Mark, Bill and Arthur, and our own Bishops. We pray especially for the election of the new Bishop of Ohio, for all bishops and other ministers, and for our own Priest Father Mike. Today we pray for Journey Church and Pastor Phil Kerlin
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; especially Conrad & Robbie
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: pg 360 Book of Common Prayer
Celebrant: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
ALL: 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
The Absolution:
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: pg 360 Book of Common Prayer
Celebrant: The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.
Offertory Anthem: "An Advent Legend" ~ C. Lee / D.E. Wagner
The Doxology: 380 "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow" (sung)
(offertory plate brought forward)
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
The Collect for Stewardship (Book of Common Prayer 259)
O merciful Creator, your hand is open wide to satisfy the needs of every living creature: Make us always thankful for your loving providence; and grant that we, remembering the account that we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your good gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever; AMEN
HOLY EUCHARIST RITE II
Eucharistic Prayer A
[In the Episcopal Church, all Baptized persons, that Christ draws to His table, regardless of denomination, are welcome to receive communion]
Setting of the Table (soft organ music)
The Great Thanksgiving
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 sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Celebrant and People: (sung)
Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and 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. … R. Powell
Celebrant: 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:
Celebrant and People: (sung)
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
Celebrant (cont): 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: "Amen, Amen, Amen!"
Celebrant: And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us we are bold to sing:
The Lord's Prayer: "Our Father" - Fr R. Bethancourt (sung)
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,
thine is the power, thine is the glory,
for ever and ever.
The Breaking of the Bread - pg. 364 BCP
Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia
Lamb of God: (sung)
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: 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.
The Prayer for Spiritual Communion, from The Prayer Book for the Armed Services:
In union, O Lord, with your faithful people at every altar of your Church, where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, I desire to offer to you praise and thanksgiving. I remember your death, Lord Christ; I proclaim your resurrection; I await your coming in glory. Since I cannot receive you today in the Sacrament of your Body and Blood, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. Cleanse and strengthen me with your grace, Lord Jesus, and let me never be separated from you. May I live in you, and you in me, in this life and in the life to come. AMEN
Communion Hymn: 67 "Comfort, Comfort, Ye My People"
After Communion:
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.
The Blessing
Celebrant: The blessing of God Almighty the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. AMEN
Closing Hymn: 337 "People, Look East"
Announcements
First announcement every week: (recited together)
"Christ in you, the hope of glory"
The Benediction ~Jude 24 - 25 (O. Wood) (sung)
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
Dismissal: 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
Postlude
The Flowers on the Altar today are donated by Sharon Miller.
SERVING AT CHRIST CHURCH
CELEBRANT - Fr Mike Floyd
ORGANIST/CHOIR DIRECTOR - Jim Petersen
ALTER GUILD - Mary Trout / Suzy Smercina
GREETER - Denise Smith
BELL RINGER - Bob DuBray
LECTOR - Suzy Smercina
CANTOR - Mary Trout
ACOLYTE/GOSPEL BOOK - Tom Wells
ACOLYTE TRAINEE/CRUCIFER - Lilly Bauman
VIDEOGRAPHER - Paul Bauman
SUNDAYS @ FIVE
Twentieth-Fifth Sunday
After Pentecost
For Such a Time as This
November 14, 2021
A Song : "What a Friend We Have in Jesus"
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 : "Fairest Lord Jesus" - Hymnal 383
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.'
(Pause)
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. 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.
The Collect for the Twentieth-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Celebrant: Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Readings from Holy Scripture
Old Testament: First Lesson
1 Samuel 1:4-20
On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters; but to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. Her rival used to provoke her severely, to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. So it went on year by year; as often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. Her husband Elkanah said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? Why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?”
After they had eaten and drunk at Shiloh, Hannah rose and presented herself before the Lord. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord, and wept bitterly. She made this vow: “O Lord of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a male child, then I will set him before you as a nazirite until the day of his death. He shall drink neither wine nor intoxicants, and no razor shall touch his head.”
As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying silently; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard; therefore Eli thought she was drunk. So Eli said to her, “How long will you make a drunken spectacle of yourself? Put away your wine.” But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation all this time.” Then Eli answered, “Go in peace; the God of Israel grant the petition you have made to him.” And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your sight.” Then the woman went to her quarters, ate and drank with her husband, and her countenance was sad no longer.
They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord; then they went back to their house at Ramah. Elkanah knew his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. In due time Hannah conceived and bore a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, “I have asked him of the Lord.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
All: THANKS BE TO GOD
The Psalm:
Psalm 16 Conserva me, Domine
1 Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you;
I have said to the Lord, "You are my Lord,
my good above all other."
2 All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land,
upon those who are noble among the people.
3 But those who run after other gods
shall have their troubles multiplied.
4 Their libations of blood I will not offer,
nor take the names of their gods upon my lips.
5 O Lord, you are my portion and my cup;
it is you who uphold my lot.
6 My boundaries enclose a pleasant land;
indeed, I have a goodly heritage.
7 I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
my heart teaches me, night after night.
8 I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand I shall not fall.
9 My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices;
my body also shall rest in hope.
