The Third Sunday in AdventDecember 11, 2016, at Eleven o’clock in the Morning

We are glad you are here. No matter who you are, no matter where you come from, and no matter where you are on the journey of life — you are welcome in this church. We invite you to participate in our worship service, or simply observe, as you wish.

We hope you will find Saint Paul’s to be a place of refreshment and renewal, where you experience the presence of the risen Christ. We have been serving Christ in this location for over two hundred sixty years. While our building is old and beautiful, our mission is contemporary and forward moving. Here you will find a people very much connected with the questions and struggles of modern life, of faith, and of following the way of Jesus.

We are a community called to serve those in need in our city, in our nation, and around the world. Here you will find ministries with and for children, youth, parents, seniors, singles, and families in all configurations and stages of life.

We invite you to share your contact information on a visitor’s card, located in each pew. Hand it to one of our clergy, an usher, or place it in the offering plate.

To all our Visitors & Guests

About Worship

If the liturgy (worship) of the Episcopal Church is unfamiliar, then we hope you will find this information helpful.

You are welcome in the Episcopal Church, and so the first and best resource we offer are your neighbors in the pews. Just say, "I'm visiting," and they will gladly help. The worship of the Episcopal Church is rooted in the practices of ancient Christianity. The structure of our services, the architecture of our building, the music, our physical postures, and participatory responses ALL hold rich meaning about our beliefs and are intentional expressions of our relationship with God.

• In this bulletin you will find:

Responses spoken by the people are printed in bold italics. Directions for the people are printed in italics.

• We encourage families with children to sit at the front of the Nave so that children can easily see and hear the liturgy.

• Children’s bulletins for readers and pre-readers are available from the ushers.

• Episcopalians customarily pray either standing or kneeling, so please do what you find most comfortable.

• Notify an usher if you require an assisted listening device or any other assistance.

• Restrooms are located in the parish hall. An usher will direct you.

About Receiving The Holy Communion

ALL who come in faith are invited to receive Holy Communion at Saint Paul’s.

• During communion, the people form two short lines in the center aisle at the steps. After receiving the bread and wine or a blessing at the altar rail, please exit through the door to the left of the altar and return to your pew via the side aisles.

• For those who may prefer not to receive communion at the main altar, a communion station is provided on the main floor to the right of the center aisle. If you are unable to receive at either station, the clergy will bring the bread and wine to your pew. Please notify an usher before the service begins.

• To receive a blessing at the altar rail without receiving Communion, cross your arms over your chest, palms on your collar, until the person on your left has received both the bread and the wine.

• If your children are in the nursery, you are invited to bring them to receive Holy Communion or a blessing.

Celebration of The Holy Eucharist: Rite Two

The Word of GodPrelude Adagio and Allegro ma non tanto Johann Sebastian Bach

Sonata for Cello in G Major BWV 1027Paul Brantley, Cello and Keith Shafer, Piano

Officiant Today we light the Third Candle of Advent, the Candle of Love. In their old age God gave to Zechariah and Elizabeth a son called John. John spoke to the people bravely in the desert, denying his own comforts and prepared to die for what he believed. John taught that we should share what we have with others, treat each other kindly, and show God’s love. He did this because he cared for people and wanted them to repent and find God’s forgiveness.

The Third Candle on the Advent Wreath is lit.

Officiant Let us pray:

Lord God, Your witness John the Baptist grew up strong in spirit and prepared people for the coming of the Lord. He loved your people and baptized them in the River Jordan to wash away their sins. Help us to have the same love; that we would be witnesses to Jesus and spread the good news of your love. As Christmas draws closer day by day, help us to be ready to welcome him. Amen.

At the Procession, Hymn 76 “On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry” Winchester New

The Opening Acclamation

Officiant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

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Officiant Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Kyrie eleison S-96, by Franz Schubert

The Collect of the Day

Officiant The Lord be with you.People And also with you.Officiant 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 Old Testament Lesson Isaiah 35:1-10

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom;like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.

The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.

Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear!Here is your God. He will come with vengeance,with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.”

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Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped;then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert;the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water;the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way;the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God’s people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray.No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it;they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there.And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing;everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Lector The Word of the Lord.People Thanks be to God.

Psalm 146:4-9 Plainchant, Tone I.2 Sung by the Choir

4 Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help! * whose hope is in the Lord their God;

5 Who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them; * who keeps his promise for ever;

6 Who gives justice to those who are oppressed, * and food to those who hunger.

7 The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind; * the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;

8 The Lord loves the righteous; the Lord cares for the stranger; * he sustains the orphan and widow, but frustrates the way of the wicked. 9 The Lord shall reign for ever, * your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. Hallelujah!

The Epistle James 5:7-10

Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

Lector The Word of the Lord.People Thanks be to God.

