Advent-3 (Yr C) Dec 12, 2021

The Celebration of Holy Eucharist

The Third Sunday of Advent

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

Dayton, Ohio, December 12, 2021, 10:30 AM

Note: the service is being livestreamed and recorded and will be available on our Facebook page.

If you’re new to St. Mark’s please see an usher for a welcome packet so we might acknowledge your visit and include you on our email list for weekly updates and information regarding St. Mark’s and the Diocese of Southern Ohio. The RESTROOM is located to the right as you enter the building.

Throughout the service the people’s responses are in italics; directions are in bold italics.

If you prefer a gluten-free host please notify an usher prior to the service.

PRELUDE:

“Chorale, Canon & Fughetta on Freu Dich Sehr, O Meine Selle” Flor Peters, Alfred Fedak

WELCOME: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Please stand for the ringing of the bell and processional.

PROCESSIONAL:

“Rejoice! rejoice believers” The Hymnal 1982, #68

1 Rejoice! rejoice, believers,

and let your lights appear!

The evening is advancing,

and darker night is near.

The Bridegroom is arising,

and soon he will draw nigh;

up, watch in expectation!

at midnight comes the cry.

2 See that your lamps are burning,

replenish them with oil;

look now for your salvation,

the end of sin and toil.

The marriage-feast is waiting,

the gates wide open stand;

rise up, ye heirs of glory,

the Bridegroom is at hand!

3 Our hope and expectation,

O Jesus, now appear;

arise, thou Sun so longed for,

above this darkened sphere!

With hearts and hands uplifted,

we plead, O Lord, to see

the day of earth’s redemption,

and ever be with thee!

Lighting of the Advent Wreath

Please remain standing

Celebrant: A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots, a branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon him – the Spirit of wisdom and understanding. The Spirit of counsel and power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.

ADVENT LIGHTING ANTHEM:

“Light one candle” (Three Advent candles are lit.)

All: Light one candle for hope, one bright candle for hope, He brings hope to ev’ry heart, he comes! He comes! Light one candle for peace, one bright candle for peace, He brings hope to ev’ry heart, he comes! He comes! Light one candle for joy, one bright candle for joy; Every nation will find salvation with Bethlehem’s baby boy, Bethlehem’s baby boy.

The Liturgy of the Word

Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (With gusto!) And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

Celebrant: 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.

COLLECT OF THE DAY:

Celebrant: 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

SONG OF PRAISE:

“People look East” (verse 1) Wonder, Love & Praise, #724

All: People, look East. The time is near of the crowning of the year. Make your house fair as

you are able, trim the hearth and set the table. People, look East and sing today: Love the

guest is on the way.

Please be seated

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF ZEPHANIAH:

Reader: 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 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. (3:14-20)

Reader: The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Please stand

THE FIRST SONG OF ISAIAH:

Reader: Surely, it is God who saves me; I will trust in him and not be afraid.

All: 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;

Reader: Make his deeds known among the peoples; see that they remember that his Name is exalted.

All: 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.

Please be seated

A READING FROM PAUL’S LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS:

Reader: 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. (4:4-7)

Reader: The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Please stand

GRADUAL:

“On Jordan’s bank” (verses 1-2) The Hymnal 1982, #76

1 On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry

announces that the Lord is nigh;

awake and hearken, for he brings

glad tidings of the King of kings.

2 Then cleansed be every breast from sin;

make straight the way for God within,

and let each heart prepare a home

where such a mighty guest may come.

THE GOSPEL:

Celebrant: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Celebrant: 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. 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. (3:7-18)

Celebrant: The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ.

GRADUAL:

“On Jordan’s bank” (verse 3) The Hymnal 1982, #76

3 For thou art our salvation, Lord,

our refuge, and our great reward;

without thy grace we waste away

like flowers that wither and decay.

Please be seated

THE SERMON

Please stand

THE NICENE CREED:

“I believe in God almighty” Wonder, Love, & Praise, #769

1 I believe in God almighty, author of all things that be,

Maker of the earth and heavens, Keeper of the sky and sea.

I believe in God’s son, Jesus, now for us both Lord and Christ,

of the Spirit and of Mary born to bring abundant life.

2 I believe that Jesus suffered, scourged and scorned and crucified;

taken from the cross, was buried— True Life there had truly died.

I believe that on the third day Christ was raised up from the grave,

then ascended to God right hand. He will come to judge and save.

3 I believe in God’s own Spirit, bonding all the saints within

One church, catholic and holy, where forgiveness frees from sin;

in the body’s resurrection, for the breaking of death’s chain

gives the life that’s everlasting. This the faith that I have claimed.

