Holy  Eucharist  The  Third  Sunday  of  Advent  

Sunday,  December  16,  2018,  9:30  am                    

     

St.  Stephen's  Episcopal  Church  “Traditional  Faith  for  Turbulent  Times”  

   

Today Next Week: December 23rd Celebrant Robert M. Lewis Robert M. Lewis Preacher Robert M. Lewis Robert M. Lewis Organist Marty Garringer Marty Garringer Verger Dave Jepson Acolytes Bennett Korensky Raegen Hillman Altar Guild Christy Jepson Rhonda Hillman Lector Sue Clement Dan Prickett Prayers Sue Cameron Kaeleigh Post Subdeacon Rod Clement Kiley Keck Ushers Bob Allison & Volunteer Kathy Patton & Volunteer Counters Rod & Sue Clement Terry & Tracy Babcock Vestry Paul Fischer Mike Timmerman Coffee Hour Volunteers Needed Jepson Family Altar Flowers Volunteers Needed Poinsettias Sandwich Crew Men of the Church Volunteers Cleaners Raegen Hillman & Mya Cook Presley & Taylan

     

422  W.  2nd  Street,    Grand  Island,  Nebraska  Mailing  Address:    P.  O.  Box  2317,  68802-­‐2317  

FrRobert@ststephengi.org                              308-­‐382-­‐4961                              www.ststephengi.org  Music reprinted by copyright license CCLI#  1054482  

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Please silence all electronic devices and maintain an atmosphere of quiet prayer before the service starts.  If you are hearing impaired, and would like a remote amplifying unit, please ask an usher.

Processional Hymn 72 Hark! the glad sound!

The Penitential Rite

The people standing, the Celebrant says Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit People And blessed be his Kingdom, now and forever. Amen.

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The Celebrant may read one of the following sentences

Hear the words of our Lord Jesus: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is similar to it: Love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 22:37-40

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us; but if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8,9

The Deacon or Celebrant then says

Let us humbly confess our sins to Almighty God.

Silence may be kept

Minister and People

Almighty and most merciful God, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep, we have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts, we have offended against your holy laws, we have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done. Loving God, have mercy on us, spare those who confess their faults, restore those who are penitent, according to the promises declared to the human race in Christ Jesus our Lord; and grant, O most merciful God, for Jesus’ sake, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of your holy Name. Amen.

The Bishop when present, or the Priest, stands and says

The Almighty and merciful God grant you absolution and remission of all your sins, true repentance, amendment of life, and the grace and consolation of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Trisagion S102

                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 Lessons

A Reading from the Book of Zephaniah (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

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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. People Thanks be to God. Canticle 9 (said together) The First Song of Isaiah Ecce Deus Isaiah 12:2-6 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. A Reading from Paul’s First Letter to the Philippians. (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. People Thanks be to God.

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Sequence Hymn 56 (vs 3 before, vs 6 after) O come, O come, Emmanuel

Please stand The Holy Gospel according to Luke. (Luke 3:7-18) People Glory to you, O Lord.

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.

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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. People Praise to you, O Christ.

The Message Fr. Robert

The Nicene Creed Please stand

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.

The Prayers of the People

With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the Lord, saying "Lord, have mercy."

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For the peace from above, for the loving-kindness of God, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For the peace of the world, for the welfare of the Holy Church of God, and for the unity of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For Justin, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Michael our Presiding Bishop, Scott our Bishop, and for all clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For Donald our President, Rick our Governor, Jeremy our Mayor, Roger our Mayor-Elect, legislators and judges, for the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For this city of Grand Island, for every city and community, and for those who live in them, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For seasonable weather, and for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will to conserve it, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For those who travel on land, on water, or in the air that their travels may be safe and that they arrive to their destinations, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For the aged and infirm, for the widowed and orphans, and for the sick and the suffering, especially Robin, Beth, Kelly, Ellen, Jan, Cody, Jon & Heather, Travis, Abbi, Vera, Tom, Les, Anne, Jason, Deb, Kenny, Janelle, Lonnie, David, Maurie, Richard, Stacia, and Libi, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For our armed forces, that at home or abroad you would keep them in safety, especially Cathleen, Dan, Jake, Lucas, Sean, Seth, Tim, and Tyler, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For the poor and the oppressed, for the unemployed and the destitute, for prisoners and captives, and for all who remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, especially Gene and for all the departed, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

In the communion of Stephen and of all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life, to Christ our God. To you, O Lord our God.

