December 17, 2017 The Third Sunday of Advent

7:45 and 11 AM Holy Eucharist

In the Historic Church

St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Lappans Founded 1849

18313 Lappans Road, Boonsboro, Maryland 21713

301-582-0417 www.stmarkslappans.org

2

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 18313 Lappans Road, Boonsboro, MD 21713

Founded 1849

December 17, 2017 – The Third Sunday of Advent Welcome to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

We are glad you are here and hope you will return! Please make yourself at home and if you

need anything, just ask and someone will be glad to assist you. Don’t be surprised if folks

around you introduce themselves to you! Please introduce yourself to those around you and the

clergy after the service.

Restrooms for the Church are located in the Fellowship Center.

All baptized persons of any age are welcome to receive communion at our services. If you or

a family member are not baptized and would like to know more about joining the Church and

making a commitment to the Christian way of life, speak to the clergy or call the Church office.

Holy Baptism is the initiation by which we become members of Christ’s body, the Church, and

are invited to grow in love for God and service to others, supported by a spiritual family.

St. Mark’s was founded and the Church was built in 1849. Sponsored by the faculty and

teachers of St. James School, this church was used as a hospital for a short time after the Battle

of Antietam, then reopened and has been in continual use since. We are a part of the Episcopal

Church, the American branch of the 85-million member worldwide Anglican Communion –

those Churches born out of The Church of England. Of the world’s 2.2 billion Christians, we

are the third largest body.

We provide gluten–free wafers and wine.

Please inform the Priest of your preference when you come to the altar rail.

Office: 301-582-0417 Rector’s Home: 301-678-6888

E-Mail: rector@stmarkslappans.org Web Page: www.stmarkslappans.org The Rev. Anne O. Weatherholt, Rector

W. Kirk Denton, Interim Organist/ Choirmaster

Cindy Nelson, Parish Administrator

Trudie Holder, Business Manager

Internet WiFi Password – StMarks#1

Be sure to call the church office

if you or a loved one is in the hospital or in need of a visit.

…forget your checkbook? Don’t carry much cash?

Use the QR Code

for your gifts and donations to St. Mark’s, or text "stmserves" to 77977 for a mobile phone link!

3

7:45 THE HOLY EUCHARIST, RITE I The service is found in the black Book of Common Prayer (BCP), beginning on page 323.

THE WORD OF GOD

As the ministers enter, the people stand as they are able.

The Opening Acclamation Celebrant Light and peace in Jesus Christ our Lord.

People Thanks be to God!

Celebrant O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel controlling at your

will the gate of Heaven:

People Come, break down the prison walls of death for those

who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead

your captive people into freedom.

Celebrant Today we light the candle of Joy. The coming of the

Messiah brings joy to those who live with sadness in their lives. When we celebrate

the birth of Christ, may we share with others the deep joy that God’s presence

brings into our lives. Amen.

The Collect of the Day Celebrant The Lord be with you

People And with thy spirit.

Celebrant Let us pray

Stir up thy power, O Lord, and with great might come among

us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let thy bountiful grace and

mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with

thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

The people sit for the lessons and Psalm

The First Lesson: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Service Booklet, page 7 The Psalm: 126 Service Booklet, page 7 The Epistle: I Thessalonians 5:16-24 Service Booklet, page 8

Please stand and face toward the reader

The Holy Gospel: John 1:6-8, 19-28 Service Booklet, page 8

The people sit for the Sermon

The Sermon The Rev. Anne Weatherholt, Rector

4

The people stand to affirm the Christian Faith

The Nicene Creed BCP, page 326

The people kneel for the Prayers and Confession

The Prayers of the People BCP, page 328 The Confession and Absolution BCP, page 331 & 332 The Peace (all stand)

Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People And with thy spirit. Then the Ministers and People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.

Welcome and Announcements

THE HOLY COMMUNION

The Offertory

The people stand as the gifts are presented at the Altar People All things come of thee, O Lord,

and of thine own have we given thee. Amen.