Hymn 70 “Herald, sound the note of judgment” Herald, Sound

The Holy Gospel Matthew 11:2-11

Celebrant The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,

‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,who will prepare your way before you.’“Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

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The Sermon The Reverend George D. Muir

The Nicene Creed Said by all, standing

All 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 Kneeling, the Leader and People pray responsively:

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

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

People 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 Michael, our Presiding Bishop; Scott, our own Bishop; for our clergy, George, John, and Bill; and for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For Barack, our President, and Donald, our President-elect; for the leaders of the nations; for Nathan and Nikki, our governors; for the leadership of the CSRA; and for all in authority, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For this city Augusta, 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, 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, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy. For the welfare of our congregation in Woodbine, St. Mark’s; and for parishes in our companion

diocese of the Dominican Republic in Santo Domingo, especially Holy Trinity, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For all those who are serving our country, at home and abroad, especially Dylan Luther, that they may be strengthened by the indwelling of your Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For the special needs and concerns of this congregation; especially for Bill Speir, Bob Rordam, Linda Cross, Jimmy Long, Dot Aiken, Chris Putt, Keith Saunders, Theresa Capricci, Lewis Rutland, Tommy Garner, Scott Anderson, Morris Braswell, June Jones, Mary Jo Cercy, Dawson Heise, George Custodi, Barbee Reeves, Natalie Chalker, Xavier Jeffers, Mary Bryant, Jim Baggott, Charlie Lass, Mary Black, Norm Haglund, Amanda Poole, and for all those we remember in our hearts.

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Leader Let us pray to the Lord.People 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.

Leader For all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, and for all the departed,

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Leader Let us pray to the Lord.People Lord, have mercy. For deliverance from all danger, violence, oppression, and degradation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For the absolution and remission of our sins and offenses, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

That we may end our lives in faith and hope, without suffering and without reproach, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

Defend us, deliver us, and in thy compassion protect us, O Lord, by thy grace. Lord, have mercy. In the communion of Saint Paul and of all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and

all our life, to Christ our God. To thee, O Lord our God.

Officiant Hasten, O Father, the coming of your kingdom; and grant that we your servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

The Confession and Absolution

Officiant Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

All Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Officiant Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

The Peace All stand

Officiant The peace of the Lord be always with you.People And also with you.

The Ministers and People greet one another in the name of the Lord.

Parish Greetings & Announcements The Reverend George D. Muir

The Holy Communion: Rite TwoThe Offertory Sentence Celebrant

The Offertory Music “Benedicamus Domino” Peter WarlockThe Saint Paul’s Choir

Sung in Latin

A boy comes forth, Eya, this is our time, From the womb of a virgin. Glory! Praise! God is made man and im-mortal. Without the seed of a man, Eya, this is our time, He is born of a virgin. Glory! Praise! God is made man and immortal. Without the means of a man, Eya, this is our time, He is born of Mary. Glory! Praise! God is made man and immortal. On this appointed feast, Eya, this is our time, Let us bless the Lord. Glory! Praise! God is made man and immortal. - Poem from Sloane Manuscript, 15th century

Presentation Hymn “We give thee but thine own” Yattendon 46

The Great Thanksgiving Eucharistic Prayer A

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 him thanks and praise.

Celebrant It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

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 we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

We give thee but thine own, What e'er- the gift may be:

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Sanctus and Benedictus S-130, by Franz Schubert

Please kneel as you are able.

Celebrant Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.” Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

All Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

Celebrant We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom. All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

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The Lord’s Prayer

Celebrant And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

All 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 and Invitation

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

Celebrant This is the table, not of the Church, but of the Lord. It is made ready for those who love him and for those who want to love him more. So, come, you who have much faith and you who have little, you who have been here often and you who have not been here long, you who have tried to follow and you who have failed. Come, because it is the Lord who invites you. It is his will that those who want him should meet him here.

Fraction Anthem S-164, by Franz Schubert

All who come in faith are welcome to receive Holy Communion.

The Communion Music

Allegro moderato, Sonata for Cello in G Major BWV 1027 J. S. BachMssrs. Brantley and Shafer

Je sus,- Lamb of God: have mer cy- on us. Je sus,- bear er-

of our sins: have mer cy- on us. Je sus,- re deem- er,- re -

deem er- of the world: give us your peace, give us your peace.

Hymn 65 “Prepare the way, O Zion” Bereden väg för Herran

Anthem “My heart ever faithful” Johann Sebastian BachThe Canterbury Choir

My heart ever faithful, sing praises, be joyful, thy Savior is near. Away with complaining, faith ever maintaining, my Savior is here. My heart ever faithful, sing praises, be joyful, the Savior is near.

The Post-Communion Prayer Said by all, kneeling

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Greenery on the AltarThe greenery on the altar is given by Kathryn Putt to the glory of God and in memory of

her brothers, Allan and George, and was arranged by the Flower Guild.

Serving TodayThe Reverend John W. A. Jenkins CelebrantThe Reverend George D. Muir Officiant and PreacherThe Reverend Dr. William K. Dolen Assisting PriestTodd Shafer, Cameron Nixon, Johnny Cook, Elizabeth Campbell Verger, Lectors,& Prayers of the PeopleJoe Way, Carol Cook Eucharistic MinistersScout Wright, Jack Butler, Hugh Baird, Sean Henson, Nolan Baird, AcolytesLily Butler, Luke Graham, Claire Baird Allen Harison, Benjie Mason, Shirley Smith, Louis Walker UshersMargaret Jordan, Soleta Baird, Julia Hickman, Clint Carroll Altar GuildTed Hussey Audio/Visual TeamBrad Sandbach Vestry Person of the Day

Parish Announcements

Please welcome the distinguished American cellist, composer, and conductor, Paul Brantley, who is playing music of Bach at this morning’s service.

