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THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

DECEMBER 1,

WELCOME

FROM THE RECTOR

The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata

We’re so glad you’ve joined us at Saint Michael today. We’d love to get to know you better, so please take a moment to fill out the welcome card, either physically or digitally, that can be found on this page or in the pew back in front of you. Our Welcome Team members are in the hallways today to help you with anything you need.

As we begin the holy season of Advent, I hope you will make sure to pick up a copy of the Sunday News pamphlet available near the doors of the church. There are many ways to invest yourself in special offerings throughout the season. Today at 4 p.m., join us for Advent Lessons & Carols, the first of a trio of services now through Epiphany. Tomorrow launches a new season of Weekday Meditations led by the clergy of Saint Michael that will help you walk through the season. I also encourage you to invest in your discipleship growth and in our shared ministry by committing to an annual stewardship gift this year. Please see the blue box at the bottom of this page and make your gift today. What we do makes a true impact, and we need you!

As we prepare to worship together, I invite you to take a moment and center yourself on God’s presence. Worshiping, learning, and giving together help us grow closer to who God created us to be, and you’re part of that work. May God bless you today and every day, and I hope to see you again very soon!

CONNECT WITH US

Scan the QR Code to fill out the welcome card, sign up for emails, and register for Saint Michael 101. saintmichael.org/welcome

Building the Kingdom

Stewardship 2025

Welcome

Joy: A EuchArist for childrEn

The Lighting Of The Christ Candle

“The Light Of Christ”

The light of Christ has come into the world. The light of Christ has come into the world.

Public Domain

The Opening Song

“This Is The Day”

This is the day, this is the day. That the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. We will rejoice. We will rejoice. And be glad in it. And be glad in it. This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice, and be glad in it.

This is the day, this is the day That the Lord has made.

Public Domain

The Opening Sentences

Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

The Collect

Celebrant The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.

Celebrant Let us pray.

Standing

Please be seated.

Celebrant O God, as we begin to await the coming of Jesus, grant us strength to prepare a place for him in our hearts. Amen.

The Gospel Procession

“I Have Decided To Follow Jesus”

I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back, no turning back.

Other verses

Though none go with me, still I will follow. The cross I’ll carry ‘til I see Jesus. The cross before me, the world behind me.

Public Domain

Cherub Song to greet Saint Nicholas

“St Nicholas”

St Nicholas, St Nicholas, we honor you today.

St Nicholas, St Nicholas, you showed to us God’s way.

A friend to children everywhere, a friend to sailors, too! Through noble deeds throughout your life, you taught us what to do!

St Nicholas, St Nicholas we honor you today.

St Nicholas, St Nicholas you showed to us God’s way.

St Nicholas, St Nicholas!!

The Bible Story

The Song After The Story

“Advent Song”

Advent is the time to wait.

Not quite time to celebrate.

Light the candles one by one.

‘Til the Advent time is done.

Christmas Day will soon be here.

Time for joy and time for cheer.

Public Domain

The Children’s Creed

All I believe in God the Father, who has made me and all the world. I believe in God the Son, who has loved me and saved me. I believe in God the Holy Spirit, who is in me and all creation.

The Sunday School Prayer

All God be in my head.

God be in my heart.

God be in my left hand.

God be in my right hand.

God be in my whole life. Thanks be to God. Amen.

Additional Prayers and Silence

Reader Let us thank God for our families, friends, and our pets. We pray to you, O Lord.

People Lord, hear our prayer. Standing

Please be seated for the Announcements.

Reader Let us praise God for God’s love and goodness and for our blessings. We pray to you, O Lord.

People Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader Let us pray to God to help others. We pray to you, O Lord.

People Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader Let us ask God for the things we need; may we enjoy the food we eat, the home we live in, the health that we have, and when we are sick that we may be well soon. We pray to you, O Lord.

People Lord, hear our prayer.

The Children’s Confession

Celebrant For the times we have hurt others.

People Forgive us, God.

Celebrant For the times we have acted selfishly.

People Forgive us, God.

Celebrant For the times we have been slow to forgive others.

People Forgive us, God.

Celebrant For the times we have not remembered your love for us.

People Forgive us, God.

The Peace

Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People And also with you.

The Offertory

“Let There Be Peace On Earth”

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.

With God as our Father, brothers all are we.

Let me walk with my brother, in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now. With ev’ry step I take, let this be my solemn vow; To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.

Public Domain

The Doxology

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host: praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow“ Hymn 380, v. 3

Prayers Over The Bread & Wine To Thank God For Jesus

Celebrant The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.

Celebrant Lift up your hearts.

People We lift them to the Lord.

