The First SUnday of Advent - November 28, 2021

The First Sunday of Advent Taizé Service

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Glenside, Pennsylvania November 28, 2021 10:00 A.M.

On Silence When we try to express communion with God in words, we rapidly reach the end of our capacities. But in the depths of our being, Christ is praying, far more than we imagine. Compared with the immensity of that hidden prayer of Christ in us, our explicit praying dwindles to almost nothing. That is why silence is so essential in discovering the heart of prayer. Although God never stops trying to communicate with us, God never wants to impose anything on us. Often God’s voice comes in a whisper, in a breath of silence. Remaining in silence in God’s presence, open to the Spirit, is already prayer. It is not a matter of trying to obtain inner silence at all costs by following some method that creates a kind of emptiness within. The important thing is a childlike attitude of trust by which we will allow Christ to pray within us silently, and then one day we will discover that the depths of our being are inhabited by a Presence. from Songs and Prayers from Taizé

Gathering In Welcome Remarks Lighting of Advent Wreath Lord Jesus, Light of the world, born in David’s city of Bethlehem, born like him to be a king: be born in our hearts this Christmastide, be king of our lives today. Amen.

from St Barnabas’ Church, Linslade

Chant #59, Venite Exultemos Domino O come and let us sing to God our hope. God’s mercy is forever.

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Chant #23, Sing praises all you peoples Sing praises all you peoples, sing praises to the Lord.

Collect of the Day BCP 211 Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Listening for God’s Word The First Reading - 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

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Chant #77, Alleluia with Psalm 25:1-9 Psalmist will read the four verses. Congregation will sing Alleluia after every other verse.

1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; my God, I put my trust in you; let me not be humiliated, nor let my enemies triumph over me.

2 Let none who look to you be put to shame; let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes. Alleluia 3 Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths.

4 Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long. Alleluia 5 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, for they are from everlasting.

6 Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; remember me according to your love and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord. Alleluia 7 Gracious and upright is the Lord; therefore he teaches sinners in his way.

8 He guides the humble in doing right and teaches his way to the lowly. Alleluia 9 All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

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Chant #17, In the Lord I’ll be ever thankful

The Gospel – Luke 21:25-36 Jesus said, "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves.

People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. "Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." Silence - 5 minutes

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Chant #2, Wait for the Lord

A Liturgical Affirmation of Faith

from The New Zealand Prayer Book

You, O God, are supreme and holy.

You create our world and give us life.

Your purpose overarches everything we do.

You have always been with us.

You are God. You, O God, are infinitely generous, good beyond all measure.

You came to us before we came to you.

You have revealed and proved your love for us in Jesus Christ, who lived and died and rose again.

You are with us now.

You are God. You, O God, are Holy Spirit.

You empower us to be your gospel in the world.

You reconcile and heal; you overcome death.

You are our God. We worship you. Amen.

Prayers of the People Renew in us, Lord, the joy of your call.

Be with us, Lord Emmanuel!

Send upon us your Spirit of love: may we never shut our hearts to our neighbor.

Be with us, Lord Emmanuel!

Renew the unity between Christians and all faith communities: may they manifest your love by their communion.

Be with us, Lord Emmanuel!

Support those who suffer in their hearts or in their flesh, especially Reba, Elsie, Debbie, Holly, Kevin, Rowen, Nicky, Jim, Lillian, Pat, Rhonda, Karen, Missy, Frances, Bob, Art, Mary, Barbara, Linda, Ruth, all those suffering from Covid, and all those we name now (pause): restore them to peace and health.

Be with us, Lord Emmanuel!

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Welcome those who have died into the life of eternity, especially remembering Rebecca Weingartner Wilson, sister of Natalie McCrea, and all those who have died from Covid: may their eyes see the light that never sets.

Be with us, Lord Emmanuel!

At this time you may offer aloud your own intercessions.

We will end each one by saying, Be with us, Lord Emmanuel.

Quiet The Peace Please remain in your seats for this exchange.

Greet one another with a wave and words of peace.

Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People: And also with you.

Celebrating Holy Communion The Presentation Chant #125, The Kingdom of God

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The Great Thanksgiving from Enriching Our Worship 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 our thanks and praise.

Celebrant: We praise you and we bless you, holy and gracious God, source of life abundant. From before time you made ready the creation. Your Spirit moved over the deep and brought all things into being: sun, moon, and stars; earth, winds, and waters; and every living thing. You made us in your image, and taught us to walk in your ways. But we rebelled against you, and wandered far away; and yet, as a mother cares for her children, you would not forget us. Time and again you called us to live in the fullness of your love. And so this day we join with Saints and Angels in the chorus of praise that rings through eternity, lifting our voices to magnify you as we say: 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.

The Celebrant continues with the prayer…

In the fullness of time bring us, With Peter, Philip and Mary and all your saints, from every tribe and language and people and nation, to feast at the banquet prepared from the foundation of the world.

Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to you be honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

BCP 364

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 us this day our daily bread.

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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.

Chant #114, Agnus Dei Lord, have mercy upon us. Grant us peace.

