Readings 1 SAMUEL 2:18-20, 26; PSALM 148; COLOSSIANS 3:12-17; LUKE 2:41-52
PROCESSIONAL: All Creatures of… – #63
All creatures of our God and King, Lift up your voice and with us sing Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam, Thou silver moon with softer gleam, O praise Him! O praise Him!
Thou rushing wind that art so strong, Ye clouds that sail in heav’n along, O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice; Ye lights of evening, find a voice, O praise Him! O praise Him!
Thou flowing water, pure and clear, Make music for Thy Lord to hear, Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright, Thou givest man both warmth and light, O praise Him! O praise Him!
And all ye men of tender heart, Forgiving others, take your part, O sing ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear, Praise God and on Him cast your care, O praise Him! O praise Him!
Let all things their Creator bless, And worship Him in humbleness, O praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son, And praise the Spirit, Three in One, O praise Him! O praise Him!
Collect Almighty God, you have shed upon us the new light of your incarnate Word. May this light, enkindled in our hearts, shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
First Reading A READING FROM THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy wearing a linen ephod. His mother used to make for him a little robe and take it to him each year, when she went up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say, “May the Lord repay you with children by this woman for the gift that she made to the Lord”; and then they would return to their home. Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favour with the Lord and with the people. 1 SAMUEL 2:18-20, 26
Psalm REFRAIN Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights.
Praise him, all you angels of his; praise him, all his host.
Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. R
Praise him, heaven of heavens, and you waters above the heavens.
Let them praise the name of the Lord; for he commanded, and they were created. He made them stand fast for ever and ever; he gave them a law which shall not pass away. R
Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea-monsters and all deeps;
Fire and hail, snow and fog, tempestuous wind, doing his will;
Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars;
Wild beasts and all cattle, creeping things and winged birds; R
Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the world;
Young men and maidens, old and young together.
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name only is exalted, his splendour is over earth and heaven. R
He has raised up strength for his people and praise for all his loyal servants, the children of Israel, a people who are near him. R PSALM 148
Second Reading A READING FROM THE LETTER OF PAUL TO THE COLOSSIANS As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. COLOSSIANS 3:12-17
GRADUAL: What Child Is This? – #281
What Child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping?
REFRAIN This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angles sing Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear, for sinners here The silent Word is pleading.
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh: Come, peasant, king to own Him The King of kings salvation brings: Let loving hearts enthrone Him
Gospel THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO LUKE Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming that he was in the group of travellers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.” He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favour. LUKE 2:41-52
OFFERTORY: I Heard The Bells… – #267
I heard the bells on Christmas day Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth, good will to men.
I thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along th’ unbroken song Of peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair I bowed my head: “There is no peace on earth,” I said, “For hate is strong and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men.”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth, good will to men.”
Till ringing, singing on its way, The world revolved from night to day, A voice, a chime, a chant sublime Of peace on earth, good will to men.
Prayer over the Gifts God of light, in the birth of your Son we see your glory. May we who share in this mystery grow daily in your love. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
COMMUNION: O Master Let Me Walk…- #665
O Master, let me walk with Thee In lowly paths of service free. Tell me Thy secret; help me bear The strain of toil, the fret of care.
Help me the slow of heart to move By some clear, winning word of love. Teach me the wayward feet to stay, And guide them in the homeward way.
Teach me Thy patience; still with Thee In closer, dearer company, In work that keeps faith sweet and strong, In trust that triumphs over wrong;
In hope that sends a shining ray Far down the future’s broad’ning way, In peace that only Thou cast give, With Thee, O Master, let me live.
Prayer After Communion Source of truth and joy, may we who have received the gift of divine life always follow the way of your Son. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
RECESSIONAL: Angels, from The… – #259
Angels, from the realms of glory, Wing your flight o’er all the earth; Ye who sang creation’s story Now proclaim Messiah’s birth.
(Refrain) Come and worship, Come and worship; Worship Christ, The newborn King.
Shepherds, in the field abiding, Watching o’er your flocks by night, God with man is now residing, Yonder shines the Infant Light:
Sages, leave your contemplations, Brighter visions beam afar: Seek the great Desire of nations: Ye have seen His natal star:
Saints before the altar bending, Watching long in hope and fear, Suddenly the Lord, descending In His temple shall appear.
Tho’ an infant now we view Him, He will share His Father’s throne; Gather all the nations to Him; Every knee shall then bow down.
Readings MICAH 5:2-5A; CANTICLE 18 (LUKE 1:47-55) OR PSALM 80:1-7; HEBREWS 10:5-10; LUKE 1:39-45 (46-55)
PROCESSIONAL: Tell Out My Soul… – #495
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord! Unnumbered blessings, give my spirit voice; Tender to me the promise of his word; To God my saviour shall my heart rejoice.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his name! Make known his might, the deeds his arm has done; His mercy sure, from age to age the same; His holy name – the Lord, the mighty one.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his might! Powers and dominions lay their glory by; Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight, The hungry fed, the humble lifted high.
Tell out, my soul, the glories of his word! Firm is his promise, and his mercy sure. Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord To children’s children and for evermore!
LightingOf The Advent Candle: JOY
Leader: Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord
All: Thanks be to God
Leader: Last Sunday we lit the Candle of Love. We light it and the Candles of Hope and Peace again as we remember that Jesus, born in Bethlehem, will come again to fulfill all of God’s promises and bring us everlasting peace and joy.
Leader: Today we light the Fourth Candle of Advent, the Candle of Joy. When the angel Gabriel told Mary that a special child would be born to her she was filled with joy. She sang a song that began with the words:
Leader: “My soul magnifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. Just as the birth of Jesus gave great joy to his mother, so his presence in the world gave joy to those who had none before.
Leader: He healed them and gave them hope and peace when they believed in him.
From hope, peace, and love grows joy.
Leader: We light the Candle of Joy to remind us that when Jesus is born in us we have joy and that through him there will be everlasting joy on earth.
Leader: Joy is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at this candle we celebrate the joy we find in Jesus Christ.
Leader: Let us pray.
All: Thank you God for the joy you give us. We ask that as we wait for all your promises to come true, and for Christ to come again, that you would remainpresent with us. Help us today, and everyday to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your will by sharing your joy with each other. We ask it in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem.
Amen
Hymn: Light One Candle!
Light one candle for hope, one bright candle for hope, He brings hope to ev’ry heart, He comes! He comes!
Light one candle for peace, one bright candle for peace, He brings peace to ev’ry heart, He Comes! He Comes! Light one candle for joy, one bright candle for joy,
Ev’ry nation will find salvation in Bethl’em’s baby boy. Light one candle for love, one bright candle for love, He brings love to ev’ry heart, He comes! He Comes!
Collect Heavenly Father, who chose the Virgin Mary, full of grace, to be the mother of our Lord and Saviour, now fill us with your grace, that we in all things may embrace your will and with her rejoice in your salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
First Reading A READING FROM THE BOOK OF MICAH You, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labour has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace. MICAH 5:2-5A
Psalm CANTICLE My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour; for he has looked with favour on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children 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. CANTICLE 18, BAS (LUKE 1:47-55)
Or
PSALM REFRAIN Show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim.
In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, stir up your strength and come to help us.