The Great Thanksgiving BCP, page 333 The Lord’s Prayer BCP, page 336 The Breaking of the Bread The Agnus Dei and Prayer of Humble Access BCP, page 337 The Communion of the People The Post Communion Prayer (said kneeling) BCP, page 339 The Blessing The Dismissal People Thanks be to God!

Celebrant: The Rev. Anne Weatherholt, Rector

Usher: Clint Holmes

Chalicist & Acolyte: Harry Nogle

Lector: Marge Vorous

5

11:00 THE HOLY EUCHARIST, RITE II Hymns are in the red hymnal; those listed with an “S” are in the front portion.

THE WORD OF GOD

PRELUDE Prelude on “Irby” David Wilcocks

(Once in Royal David’s City)

As the ministers enter, the people stand as they are able PROCESSIONAL HYMN 66 Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

(Stuttgart)

The Opening Acclamation Blessed are you, holy and living One.

You come to your people and set them free.

Today we light the candle of Joy. The coming of the Messiah brings joy to those

who live with sadness in their lives. When we celebrate the birth of Christ, may we

share with others the deep joy that God’s presence brings into our lives. Amen.

CANTICLE Arise, Shine, for Your Light Has Come

6

The Collect of the Day The Lord be with you. And also with you. 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 people sit for the lessons and Psalm

7

The First Lesson: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Isaiah 2:1-5 The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has

sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to

proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of

the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;

to provide for those who mourn in Zion—to give them a garland instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.

They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his

glory. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former

devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many

generations. For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will

faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with

them. Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring

among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people

whom the Lord has blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall

exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has

covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a

garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth

its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God

will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.

The Word of the Lord! Thanks be to God!

The Psalm: 126

1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, *

then were we like those who dream.

2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *

and our tongue with shouts of joy.

3 Then they said among the nations, *

“The Lord has done great things for them.”

4 The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad indeed.

5 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses of the Negev.

6 Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy.

7 Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *

will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

8

The Epistle: I Thessalonians 5:16-24

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is

the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the

words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every

form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your

spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord

Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.

The Word of the Lord! Thanks be to God!

SEQUENCE HYMN 76 On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry (Winchester New) )

As the Gospel Book is brought forward, the people stand and face toward the reader

The Holy Gospel: John 1:6-8, 19-28 In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,

Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

here was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came

as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.

He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. This is the

testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from

Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but

confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you

Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they

said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do

you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the

wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’” as the prophet Isaiah said. Now

they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you

baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John

answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not

know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his

sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

The glory of the Lord shall be revealed

And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

The people sit for the Sermon

The Sermon The Rev. Anne Weatherholt, Rector

T

9

Please stand as you are able to affirm the Christian Faith, said by all

The Nicene Creed BCP, page 358 The Prayers of the People

Hear our cry, O God. And listen to our prayer. Let us pray.

You may kneel or sit for the prayers and respond after each petition:

…we pray to you, O Lord; Come, Lord Jesus!

… Rejoicing in the fellowship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Mark the Evangelist,

St. John the Baptist, and all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another,

and all our life to Christ our God.

Strengthen us, O God, in the power of your Spirit, to bring good news to the

poor, and lift blind eyes to sight; to loosen the chains that bind, and claim your

hope for all people. Keep us faithful in your service until Christ comes in final

victory, and all is set right in the light of your justice and mercy, through Jesus

Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Confession and Absolution When the Lord comes he will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and

will disclose the purposes of the heart. Therefore in the light of Christ, let us

confess our sins.

God of all mercy, we confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your

will in our lives. We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and

in the world you have created. We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil

we have done, and the evil done on our behalf. Forgive, restore, and strengthen

us through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we may abide in your love and serve

only your will. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through the grace of

Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit

keep you in eternal life. Amen.

The Peace (stand as you are able)

In the tender mercy of our God, the dayspring from on high shall break upon us, to

give light to those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death and to guide

our feet into the way of peace.

The Peace that is God’s be among you. And also with you! The Ministers and People greet one another in the name of the Lord.

