Advent-1 (Yr A) Nov 27, 2022

The Celebration of Holy Eucharist

The First Week of Advent

Thank you for your donations to the Clergy Discretionary Fund

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

Dayton, Ohio, November 27, 2022, 10:30am

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:

“Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending” John Barr

WELCOME: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Lighting of the Advent Candle

Please stand

Celebrant: We light this (these) candle(s) as a sign of the light of Christ that has come into the world in preparation for the full manifestation of God’s kingdom:

Celebrant: The nations shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Celebrant: God of hope, you draw us from the exile of sin with the good news of restoration; Comfort us with the expectation of your saving power made known to us in the coming of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PROCESSIONAL:

“Sleepers, Awake!” The Hymnal 1982, #61

1 “Sleepers, wake!” A voice astounds us,

the shout of rampart guards surrounds us:

“Awake, Jerusalem, arise!”

Midnight’s peace their cry has broken,

their urgent summons clearly spoken:

“The time has come, O maidens wise!

Rise up, and give us light;

the Bridegroom is in sight.

Alleluia!

Your lamps prepare

and hasten there,

that you the wedding feast may share.”

2 Zion hears the watchmen singing;

her heart with joyful hope is springing,

she wakes and hurries through the night.

Forth he comes, her Bridegroom glorious

in strength of grace, in truth victorious:

her star is risen, her light grows bright.

Now come, most worthy Lord,

God’s Son, Incarnate Word,

Alleluia!

We follow all

and heed your call

to come into the banquet hall.

3 Lamb of God, the heavens adore you;

let saints and angels sing before you,

as harps and cymbals swell the sound.

Twelve great pearls, the city’s portals:

through them we stream to join the immortals

as we with joy your throne surround.

No eye has known the sight,

no ear heard such delight:

Alleluia!

Therefore we sing

to greet our King;

for ever let our praises ring.

The Liturgy of the Word

Please remain standing

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

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.

All: Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

SONG OF PRAISE: Please remain standing

“Prepare ye” Godspell Laura Leach, soloist, and congregation

Soloist: Prepare ye the way of the Lord; prepare ye the way of the Lord. (Sung twice)

Congregation:

Prepare ye the way of the Lord; prepare ye the way of the Lord. (Sung twice)

Please be seated

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ISAIAH:

Reader: The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord! (2:1-5)

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

Please stand

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF PSALMS:

Reader: I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

Reader: Now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.

Reader: Jerusalem is built as a city that is at unity with itself;

Reader: To which the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, the assembly of Israel, to praise the Name of the Lord.

Reader: For there are the thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.

Reader: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.

Reader: Peace be within your walls and quietness within your towers.

Reader: For my brethren and companions’ sake, I pray for your prosperity.

Reader: Because of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek to do you good.” (Ps. 122)

Please be seated

A READING FROM PAUL’S LETTER TO THE ROMANS:

Reader: You know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. (13:11-14)

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

Please stand

GRADUAL:

“Come, thou long expected Jesus” (v. 1-3) 1982 Hymnal, #66

1 Come, thou long-expected Jesus,

born to set thy people free;

from our fears and sins release us,

let us find our rest in thee.

2 Israel’s strength and consolation,

hope of all the earth thou art:

dear desire of every nation,

joy of every longing heart.

3 Born thy people to deliver,

born a child, and yet a king,

born to reign in us for ever,

now thy gracious kingdom bring.

Please stand

THE GOSPEL:

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

People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Celebrant: You know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. (23:36-44)

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

GRADUAL:

“Come, thou long expected Jesus” (v. 4) 1982 Hymnal, #66

4 By thine own eternal Spirit

rule in all our hearts alone;

by thine all-sufficient merit

raise us to thy glorious throne.

Please be seated

THE SERMON

Please stand

THE NICENE CREED:

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 worshipped 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.

Please kneel or stand

THE CONFESSION:

Celebrant: Let us commit our lives to Christ’s way of hope and peace as we confess our sins against God, our neighbors, 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: May almighty God, by whose providence our Savior, Jesus Christ, came among us in great humility, sanctify you with the light of his blessing and set you free from all sin. Amen.

Please stand or kneel

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE:

Reader: In this season of hope and expectation let us lay before God the petitions of our hearts; calling upon the One who has promised to act faithfully on behalf of all those who pray in Jesus’ name.