Restore us, O God of hosts; show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved. R
O Lord God of hosts, how long will you be angered despite the prayers of your people?
You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have given them bowls of tears to drink. R
You have made us the derision of our neighbours, and our enemies laugh us to scorn.
Restore us, O God of hosts; show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved. R PSALM 80:1-7
Second Reading A READING FROM THE LETTER TO THE HEBREWS When Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, ‘See, God, I have come to do your will, O God’ (in the scroll of the book it is written of me).” When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), then he added, “See, I have come to do your will.” He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. And it is by God’s will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. HEBREWS 10:5-10
GRADUAL: People Look East
People look east the time is near Of the crowning of the year Make your house fair as you are able Trim the hearth and set the table People look east and sing today Love the guest is on the way
Furrows be glad Though the earth is bare One more seed is planted there Give up your strength The seed to nourish That in course the flower may flourish People look east and sing today Love the rose is on the way
Stars Keep watch when the night is dim One more light the bowl shall brim Shining beyond the frosty weather Bright as the sun and moon together People look east and sing today Love the star is on the way
Angels announce to men and beast Him who cometh from the east Set ev’ry peak and valley Humming with the word The Lord is coming People look east and sing today Love the Lord the Lord is on the way
Gospel THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO LUKE In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”
[And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”] LUKE 1:39-45 (46-55)
OFFERTORY: Tell Out My Soul… – #495
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord! Unnumbered blessings, give my spirit voice; Tender to me the promise of his word; To God my saviour shall my heart rejoice.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his name! Make known his might, the deeds his arm has done; His mercy sure, from age to age the same; His holy name – the Lord, the mighty one.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his might! Powers and dominions lay their glory by; Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight, The hungry fed, the humble lifted high.
Tell out, my soul, the glories of his word! Firm is his promise, and his mercy sure. Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord To children’s children and for evermore!
Prayer over the Gifts Gracious God, by the power of the Spirit who sanctified the mother of your Son, make holy all we offer you this day. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
COMMUNION: #418 In the Bleak Mid-Winter
In the bleak mid-winter, frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, in the bleak mid-winter, long ago.
Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain; heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign; in the bleak mid-winter a stable place sufficed the Lord God almighty, Jesus Christ.
Angels and archangels may have gathered there; cherubim and seraphim thronged the air; but his mother only, in her maiden bliss, worshipped the beloved with a kiss.
What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a wise man, I would do my part; yet what I can, I give him – give my heart.
Prayer After Communion Faithful God, in this sacrament we receive the promise of salvation. May we, like the Virgin Mary, be obedient to your will. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
RECESSIONAL: See Amid the Winter’s – #414
See amid the winter’s snow Born for us on earth below See the Lamb of God appears Promised from eternal years
(Chorus) Hail thou ever blessed morn Hail redemption’s happy dawn Sing through all Jerusalem Christ is born in Bethlehem
Lo within a manger lies He who built the starry skies He who throned in height sublime Sits amid the cherubim
Say ye holy shepherds say What your joyful news today Wherefore have ye left your sheep On the lonely mountain steep
As we watched at dead of night Lo we saw a wondrous light Angels singing peace on earth Told us of the Saviour’s birth
Sacred Infant all divine What a tender love was Thine Thus to come from highest bliss Down to such a world as this
Teach O teach us holy Child By Thy face so meek and mild Teach us to resemble Thee In Thy sweet humility
Soon and very soon, We are going to see the King! (x 3) Hallelujah! Hallelujah! We are going to see the King!
No more crying there – We are going to see the King! (x 3) Hallelujah! Hallelujah! We are going to see the King!
No more dying there – We are going to see the King! (x 3) Hallelujah! Hallelujah! We are going to see the King!
Soon and very soon, We are going to see the King! (x 3) Hallelujah! Hallelujah! We are going to see the King! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
LightingOf The Advent Candle
Leader: Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord
All: Thanks be to God
Leader: Today is the Third Sunday of Advent and we will light the Candle of Love. Last Sunday we lit the Candle of Peace. We light it and the Candle of Hope again as we remember Jesus, born in Bethlehem, our hope and our peace.
Leader: Today we light the Third Candle of Advent, the Candle of Love. In their old age God gave to Zechariah and Elisabeth a son called John. John spoke to the people bravely in the desert denying his own comforts and prepared to die for what he believed. John taught that we should share what we have with others, treat each other kindly and show Gods love.
Leader: He did this because he cared for people and wanted them to repent and find God’s forgiveness.
Leader: Love is like a candle shining in a dark place. As we look at the light of this candle we celebrate the love we have in Christ.
Leader: Let us pray.
All: Lord God, Your witness John the Baptist grew up strong in spirit and prepared people for the coming of the Lord. He loved your people andbaptized them in the River Jordan to wash away their sins. Help us to have the same love that we would be witnesses to him and spread the good news of your love.
As Christmas draws closer day by day, help us to be ready to welcome him.
Amen
HYMN: Light One Candle!
Light one candle for hope, one bright candle for hope, He brings hope to ev’ry heart, He comes! He comes!
Light one candle for peace, one bright candle for peace, He brings peace to ev’ry heart, He Comes! He Comes! Light one candle for joy, one bright candle for joy,
Ev’ry nation will find salvation in Bethl’em’s baby boy. Light one candle for love, one bright candle for love, He brings love to ev’ry heart, He comes! He Comes!
Collect God of power and mercy, you call us once again to celebrate the coming of your Son. Remove those things which hinder love of you, that when he comes, he may find us waiting in awe and wonder for him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
First Reading A READING FROM THE BOOK OF ZEPHANIAH Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgements against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more. On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak. The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival. I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it. I will deal with all your oppressors at that time. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the Lord. ZEPHANIAH 3:14-20
Psalm CANTICLE REFRAIN Ring out your joy, for the Holy One of Israel is in your midst. Surely, it is God who saves me; I will trust in him and not be afraid. For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defence, and he will be my Saviour. R Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing from the springs of salvation. And on that day you shall say, Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his name; make his deeds known among the peoples; see that they remember that his name is exalted. R Sing the praises of the Lord, for he has done great things, and this is known in all the world. Cry aloud, inhabitants of Zion, ring out your joy, for the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel. R CANTICLE 3, BAS (ISAIAH 12:2-6)
Second Reading A READING FROM THE LETTER OF PAUL TO THE PHILIPPIANS Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7
GRADUAL: Thy Kingdom Come… – #278
Thy kingdom come – on bended knee The passing ages pray; And faithful souls have yearned to see On earth that kingdom’s day.
But the slow watches of the night Not less to God belong, And for the everlasting right The silent stars are strong.
And lo, already the hills The flags of dawn appear; Gird up your loins, ye prophet souls, Proclaim the day is near:
The day in whose clear-shining light All wrong shall stand revealed, When justice shall be clothed with might, And every hurt be healed;
When knowledge, hand in hand with peace, Shall walk the earth abroad; The day of perfect righteousness, The promised day of God.
Gospel THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO LUKE John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.” As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people. LUKE 3:7-18
OFFERTORY: O For A Thousand… – #21
O for a thousand tongues to sing My great Redeemer’s praise, The glories of my God and King, The triumphs of His grace.