10

Welcome and Announcements Offertory Sentence

O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:

come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.

THE HOLY COMMUNION

OFFERTORY ANTHEM “Never Weather-Beaten Sail” Charles Wood

Never weather-beaten sail more willing bent to shore; never tired pilgrim limbs affected

slumber more; than my weary spirit now longs to fly out of my troubled breast: O come

quickly, come quickly, sweetest Lord, and take my soul to rest!

Ever blooming are the joys of heav’n’s high paradise; old age deafs not there our ears, nor

vapour dims our eyes; Glory there the sun out-shines, whose beams the Blessed only see: O

come quickly, come quickly, glorious Lord, and raise my soul to Thee!

-Thomas Campion (1567-1620)

The people stand as the gifts are presented at the Altar

PRESENTATION HYMN 59 (vs. 5)

Honor, glory, might and blessing to the Father and the Son,

with the everlasting Spirit while unending ages run.

The Eucharistic Prayer The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give him thanks and praise.

All thanks and praise are yours at all times and in all places, our true and

loving God; through Jesus Christ, your eternal Word, For when he humbled himself

to come among us in human flesh, he fulfilled the plan you formed before the

foundation of the world to open for us the way of salvation. Confident that your

promise will be fulfilled, we now watch for the day when Christ our Lord will come

again in glory. And so as the morning stars sing your praises we join the heavenly

beings and all creation as we sing with joy:

11

SANCTUS S-130 Holy, Holy, Holy Lord

12

Glory and honor are yours, Creator of all, your Word has never been silent; you

called a people to yourself, as a light to the nations, you delivered them from

bondage and led them to a land of promise. Of your grace, you gave Jesus to be

human, to share our life, to proclaim the coming of your holy reign and give himself

for us, a fragrant offering. Through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, you have freed us

from sin, brought us into your life, reconciled us to you, and restored us to the glory

you intend for us.

We thank you that on the night before he died for us Jesus took bread, and when he

had given thanks to you, he broke it, gave it to his friends and said: “Take, eat, this

is my Body, broken for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper

Jesus took the cup of wine, said the blessing, gave it to his friends and said: “Drink

this, all of you: this cup is the new Covenant in my Blood, poured out for you and

for all for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

13

And so, remembering all that was done for us: the cross, the tomb, the resurrection

and ascension, longing for Christ’s coming in glory, and presenting to you these

gifts your earth has formed and human hands have made, we acclaim you, O Christ:

Dying, you destroyed our death. Rising, you restored our life.

Christ Jesus, come in glory!

Send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts of bread and wine that they may

be to us the Body and Blood of your Christ. Grant that we, burning with your

Spirit’s power, may be a people of hope, justice and love. Giver of Life, draw us

together in the Body of Christ, and in the fullness of time gather us with blessed

Virgin Mary, St. Mark, and all your people into the joy of our true eternal home.

Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,

we worship you our God and Creator in voices of unending praise.

Blessed are you now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

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

I will listen to what the Lord God is saying,

for he is speaking peace to his faithful people

and to those who turn their hearts to him.

Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him,

that his glory may dwell in our land.

Mercy and truth have met together;

righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Truth shall spring up from the earth,

and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

14

FRACTION ANTHEM S-164 Jesus, Lamb of God

You shall eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, says the Lord.

The Communion of the People The Post Communion Prayer

Let us pray: O Lord our God, make us watchful and keep us faithful as we

await the coming of your Son our Lord; that, when he shall appear, he may not

find us sleeping in sin but active in service and joyful in his praise; through

Christ our Lord. Amen. The Blessing

May Almighty God, by whose providence our Savior Christ came among us in

great humility, sanctify you with the light of his blessing and set you free from all

sin. Amen.

15

May he whose second Coming in power and great glory we await, make you

steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, and constant in love. Amen.

May you, who rejoice in the first Advent of our Redeemer, at his second Advent be

rewarded with unending life. Amen.