Please stand or kneel

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE:

Reader: Let us call upon the name of God, who faithfully acts on behalf of those who wait in hope. (A moment of silence is observed.)

Reader: That the leaders of nations may turn their hands from violence and iniquity and embrace instead the ways of righteousness and peace. Blessed be your name, most holy God.

Reader: That hardened hearts may be softened and straying steps guided home by the touch of God’s hand through the love of Christians. Blessed be your name, most holy God.

Reader: That the sick, especially those named on the parish prayer list, may be supported by the presence and prayers of family and friends, and so experience the healing power of our Redeemer. Blessed be your name, most holy God.

Reader: That this congregation may be shaped by God’s hand, enriched by God’s gifts, and strengthened to be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ; Blessed be your name, most holy God.

Reader: That the departed may rejoice as they are called into fellowship with Christ by the One who is ever faithful; Blessed be your name, most holy God.

Reader: For your church, called to be a place of communion for every human being: Blessed be your name, most holy God.

Reader: For the coming of your kingdom within us by the gift of the Holy Spirit: Blessed be your name, most holy God.

Reader: By the coming of your kingdom at the end of time, when you will be all in all: Blessed be your name, most holy God.

Celebrant: In the psalms of David, in the words of the prophets, and in the dream of Joseph, your promise is spoken and takes flesh in the womb of the Mary. May Emmanuel find welcome in our hearts, take flesh in our lives, and be for all peoples the welcome advent of redemption and grace. We ask this through him whose coming is certain, whose Day draws near; your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

THE CONFESSION:

Celebrant: Let us confess our sins to God, our neighbor, and all our relations.

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.

Celebrant: Our Lord Jesus Christ has bestowed power and commandment to his ministers to declare and pronounce to those who are truly repentant, absolution and remission of sin. Therefore, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, be reconciled to God through grace and “go and sin no more.” Amen.

Please stand

THE PASSING OF THE PEACE:

Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you.

REMAINING IN THEIR PEWS, the congregation offers the peace of God to one another.

Please be seated

BIRTHDAY and ANNIVERSARY PRAYERS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

OFFERTORY SENTENCE:

Celebrant: O Lord our God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power; because you have created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. (Rev. 4:11)

Thank you for your generous weekly gifts.

The day-to-day mission and ministry of St. Mark’s

is funded primarily by gifts received in the offering plate each week.

OFFERTORY

“Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding” Eugene Butler

Please stand

PRAYER FOR THE OFFERINGS OF THE PEOPLE:

Celebrant: Let us pray.

All: Most Holy God, the author of life and creator of all that is, receive and bless my offering this day; that the currency of worldly value may become the currency of transformation through the worship and work of this community. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE CHRISTMAS PROJECT GIFTS:

Celebrant: God of abundance, you have blessed us with all that we need. Receive these gifts of “wants” and “needs” for the children whom we serve, as well as our gifts of food for them and for their families. We offer them each year in St. Mark’s Christmas Project for those who are not as fortunate as we are. As we prepare to celebrate your own greatest gift, the gift of Jesus your son, keep us mindful that all that you have entrusted to us is given, not just so that we can satisfy our wants, but so that we might first of all serve the needs of all. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The Liturgy of the Table

To receive the sacrament, please line up in the center aisle; at your turn approach the Celebrant to receive the Host. Return to your seat via the side aisles.

Those not receiving the sacrament are invited to come forward for a blessing; cross your arms across your chest to indicate this to the Celebrant who will administer the blessing. If you are unsure about receiving the sacrament please make an appointment with The Rev. MacGregor who would be delighted to speak with you.

Please remain standing

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER B:

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 God 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:

THE SANCTUS: The Hymnal 1982, #S129

All sing: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your

glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in

the highest.

You may stand or kneel

Celebrant: We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.

Celebrant: On the night before he died for us, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and give 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 the, 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, according to his command, O Father,

All: We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory.

Celebrant: And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and wine. We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. +Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation. 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.

People: AMEN! (with gusto!)

Please stand

THE LORD’S PRAYER:

All: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

FRACTION ANTHEM: “Agnus Dei “ The Hymnal 1982, #S164

All: Jesus, Lamb of God: have mercy on us. Jesus, bearer of our sins: have mercy on us. Jesus, redeemer, redeemer of the world: give us your peace, give us your peace.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION:

Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the People of God.

The people may now come forward to receive the Sacrament.