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Grant these our prayers, O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

Birthdays and Anniversaries The Peace

Please stand. Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you. Then the Ministers and People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.

The Holy Communion

Offertory Anthem Celebration 243 Emmanuel  

   

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Doxology All Praise to Thee, My God, vs. 4

 

    The Great Thanksgiving – Inclusive Language Rite 1

The people remain standing.

Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds

It is very proper, fitting, and our sacred duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks to you, almighty, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord; 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 with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we join in their unending hymn of praise,

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S128 Celebrant and People

All glory is rightly yours, Almighty God, because of your tender mercy, you gave your only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption; who made there, by his one offering of himself once completed, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, offering, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world; and instituted, and in his holy Gospel commanded us to continue, a perpetual memory of his precious death and sacrifice, until his coming again. For in the night in which Jesus was betrayed, he took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." Likewise, after supper, he took the cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of this, all of you; this is my Blood of the New Testament, which is poured out for you, and for many, so that sins may be forgiven. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." Therefore most loving God, according to the institution of your beloved Son our Savior Jesus Christ, we, your humble servants, celebrate here before you our God and King, with these holy gifts, which we now offer you, the memorial your Son has commanded us to make; remembering his blessed passion and precious death, his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension; giving you most hearty thanks for its innumerable benefits freely given to us. And we humbly ask of you, Merciful God, to hear us; and, of your almighty goodness, descend to bless and sanctify, with your Word and Holy Spirit, these gifts and offerings of bread and wine; that we, receiving them according to Jesus Christ's holy institution, in remembrance of his death and passion, may receive his most blessed Body and Blood. And we earnestly desire your infinite goodness to accept our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; that, by the merits and death of Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we, and your whole Church, may receive forgiveness of our sins, and all other benefits of his passion. And here we offer and present to you, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be reasonable, holy, and

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living sacrifices to you; asking that we, and all others who will receive this Holy Communion, may be made worthy to receive the most precious Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, be filled with your grace and heavenly benediction, and made one body with your Son, that he may dwell in us, and we in him. And although we are unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer you any sacrifice, yet we ask you to accept our sacred duty and service, not counting the things we do that are right, but pardoning those we have done wrong, through Jesus Christ our Lord; By whom, and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory is yours, Almighty God, now and forever. Amen. And now as our savior Christ taught us, we are bold to say:

People and Celebrant 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

Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; Therefore, let us keep the feast. Alleluia. Jesus, Lamb of God. Have mercy on us. Jesus, Bearer of our sins. Have mercy on us. Jesus, Redeemer of the world. Grant us peace. We do not presume to come to your table, Loving God, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your manifold grace and mercy. We are not worthy to even gather the crumbs under your table, but you are a God whose nature is to be merciful. Grant us to eat the flesh of your Son and to drink his Blood that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, and our souls washed with his precious Blood and that we may always abide in him and he in us. Amen. Facing the people, the Celebrant says the following Invitation

The Gifts of God for the People of God.

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The Communion of the Faithful

Communion Music Keyboard Selections

After Communion, the Celebrant says Let us pray.

Celebrant and People

Almighty and everliving God, we most heartily thank you for feeding us, in these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Savior; and for assuring us of your favor and goodness towards us; and that we are truly members of the mystical body of your Son, the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs, through hope, of your everlasting kingdom. And we humbly ask of you, Loving God, to assist us with your grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all good works as you have prepared for us to do; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

The Blessing

Announcements

Please  join  us  tonight  at  6:30  for  festal  holiday  music  and    lessons  from  Scripture  foretelling  Christ’s  Birth.    English  Tea  follows.  

 

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Recessional Hymn 68 Rejoice! rejoice, believers

Dismissal Celebrant: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

Invite Your Friends to the Feast of Lessons and Carols tonight at 6:30 p.m. Afterward, plan to stay for an English Tea and fellowship.