Jesus! The name that charms our fears, That bids our sorrows cease, ‘Tis music in the sinner’s ears, ‘Tis life and health and peace.
He breaks the pow’r of cancelled sin, He sets the prisoner free; His blood can make the foulest clean; His blood availed for me.
Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb, Your loosened tongues employ; Ye blind, behold your Saviour come; And leap, ye lame, for joy.
My gracious Master and my God, Assist me to proclaim, To spread thro’ all the earth abroad, The honours of Thy name.
Prayer over the Gifts God of hope, renew in us the joy of your salvation and make us a living sacrifice to you, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.
COMMUNION: Come, Ye Thankful… – #797
Come, ye thankful people, come; Raise the song of harvest home; All is safely gathered in Ere the winter storms begin.
God, our maker, doth provide For our wants to be supplied Come to God’s own temple, come; Raise the song of harvest home.
All the world is God’s own field, Fruit unto His praise to yield. Wheat and tares together sown, Unto joy or sorrow grown.
First the blade, and then the ear, Then the full corn shall appear; Lord of harvest, grant that we Wholesome grain and pure may be.
For the Lord our God shall come, And shall take His harvest home; From His field shall in that day All offenses purge away.
Give His angels charge at last In the fire the tares to cast, But the fruitful ears to store In His garner evermore.
Even so, Lord, quickly come To Thy final harvest home; Gather Thou Thy people in, Free from sorrow, free from sin.
There forever purified, In Thy presence to abide. Come, with all Thine angels come; Raise the glorious harvest home.
Prayer After Communion Merciful God, may this eucharist free us from our sins, fill us with unending joy, and prepare us for the birthday of our Saviour. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, who is Lord now and for ever.
RECESSIONAL: Rejoice, The Lord Is King – #370
Rejoice, the Lord is King; Your Lord and King adore! Rejoice, give thanks and sing And triumph evermore.
(Refrain) Lift up your heart; Lift up your voice! Rejoice, again I say rejoice!
Jesus, the Saviour, reigns, The God of truth and love. When He had purged our stains, He took His seat above.
His kingdom cannot fail; He rules o’er earth and heav’n. The keys of death and hell Are to our Jesus giv’n.
Rejoice in glorious hope! Our Lord, the Judge, shall come And take His servants up To their eternal home.
On Jordan’s bank, the Baptist’s cry Announces that the Lord is nigh; Awake and hearken, for he brings Glad tidings of the King of kings.
Then cleansed be every breast from sin; Make straight the way for God within; Prepare we in our hearts a home, Where such a mighty guest may come.
For Thou art our salvation, Lord, Our refuge and our great reward; Without Thy grace we waste away, Like flowers that wither and decay.
To heal the sick stretch out Thine hand, And bid the fallen sinner stand; Shine forth and let Thy light restore Earth’s own true loveliness once more.
All praise, eternal Son, to Thee Whose advent doth Thy people free, Whom with the Father we adore And Holy Ghost for evermore.
LightingOf The Advent Candle(PEACE)
Leader: Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord
All: Thanks be to God
Leader: Today is the Second Sunday of Advent and we will light the Candle of Peace. Last Sunday we lit the First Candle in our Advent Wreath, and celebrated the patriarchs, this First Candle reminded us of our hope in Christ.
Leader: We light it again as we remember our Saviour, born a king in the line of King David. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, and we believe that he will come again to fulfill all of God’s promises to us, to rule the world wisely and bless all nations.
Leader: Today we light the Second Candle of Advent, the Candle of Peace. We remember the prophets who spoke of the coming of Christ, of how a Saviour would be born, a king in the line of King David.
Leader: The prophet Isaiah called Christ “the Prince of Peace”. They told us how he would rule the world wisely and bless all the nations.
Leader: When Jesus came he taught people the importance of being peace-makers. He said that those who make peace shall be called the children of God. When Christ comes to us he brings us peace and he will
Leader: bring everlasting peace when he comes again. We light the Candle of Peace to remind us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace and that through him peace is found.
(A person lights Second Candle, the Candle of Peace)
Leader: Peace is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at this candle we celebrate the peace we find in Jesus Christ.
Leader: Let us pray.
All: Lord Jesus, Light of the World, the prophets said you would bring peace and save your people from trouble. Give peace in our hearts at
Christmastide. We ask that as we wait for you to come again, that you would remain present with us. Help us today, and everyday to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your will by sharing
your peace with each other. We ask it in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen
HYMN: Light One Candle!
Light one candle for hope, one bright candle for hope, He brings hope to ev’ry heart, He comes! He comes!
Light one candle for peace, one bright candle for peace, He brings peace to ev’ry heart, He Comes! He Comes! Light one candle for joy, one bright candle for joy,
Ev’ry nation will find salvation in Bethl’em’s baby boy. Light one candle for love, one bright candle for love, He brings love to ev’ry heart, He comes! He Comes!
Collect Almighty God, who sent your servant John the Baptist to prepare your people to welcome the Messiah, inspire us, the ministers and stewards of your truth, to turn our disobedient hearts to you, that when the Christ shall come again to be our judge, we may stand with confidence before his glory; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
First Reading READING FROM THE BOOK OF BARUCH Take off the garment of your sorrow and affliction, O Jerusalem, and put on forever the beauty of the glory from God. Put on the robe of the righteousness that comes from God; put on your head the diadem of the glory of the Everlasting; for God will show your splendour everywhere under heaven. For God will give you evermore the name, Righteous Peace, Godly Glory.” Arise, O Jerusalem, stand upon the height; look toward the east, and see your children gathered from west and east at the word of the Holy One, rejoicing that God has remembered them. For they went out from you on foot, led away by their enemies; but God will bring them back to you, carried in glory, as on a royal throne. For God has ordered that every high mountain and the everlasting hills be made low and the valleys filled up, to make level ground, so that Israel may walk safely in the glory of God. The woods and every fragrant tree have shaded Israel at God’s command. For God will lead Israel with joy, in the light of his glory, with the mercy and righteousness that come from him. BARUCH 5:1-9
Psalm CANTICLE REFRAIN The dawn from on high shall break upon us.
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty Saviour, born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old, that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. R
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. R
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. R
In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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. R CANTICLE 19, BAS (LUKE 1:68-79)
Second Reading A READING FROM THE LETTER OF PAUL TO THE PHILIPPIANS 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 defence 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. – PHILIPPIANS 1:3-11
GRADUAL: Hark a Herald Voice – #392
Hark, a herald voice is sounding: “Christ is nigh,” it seems to say ‘Cast away the dreams of darkness, O ye children of the day!’
Wakened by the solemn warning let the earth-bound soul arise; Christ her sun, all sloth dispelling, shines upon the morning skies.
Lo, the Lamb, so long expected, comes with pardon down from heaven; let us all, with tears of sorrow, pray that we may be forgiven,
That when next he comes with glory, and the world is wrapped in fear, with his mercy he may shield us, and with words of love draw near.
Honour, glory, might and blessing to the Father and the Son, with the everlasting Spirit, while eternal ages run.
