The Fourth Sunday of Advent 22 December 2024 9:15 am Holy Eucharist
This Week & Upcoming
Christmas Eve
Tuesday, December 24
5:00 pm Pageant & Holy Eucharist
9:30 pm Carols and Festive Eucharist
Christmas Day
Wednesday, December 25
10:30 am Holy Eucharist
First After Christmas
Sunday, December 29
9:15 am Holy Eucharist
11:15 am Holy Eucharist
Second After Christmas
Sunday, January 5
9:15 am Holy Eucharist
11:15 am Holy Eucharist
The Feast of the Epiphany
Monday, January 6
6:30 pm Holy Eucharist
Christmas Offerings
This Christmas season, consider making a Christmas Offering dedicated to a loved one. Dedications will be listed in the bulletins throughout the Christmas season. Visit saintlukesnyc.org/donate and note “Christmas Flowers” along with your dedication in the memo line. You can also contact the Parish office.
Vestry Elections Upcoming
Warden and Vestry elections will be held in Jan. 2025. Election packets will be sent out via physical and digital mailings. Candidate statements are available in the back of the church, or online at saintlukesnyc.org/ vestry-elections. Candidate Meet & Greets will take place on January 5 & 12 during coffee hours.
The Feast of the Epiphany
Monday, January 6 at 6:30pm
A parish party will be held following the Mass. The parish life team is asking parishioners to contribute holiday sides, cakes. cookies, or other baked desserts to share. Volunteers are also needed to help us prepare hams, mulled wine/cider, and more on Sunday the 5th after the 11:15 Mass. All are welcome! Contact Fr. Ancona for more information.
The Holy Eucharist Rite II
The Prelude calls us to prepare for worship. Please silence your cell phone, end any conversations you may be having, and use the music to mentally bring you into sacred space. Child-care is available for children under age 6; please ask an usher for directions; all children are welcome in worship, and we encourage parents to bring children to Communion.
PRELUDE Magnificat noni toni
Dieterich Buxtehude
A bell sounds. All stand as they are able.
ENTRANCE HYMN 56 (stanzas 1-4) · Veni, veni, Emmanuel Sung by all, standing.
THE ACCLAMATION
Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen.
KYRIE ELEISON Hymnal S91
Healey Willan
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.
Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
THE FIRST READING Micah 5:2-5a
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 labor 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.
Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
PSALM 80: 1-7, 16-18
Read by all, remaining seated
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.
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. You have made us the derision of our neighbors, * and our enemies laugh us to scorn.
Let your hand be upon the man of your right hand, * the son of man you have made so strong for yourself. And so will we never turn away from you; * give us life, that we may call upon your Name.
THE SECOND LESSON Hebrews 10:5-10
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.
Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
SEQUENCE HYMN 53 · Gottes Sohn ist kommen
Sung by all, standing.
THE HOLY GOSPEL
Luke 1:39-55
Deacon The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
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 fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor 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.”
Reader The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
THE HOMILY The Reverend Victoria Lewis
THE NICENE CREED
Said by all
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
PARISH
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
The Prayers of the People are one of the most important parts of the liturgy. We include prayers for the universal Church, the world and our local community, those in need, the sick and suffering, and the dying. In addition to the printed prayers, we are invited to pray for those concerns in our own hearts. You may stand or kneel during this time.
The Deacon reads the intercessions for the parish. Then the leader says In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
Silence
Intercessor For all people in their daily life and work; People For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
Intercessor For this community, the nation, and the world; People For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
Intercessor For the just and proper use of your creation; People For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
Intercessor For the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit as we work towards an anti-racist society.
People For racial justice in our church, our city, our nation and in the world.
Intercessor For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble; People For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
Intercessor For the peace and unity of the Church of God; People For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
Intercessor For Justin, the out-going Archbishop of Canterbury; Sean, our Presiding Bishop; Matthew, Allen and Mary, our own Bishops; and for all the clergy and people;
People For all who serve God in the Church.
Intercessor For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
Silence may be kept. Personal petitions are invited either silently or aloud.