Reader: In preparation and expectation, we pray that the leaders of nations may turn their hands from violence and iniquity and embrace instead the ways of righteousness and peace. Let us prepare the way of the Lord.

Reader: In preparation and expectation, we pray that the community of Riverside, its churches, schools, and residents, continuing to work together with ever increasing effort, may provide for the relief of poverty, hunger, drug addiction, and homelessness so that the children in our midst may grow up in peace and be surrounded with love, encouragement and support. Let us prepare the way of the Lord.

Reader: In preparation and expectation, we pray for the sick and those who suffer from any adversity, those named on the parish prayer list and remembering especially, the Sharp family, Mary-Anna and Welch family, Linda, the Berta family, Wayne, Don, Ruby, the Phillips family, the Darnell family, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Mary, George, and Vern; that they may be supported by the presence and prayers of family and friends, and so experience the healing power of our Redeemer. Let us prepare the way of the Lord.

Reader: In preparation and expectation, we pray that this congregation, called to be a community of prayerful contemplation and action, may continue to be shaped by God’s hand, strengthened by the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, and enriched by the Holy Spirit in this season of expectation. Let us prepare the way of the Lord.

Reader: In preparation and expectation, we pray that the departed may rejoice as they are called into fellowship with Christ by the One who is ever faithful. Let us prepare the way of the Lord.

Reader: In preparation and expectation, we pray for the coming of God’s kingdom realized within us by the gift and movement of the Holy Spirit: Let us prepare the way of the Lord.

Celebrant: In the psalms of David, in the words of the prophets, and in the dream of Joseph, your promise, O God, 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.

Please stand

THE PASSING OF THE PEACE:

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

The congregation offers the peace of God to one another.

Please be seated

BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY PRAYERS:

ANNOUNCEMENTS Libby Nicholson, Sr. Warden

OFFERTORY SENTENCE:

Celebrant: Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and make good your vows to the Most High. Let us with gladness present the offerings and oblations of our life and labor to the Lord.

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

“An Advent Reflection” Ruth Elaine Schram Laura Leach, voice

Please stand

PRAYER FOR THE OFFERINGS OF THE PEOPLE:

Celebrant: Let us pray. 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 CLERGY DISCRETIONARY FUND COLLECTION:

Celebrant: Let us pray. Abundant God, you made us in your image and breathed in us a spirit of generosity that is both gift and response. In that spirit, we give thanks for the ministry of the clergy for the discretionary disbursement of the funds collected this day. Amen.

The Liturgy of the Table

To receive the sacrament, please approach the celebrant by way of the center aisle and returning to your seat by way of the side aisle. The common cup is available for those who feel comfortable drinking from it; please do not dip the wafer in the wine – per Bishop Smith.

Those not receiving the sacrament in either kind 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: Wonder, Love, & Praise Hymnal, #851

All: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of pow’r 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!)

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:

“O Lamb of God” 1982 Hymnal, #S157

All: O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.

O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.

O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world, grant us thy 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:

“Signs of endings all around us” Wonder, Love and Praise Hymnal, #721

1 Signs of endings all around us—

darkness, death, and winter days

shroud our lives in fear and sadness,

numbing mouths that long to praise.

Come, O Christ, and dwell among us!

Hear our cries, come set us free.

Give us hope and faith and gladness.

Show us what there yet can be.

2 Can it be that from our endings,

new beginnings you create?

Life from death, and from our rendings,

realms of wholeness generate?

Take our fears, then, Lord, and turn them

into hopes for life anew:

Fading light and dying season

sing their Glorias to you.

3 Speak, O God, your Word among us.

Barren lives your presence fill.

Swell our hearts with songs of gladness,

terrors calm forebodings still.

Let your promised realm of justice

blossom now throughout the earth;

your dominion bring now near us;

we await the saving birth.

POST COMMUNION PRAYER:

Celebrant: Let us pray.

All: Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

SENDING OF EUCHARISTIC MINISTER:

Officiant: Carol, we send you out to share Holy Communion with members of the St. Mark’s community unable to be with us.

People: May you carry the prayers of all of us as you take this sacrament of Christ’s presence.

Officiant: May those who receive it from you be strengthened and encouraged in our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE BLESSING:

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

RECESSIONAL:

“Rejoice! rejoice, believers, and let your lights appear!” 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!

DISMISSAL:

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

POSTLUDE:

“Rejoice, All Ye Believers” Margrethe Hokenson

THE ALTAR FLOWERS are given by Dave and Janet Reuter in thanksgiving for their many blessings.