THE PRAYER OF RECEPTION FOR THOSE PARTICIPATING ONLINE:

(to be said by those at home)

Blessed Jesus, with your faithful people at every altar of your church where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, I offer my praise and thanksgiving. Since I cannot receive you today in the Sacrament of your Body and Blood, I ask you to come spiritually into my heart. Cleanse and strengthen me with your grace, Lord Jesus, and let me never be separated from you. May I live in you, and you in me, in this life and the life to come. Amen.

Please stand

COMMUNION HYMN:

“Comfort, comfort ye my people” The Hymnal 1982, #67

1 Comfort, comfort ye my people,

speak ye peace, thus saith our God;

comfort those who sit in darkness

mourning ’neath their sorrows’ load.

Speak ye to Jerusalem

of the peace that waits for them;

tell her that her sins I cover,

and her warfare now is over.

2 Hark, the voice of one that crieth

in the desert far and near,

calling us to new repentance

since the kingdom now is here.

Oh, that warning cry obey!

Now prepare for God a way;

let the valleys rise to meet him

and the hills bow down to greet him.

3 Make ye straight what long was crooked,

make the rougher places plain;

let your hearts be true and humble,

as befits his holy reign.

For the glory of the Lord

now o’er earth is shed abroad;

and all flesh shall see the token

that the word is never broken.

POST COMMUNION PRAYER:

Celebrant: Let us pray. 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.

THE BLESSING:

Celebrant: ….. +And may the blessing . . .

RECESSIONAL:

“Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding” (verses 1-3) The Hymnal 1982, 59

1 Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding:

“Christ is nigh,” it seems to say;

“Cast away the works of darkness,

O ye children of the day.”

2 Wakened by the solemn warning,

from earth’s bondage let us rise;

Christ, our sun, all sloth dispelling,

shines upon the morning skies.

3 Lo! the Lamb, so long expected,

comes with pardon down from heaven;

let us haste, with tears of sorrow,

one and all to be forgiven;

4 so when next he comes with glory,

and the world is wrapped in fear,

may he with his mercy shield us,

and with words of love draw near.

5 Honor, glory, might, and blessing

to the Father and the Son,

with the everlasting Spirit

while unending ages run.

DISMISSAL:

Celebrant: Alleluia! Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. Alleluia!

POSTLUDE:

“A Noel In the Time of Christmas” Alexis Chauvet

THE CANDLE IN THE SANCTUARY LAMP remains lighted throughout the week to

indicate and honor the eternal presence of Christ. It is dedicated this week by Katherine Wagner in loving memory of Susan Carr Hinton.

GROUNDED IN COMMUNITY

THIS SUNDAY– ADVENT 3- HOLY EUCHARIST – DECEMBER 12:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Ushers: Wayne Harper, Jim Rudd

Tech: Katherine Wagner, Elizabeth Wagner

Acolytes: Gary Welch, Stephanie Welch

Lay Eucharist Ministers: Readers: OT/PS: Don Nancarrow EP/POP: Jim Rudd

Counters: Dave Reuter, Tony Rubino

Altar Guild: Mary-Anna Welch, Stephanie Welch, Janet Reuter

NEXT SUNDAY– ADVENT 4- HOLY EUCHARIST – DECEMBER 19:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Ushers: Dave Reuter, Wayne Harper

Tech: Gary Welch, Mary-Anna Welch

Acolyte: Jackie Hoskinson

Lay Eucharist Ministers: Readers: OT/PS: Elizabeth Wagner EP/POP: Judy Rudd

Counters: Kendall Rubino, Jim Rudd

Altar Guild: Mary-Anna Welch, Stephanie Welch, Janet Reuter

Altar Flowers: Wagner

Sanctuary Lamp: Bonifas

Events at St. Mark’s this Week

THIS SUNDAY (Advent 3, Dec. 12): HOLY EUCHARIST, 10:30am, in person and on

Facebook Live. EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY, 1:30pm, Fellowship Room;

MONDAY: SAA MEETING, 6:30am, Lounge; AA MEETING, 7:30pm, Parish Hall

TUESDAY: TOPS MEETING, 9:30am, Fellowship Room; NA MEETING, 7:30pm,

Parish Hall

WEDNESDAY: STAFF MEETING, 10:00am, Office; COMPLINE, 7pm, Zoom

THURSDAY: SAA MEETING, 7:30pm, Lounge

FRIDAY: No events this day

SATURDAY: HIDDEN GEMS, noon, parking lot; AA MEETING, 7:30pm, Parish Hall

NEXT SUNDAY (Advent 4, Dec. 19): HOLY EUCHARIST, 10:30am, in person

and on Facebook Live; . EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY, 1:30pm, Fellowship Room. HUNGER SUNDAY.

