Advent-4 (Yr C) Dec 19, 2021

 

The Celebration of Holy Eucharist

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

 

 

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

Dayton, Ohio, December 19, 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:

“Arioso on  O Come, O Come Emmanuel”                     Franklin Ashdown

 

WELCOME: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

 

Please stand for the ringing of the bell and processional.

 

PROCESSIONAL:                        

“Tell out my soul”                                  The Hymnal 1982,  #437

 

1  Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord!

        Unnumbered blessings give my spirit voice;

    tender to me the promise of his word;

        in God my Savior shall my heart rejoice.

 

 

2  Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his Name!

        Make known his might, the deeds his arm has done;

    his mercy sure, from age to age the same;

        his holy Name—the Lord, the Mighty One.

 

 

3  Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his might!

        Powers and dominions lay their glory by.

    Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight,

        the hungry fed, the humble lifted high.

 

 

4  Tell out, my soul, the glories of his word!

        Firm is his promise, and his mercy sure.

    Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord

        to children’s children and for evermore!

 

 

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.   We light these four candles as a sign of our waiting and hope for the coming of Christ.   

 

ADVENT LIGHTING ANTHEM:

“Light one candle”   (Four 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. Light one candle for love, one bright candle for love, He brings love to ev’ry heart, He comes! He comes!

 

 

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. Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, 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 THE PROPHET MICAH:

Reader:  You, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace.     (5:2-5a)

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

 

Please stand 

 

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF PSALMS:

Reader: Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock;

All: shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim. In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, stir up your strength and come to help us.

 

Reader: Restore us, O God of hosts; show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

All: O Lord God of hosts, how long will you be angered despite the prayers of your people?

 

Reader: You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have given them bowls of tears to drink.

All: You have made us the derision of our neighbors, and our enemies laugh us to scorn. Restore us, O God of hosts; show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

 (PS 80:1-7)

 

Please be seated

 

A READING FROM THE LETTER TO THE HEBREWS:

Reader: When Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, ‘See, God, I have come to do your will, O God’ (in the scroll of the book it is written of me).” When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), then he added, “See, I have come to do your will.”  He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. And it is by God’s will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.      (10:5-10)

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

 

Please stand

  

GRADUAL:                           

“The angel Gabriel”  (verses 1-2)               The Hymnal 1982,  #265

 

1   The angel Gabriel from heaven came,

    his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame;

        “All hail,” said he, “thou lowly maiden Mary,

        most highly favored lady,” Gloria!

 

 

2  “For know a blessèd Mother thou shalt be,

    all generations laud and honor thee,

        thy Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold,

        most highly favored lady,” Gloria!

 

 

THE GOSPEL: 

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

People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Celebrant:  In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”  And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.        (1:39-55)

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

 

 GRADUAL:                           

“The angel Gabriel”  (verse 3)                                       The Hymnal 1982,  #265

 

3  Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head,

    “To me be as it pleaseth God,” she said,

        “my soul shall laud and magnify his holy Name.”

        Most highly favored lady, Gloria!

 

 

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

“A Litany For Advent”                   arr. Shirley McRae

 

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 FOR THE GIFTS OF FOOD:

Celebrant: Remembering Jesus, who fed friends and strangers on the hillside, accept our gifts of food for the hungry in our community. 

Celebrant: United in Christ, instill in us sincere appreciation for the food on our tables and the will to provide for those who are hungry.   Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten, nor the hope of the poor be taken away.

 

Celebrant: Eternal God, look with compassion on the whole human family. We commend to your loving care those who are homeless in our community to whom we offer these hygiene kits which have been lovingly prepared by the youth and youth leaders of St. Mark’s parish. 

All: As we pray for the safekeeping of the homeless we recall our baptismal covenant: the pledge we took to strive for justice and to respect the dignity of every human being. We ask that you help and direct us in this work; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. 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:  

“O come, O come, Emmanuel”             The Hymnal 1982,  #56

 

1  O come, O come, Emmanuel,

   and ransom captive Israel,

   that mourns in lonely exile here

   until the Son of God appear.

         

          Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

          shall come to thee, O Israel!

 

 

2  O come, thou Wisdom from on high,

   who orderest all things mightily;

   to us the path of knowledge show,

   and teach us in her ways to go.

 

   Refrain

 

 

3  O come, O come, thou Lord of might,

   who to thy tribes on Sinai’s height

   in ancient times didst give the law,

   in cloud, and majesty, and awe.

 

   Refrain

 

 

4  O come, thou Branch of Jesse’s tree,

   free them from Satan’s tyranny

   that trust thy mighty power to save,

   and give them victory o’er the grave.

 

   Refrain

 

5  O come, thou Key of David, come,

   and open wide our heavenly home;

   make safe the way that leads on high,

   and close the path to misery.