Need a Ride? St. Stephen’s has an agreement in place with Action Cab to pick up any of our folks who need a ride Sunday morning and then bill the church accordingly. Feel free to make use of this service.

Financial Pledges There’s still time to pledge a portion of your financial resources to God’s work through St. Stephen’s for next year. If you need a pledge card, there are cards in the back pew for your use. Thank you to all those who have pledged!

2018 Gifts If you are unsure where you stand with your 2018 giving, feel free to call the church office for information. We’re here to help.

Remember or Honor a Loved One

with a poinsettia to adorn the sanctuary for Christmas. Plants are $25 each. Please use the order form clipped to your bulletin and place in the offering plate. Today is the last day to place your order.

Habitat for Humanity

Application Period Now Open Help spread the word to anyone you know who is need of better housing, is willing to partner with Habitat, and able to pay an affordable home loan. Habitat is now accepting applications at their office.

Planning Ahead Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 27 when we gather for the Annual Meeting of the Parish. We’ll distribute updated directories at the meeting, so please let the office know if you have changes in your contact information. Also, if you lead a committee or ministry, please prepare a report of your activities during 2018 and submit it by e-mail to lynne@ststephengi.org no later than January 15.

Attendance and Finance Summary 12/9 Attendance: 77 2018 Average Attendance: 75 2017 Average Attendance: 79 12/1 Income: $2,310.00 Expenses: $5,262.62

On Our Prayer List This Week

Those celebrating birthdays: Jim Lewis and Terry Bjorkman

Those celebrating anniversaries: John and Marilyn Albers

Those in need of healing or other concerns: Robin, Beth, Kelly, Ellen, Jan, Cody, Jon & Heather, Travis, Abbi, Vera, Tom, Les, Anne, Jason, Deb, Kenny, Janelle, Lonnie, David, Maurie, Richard, Stacia, and Libi

Those serving in the military: Cathleen, Dan, Jake, Lucas, Sean, Seth, Tim and Tyler

Homebound: Virginia, Bob & Marla, Mickey & Caryl, Vera, Audrey, Fran & George, Marge, Connie, Bob and Tom

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: St. Mark’s Pro Cathedral, Hastings; St. John’s, Harvard, The Rev. Katie Hargis; San Isidro – San Pablo y San Lucas; San Pedro de Macorís – El Buen Pastor

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This Week’s Events

Today – Sunday, December 16 9:30 am Holy Eucharist (Sanctuary) and Coffee Hour (Parish Hall) 11:30 am Sandwich Sunday (Parish Hall) 1:00 pm Arabic Worship (Sanctuary) 6:30 pm Lessons & Carols (Sanctuary) and English Tea (Parish Hall) 6:30 pm NA (Messiah)

Tomorrow – Monday, December 17 9 am & 5 pm Quilting (Messiah) 4:00 pm Girl Scouts Meeting (Parish Hall) 6:30 pm Vestry Meeting (Undercroft) 6:45 pm AA Study Group (Parish Hall) 7:00pm Council (Messiah) 8:15 pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting (Parish Hall)

Tuesday, December 18 9:00 am Holy Eucharist (Sanctuary) 10:00 am Office Staff Meeting (Church Office) 7:00 pm Women’s Bible Study (The Chocolate Bar)

Wednesday, December 19 5:30 pm Advent Supper (Messiah) 6:30 pm Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary) 7:00 pm Advent Worship (Messiah) 8:15 pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting (Parish Hall)

Thursday, December 20 7:00 pm Youth Bible Study (The Chocolate Bar)

Friday, December 21 8:15 pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting (Parish Hall)

Saturday, December 22 10:00 am Exercise Class (Messiah) 12:00 pm Sudanese Bible Study (Parish Hall) 4:30 pm Saturday Supper (Messiah, 122 W. 7th Street)

Sunday, December 23 9:30 am Choral Mattins (Sanctuary) and Coffee Hour (Parish Hall) 11:30 am Sandwich Sunday (Parish Hall) 1:00 pm Arabic Holy Eucharist (Sanctuary) 6:30 pm NA (Messiah)