The Third Sunday of Advent - December 12, 2021

The Third Sunday of Advent The Leave-Taking of Our Rector and her Family

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Glenside, Pennsylvania December 12, 2021 10:00 A.M.

Gathering In Joy Prelude: Prelude in Classic Style

Gordon Young

Opening Hymn: 410, Praise, my soul, the King of heaven

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

People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen.

Celebrant: There is one Body and one Spirit; People: There is one hope in God’s call to us; Celebrant: One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism; People: One God and Father of all.

Lighting of Advent Wreath Lord Jesus, Light of the world, John told the people to prepare, for you were very near.

As Christmas grows closer day by day, help us to be ready to welcome you now. Amen.

The Celebrant says to the people The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Celebrant: Let us pray.

Collect of the Day O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Listening for God’s Word 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.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Canticle 9 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.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

BCP 86

The Second Reading - 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.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 4

Gospel Hymn: The Servant Song (vv. 1-3 before Gospel; 4-6 after) 1. Brother, let me be your servant. Let me be as Christ to you.

Pray that I might have the grace to let you be my servant, too.

2. We are pilgrims on a journey. We are brothers (sisters) on the road.

We are here to help each other, walk the mile and share the load.

3. I will hold the Christ light for you in the night-time of your fear.

I will hold my hand out to you. Speak the peace you long to hear.

4. I will weep when you are weeping. When you laugh I’ll laugh with you.

I will share your joy and sorrow. Till we’ve seen this journey through.

5. Sister, let me be your servant. Let me be as Christ to you.

Pray that I might have the grace to let you be my servant, too.

6. Brother, let me be your servant. Let me be as Christ to you.

Pray that I might have the grace to let you be my servant, too.

The Gospel – Luke 3:7-18 The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

Response: 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.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Response: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Sermon

The Rev. Emily Richards 5

The Nicene Creed

BCP 358

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.

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A Litany for the Mission of the Church Celebrant: Let us offer our prayers to God for all people and for this congregation.

Intercessor: Holy God, in whom all things in heaven and earth have their being, People: Have mercy on us.

Intercessor: Jesus the Christ, through whom the world is reconciled to the Father, People: Have mercy on us.

Intercessor: Holy Spirit, whose glory fills the world and searches the depths of God, People: Have mercy on us.

Intercessor: Blessed Trinity, source of both unity and diversity, People: Have mercy on us.

Intercessor: O God, we pray for the gifts of ministry. Inspire our minds with a vision of your kingdom in this time and place.

People: Hear us, O Christ.

Intercessor: Touch our eyes, that we may see your glory in all creation.

People: Hear us, O Christ.

Intercessor: Touch our ears, that we may hear from every mouth the hunger for hope and stories of refreshment.

People: Hear us, O Christ.

Intercessor: Touch our lips, that we may tell in every tongue and dialect the wonderful works of God. People: Hear us, O Christ.

Intercessor: Touch our hearts, that we may discern the mission to which you call us.

People: Hear us, O Christ.

Intercessor: Touch our feet, that we may take your Good News into our neighborhoods, communities, and all parts of the world.

People: Hear us, O Christ.

Intercessor: Touch our hands, that we may each accomplish the work you give us to do.

People: Hear us, O Christ.

Intercessor: Open the hearts and hands of many to support your Church in this and every place.

People: Hear us, O Christ.

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After a period of silent prayer, the people and clergy pray together O Holy God, you have breathed your life-giving Spirit into this congregation and called us to join together as priest and people in ministry for the spreading of the Gospel: Bless us as we begin this new journey; be with Emily, Daniel, Maggie, our Wardens, Vestry and staff, and all of us whom you have raised up for this new work; and enable us to continue to carry out our baptismal promises through the living presence of Jesus Christ our Savior, in whose power we set forth and in whose Name we pray. Amen.

The Ending of a Pastoral Relationship Just before the Peace, the Rector addresses the Priest Associate, Wardens and the congregation with these words On the day of September 26, 2009, I was inducted by Bishop Michel as rector of St. Peter’s Church, Glenside. I have, with God’s help and to the best of my abilities, exercised this trust, accepting its privileges and responsibilities. After prayer and careful consideration, the time has come for me to leave this charge, and I publicly state that my tenure as your rector ends this day.

Emily: People: Emily:

Do you, the people of St. Peter’s, recognize and accept the conclusion of this pastoral relationship?