Gospel THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO LUKE 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.'” LUKE 3:1-6
OFFERTORY: There’s a voice in the wilderness #153R
There’s a voice in the wilderness crying, a call from the ways untrod: Prepare in the desert a highway, a highway for our God! The valleys shall be exalted, the lofty hills brought low; make straight all the crooked places where the Lord, our God, may go!
O Christians, you bring good tidings; get up to the heights and sing! Proclaim to a desolate people the coming of their King. Like the flow’rs of the field they perish; like grass our works decay. The pow’r and pomp of nations shall pass like a dream away.
But the Word of our God is eternal; the arm of our God is strong. He stands in the midst of the nations, and he shall right the wrong. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd, the lambs shall gently hold, to pastures of peace shall lead them, and bring them to his fold.
Prayer over the Gifts God our strength, we are nothing without you. Receive all we offer you this day as you sustain us with your mercy; in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
COMMUNION: More Love to Thee – #634
More love to Thee, O Christ, More love to Thee! Hear Thou the prayer I make On bended knee. This is my earnest plea:
Chorus: More love, O Christ, to Thee, More love to Thee, More love to Thee!
Once earthly joy I craved, Sought peace and rest; Now Thee alone I seek; Give what is best. This all my prayer shall be:
Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise; This be the parting cry my heart shall raise; This still its prayer shall be:
ABLUTION:
Prayer After Communion Faithful God, we thank you for feeding us with this heavenly banquet. Help us always to hear the prophet’s call to turn our hearts to you; in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
RECESSIONAL: Soon & Very Soon – #757
Soon and very soon, We are going to see the King! (x 3) Hallelujah! Hallelujah! We are going to see the King!
No more crying there – We are going to see the King! (x 3) Hallelujah! Hallelujah! We are going to see the King!
No more dying there – We are going to see the King! (x 3) Hallelujah! Hallelujah! We are going to see the King!
Soon and very soon, We are going to see the King! (x 3) Hallelujah! Hallelujah! We are going to see the King! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Readings JEREMIAH 33:14-16; PSALM 25:1-9; 1 THESSALONIANS 3:9-13; LUKE 21:25-36
PROCESSIONAL: Come, Thou Long-… – #244
Come, Thou long expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free. From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art, Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart.
Born Thy people to deliver; Born a Child and yet a King; Born to reign in us for ever; Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
Born Thy people to deliver; Born a Child and yet a King; Born to reign in us for ever; Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
LightingOf The Advent Candle
Leader: I was glad when
they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”
All: Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, that we may learn God’s ways and walk in God’s paths.
Leader:
Our feet our standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.
All:
Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!
Leader:
Our feet our standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.
All:
Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!
Leader:
Our feet our standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.
All:
Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!
Leader: On this first Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of hope.
(The first candle is lit)
It is a call to ‘keep awake’ and it is a symbol of the hope we have in the promise of the
Lord’s coming.
Leader: Let us pray,
O God of all hope, we thank you for all your promises which find their fulfillment in your Son. So we rejoice in his coming in the flesh and look for his appearing in glory.
By your Word and Holy Spirit make us ready to receive Christ truly as our only Lord
and Savior, and with thankfulness to praise him, now and for ever.
All: Amen.
HYMN: Light One Candle
Light one candle for hope, one bright candle for hope, He brings hope to ev’ry heart, He comes! He comes!
Light one candle for peace, one bright candle for peace, He brings peace to ev’ry heart, He Comes! He Comes! Light one candle for joy, one bright candle for joy,
Ev’ry nation will find salvation in Bethl’em’s baby boy. Light one candle for love, one bright candle for love, He brings love to ev’ry heart, He comes! He Comes!
Collect Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and put on the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility, that on the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
First Reading A READING FROM THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfil the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.” JEREMIAH 33:14-16
Psalm REFRAIN To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; my God, I put my trust in you; let me not be humiliated, nor let my enemies triumph over me.
Let none who look to you be put to shame; let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes. R
Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long. R
Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, for they are from everlasting. Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; remember me according to your love and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord. R
Gracious and upright is the Lord; therefore he teaches sinners in his way.
He guides the humble in doing right and teaches his way to the lowly.
All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. R PSALM 25:1-9
Second Reading A READING FROM THE FIRST LETTER OF PAUL TO THE THESSALONIANS How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 1 THESSALONIANS 3:9-13
GRADUAL: O Come, O Come,… – #245
O come, O come, Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear.
(Refrain) Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer Our spirits by Thine Advent here; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
O come, Thou Wisdom from on high And order all things, far and nigh; To us the path of knowledge show And cause us in her ways to go.
O come, Desire of nations, bind All peoples in one heart and mind. Bid envy, strife and quarrels cease; Fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.
Gospel THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO LUKE Jesus said, “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” LUKE 21:25-36
OFFERTORY: The Church’s One… – #401
The church’s one foundation Is Jesus Christ her Lord. She is his new creation By water and the word: From heav’n He came and sought her To be His holy bride; With His own blood He bought her, And for her life He died.
Elect from every nation, Yet one o’er all the earth, Her charter of salvation: One Lord, one faith, one birth; One holy name she blesses, Partakes one holy food; And to one hope she presses, With every grace endued.
‘Mid toil and tribulation And tumult of her war, She waits the consummation Of peace for evermore; Till with the vision glorious Her longing eyes are blest And the great Church victorious Shall be the Church at rest
Yet she on earth hath union With God the Three in One And mystic sweet communion With those whose rest is won: O happy ones and holy! Lord, give us grace that we, Like them, the meek and lowly, On high may dwell with Thee.
Prayer over the Gifts God of love and power, your word stirs within us the expectation of the coming of your Son. Accept all we offer you this day, and sustain us with your promise of eternal life. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
COMMUNION: Let Us Break Bread… – #460
Let us break bread together On our knees; Let us break bread together On our knees;
(Refrain) When I fall on my knees With my face to the rising sun, O Lord, have mercy on me.
Let us drink wine together On our knees; Let us drink wine together On our knees;
Let us praise God together On our knees; Let us praise God together On our knees;
ABLUTION: Jesus Shall Reign – #375
Jesus shall reign where’er the sun Does its successive journeys run; His kingdom spread from shore to shore, Till moons shall wax and wane no more.
To Him shall endless prayer be made, And endless praises crown His head. His name like sweet perfume shall rise With every morning sacrifice.
People and realms of every tongue Dwell on His love with sweetest song, And infant voices shall proclaim Their early blessings on His name.
Let every creature rise and bring His grateful honours to our King; Angels descend with songs again, And earth repeat the loud “Amen!”
Prayer After Communion God for whom we wait, you have fed us with the bread of eternal life. Keep us ever watchful, that we may be ready to stand before the Son of man. We ask this in the name of Christ the Lord.
RECESSIONAL: The Mighty God… – #72
The mighty God, the Lord, hath spoken unto all; from rising to the setting sun, he unto earth doth call.
From Zion, his own hill, where perfect beauty dwells, Jehovah hath his glory shown, in brightness that excels.
Our God shall surely come, and silence shall not keep; before him fire shall waste, and storms tempestuous round him sweep.
He to the heav’ns above shall then send forth his call, and likewise to the earth, that he may judge his people all.
“Together let my saints unto me gathered be, those that by sacrifice have made a covenant with me.”
Then shall the heav’ns declare his righteousness abroad; because the Lord himself is judge, yea, none is judge, but God.
