HOLY TRINITY KEW Anglican Church of Australia
CHRISTMAS DAY DECEMBER 25, 2016
Holy Communion 8am CRÈCHE AREA: IS IN THE TRANSEPT NEAR THE PULPIT. PARENTS AND CHILDREN ARE WELCOME TO ENTER BY THE CHURCH AISLE OR BY THE SIDE DOOR.
Welcome to Holy Trinity, where services have been held, in this church, since 1863. We pray that you will feel the presence of God and know his blessings in your life
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14)
May you know the fullness of God’s grace and blessing this Christmas, and throughout the new year.
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Dear Parishioners, We welcome all who gather with us at Holy Trinity to worship this Christmas. Perhaps you are returning for a family reunion. May be you are visiting and are determined to ensure that worship is not squeezed out by the business and demands of a hectic holiday schedule. No matter the reason, we trust your heart may be warmed and that you are drawn into a deeper closer experience of the Living God who shared our humanity in the person of his only begotten Son. The true meaning of the season is all too easily lost if we allow the nostalgia of past good times to envelop us and focus our attention completely upon carols, gifts, tinsel, trees and feasting. Another darker side may surface at Christmas, one we may push aside or deny. Our deepest hurts are most often experienced through relationships with other people and I suspect that deep down many are longing for what has been, or what might have been, or even hoping for what might yet be. The Christmas event addresses all our sorrows and hurts. We read that ‘God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself.’ We are reminded then that Christmas provides us with the opportunity to receive forgiveness, extend forgiveness and to discover a fresh experience of love, joy, peace and hope which is given to us from the heart of God. In the midst of celebration let us not forget just how dangerous the world has become. We remember in our prayers today all places of international tension, terrorism, warfare, genocide and atrocity. We pray for displaced peoples, and all who suffer and are in despair. We pray that the presence of Christ may be known as his kingdom breaks out in new and unexpected ways as we, his people, are at prayer and work. We celebrate and renew this Christmas message today for it gives life its meaning and provides the world with a future and a hope. Yours in Christ, Canon Graeme Christmas 2016
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THE INTROIT At the door, the Celebrant says The Lord be with you And also with you
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light. For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given; and his name will be called “Wonderful, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace.� Isaiah 9:2 I bring you good news of great joy for all people: to you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour, Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11
Loving Lord God, who, by a shining company of heaven's angels proclaimed the birth of your only Son our Saviour: we now with one heart and voice join in their eternal song praising you and saying: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward all people. Amen.
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The minister announces the carol: Processional Hymn: A great and mighty wonder NEH 21
1. A great and mighty wonder. A full and holy cure! The Virgin bears the Infant With virgin honour pure. Repeat the hymn again: "To God on high be glory And peace on earth to men!"
4. Since all He comes to ransom. By all be He adored, The Infant born in Bethl'em, The Saviour and the Lord. Repeat the hymn again: "To God on high be glory And peace on earth to men!"
2. The Word becomes incarnate And yet remains on high! And cherubim sing anthems To shepherds from the sky. Repeat the hymn again: "To God on high be glory And peace on earth to men!"
5. And idol forms shall perish, And error shall decay, And Christ shall wield His sceptre, Our Lord and God for ay. Repeat the hymn again: "To God on high be glory And peace on earth to men!"
3. While thus they sing your Monarch, Those bright angelic bands, Rejoice, ye vales and mountains, Ye oceans, clap your hands. Repeat the hymn again: "To God on high be glory And peace on earth to men!" 5
The people remain standing; the Celebrant welcomes everyone and then says The Lord is come He is come indeed. Blessed be God: Father, son and Holy Spirit Blessed be your kingdom now and forever. Lighting the Christ candle The Fifth candle symbolises Christ the Son, the Light of the World, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God for ever and ever. Amen. The minister says Blessed are you, Lord our God, our Eternal Father and King of the Universe. You have increased our joy by sending to dwell among us the Wonderful Counsellor, the Prince of Peace. He destroys our darkness and fills us anew with hope, peace, joy and love. All glory in the highest be to you, through Christ, the Son of your favour, in the anointing love of his Spirit, this night and for evermore. Amen. As the candle is lit: Living Lord Jesus Christ, We kindle this flame to remind us that you are among us to fill our lives with your light, and to light our way with gladness and praise for ever and forever. Amen. All say the collect. Lord Jesus Christ, Light of Light, you have come among us. Help us who live by your light to shine as lights in your world. Glory to God in the highest. Amen. The Collect for Purity: As we gather as God's people let us pray together: Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ our Lord. Amen. 6
The Summary of the Commandments: ‘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.’ Jesus said: ‘This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: you shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ Lord, have mercy upon us, and write all these thy laws in our hearts, we beseech thee. Kyrie eleison: Lord have mercy: R/: Lord have mercy Christ have mercy: R/: Christ have mercy Lord have mercy: R/: Lord have mercy The Gloria Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
