The Third Sunday of Advent December 11, 2016 8:00 AM
Rite II
10:00 AM Prelude In Dulci Jubilo BWV 751
Rite II
BCP 355 BCP 355
Bach
Hymn 56 O’Come, O’come, Emmanuel (first 4 verses only) The Opening Acclamation Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. People: And blessed be his Kingdom, now and forever. Amen Collect for Purity Trisagion
(Sung three times)
Archangel sky
The Collect of the Day 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 First Reading 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.” 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.
Reader: The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. Psalm 146: 4-9 (Read responsively by verse) 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. Reader: The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. Hymn 59 Hark! A thrilling voice The Holy Gospel The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ According to Matthew All: Glory to You Lord Christ. The Gospel Matthew 11:2-11 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.” Deacon: The Gospel of The Lord. All: Praise to You, Lord Christ. The Sermon
The Rev. Richard A. Kunz
The Prayers of the People – Form VI BCP 392 The Peace Announcements Anthem With a voice of singing
Martin Shaw
Hymn 72 Hark! The glad sound!
THE HOLY COMMUNION Eucharistic Prayer B
BCP 367
Sanctus S124
David Hurd
The Lord’s Prayer At The Breaking of the Bread Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; All: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia. Anthem How lovely are the messengers Felix Mendelssohn Hymn 615 Thy kingdom come Post Communion Prayer
BCP 365
The Advent Blessing Hymn 437 Tell out my soul Deacon: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. Postlude Pastorale Domenico Zipoli The advent greens this morning are given by Barbara Griffith in celebration of her grandson Daniel Griffith’s birthday. Acolytes 8:00 AM: Brinda Bradley 10:00 AM: Sandy McAllister, Shirley Spencer, Melanie Jackson, Dana Walters, Cassius Owens, Kaylee Owens, Cameron Owens, Eric Woodberry, Aaron Woodberry Lectors 8:00 AM: Barbara Wiggins, Irene Alves Lectors 10:00 AM: Barbara Henderson, Trisha McGuinness Intercessor: Carole Carter Ushers 8:00 AM: Stuart Madden 10:00 AM: Lisa Daley, Hillary Fleming, Ginger Grant, Paxton Louis, Olivet Williams Coffee Hour Hosts: Cyndy Sangurima, Jim Brown Assistants: Judy Hutton, Monica Brathwaite, Carole Lashley
Coffee Hour Update Good News, All Sundays for the second quarter now have hosts. Thanks again to all parishioners who volunteered. Those who have not hosted this year, please consider volunteering for the last quarter. The signup sheet is posted on the bulletin board. Book Club Update Please note that the book club will NOT be meeting on Tuesday, Dec 13. Instead, our discussion of Terrible Virtue by Ellen Feldman has been moved to Tuesday, Jan 10, at 7:00 pm in the church library. Interested in joining the Book Club? Contact Karen Odom (
[email protected]). Holiday Gift Card Drive – Final Call Today is the final day to contribute towards food gift cards for Christmas through Lifting Up Westchester. To date, we have collected $625 or the purchase of 25, $25 cards. As there are 180 families to assist, it is our opportunity to provide the nicety of fresh foods for families in need. The collection will be held in the Parish Hall after the 10 AM service. Please speak with Linda Gallo if you would like to help. Warm Feet, Warm Heart Many of the female guests who partake of Grace's Kitchen are in need of warm socks. They are distributed during lunch. They will also be distributed during Christmas. If you are interested in keeping someone's feet warm throughout the change to colder weather, please bring them in with you. There will be a basket in the Parish Hall to take your donations. Thanks, Linda Gallo ECW Holiday Raffle ECW is holding their annual Holiday Raffle with proceeds going to the Samaritan House Holiday Party. They are raffling dinner for (2) at P.F. Chang's and a basket of movie treats. The drawing will be held on Sunday, December 18 during the Coffee Hour. Tickets are 6 for $5. Remember those you love by signing up for flowers to adorn the Altar for our worship. The signup sheet is posted on bulletin board near parish hall. In order to economize, most of our parish communications are done electronically, whether through email or by being posted on our website. Some folks, however, do not use email. If you are one of them, or if you know of someone who is, please get in touch with the office to let us know, and make sure we have your name and current mailing address. That way when we send out information we can have a special list of those who need regular mail. As a general reminder to everyone, please keep the office informed of changes in address, email, or phone number. Our desire is to communicate effectively, and lack of the proper information makes that more difficult. Thank you! Join Our Volunteer Choir Please consider joining our volunteer choir. We have inspiring, soulful and uplifting music for you to enjoy in the warm company of our dedicated, long time members. This invitation also extends to the younger members of our church community. We are delighted to have our kids sing in the10am service every third Sunday of the month. The children's choir will be practicing every Sunday right after service in the choir room. All are welcome! Dr. Anna Vinnitsky Westchester Communities Unite Against Hate On Tuesday, December 13th at 3:00 PM at the MLK statue there will be a rally of community leaders “United Against Hate”. The purpose is to affirm that there is no place for fear or bigotry or hate here in White Plains. Leaders from many different faiths and communities are gathering together to make it clear that we are committed to “liberty and justice for all”. All are welcome to join in this rally!