Readings 2 SAMUEL 23:1-7; PSALM 132:1-13 (14-19); REVELATION 1:4B-8; JOHN 18:33-37
PROCESSIONAL: Rejoice, The Lord Is King – #370
Rejoice, the Lord is King; Your Lord and King adore! Rejoice, give thanks and sing And triumph evermore.
(Refrain) Lift up your heart; Lift up your voice! Rejoice, again I say rejoice!
Jesus, the Saviour, reigns, The God of truth and love. When He had purged our stains, He took His seat above.
His kingdom cannot fail; He rules o’er earth and heav’n. The keys of death and hell Are to our Jesus giv’n.
Rejoice in glorious hope! Our Lord, the Judge, shall come And take His servants up To their eternal home.
Collect Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, our Lord and King, grant that the peoples of the earth, now divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his gentle and loving rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
First Reading A READING FROM THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL Now these are the last words of David: The oracle of David, son of Jesse, the oracle of the man whom God exalted, the anointed of the God of Jacob, the favourite of the Strong One of Israel: The spirit of the Lord speaks through me, his word is upon my tongue. The God of Israel has spoken, the Rock of Israel has said to me: One who rules over people justly, ruling in the fear of God, is like the light of morning, like the sun rising on a cloudless morning, gleaming from the rain on the grassy land. Is not my house like this with God? For he has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and secure. Will he not cause to prosper all my help and my desire? But the godless are all like thorns that are thrown away; for they cannot be picked up with the hand; to touch them one uses an iron bar or the shaft of a spear. And they are entirely consumed in fire on the spot. 2 SAMUEL 23:1-7
Psalm PSALM REFRAIN The Lord will dwell in Zion for ever.
Lord, remember David, and all the hardships he endured;
How he swore an oath to the Lord and vowed a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:
“I will not come under the roof of my house, nor climb up into my bed;
I will not allow my eyes to sleep, nor let my eyelids slumber;
Until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.” R
“The ark! We heard it was in Ephratah; we found it in the fields of Jearim.
Let us go to God’s dwelling place; let us fall upon our knees before his footstool.” R
Arise, O Lord, into your resting-place, you and the ark of your strength.
Let your priests be clothed with righteousness; let your faithful people sing with joy.
For your servant David’s sake, do not turn away the face of your anointed. R
The Lord has sworn an oath to David; in truth, he will not break it:
“A son, the fruit of your body will I set upon your throne.
If your children keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them, their children will sit upon your throne for evermore.” R
[For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired her for his habitation:
“This shall be my resting-place for ever; here will I dwell, for I delight in her.
I will surely bless her provisions, and satisfy her poor with bread.
I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her faithful people will rejoice and sing. R
There will I make the horn of David flourish; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.
As for his enemies, I will clothe them with shame; but as for him, his crown will shine.”] R PSALM 132:1-13 (14-19)
Second Reading A READING FROM THE REVELATION TO JOHN Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. REVELATION 1:4B-8
GRADUAL: O Worship…King – #104BB
O worship the King, All glorious above, And gratefully sing His wonderful love; Our Shield and Defender, The Ancient of Days, Pavilioned in splendor, And girded with praise.
O tell of His might, And sing of His grace, Whose robe is the light, Whose canopy space. His chariots of wrath The deep thunderclouds form, And dark is His path On the wings of the storm
Thy bountiful care, What tongue can recite? It breathes in the air; It shines in the light. It streams from the hills; It descends to the plain, And sweetly distills In the dew and the rain.
Frail children of dust, And feeble as frail, In Thee do we trust, Nor find Thee to fail. Thy mercies how tender, How firm to the end! Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend.
All hail to the King! In splendor enthroned; Glad praises we bring, Thy wonders make known. Returning victorious, Great conqueror of sin, King Jesus, all glorious, Our vict’ry will win.
Gospel THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO JOHN Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” JOHN 18:33-37
OFFERTORY: Come, Thou Almighty… – #8
Come, Thou Almighty King, Help us Thy name to sing; Help us to praise. Father all glorious, O’er all victorious, Come, and reign over, us, Ancient of Days.
Come, Thou Incarnate Word, Gird on Thy mighty sword: Our prayer attend. Come, and Thy people bless And give Thy word success. Spirit of holiness, On us descend.
Come, Holy Comforter, Thy sacred witness bear In this glad hour. Thou, who almighty art, Now rule in every heart And ne’er from us depart, Spirit of pow’r.
To Thee, great One in Three, Eternal praises be, Hence evermore; Thy sov’reign majesty May we in glory see, And to eternity Love and adore.
Prayer over the Gifts Eternal God, by your grace you have raised us up and enthroned us with Christ in the heavenly realms. Receive all we offer you this day, and lead us in those good works for which you have created us. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
COMMUNION: We Will Glorify – #105
We will glorify the King of kings; We will glorify the Lamb. We will glorify the Lord of lords, Who is the great I AM.
Lord Jehovah reigns in majesty; We will bow before His throne. We will worship Him in righteousness, We will worship Him alone.
Lord Jehovah reigns in majesty; We will bow before His throne. We will worship Him in righteousness, We will worship Him alone.
Hallelujah to the King of kings; Hallelujah to the Lamb, Hallelujah to the Lord of lords, Who is the great I AM.
Hallelujah to the King of kings; Hallelujah to the Lamb, Hallelujah to the Lord of lords, Who is the great I AM.
ABLUTION: All Hail King Jesus – #103
All hail King Jesus! All hail Emmanuel: King of kings, Lord of lords, Bright Morning Star.
And thro’-out eternity I’ll sing His praises, And I’ll reign with Him Thro’ out eternity.
Prayer After Communion Almighty God, you have made us a royal priesthood in the kingdom of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Make known his victory through us, we pray, that all the world may see his light. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
RECESSIONAL: Crown Him…Crowns – #45
Crown Him with many crowns, The Lamb upon His throne. Hark! how the heav’nly anthem drowns All music but its own!
Awake, my soul, and sing Of Him who died for thee, And hail Him as thy matchless King Thro’ all eternity.
Crown Him the Lord of love! Behold His hands and side- Rich wounds, yet visible above, In beauty glorified.
All hail, Redeemer, hail! For Thou hast died for me: Thy praise and glory shall not fail Thro’-out eternity.
Crown Him the Lord of life! Who triumphed o’er the grave; Who rose victorious in the strife For those He came to save.
His glories now we sing, Who died and rose on high, Who died eternal life to bring And lives that death may die.
Crown Him the Lord of heav’n! One with the Father known, One with the Spirit thro’ Him giv’n From yonder glorious throne.
To Thee be endless praise, For Thou for us hast died. Be Thou, O Lord, thro’ endless days Adored and magnified!
Readings 1 SAMUEL 1:4-20; 1 SAMUEL 2:1-10 AS CANTICLE; HEBREWS 10:11-14 (15-18), 19-25; MARK 13:1-8
PROCESSIOAL: Lead o O King – #754
Lead on, O King Eternal, The day of march has come; Henceforth in fields of conquest Thy tents shall be our home.
Thro’ days of preparation Thy grade has made us strong; And now, O King Eternal, We lift our battle song.