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The Collect Almighty God, who gave your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him and as at this time to be born of the virgin Mary: grant that we being born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the same Spirit, ever one God, now and for ever. Amen. THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD Isaiah 62: 6 - 12 Jerusalem – I have posted sentries on your walls; they will watch ceaselessly, day and night. And you who wait in prayer upon the Lord, give yourselves no rest — you also must watch ceaselessly, and give the Lord no rest until he re-establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of all the earth. The Lord has solemnly sworn with raised right hand and supported his promise with the strength of his holy power and said: ‘Never again will I give your grain to feed your enemies: never again will foreigners drink the wine for which you have toiled. Those who reap will eat of the harvest and give thanks to the Lord: Those who gather the grapes will drink wine in the courts of my sanctuary’ Move through! Move through the gates! Build a road for the returning people. Remove the rocks. Build a highway! Send a signal to the world! The Lord’s proclamation to every corner of the earth states: ‘ Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘Look, your Saviour comes! ’ See, the prize of victory is with him, his trophies accompany him.’ They shall be called: ‘ The Holy People’ – ‘ The Lord’s Redeemed’ ‘ The sought after city – no longer forsaken.’ Response: Hear the word of the Lord, THANKS BE TO GOD 8
Psalm: 97 The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice: let the multitude of the islands be glad. Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Fire goes before him: and burns up his enemies on every side. His lightnings light the world: the earth sees it and quakes. The mountains melt like wax before his face: from before the face of the Lord of all the earth. The heavens have proclaimed his righteousness: and all the peoples have seen his glory. They are ashamed, all those who serve idols and glory in mere nothings: all gods bow down before him. Zion heard and was glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoiced: because of your judgements, O God. For you, Lord, are most high over all the earth: you are exalted far above all other gods. The Lord loves those that hate evil: the Lord guards the life of the faithful, and delivers them from the hand of the ungodly. Light dawns for the righteous: and joy for the true of heart. Rejoice in the Lord you righteous: and give thanks to his holy name.
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Second Reading: Hebrews 1.1-9 In past times, on many occasions and in various ways, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets. But in this final age, and in our own time, he has spoken to us by his Son — the one through whom he made everything, and the one who is the appointed heir of all the ages. The Son is the radiance of God's glory – the full expression of his being– the one who sustains the universe by his word of dynamic power. Once he had achieved cleansing of sins he took his seat at the right hand of the Greatest Majesty in the heights of heaven. A position far superior than that held by the angels, just as the title he inherited is so much greater than theirs. Consider that God never said to any angel: ‘ You are my Son – today I have begotten you.’ nor did he ever say about any angel, ‘ I will be your father, and you will be my son.’ But when he presented his Son to the world he said: ‘let all the angels of God worship him.’ God speaks of angels as: ‘servants who are winds and flames of fire.’ However, when God speaks of the Son he says: ‘ Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever and the rod of justice is the sceptre of your kingdom. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you and chosen you above all others.’’ Response: Hear the word of the Lord, THANKS BE TO GOD
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WE STAND FOR THE READING OF THE HOLY GOSPEL AS A SIGN OF RESPECT AS WE GREET OUR LORD WHO IS PRESENT IN HIS HOLY WORD. The Lord be with you AND ALSO WITH YOU The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Saint John chapter 1 beginning at the 1st verse. GLORY TO YOU, LORD JESUS CHRIST.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through Him; yet the world did not know Him. He came to what was His own, and His own people did not accept Him. But to all who received Him, who believed in His name, He gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen His glory, the glory as of the Father’s only begotten Son, full of grace and truth. Gospel Response: This is the gospel of the Lord, PRAISE TO YOU, LORD JESUS CHRIST. SERMON followed by a short time for reflection (copy of sermon available at back of church and on web) 11
THE CREED The Creed is led by the Celebrant and is said responsively, all standing Let us now stand and affirm the faith of the Church Do you believe in God the Father? I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. Do you believe in God the Son? I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
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THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Let us pray for all people and for the Church throughout the world. Each petition of intercession or thanksgiving concludes with, Lord in your mercy, HEAR OUR PRAYER. We pray for: We pray for all who work for peace and justice. We pray for: Diocese of Kitale; Diocese of Armidale; Benetas; St James' Glen Iris; St Paul’s Cathedral – Christmas Day service; All Saints Newtown – pastoral visit. We pray for our ministry team: Graeme, Robert, Robert, Helen, Leonie & Pam, for the playgroup, choir, and all who serve within the parish. We pray for our Archbishop Philip and Bishop Genieve. We pray for those in need, and for those who care for them: and those we remember in our own hearts and prayers. We pray for the members of Holy Trinity not able to worship with us: and all who care for them. We pray for those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith and whose year’s mind occurs around this time. Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord: and let light perpetual shine upon them. Almighty God, you have promised to hear our prayers. Grant that what we have asked in faith We may by your grace receive, Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION The minister says Christ, the grace of God, has dawned upon the world with healing for all. Let us bring our weaknesses and infirmities to him, confessing our sins in penitence and faith. Merciful God, our maker and our judge, We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, and in what we have failed to do: we have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves; we repent, and are sorry for all our sins. Father, forgive us. Strengthen us to love and obey you in newness of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Absolution. Standing, the priest says Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
[Celebrant]
THE GREETING OF PEACE (all stand) We are the body of Christ. His Spirit is with us. The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you.
