The Second Sunday of Advent
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Glenside, Pennsylvania December 5, 2021 10:00 A.M.
Gathering In Joy Prelude: Awake, Awake and Greet the New Morn Opening Hymn: 490, I want to walk as a child of the light
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David Cherwien
Opening Acclamation Celebrant: Blessed be the one, holy, and living God. People: You come to your people and set them free. Lighting of the Advent Wreath Lord Jesus, Light of the world, the prophets said you would bring peace and save your people in trouble. Give peace in our hearts at Christmastide and show all the world God’s love. Amen.
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Prayer of the Day Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Celebrant: Let us pray. God our Father, you see your children growing up in this ever changing world of ours: Show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Listening for God’s Word The First Reading - Jeremiah 1:4-10 This is what God said: “Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations - that’s what I had in mind for you.” But I said, “Hold it, Master God! Look at me. I don’t know anything. I’m only a boy!” God told me, “Don’t say, ‘I’m only a boy.’ I’ll tell you where to go and you’ll go there. I’ll tell you what to say and you’ll say it. Don’t be afraid of a soul. I’ll be right there, looking after you.” God’s Decree. God reached out, touched my mouth, and said, “Look! I’ve just put my words in your mouth - hand-delivered! See what I’ve done? I’ve given you a job to do among nations and governments - a red-letter day! Your job is to pull up and tear down, take apart and demolish, And then start over, building and planting.” The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Psalm 100 1 Be joyful in the Lord, all you lands; serve the Lord with gladness and come before his presence with a song. 2 Know this: The Lord himself is God; he himself has made us, and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture. 3 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise; give thanks to him and call upon his Name. 4 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his faithfulness endures from age to age. 4
BCP 729
Gospel Hymn: 554, ‘Tis the gift to be simple (sung once before & after Gospel)
The Gospel - Luke 2:39-52 The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke Response: Glory to you, Lord Christ. When they finished everything required by God in the Law, they returned to Galilee and their own town, Nazareth. There the child grew strong in body and wise in spirit. And the grace of God was on him. Every year Jesus' parents traveled to Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up as they always did for the Feast. When it was over and they left for home, the child Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents didn't know it. Thinking he was somewhere in the company of pilgrims, they journeyed for a whole day and then began looking for him among relatives and neighbors. When they didn't find him, they went back to Jerusalem looking for him. The next day they found him in the Temple seated among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions. The teachers were all quite taken with him, impressed with the sharpness of his answers. But his parents were not impressed; they were upset 5
and hurt. His mother said, "Young man, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been half out of our minds looking for you." He said, "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know that I had to be here, dealing with the things of my Father?" But they had no idea what he was talking about. So he went back to Nazareth with them, and lived obediently with them. His mother held these things dearly, deep within herself. And Jesus matured, growing up in both body and spirit, blessed by both God and people. The Gospel of the Lord. Response: Praise to you, Lord Christ. The Sermon
The Rev. Emily Richards
Affirmation of Faith Celebrant: Let us declare our faith in God: People: We believe in God the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. We believe in God the Son, who lives in our hearts through faith, and fills us with his love. We believe in God the Holy Spirit, who strengthens us with power from on high. We believe in one God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. Prayers of the People In the spirit of St. Nicholas, let us pray to God for the needs of the world, the Church and for ourselves. O God, we pray for the Church that it may continue to give hope and peace in all corners of the earth. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer. O God, we pray for all children, especially Dylan, Zac, Harper, Braya, and Dominique, may all of our young people come to know more deeply God’s love for them, Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer. 6
O God, we pray for those who are poor, hungry, homeless and are feeling alone and lost this day; that you may give them your unfailing love and care. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer. O God, we pray for all who are sick or in any need, remembering all on our parish prayer list, especially Reba, Elsie, Debbie, Kevin, Rowen, Nicky, Jim, Lillian, Pat, Rhonda, Karen, Missy, Frances, Bob, Art, Mary, Barbara, Linda, Ruth, all those suffering from COVID-19, and all those we now name and all those we name now… Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer. O God, we pray for all who have died, especially those who have died from COVID-19, believing that they now have a home in heaven with you. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer. The Celebrant concludes with this prayer. God of joy and giving, we thank you for your servant, the good bishop Nicholas. In loving the poor, he showed us your kindness; in caring for your children, he revealed your love. Make us thoughtful without need of reward so that we, too, may be good followers of Jesus. Amen.
The Rite 13-14 Ceremony The Presentation Sponsor: Laura, I present Dylan Callahan, Zac Godwin, Harper Moore, Braya Pugh, and Dominique Voit who this day move from childhood to adulthood. Celebrant: Dear People of God: The transformation from childhood to adulthood marks one of God’s great gifts. Today we celebrate this gift among these young people. Dylan, Zac, Harper, Braya, and Dominique, by the grace of God you have lived through the pains and joys of childhood, and have grown strong. Now, as men and women, it is given to you to share God’s power of creation. Human beings, because they are made in God’s image, are the only creatures on earth who can choose how to use their creative power – not only to create new life, but also to shape the world according to God’s purpose. God calls us to use this gift to build and not to destroy. Are you aware of God’s gift to you and the responsibility to use it wisely? 7
Celebrities: I am. Celebrant: Let us join with these young people in reading Psalm 139. The congregation is asked to repeat the Antiphon. Psalm 139 Dylan: Lord, you have searched me out and known me; you know my sitting down and my rising up; you discern my thoughts from afar. Zac:
If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there your hand will lead me and your right hand hold me fast.