And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon

you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

RECESSIONAL HYMN 444 Blessed Be the God of Israel

(Thornbury) The people may kneel in silent prayer.

The Dismissal Go into the world, ready to meet Jesus in all places, at all times, and in the lives of

others! Thanks be to God!

POSTLUDE “Andante Maestoso” Charles V. Stanford

(Love Came Down at Christmas)

Celebrant: The Rev. Anne Weatherholt, Rector

Usher & Oblations: Andy McGinley

Chalicist: Mary O’Hara

Acolyte: Tony Lopez

Lectors: Mary O’Hara, Tony Lopez

Interim Organist/Choirmaster: W. Kirk Denton

Tellers: Mary O’Hara, Betsy DeVore

Altar Guild: Nancy Miller, Robin Robins, Jay Holmes, Ida Valentine

The flowers are given to the Glory of God in memory of Sgt. G. Edward Nogle and all the men and women

of the 75th Division who fought in the Battle of the Bulge, December 16, 1944.

Announcements for Sunday, December 17, 2017 Please submit your announcements to the church office by Wednesday at noon

for inclusion in the Sunday bulletins by emailing them to administrator@stmarkslappans.org.

If you would like to receive these weekly announcements by e-mail, you may sign up at

http://www.stmarkslappans.org/sign-up-for-weekly-e-pistle.html

TODAY, December 17, Third Sunday of Advent (“Joy”)

The Daughters of the King will pack Christmas boxes today for the

Micah’s Backpack families at 10 AM in the Micah’s Backpack room located

behind the stage in the Parish Hall.

16

Advent potluck dinner is scheduled for this evening at 6 PM in the

Fellowship Center. Continuing the celebration from last year, we have invited

our friends from Unity and Family Life AME Ministries for a joyful dinner

and to sing some Christmas carols! As part of the Advent dinner, we will pack boxes for our service members overseas.

Please bring small items such as gum, hard candy (that doesn’t melt easily), snack bars,

small notebooks, pens, pencils, white all-cotton socks, snack cakes, cheese crackers,

cookies, powdered drink mix, powdered cocoa, ramen noodles, lip balm, paperback

books, small devotional books & journals, current magazines (all are guys, so think cars

and sports), comic books, crossword puzzles, word searches, jigsaw puzzles, foam

footballs and basketballs, Frisbees, Hacky Sacks, playing cards, yo-yos, notepaper,

envelopes. And don’t forget a handwritten card of thanks (no envelope necessary)!

Our Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, reminds us of the core message of this holy

season. You can read or view his message on line. Take time today to absorb this

refreshing and uplifting message and share it with your friends! -- Anne+

Once again, the Peace Light has come to St. Mark’s and is now burning in a candle in

the Historic Church. Read more about the origin of the Peace Light and how it came to

America on page 19 in your bulletin.

Is God calling you to serve as a member of St. Mark’s Vestry? The nomination

process is open. Please contact Phil Post at 301-432-6640, Harry Nogle, 301-730-1767,

or Tony Lopez at 859-979-7937 if you have any questions about this important and

fulfilling ministry on behalf of St. Mark’s! Most Vestry members find this is a wonderful

way to “dig deep” into the meaning of their faith and church membership. Members serve

for a term of three (3) years. Meetings are ordinarily once a month (except in the

summer).

St. Mark’s Christmastide schedule is now posted on St. Mark’s website. Be sure to

share it with your family and neighbors!

New altar flower charts for 2018 are now posted. This is a nice way to remember or

honor a loved one, or a special event in your life. Sign up and return your flower form in

the offering plate, so the church office receives it. You can also sign up and pay online!

New Episcopal Church liturgical “Kalendars” have arrived for 2018! These are a

gift from your Rector and a great way to keep track of the various celebrations of the

liturgical year. Copies are limited so pick up one today from the literature tables.

This is a wonderful time of year to make a gift to St. Mark’s, make your pledge for

2018, or catch up on your pledge for 2017. We would like to meet all of our

obligations for 2017 and be able to plan for the coming year! Thank you for all the gifts

you give to the mission and ministry of St. Mark’s!