Nursery Care is available during the 10:00 AM service. We want our congregation to be as welcoming as possible to parents of young children! Although we have two wonderful nursery workers, we are always looking for volunteers to help out. Please talk to Father Rich if you would be willing to be one of our helpers. Stewardship Update The Rector, Vestry and Stewardship Committee thank you for your pledge commitments for 2017. Your faithfulness and generosity is greatly appreciated. During the past week we received an additional 19 pledge commitment sheets increasing the total pledged amount received to date to $210, 275. Below are the names of the additional parishioners who submitted their pledge sheets: 2017 Contributors Carmen Antoine Mary Jackson Laura & Robert Auld Amy & Brian Owens Jo Ann Boylan Matthew Reid Eve Bradford Albert Sargent M. Aron Bradford Yvonne & Lipton Scarborough Elizabeth Carson Shirley Spencer Ashley Elliott Audrey A. Taylor Ben Florer Melanie Jackson Walters Cecil Henry Jane L. Washington Linda Heusser
Grace Church Pledge Tracking As of December 5, 2016
16 Budget'
As of 11/30
% of Budget
17 Budget
As of 11/27
% of Budget
Grace
290,000.00
201,467.00
0.69
290,000.00
260,771.00
0.90
LaGracia
10,000.00
8,808.00
0.88
10,000.00
8,252.00
0.83
Total
300,000.00
210,275.00
0.70
300,000.00
269,023.00
0.90
Contributions
HELD IN PRAYER Please note: Unless we are informed otherwise, after one month an individual’s name will be removed from our ill at home or in any need. However, if you want them to continue please inform us the Tuesday before the Sunday bulletin. Thank you. Ill, at Home, or in any need: Jo-Ann B. Boylan, Alice Bray, Corine Bradley, Canon Percy Braithwaite, Bernice Burton, The Cassidy Family, Gina Corselli, Inez Dale, Don Davet, Kaleigh Delaney, Bill Dunphy, Cathy Dunphy, Lee Engel, Sandra Esannason, Joseph Goldman ,Marcelo Gioliante, Stephen Gyetko, Clara Harmon, Louise Holsapple, Marie Huckabry, Ivy John, Julie McGuinness, Richard McMahon, JoJo Moore, John Noone, Ethel Quinlan,The Quinones Family, Gladstone Reid, Gail Rosen, Erroll Sorrel, Norman Stanton, Louis Vitale, Barbara Vigliotti, Nastasha Vodyanitskaya, Marthe Watkins, Willa Webb, Anthony Wright R.I.P. Marcos Turlia Miranda Skilled Care Facility/Nursing Homes: Croton on Hudson: Verna Brown Cedar Manor, Ossining: Robert Auld Schnurmacher, White Plains: Elizabeth W. Carson Sarah Neuman Center, Mamaroneck: Lucille Breach Serving in the Armed Forces: Remembering especially Mark Culbert, Kenny Duffy, Denny J. Edmondson, Lt. Col. Rick Erickson, Melissa Lawrance, David Moran, David Packer, Sgt. Christopher Vigliotti, Gunnery Sgt. Les Yearwood
THIS WEEK AT GRACE
12:10 PM
TODAY The Holy Eucharist – Church Adult Choir Rehearsal Nursery meets on 1st Floor The Holy Eucharist – Church Pre –K to Grade 6 Sunday School Rite 13 Adult Choir Rehearsal The Holy Eucharist- La Gracia (Spanish) – Church Lessons and Carols Rehearsal Lessons and Carols Tuesday Santo Rosario (Spanish) – In the Chapel Mass in the Chapel Wednesday Downtown Music – Church
12:05 PM 2:00 PM
Thursday Mass in the Chapel Santo Rosario (Spanish) – In the Chapel
8:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:45 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:30 AM 12:00 PM 12:00 PM 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 10:00 AM 12:05 PM
Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Birthdays Monte A. Suber, Jonah S. Smith Ramona Williams Andrea Spencer Juan Carlos Paredes
Important Dates at Grace Church Sunday, Dec. 11th – 12:00 PM – Celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe 5:00 PM – Lessons and Carols Wednesday, Dec. 14th – 12:30 PM – SAGE Party at the Rectory Saturday, Christmas Eve, Dec. 24th 4:00 PM Children’s Service with Pageant Christmas Eve, Dec. 24th 7:00 PM La Gracia Misa Christmas Eve, Dec. 24th 10:00 PM Candlelight Service Sunday, Christmas Day, Dec. 25th – 9:00 AM – Holy Eucharist Saturday, Dec. 31st – Church open in the evening for prayer until 12:30 AM Sunday, Jan. 1st – 10 AM – Holy Eucharist
If you are visiting with us for the first time, we welcome you to Grace Church! Our liturgy is found in the blue Book of Common Prayer. Our communion is open to all baptized Christians. Please take the time to fill out one of our visitor cards which the ushers have available. After the service there is coffee in the parish hall, and you would be welcome to join us. Thanks for being here with us! Stewardship Message As we continue to be good stewards and respond to God’s generosity in our lives, the prayer below can be a source of inspiration as you decide individually how you will respond to God’s generosity. “Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with us as we consider the renewal and mission of our congregation. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us by your Holy Spirit to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it, and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. If you have not already done so, please submit your 2017 commitment sheet. Don’t forget to identify and sign up for a new volunteer opportunity. Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity
“Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by Worship. We bear witness to God’s love in Christ through our life together and our service to the wider community.
All are welcome! “
