Advent-2 (Yr A) Dec 4, 2022

The Celebration of Holy Eucharist

The Second Week of Advent

Thank you for your donations to the CARE House and the Christmas Project

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

Dayton, Ohio, December 4, 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:

“Comfort, Comfort Ye My People” Johann Pachelbel

WELCOME: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

Lighting of the Advent Wreath

Please stand

Celebrant: We light these candles 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: The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.

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:

“Hark! the glad sound!” The Hymnal 1982, #72

1 Hark! the glad sound! the Savior comes,

the Savior promised long:

let every heart prepare a throne,

and every voice a song.

2 He comes, the prisoners to release

in Satan’s bondage held;

the gates of brass before him burst,

the iron fetters yield.

3 He comes, the broken heart to bind,

the bleeding soul to cure;

and with the treasures of his grace

to enrich the humble poor.

4 Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace,

thy welcome shall proclaim;

and heaven’s eternal arches ring

with thy beloved Name.

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: Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; 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: A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious. (11:1-10)

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

Please stand

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF PSALMS:

Reader: Give the King your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the King’s Son;

Reader: That he may rule your people righteously and the poor with justice;

Reader: That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, and the little hills bring

righteousness.

Reader: He shall defend the needy among the people; he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor.

Reader: He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure, from one generation to another.

Reader: He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, like showers that water the earth.

Reader: In his time shall the righteous flourish; there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.

Reader: Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous deeds!

Reader: And blessed be his glorious Name for ever! and may all the earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen. (72:1-7,18-19)

Please be seated

A READING FROM PAUL’S LETTER TO THE ROMANS:

Reader: Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name”; and again he says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people”; and again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him”; and again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (15:4-13)

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

Please stand

GRADUAL:

“People look East” (v. 1-3) Wonder, Love & Praise Hymnal, #724

1 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.

2 Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare,

one more seed is planted there:

Give up your strength the seed to nourish,

that in course the flow’r may flourish.

People, look East and sing today:

Love the rose is on the way.

3 Birds, though you long have ceased to build,

guard the nest that must be filled.

Even the hour when wings are frozen

God for fledgling time has chosen.

People, look East and sing today:

Love the bird is on the way.

Please stand

THE GOSPEL:

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

People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Celebrant: In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’” Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume 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. “I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” (3:1-12)

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

GRADUAL:

“People look East” (v. 4-5) Wonder, Love & Praise Hymnal, #724

4 Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim

one more light the bowl shall brim,

shining beyond the frosty weather,

bright as sun and moon together.

People, look East and sing today:

Love the star is on the way.

5 Angels, announce with shouts of mirth

Christ who brings new life to earth.

Set every peak and valley humming

with the word, the Lord is coming.

People, look East and sing today:

Love the Lord is on the way.

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 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 and the Harper family, 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 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

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: Birthday: Vern Hogden (12/10); Anniversary: Bill and Ginny Tuxhorn (12/7).

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

“The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns” Douglas E. Wagner 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 GIFTS RECEIVED FOR CARE HOUSE:

Celebrant: Let us pray. Lord Jesus, who took the children into your arms and embraced them with your love, receive these gifts for the children of CARE House. Through the power of your Spirit, may these offerings and the offering of all our ministries to them, bring them comfort and healing. May they come to know and feel in their hearts and in their souls the fullness of life and of love given to all of us by our one God and Father. In your holy name we pray. 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, #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:

“All my hope on God is founded” 1982 Hymnal, #665

All my hope on God is founded;

he doth still my trust renew,

me through change and chance he guideth,

only good and only true.

God unknown, he alone calls my heart to be his own.

Mortal pride and earthly glory,

sword and crown betray our trust;

though with care and toil we build them,

tower and temple fall to dust.

But God’s power, hour by hour, is my temple and my tower.

God’s great goodness e’er endureth,

deep his wisdom passing thought:

splendor, light, and life attend him,

beauty springeth out of nought.

Every more from his store newborn worlds rise and adore.

Daily doth the almighty Giver

bounteous gifts on us bestow;

his desire our soul delighteth,

pleasure leads us where we go.

Love doth stand at his hand; joy doth wait on his command.

Still from earth to God eternal

sacrifice of praise be done,

high above all praises praising

for the gift of Christ, his son.