[A greeting of peace is exchanged with those around us]
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Offertory Carol: Let all mortal flesh keep silence TiS 497
1. Let all mortal flesh keep silence and with fear and trembling stand; ponder nothing earthly-minded, for with blessing in his hand Christ our God to earth descending comes full homage to demand.
3. Rank on rank the host of heaven spreads its vanguard on the way, as the Light of light comes shining from the realms of endless day, that the powers of hell may vanish as the darkness clears away.
4. At his feet the six-winged 2. King of kings, yet born of Mary, seraphs, as of old on earth he stood, cherubim with sleepless eye, Lord of lords, in human vesture, veil their faces to the presence, in the body and the blood, as with ceaseless voice they cry, he will give to all the faithful alleluia, alleluia, his own self for heavenly food. alleluia, Lord most high! From the Liturgy of St James c. 4th cent. tr. Gerard Moultrie 1829–85 alt. Music from the English Hymnal by permission Oxford University Press
Offertory Prayer: Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have these gifts to share. Accept and use our offerings for your glory and for the service of your kingdom. BLESSED BE GOD FOR EVER. 15
THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Priest: People: Priest: People: Priest: People: Priest:
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts: We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise... ... for ever praising you and saying: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Priest: People:
‌ do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Priest: People:
‌ in songs of never ending praise. Blessing and honour and glory and power are yours for ever and ever. Amen.
As our Saviour Christ has taught us, we are confident to pray, Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen. 16
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD AND THE COMMUNION {Celebrant}
We break this bread to share in the body of Christ. We who are many are one body, For we all share in the one bread.
Agnus Dei We pray together: Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on us. Jesus, bearer of our sins, have mercy on us. Jesus, redeemer of the world, grant us your peace. Draw near with faith. Receive the body of our Lord Jesus Christ which he gave for you, and his blood which he shed for you. Eat and drink in remembrance that he died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith with thanksgiving. Baptised Christians who receive Holy Communion in their own church are invited to share communion with us. The consecrated wine may be received: a) from the common cup which is the tradition of the Anglican Church since the Reformation (as outlined in the Book of Common Prayer 1662) by drinking or intinction of the bread. b) from an individual glass upon request. Or you may choose to receive the bread only as Holy Communion in one kind.
Once you have received communion you may wish to pray the following prayer in thanksgiving: Thanks be to you, our Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits which you have given us, for all the pains and insults which you have borne for us. Most merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother, may we know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day. Amen. (Richard of Chichester 1197-1253 AD)
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FINAL CAROL: God rest you merry, gentlemen NEH 25
1. God rest you merry, gentlemen Let nothing you dismay Remember, Christ, our Saviour Was born on Christmas day To save us all from Satan's power When we were gone astray: O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy
3. And when they came to Bethlehem Where our dear Saviour lay, They found Him in a manger, Where oxen feed on hay; His Mother Mary kneeling down, Unto the Lord did pray: O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy
2. From God our Heavenly Father A blessed Angel came; And unto certain Shepherds Brought tidings of the same: How that in Bethlehem was born The Son of God by Name: O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy
4. Now to the Lord sing praises, All you within this place, And with true love and brotherhood Each other new embrace; This holy tide of Christmas All other doth efface: O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy
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THE SENDING OUT OF GOD'S PEOPLE Post Communion Prayer Prayer of self-offering Father, we offer ourselves to you as a living sacrifice through Jesus Christ our Lord. Send us out in the power of your Spirit to live and work to your praise and glory. AMEN Blessing May Christ the Son of God, the Wonderful counsellor and Prince of Peace, fill you with his grace; May the love of the Everlasting Father enfold and protect you; May the fellowship of the of the Holy Spirit comfort and guide you; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen. Dismissal
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord: IN THE NAME OF CHRIST. AMEN
ORGAN POSTLUDE
'Copyright Š 1995, The Anglican Church of Australia Trust Corporation. From the text of A Prayer Book for Australia, published under the imprint of Broughton Books. Reproduced with permission. - Recorded music played under PPCA licence 339096
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Readings for Sunday, January 1, 2017 1st Reading Numbers 6.22-27 2nd Reading Galatians 4.4-7
Psalm 8 Gospel Luke 2.15-21
GENERAL NOTICES Christmas Flowers have been donated by: Ian Lees; Yan & family, in loving memory of John Delahunty; and Heather & Christine in loving memory of Dorothy & Bill Schultz. Prayer Requests: all names for prayer in the pew sheet require permission from the persons being prayed for in the first instance. Parish Centre Update: Tender documentation for the Parish Centre has gone to six builders, with a response date of 15 February. This is a major step forward for the project. Of course, we have to see what pricing comes back, but we are now very much on the path to seeing the development underway. Archbishop’s Christmas Message: A few copies of the Archbishop’s Christmas Message are available at the back of the Church for anyone who is hasn’t seen it. Alternatively you can see it on Youtube https://youtu.be/x1cWbRjkrGQ Wednesday Service 28 December: There will be no 11am service on Wednesday 28 December. Office Closed: The Church office will be closed on Wednesday 28/12 and Thursday 29/12 and public holidays. Parish Chaplain: Our Parish Chaplain, Pam Hughes, will be unavailable from 26/12/2016 – 3/1/2017 (inclusive). CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM ALL AT HOLY TRINITY!