THE CANDLE IN THE SANCTUARY LAMP remains lighted throughout the week to indicate and honor the eternal presence of Christ and has been dedicated this week in memory of Mildred Browning.

Prayers for the Week of November 27:

FOR PEACE.

For those who have died:

For all those who died by suicide: remembering especially teens and young adults who took their own lives this week;

For the people of the Ukraine – and all nations striving for peace and just governance;

For medical and wellness practitioners, who are assisting people with mental, physical, and financial conditions and issues related to the Covid pandemic;

For the homeless: remembering especially those who lost their homes due to flooding and fires in this nation and around the world in recent weeks; and the homeless of Dayton;

For all those addicted to heroin, remembering especially the youth who died this week from overdose;

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, floods, drought, fire, mudslides, and tornadoes;

For those who suffer from a lack of water without which there can be no life;

For the work of Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) and for the millions of refugees and asylum seekers worldwide who wander the lands of the earth in search of safety, food, water, employment, and family, 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 Nippon Sei Ko Kai; in the Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for St. Margaret’s, Trotwood, St. James, Piqua, St. Luke, Granville;

For St. Mark’s Families in our parish prayer cycle.

For those celebrating birthdays.

For those celebrating wedding anniversaries.

For those on our parish prayer list.

For those who suffer from illness, grief, or any other adversity.

For faithful animal companions and those who care for all animals.

For the mission work of this congregation: Canterbury Court, CARE House, St. Paul UMC Food Pantry, Hope 4Riverside, and Neighborhood Bridges; and for all the non-profit groups who use our Community Building;

For our Diocesan Bishops: for the Rt. Rev. Wayne Smith, Bishop Provisional; 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 Transitional Deacon(s): Don Carlson;

For postulants for holy orders in the DSO: Phoebe Myhrum Bentley, Martha Camele, Maggie Gough, Brad Gough, Catherine Duffy, Alane Osborne, Libbie Crawford, Gayland Trim, Molly Cook, Victoria Lewis, Kate Meeks, Kyle Schenkewicz, Gregory Williams, Iva Staats, Michael Tigner, and Amy Cochran.

For the search for a new bishop for the DSO: Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for this Diocese, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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.

GROUNDED IN COMMUNITY

THIS SUNDAY– 1 ADVENT– HOLY EUCHARIST – NOVEMBER 27:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena MacGregor

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Voice: Laura Leach, as available

Acolyte(s): Gabriel Walch and Elizabeth Reuter

Lay Eucharist Ministers: Readers:

OT/PS: Elizabeth Wagner-Weber

EP/POP: Carol Williamson

Chalice Bearers: Judy Rudd and Elizabeth Wagner-Weber

Eucharistic Minister (Home Communions):

Carol Williamson, as available

Tech/Facebook Live: Katherine Wagner/Elizabeth Wagner-Weber

Ushers: Tony Rubino and Jim Rudd

Counters: Dave Reuter and Tony Rubino

Altar Guild: Norma Peachey and Ginny Tuxhorn

Coffee Hour Host(s): No coffee hour this week.

Open/Close: Wagner/Welch

NEXT SUNDAY– 2 ADVENT– HOLY EUCHARIST – DECEMBER 4:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena MacGregor

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Voice: Laura Leach, as available

Acolyte(s): Stephanie Welch

Lay Eucharist Ministers: Readers:

OT/PS: TJ Walch

EP/POP: Gary Welch

Chalice Bearers: Jim Rudd and Don Nancarrow

Eucharistic Minister (Home Communions):

Carol Williamson, as available

Tech/Facebook Live: Gary Welch

Ushers: Dave Reuter and Tony Rubino

Counters: Jim Rudd and Dave Reuter

Altar Guild: Janet Reuter and Stephanie Welch

Coffee Hour Host(s): OPEN

Open/Close: Wagner/Rudd

Altar Flowers: Carol Sharp

Candle Dedication: Rowena MacGregor+

Happening this Week at St. Mark’s:

THIS SUNDAY (1 Advent, November 27): HOLY EUCHARIST and CLERGY DISCRETIONARY FUND COLLECTION, 10:30am, in-person and on Facebook Live; SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES: Jr./Sr. High class, 9:30am; Elementary School and Early Education classes, 10:30am, no coffee hour this day