Places to be, things to do

THE CHRISTMAS PROJECT: TODAY is the gift ingathering. On Monday, Dec 20, we will shop for, sort, and deliver the food. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board for those able to help on Dec. 20. Financial donations also welcome, as are donations of gift wrap supplies: wrapping paper, ribbon, and tape. See the Constant Contact or Carol Nancarrow for more information.

THE CHURCH CRACKED OPEN BOOK GROUP will meet again at 7pm on Wednesday, Dec. 15 via Zoom. We do have one copy of the book available in the office for $16.00. St. Margaret’s is participating with St Mark’s in this important work.

THE DECEMBER VESTRY MEETING is on Thursday, Dec. 16, at 6:30pm via Zoom. Contact the office if you would like to attend, and we’ll send you the link.

COMPLINE will be said via Zoom at 7pm on Wednesday Dec. 22, by the Rev. Rowena MacGregor.

CHRISTMAS EVE will be celebrated at 7pm on Friday, Dec. 24.

CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICES: On Saturday, Dec. 25, services will be held at Christ Church Dayton, 10:30am and St. Paul’s in Oakwood, 11am. There will be no Christmas Day service at St. Mark’s.

CHRISTMAS LESSONS AND CAROLS will be held on Sunday, Dec. 26 in lieu of Holy Eucharist. Come join in this traditional Christmas service of readings and hymns chosen by the congregation at 10:30am.

The Community of St. Mark’s Classifieds

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS: are a lovely way to celebrate or remember someone special. If you would like to make a donation toward our beautiful Christmas flowers, there will be envelopes in the pews through Dec. 19.

HUNGER SUNDAY is Dec. 19. St. Paul’s UMC needs canned fruit, pork & beans, pasta sauce, cereal, jelly (other than grape); spices, salt & pepper, sugar & flour (small sizes), ketchup, mustard, mayo, gravy (wet and dry.) Financial donations are also welcome and will be reflected on your contribution sheet.

2021 CONTRIBUTIONS: In order to claim a charitable contribution deduction for 2021, contributions must be received in the church office no later than NOON Tuesday, Dec. 28.

Lesser Feasts and Fasts

RECOMMENDED FEAST DAY TO OBSERVE: Friday, Dec. 16 is the Feast of William Lloyd Garrison and Maria Stewart, prophetic witnesses. William Lloyd Garrison was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, and his father abandoned the family when he was five years old. His experience of poverty at a young age awakened in him a religious zeal for justice and a hatred for slavery. After working on a Quaker periodical in Baltimore, Garrison returned to Boston and, with the help of the black community, started his own antislavery paper, The Liberator. His proclamation of purpose in the first issue became famous around the country: “On [the subject of slavery] I do not wish to think, or speak, or write, with moderation. No! No! Tell a man whose house is on fire to give a moderate alarm … but urge me not to use moderation in a cause like the present.” The Liberator came to be the dominant voice in the abolitionist movement demanding immediate emancipation without compensation to slave owners. Garrison invoked the ire and rage of people all over the country, particularly in slaveholding states. In what was a radical policy for the time, Garrison opened up his columns to black and female writers. Among those to respond to his call was Maria W. Stewart, a freeborn African-American woman who showed up at his office in 1831 with several essays that were published in The Liberator. Her efforts called upon African Americans in the south to rise up against slavery and for northern blacks to resist racial restrictions. When her speaking career ended after three years, she became a schoolteacher and then Head Matron of Freedoms Hospital in Washington D.C., which was later to become Howard University.

God, in whose service alone is perfect freedom: We thank you for your prophets William Lloyd Garrison and Maria Stewart, who testified that we are made not by the color of our skin but by the principle formed in our soul. Fill us, like them, with the hope and determination to break every chain of enslavement, that bondage and ignorance may melt like wax before flames, and we may build that community of justice and love which is founded on Jesus Christ our cornerstone; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Holy Women, Holy Men)

Prayers for the Week of Dec. 12

FOR PEACE. For those who have died: the victims of the Oxford school shooting; For medical professionals, and all those who are suffering from exhaustion and burnout in the midst of the pandemic; For the homeless; For all those addicted to heroin, remembering especially those who died this week from overdose; For all those who have committed suicide: remembering especially teens and young adults who took their own lives this week; For all our brothers and sisters who have died by violence around the world, remembering especially the recent acts of violence across the nation; For our enemies; For the safety of all American military and civilian personnel where ever they serve, remembering especially all those serving at Wright-Patterson AFB; For those who struggle with the basic necessities of life after natural catastrophic events, especially those misplaced by earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, drought, fire, mudslides, and tornadoes; For the millions of refugees worldwide who wander the lands of the earth and whose suffering is greater than we can ever know.