Christ doth call one and all: ye who follow shall not fall.

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.

THE BLESSING:

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

RECESSIONAL:

“On Jordon’s bank the Baptist’s cry” (v. 1-3) 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.

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.

DISMISSAL:

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

POSTLUDE:

“Winchester New” David Lasky

THE ALTAR FLOWERS are given in loving memory of Carol Sharp by her family.

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 on the occasion of The Rev. Rowena MacGregor’s 19th year anniversary of ordination to the Sacred Order of Priests on December 1, 2003.

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. Simon of Cyrene, Cincinnati, Grace Church, Pomeroy, St. Luke, Cincinnati;

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 those to be ordained to the Sacred Order of the Diaconate on December 10: Martha John Camele, Bradley William Gough, Iva Catherine Staats, and Michael Bryan Tigner;

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– 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 Gary Reuter

Altar Guild: Janet Reuter and Stephanie and Gary Welch

Coffee Hour Host(s): Light luncheon prior to parish meeting

Open/Close: Welch/Rudd

NEXT SUNDAY– 3 ADVENT– HOLY EUCHARIST – DECEMBER 11:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena MacGregor

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Voice: Laura Leach, as available

Acolyte(s): Jackie Hoskinson and Will Day

Lay Eucharist Ministers: Readers:

OT/PS: Carol Williamson

EP/POP: Jackie Hoskinson

Chalice Bearers: Carol Williamson and Judy Rudd

Eucharistic Minister (Home Communions):

Carol Williamson, as available

Tech/Facebook Live: Katherine Wagner

Ushers: Carol Williamson and Jim Rudd

Counters: Dave Reuter and Gary Welch

Altar Guild: Janet Reuter and Stephanie and Gary Welch

Coffee Hour Host(s): Janet and Elizabeth Reuter

Open/Close: Welch/Reuter

Altar Flowers: Wagner

Candle Dedication: Wagner

Happening this Week at St. Mark’s:

THIS SUNDAY (2 Advent, December 4): HOLY EUCHARIST and CARE HOUSE COLLECTION, 10:30am, in-person and on Facebook Live; SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES: (no 9:30am class this week); Elementary School and Early Education classes, 10:30am; LIGHT LUNCHEON AND PARISH MEETING WITH THE REV. CN. JACK KOEPKE, after worship, Fellowship Room; DSO ADVENT SERIES, 7-8:30pm, Zoom

MONDAY: PARISH OFFICE CLOSED; 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; There are no events this day

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

FRIDAY: PARISH OFFICE CLOSED; There are no events this day

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

NEXT SUNDAY (3 Advent, December 11): HOLY EUCHARIST, 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; COFFEE HOUR; DSO ADVENT SERIES, 7-8:30pm, Zoom

Places to be, things to do:

PARISH MEETING WITH THE REV. CN. JACK KOEPKE: Please plan to attend an important parish meeting THIS 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; please speak directly to the Sr. Warden, Libby Nicholson to make alternative arrangements. A light luncheon will precede the meeting.

ADVENT SERIES: AN INCARNATIONAL JOURNEY: 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 McKinney on Sundays from 7-8:30pm; November 27 – December 18. . Rowena+ will be attending this

offering and encourages the people of St. Mark’s to participate as well; email Rowena+ for link.

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:

FREE ADVENT CALENDARS are available in the narthex. Please take one!

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

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.

FINAL WEEK! LOCAL CHILDREN’S WINTER WEAR COLLECTION: THANK YOU!! for all your donated hats, gloves and socks for the children in the Mad River School District. The collection ends NEXT 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: Monday, 12/5, Clement of Alexandria, Priest and Theologian, c. 210; Tuesday, 11/6, Nicholas of Myra, Bishop, c. 342; Wednesday, 11/7, Ambrose of Milan, Bishop and Theologian, 397.

LESSONS FOR NEXT SUNDAY: Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 146:4-9, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11.

OFFICE CLOSED: This Monday, December 5.

FEASTS TO OBSERVE THIS WEEK:

- 4 John of Damascus, Priest and Theologian, c.760
- 5 Clement of Alexandria, Priest and Theologian, c.210
- 6 Nicholas of Myra, Bishop, c.342
- 7 Ambrose of Milan, Bishop and Theologian, 397