10 For you will not abandon me to the grave,
nor let your holy one see the Pit.
11 You will show me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy,
and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.
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
New Testament: Second Lesson
Hebrews 10:11-25
Every priest stands day after day at his service, offering again and again the same sacrifices that can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, “he sat down at the right hand of God,” and since then has been waiting “until his enemies would be made a footstool for his feet.” For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying,
“This is the covenant that I will make with them
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds,”
he also adds,
“I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”
Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.
Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
All: THANKS BE TO GOD
A Song: "My Jesus I Love Thee"
The Gospel: Mark 13:1-8
Officiant: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark
People: GLORY TO YOU, LORD CHRIST.
As Jesus came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.”
When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?” Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birthpangs.”
Officiant: The Gospel of the Lord.
All: PRAISE TO YOU LORD CHRIST.
Homily: Father Mike
Theme: "For Such A Time As This"
Esther 4: 8 - 17 NRSV
Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and charge her to go to the king to make supplication to him and entreat him for her people.
Hathach went and told Esther what Mordecai had said. Then Esther spoke to Hathach and gave him a message for Mordecai, saying, “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner
court without being called, there is but one law—all alike are to be put to death. Only if the king holds out the golden scepter to someone, may that person live. I myself have not been called to come in to the king for thirty days.” When they told Mordecai what Esther had said, Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your father’s family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.” Then Esther said in reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will also fast as you do. After that I will go to the king, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.” Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.
A Song: "Blest Be the Tie That Binds"
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 : "Where He Leads Me"
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. AMEN.
A Song:
The Benediction ~ 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 … O. Wood
Officiant: This service is over let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord
All: Thanks be to God.
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 : "Fairest Lord Jesus" - Hymnal 383
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.'
(Pause)
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. 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.
The Collect for the Twentieth-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Celebrant: Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Readings from Holy Scripture
Old Testament: First Lesson
1 Samuel 1:4-20
On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters; but to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. Her rival used to provoke her severely, to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. So it went on year by year; as often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. Her husband Elkanah said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? Why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?”
After they had eaten and drunk at Shiloh, Hannah rose and presented herself before the Lord. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord, and wept bitterly. She made this vow: “O Lord of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a male child, then I will set him before you as a nazirite until the day of his death. He shall drink neither wine nor intoxicants, and no razor shall touch his head.”
As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying silently; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard; therefore Eli thought she was drunk. So Eli said to her, “How long will you make a drunken spectacle of yourself? Put away your wine.” But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation all this time.” Then Eli answered, “Go in peace; the God of Israel grant the petition you have made to him.” And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your sight.” Then the woman went to her quarters, ate and drank with her husband, and her countenance was sad no longer.
They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord; then they went back to their house at Ramah. Elkanah knew his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. In due time Hannah conceived and bore a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, “I have asked him of the Lord.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
All: THANKS BE TO GOD
The Psalm:
Psalm 16 Conserva me, Domine
1 Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you;
I have said to the Lord, "You are my Lord,
my good above all other."
2 All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land,
upon those who are noble among the people.
3 But those who run after other gods
shall have their troubles multiplied.
4 Their libations of blood I will not offer,
nor take the names of their gods upon my lips.
5 O Lord, you are my portion and my cup;
it is you who uphold my lot.
6 My boundaries enclose a pleasant land;
indeed, I have a goodly heritage.
7 I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
my heart teaches me, night after night.
8 I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand I shall not fall.
9 My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices;
my body also shall rest in hope.
10 For you will not abandon me to the grave,
nor let your holy one see the Pit.
11 You will show me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy,
and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.
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
New Testament: Second Lesson
Hebrews 10:11-25
Every priest stands day after day at his service, offering again and again the same sacrifices that can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, “he sat down at the right hand of God,” and since then has been waiting “until his enemies would be made a footstool for his feet.” For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying,
“This is the covenant that I will make with them
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds,”
he also adds,
“I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”
Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.
Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
All: THANKS BE TO GOD
A Song: "My Jesus I Love Thee"
The Gospel: Mark 13:1-8
Officiant: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark
People: GLORY TO YOU, LORD CHRIST.
As Jesus came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.”
When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?” Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birthpangs.”
Officiant: The Gospel of the Lord.
All: PRAISE TO YOU LORD CHRIST.
Homily: Father Mike
Theme: "For Such A Time As This"
Esther 4: 8 - 17 NRSV
Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and charge her to go to the king to make supplication to him and entreat him for her people.
Hathach went and told Esther what Mordecai had said. Then Esther spoke to Hathach and gave him a message for Mordecai, saying, “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner
court without being called, there is but one law—all alike are to be put to death. Only if the king holds out the golden scepter to someone, may that person live. I myself have not been called to come in to the king for thirty days.” When they told Mordecai what Esther had said, Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your father’s family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.” Then Esther said in reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will also fast as you do. After that I will go to the king, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.” Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.
A Song: "Blest Be the Tie That Binds"
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 : "Where He Leads Me"
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. AMEN.
A Song:
The Benediction ~ 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 … O. Wood
Officiant: This service is over let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord
All: Thanks be to God.