Celebrant

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People It is right to give him thanks and praise.

The Lord’s Prayer

All Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give online by selecting General 2024 from the dropdown menu.

Standing

All baptized persons of any age regardless of their denomination and tradition are welcome to share in the banquet of the Lord’s Supper. Eucharistic prayer continues.

Members of the congregation may come forward to receive Communion from the Celebrant.

Please join in the singing of the Communion songs.

Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread

Celebrant

The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

Communion Songs

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

O come, O Wisdom from on high, who orders all things mightily; To us the path of knowledge show, and teach us in her ways to go. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

O come, O come, great Lord of might, who to your tribes on Sinai’s height in ancient times once gave the law, in cloud, and majesty, and awe. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

“Come, O Long Expected Jesus”

Come, O long expected Jesus, born to set your people free; From our fears and sins release us; free us from captivity.

Israel’s strength and consolation, you, the hope of all the earth, Dear desire of ev’ry nation, come, and save us by your birth.

Born your people to deliver; born a child and yet a king! Born to reign in us for ever, now your gracious kingdom bring.

By your own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone; By your all sufficient merit raise us to your glorious throne.

Public Domain

“God is So Good”

God is so good. God is so good. God is so good. He’s so good to me.

God cares for me. God cares for me. God cares for me. He’s so good to me.

God loves me so. God loves me so.

God loves me so. He’s so good to me.

Words and music by Daniel Brink Towner, Julia Harriette Johnston | Public Domain | CCLI #1718120.

“Eat This Bread”

Eat this bread, drink this cup, come to me and never be hungry. Eat this bread, drink this cup, trust in me and you will not thirst.

Words: John 6; adapt. by Robert J. Batastini, and the Taize Community Copyright: © 1984 Les Presses de Taize. Used by permission of GIA Publications, Inc., Chicago. Reprinted under license #12077. All rights reserved.

“Jesus Loves Me”

Jesus loves me, this I know, For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong They are weak, but He is strong.

Refrain

Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so.

Boys and girls across the sea, Jesus loves as well as me. So our little friends are they, And together we can say. Refrain

CCLI #1718120

Thank You To God For Our Time Together

All Thank you, Jesus, for this Holy Meal. Thank you for giving us this Holy Food that gives each of us the gift of life. And thank you for caring for us. Amen. A Blessing Standing

Celebrant Let us go forth in the name of Christ. People Thanks be to God.

The Closing Song

“Soon and Very Soon”

Soon and very soon we are goin’ to see the King, Soon and very soon we are goin’ to see the King, Soon and very soon we are goin’ to see the King, Hallelujah, hallelujah, we’re goin’ to see the King!

DEC

01

7:30 AM

Traditional

Saint Michael Chapel

9 AM

Traditional Church

Joy! A Children’s Service

Saint Michael Chapel

sunday at Saint Michael

FORMATION CLASSES

Sundays | 10 a.m. 2nd floor of the new Education Wing

Adults

The Story of Scripture

Led by Clergy & Staff | Room 203

The Word Became Flesh

Led by the Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso | Coke Room 201

Saint Michael 101

Led by Clergy and Staff | Room 200

Youth & CFM

Youth and Children & Family Ministries will not meet this week. Please join us for Advent Festival.

11 AM

Contemporary Church

Traditional

Saint Michael Chapel

5:30 PM

Traditional

Saint Michael Chapel

9 a.m. Joy Service

Saint Michael Chapel

10 a.m. Activities Youth Center (2nd Floor)

All are invited to enjoy treats and refreshments, participate in a Christmas service project, and engage in a variety of Advent activities.

SaintMichael.org/AdventFest

Nursery is available in rooms 19 & 20 in the school’s hallway. Enter through the Chapel or the Sunday Education Wing entrance, which are marked on the map on the opposite page.

Christmas Christmas

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24

Holy Eucharist Rite II | Saint Michael Chapel

5 PM

Holy Eucharist Rite II | Church

Holy Eucharist Rite II | Saint Michael Chapel 10 PM

CHRISTMAS DAY 1 PM Jazz Service | Church

Holy Eucharist Rite I | Church Incense will be used at this service 10 AM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25

Holy Eucharist Rite II | Saint Michael Chapel saintmichael.org/christmaseve

Saint Michael would like to thank the following parishioners for their support of the 2025 year:

Lynn & Bob Abbott

Sandy & Mark Ables

Lydia & Bill Addy

Leslie & Nassi Agouridis

Julie & Mike Allen

Beverly Amacker

Laura Anderson

Chris & Paul Anderson

Mary & Jerry Andrlik

Dee Ann & Gregg Anigian

Michele & Bob Axley

Caroline & Will Badcock

Margaret Badgett

Betty & Jimmy Baird

Elizabeth Baker

Emy Lou & Jerry Baldridge

Mary & George Baldwin

Pam Barbera

Joan & Jim Barklow

Susan Barnicoat

Kay & Rick Barry

Hong & Jim Bass

Beth & Peter Beck

Steve Beckham

Christy Bednar

Amsler & Don Bell

Robin & Brad Berkley

Dianne Betts

Audrey & Joel Bines

Katherine & Michael Blachly

Monique & Tom Black

Molly Steele & Tom Blackmon

Kalita & Ed Blessing

Laura & Dan Boeckman

Martha & Wade Bogdon

Susan Bort

Katherine & Darren Boruff

Julie & Bill Borus

Len Bourland

Allison & Chris Bovard

Dianna & Tom Bowen

Tandy & Gary Bowers

Beverly & Bruce Bowman

Rachel & Ken Brannon

Gretchen & Reiner Brasch

Gayl Braymer

Melanie Brewer

Marla & Tony Briggle

Margaret & Dave Briggs

Kim & Phillip Brooks

Adele Broughton

Ginger Brown

Rosamond Brown

Victoria & Stuart Brown

Sharon & Ron Brown

Gail & Jim Browne

Elizabeth & Bob Buchanan

Susan Buddendorf

Michael Bullard

Lisa & Elliott Burdette

Pam Busbee

Jane & Zane Butter

Julie & Chuck Butterworth

Janice & Ashburn Bywaters

Galen Elliott & Henry Cadle, Jr.

Mary Agnes Cain

Louise Caldwell

Shannon Callewart

Lauren Callon

Lynne & Bob Campbell

Edna & Mark Cannata

Peggy Carr

Carol & Dick Carrington

Melissa & James Carry

Cindy & Jay Carter

Suzie Cary

Becky & Mike Casey

Jean Casey

Merrilee & Michael Cate

Margaret Cervin

Betsy & Jim Chambers

Chuck Chernosky

Gwendolyn & Bobby Chestnut

Croft Chestnut

Coley Clark

Kendall & Craig Clark

Gail & Bob Clark

Garland & Mike Cohlmia

Judy Cole

Autumn & Michael Collins

Kimberly & Joe Colonnetta

Alli & Forrest Compton

Kelly Compton & DeWitt McCarter

Leslie & George Conant

Judy & Eric Conner

Squeaky & Paul Connolly

Carter & Bruce Conway

Harriet & Ralph Cousins

Ann Marie Cowdrey

Anne & Brent Crawford

Lacie & Pat Crow

Betsy & Bennett Cullum

Sissy Cullum

Ginny & Rick Currey

Mason & Allen Custard

Kelly & Beck Dando

Maria & Richard D’Antoni

Susan & Scott Davis

Deborah McMurray & Glen Davison

Maureen & Robert Decherd

Leslie DeCillis

Gloria DeCillis

Terry & Mark Demler

Anne & Brian Dethrow

Janet & Lee Dettra

Leslie & George Diamond

Elaine & Dennis Disney

Mary Adair & Dee Dockery

Michael Dorbandt

Rozi & Bill Doreen

Eleanor Durham

Cynthia Dutter

Sally Earnest

Charlotte & Richard Eberhart

Susie & George Edwards

Julie & Steven Eggers

John Ellerman

Liz Ann Ellinor

Van Ellis

Stacy & Chris Elliston

Lisa & David Elrod

Joyce & Mike Ernst

Kristen & Harvey Ewing

Jan Farabaugh

Joan Faubion

Sarah & Tom Fenton

Wendy Finley

Libby & Mark Flory

Charlotte & John Flowers

Mary Jo & Bart Forbes

Debbie & David Fosdick

Lou Fouts

Dru Francis

Kathryn & Jim Francis

Bonita Frederick

Elizabeth & Eric Gambrell

Ruthie Garrett

Teddie & Dan Garrigan

Judy & Bob Gass

Caroline & Benjamin Germany

Cindy & Kevin Gill

Dare & Dale Gillette

Eric Gilmour

Nicole & Chris Girata

Kelly & Karl Giron

Mimi & Pax Glenn

Carol & Mark Goglia

Margaret & Smokey Goodrich

Pagett & Mike Gosslee

Robert Graham

Sue & Andrew Gray

Jane & Greg Greene

Lillian & Gregory Greene Jr.