Intercessor Hear us, Lord; People For your mercy is great.
Intercessor We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
Silence may be kept. Personal thanksgivings are invited either silently or aloud.
Intercessor We will exalt you, O God our King; People And praise your Name for ever and ever.
Intercessor We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.
Silence may be kept. Names of those remembered may be said either silently or aloud.
Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them; People Who put their trust in you.
Intercessor We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.
Said by all Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; in your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone; and so uphold us by your Spirit that we may live and serve you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Celebrant says the Absolution Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
THE PEACE
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you.
Then the Ministers and People greet each other in the name of the Lord. Then the Celebrant says an offertory sentence.
THE OFFERTORY
After the peace, the celebrant invites the people to offer their gifts to God. This is a time when we are asked to think intentionally about how we can give back to the Church in support of God’s mission in an effort to make our own proclamation of the Good News. It is important to remember that gifts come in many forms including time, talent, and treasure. What gifts can you give to God, and share with others today?
During the Offertory a hymn or anthem is sung. The gifts of money are brought with the bread and wine for the Eucharist to the altar and presented to God.
OFFERTORY ANTHEM
Basque Noël, arr. David Willcocks
The angel Gabriel from heaven came, His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame, All hail, said he, thou lowly maiden Mary! Most highly favoured Lady, Gloria!
For known a blessed mother thou shalt be, All generations laud and honour thee, Thy son shall be Emmanuel by seers foretold, Most highly favoured Lady, Gloria!
Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head, “To me be as it pleaseth God,” she said, “my soul shall laud and magnify his holy Name.”
Most highly favoured Lady, Gloria!
Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born in Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn, and Christian folk throughout the world will ever say, Most highly favoured Lady, Gloria!
OFFERTORY
HYMN 269 · Den des Vaters Sinn geboren
Sung by all, standing.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Celebrant continues
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. Because you sent your beloved Son to redeem us from sin and death, and to make us heirs in him of everlasting life; that when he shall come again in power and great triumph to judge the world, we may without shame or fear rejoice to behold his appearing. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name.
SANCTUS & BENEDICTUS Hymnal S130
Franz Peter Schubert
THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER Prayer B, The Book of Common Prayer, p. 367
All are invited to stand or kneel while the Eucharistic Prayer is read by the Celebrant. During the prayer, the Celebrant says Therefore, according to his command, O Father,
Celebrant and People We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory;
The Celebrant concludes By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.
As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray,
Said by all
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.
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD
The Celebrant breaks the bread. A short period of silence follows.
Celebrant Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. People Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
INVITATION
Celebrant The gifts of God for the people of God.
HOLY COMMUNION
This is the Lord’s Table; all are welcome to come forward. Please follow the ushers’ directions, coming down the center aisle. Gluten free wafers are available from the Priest on the pulpit side of the altar. If you are not baptized, or do not wish to receive, you are encouraged to come forward for a blessing. Signal this by crossing your arms across your chest.
After receiving Communion, please return to your pew via the nearest side aisle, crossing over at the rear (by the font) as needed.
COMMUNION MOTET
Orlando Gibbons
My soul doth magnify the Lord, * and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. For he hath regarded * the lowliness of his handmaiden. For behold from henceforth * all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath magnified me, * and holy is his Name. And his mercy is on them that fear him * throughout all generations.
He hath showed strength with his arm; * he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seat, * and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath filled the hungry with good things, * and the rich he hath sent empty away. He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel, * as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
POSTCOMMUNION HYMN 66 · Stuttgart
Sung by all, standing.
POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
Said by all.
Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
THE BLESSING
May the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. AMEN.
THE DISMISSAL
The Deacon bids the Dismissal.