Lead on, O King Eternal, Till sin’s fierce war will cease, And holiness shall whisper The sweet amen of peace;
For not with swords’ loud clashing, nor roll of stirring drums, With deeds of love and mercy the heav’nly kingdom comes
Lead on, O King Eternal, We follow, not with fears; For gladness breaks like morning Where’er Thy face appears
Thy cross is lifted o’er us; We journey in its light. The crown awaits the conquest; lead on, O god of might.
O CANADA
O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The true north strong and free. From far and wide, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
Collect Almighty God, you sent your Son Jesus Christ to be the light of the world. Free us from all that darkens and ensnares us, and bring us to eternal light and joy; through the power of him who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
First Reading A READING FROM THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL 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 favour 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 worshipped 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.” 1 SAMUEL 1:4-20
Psalm CANTICLE REFRAIN My heart exults in the Lord; I rejoice in your salvation.
My heart exults in the Lord, my strength is exalted in my God. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. There is no Holy One like you, O Lord, nor any Rock like you, our God. For you are a God of knowledge and by you our actions are weighed. R
The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength. Those who were full now search bread, but those who were hungry are well fed. The barren woman has borne sevenfold, but she who has many children is forlorn. Both the poor and the rich are of your making, you bring low and you also exalt. R
You raise up the poor from the dust, and lift the needy from the ash heap. You make them sit with the rulers, and inherit a place of honour. For the pillars of the earth are yours and on them you have set the world. R 1 SAMUEL 2:1-10
Material from Celebrating Common Prayer (Mowbray), (c) The Society of Saint Francis 1992, is used with permission.
Second Reading A READING FROM THE LETTER TO THE HEBREWS And 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. HEBREWS 10:11-14 (15-18), 19-25
GRADUAL: Be Thou My Vision #524
Be Thou my vision O Lord of my heart Naught be all else to me Save that Thou art Thou my best thought By day or by night Waking or sleeping Thy presence my light
Be Thou my wisdom Be Thou my true Word I ever with Thee And Thou with me Lord Thou my great Father I Thy true son Thou in me dwelling And I with Thee one
Be Thou my shield And my sword for the fight Be Thou my dignity Be Thou my might Thou my soul’s shelter And Thou my high tow’r Raise Thou me heav’nward O pow’r of my pow’r
Riches I heed not Nor man’s empty praise Thou mine inheritance Now and always Thou and Thou only Be first in my heart High King of heaven My treasure Thou art
High King of heaven When vict’ry is won May I reach heaven’s joys O bright heaven’s Sun Heart of my own heart Whatever befall Still be my vision O Ruler of all
Gospel THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO MARK 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 rumours 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 birth pangs.” MARK 13:1-8
OFFERTORY: Eternal Father, … – #808
Eternal Father, strong to save, Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, Who bids the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep: O hear us when we cry to Thee For those in peril on the sea.
O Christ, the Lord of hill and plain O’er which our traffic runs amain. By mountain pass or valley low;
Wherever, Lord, our brethren go, Protect them by Thy guarding hand From every peril on the land.
O Spirit, whom the Father sent To spread abroad the firmament; O Wind of heaven, by Thy might
Save all who dare the eagle’s flight; And keep them by Thy watchful care From every peril in the air.
O Trinity of love and pow’r, Our brethren shield in danger’s hour; From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them where so e’er they go; Thus evermore shall rise to Thee Glad praise from air and land and sea.
Prayer over the Gifts Holy God, in this eucharist we renew our baptismal covenant. Help us, through our offering this day, to renounce all things that draw us from your love. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
COMMUNION: Be Thou My Vision #524
God of our fathers, whose almighty hand Leads forth in beauty all the starry band Of shining worlds in splendour through the skies, Our grateful songs before Thy throne arise.
Thy love divine hath led us in the past, In this free land by Thee our lot is cast; Be Thou our Ruler, Guardian, Guide and Stay, Thy word our law, Thy paths our chosen way.
From war’s alarms, from deadly pestilence, Be Thy strong arm our ever sure defense; Thy true religion in our hearts increase, Thy bounteous goodness nourish us in peace.
Refresh Thy people on their toil-some way. Lead us from night to never ending day; Fill all our lives with love and grace divine; And glory, laud and praise be ever Thine!
ABLUTION: Abide With Me – #642
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide; When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day. Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away. Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
I need Thy presence every passing hour. What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r? Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be? Thro’ cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness. Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine thro’ the gloom and point me to the skies. Heav’ns morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee. In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
Prayer After Communion Gracious God, in this sacrament we have shared the body and blood of Christ. May we who have been nourished by holy things bear witness to his light, and share in his eternal priesthood; for he is Lord for ever and ever.
RECESSIONAL: I Vow to Thee My Country
I vow to thee my country All earthly things above Entire and whole and perfect The service of my love The love that asks no questions The love that stands the test That lays upon the altar The dearest and the best The love that never falters The love that pays the price The love that makes undaunted The final sacrifice
And there’s another country I’ve heard of long ago Most dear to them that love her Most great to them that know We may not count her armies We may not see her King Her fortress is a faithful heart Her pride is suffering And soul by soul and silently Her shining bounds increase And her ways are ways of gentleness And all her paths are peace
Readings Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9 or Isaiah 25:6-9 • Psalm 24 • Revelation 21:1-6a • John 11:32-44
Collect Almighty God, whose people are knit together in one holy Church, the mystical Body of your Son, grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
PROCESSIONAL: Christ Whose Glory… – #362
Christ whose glory fills the skies, Christ the true, the only light Sun of righteousness, arise, Triumph o’er the shades of night. Day-spring from on high, be near; Day-star in my heart appear.
Dark and cheerless is the morn Unaccompanied by thee; Joyless is the day’s return, Till thy mercy’s beams I see, Till they inward light impart Glad my eyes and warm my heart.
Visit then this soul of mine, Pierce the gloom of sin and grief; Fill me, radiancy divine, Scatter all my unbelief; More and more thyself display, Shining to the perfect day.
First Reading A READING FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be a disaster, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. For though in the sight of others they were punished, their hope is full of immortality. Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself; like gold in the furnace he tried them, and like a sacrificial burnt offering he accepted them. In the time of their visitation they will shine forth, and will run like sparks through the stubble. They will govern nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord will reign over them forever. Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones, and he watches over his elect. WISDOM OF SOLOMON 3:1-9
Or
A READING FROM THE BOOK OF ISAIAH On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear. And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death forever. Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation. ISAIAH 25:6-9
Psalm PSALM 24
24:1 The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it;
24:2 for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers.
24:3 Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place?
24:4 Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully.
24:5 They will receive blessing from the LORD, and vindication from the God of their salvation.
24:6 Such is the company of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah
24:7 Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in.
24:8 Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle.
24:9 Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in.
24:10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah
Second Reading A READING FROM THE BOOK OF REVELATION Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.” And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.” REVELATION 21:1-6A
GRADUAL: How Firm A Found… – #408
How firm a foundation, Ye saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith In his excellent Word!
What more can he say Than to you he hath said, To you who for refuge To Jesus have fled?
“Fear not! I am with thee, O be not dismayed, For I am thy God, And will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, And cause thee to stand, Upheld by My righteous, Omnipotent hand.