MONDAY: PARISH OFFICE,10am-1pm; SAA MEETING, 6:30am, Lounge; AA MEETING, 7:30pm, Parish Hall

TUESDAY: PARISH OFFICE,10am-1pm; TOPS MEETING, 10:am, Lounge; NA MEETING, 7:30pm, Lounge; YOGA FOR 12 STEPS, 7:30pm, Parish Hall

WEDNESDAY: PARISH OFFICE, 10am-1pm; VESTRY MEETING, 7:15pm, Fellowship Room

THURSDAY: PARISH OFFICE, 10am-1pm; SAA MEETING, 7:30pm, Lounge

FRIDAY: PARISH OFFICE CLOSED; SHARP FUNERAL, 1pm, reception follows

SATURDAY: HIDDEN GEMS, 12pm, Parking Lot; AA MEETING, 7:30pm, Parish Hall

NEXT SUNDAY (2 Advent, December 4): HOLY EUCHARIST and CARE HOUSE COLLECTION, 10:30am, in-person and on Facebook Live; SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES: Jr./Sr. High class, 9:30am; Elementary School and Early Education classes, 10:30am; PARISH MEETING WITH THE REV. CN. JACK KOEPKE, after worship, Fellowship Room.

Places to be, things to do:

ADVENT SERIES: AN INCARNATIONAL JOURNEY – BEGINS TONIGHT: This Advent season, join us as we explore what it means to be spiritual beings having human experiences. Jesus came to teach us this, to show us the Way of Love and how to be wholly human. As we prepare for his birth, we will contemplate our own formation, together. with Amy Howton & Miriam McKenney on Sundays from 7-8:30pm; November 27 – December 18. Register at the link on the DSO Formation E-Newsletter. Rowena+ will be attending this offering and encourages the people of St. Mark’s to participate as well.

PARISH MEETING WITH THE REV. CN. JACK KOEPKE: Please plan to attend an important parish meeting NEXT Sunday, December 4 and hosted by the Transition Team. The parish is being asked to answer four questions to help assess its post-Covid identity and to identify short and long term goals. There will be an opportunity for every voice to be heard, should attendance not be possible.

ST. MARK’S CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE will be at 7pm on Saturday, December 24. There will not be a Christmas Day service.

The Community of St. Mark’s Classifieds:

CHRISTMAS FLOWER DONATIONS are being collected now. Please use the envelopes provided in the Narthex.

NOVEMBER IS CANTERBURY COURT RECOGNITION MONTH: St. Mark’s is having a special collection during the month of November for the following items to support CC: Large cans of mixed vegetables, green beans, corn, etc. and fresh sweet potatoes. Monetary gifts are also welcome. THANK YOU for your donations.

FINAL STEWARDSHIP REPORT: Two goals for this year’s stewardship campaign are 36 pledges and a total amount pledged of $150,000. We have received 36 pledges (100% of goal) and a total amount pledged of $138,428 (92% of goal) to date. A third goal is to increase the total amount pledged from last year by 10%. For the 36 pledges received to date, the increase in their total amount pledged from last year is 1.1%. If you would like to pledge but have not yet done so, please submit your pledge ASAP and help our parish achieve its three goals. Thank all of you for your generous support. Jim Rudd, Stewardship Chair

LIONS CLUB COLLECTION OF USED ITEMS: St. Mark’s is now collecting used eye glasses, hearing aids, cell phones, plastic pill bottles (remove labels), and plastic bags (to be recycled into benches). Please use the box provided in the narthex for all items but the plastic

bags.

LOCAL CHILDREN’S WINTER WEAR COLLECTION: You are invited to donate hats, gloves and socks for the children in the Mad River School District who are in need of winter wear. Please leave your donations in the designated collection basket in the narthex. THANK YOU! for the donations already received!! The collection continues through Sunday, December 11.

2023 SIGNUP SHEETS: The 2023 Sign-up forms for Flowers, Eternal Candle Dedication and Coffee Hour Hosting are now posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex.

FEASTS TO OBSERVE THIS WEEK:

- 28 Kamehameha and Emma of Hawaii, King and Queen, 1863 and 1885
- 1 Nicholas Ferrar, Deacon, 1637
- or [Charles de Foucauld, Monastic and Martyr, 1916]
- 2 Channing Moore Williams, Bishop and Missionary, 1910
- 3 [Francis Xavier, Priest and Missionary, 1552]