Deacon Let us go forth in the name of Christ. People Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE Fugue on the Magnificat
Johann Pachelbel
The greens at today’s worship service are made possible in part through the Kurt Weyrauch Memorial Flower Fund.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 22 Advent 4
9:15 am Holy Eucharist*
10:20 am Pageant Prep & Text Talk
11:15 am Holy Eucharist*
MONDAY DECEMBER 23
12:00 pm Holy Eucharist
7:00 pm AA Aud
TUESDAY DECEMBER 24
5:00 pm Christmas Pageant & Holy Eucharist
9:30 pm Prelude of Carols and Festive Eucharist
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 25
10:30 am Holy Eucharist*
THURSDAY DECEMBER 26
Block Closed for Christmas
AROUND THE BLOCK
Barrow St. Gardens Open
Monday - Saturday, 10am - dusk
Sunday, 12:00pm - dusk
Thrift Shop Open
Wednesday - Saturday, 11am - 5pm.
212.924.9364
thriftshop@stlukeinthefields.org
FRIDAY DECEMBER 27
Block Closed for Christmas
SATURDAY DECEMBER 28
2:00 pm Community Closet LH 4:00 pm Art & Acceptance School Aud
SUNDAY DECEMBER 29 1st after Christmas
9:15 am Holy Eucharist*
11:15 am Holy Eucharist*
* Childcare for children ages 6 and under is available.
KEEP IN TOUCH
Sign up for our newsletter: saintlukesnyc.org/newsletter
Consider deepening your relationship with St. Luke’s by pledging your time, talent or treasure. Look for pledge forms in the back of the church. You can also pledge and sign up for volunteer opportunities online at saintlukesnyc.org/pledge.
2025 Stewardship Pledge Campaign
Our annual Fall Stewardship Campaign is underway! This season features Stewardship moments in person and online. There will also be ministry tables set up during coffee hours each week. To learn more about the Fall Stewardship Season, visit stlukeinthefields.org/give.
Donate to St. Luke’s St. Luke’s relies on donations to help maintain and grow mission-centered programming. If you would like to make a one-time donation, scan the QR Code or visit stlukeinthefields.org/give. We welcome both general and restricted gifts, such as our gardens, Concert Series, Outreach Programs, and Clergy Discretionary Fund.
Legacy Giving
Another way you can support the mission of St. Luke’s is through estate planning. Learn more: saintlukesnyc.org/legacygiving Contact: Hannah Sohn, Development and Outreach Manager hsohn@stlukeinthefields.org
Volunteer for a Liturgical Guild!
As we prepare for the Fall season, we welcome you to sign up to be an usher, reader, or acolyte. If you would like to help before and after services, consider the Altar Guild. Contact information for each guild is below.
Acolyte Guild: Michael Cudney (Mcudney55pte@gmail.com)
Altar Guild: Sean Scheller (seanscheller@gmail.com)
Lectors Guild: Amanda Durant (atdurant@gmail.com)
Ushers Guild: Stephen Novak (stevenov13@gmail.com)
Music & Arts: Melissa Cocco (melissacoccomelissa@gmail.com)
LIFE AT ST. LUKE’S
Sermons Online
Sermons are available in audio on the web at stlukeinthefields.org/ sermons.
Antiracism Ministries
saintlukesnyc.org/antiracism
Weekly Book Discussions Mondays at 7pm on Zoom.
Seasonal film screenings and author talks.
See our website for the full schedule.
Daily Office on Zoom
Monday & Wednesday at 5:30pm Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 8am
Contact: Michael Cudney (mcudney55pte@gmail.com)
Centering Prayer Thursdays 7 pm on Zoom
Contact: Richard (718.698.7514 | interiorsilence@gmail.com)
FORMATION AT ST. LUKE’S
Please see website for our full schedule
Formation for Children and Youth
Sunday School 10:20am in the School Auditorium
Classes for PreK-Grade 5
Youth Formation
Sundays 10:20am in the School Auditorium For Grades 6-12.
Youth Confirmation
For teens Grades 8-12. Contact Mo. Lewis for more information.
Formation for Adults
Text Talk Bible Study
Sundays 10:20am in the School Dining Room
Catechumens: Ethical Decision Making
Discovery Series
January 12 at 1:15pm in Laughlin Hall
Seasonal Retreats
Advent Retreat: December 13-15 at Holy Cross Monastery
Contact Lily in the Parish House
OUTREACH
Get more information about all of our Outreach programs on our website: saintlukesnyc.org/outreach outreach@stlukeinthefields.org
Donations to our programs are appreciated: choose “Outreach” in the drop down menu on our Giving Form: saintlukesnyc.org/donate.