For those in our prayer cycles: in the Anglican cycle of prayer, we pray for the Anglican Church of Canada; in the Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for Trinity in Bellaire, St. Luke in Cincinnati, and Grace Church in Pomeroy; in our Parish cycle of prayer, we pray for Sharron Lewis-Watts, Juanita Limes, and Don and Carol Nancarrow; For those celebrating upcoming birthdays: Hay Jones (12/3), Vern Hogden (12/10), Janet Reuter (12/15), Carol Sharp (12/15), Elizabeth Wagner (12/21), Jim Hoskinson (12/26), Sean Weber (12/26), Jackie Hoskinson (12/27); For those celebrating wedding anniversaries: Bridgette & Jen Bonifas (12/20); For those on our parish prayer list: Howard, Ruby, George, the Darnell Family, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Carmen, Mary, Vern; For those who suffer from illness, grief, or any other adversity: Ann – Carol Nancarrow’s mother; Ann – friend of the Bertas; Caiti – friend of Ann Phillips; Carl – friend of the Welches; Carol – friend of the Rubinos; Carrie – Susan Kendall’s daughter; Cassie and Jane – friends of the Tallmans; Chip – Jim Rudd’s step-mother; Chris & family – friends of the Reuters; Cindy & Marvin – friends of Elizabeth Wagner; Clara – Pat Tallman’s cousin; Danielle – Jenna Walch’s sister; David – Vern Hogden’s son; Dick & Sandy – friends of the Wagners; Emily – Ann Phillips’ niece; Emma, Lowell, & the Burton Family – friends of Juanita Limes and the Darnells; Helen – Wayne Harper’s mother-in-law; James – Linda Stagles’ brother; Joni & Leslie – family of softball team member; Jose & Elena – friends of the Welches; Kathy & Gloria – friends of Katherine Wagner; Katie – friend of the Reuters; Keith & Jeff – friends of Jim Larsen; Ken – the Berta’s son; Leslie – friend of Juanita Limes; Leslie – friend of the Welches; Lynne – friend of the parish; Margaret – Rowena MacGregor’s mother; Maya, Liz, and Peter – Rowena MacGregor’s family; Meghan – friend of Elizabeth Wagner; Nanci – friend of the Larsens; the Pitcher Family – friends of Katherine Wagner; Rachel – Norma Peachey’s daughter; Renea – friend of Juanita and Lisa; Roberta – Tracey Swartz’ mother; Ron – friend of Ruby Webster; Sarah – friend of the Wagners; Steve & Debi – friends of Linda Stagles; Steve & Elinor – friends of the Bertas; Sue & Tom – friends of the Phillips’; Susan – friend of the Nancarrows; Tonia – Juanita Limes’ daughter-in-law; Tony – Judy Rudd’s brother; Tracy – friend of the parish.; Vickie – friend of Rowena MacGregor.

For faithful animal companions: Max, longtime canine companion to the Tallman family, and Coco, canine companion to Norma Peachey, and those who care for all animals; For the mission work of this congregation: CARE House, Canterbury Court, St. Paul’s UMC Food Pantry, Becoming Beloved Community Initiative, and for the non-profit groups who use our Community Building; For our Diocesan Bishops: for our Provisional Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Wayne Smith; The Rt. Rev. Kenneth Price, the Rt. Rev. Nedi Rivera, and the Rt. Rev. Wendell Gibbs; For our Presiding Bishop, The Most Rev. Michael Curry; For all postulants and candidates for holy orders in this Diocese: Patricia Rose, Jacob Cunliffe, Dan Carlson, Amy Cochran, Phoebe Myhrum, Brice Patterson, Martha Camele, Maggie Gough, Brad Gough, Catherine Duffy, Alane Osborne, Libbie Crawford, Gayland Trim.

For all faith communities as we navigate the way forward in a world being transformed by a number of crises – that we remain faithful in our devotion to God and open to constant change and ongoing self-evaluation.

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ADULT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

The Rev. Rowena MacGregor facilitates various adult educational/spiritual development offerings (Zoom). Be sure to check the Sunday bulletin for times and dates of her most recent programs.

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For more announcements, click HERE.

To read a copy of the November 18 21, 2021 Vestry Minutes, click HERE.

(NOTE: Password Protected: Contact Dave or Katherine for Password.)

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