We do.

When we celebrated our new ministry, you gave me gifts as symbols of the work God had for us to do together. I received from you water and oil to baptize and heal, a bible and a parable box to share God’s word and learn of God’s love, a stole, in which to celebrate the sacrament of Eucharist, and keys, to keep the church open to all people. Where I have served well, I give thanks to God whose inspiration and power sustain us. Where I have failed, I ask God’s forgiveness and yours.

Now it is my joy to give you gifts as symbols of the ministry you sustain as the ministers of St. Peter’s Church in Glenside.

People: People:

Rick and Laurel, receive this prayer book and Bible and continue to make this a house of prayer and study for all people.

Amen.

Sue and Melissa, receive these cards and this home communion kit and continue to care for the needs of the members of this parish.

Amen.

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People:

People: People:

People: People: People:

People: People:

Audrey and Shirley, receive these gifts of food and clothing and continue to care for the needs of our neighbors in body, mind and spirit.

Amen.

Patty and Tim, receive this parish register and these church keys and continue to be good stewards of our people and property, welcoming all into this community.

Amen.

Tim, Kathy, Barb, Dave and Joani, receive these hymnals and bells and continue to offer praises to God in liturgy and music.

Amen.

Kieran and Olive, receive this baptismal branch and remind the adults in this church that they too are beloved children of God. Henry, Rhys and Helen, receive this Alleluia banner and continue to share the love and joy of Jesus with everyone you meet.

Amen.

Laura, receive this chrism oil and continue to welcome all into the church through the sacrament of baptism.

Amen.

Jamie, Sam, Jerry and Harper, receive these games, and keep the joy of playful competition alive.

Amen.

Bob and Linda, receive this Dancing Flame as a symbol of the Holy Spirit’s presence among us. Pass it along to the new Discernment Committee as a reminder that she will be there to guide them throughout the process.

Amen.

Karen and Donna, receive this stole and keep it for the next rector to serve as pastor and priest.

Amen.

The departing Rector and the congregation then say together the following prayer.

Emily Richards O God, you have bound us together for a time as pastor and people to work for the advancement of your kingdom in this place: We give you humble and hearty thanks for the ministry which we have shared in these years now past.

Silence Nancy Reazor We thank you for your patience with us despite our blindness and slowness of heart. We thank you for your forgiveness and mercy in the face of our many failures.

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BJ Wanlund Especially we thank you for your never-failing presence with us through these years, and for the deeper knowledge of you and of each other which we have attained.

Silence Carol Lorentz-Burnett We thank you for those who have been joined to this part of Christ’s family through baptism. We thank you for opening our hearts and minds again and again to your Word, and for feeding us abundantly with the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of your Son. Silence Rob DeKalb Now, we pray, be with Emily, Daniel and Maggie who are leaving us and with us who are staying; and grant that all of us, by drawing ever nearer to you, may always be close to each other in the communion of your saints. All this we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

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.

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Celebrating Holy Communion Offertory: All Will Be Well

Penny Rodriguez

Presentation Hymn: 657, Love divine, all loves excelling

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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 sing: The Sanctus: S-130, Holy, holy, holy Lord

Franz Schubert

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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.

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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.

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 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.

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Fraction Anthem: S- 164, Jesus, Lamb of God

Franz Schubert

The Communion of the People Communion Anthem: Come Thou Font of Every Blessing

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Cathy Moklebust St. Peter’s Bell Choir

Communion Music: Chant #128, Eat this bread

Chant #15, Ubi Caritas Where there is charity and love, God is to be found.

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.

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The Sending Forth of the Richards’ Family Adapted from Joyce Rupp’s Praying Our Goodbyes and the Franciscan Community’s Praying Our Farewells.

The departing Rector, her family, the Wardens and Priest Associate will process to the font.

The gathered assembly faces the font.

Rector’s Prayer Guardian, guide, no pillar of cloud by day nor fire by night, Yet I sense your presence with me, God of the journey.

You are walking with me into a new land.

You are guarding me in my vulnerable moment.

You are dwelling within me as I depart from here.

You are promising to be my peace as I face the struggles of distance from friends and security, the planting of feet and heart in an unknown place.

Renew in me a deep trust in you.

Calm my anxiousness.

As I reflect on my life I can clearly see how you have been there in all of my comings.

You will always be with me in everything.