5:00 - 6:30 pm — Tonight: Cornerstone Christmas Party (Youth grades 6-12) hosted by Our Savior, 4227 Columbia Rd, Augusta, GA 30907. We will be partaking of seasonal activities, like cookie decorating and friendly Christmas games. Festive threads encouraged!

5:30 - 6:15 pm — Celtic Evening Prayer & Communion. Carl Purdy is our guest musician.

The Daughters of the King, an Episcopal Prayer Ministry, invites prayers for yourself and others. Attach your prayer request to the Advent Prayer Tree located in Tyler Hall. For information, contact Suzanne Pursley-Crotteau at spursleycrotteau@gmail.com.

Parish-wide Advent Formation — Being Disciples. This Season of Advent, as we expectantly prepare to receive Christ into the world and into our hearts, we invite the parish to join in reading Being Disciples: Essentials of the Christian Life by Rowan Williams. The clergy will lead conversation each Sunday during the 9:30 am formation hour and Wednesday from noon to one o’clock in the Berlin Room (bring your own lunch).

Come join us for our monthly Fellowship Dinner, Wednesday, December 14, 6-7 pm in Tyler Hall. Enjoy a delicious Christmas Feast, featuring: Ham, Baked Sweet Potatoes, New Potatoes, Butter Beans, Rolls, Dessert, Tea, Lemonade, Wine. Families will be able to decorate various ornaments to take home and hang on their family Christmas trees. Also, wear your TACKIEST, WACKIEST Christmas sweater. Prizes will be awarded. $5 per person donation; $15 per family. RSVP to Todd Shafer at wshafer403@att.net.

The Vestry Nominating Committee is seeking candidates whom you believe would make outstanding Vestry members for Saint Paul’s. If you’d like to suggest someone, including yourself, please contact Dea Baldwin, Jr. Warden, at dbaldwin02@comcast.net. More information is available in Friday’s Weekly Postings (a printed version is available in the Narthex).

The Christmas play will take place at the 11:00 am service, December 18. All children and youth are invited to participate. Parents, confirm your child’s participation immediately with Rebecca Massie, play director, at bvivacious.rlm10@yahoo.com.

If you would like to contribute toward the cost of Christmas Eve music, or give a poinsettia or wreath, please return the form found in your bulletin today to the Parish Office. Requests may also be made by e-mail to mailbox@saintpauls.org and on the website no later than Wednesday, December 14.

Saint Paul's Church is a member of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia.The Church is open for prayer daily 9 am – 3 pm, Monday - Thursday, & 9 am – 12 pm, Friday.

The Church Office and Parish House are closed Saturdays as well as Sunday afternoons.www.saintpauls.org Tel: 706-724-2485 Join Our E-mail ListVisit our website

Sunday Schedule

8:00 - 8:45 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 8:45 - 9:30 am Continental Breakfast Tyler Hall 9:30 - 10:30 am Christian Formation for all Ages 10:30 - 10:45 am Coffee & Conversation Tyler Hall 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Holy Eucharist Rite II Following the 11:00 am Service Lemonade on the Lawn 5:00 - 6:30 pm EYC (Episcopal Youth Community, Grades 6-12) 5:30 - 6:15 pm Celtic Evening Prayer & Communion with prayers for healing

Nursery care offered in the Children’s Ministry Center (CMC) 9:00 am - 12:30 pm.

The 11 am service is broadcast on WGAC 580 AM Radio and 95.1 FM Radio. Listen live on-line at http://wgac.com/listen-live/

Christmas & New Year’s SchedulesChristmas Eve 4:00 & 10:00 pm

Christmas Eve Festival Celebrations with Choir, Brass, & DrumsA nursery will be available for the 4:00 pm service.

The 10:00 pm service will be broadcast live on WGAC 580 AM and 95.1 FM

Christmas 10:00 amChristmas Eucharist in the Chapel with Carols

New Year’s Day11:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

5:30 pm Celtic Evening Prayer and Communion

Clergy and StaffThe Reverend George Muir, Interim Rector ext. 211 gmuir@saintpauls.orgThe Reverend John Jenkins, Assistant Rector ext. 205 jjenkins@saintpauls.orgKeith Shafer, Director of Music ext. 215 kshafer@saintpauls.orgRanie Neislar, Coordinator of Youth Ministries ext. 206 rneislar@saintpauls.orgMary Jackson, Facility Manager ext. 203 steward@saintpauls.orgMeredith Beach, Parish Accountant ext. 204 mbeach@saintpauls.orgElisabeth Price, Parish Administrator ext. 225 mailbox@saintpauls.orgMelissa Schultz, Music Associate Sarah Pritchard, Music Associate EmeritaHillary Bryant, Greg Maxie, and Terrell Edge, Sextons