“When through fiery trials Thy pathway shall lie, My grace all sufficient, Shall be thy supply.
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design Thy dross to consume And thy gold to refine.
“The soul that on Jesus Hath leaned for repose; I will not, I will not Desert to His foes;
That soul, though all hell Should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no, never, No never forsake!”
Gospel THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO JOHN When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” JOHN 11:32-44
OFFERTORY: Fairest Lord Jesus – #87
Fairest Lord Jesus; Ruler of all nature O Thou of God and man the Son. Thee will I cherish; Thee will I honour, Thou my soul’s glory, joy and crown.
Fairest are the meadows; Fairer still the woodlands, Robed in the blooming garb of spring, Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer, Who makes the woeful heart to sing.
Fairest is the sunshine; Fairer still the moonlight And all the twinkling starry host. Jesus shines brighter; Jesus shines purer Than all the angels heav’n can boast.
Beautiful Saviour! Lord of the nations! Son of God and Son of man! Glory and honour, praise, adoration, Now and forever more be Thine!
Prayer over the Gifts Holy and mighty God, we give you thanks for the triumph of Christ in the lives of all his saints. Receive all we offer you this day, and help us, like them, to run our course with faith, that we may come to your eternal kingdom. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
COMMUNION: The Old Rugged Cross – #327
On a hill far away Stood an old rugged cross, The emblem of suff’ring and shame; And I love that old cross, Where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain.
CHORUS So’ I’ll cherish The old rugged cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down. I will cling to The old rugged cross. And exchange it Someday for a crown.
O the old rugged cross, So despised by the world, Has a wondrous attraction for me; For the dear Lamb of God Left His glory above To bear it to dark Calvary.
In the old rugged cross, Stained with blood so divine, A wondrous beauty I see; For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died To pardon and sanctify me.
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true; Its shame and reproach Gladly bear. Then He’ll call me someday To my home far away. Where His glory for ever I’ll share.
ABLUTION: I’d Rather Have Jesus – #506
I’d rather have Jesus than silver and gold; I’d rather be His than have riches untold; I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands; I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hand.
CHORUS Than to be the king of a vast domain And to be held in sin’s dread sway, I’d rather have Jesus than anything This world affords today.
I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause; I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause; I’d rather have Jesus than world wide fame, I’d rather be true to His holy name.
He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom; He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb; He’s all that my hungering spirit needs; I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead.
Prayer After Communion Lord of hosts, we praise your glory reflected in your saints. May we who share at this table be filled with the joy of your eternal kingdom, where Jesus is Lord, now and for ever.
RECESSIONAL: Love Divine, All … – #648
Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heav’n, to earth come down! Fix in us Thy humble dwelling; All Thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, Thou art all compassion; Pure, unbounded love Thou art. Visit us with Thy salvation; Enter every trembling heart.
Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit Into every troubled breast! Let us all in Thee inherit; Let us find the promised rest.
Take away our bent to sinning; Alpha and Omega be. End of faith, as its beginning, Set our hearts at liberty.
Come, Almighty, to deliver; Let us all Thy life receive. Suddenly return, and never, Never more Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing, Serve Thee as Thy hosts above, Pray and praise Thee without ceasing, Glory in Thy perfect love.
Finish then Thy new creation; Pure and spotless let us be. Let us see Thy great salvation Perfectly restored in Thee.
Changed from glory into glory, Till in heav’n we take our place, Till we cast our crowns before Thee, Lost in wonder, love and praise.
Readings RUTH 1:1-18; PSALM 146; HEBREWS 9:11-14; MARK 12:28-34
O Worship…King – #104BB
O worship the King, All glorious above, And gratefully sing His wonderful love; Our Shield and Defender, The Ancient of Days, Pavilioned in splendor, And girded with praise.
O tell of His might, And sing of His grace, Whose robe is the light, Whose canopy space. His chariots of wrath The deep thunderclouds form, And dark is His path On the wings of the storm
Thy bountiful care, What tongue can recite? It breathes in the air; It shines in the light. It streams from the hills; It descends to the plain, And sweetly distills In the dew and the rain.
Frail children of dust, And feeble as frail, In Thee do we trust, Nor find Thee to fail. Thy mercies how tender, How firm to the end! Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend.
All hail to the King! In splendor enthroned; Glad praises we bring, Thy wonders make known. Returning victorious, Great conqueror of sin, King Jesus, all glorious, Our vict’ry will win.
Collect Almighty God, whose chosen servant Abraham obeyed your call, rejoicing in your promise that in him the family of the earth is blessed, give us faith like his, that in us your promises may be fulfilled; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
First Reading A READING FROM THE BOOK OF RUTH In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to live in the country of Moab, he and his wife and two sons. The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion; they were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. When they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Chilion also died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband. Then she started to return with her daughters-in-law from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the Lord had considered his people and given them food. So she set out from the place where she had been living, she and her two daughters-in-law, and they went on their way to go back to the land of Judah. But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back each of you to your mother’s house. May the Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. The Lord grant that you may find security, each of you in the house of your husband.” Then she kissed them, and they wept aloud. They said to her, “No, we will return with you to your people.” But Naomi said, “Turn back, my daughters, why will you go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? Turn back, my daughters, go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. Even if I thought there was hope for me, even if I should have a husband tonight and bear sons, would you then wait until they were grown? Would you then refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, it has been far more bitter for me than for you, because the hand of the Lord has turned against me.” Then they wept aloud again. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. So she said, “See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” But Ruth said, “Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; Where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die – there will I be buried. May the Lord do thus and so to me, and more as well, if even death parts me from you!” When Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more to her. RUTH 1:1-18
Psalm PSALM REFRAIN Praise the Lord, O my soul!
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. R
Put not your trust in rulers, nor in any child of earth, for there is no help in them.
When they breathe their last, they return to earth, and in that day their thoughts perish. R
Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help! whose hope is in the Lord their God;
Who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them; who keeps his promise for ever;
Who gives justice to those who are oppressed, and food to those who hunger. R
The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; R
The Lord loves the righteous; the Lord cares for the stranger; he sustains the orphan and widow, but frustrates the way of the wicked. R
The Lord shall reign for ever, your God, O Zion, throughout all generations.
Hallelujah! R PSALM 146
Second Reading A READING FROM THE LETTER TO THE HEBREWS But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), he entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls, with the sprinkling of the ashes of a heifer, sanctifies those who have been defiled so that their flesh is purified, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God! HEBREWS 9:11-14
Blessed Assurance – #572
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
CHORUS
This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long; (x 2)
Perfect submission, perfect delight! Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels descending bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Perfect submission- all is at rest, I in my Saviour am happy and blest; Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
Gospel THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO MARK One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’; and ‘to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,’ and ‘to love one’s neighbour as oneself,’ – this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question. MARK 12:28-34
All The Way My… – #680
All the way my Saviour leads me; What have I to ask beside? Can I doubt His tender mercy, Who thro’ life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort, Here by faith in Him to dwell! For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well. (Repeat last 2 lines)
All the way my Saviour leads me, Cheers each winding path I tread. Gives me grace for every trial, Feeds me with the living bread.