The Breaking of the Bread The Celebrant breaks the consecrated bread. A period of silence is kept.

Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; People: Therefore, let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

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.

The Communion of the People Chant #15, Ubi Caritas Where there is charity and love, God is to be found.

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The Post-Communion Prayer During a Time of Separation Priest and people together Lord of the Feast, we thank you for gathering us as your people. We call to remembrance the many times we have been fed at your table and we lament our distance now. Be present Lord Jesus as you were present with your disciples, be known to us in the breaking of the bread, and may your Holy Spirit sustain us and all your Church until we can gather together again. We ask this for the sake of your love. Amen.

Sending Out The Blessing Announcements  As we live into this time of our life together as a parish community, we are focused on finding a balance between two important facets of our journey: Living as fully as possible during our final few weeks with Emily, Daniel, and Maggie and preparing for our time of transition, which begins Dec.13. The necessary steps for our Time of Transition are taking place by the vestry and information about this is available. This frees us up to focus our energy and attention now on Emily’s Leave Taking and you are all invited to take part in this.

Plans have begun for a Covid safe Open House in our parish hall the afternoon of Dec. 12 after Emily, Daniel & Maggie's final service with us. Everyone is welcome to take part as you feel comfortable doing so. Creative ways of celebrating Emily’s ministry with us are beginning to flow and you are welcome to join in this planning. Please contact Polly Sanford at psanford1723@gmail.com or Wendy Hartung at wphartung@comcast.net if you would like to help with the Open House or want to share ideas.

Also, you are invited to contact Emily, Daniel and Maggie personally to share messages you would like to offer them. They would welcome hearing from you. Bob, Charlie, and Linda, Vestry Wardens  Rite 13/14 Ceremony, Sunday, December 5. At this service we will honor Dylan Callahan, Zac Godwin, Harper Moore, Braya Pugh, and Dominique Voit in this important rite of passage. It is important that they know their church community supports them, so please join us.  If you have not yet filled out and turned in your pledge card, please take the time to do so. Every pledge makes a difference in the life of our community!

You may also fill out an electronic pledge card found HERE

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 Consider Serving! The Nominating Committee is preparing a slate of candidates for those willing to serve in the leadership of our parish. If you are interested in offering your time and talents to your parish family, please contact Melissa Guillotin, Chair of the Nominating Committee at msguillotin@gmail.com or (919) 612-3177 or any member of the Committee. NOTE: The deadline for self-discernment is Sunday, December 19. Thank you, your Vestry.  Richards Slideshow: If you have any pictures of you with Emily, Daniel or Maggie you'd like to share, please send them to StPeterTechTeam@gmail.com or upload to https://photos.app.goo.gl/U5tyjBzVkNcLeudJ6. There will be a slideshow on their last Sunday with us. Thanks, PJ Linke  CVCA Gift Cards for Christmas: It is that time of year to help the children of Carson Valley. Due to Covid, the staff of Carson Valley is requesting $25.00 Amazon gift cards per child. You may drop your cards off, mail them to the church office or leave them in the CVCA box by the mailboxes outside the office. Please write CVCA on the front of the envelope. Donations are due

by December 12. Questions? Contact Joni Harkinson at 267-736-4650.  Christmas at St. Peter’s: Friday December 24: Christmas Eve 5:00 p.m. Brief family service with multi-generational pageant, prayers and carols.

5: 30 p.m. Musical Interlude will be offered by the choir and bell choir.

5:45 p.m. Candlelit Holy Eucharist with carols will follow.

All are welcome to attend offerings in-person or virtually. You may also choose to attend the pageant only or the Candlelit service only. Covid protocols required.

Sunday, December 26: Holy Eucharist with carols We will celebrate the 140th anniversary of St. Peter’s Church.

January 2: Feast of the Epiphany Festive Holy Eucharist at 10 a.m.

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Prayer Around the Light Those gathered in the sanctuary are invited to approach the altar during the singing of the closing chants, and light a candle as you offer whatever prayer is in your heart. Those gathered online are invited to offer your prayer using the comment section. We will light candles in honor of every prayer shared online.

Chant #9, Jesus, Le Christ Lord Jesus Christ, your light shines within us. Let my heart always welcome your love.

Chant #19, Magnificant Sing out my soul. Sing out and glorify the Lord who sets us free.

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Worship Ministers Lector: Rick DeKalb Intercessor & Usher: Rob DeKalb Altar Guild: Daniel Richards Vestry Steward: Charlie Hannum All copyright licensing for music during this service through: OneLicense.net License #A-719834 and LicenSing License # 620603.

Taizé Prayer Our prayer today is patterned after the Taizé community in France.

There, at the heart of community prayer (we call it worship), pilgrims engage in the experience before even knowing what to expect.

We want you to share that same experience.

The Chants of Taizé reflect the many languages of the pilgrims who travel to the Taizé Community in France.

When the language we’ve chosen for our service (noted in italics) is not the primary one, look for it above the music.

The many translations remind us we are connected in faith with others around the world.

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