I do not know how I am being resettled, but I place my life into the welcoming arms of your love.

Encircle my heart with your peace.

May your powerful presence run like a strong thread through the fibers of my being. Amen.

Community Prayer Emily I give you praise, God of my journey, Linda for the power of love, the discovery of friends, the truth of beauty for the wonder of growth, the kindling of fidelity, the taste of transformation Bob for the miracle of life, the seed of my soul, the gift of becoming for the taste of the little dyings which have strengthened me for this moment Congregation for the mystery of journey, the bends in the road, the pauses that refresh for the faith that lies deep enough to permeate discouragement and anxiety.

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Daniel & Maggie I give thanks, God of my journey, Charlie for all I have learned from the life of Jesus of how to say goodbye for those who have always stood near me and given me spiritual energy Laura for your strength on which I can lean and your grace by which I can grow for the desire to continue on, for believing that your power works through me Congregation for being able to love so deeply, so tenderly, so truly for feeling my poorness, my emptiness, my powerlessness for believing that you will care for me in my vulnerability.

Emily I ask for forgiveness, God of my journey, Linda for holding on too tightly for refusing to be open to new life for fighting off the dying that’s essential for growing Bob for insisting I must be secure and serene for ignoring your voice when you urged me to let go Congregation for taking in all the goodness but being reluctant to share it for doubting my inner beauty for resisting the truth of my journey home to you.

Daniel & Maggie I beg assistance, God of my journey, Charlie to accept that all of life is only on loan to me to believe beyond this moment Laura to accept your courage when mine fails to recognize the pilgrim part of my heart to hold all of life in open hands

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Congregation to treasure all that is gift and blessing to look at the painful parts of my life and to grow through them to allow your love to embrace me on the empty and lonely days Emily to receive the truth of your presence to trust in the place of “forever hello”.

Together, let us pray.

God of our beginnings and endings, we praise and thank you for Emily, Daniel and Maggie who are to leave us.

We celebrate all we have shared with them and ask your blessing as they continue on their journey.

We entrust them into your loving care, knowing that you are always the faithful traveler and companion on the Way. Shelter and protect them from all harm and anxiety.

Grant them the courage to meet the future, and grace to let go into the new life that awaits them.

May the love that is in our hearts be a bond that unites us forever, wherever we may be.

May the power of your presence bless this moment of our leave-taking; this we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.

The Priest Associate offers this blessing over the Richards’ Family.

Emily, Daniel and Maggie, may Almighty God fill you with courage, wisdom and joy. May Jesus Christ, your strong companion and never-failing friend, make you strong in faith and defend you on every side. May the Holy Spirit guide you in truth and peace. And may the blessing of God Almighty, Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, rest upon you this day and for evermore. Amen.

Sending Out The Rector’s Final Blessing Closing Hymn: WLP 787, We are marching in the light of God We are marching in the light of God. We are singing in the light of God. We are praying in the light of God. We are dancing in the light of God. 19

During the closing hymn the departing Rector will bless the children of the parish with holy water.

Announcements We will not offer the birthday/anniversary prayer or announcements this morning.

Please join us in the Parish Hall for a special reception as we continue to celebrate Emily, Daniel and Maggie.

The Dismissal Celebrant: Let us go forth into the world rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Choral Postlude: WLP 801, God be with you ‘til we meet again

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Postlude: Festive Trumpet Tune

David German

The altar flowers are given in thanksgiving and gratitude for Emily, Daniel and Maggie’s ministry at St. Peter’s by Donna and Garland, Andy, Eleanor, Mary Clay, Peter, Colleen, Wilson, Mary Martin and Bobby.

Worship Ministers Acolytes: Alex Stevers-Radtke, Jamie Gill, Jerry Moore, Harper Moore Lectors: Stephanie Gill, Rick DeKalb Intercessors: Debbie Panebianco, Ken Rose, Nancy Reazor, BJ Wanlund, Carol Lorentz-Burnett, Rob DeKalb, Bob Hartung, Charlie Hannum, Linda Toia Eucharistic Ministers: Bob Hartung, Charlie Hannum Verger: Bob Hartung Ushers: Lisa Donahue, Anne Gibson, John Olson, Rob DeKalb Altar Guild: Rob DeKalb Vestry Steward: Dan Kelly All copyright licensing for music during this service through: OneLicense.net License #A-719834 and LicenSing License # 620603.

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