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ROSTERS Roster Duty
This Week 25/12/2017
Next Week 1/1/2017
David Harkin, Barbara Thomson, Robert Frood, Charles Harkin Marilyn Frood
Chris & Merrilyn Beeny
6pm Sat
Celebrant 8am Sun Welcomer
Reader Intercessor Euch Assist Server Celebrant Preacher Breakfast
Diana Cerini Jane Sullivan Canon Graeme Winterton Canon Graeme Winterton
10am Sun Welcomer
Chris & Merrilyn Beeny BCP Irene Shorthouse Dinesh Warnakulasuriya Canon Graeme Winterton Canon Graeme Winterton Rick Nicholson and Yvonne Stannard
Ian Lees, Rosemary Nairn, Carol Fraser & Yan Delahunty Alan Wilson Reader Bev Cooper, Nick Leicester Children Intercessor Children Euch Assist Chris Flavelle-Smith Mark/Janice Lucas & & Nick Leicester Yan Delahunty Server Chris Flavelle-Smith ALM Chris Flavelle-Smith Jane Sullivan Celebrant Canon Graeme Winterton Canon Graeme Winterton Preacher Canon Graeme Winterton Canon Graeme Winterton Transport Rosemary Nairn Bruce Chisholm Morning Tea Elaine Hutchinson & Romana Kristelly Brass Carol & John Fraser Yan Delahunty Counters Rosemary Nairn & Ian Lees
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SERVICES AT HOLY TRINITY On 2nd Sunday of the month, incense will be used at the 10am service WEDNESDAY 11.00am – Holy Communion SATURDAY 6.00pm – Holy Communion (first Saturday each month) SUNDAY 8.00am – Holy Communion 10.00am – Choral Eucharist Family ministry: Sunday 10.00am in chapel (in church on 1st Sun) Healing Service: 4th Sunday of the month, 11.20 am in the Sanctuary- unless otherwise advised
At Trinity Grammar School Chapel: Sunday 週日中英文10.30am – English Service
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PARISH DIARY DATE DAY TIME
EVENT
Tax Deductible Donations to Holy Trinity can be made for the 'Building Appeal' through the National Trust, OR for 'Family Ministry' through the Anglican Foundation. Forms are available at the back of church.
Holy Trinity Church Directory 251 High St (cnr Pakington St), Kew 3101 Mailing address: PO Box 37, Kew 3101 Ph: (03) 9853 7158 Email: office@holytrinitykew.org.au
Office hours: Monday – Friday 9am-12pm (closed until 5/10).
Ministry Team and Church Officers: Vicar: The Rev. Robert Newton, currently on Long Service Leave Locum Vicar: Canon Graeme Winterton AM, 9720 1587, winterton@datafast.net.au Parish Chaplain: Pam Hughes, 9855 8279 Honorary Associate Clergy: The Rev. Robert Holland, The Rev. Dr Helen Granowski, The Rev. Rick Cheung. Authorised Lay Ministers: Leonie Bird, Jane Sullivan, Andrea Sherko, Michael Wong. Churchwardens: David Harkin, Marcus Pandy, Alan Wilson Parish Council: Chris Flavelle-Smith, Madeleine Jenkins, David Renshaw, Napier Thomson, Dinesh Warnakulasuriya and Michael Wong. Wedding enquiries: refer to weddings page on website. ♫ Music Team ♫
Director of Music: Stephen Kerr, 0422 524 574; music@holytrinitykew.org.au Deputy Organist: Anthony Carr
Head Chorister: Maddison McLeod.
www.holytrinitykew.org.au
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