Antiphon: Your works are wonderful, and I know it well. Harper: For you yourself created my inmost parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will thank you because I am marvelously made; your works are wonderful, and I know it well. Antiphon: Your works are wonderful, and I know it well. Braya:
My body was not hidden from you, while I was being made in secret and woven in the depths of the earth.
Dominique: Your eyes beheld my limbs, yet unfinished in the womb; all of them were written in your book; they were fashioned day by day, when as yet there were none of them. Antiphon: Your works are wonderful, and I know it well. Dylan:
Search me out, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my restless thoughts. Look well whether there be any wickedness in me and lead me in the way that is everlasting.
Antiphon: Your works are wonderful, and I know it well. Psalm 139:1,8-9,12-15,22-23
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The Prayer for the Parents Celebrant: When Mary and Joseph searched for Jesus and found him in the temple, talking with the elders, they realized that he was a child no longer. So, Erin, Jim, Shannon, Alicia, Matt, Erin, Dave, Tanya and Tim, stand watching their young people grow beyond childhood. Let us pray for them. O God, bless Erin, Jim, Shannon, Alicia, Matt, Erin, Dave, Tanya and Tim, the parents of these young people. Rejoice with them as their sons and daughters become adults. Strengthen them that they may support their young people as they begin the journey toward adulthood. Uphold them by your Spirit, that they may comfort them, although they can neither walk their road for them nor shield them from pain. Carry them all safely through this journey, so that one day they may stand together as adults and friends, a joy and a comfort to each other all the days of their lives. Amen. The Charge to the Young People Celebrant: Dear friends of Dylan, Zac, Harper, Braya, and Dominique: As they move beyond the circle of their families, they will need loyal friends. Will you stand by them, knowing that there may be times when your support means more than any other? Young People: We will, with God’s help. The Charge to the Congregation Celebrant: As the living Body of Christ, we have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to do God’s work in the world. Will you, as a community of God which spans the generations, share your knowledge and experience with these young people as they become adults? People: We will, with God’s help. Celebrant: Will you guide, guard and sustain them as they grow into the full stature of Christ? People: We will, with God’s help. The Blessing Celebrant: Dylan, Zac, Harper, Braya, and Dominique, you have been armed by Almighty God with both the imagination of childhood and the strength and creative power of adulthood; now you must journey forth to gain the skills you will need to assume full responsibility as an adult. The Celebrities kneel. The parents come forward and lay their hands on the Celebrities’ shoulders. The Celebrant lays her hands on each of them and says,
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N., 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. The People respond, 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.
Celebrating Holy Communion Offertory Anthem: Comfort Ye My People
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John Carter St. Peter’s Choir
Presentation Hymn: WLP 724, People, look East
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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. 12
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. The Communion of the People Communion Music: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel/Lo, How a Rose E’re Blooming Eugénie Rocherolle 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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Sending Out The Blessing Closing Hymn: WOV 721, Go, my children, with my blessing 1. Go, My children, with My blessing, Never alone. Waking, sleeping, I am with you; You are my own. In My love’s baptismal river, I have made you Mine forever. Go, My children, with My blessing – You are My own. 2. Go, My children, sins forgiven, At peace and pure. Here you learned how much I love you, What I can cure. Here you heard My dear Son’s story; Here you touched Him, saw His glory, Go My children, sins forgiven, At peace and pure. 3. Go, My children, fed and nourished, Closer to Me; Grow in love and love by serving, Joyful and free. Here My Spirit’s power filled you; Here His tender comfort stilled you. Go, My children, fed and nourished, Joyful and free. 4. I the Lord will bless and keep you And give you peace; I the Lord will smile upon you And give you peace: I the Lord will be your Father, Savior, Comforter, and Brother. Go, My children, I will keep you And give you peace.
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Birthday & Anniversary Prayer BCP 830 O God, our times are in your hand: Look with favor, we pray, on your servants as they begin another year. Grant that they may grow in wisdom and grace; and strengthen their trust in your goodness all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 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.
A Covid safe Open House will take place 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. 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 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. 15
Mitten “Box”: We will continue our tradition of donating children’s mittens, hats, gloves & scarves, both handmade & store bought. The blue box will be out from Advent through the New Year. Thank you, Connie Clinefelter. Poinsettias: are given to the glory of God and offered in memory of or in thanksgiving for loved ones each year. After Christmas the plants are taken to our homebound members. If you would like to make a contribution for poinsettias, please fill out an altar flower form located outside of the Accounting Office or outside the chapel and place it in Patty McDonough’s mailbox. Suggested donation is $45.00. Christmas Offering: Each year the Christmas offering is shared between our ministries here at St. Peter’s and selected ministries beyond our walls. This year we will dedicate a portion of our special offering to St. James School, a faith-based Philadelphia middle school in the Episcopal tradition, committed to educating students from an under-resourced neighborhood within a nurturing environment. The school is a community that provides a challenging academic program and encourages the development of the moral, spiritual, intellectual, physical and creative gifts in its students. Learn more about St. James School – https://stjamesphila.org/our-purpose/ 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. The Dismissal The people respond: Thanks be to God. Postlude: From Heaven Above
Gordon Young
Worship Ministers Acolytes: Abby Godwin, Maggie Richards, Sebastien Guillotin Lector: Jerry Moore Intercessor: Melissa Olson Ushers: Melissa Guillotin, Dave Kipphut Altar Guild: Wendy Hartung Vestry Steward: Melissa Guillotin 16
All copyright licensing for music during this service through: OneLicense.net License #A-719834 and LicenSing License # 620603. The prayers and scripture from this service were taken from Enriching Our Worship and The Message.
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