Carolyn Gregg

Louise & Tom Gresham

Hannah & Michael Gresham

Louise & Guy Griffeth

Whitney & Jay Grogan

Diana & Andrew Grosso

Jody Guenther

Mary Kay & Larry Guevel

Bettie Hager

Jane & Scott Hancock

Eileen Hudnall-Hannum & Fred Hannum

Kathy & Kevin Hanrahan

Joanne Hardaway

Betsy Hardy

Electra & Jeff Harelson

Marianne & Michael Harmuth

Nancy & Howell Harralson

Amanda & Neil Harris

Zoe & Todd Hart

Judy & Joe Hawley

Kathy Hayes

Lisa Hays

Kay & Steve Head

Liz & Jeff Helfrich

Betty & Scott Hemingway

Page & Walt Henrion

Carol & Henry Hill

Sarah Hobbs

Sam Hoffman

Maggie Hoffman

Carrie & Tom Hoffman

Barbara Hollis

Mary Louise & David Hopson

Ann & Frank Houseman

Elizabeth & Todd Howard

Candace Evans & Thomas Hripko

Erin Peavey & Mike Hsieh

Sally Ann Hudnall

Bitsy & Matt Hudnall

Amanda & Nick Huerta

Sandra Hughes

Donna & Rob Hull

Nell Anne Hunt

Diane & Jim Hunt

Jeanie & Gary Huselton

Kay & Jack Hyland

Mary Jalonick

Vincent James

Pam & Andrew Jamieson

Jane & Pat Jenevein

Kathy & Patrick Jenevein

Debbie & Bruce Jenevein

Lynn & David Jennings

Susan & Gene Johnson

Cary & Randy Johnston

Bob Johnston

Bonnie & Jim Jones

Carolyn & Pete Joost

Dianne Jopling

Kate Juett

Mary & Steve Kardell

Kathy & Kevin Kelley

Leslie & Ed Kennedy

Susie & John Khoury

Dawn & Lewis Kinard

Marcia & Mark King

Wendy & Edward King

Barbara & Jerry King

Kristin Kline

Kate & Ryan Kneipper

Sherry & Rick Kneipper

Patty & Randy Kob

Susan & Patrick Krejs

Jason Lamb

Cynthia Lane

Bettina & Herman Lang

Elizabeth & John Lang

LeAnne & Bob Langholz

Chuck Lathem

Kathleen & Frank Lauinger

Karen Lawrence

Mary & Russ Lessmann

Paula Lewis-Patterson

Suzanne & Jay Lipscomb

Lisa Lipscomb

Jana & Jim Littlejohn

Jo Loomis

Heather Lorch

Pam & Tom Luce

Sally Lutz

Prudence & John Mackintosh

Catherine & Douglas MacMahon

Jeanie Madeley

Marti Mahaffey

Stacey & Ken Malcolmson

Ted Manikas

Catherine Marrs

Shirley Marsh

Bob Marshall Jr.

