The Third Sunday of Advent 15 December 2024 9:15 am Holy Eucharist
STEWARDSHIP
Times and Seasons: Advent
The word ‘advent’ comes from the Latin word adventus which means “coming” or “arrival”. The season of Advent is a time of expectation and preparation during which the Church awaits the coming of Jesus in two ways: the Incarnation and Christ’s second coming where he will reunite all of Creation with God’s Kingdom. Many of the readings and liturgies of Advent reflect themes of hope for Christ’s birth, while also drawing us into the discomfort of divine judgment.
This Week & Upcoming
Formation Guest presentation: Community of the Crossing
Join us after the 11:15 Mass today for a guest presentation and discussion with Sister Hannah Spiers and members of the Community of the Crossing. CoTC is an intentional ecumenical community for young adults based at the Cathedral of St John the Divine. Members follow a rule of live rooted in prayer and service. Join us as we learn more about them and how all are invited come alongside their work!
St. Luke’s Christmas Pageant
Rehearsals Sundays beginning November 24
All are invited to consider preparing for the celebration of Jesus’ birth by participating in the Christmas Pageant, including adult actors, volunteers and participants.
The Christmas Pageant will be held on Saturday December 24th at the 5:00pm Christmas Eve Mass. Rehearsals for the pageant will be held on November 24 and December 8, 15, 22 and 24. Please email Mo. Lewis (vlewis@stlukeinthefields.org) if you would like to participate in the Christmas Pageant or if you have questions.
Holiday Tea at Three Thursday, December 19 at 3pm
We invite all parishioners and neighbors to join us for a special holiday tea as we celebrate the season! All are welcome!
See our Advent & Christmastide schedule on page 21.
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 O come, O come Emmanuel; Creator of the stars of night Gerald Near
A bell sounds. All stand as they are able.
ENTRANCE HYMN 59 · Merton (see pg 16)
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.
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
THE FIRST READING
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgments 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.
Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
CANTICLE 9
Read by all, remaining seated
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 defense, * and he will be my Savior.
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. 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.
THE SECOND LESSON
Philippians 4:4-7
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.
Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
SEQUENCE HYMN 72 · Richmond (see pg 17)
Sung by all, standing.
HOLY GOSPEL Luke 3:7-18
Deacon The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
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.
Reader The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
THE HOMILY The Reverend Caroline Stacey
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
Intercessor Hear us, Lord; People For your mercy is great.
Intercessor We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
Silence
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 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
Oliver Tarney
Come, Lord Jesus, our light to be, Come, Lord Jesus, set your people free. Come now with wisdom from above And fill our hearts with peace and love. Come, Lord Jesus, make all things new, Come and bring us light and life in you, A light no darkness can destroy, Bring us your justice, hope and everlasting joy.
OFFERTORY HYMN 76 · Winchester New (see pg 18)
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.
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
J. Philippe Rameau
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.
By thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by thine all-sufficient merit raise us to thy glorious throne.
POSTCOMMUNION HYMN 73 · St. Stephen (see pg 19)
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 Improvisation on ‘Wake, awake, cries the voice’ Paul Manz
The greens at today’s worship service are made possible in part through the Kurt Weyrauch Memorial Flower Fund.
SEQUENCE HYMN 72 · Richmond
SUNDAY DECEMBER 15 Advent 3
9:15 am Holy Eucharist*
10:20 am Pageant Prep & Text Talk
11:15 am Holy Eucharist*
1:15 pm Formation Guest Speaker
MONDAY DECEMBER 16
12:00 pm Holy Eucharist
7:00 pm AA Aud
TUESDAY DECEMBER 17
12:00 pm Holy Eucharist
7:00 pm AA Aud
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 18
12:00 pm Holy Eucharist
6:00 pm Vespers Chapel
7:00 pm AA Aud
THURSDAY DECEMBER 19
12:00 pm Holy Eucharist
3:00 pm Tea at Three LH
7:00 pm Centering Prayer Zoom
7:00 pm Friends of Shelly PH
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 20
12:00 pm Advent Stations & Holy Eucharist
7:00 pm AA Aud
SATURDAY DECEMBER 21
No Outreach Programs this Week 11:00 am Altar Guild Cleanup
SUNDAY DECEMBER 22 Advent 4
9:15 am Holy Eucharist*
10:20 am Pageant Prep & Text Talk
11:15 am Holy Eucharist* 1:00 pm Pageant Prep
* Childcare for children ages 6 and under is available.
KEEP IN TOUCH
Sign up for our newsletter: saintlukesnyc.org/newsletter
ADVENT AT ST. LUKE’S SERVICE SCHEDULE FOR CHRISTMASTIDE
Advent Candles and Prayers Available Advent Candles and prayer booklets will be available at Coffee Hours starting Sunday November 24th. Pick yours up today! Suggested donation: $10
Annual Giving Tree for St. Luke’s Outreach
Contact Hannah Sohn (212.414.7442 | hsohn@stlukeinthefields.org)
Celebrate Christmas at St. Luke’s by making the holidays brighter for our Outreach program participants. Go online to our Amazon wish list at saintlukesnyc.org/outreach_wishlist , drop off your gifts at church or at the parish house, or send us a check, and we’ll do the shopping for you. Thank you!
Advent Stations | Ancestors of Christ
Fridays in Advent at the 12:00 pm service
Christmas Eve Tuesday, December 24
5:00 pm Christmas 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
Reception follows in Laughlin Hall 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.
STEWARDSHIP & GIVING
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
Jaime Feal, son of Rosemary
Dave Heenan, friend of Mary-Grace Reeder & Mac McAnulty
Kayleen Kalakone, niece of David Kemp and Charles Binkley
Elke Saylor, mother of Kristin
Barbara Steinberg
Odette Michelle Toups
Pat & Bill Wright
For Those Who Have Recently Died
Robert J. McGraw, Sr., father of Bob
The Rev. Cn. Jerome “Jerry” Nedelka
Richard Reising
Nicole Rochmann, cousin of Caroline Borderies
Ford Worthy, friend of Amanda Durant
For Those Whose Memorial of Death Falls
This Week
Charles DeVoe
Phana Nuon, mother of Kayleen & sister of David
For Those Preparing for Marriage
Natalie Bryt & Nickolas Mannarino
Hannah Mix & Grant Hattenhauer
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
Zion Church, Wappingers Falls
Anglican Cycle of Prayer
The Anglican Church of Tanzania
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