Donations can be dropped off to any office or facilities staff member. The Parish Office is open on weekdays from 9am-5pm. Staff are available to receive donations on Saturdays in Laughlin Hall.
Community Closet
Saturdays from 2 - 4pm.
Art & Acceptance
Saturdays from 4 - 7pm
Clothing Donations Wanted
We’re in great need of gently used fall/winter clothing, jackets, sneakers, comfortable walking shoes and boots for men, women and children. T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, sweaters, light jackets, rain gear, umbrellas, backpacks and rolling suitcases, new men’s briefs, women’s underwear, size 6 diapers and period products, travel sized toiletries in bulk (shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, soap etc.) are also in demand. Drop off at St. Luke’s, 487 Hudson St. Mon-Fri 9-5pm.
Check our Amazon wish list seasonally to find the most current needs for our programs. Thank you for supporting Outreach at St. Luke’s! saintlukesnyc.org/outreach_wishlist
Parish Intercessions
Parish Intercessions are read during services and/or circulated to our Intercessory Prayer Group. Persons listed below are prayed for weekdays by name at the 12pm Eucharist and on other occasions throughout the week. Due to the large need, the list is kept to family, loved ones, and close friends of parishioners only; names remain on the list for two weeks. To add a name, provide an update, or to have a name removed from the list, please e-mail prayerlist@stlukeinthefields.org or call the front office at 212.924.0562.
For Those Who are Ill or in Need of Intercession
Elizabeth
Stephen Hammel, brother of Anne & friend of Dan Connelly
Dave Heenan, friend of Mary-Grace Reeder & Mac McAnulty
Kayleen Kalakone, niece of David Kemp and Charles Binkley
Elke Saylor, mother of Kristin
Odette Michelle Toups
Judeth & Terrence Vinson, parents of Jon
Pat & Bill Wright
For Those Who Have Recently Died
The Rev. Cn. Jerome “Jerry” Nedelka
For Those Whose Memorial of Death Falls
This Week
Cornelia Dellenbaugh
Robert Fogarty, father of Melissa
Lady Theresa May Lachlan-Stewart, mother of Norman
Phana Nuon, mother of Kayleen & sister of David
For Those Preparing for Marriage
Natalie Bryt & Nickolas Mannarino
Hannah Mix & Grant Hattenhauer
For Those Children Preparing for Baptism
Sigrid Krause-Hurn
For Those Adults in the Catechumenate process
John “Jack” Beeson (Confirmation)
Arin Canfield (Confirmation)
Diana Yichu Cao (Baptism)
Bella Deng (Confirmation)
Robertson McAnulty (Renewal of Vows)
Trent McKnight (Reception)
Grady Tarplee (Confirmation)
For our Parish of St Luke in the Fields
Our Seminarians and those in discernment in this parish
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer
Thomas’ Church, Amenia Union
Anglican Cycle of Prayer
The Church of the Province of Uganda
The Church of St. Luke in the Fields
487 Hudson Street New York, NY 10014 | Telephone: 212.924.0562 | Email: info@stlukeinthefields.org Please email any clergy member in the event of an emergency. Website: www.stlukeinthefields.org
The Reverend Caroline Stacey, Rector 212.924.0562 | cstacey@stlukeinthefields.org
The Reverend Andrew Ancona, Senior Associate | 212.924.9327 aancona@stlukeinthefields.org
David Shuler, Director of Music & Organist 212.633.2167 | dshuler@stlukeinthefields.org
The Reverend Victoria Lewis, School Chaplain & Associate 212.924.5960 | vlewis@stlukeinthefields.org
The Reverend Thomas Miller, Assisting Clergy
ADMINISTRATION
Craig King, Director of Business and Financial Operations | 212.633.7817 cking@stlukeinthefields.org