Tho’ my weary steps may falter, And my soul a-thirst may be. Gushing from the rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see. (Repeat last 2 lines)
All the way my Saviour leads me; O the fullness of His love! Perfect rest to me is promised In my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed, immortal, Wings its flight to realms of day, This my song thro’ endless ages; “Jesus led me all the way”. (Repeat last 2 lines)
Prayer over the Gifts God of freedom, accept all we offer you this day. May we embrace the law of your service and know the glorious liberty of the children of God. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
When I Survey – #324
When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, Save in the death of Christ, my God; All the vain things that charm me most I sacrifice them to His blood.
See, from His head, His hands, His feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down. Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.
Breathe on Me, … – #393
Breathe on me, Breath of God, Fill me with life anew, That I may love what Thou dost love, And do what Thou wouldst do.
Breathe on me, Breath of God, Until my heart is pure, Until with Thee I will one will, To do and to endure.
Breathe on me, Breath of God, Till I am wholy Thine, Until this earthly part of me Glows with Thy fire divine.
Breathe on me, Breath of God, So shall I never die, But live with Thee the perfect life Of Thine eternity.
Prayer After Communion Heavenly Father, bring to perfection within us the communion we share in this sacrament. May the unity we know this day live in our community and family. This we pray in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
Stand Up, … for Jesus – #730
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, Ye soldiers of the cross; Lift high His royal banner, It must not suffer loss. From vict’ry unto vict’ry His army shall He lead, Till every foe is vanquished And Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, The trumpet call obey; Forth to the mighty conflict, In this His glorious day. Ye that are men, now serve Him Against unnumbered foes; Let courage rise with danger And strength to strength oppose.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, Stand in His strength alone; The arm of flesh will fail you, Ye dare not trust your own. Put on the gospel armour, Each piece put on with prayer; Where duty calls or danger, Be never wanting there.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, The strife will not be long; This day the noise of battle, The next, the victor’s song. To him who overcometh A crown of life shall be; He, with the King of Glory, Shall reign eternally.
Jesus shall reign where’er the sun Does its successive journeys run; His kingdom spread from shore to shore, Till moons shall wax and wane no more.
To Him shall endless prayer be made, And endless praises crown His head. His name like sweet perfume shall rise With every morning sacrifice.
People and realms of every tongue Dwell on His love with sweetest song, And infant voices shall proclaim Their early blessings on His name.
Let every creature rise and bring His grateful honours to our King; Angels descend with songs again, And earth repeat the loud “Amen!”
Collect Lord God our redeemer, who heard the cry of your people and sent your servant Moses to lead them out of slavery, free us from the tyranny of sin and death, and by the leading of your Spirit bring us to our promised land; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
First Reading A READING FROM THE BOOK OF JOB Then Job answered the Lord: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you declare to me.’ I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he had prayed for his friends; and the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Then there came to him all his brothers and sisters and all who had known him before, and they ate bread with him in his house; they showed him sympathy and comforted him for all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him; and each of them gave him a piece of money and a gold ring. The Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning; and he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand donkeys. He also had seven sons and three daughters. He named the first Jemimah, the second Keziah, and the third Keren happuch. In all the land there were no women so beautiful as Job’s daughters; and their father gave them an inheritance along with their brothers. After this Job lived one hundred and forty years, and saw his children, and his children’s children, four generations. And Job died, old and full of days. JOB 42:1-6, 10-17
Psalm 34 1 I will bless the Lord at all times; * his praise shall ever be in my mouth.
2 I will glory in the Lord; * let the humble hear and rejoice.
3 Proclaim with me the greatness of the Lord; * let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me * and delivered me out of all my terror.
5 Look upon him and be radiant, * and let not your faces be ashamed.
6 I called in my affliction and the Lord heard me * and saved me from all my troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encompasses those who fear him, * and he will deliver them.
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; * happy are they who trust in him!
9 Fear the Lord, you that are his saints, * for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger, * but those who seek the Lord lack nothing that is good.
11 Come, children, and listen to me; * I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 Who among you loves life * and desires long life to enjoy prosperity?
13 Keep your tongue from evil-speaking * and your lips from lying words.
14 Turn from evil and do good; * seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, * and his ears are open to their cry.
16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, * to root out the remembrance of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry, and the Lord hears them * and delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted * and will save those whose spirits are crushed.
19 Many are the troubles of the righteous, * but the Lord will deliver him out of them all.
20 He will keep safe all his bones; * not one of them shall be broken.
21 Evil shall slay the wicked, * and those who hate the righteous will be punished.
22 The Lord ransoms the life of his servants, * and none will be punished who trust in him. PSALM 34:1-22
Second Reading A READING FROM THE LETTER TO THE HEBREWS Furthermore, the former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office; but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people; this he did once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests those who are subject to weakness, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever. HEBREWS 7:23-28
The Church’s One… – #401
The church’s one foundation Is Jesus Christ her Lord. She is his new creation By water and the word: From heav’n He came and sought her To be His holy bride; With His own blood He bought her, And for her life He died.
Elect from every nation, Yet one o’er all the earth, Her charter of salvation: One Lord, one faith, one birth; One holy name she blesses, Partakes one holy food; And to one hope she presses, With every grace endued.
Gospel THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO MARK They came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. MARK 10:46-52
He Leadeth Me – #690
He leadeth me! O blessed thought! O words with heav’nly comfort fraught! Whate’er I do, where’er I be, Still ‘tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
CHORUS
He leadeth me, He leadeth me; By His own hand He leadeth me: His faithful foll’wer I would be, For by His hand He leadeth me.
Lord, I would clasp Thy hand in mine, Nor ever murmur nor repine, Content, whatever lot I see, Since ‘tis Thy hand that leadeth me.
And when my task on earth is done, When, by Thy grace, the vict’ry’s won, E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee, Since God thro’ Jordan leadeth me.
Prayer over the Gifts God of constant love, you have guided your people in all times and ages. May we who offer you our praise today always be ready to follow where you lead; we ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
I will sing of my Redeemer – #517
I will sing of my Redeemer And his wondrous love to me; On the cruel cross He suffered From the curse to set me free
CHORUS
Sing, O sing of my redeemer, With His blood He purchased me, On the cross He sealed my pardon, Paid the debt and made me free.
I will tell the wondrous story, How my lost estate to save; In His boundless love and mercy, He the ransom freely gave.
I will praise my dear Redeemer, His triumphant pow’r I’ll tell, How the victory He giveth Over sin and death and hell.
I will sing of my Redeemer, And His heav’nly love to me. He from death to life hath bro’t me, Son of God, with Him to be.
My Jesus, I Love Thee – #79
My Jesus, I love Thee; I know Thou art mine. For Thee all the follies of sin I resign. My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art Thou; If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.
I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree. I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow: If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.
I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath. And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow, “If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.”
In mansions of glory and endless delight, I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright. I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow, “If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.”
Prayer After Communion God our guide, you have fed us with bread from heaven as you fed the people of Israel. May we who have been inwardly nourished we ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Send The Light – #437
My Jesus, I love Thee; I know Thou art mine. For Thee all the follies of sin I resign. My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art Thou; If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.
I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree. I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow: If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.
I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath. And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow, “If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.”
In mansions of glory and endless delight, I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright. I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow, “If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.”