Mary Katherine & Jack Marshallsea

Alex Martindale

Fred & Ruth Mason

Sissy & Mike Massad

Taylor & Michael Massad

Mary Massengale

Bonnie & David Mastin

Sam Mauldin

Eileen & Don McAleenan

Tina McBee

Pam McCallum

Vicki & Justin McCarty

Tom McConnell

Melissa & Don McCoy

Rebecca & Ed McDaniel

Reggie & John McFarland

Sharon & Bill McGannon

Suzanne & Patrick McGee

Jane & Ray McGowen

Diane McGrath

Victoria & Hunter McGrath

Kay McIlyar

Gretchen McKenzie

Lyn & Keith McKinney

Lucy McRae Vollet

Melissa & Andy McRoberts

Margaret Mebus

Suzanne & Taber Meyers

Barbara Kennard & Brady Millican

Dick Mitchell

Tricia & Mark Monfrey

Patti & John Monger

Caroline & Doug Moore

Pat & Don Moore

Molly Moore

Carolyn & John Morelock

Mary Morgan

Dawn & Allan Morrill

Christi & Cory Morrow

Regan & Andrew Mosher

Leigh & William Mundinger

John Munson

Julia & Sam Nagy

Jennifer & Noble Nash

Kennie & John Neal

Katherine & Jim Neuhoff

Byron Neuhoff

Diana & Geoff Newton

Hank Nichols

Gloria Nicoud

Carrie & Robert Nicoud

Tamara & Tim O’Connor

Anne & Blair Oden

Becky & Ron Odlozil

Christine & Kurt Oesterling

Colleen O’Hara

Liz Oliphant

Wendy O’Sullivan

Laurel Page

Jennifer & Pablo Pascal

Matson Pearce

Carolyn & Hoddy Peck

Betsy & Ron Pedersen

Holly & Carlos Pena

Katherine & Bob Penn

Mary Ruth & Jim Perkins

Nancy Perot & Rod Jones

Heidi & Tim Perry

Teresa Person

Pressley & Jamey Peters

Callie & Malcolm Petersen

Cathy & Steve Philley

Noralyn & Greg Pickens

Sallie Plummer

Gigi & Jerry Poglitsch

Walter Powell

Bill Power

Pat & Claude Prestidge

Myra Walker & Eben Price

Dianne & Hervey Priddy

Beth & J. Puckett

Elizabeth & Frederick Putnam

Betty Quelch

Gloria & Henry Raines

Lutetia Raley

Kelly & Michael Reddell

Gay & Randy Rekerdres

Liz Respess

Jenny & Steve Reynolds

Helen Reynolds

Debbie & Tom Rhodus

Jeff & Darrel Rice

Janie Richard

Jim Richards

Phil Ritter

Patsy Roach

Debby & Robin Robinson

Ann & Jim Rogers

Julie & Paul Rogers

Needie & Tom Rountree

Carolyn & Wyatt Rousseau

Michele & Shad Rowe

Amanda Dake & Chris Rowley

Jennifer & Walker Royall

Jim Russell

Capera Ryan

Ginger Sager

Courtney M. Campbell

Betty Sanders

Toni & Phil Sanders

Laurie & Joe Sando

Erica & Charlie Sartain

Mary Elizabeth & Grady Schleier

Erin Osborne & Vic Schmerbeck

Mardie & Alan Schoellkopf

Gail & Patrick Schultz

Cathy & Tom Schulz

Sally & Chris Schupp

Carolyn & Jack Sears

Linda & Les Secrest

Marillyn & Gus Seeberger

Carol Roehrig & Fred Seipp

Elizabeth & John Selzer

Sara Shanley

Brenda & Van Sheets

Betty & Burton Shepherd

Andy Shoup

Nancy Shutt

Jeanie & Stuart Sikes

Allison & Heinz Simon

Linda & Ellis Skinner

Nancy & Jim Skochdopole

Katie & Stewart Slack

Ann Ratelle & Lee Slaton

Anne & Randy Slaughter

Joyce & Jack Smiley

Jinny Smith

Giovanna & Tim Smith

Victoria Smith

Ann & Paul Smith

Charlie & Jim Smith

Kim & Jim Snyder

Nancy & John Solana

Vince Snoddy & Erik Soliz

Nancy & Rene Somodevilla

Karen & Rand Spencer

Mary & Arnold Spencer

Rob Springer-Kyle & Tom Kyle

Tiffany & Reed Standly

Joan Stansbury

LaRee Stein

Sally Stephenson

Patricia & J.C. Sterquell

Brian Stock

Candy & Dennis Streit

Ellen Stuart

Drew & John Stull

Carolyn Swann

Cindi & Sam Swanson

Laura & Paul Talbot

Sally & Ross Taylor

Madalyn Teal

Ellen & Howard Templin

Marvin Thedford

Cinda Thoma

Michelle & Stewart Thomas

Carla & Robert Thomas

Gail Thomas

Dixey Thornton

Mary Ann & George Till

Carolyn Tilley

Frances & Buzz Tompkins

Arthur Tribble

Sue Tritschler

Marlene Tubbs

Tesa & Malcolm Turner

Melissa Urban

Diane & Dick Urquhart

Cornelia & Scott van Tilburg

Fallon & Robie Vaughn

Lauren & Robert Vaughn

Tish & Matthew Visinsky

Andy Smith & Paul von Wupperfeld

Cathy & Denton Walker

Kathy & Gary Wall

Kathleen & Jay Wallace

Mary & Matt Waller

Diana & Charlie Waring

Pam Watkins

Day & George Watson

Kay & Peter Weeks

Hudson Weichsel

Christie & Christian Weichsel

Sarah & Russell Weinberg

CiCi & Giffen Weinmann

Martha Wells

Shannon & Craig Werthmann

Jeanette & George Wharton

Liz Wheelan

Kay & Leo Whelan

Mary Whiteside-Lee

Julia & Bill Whitsitt

Donell & Phillip Wiggins

Nancy Wilbur

Paige Wilbur

Robyn & Chris Wiley

Karen & Jim Wiley

Elizabeth Williams

Tucker Willis

Emilynn Wilson

Nancy Wilson

Sherry & Robert Wilson

Kristi & Scott Wilson

Lynn & Kevin Wisdom

Nancy & David Woodall

Nina Works

Piper Wyatt

Sheryl & Phil Wylie

Kathy & John Yeaman

Barbara & Michael York

Anonymous *as of 11/21/2024 To give, scan the QR code or visit saintmichael.org/stewardship2025