THIS WEEK

The Growing Tree at St. Mark’s preschool presents their annual Christmas

program on Friday, December 22 at 6 PM in the Parish Hall. All are invited to attend.

17

NEXT SUNDAY, December 24, Fourth Sunday of Advent (“Love”)

There is one service only next Sunday morning, December 24 at 10 AM in Dorsey

Hall, due to the Christmas Eve services later in the evening.

Christmas Eve services are: 5 PM in Dorsey Hall; 8:30 PM in the Historic Church.

You’re also invited to the Parish Choir’s cantata “Tapestry of Light”, presented at 7

PM in Dorsey Hall. Drop by Myers Foyer in the Fellowship Center for a “finger-food

feast” between the services and enjoy some good snacks (they always are!) and

fellowship during this special evening.

COMING UP

There will be one service Christmas morning at 10 AM in the Historic Church for

those who enjoy a quiet Christmas-morning service.

The Wednesday healing service on December 27 is cancelled.

On Sunday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve), there will be two (2) services: 7:45 AM

in the Historic Church; and 10 AM in Dorsey Hall with “Lessons and Canticles/Carols”

at each service.

2018 Winter Retreats at the Claggett Center: Women’s Retreat, January 12-14,

“From Strength to Strength: Spiritual Resilience”, featuring the Rev. Adrien Dawson,

rector of All Saints’, Frederick, as spiritual leader for the weekend; Weekend for

Women, January 19-21, featuring keynote speaker, the Rev. Dina van Klaveren, rector

of St. Andrew’s Church, Glenwood; and Men’s Retreat, February 2-4, “Sharing the

Light of Christ: Opportunities from Abundance”, featuring retired Bishop of Maryland,

the Rt. Rev. Robert Ihloff. Looking for a spiritual start to the New Year? All are

welcome at these annual winter offerings. For more information, contact the Bishop

Claggett Center at https://www.claggettcenter.org/.

NEW INFORMATION ON ST. MARK’S WEBSITE

How was Christmas celebrated at St. Mark’s 150 years ago? Enjoy the account in the

history section of our website! Look down near the bottom to read the first-hand account

uncovered by St. Mark’s member, Dr. Emilie Amt.

SERVING OTHERS

The Daughters of the King are getting baby bundles ready for the hospital and

would really appreciate your help! They need onesies, socks, bibs, and little outfits for

boys and girls. If you have any questions, contact Kathy Anderson at 301-606-8720.

With your help, St. Mark’s Micah’s Backpack team is keeping the shelves stocked on an ongoing basis. As you see stock-up savings at grocery stores, pick up some

extra items to donate. A list of suggested items is on our church website. Donations can

be placed in the bins in Myers Foyer in the Fellowship Center.

Complimentary calendars that you are receiving this time of year can be donated to

the Baltimore Seafarers Ministry. Drop them off in the box in Myers Foyer in the

Fellowship Center so we can send them at the end of the month.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Stories in the Round will present “Mark Twain’s The Diaries of Adam and Eve,” on

Monday, December 18, 7 PM, at the Unitarian Universalist Church located at 13245

Cearfoss Pike in Hagerstown. Featured actors are Stas Ziolkowski and Fanny Crawford.

18

The play is a light-hearted look through the eyes of America’s legendary humorist, with

the Garden of Eden bursting with wit, laughter, and lyric poignancy. Tickets are $12 at

the door and $10 in advance. For more information, contact Fanny Crawford at 301-

730-1638 or fanitsky@hotmail.com.