 

   Refrain

 

 

6  O come, thou Dayspring from on high,

   and cheer us by thy drawing nigh;

   disperse the gloomy clouds of night,

   and death’s dark shadow put to flight.

 

   Refrain

 

 

7  O come, Desire of nations, bind

   in one the hearts of all mankind;

   bid thou our sad divisions cease,

   and be thyself our King of Peace.

 

   Refrain

 

 

8  O come, O come, Emmanuel,

   and ransom captive Israel,

   that mourns in lonely exile here

   until the Son of God appear.

 

       Refrain

 

 

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:

“Jesus came, adored by angels”        The Hymnal 1982,  #454

 

1  Jesus came, adored by angels,

        came with peace from realms on high;

    Jesus came for our redemption,

        lowly came on earth to die:

    Alleluia, alleluia!

        came in deep humility.

 

2  Jesus comes again in mercy,

        when our hearts are bowed with care:

    Jesus comes again in answer

        to our earnest heart-felt prayer;

    Alleluia, alleluia!

        comes to save us from despair.

 

3  Jesus comes to hearts rejoicing,

        bringing news of sins forgiven;

    Jesus comes in sounds of gladness,

        leading souls redeemed to heaven;

    Alleluia, alleluia!

        now the gate of death is riven.

 

4  Jesus comes on clouds triumphant,

        when the heavens shall pass away;

    Jesus comes again in glory;

        let us then our homage pay:

    Alleluia, alleluia!

        till the dawn of endless day.

 

 

DISMISSAL:

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

 

POSTLUDE:

“Wonder Tidings”                                                          Norberto Guinaldo

 

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 Jen and Bridgette Bonifas in celebration of their wedding anniversary.

 

THE ALTAR FLOWERS are given by Mike and Katherine Wagner in celebration of Elizabeth’s birthday.

 

 

GROUNDED IN COMMUNITY

 

THIS SUNDAY– ADVENT 4- HOLY EUCHARIST – DEC. 19:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Ushers:  Dave Reuter, Wayne Harper

Tech: Gary Welch, Mary-Anna Welch

Acolyte: Stephanie Welch

Lay Eucharist Ministers: Readers: OT/PS: Carol Williamson EP/POP: Judy Rudd

Counters: Kendall Rubino, Jim Rudd

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

 

FRIDAY – CHRISTMAS EVE – HOLY EUCHARIST – DEC. 24:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Ushers:  TBD

Tech: TBD

Acolyte: Jackie Hoskinson

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

Counters: Dave Reuter, Jim Rudd

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

 

NEXT SUNDAY– CHRISTMAS 1 –  FESTIVAL OF LESSONS & CAROLS – DEC. 26:

Officiant:  Don Nancarrow

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Ushers:  Ginny Tuxhorn, Jim Rudd

Tech: TBD

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

Sanctuary Lamp: OPEN

 

 

Events at St. Mark’s this Week

 

THIS SUNDAY (Advent 4, Dec 19): HOLY EUCHARIST, 10:30am, in person and on

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

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: COMPLINE,  7pm, Zoom

THURSDAY: SAA MEETING, 7:30pm, Lounge

FRIDAY:  No events this day

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

NEXT SUNDAY (Christmas 1,  Dec. 26):  FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS,, 10:30am, in person  and on Facebook Live;  EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY, 1:30pm, Fellowship Room.

 

 

Places to be, things to do

 

THE CHRISTMAS PROJECT: TOMORROW, Dec. 20, volunteers will shop for, sort, and deliver the food.  There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the Narthex for those able to help.  See Carol Nancarrow for more information.

THE CHURCH CRACKED OPEN BOOK GROUP will meet again at 7pm on Wednesday, Jan. 5 via Zoom.  We 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.

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

CHRISTMAS EVE will be celebrated with Holy Eucharist 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 at 9am in the chapel. There will be no Christmas Day service at St. Mark’s.

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

 

 

The Community of St. Mark’s Classifieds

 

FINAL CALL FOR CHRISTMAS FLOWERS: are a lovely way to celebrate or remember someone special.  If you would like to make a donation toward St. Mark’s beautiful Christmas flowers, there are envelopes in the pews through TODAY.

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’s 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. 19

 

FOR PEACE.  For those who have died: the victims of the numerous tornadoes that destroyed many lives last week;  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: Hayward 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; 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;  Mary – friend of the Wagners; 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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937-256-1082

Email: st_marks@ameritech.net

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – noon

 

 

The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor, Priest-In-Charge

570-404-2025   rector@stmarksdayton.org

 

Katherine Wagner, Parish Administrator

parishadmin@stmarksdayton.org

 

Donna Larsen, Music Director

musicdirector@stmarksdayton.org

 

Carol Nancarrow, Senior Warden

Jim Rudd, Junior Warden

wardens@stmarksdayton.org

 

 

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