HOLIDAY SAFETY REMINDERS from the DISTRICT 12 COMMUNITY VFC

The holiday season is one filled with many emotions, from the stress of family gatherings

to the joy of communing with family. Many of our holiday traditions also bring hazards

that threaten to change the festive atmosphere. To help you safely navigate the season,

the Community Volunteer Fire Company has some tips. Tip # 1: Make sure that if you

use a live Christmas tree that you water the tree every day. This will keep the tree moist

and reduce the chances of fire. Tip #2: Inspect your outdoor lights for fraying and

cracking and never string together more than three strands. Also make sure to use UL,

outdoor-rated extension cords. Tip #3: Use electric candles. Christmas Eve, Christmas,

New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s are four of the five days with the highest number of

candle-related home fires. Using electric candles reduces the risk of home fires

dramatically. One of every four home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical

problems. Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are

more likely to be serious. On average, one of every 32 reported home Christmas tree

fires results in a death compared to an average of one death per 143 total reported home

fires. A heat source too close to the tree causes one in every four Christmas tree fires.

The top three days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Christmas

Eve. Candles start two out of five home decoration structure fires. (Source: National Fire

Protection Association,) For more information of fire safety or to schedule a free home

safety examination, contact the District 12 Community Volunteer Fire Company at 301-

582-0099. The examination includes information on how to keep your home safe and

no-cost smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Prayer List Your continued prayers are asked for those on our prayer list.

For those with recent needs: Bruce Burroughs, Ben Reilly, Hannah Sharp, Ritchie Johnson, Bill Grogan,

Mike Anderson, Sandy Duffy, Steve Riggs, Tracy Haskins, Kelby Rae Wiles, Bill Hatcher, Pam Tetlow, Dick

Gruber, Krista Hudson, Dan Cunningham, and Danny Shaffer. For our military & civilians serving both at

home and abroad: Tim Berger, Cheryl Buehn, Christopher Fraser, Ian Hanna, Mike Haskins, Patrick Hudson,

Wyatt Hudson, Scott McKenzie, Jacob Shanton, Dakota Smith, and Heth Troncatti. For our homebound

members: Margaret Cronauer, Pansy Davis, Linn Davison, Anne Hawks, Peg Hayzlett, Joe & Dee

Householder, Val Jardine, Melanie Kaetzel, Claudia Kiracofe, Evelyn Kreafle, Kathy Main, Martha “Betsy”

Martin, Dee Mayberry, Anne McNamee, Edith Painter, Phyllis Riordan, Dee Smith, Gloria Smith, Walt Stehl,

Laura Stockslager, Dot Waddy, and Pat Zilch, and our sisters and brothers at Homewood, Somerford and

Greenfield Senior Living Homes. For those on our on-going prayer list: Benjamin, Petra, Alex Adle, Betty

Ashbaugh, Andrew Barry, Andrew & Cindy Carmichael, Ellie Clayton, Maryellen Clyne, John Cohill, David &

Tracy Cole, The Rev. John Cozzoli, Catherine Darling, Kathy Dixon, Amy Dougherty, Ginny Downs, Jocelyn

Dunahugh, Charles Fenn, Michael Kade Fotta, Steve Grove, Sherri Humble, Jack Latimer, Emily Lopez, Pat

Macon, Andy McGinley, The Rev. Charles McGinley, Tom Miller, Kristi Mitchell, George Nogle, Lauren

Peddicord, Dan Reed, Jesse Spielman, Marshall Steen, Julia Swanson, Charles Tidball, Sue Titus, Teddi Weber,

Brent Wilhoite, Vicki Willman, and Herman & Uli Wittig.

19

Parish Calendar for the Week of December 18th through December 24th

The Growing Tree at St. Mark’s, Mon-Thurs, 9 AM – Noon, Parish Hall

December 18 Monday Office Closed 5:30 PM Zumba Classes, Parish Hall

10:30 AM Yoga Class, Dorsey Hall

6:00 PM Zumba Class, Parish Hall

December 19 Tuesday 7:00 PM Parish Choir Rehearsal, Historic Church

December 20 Wednesday 11:00 AM Holy Eucharist, Rite II w/Healing, Historic Church

December 21 Thursday 5:00 PM Pilates Class, Dorsey Hall

6:00 PM Yoga Class, Dorsey Hall 6:00 PM Yoga Class, Parish

7:00 PM Unity, Parish Hall

December 22 Friday 6:00 PMThe Growing Tree at St. Mark’s Christmas Program, Parish Hall

December 23 Saturday 8:30 AM Yoga Class, Dorsey Hall

December 24 Sunday 9:30 AM Unity, Parish Hall

10:00 AM (only 1 morning svc) Holy Eucharist, Rite II, Dorsey Hall

Advent IV – Love 10:30 AM Unity, Parish Hall

5:00 PM Christmas Eve Service, Dorsey Hall

7:00 PM Parish Choir Christmas Cantata, Dorsey Hall

8:30 PM Christmas Eve Service, Historic Church

History of the Peace Light

After witnessing the inhumanity of World War I, Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the International

Scouting movement, assigned a new mission to Scouting: To strive for and maintain peace in the world. His

vision was that, through the world brotherhood of Scouting, humankind would eventually achieve world peace.

By providing our youth with opportunities to practice and internalize Scouting’s values, we are making that

vision come true one Scout at a time.

The Peace Light from Bethlehem is a continuously burning flame, originating from the Grotto of the Nativity in

Bethlehem, Israel. It is meant to promote peace, harmony and unity among the people of the world regardless of

race, ethnicity or religion. For several decades the International Scouting movement - both Boy Scouts and Girl

Scouts - have actively promoted global peace and harmony through the distribution of the Peace Light.

The Peace Light from Bethlehem campaign was originally organized by the Austrian Broadcasting Company

(ORF) and was part of a large charitable relief mission called “Light into Darkness” for children in need in

Austria and abroad. Since 1986 there has been a great deal of cooperation between Scouts from many countries,

which has allowed the light to travel all throughout Europe. Each year the light is passed on to over 30

European countries and, for the past decade, to the United States, Canada and Mexico as well.

Each year, a child from Upper Austria is named that year’s Peace Light Child and travels to Bethlehem, Israel,

to receive the flame from one of the Grotto’s oil lamps, which have been burning continuously for over 1,000

years. The light is then flown to Austria where it is distributed at a Service of Dedication to delegations of

Scouts from across Europe, who in turn take it back, with a message of peace, to their own countries. The Peace

Light is then shared with individuals, families, houses of worship, hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, and

cultural centers – with anybody who can appreciate the significance of this gift that is meant to be a symbol of

Peace.

The Peace Light first came to New York in 2001, brought by Canadian Scouts who presented it at Ground Zero.

20

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Lappans 18313 Lappans Road, Boonsboro, Maryland 21713

301-582-0417 stmarkslappans.org

Schedule for Christmastide, 2017-2018

The Third Sunday of Advent, December 17

Services at 7:45, 9, and 11 AM

6:00 PM Advent Potluck Supper & Singing, Fellowship Center

The Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 24

Service at 10 AM in Dorsey Hall (one service only; please note change in time)

Christmas Eve, December 24

5:00 PM Holy Eucharist and a Christmas Story in Dorsey Hall

-designed with children in mind-

7:00 PM Christmas Cantata: “Tapestry of Light” in Dorsey Hall (The Cantata lasts about 45 minutes and is suitable for all ages.)

8:30 PM Festival Holy Eucharist in the Historic Church

with special music by our Adult Choir

Please plan to bring a donation for the” Fingerfood Feast”

and drop by Myers Foyer in the Fellowship Center

before and after the Cantata for refreshments and fellowship!

Christmas Day, December 25

10:00 AM Holy Eucharist, traditional language in the Historic Church

-for those who enjoy a quiet, day-time service- The Wednesday Service is cancelled December 27

New Year’s eve, suNdaY, december 31

Please Note Change in Service times!

7:45 AM Christmas & New Year’s Lessons and Canticles in the Historic Church

10:00 AM Christmas & New Year’s Lessons and Carols in Dorsey Hall No Sunday School Today!

Use this QR code for your gifts to St. Mark’s,

or go to http://www.stmarkslappans.org/make-a-gift-or-pledge.html

The 169th Annual Parish Meeting will be held Sunday, February 11, 2018.